Between the Lies (Book One - The Northern Lights Series) Read Online Free

touched the hearts and checkbooks of some of Minnesota’s wealthiest citizens.
    * * *
    Claire caught up with me just before I left and said, “Olivia, we didn’t double our donations.”
    “I’m sorry. I think everyone did their best. It all looked and sounded perfect to me.”
    “It was. There’s nothing to be sorry about, my dear. Giving tripled!”
    We shared a giddy moment that included a hug before I noticed Butch. He tipped his head at me in that way men sometimes do when they mean, “Come here.”
    I obeyed because it was my only option.
    When I arrived front and center, he said, “It’s time to go.”
    Before I left I turned and blew a kiss at Jillian’s poster.
    “Come on. Mr. Lyons is waiting for you to leave,” he grumbled.
    “Oh my goodness. I’m hindering the man of the hour from exiting the building?” I asked while pretending to fan myself as if overheated.
    “Just come on, would ya?”
    When Butch escorted me to the limo and took the driver’s seat, I asked, “I’d really like to know who the other driver was. Do you know his name?”
    “It’s like I told you—he’s a guy Mr. Lyons hired and didn’t like. He won’t get into a Lyons car again, I can assure you.” Then he closed the clear divider between our seats. I’d been put in my place by one of Alan’s hired hands.

Chapter 3
    Lloyd was waiting for me when I entered the foyer. “Ms. Morgan, because of the evening’s events, I’ve been asked to escort you to the apartment in the private elevator.” We rode up in silence.
    I’d just stepped inside the apartment when my cell phone chirped. Alan’s text said, “Can I see you?”
    I smiled, and typed in a simple, “Yes.” As I stood by the private elevator door located in the living room, I was amused by Alan’s earlier show for his wife. He was good; I’d give him that.
    As the door slid open, my surge of confidence evaporated. He wasn’t alone. I felt my skin heat up and redden. Not the gentle pink of embarrassment, but the blaze of shame.
    Michelle in all her amber beauty was with him. He escorted her to my favorite chair, took his, and motioned for me to sit on the couch.
    “Olivia, we have details we need to discuss.”
    “This couldn’t wait until tomorrow?”
    “No.”
    I sat down and arranged the skirt of my gown carefully as I let the mask of anger slip onto my face. I have no idea what that looks like, only that every muscle in my face tensed as my jaw clenched, and I felt my eyes harden. Then I internally stepped back into my safe place.
    I waited for him to continue without responding verbally. There would be no discussion; there never was. I remember thinking, He is just like Gus. Maybe all men are.
    “It will take you some time to find a new place to live, and we’ve decided to give you up to twelve months to relocate. If you decide to stay here, there will be some restrictions. You will no longer have access to the private elevator or exercise room. Would you please get your key card and give it to Michelle now? The authorities have promised the public elevator will be in use in a few hours.”
    My bag was on the table, and I quickly removed the item he requested and handed it to him before sitting back down, ever the obedient mistress.
    He accepted it and said, “My cell phone number has been changed. If you need to contact me, please do so through my secretary, Justine.”
    He took a bored breath before continuing his emotionless dismissal. “Your investments have done well, and unless you want to, you will never have to work again. It would be wise to open a new checking account soon. I’ve also taken the liberty of submitting your resignation to the school. As president of the board, I have also accepted it, and we will start the process of interviewing potential replacements on Monday. I expect your complete cooperation.”
    “When did I create and sign that document?” I whispered as a tingling numbness danced across my face and took