Welcome to Hurricane Bay, Florida, where the act of arson isn’t uncommon. When a popular gay bar, the Flaming Flamingo, burns to the ground with bartender Rudy inside, fear rocks the Gulf-side community. Bar owner Peter Rotunda wants to learn who destroyed his business and committed murder. Soon after the incident, Rotunda hires adorable and sexy private investigator Axle Dupree to take the case.<br><br>Axle is a fresh private eye with exemplary charm. Not only can he woo the pants off his boyfriend Casey, but also just about every other guy in town. Soon a list of alleged suspects builds: wealthy Laura Monigal, who has a history of arson; mysterious faux-cowboy Clifton Monigal; a Daisy Dukes-wearing circus performer; and a “fluff” romance writer.<br><br>As June unfolds, conversations are sharp, road trips into the Everglades become overwhelming, and spying is necessary. But after applying heat to the suspects, Axle learns who the murderer is ... and so much more about his community.

Heat

I objected at first, complaining of too much work to do.


“Come,” he said. “One drink with me won’t kill you. I’m your lover and demand that you spend some quality time with me.” Then he joked, adding, “Don’t make me take Bruno Grigade on a date.”


He had to use that trump card on me, didn’t he? How could I tell him that I needed some valuable time to think my way through the firebug/murder case? I couldn’t do that after almost ripping our affection for each other apart. Besides, wasn’t our closeness and boyfriendhood more important than my work? Of course, I wouldn’t even question such a thing.


“One drink,” I blurted. “And you will notcall Bruno Grigade for a date.”


He laughed, and I let him pull me out of my office chair.


“And a blowjob for you after the drink,” he joked. “But only if you’re in the mood.”


Chapter 46