Read Dangerous to Know for Free Online

appeared on Gemma’s forehead. “Who are these pictures for? Are they on commission or just speculative?” She lined the pink sweetener sachets up behind the white sugar.
    â€œThese are commissioned. They’re for the local wildlife trust.”
    She finished organizing the sugar and he smiled at her. “Are those all displayed to your taste now?”
    She straightened in her seat, dropping her hands below the table and onto her lap. “Sorry. I can’t resist fiddling.”
    Jerome was about to tease her some more, since he enjoyed the reaction he got to his remarks, but just then a movement by the tearoom door caught his eye and his hackles rose. Of all the people to run into while on his trip, the man he least wanted to see had just entered the café.

Chapter Four
    Â 
    Gemma saw Jerome’s expression change. The line of his jaw hardened and a glint of steel appeared in his dark blue eyes.
    â€œWho is it? What’s the matter?” She followed his gaze. A portly man stood by the doorway, divesting himself of an expensive cashmere overcoat. Two other men, also dressed in suits and overcoats, stood nearby.
    â€œGerald Shakespeare.” Jerome ground out the man’s name with pure venom.
    Gemma knew who Gerald Shakespeare was. It would be hard not to. His name was all over the press and on the television.
    â€œIsn’t he the man who wants to develop the land where all those endangered species live? The place you were talking about in your radio broadcasts?”
    â€œThe very same. I’m afraid those two gentlemen accompanying him look too familiar.” Jerome’s face was thoughtful.
    The waitress appeared and slid steaming plates of food in front of them both.
    â€œThank you,” Gemma said distractedly, her attention focused on the three men, who had now taken a table on the far side of the restaurant. “What do you think they’re doing here?” she asked Jerome as she picked up her cutlery.
    â€œHaving some kind of meeting, by the looks of it. Shakespeare appears to be far too pleased with himself.” He scowled.
    Gemma gathered a forkful of food. She could see what he meant. There seemed to be lots of mutual backslapping and jollity going on at Gerald Shakespeare’s table.
    â€œDo you think they’re celebrating something?”
    Jerome’s mouth quirked, but Gemma didn’t think it was with amusement. “It would seem so.”
    Her appetite for her meal had diminished, but she forced herself to eat. Jerome spoke little, his attention clearly taken up by Gerald Shakespeare’s party.
    â€œThey’re coming over,” Gemma whispered in alarm. She placed her knife and fork down on her plate. Jerome leaned back in his chair, his casual stance belying the icy gleam in his eyes.
    â€œWell, if it isn’t Tarzan! And which one of nature’s innocent creatures have you come to save this time?” Shakespeare rocked on the balls of his feet, his hands thrust deep into his trouser pockets.
    Jerome smiled at him, but Gemma felt a shiver run along her spine.
    â€œIt depends what sort of creature needs help. Snakes, for instance, seem to have a good sense of self-preservation and self-interest. As does the common rat.”
    An unhealthy flush the color of port wine darkened Gerald Shakespeare’s cheeks and his jowls wobbled with indignation at the implied insult. “One of these days, Mayer, that tongue of yours will get you into serious trouble.”
    â€œMy mother always told me to tell the truth and shame the devil. What did your mother teach you, Shakespeare?”
    Gemma watched as Jerome’s opponent shifted uncomfortably under his direct gaze.
    â€œYou think you’re so smart. I’ll have the last laugh on you yet, Mayer. Then you won’t think you’re so funny.” He turned on his heel and stalked off out of the café. His companions had already gone ahead.
    â€œPleasant