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But when it was all done, they’d see. And the work was almost complete. 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.”
Chapter21
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 more than their housing options.
By five, the headache pulling at the base of her skull had threatened to become overwhelming. Equal parts relieved that the day was over, 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?”
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. “S-sorry. I’m leaving soon. I thought you’d 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,” she said at length.
“No, it’s not. I’m jumpy and on edge, but that’s no reason to take it out on the people around me.” Dragging in a deep breath, Olivia offered up an apologetic smile. “Any plans for the weekend?
To Olivia’s surprise, 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.”
“Why would I need you to cover for me?”
Olivia stared at her, certain she was being played. But MaryAnn’s expression was open and honest, without a hint of guile. “Um. No reason, I guess. Enjoy your date and I’ll see you on Monday.”
“Thanks!”
Shaking her head, Olivia pushed through the front doors. And got her second shock of the evening when she stepped outside and found James waiting for her. Holding a giant bouquet of flowers, leaning against the hood of a sleek, sexy convertible.
“Run away with me, Olivia,” he called, flinging his arms wide like the lead in some cheesy romantic comedy.
“What is all this?” she asked as she slowly descended the stairs in front of their office.
His smile flashed, quick and boyish, an easiness she hadn’t seen in far too long on his face. “I thought we could get away for the weekend. We’ve had a rough week.”
Stopping in front of him, she tilted her face up for a kiss. Her heart sighed when he obliged, laying his lips on hers in a kiss so gentle and sweet it reminded her of when they’d first started dating.
“How about it, beautiful?” he asked when he lifted his head. “Run away with me for a couple of days?”
“I don’t know.” Pretending to think about it, she tapped a finger on her chin. “My boss is kind of a tyrant and I have tons of work to do.”
“I think I can smooth things over with the tyrant. Here.”
He handed her the flowers and she buried her face in the colorful bouquet. “They’re gorgeous. You know you didn’t have to do this.”
“I know, baby. I wanted to.” Another quick kiss, followed by a playful swat to her ass. “Now, get in the car, brat.”
With a squeal of delight, she ran around the side of the car and tossed her bag in the backseat before climbing inside.
