The Veiled Cage (Lady Lawyer Series Romantic Suspense Novels Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

ongles naturel . ”
    Cassandra rolled her eyes.
    “ What are you celebrating with your purple-plant nails ?” Ruby prompted.
    “ Eggplant ,” Cassandra corrected. When Ruby gave her a blank look, Cassandra waved a hand in frustration, and said ,“ All right, my fashion-clueless friend. Le t’ s stick to the law, shall we? I may have settled the case of the obstinate opposing counsel . ”
    “ Details . ”
    “ My client had to give a little on visitation where and when, but she ended up with full custody. Both parents wanted what was best for their kid. Ms. Mule got the boot after I played the threats sh e’ d made at our settlement conference. Surprisingly, they were n’ t sanctioned by her client .” She leaned forward for emphasis .“ He was horrified, Ruby. I wish I’ d snapped his expression, but I was too busy arming myself and ducking under the conference table . ”
    “ Ah, so Ms. Mule did n’ t take her dismissal well. Wha t’ d you grab for protection ?” Ruby settled into an accent chair and mused that Cassandra would have a fancy term for this combo of orange and gray. Halloween came to mind, but Ruby held back on making this observation aloud. Cassandra was quick to show off her fashion-forward office, as she and Colin called it. Just another place where her horror-movie fascination showed up, Ruby decided, and tuned back into the conversation to hear Cassandr a’ s reply.
    “ A crystal vase. It had some real weight to it. Fortunately, I did n’ t have to use it. Ms. Mule stormed out. When I replaced the vase on its stand, I noticed  that i t’ s stunning. Wher e’ d we get it? I t’ s not your usual style . ”
    “ It was a launch present from Alfred . ”
    “ I t’ s been there three years ? ”
    “ In this suite, yes. Colin insisted on giving i t‘ pride of place on a pedestal .’ His exact words. That was a few months back . ”
    “ Oh, Ruby. Where did you have it ? ”
    “ In the kitchen. In a cupboard . ”
    “ You did n’ t. Not even you . ”
    “ What? There were other vases down there . ”
    Cassandra shook her head .“ Knowing Alfred, he must have told you the story behind the piece . ”
    “ He did . ”
    “ Which is ? ”
    Ruby slipped into her best British accent .“ It once overflowed with fresh cosmos flowers and graced the mahogany desk of Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State and a trailblazer for women worldwide. When she ascended to this distinguished office, she discarded the war dé cor to create an ambience for peace . ”
    “ And then you go and wreck the beautiful legacy of this vase by stuffing it in some dusty cupboard .” She swept her hand toward the kitchen.
    “ Excuse me? You wielded the peace vase as a weapon . ”
    They burst into laughter.
    “ I ca n’ t wait to tell Alfred ,” Ruby said .“ H e’ ll get a kick out of telling his clients about the peace vas e’ s lively new home . ”
    “ Yes, without a doubt. You know wha t’ s in order ? ”
    “ Of course. You must pick how we commemorate the occasion. Add a placard to the former peace vas e’ s pedestal? Blaze an orange-fruit carpet out the front entry? Hire a trumpeter to announce your entrance and departure wit h‘ Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy ? ’”
    “ Is that really a song ? ”
    “ Yes, by the Andrews Sisters. Alfred had it on last week . ”
    “ I was thinking w e’ d splurge for lunch and go to Chestnut . ”
    “ Done. I guess I’ ll hold those gems in reserve for my next celebration. I wonder how much a custom teal carpet would set me back. Would it qualify as a business expense? Could I find teal velvet robes to set alongside it ? ”
    “ Yo u’ re ridiculous and possibly insane . ”
    “ Some say I’ m a dreamer . ”
    “ Only those who have n’ t seen you in action . ”
    “ Such flattery will get you a fancy lunch. Coli n’ s craving Thai food. I suspect an upgrade to Chestnut wo n’ t be a problem. Since you plan to steal my intern, do