Dirty Little Secrets Read Online Free

future, I expect you to call me when she asks you to. Do you understand?”
    “I’m…I’m sorry Ms. Hill. I just didn’t want to bother you, but you have my word. Next time there’s a problem with Maia I will not hesitate to call you.”
    “I would really appreciate it if you did. And while we’re at it, we need to discuss the little boy who said some rather nasty things to my daughter. I’m well aware that children will be children, but as the adult in charge it’s up to you to reprimand your students when needed.”
    “I assure you, I did discipline Simon for his unkind words. I’m so sorry that she got so upset yesterday. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
    “See that you do.”
    Ava turned on her heel and walked away. She ignored the pointed looks of some of the parents as she left the school. Snobs . Making her way back to the parking lot, she unlocked her Mercedes and climbed inside. Revving up the engine, Ava roared out of the parking lot. Hitting the freeway that would take her downtown to her office, a few minutes into her drive she noticed a black sedan in her rearview mirror.
    Mile after mile she noticed the sedan on her tail. Changing lanes, Ava saw the black sedan do the same. Ava switched lanes again and so did the car. She didn’t like this one little bit. Ava sped up and the sedan did the same. The windshield was tinted so dark she couldn’t see inside. For the first time, Ava wished she had gone ahead and gotten a permit to carry a concealed weapon. The garage was just ahead. Relief washed over her.
    Barely slowing, Ava swung her car into the garage. The black sedan followed. Ava panted as she pulled into her reserved parking space. Haphazardly she reached for her purse and withdrew her Taser. She sat in her Mercedes, motor running. The car sat behind her not moving. Ava swallowed the lump in her throat. Watching, she waited to see what the mysterious vehicle would do. Then with a screech of tires the car spun around and disappeared. Ava’s heart thudded in her throat.
    Who’d been following her? Why would anyone follow her? She was a legitimate businesswoman. She had nothing to do with her late husband’s world.
    But it looked like someone didn’t care.

Chapter Five
    Ava looked at the calendar on her computer. Already two meetings had been cancelled. Neither had been rescheduled. Ava pressed the intercom button.
    “Karen, why did Dolphin Tours and Knight Photography cancel their meetings today?”
    “Dolphin Tours said they found a more affordable company and Knight Photography might be merging with an international media company, but they may reschedule.”
    “Karen, in the event Knight Photography calls back, tell them we will not work with them, now or in the future. We need people who know what they want.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    Ava released the intercom button and leaned back in her chair . Ava had a hard time dealing with people who didn’t know what they wanted. Wishy-washiness annoyed her. She’d worked hard to build her business and the last thing she was going to accept was being jerked around by anyone. She’d put too much time and energy into building Hill Consulting into the powerhouse public relations and marketing firm it was.
    Rubbing her temples, Ava released a breath. Sometimes being a businesswoman was not easy. Speaking of businesswomen, she had an important call to make. Picking up her office phone, she dialed.
    “Marron Jewelers, how may I direct your call?”
    “Ava calling for Gina Marron.”
    “Good morning, Ms. Hill. I’ll put you right through.”
    “Thank you,” Ava said.
    Relaxing in her chair, she waited.
    “Ava darling. Long time no hear,” Gina’s voice came over the phone in her familiar Southern belle drawl.
    “It’s only been a month, Gina. Besides I’m sure you’ve been too busy to notice.”
    Gina Marron was the owner of one of the premier jewelry stores in South Beach. Creating one-of-a-kind pieces, some of her clients