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She stepped into the restroom and entered a stall. Only after she’d locked the door behind her did she realize the other one was occupied.
“That’s right,” she heard the other woman say. Apparently, she was on the phone and had no problem multitasking. “Yes, I’m here now.”
Ainsley tried to tune her out as she relieved herself. The lady chatted on, talking over the noise as Ainsley flushed the toilet.
She exited the stall and walked to the sink, shaking her head. She’d never understood people who talked on the phone while they were using the bathroom. Just the idea of it grossed her out.
She started to wash her hands as the woman flushed her own toilet. “Well, like I said before,” she said, metal rattling as she unlocked the door. “It’s time to put the big plan in motion.”
Ainsley glanced in the mirror as the woman walked out of the stall. Oh my God, she thought, freezing in place, her hands still under the stream of water.
Micheline Anderson stood behind her, her blonde hair teased to perfection, her makeup flawless, and her blue eyes narrowed as she stared at Ainsley.
“I’ll call you back later,” she said into her phone. She dropped it into her purse and tilted her head to the side. “Well, well, well,” she said, sauntering forward. “Look what the cat dragged in.”
Ainsley glanced away and turned off the faucet, then grabbed for the paper towels.
“What brings you here, Ms. Colton?” Micheline stepped close, leaning one hip against the counter.
“I’m here to see a friend,” Ainsley lied, avoiding Micheline’s gaze. She tossed the crumpled paper towels into the trash can and moved to leave, but Micheline leaned out and blocked her path, forcing her to stop or run into the other woman.
“Are you now?” Micheline asked softly.
Ainsley looked up and met her eyes, and the malice she saw glowing in those blue depths nearly made her take a step back. If she’d had any remaining doubts as to what this woman was capable of, they were gone now. The woman put on a good front, and a lot of people might think she was inspiring, but Ainsley knew she was looking at the real Micheline.
Or should she say, Luella?
Curiosity burned in her chest, and Ainsley wanted to ask Micheline what she knew about the email to the Colton Oil board members. After all, Harley Watts, the man who sent the email, was a member of AAG. And according to her cousin Spencer, Harley hadn’t acted on his own initiative. He was clearly a pawn in someone else’s game, and Ainsley knew in her bones she was face-to-face with the puppet master.
Something flickered in Micheline’s eyes—a note of challenge, perhaps? If so, Ainsley was sorely tempted to take her up on it.
But before she could ask her first question, the restroom door opened and in walked a Marriage Institute employee. “Oh! Ms. Anderson, there you are. Mrs. Woods asked me to escort you to her office for a visit before your seminar.”
Just like that, Micheline’s mask slipped back into place. She turned and beamed a winning smile at the young woman. “Of course, honey. I’d be happy to follow you.”
She patted Ainsley’s shoulder like they were old friends. “I hope to see you again real soon.” Her tone was sunny, but Ainsley recognized the statement for what it was: a threat.
Micheline and the employee left, and Ainsley leaned back against the cool tile wall, her heart racing. What were they going to do now? She’d hoped that by skipping the seminar, Micheline wouldn’t see her and they could finish collecting evidence at the retreat. But clearly, that wasn’t going to be the case. Her cover was as good as blown—as soon as Micheline saw Alva and Brody, she’d reveal Ainsley’s true identity. She and Santiago had to get out of here, before the Woodses discovered the truth.
She left the bathroom and practically jogged down the hall toward the room where they usually had their couple’s counseling session. He was probably already inside with the facilitator, waiting for her to arrive. The therapist would think it was strange when she insisted he step into the hall to talk to her, but they didn’t have to worry about keeping up appearances anymore. It was time to cut their losses and get out of here.
She slowed as she approached the room, frowning when she noticed the door was closed. That was strange. Usually, the door remained open until both she and Santiago arrived. She tried the handle. Locked.
“I’m afraid we had a room change,” Brody said from behind her.
Ainsley whirled around, startled by his sudden appearance. He put up a hand and took a step back. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said with a smile. “I was just coming to put a sign on the door. The lights aren’t working in this room, so you and Santiago are now meeting in the Pine Room. Do you know where that is?”
She nodded. “The other side of the building, right?”
“Yes,” Brody confirmed. “Just across from the main office, in fact.”
Ainsley’s stomach sank. Wonderful. She’d have to walk past Alva and Brody’s office to get to Santiago. Past Micheline, who was probably even now telling Alva about her discovery in the bathroom.
There was no help for it. It had to be done. Ainsley drew up her shoulders and nodded at Brody. “Thanks.” At least he didn’t appear to know who she really was yet.
“No problem.”
Ainsley turned and walked back down the hall, feeling Brody’s eyes on her the whole way. He might not be aware that she was playing a part, but she could tell he suspected her of something.
