A Killer's Agenda by Anita M. Whiting Page B

see you?”
    “I haven’t called him yet. I thought it would be a good idea to talk to both you and Alex before I arranged a meeting.”
    -58-
    A Killer's Agenda
    Miguel’s eyes narrowed as he turned to tend the meat. “Russell Ferron. I don’t know if the name sounds familiar because I read about his wife’s death or for some other reason.”
    Rosa walked outside in the middle of their conversation. She placed a large bowl of salad on the table while Alex began setting the plates and silverware. “That’s probably because you’ve heard me mention him a few times.”
    “Now that I think of it, you’re right.” Miguel agreed, moving to check the steaks again.
    Rosa poured herself a glass of lemonade and eyed Brad
    thoughtfully. “I met the man on several occasions before we moved south. In the court room a few times and socially once or twice. I heard through the grapevine about his wife. She was a very nice lady and definitely the classier of the two. Came from big money and rumor had it she set Russell up in practice.”
    “Was he a good lawyer?” Brad asked.
    “Adequate. Smooth, slick and very aware of his good looks. It isn’t a stretch to say he was successful primarily due to his wife’s very prominent name and influence.”
    “How was their marriage?”
    “I wasn’t close enough to either of them to know. What I can tell you is that the woman was definitely in love with him. I’m not so sure he felt the same way about her. He had a roving eye and rumor had it that there were some affairs his wife didn’t know about.”
    “Nice guy,” Alex said cynically.
    Miguel brought over a huge platter filled with sizzling steaks and they all sat down.
    -59-
    Anita Whiting
    “This is delicious, Miguel,” Alex said, taking another bite. “It’s been ages since I’ve had a good steak.”
    Rosa smiled. “It’s so wonderful to have you both here.” She
    patted her stomach. “Now that I’ve slowed down, I hope we can make time to do this again.”
    “Assuming Junior doesn’t decide to put in an early
    appearance,” Miguel said.
    “So what are you going to name this munchkin?” Brad asked,
    helping himself to some salad.
    “We’re not sure yet because we didn’t want to know the sex.
    Makes it more fun that way.”
    Miguel shook his head. “She’s just afraid I’ll come up with
    something off the wall.”
    Rosa rolled her eyes. “You bet. After he threw Percival and
    Dexter at me, I figured either he was teasing or I’d have to wait until he wasn’t around and forge his signature on the birth
    certificate.”
    The lighthearted banter continued through dinner and dessert with all of them catching up on each other’s lives. It was pleasant and relaxing and Alex found her gaze straying to Brad on more than one occasion. There was something about the man that
    definitely appealed. He was comfortable with these people, but she could detect a reserve within that prevented him from totally letting down his guard. She had a feeling she was going to have to fight the urge to discover the reason.
    The men helped cleared the table and moved back outside after dinner while Rosa and Alex put food away and rinsed dishes. Rosa put the last plate in the dishwasher and then turned to Alex.
    -60-
    A Killer's Agenda
    “So what do you think of Charleston’s most eligible bachelor?”
    she asked, tossing a look out the patio doors at the two men.
    “I haven’t formed an opinion yet.”
    Rosa’s gaze flipped back to her. “Tell that to someone who
    believes such nonsense. Of course you’ve formed an opinion. You wouldn’t have taken his case if you hadn’t.”
    Alex perched on one of the breakfast stools. “Okay, he’s tall, dark and handsome. Satisfied?”
    Rosa shook her head. “No way. Come on, give. What do those
    very acute senses of yours tell you?”
    “The man is successful, smart and has hidden depths.”
    Rosa settled onto a kitchen chair, her dark eyes sharpening
    with interest. “Tell