Battling Destiny (The Piper Anderson Series Book 6) Read Online Free Page A

guessing I’m a secret to them. I don’t know why, but I’m assuming it’s not going to have a happy ending either way. So I’d be ready with your handcuffs or bail money.”
    Lindsey let out a loud laugh and then stopped abruptly when she realized neither of the other women were laughing. “Listen, Jules, whatever happens here I’ll help you out. Short of hiding a body, I’ll do what I can for you. I’m a great babysitter if you need that. Or I’m a pretty good freelance detective if you want me hunting information down. Just,” Lindsey turned toward Jules and with a half smile and warm eyes spoke kindly, “don’t be a bitch to me. I get enough flack at work every day for being a woman. I’ve got guys treating me like dirt on a regular basis. I’m looking forward to a week away where people actually remember I’m a human being.”
    Jules felt like she’d just gotten punched in the stomach. She’d forgotten how hard it must be for a woman to be on the police force in a place like Edenville. Lindsey was here doing them a favor and she deserved better. “Sorry about that,” Jules murmured. “I appreciate you being here. I’m on edge and feel like lashing out. I’ll save it for Michael though.”
    “And if you’re really nice to me I might change my mind about hiding the body.” Lindsey laughed, and now Piper joined in. The most Jules could muster was a half smile as she popped a pacifier into Frankie’s mouth.
    “So what’s our plan?” Lindsey asked as the GPS chimed they were arriving at the hotel.
    “There is an event tonight, some kind of gala celebrating Michael’s father’s life. I’m going to go. I want to see him face to face. He won’t be able to lie if I’m looking him right in the eyes.”
    “I’ll go with you,” Lindsey said, not posing it as a question at all. “Piper can stay with Frankie tonight since the baby is more comfortable with her.”
    “I think I should go,” Piper cut in. “I know Michael and maybe seeing both of us will be impactful for him.”
    “What’s your plan when Jules loses her mind and starts dumping punch bowls on people? How are you going to contain the scene?” Lindsey asked, scrutinizing Piper’s face. Jules looked back and forth between both women and spoke before Piper could.
    “She’s right. You might be too close to the situation to help me if I really lose it. Plus Frankie is more comfortable with you. You know her routine. But, Lindsey, this gala is five hundred dollars a plate. It’s a fundraiser for one of the family’s charities and it’s black tie. I brought a dress but what will you wear?”
    “Well I don’t have a black tie,” Lindsey shrugged, “but I’ll make do. Just let me know what time to meet you in the lobby of the hotel and I’ll be there with bells on.”
    As they walked through the parking lot of the hotel, Jules worried if Lindsey would truly have some kind of outfit with bells on it. The only thing that mattered tonight was finding and confronting Michael. But part of her was terrified Michael was embarrassed about Jules’s humble origins. Walking in with an underdressed Lindsey would only make the gap between her lifestyle and that of the Coopers even more glaring.

Chapter Four
     
    Michael straightened the bow tie of his tuxedo and pulled on each of the sleeves to get it perfectly positioned. The funeral was over and all that was left was a gala celebrating his father’s generosity. It was laughable, really. He took a swig of the gin he’d bought in a flask. It barely put a dent in his ragged nerves but something was better than nothing.
    As he walked down one of the many long, shimmering clean hallways of his parents’ house, back toward the entryway, he heard his mother’s falsely warm voice. 
    “Michael dear, may I speak with you for a moment?” She was dressed in a gorgeous black flowing gown embellished with crystals and lace. Like always, the neckline scooped just low enough to still be deemed