Read 04 - Shock and Awesome for Free Online

the hots for me. Or not.
     
          While I smoothed an imaginary crease from my skirt and wondered if my dress was suitable, Solomon exited the car, walked around and opened the door. "You look fine," he told me, without emphasis on “fine” not that it was important or anything. I slid my legs out, took a brief moment to see if Solomon was eyeing them — no — and grabbed my purse. It was really nice. I had seriously good taste.
     
          The dating agency was accessed by a buzz-in entrance door with only a discreet black and gold label. It was sandwiched between an accountants’ and a small fashion label. We took the elevator three floors up and stepped into a small lobby. It was exquisitely decorated with an antique desk, behind which perched a red-haired woman around my age, in a black suit and emerald blouse that matched her startlingly green eyes. She looked up and blinked with appreciation, then smiled as Solomon approached her and introduced us, only then noticing me. Great.
     
          "I'm Madeleine, executive assistant. If you'll just take a seat," the redhead said, indicating the leather sofa under the window. "I'll let Ms. Callery know you're here." She stood and moved around the desk, revealing long slim legs, beneath a knee-length skirt, and super high heels. One look and I recognized Manolo Blahnik . Damn it! How high end was this place? Even the receptionist spent big bucks on fancy shoes! I had the uncomfortable feeling that my small wardrobe of fancy dresses and pantsuits would just not cut it with these people.
     
          Moments later, the shoes returned - presumably the body in them did too, but I must admit being fixated on the elegant curve of the heels. She directed us towards the office of Solomon's contact, who awaited us at the door.
     
          Million Matches' director was around fifty, although with some artfully placed Botox, she could definitely pass as ten years younger. She wore a pale blue skirt suit and had blonde hair that rested lightly on her shoulders. A Rolex adorned her wrist and a neat pair of gold earrings were her only other jewelry. Her bright red lipstick was most definitely not discreet, but perfectly applied. She reminded me a lot of Lily's mother. Discreet, elegant, yet slightly aloof. However, Lily's mother was a lot aloof. My entire family found it puzzling how so distant woman could produce such a bubbly, warm-hearted child. I found myself wondering if Ms. Callery had children, even though it was entirely irrelevant to the case. She was wearing a gold wedding band, so I guess she successfully made her own marriage, always a plus in her game, I decided.
     
          "Helen Callery . Good to see you again, John. This is your protégé?" she asked, directing the question to Solomon as she shook his hand.
     
          "Yes. Lexi Graves," he replied for me as I blinked at her use of his first name. Except for hearing it from him, and occasionally from me, I don't think I ever heard anyone call him anything but his last name.
     
          Nevertheless, I smiled. Protégé sounded nice. Better than trainee anyway, although I assumed I graduated from that position a couple of solved crimes ago. "Pleased to meet you." I offered my hand and she gave it a firm shake, her eyes quickly running over my dress. Seeming to approve of my attire, she indicated we should sit in the blue upholstered chairs opposite her desk. Closing the door behind her, she moved to sit in her chair. As we made ourselves comfortable, I looked around. The office was sparse, but elegantly appointed. The furniture was nice, slightly more modern than the reception through which we entered, and there were a cluster of framed black and white photographs of happy, smiling couples crowding one wall. "Satisfied customers?" I asked, nodding towards them.
     
          "Yes, indeed." Helen smiled as she ran her eyes over the montage of couples she managed to unite. "Here at Million Matches