picture big Ed with a boyfriend either.'
'The hair's a bit of a giveaway.' I thought about Ed's dedication to his hair. 'When a guy spends more time than a girl in the bathroom, it's a fair bet he may bat for the other side.'
Dominic nodded his agreement.
'Why don't you go and give this guy your business card? He may need a PI to find who blew up his pride and joy.'
I frowned.
'I've only had one case since qualifying. I'm not confident yet. I'd rather the clients walked in the door.'
'I'll give it to him.' Dominic jumped up and was gone before I could protest. I watched him walk up to the guy and make small talk about the car. They were matched in height and both stood with arms crossed. Dominic offered my card, the driver pocketed it and they shook hands.
Dominic slid back into the seat beside me.
'What did he say?' I asked him.
'Nothing sensible. He's a bit shocked. He's just waiting for the tow truck now.'
I leaned towards him and kissed his cheek.
'Thank you, Dom!'
'Detecting is us!' he smiled. 'Got any handcuffs?'
'Do you really want to go there again?'
'Maybe,' he leaned back as the waiter delivered his breakfast and the coffees. Dominic wasted no time starting.
CHAPTER TWO
I saw the Mercedes driver before he saw me. I just happened to be standing at my office window when he arrived on a motorcycle. I saw him take the helmet off and check my business card. He was dressed in black pants, a black leather jacket and had his hair tied back in a short ponytail.
I heard the lift open but assumed he was looking at the card again, or fixing his hair because he didn't enter straight away. It was probably the former. Eventually he came to the door looking confused. To be fair, there was no sign on the door for either a publicity or PI business.
'Hello. Jesse Clarke,' I extended my hand.
'Right,' he looked down at the card, then took my hand and shook it firmly. 'I met a guy yesterday. He gave me this card. I thought he was Jesse Clarke.'
'I guess "Jesse" can go either way. But no, that was … he promotes the business.'
'Right,' he said again. 'You're short for a PI.'
'Yeah,' I agreed. 'The manual said five foot eight. With heels I just qualified.'
He looked at me, unsure. My stunning wit was wasted on him. I pointed to a seat and watched as he sat down with trepidation. I hoped we could get down to business before Ed came back. Ed's new blonde streaks might scare him off.
When he removed his leather jacket I saw a toned abdomen underneath a black fitted shirt. He looked good. I had always been good at detecting handsome men. It was a skill that came naturally.
'And you are?'
'Yeah. Right. Renzo Leonardo. Call me Ren.'
'You're the owner of the sports car that blew up yesterday.'
'Yeah, a Mercedes SLK55 AMG convertible.'
'So I heard.' I waited. He said nothing. 'Does your family own that restaurant - Leonardo's?
'Yeah, been there?' his eyes lit up.
'Sure. It's great.'
'Thanks. It's been in the family a long time. I manage it now. Been thinking of changing the name to the Italian Stallion,' Ren shrugged. 'What do you think?'
I tried not to groan.
'Risky, you've got such a strong brand name. Be a shame to ruin all those years of goodwill.'
'Yeah, I was thinking that too. Come down some time, I'll make sure you are looked after. Bring a friend.'
'Love to, thanks. So, can I get you a tea or coffee?'
'No, I'm good. Thanks,' Ren answered.
I waited again. Nothing.
'So you want me to find who blew it up?'
'Can you do that?'
'I'll give it a fair go.'
'How much?'
'I'm not cheap,' I smiled at him. Again, wasted wit. I mentioned my rates and he nodded. I didn't detect any panic.
'Okay. Well how does this work? Will you call me?' he rose.
'Well, I'll need to talk to you first and then I'll work on it. Every few days or once a week I'll call with an update, whatever you prefer.'
'Will you be talking to the cops as well?'
'Yes. Do you want to talk now?'
'Can't now. I've got to get to work.'
'Okay, we can do it later. So you're riding the bike now?'
'Yeah. I've got another Merc, but I'm a bit nervous about it now. Do you think the bike's at risk too?'
'No. Maybe … I don't know, I was just curious,' I nodded towards the leather jacket. 'A stable of vehicles, huh?'
I wondered if he'd make the link.
'It's my thing,' he shrugged, 'I collect things I like.'
I nodded; it sounded creepy and immediately I thought of a lot of questions. We agreed to meet the next day at his restaurant, before it opened for business. He rose and I walked him out.
Client number two. Business was booming!
****
'Do I get a cut for bringing in business?' Dominic asked as he perched on the edge of my desk.
'Only fair I think,' Ed agreed. I looked from one to the other.
'Ed, tell me, when Dom started his personal training business and we did the publicity for him, did we ever get paid for that?'
Ed grinned.
'I sent the invoice, but I remember the client saying he was going to pay in kind.'
'And I have!' Dominic argued. 'Many, many times. And I'm willing to go on paying in kind.'
'What a guy!' I smiled at him.
'I resent and resemble that remark,' he teased and slid off the desk. 'Let's go; it's after five. Ed haven't you got a pilates class to go to or something?'
'Not tonight. Tonight is brisk walk and martinis night.'
'One
