Black Opal by Sandra Cox

know just how to handle him.”
    Sabina shook her head. “It’s always sad to see a big, handsome, independent man so totally whipped.” She ruined the effect by grinning.
    “See you in a few.” She started toward the door then stopped. “By the way, have you talked to Maureen? How’s Jack?”
    “Healing. Maureen’s fussing over him like a hen with one chick. She’s staying put to make sure he doesn’t overdo.”
    “Don’t tell her about this.”
    “I’ve no intention of it.” For one moment, Bella’s lips tightened and her vowels were as crisp as any Yankee’s. She took a deep breath. Her facial muscles relaxed. She picked a pink lace bra up off the floor.
    “Good.” Sabina stepped into the hall and let herself into her suite. Hands fisted on her hips, she stared at the mess then got to work. Her mind churned as she picked up and straightened up.
    A knock sounded at the door distracting her. Putting her eye to the tiny round security glass she looked at Bella’s distorted face. Her friend waved at her, doing a little rumba number in the hall.
    She opened the door and Bella slipped in wearing a huge grin, her face flushed. “How was Hank?” Sabina inquired.
    “I suggested phone sex but he wanted to wait for the real thing.”
    Sabina’s jaw dropped. She blinked then burst into peals of laughter. She held her aching sides. “I can’t believe I’m capable of laughing after what happened today.”
    “It’s the best medicine in the world, honey.” Bella walked into the bedroom and dropped her overnight bag on the spare bed. “By the way that nice state trooper called.”
    “And?” Sabina asked, trailing behind her.
    “They couldn’t tell if it’d been an accident or deliberate. The nut had worked loose from the brake line and the brake fluid had bled out. No one saw anyone hanging around the car.”
    “Did you mention someone pointed a rifle at us?”
    “Didn’t want to go there, sugar. It would raise too many questions.” Bella opened her overnight bag and tossed her jammies on the bed. “He made arrangements for someone to return my car tomorrow.”
    “Only you could get that kind of service. Does he know you’re in Charlotte?”
    “Well of course, sugar.” Bella patted her hair.
    Sabina grinned and shook her head. As she watched Bella unpack, an idea formed. “I think its time Ms. Victoria Price got a little payback don’t you?”
    Bella straightened and sidled up to her. “Do tell, honey. What do you have in mind?”
    Sabina tapped a coral-tipped nail against her cheek. “From now on we stay together. And when I’m not wearing the power amulet you will be. Right?”
    Bella nodded.
    “If she wants us, let’s give her every opportunity. The next time she tries we’ll be ready and squash her like a bug.” Sabina could feel the anger and heat flashing behind her eyes, belied by her cold words as she pushed her thumb into her palm and swiveled it.
    “Oh, sugar, I love it. So Machiavellian. I swear it chills my blood.” She looked at her friend admiringly. “And maybe I’ll make a call to Johnny. Do a little pumping.” Bella winked.
    “Since I know better, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that double entendre,” Sabina said, her voice dry.
    “Why darling whatever do you mean?” Bella opened her eyes wide, looking at her innocently.
    “Um-hmm,” Sabina responded, not deceived.
    “How much do we tell Adam?”
    Sabina straightened her shoulders, her lips thinned. “Not a damn thing.”
    Bella nodded. “He’s an intriguing man but as we have mentioned before he’s loyal to his uncle.” She picked up a pearl-drop earring lying on the floor. “I think he’d be loyal to anyone he loved. It could make for some interesting conflicts couldn’t it?” She handed the earring to Sabina.
    “I’m afraid I don’t know what you are talking about.” Heat crept into Sabina’s cheeks. She changed the subject. “So you are going to call Johnny?”
    “Yes, I’ll tell him how