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Looking for help. Got any, I might have? she asked wistfully of the woman who had
aided her often before.
Come on up here, girl!
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Cerise DeLand
At the top of the steps, Anna hugged her friend. Thanks for this.
Anytime. Mona led her into the living area, a high-ceilinged expanse crossed with
wooden beams, warmed by earth-toned leather sofas and chairs and a huge gray rock
fireplace. Leave your bag and purse here. Can I get you wine? Beer? Dinner? You look
like hell, if I say so myself. She ran her fingers through Anna s hair. What s going
on?
Anna put her purse on top of her luggage and sighed. I ll take that offer of wine
and something to eat. Sandwich, maybe?
You got it, Mona said, her eyes moving over Anna s shoulder for a second, then
back to Anna as she motioned her into her kitchen. Have a seat. She pointed toward
the bar. Red okay?
Wonderful. Anna sank onto one of the bar stools and reached back to reassemble
her straggly ponytail. I ve been driving for two days. Got across the border at Del Rio
earlier today and came straight here. I just didn t have any other idea of what to do.
Mona worked the cork in a bottle of wine. Why? What s going on?
Anna looked around and this time, she noted used glasses on the countertop and
empty beer bottles. I m sorry. Have I interrupted something? She glanced around the
living area and kitchen, remembered the Range Rover in the drive that was not Mona s
and tipped her head toward the dirty dishes. I can go.
Mona straightened, alarm in her eyes for a second. You will not. Sit down and
drink this. She poured and put the long-stemmed goblet in front of Anna.
Anna took a sip and then another, savoring the refreshment. Her eyes closing as,
after her long trip and the tears she shed as she traveled farther away from Tate, she felt
the first relief. Slight, though it was. I wonder if you will let me stay with you for a day
or two. I need to sleep, figure out what I am going to do.
Mona walked toward Anna, facing her across the granite counter. Yes, you can
stay. Yes, for as long as you like. Now tell me why.
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Laid Bare
Anna traced invisible lines on the base of her glass. After the other night at Tate
and Cord s party, someone rammed my car.
Mona frowned. Were you hurt? Did you get the guy s plate?
No. She spread her arms. See? Not hurt. We did get part of the plate.
We?
Tate. Tate followed me out of his condo and saw the accident. He saw the guy
drive away, too. We have a partial on the license, but haven t been able to find the
driver or the car.
Mona scowled, her eyes examining Anna. Tate s been helping you, then?
Anna nodded. And Grant Warwick, too.
Mona inhaled. Really? Warwick. Mister Security for the Greater Southwest. Well.
That s good. She drummed her fingers on the counter a second and then turned
toward her refrigerator. Tate hired him, I guess. Turkey sandwich, okay with you?
Turkey is good. Yes, you know Grant works for Tate. And so after the accident,
Tate was very insistent that night that I get away.
Mona concentrated on toasting bread, removing a plate from her cabinet. Why?
Anna blinked. Why? Because he was afraid for me.
Mona snorted. Because he cares for you.
You knew? she was surprised.
Anna. Mona put a hand on her hip. Who didn t?
She swallowed back her remorse that she adored him and had to leave him. He
told me he loves me.
Mona paused, skewered Anna with feral gaze and grim lips, serrated knife poised
in midair. Is that right?
Anna shifted in her chair. What s wrong, Mona? You don t seem to like that Tate is
interested in me.
Took him a damn long time to admit, don t you think?
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Cerise DeLand
He was being the ethical boss.
Mona arranged turkey, lettuce and tomato on toast. He has a reputation as a man
who loves women, no matter what their circumstances.
I know that. Was Mona jealous? Did he come on to you?
No. His self-imposed ethics wouldn t let him.
I see. Anna was thrilled to hear that about Tate, but saw the resentment harden
Mona s blue eyes. I m sorry you were hurt.
Mona waved a hand. The one with the knife in it.
Anna suddenly sat back in her chair. She felt vulnerable and could find only one
reason why her long-time friend wasn t completely acting like one.
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