Southern Comfort - Fern Michaels [101]
Chapter 23
“I’ve never been on a real high-speed police chase before,” Pete said, as he and Sandy jumped into the unmarked sedan parked in front of Ben & Jerry’s.
“And you aren’t going on one now either. This is going to be nice and slow. I don’t want to attract attention. But just in case, make sure your seat belt is fastened,” Sandy said as she pulled out onto Duval Street. “I’m just going to follow him for now, just like Jelly said.”
“Tell me again why I had to sacrifice our dinner plans? What’s so important about this guy we’re following?” Pete asked, as they cruised a safe distance behind Lawrence Tyler’s rented Mustang.
Sandy checked her rearview mirror. “Long story. Here’s the short version. Jelly’s friend, Tom Dolan from Homeland Security, seems to think the governor’s son is in danger. As usual, he needs someone to babysit his useless ass. Hence what you and I are currently doing.”
Pete laughed. “I think there’s more to it than that. Remember, my brother was a cop. I know you have to keep this under your hat, so I’m not offended that you’re not telling me the truth.”
Sandy rolled her eyes and cast a quick glance at her passenger. “You know, if I weren’t driving, I just might smack you upside the head for that comment. I am telling you the truth. Tyler is a total asshole. He’s been a thorn in both mine and Kate’s sides for all the years we’ve been with the DEA. We’re always pulling his ass out of a jam. Pure and simple. Tonight’s just more of the same. Almost makes me want to return to teaching.”
Sandy perked up when she saw the Mustang pull into the parking lot of TIB Bank of the Keys, a Florida-based chain of banks. “I wonder what he’s up to now?” She pulled into the Darling Dolls Day Care parking lot across the street from the bank.
“Why are we parking?” Pete asked.
Frustrated with his nonstop questions, Sandy turned to Pete. “We’re here to make out.” Sandy couldn’t help but smile. “Look, if you want, get out and hitch a ride back to Mango Key. I’m supposed to tail this piece of human crap. You knew that when we left Tick’s place. So if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen. My mom used to say that all the time. Took me years to understand what it truly meant.”
“Okay, I get it, but you still haven’t told me why we’re in this empty parking lot.”
“Someday, we’re going to make out in a parking lot. Consider this foreplay, practice, whatever. Did anyone ever tell you that you talk too much?” Sandy asked, keeping her eye on the Mustang.
“I could ask you the same thing,” Pete said. “This isn’t my kind of foreplay, just so you know,” he added.
“I’ll keep that in mind. And I would tell you to kiss off. I like to talk, and if you don’t like that, well, you know what you can do.”
Pete burst out laughing. “You’re really funny, but you already know that, don’t you?”
“Be quiet, and yes, I’ve been told I’m funny. And no, I don’t have any plans to take my act on the road, before you ask.”
Sandy saw the Mustang’s passenger door open. “Shit, and I’ve got on my new white jeans. I swear if I get one drop of blood on these pants, the good old state of Florida is gonna buy me a new pair.” Sandy opened her door, checked her shoulder harness to make sure her gun was within easy reach. “I just might shoot the son of a bitch. Put the governor and the first lady out of their misery.”
Pete knew the situation was more serious than Sandy was letting on, so he decided to keep quiet until he knew exactly what was going down. In a loud whisper, he said, “I thought Tyler is a DEA agent.”
Sandy nodded, then proceeded to open her door all the way. Once she had the door opened as far as it would go, she crouched behind it. She whispered, “Hand me my purse.”
“What?” Pete questioned.
Sandy spoke between gritted teeth. “I said give me my purse. Now!”
Pete thought it was a helluva time for her to ask for her purse, but he did as she asked.
With her left hand, she reached for her gun. Using her right