Jamie Quinn Cozy Mysteries Collection

Chapter 29

CHAPTER 29

"So, what's next?" Duke asked me.

I'd taken him out for a steak dinner at The Capitol Grille as a thank-you for all his help. Since I was a vegetarian, I was eating a baked potato and a salad.

"Not sure," I said, my mouth full of potato and sour cream. "How about you?"

"Some work, some play, you know me, Darlin'. Are you thinkin' about going back to being a divorce lawyer? You were damn good at it." He shoved a big piece of rare steak in his mouth.

"Maybe, at least until something better comes along. I just know it's time I got back to work."

"Maybe you could recommend me to your lawyer friends, especially those hot lady lawyers." He smirked at me.

I shook my head and smiled. "Keep dreamin', Duke."

He pretended to look hurt.

"There is one thing I'd like to do," I said, "now that my mom is gone…"

"What's that?" Duke asked.

"I'm curious about my father. I don't know much about him, except that he was 'big trouble.' I need to know his story. I mean, maybe he's mafia, or an international art thief--or maybe he's 'the fixer' for dirty politicians. All I know is I'm going to find out."

"I'm at your service, m' lady," Duke said, tipping his imaginary hat.

"You'd help me?" I said, touched.

"What do you think, Jamie?" He was grinning. "I'd love to tell you who's your daddy."

I groaned and threw my napkin at him. "I don't know why I put up with you."

"Cause I'm one of a kind," Duke said with a wink.

I laughed. "That's for sure."

I realized then that I was happier than I'd been in a long time. I had a new life and people who cared about me; I even had a mystery to solve. Maybe I should design my own "Life is Good" t-shirt: one with a smiling stick figure, surrounded by friends.