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“Good. Although, I think you’ll find that the news doesn’t do you much good, anyway. Now that you’re with me, the goings-on of the world will never touch you.”
“Are you the type of woman with a bunker on an island far off the coast of wherever?”
Based on how Candace acknowledged that question with a glare but didn't answer… yes.
Mitch was not prepared for what the San Francisco weather did to her when they touched down again. At least the Hawaiian climate had helped her forget where Vanessa was: back here, probably distraught and fearful for her partner's life.
Because, despite what Mitch told her new “wife,” she still very much considered Vanessa her whole world. That was why Mitch was here.I keep telling myself. I won't forget.
It was already dark when they pulled up to Candace's manor. Two maids came out in the rain to help with their bags. One asked for Candace's ear, and the woman showed mild irritation as she wrapped her arm around Mitch's and led her up to the front steps to the foyer.
Hard to believe this had all begun right here only forty-eight hours ago…
“Apparently, I have a guest,” Candace said once they were out of the winter sprinkle. They shed their coats and removed their wet shoes, replaced with house slippers provided by a particularly subservient maid who kept her head bowed. Not until Mitch was right next to her did she recognize Marcela, who did not say a word outside of confirming her employer's orders.
“A guest?”
“Someone to contend with in the parlor.”
Vanessa?If it were, Candace would show more emotion. So, who could it be?
Candace did not tell Mitch to stay away, so she followed the woman of the house to the reception parlor in the back of the main hallway. She didn't know who she expected to be awaiting Candace as if she knew she was returning that day, but Stella was not at the top of the list of educated guesses.
“There's an issue with your pay?” Candace asked without a word of greeting.
“Yeah…” Stella, in character as Missy, a woman who wore cute winter dresses when she wasn't hosting at an underground club, got up from a chair by the window. “It didn't clear, including my holiday bonus.”
“Bonus?” Candace laughed as she cornered Stella in the room. “What made you think you were getting a bonus?”
“Thalia got one, didn't she?”
Mitch had to hand it to Stella – not once did she even acknowledge the woman she was probably here to extract.Nobody's told me anything, but I was also instructed to go with the flow if I saw someone from the outside.That meant Stella or Jade. Or even one of the known agents stopping by for maintenance or cleaning. With the amount of evidence Mitch had sent them over the past two days, for all she knew… they were surrounding the place now.Just don't get shot… just don't get shot…She thought about how Stella had been shot before. Right in the shoulder.She's in pain for the rest of her life…
I'll do it. For Vanessa.
“I don't even know where Thalia is anymore. Besides, anything she may have told you is a result of her anger toward me, for whatever indiscretion. She's nothing to me.”
Stella snorted, hands on her hips. “Either way, my last paycheck didn't clear. I'm out a grand for December.”
“You don't have apaycheck.Stop calling it that. None of this is on the books, you know. You're not paying taxes on it!”
Mitch was damn glad she charged her phone on the plane. This was also gold.
“Okay, whatever it is Ms. Lister, I don't got it. Now, if you want me to work this weekend, I better get paid for my past shifts. That's how it works, even if it's under the table.”
“Excuse me. I personally see that money sent to your account. I know it cleared, and nobody else has had an issue. While we're at it, you donotspeak to me like that. I can have you replaced like that.” She snapped her fingers right in front of Stella's face. To her credit, Stella didn't flinch. Missy was not a character who was threatened by Candace's influence. She didn't know better. “Unbelievable.”
Only then did Stella look over in Mitch's direction. “Is she here to collect her payment for December, too? Because I know you pay her more than me.”
Candace had forgotten that Mitch might have been behind her. “She's…” It took her a moment to recollect herself. “Things are shaking up in the club as of this weekend. Here I thought it was only Michelle who wouldn't be working anymore. Looks like you might not be either, Missy.”
“So, you're firing me? And her?”
“We will discuss this later. I have far too much to deal with right now.” Candace turned to Mitch. “Rose must be standing right outside the door. Have her show you to your room. Your few things should already be there.”
“Yes, ma'am.”
“Forgive the accommodations for now. Things have moved quickly, Michelle. They are only temporary.”
