Accomplice Read Online Free Page B

deep shuddering breath and turned
around on the small dressing room stool. She slipped her feet into a pair of
purple jeweled high-heeled slippers and gave the matching satin corset top a
tug. Her knees felt wobbly and her palms were icy and damp. She still hated
going out on stage. “Do I look OK?”
    “If you're going for the wild-west-brothel meets
the Easter bunny look, yes.”
    Jess cracked a half smile. “It’s a lingerie show.
I think that is exactly the look they were going for.” She shook her hips,
making the fur-trimmed chiffon skirt rustle.
    “And don't even think of asking me if your butt
looks fat. You don't pay me enough for that.” Lindsay cracked a wry smile. “You
sold out the show, you know that?
    Jessica had accepted the invitation to walk the
runway to raise money for breast cancer research last month. That was before
the news about Brandon's lawsuit hit the tabloids. Before the robbery. Before
she had scores of paparazzi blocking her sidewalks, cramming microphones in her
face and cameras up her skirt every time she left the house. The organizers of
the charity fashion show were thrilled with all the free publicity. Jessica's
agent was beyond ecstatic.
    “I'm happy for them.” The words sounded flat. She
was happy that the event would be a success and that the charity would make a
lot of money. She just wished that she didn't feel like puking. She tied the
sash around her waist and drew the collar in close around her neck.
    In the hallway, Tony waited to walk with them the
rest of the way. Lindsay had been introduced as Jessica's personal assistant
and had grudgingly agreed to fetch a few water bottles and pretend to consult
with Jess's agent on potential future appearances. She was the grouchiest
assistant that Jess had ever worked with.
    Loud music thumped from the stage as they
approached the wings. Volunteers in pink t-shirts scurried about with iPads,
cans of hairspray, and bits of lace and fabric. Jess caught a few sideways
glances, but between Tony's girth and Lindsay's frown, no one approached them.
    Her knees nearly buckled as they reached the
curtain. You've done this before , she told herself.
    Before she could psych herself out any further,
she stripped off the robe and tossed it at a waiting attendant. She lifted her
chin, sucked in her abs, and set her facial expression.
    Time to work.
     
    ***
     
    Noah rested with his back against the exit door to
the right of the stage, arms crossed over his black t-shirt that read SECURITY
in hot pink letters across his chest, and scanned the faces in the crowd. One
of his buddies ran the private security firm that was working the fashion show,
so it had not taken long to pull a few strings and get himself into a prime
location.
    Cole had no luck all week finding the jeweler who
had crafted the fake Hearst necklace. The shop had been closed for several
years and the employees listed in the IRS files had all turned out to be either
fictitious or long lost. Not that it proved anything. Buying a piece of jewelry
from a scam artist was hardly a crime.
    Thompson's last report on the LAPD side of the
investigation was looking equally grim. There were dozens of sets of employee
fingerprints to sift through, and hundreds of images lifted from walls and
doorknobs, windows, and furniture. It would take weeks at best before they
might find leads. If the thief was stupid enough to go without gloves.
    Noah's boss had been putting the pressure on him
to make some progress in the money laundering side. The investigation had
started almost four years ago under another agent. At that time, they were
looking into allegations of extortion against that Charles Kingsbury. At least
two—likely more—prominent businessmen were conducting extramarital affairs with
adult film stars. Very young adult film stars. Kingsbury cashed in on the
gossip. Allegedly.
    It was a ridiculous case of the pot blackmailing
the kettle given that Charles Kingsbury was, at the time,