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They were all whores. Using their looks to lure men into bed, then using the promise of more to get what they wanted. To edge out the hard-working men and women just trying to make a decent, honest living.
But when it was all done, they’d see. And the work was almost done. After the next two whores were taken out, it would be time for the grand finale. The literal cover girl for ambitious cunts everywhere.
“X marks the spot, bitch.”
Chapter Seventeen
Friday was a bitch. The police still had no leads, as far as any of them could tell. Shannon’s agency had pretty much told her she was overreacting and hadn’t offered her any help, even after a heated phone call from James. And every single client Olivia talked to wanted to discuss her impending murder.
By five, the headache pulling at the base of her skull had threatened to become overwhelming. Equal parts relieved that the day was done, and irritated by how much she hadn’t gotten done, she shoved her laptop in her bag and jerked the strap over her shoulder. James had left early, so at least she didn’t have to worry about snapping at him on her way out the door and earning herself another trip over his knee.
“Stupid asshole murderer. Ruining everything for everybody.”
“What was that, Mrs. Monroe?”
Olivia jumped at MaryAnn’s voice and slapped a hand over her pounding heart. “Jesus Christ, you scared the shit out of me! I thought you’d left already.”
Poor MaryAnn’s eyes went wide, and Olivia felt like the worst kind of heel when they filled with tears. “S-sorry. I’m leaving soon. I thought you would have left with Mr. Monroe.”
“It’s fine.” Pinching the bridge of her nose, Olivia blew out a breath. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”
For a moment, the two women simply stared at each other. MaryAnn opened her mouth, then closed it again, like she was trying to get the courage to say something. “It’s all right, Mrs. Monroe,” she said at length.
It wasn’t. And even though he wasn’t there, James would expect her to make it right. “Ah, any plans this weekend?”
For the first time in the year she’d been working there, MaryAnn grinned. Not just the polite, timid smile Olivia was used to, but a full-on grin that lit up her entire face. “I have a date tomorrow night.”
“Oh! How lovely.” Genuinely excited for her, Olivia leaned against the front desk. “First date?”
“Third, actually.”
“Third, huh?” Looking around to be sure they were alone, Olivia dropped her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Well, let me know if you need me to cover for you with James on Monday.”
“Oh, I’m sure that won’t be necessary. I don’t drink much and I’ll have all day Sunday to rest.”
Olivia stared at her, certain she was being played. But MaryAnn’s expression was open and honest, without a hint of guile. “Right. Well, have a good weekend, MaryAnn.”
