Page 82 of Crosshairs

“Good. I have something for you. I’ll be there in a jiffy.”

Gran was there by the time Ainsley unlocked the back door, and she was carrying a hanging bag from Soiree Boutique. Another bag dangled from her arm. “I saw this in the window and thought of you.” She handed the garment bag to her.

Ainsley slipped the plastic off and caught her breath. A sleeveless black dress. Perfect.

“I figure you didn’t bring any sandals either.” Gran pulled out a pair of rose-gold sandals that went perfectly with the outfit. “You do still wear an 8?”

“Yes. I love these. Thank you.” She kissed her grandmother on the cheek. “You are the best.”

“Put them on so I can see how you look. I’ll wait in the library.”

Ainsley showered and quickly blew her hair dry. It would be too hot to wear it down so she pinned it up in a messy bun just off her neck. She took the time to put on a little mascara and lipstick and then took out the formfitting vest she’d bought specially to wear under clothes like the dress. Made like a tank top, it fit snugly against her body.

There would be all kinds of security at the house. Was it absolutely imperative that she wear it tonight? Especially since it would be hot and humid. What would she advise anyone else? With a sigh she slipped it on and zipped it. It would also be the first thing Linc asked about.

Ainsley slipped into the dress and stood in front of the floor-length mirror in the bedroom, checking the fit. The hem struck her just above the knees. She smoothed the fabric with her hands. Even with the vest, she actually had curves, and unless someone bumped into her, no one would know she had the vest on.

Earrings ... She needed something besides the gold studs she usually wore to complete the outfit. Her spirits sank as she thought of the dangly gold earrings in her apartment in East Tennessee. They would have been perfect. The studs would have to do.

“Ta-da!” she said to her grandmother when she walked into the library.

“You look beautiful!” Gran pressed her hands together at her lips. “I have the perfect necklace and earrings. Follow me to the house.”

Ainsley dutifully followed her across the street. The jewelry was a perfect complement to the outfit. Dangly rose-gold chains for her ears and a matching necklace. Gran checked her watch, then handed her a bottle of nude nail polish. “Those sandals cry out for polish on your toes, and maybe even your fingernails.”

“Text Linc, and tell him where I am,” she said, looking at her hands. They did need a dab ofsomething.“I didn’t tell you earlier,but you look snazzy.” And Gran did in a geometric silver and black top with black slacks.

The curtsey Gran did was nearly perfect. “Thank you. I want to do my son proud.”

“Would you like to ride with us?”

“No, ma’am. I’m sure I’ll leave way before you do—probably before dark.”

“Don’t be too sure about that,” Ainsley said with a grin. “But I understand you wanting your own wheels.”

Gran handed her a towel to cover her clothes as Ainsley uncapped the polish. “Don’t forget Monday at nine you have an appointment with Mr. Blackwell.”

Ainsley must have looked puzzled.

“Your trustee.”

“Would you mind rescheduling it until I solve this case? There’s no hurry anyway. The trust doesn’t end for another year.”

“Actually, he reminded me it ends six months prior to your birthday.”

“What? Since when?”

“Since always, dear. Which you would know if you’d ever kept one of the appointments I made for you with him.”

“You’re right, but actually receiving the funds always seemed so far away. It’s what, a hundred thousand?” she said. “That’s a lot of money, but it’s never been something I dwell on.”

“I think it’s more than that, although I’m not privy to the amount. Your father is, though, and you could ask him.” Gran patted her arm. “But it’d be better if you kept the appointment with Mr. Blackwell. He’ll give you all the details.”

“I’ll try.” She had a crime to solve, and visiting the school was first on her list for Monday.

The polish was barely dry on her nails when Linc rang the doorbell. Her heart fluttered as he entered the den where she waited. Linc’s biceps and pecs filled out the fitted short-sleeve shirt he wore over a pair of khakis. Then he stunned her with alow whistle. “I could do the same thing,” she said, finding her voice. “You look good.”

“And you look better.” His husky voice raked her senses. “If you’re ready.”

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