Urban Prey by S. J. Lewis Page A

they’re in, they’re in for the whole ride, like it or not.”
    “She didn’t go for the usual deal,” Carla told him. “She negotiated her own contract.”
    “She did? So she knows exactly what she wants, and if she isn’t getting it she’ll walk. Can I get a look at that contract?”
    “Certainly, but I don’t know how much help it will be. It reads like a lawyer wrote it.”
    “You ran her through the usual psych evaluations, didn’t you?”
    “Yes, of course.”
    “Were any of them videotaped?”
    “I can find out for you. At the very least we’ll have her in-depth interview somewhere.”
    “Good,” Ron nodded. “I need to get inside her head. Can you send whatever you find over as soon as possible?”
    “Yes.” Carla reached out and put her hand on his. “I would have loved to have you stalking me, Mr. Smith.”
    “I’d have liked that too,” he smiled at her. He meant it, and she knew he did.
    “Can we go soon?” Hines wandered back with an extra-large cup in his hand. Carla quickly put her hand back under the table. “I don’t wanna rush things, but I’m damn near dead on my feet.”
“I think we can go now,” Ron said. “I’m a little tired myself.” He pushed his chair back and stood up. He held out his hand. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Carla. Thanks for all your help.”
    Carla smiled warmly. She took his hand and shook it once. “It was a pleasure to meet you as well, Ron. Good luck.”

Chapter Five
    The loud knocking at the apartment door woke him up. Ron stirred in the bed and looked at the clock radio on the nightstand. It was a little after nine-thirty. The knocking resumed.
    He sat up on the bed. It was a bit more comfortable than the old couch. “I’m coming!” he called out to whoever was pounding on the door. He got up and put on a robe. It was intended for a smaller man, but it was the only one in the room and he didn’t feel like getting dressed at the moment. It was probably Hines anyway, and he didn’t think Hines would care much if he were dressed or not. If it was Hines, he was probably bringing the materials he’d asked for. The thought made him get to the door a little quicker. He opened it.
    “Ah…good morning.” The pretty young blonde in the hallway looked like the one who’d driven he and Hines around the previous afternoon, but this morning she was wearing jeans and a black t-shirt instead of a chauffeur’s uniform. Her hair was gathered back into a ponytail. She wore running shoes, and the top of her head didn’t quite reach as high as his chin. She was carrying a shopping bag.
    “Sorry,” Ron said, pulling the robe as close as he could. “I was expecting Hines.”
    The woman smiled. “It’s his day off,” she said. “I’m Lisa. May I come in? You’re safe from me. I’m into girls.”
    “Oh…sorry. Come on in.” Ron stepped aside for her. Lisa walked in and over to the living room area of the apartment. She set the shopping bag down on the battered coffee table as he shut the door.
    “This is a dreary little place,” Lisa commented as she looked around.
    “As long as it’s temporary, I can live with it,” Ron said. “Can I get you some coffee or something?”
    “Thanks. Coffee would be fine, if you’re making some anyway.”
    “Have a seat,” Ron waved in the direction of the couch. He went into the kitchenette and hit the “brew” button on the coffeemaker. There was something to be said for setting it up the night before. Morning was no time to have to deal with the logistics of measuring and scooping and pouring.
    “I like it on the strong side,” he told Lisa. She was shifting around on the couch, trying to find a comfortable spot.
    “That’s fine,” she reassured him. “Hines told me you drink it black, too. I can live with that.”
    “I got some groceries last night,” he said. “I’ve got half-and-half if you want some.”
“Even better!” Lisa smiled. “Sugar?”
    “Got that too.” The