E is for Eva

THE EVA JENNINGS FILES: INTRODUCING EVA, tells the story of the predominate lady detective who will be in each book.
(Previously released as The Alpha Ladies Series. I decided not to stop once finishing the alphabet so it was time to change the series name)
SECOND EDITION "I smiled at his description and thought of all my friends. We were all strong women; some of them just didn't know it yet." Eva's story: "I'll take care of you." No one had said those words to me in years. I take care of other people. I love to help people, but not in the usual way. I do research and footwork for two detective and private security agencies. Over the years, I have met some interesting and wonderful people. Some of those people have become my closest friends. Others? Well, let's just say they've gotten exactly what they deserved. But when I wake up drugged and confused, I'm suddenly the one in the need of help.
Book One Excerpt:
"Where in the hell have you been?" She screamed into the phone.
"Hanging out," I answered flatly. It always pissed her off when I remained calm while she yelled.
"You were supposed to call me this morning and it's almost noon!"
"Yeah, it is," A slight smile escaped since I knew my non-combative answer would irritate her.
"Sometimes, I really hate you."
"I know," I chuckled and slid up in the seat enough to see we were pulling into the hotel parking lot. My mind flashed to a door...115; must be the room number. I had a hidden pocket in my bag that I always put my key in so no one could steal it. I slid my fingers into the pocket and sighed in relief when I felt the hard plastic.
"Did you find the redhead or not?" Paulie growled.
My mind flashed to a plate of fries at the diner. I concentrated, trying to hold onto the image. Who was sitting next to me? Was it a redhead? I turned my head as if it would help. The image faded. "Damn."
"What's the matter?" she grumbled.
"Nothing, I haven't found him yet."
"Her!" Paulie screeched.
"Oh, seriously, Paulie," I laughed to cover my mistake. "You really can't take a joke."
The line went dead. I huffed a sigh and slid the phone back into my bag.
"Did you see a red-headed woman last night?" I asked looking up into Lane's concerned eyes.
"There wasn't anyone there besides you."
I lowered back down on the seat. "Drive around the side so no one sees me get out of your truck."
"Do you think that's really necessary?"
I looked up at him with a frown, "Someone drugged me last night. I have no idea why and it gives me the creeps to think what might have happened if you hadn't found me first. I don't want you to become a target if they see us together." He nodded and did as I asked.
When I reached for the door handle, I hesitated and look back at him. "I'm going in to change."
"What if they are in the hotel?"
"Meet me at the diner in 30 minutes. If I'm not there come back here, room 115."
"Shouldn't I go in there with you?"
I looked into his dark brown eyes and smiled, then looked at the button of his jeans and shook my head. "It would take longer than 30 minutes if you went in there with me."