Black Deeds

I have a hard time meeting people with a sophisticated enough sense of humor to appreciate my sterling wit.”

“If you say so,” Piper said, her thin cynical mouth curved slightly into a satisfied smile. “Maybe you are a little handsome in a rugged sort of way.”

I said, “I get that a lot.”

Piper chuckled. “I’m sure you do. Now, to the business at hand. I only gave you the general situation over the phone. Would you like me to tell you why I want to hire you?”

“That or else I could recite a list of reasons people hire a private investigator, and you could tell me when I’m getting warmer or colder,” I said.

Piper laughed. “Are you always so goofy?” she said. “Anyway, I’m an investigative journalist here at the Tribune. We’re working on an investigative series on a company called Ethos. The company claims to provide educational tools, life coaching, and training to people from all walks of life aimed at helping them succeed both professionally and personally. I’ve come across some solid evidence, all that is only a front for something more sinister.”