Fool Me Once

by Edward Lodi

About the Author: Edward Lodi has written more than 30 books, both fiction and nonfiction, as well as a poetry chapbook. His short fiction and poetry have appeared in numerous magazines and journals, and in anthologies published by Cemetery Dance, Main Street Rag, Rock Village Publishing, Superior Shores Press, Tell-Tale Press, and others.

Excerpt

Tony Atti rummaged through the pyramid of soiled dishes piled high in his sink. Two tumblers passed inspection, and he poured a healthy slug of bourbon into each. One tumbler was for Marlow, the other for himself. The fact that Marlow was a cat did not deter Tony from being generous. Whatever liquid Marlow left behind Tony would gladly consume on his behalf.

Drinking with a cat was better than drinking alone.

He carried the drinks into the living room, where the orange tabby lay curled on the sofa, and set them on the coffee table. Before he could plunk himself next to the cat the phone rang.

“Is this Mr. Atti, the private detective?”

“How’d you get my home number?”

“It’s in the phone book.”

“Yeah, I keep forgetting. Most people call me at my office.”

“I tried doing that, Mr. Atti. Several times. Nobody answered.”

“That’s because nobody was there. What can I do for you, Miss …?”

“Not Miss. Mrs. I’d rather not reveal my full name until I’m sure I want to hire you.”

“Fair enough. And I won’t let you know whether I’ll take the job until I’ve heard what it is you want me to do.”

 “I want you to find my husband.”

“Are you gonna give me his name, or is that a secret, too?”

“Mr. Atti, does your automobile bear a logo on its side?”

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