Lawyer Trap

85





DAY TWELVE–SEPTEMBER 16

FRIDAY EVENING


When Aspen got a call from Teffinger early Friday evening, she was shocked to find that he was taking Jacqueline Moore’s warning so seriously.

She was even more shocked at what he proposed.

But she agreed to go along with it.

So did Christina Tam.

They packed, threw two suitcases in the trunk of Christina’s car, and met Teffinger at the Table Mountain Inn in downtown Golden. He checked them in under an alias, paid cash, and helped carry their stuff up to the room.

It was a nice two-bed suite with a New Mexico décor.

“You guys don’t have to stay holed up here,” he said. “I can’t see how anyone could trace you here. But if you feel the need to go out, stay within walking distance.”

“I need to get drunk,” Aspen said. “I’m getting totally stressed out.”

“Go for it if you want,” Teffinger said. “Just be sure you keep your cell phone with you.” He cocked his head. “So you’re pretty sure that Bennett knows you’re staying with Christina?”

Aspen nodded.

“It’s common knowledge in the firm, after my apartment got busted into,” she said. “I can’t image Bennett not knowing.”

Teffinger looked at Christina.

“He’d know where you live, right?”

“Right. There’s a firm directory. Plus I’m in the phone book.”

“Okay. Looks like we’re set, then.”

He started for the door, but Aspen grabbed his arm. “Who are you using for the decoy?”

“I don’t know, vice is going to get someone for us about your age and size,” he said. “I told them to be sure she’s pretty so we keep it as real as possible.”

She smiled.

“You are such a flirt.”

He shrugged. “Actually, I really did say that.”

“See what I mean?”

After Teffinger left, Aspen and Christina walked down Washington Street until they found a dark place with upbeat music and ordered Margaritas at the bar.

“I just hope that the people inside the house don’t go snooping around to kill time,” Christina said.

“Why?”

“You know.”

“No, what?”

“My dresser drawer,” Christina said.

“Why, what’s in there?”

“You know, my vibrator.” Christina punched Aspen on the arm. “Don’t pretend like you don’t know.”

Aspen laughed.

“Okay, busted. I think that I might have taken one short peek in there once.”

“As long as you didn’t use it,” Christina said.

“No need. I have my own.”

They clinked glasses.