Page 82 of The Making of Marnie Jones

Marnie eased herself onto her side, looking at the clock’s glowing numbers proclaiming that midnight had come and gone. Sleep still proved impossible.

Tomorrow, or was it today, she was scheduled to interview several eminently qualified tutors. The challenge was to find someone close to Olivia’s age, yet capable enough to guide the headstrong young woman.

She also had to find a way to tell Olivia she was going back to Mission City. As much as the young woman believed she needed her, Marnie knew Olivia’d be fine on her own.She has to be. Because the one thing Marnie could not do was stay in this city.

Chapter twenty-eight

Marniewassittingatthe kitchen table the next morning when the house phone rang. Since Mrs. Grant was giving Olivia a tour of the gardens, she answered. “Yes, Carl.”

“There's a lady here to see you. She won't give her name, and she says she won't leave until she speaks to you.”

“Tell her I'm not interested.” There was no one in this city she knew or was interested in seeing.

“I would, but she says…have I got this right? Oh, yeah.Fifties has the best burgers in Mission City. Does that mean anything to you?”

Marnie’s eyes narrowed, and her ire rose. “Send her up to the house. I’ll meet her at the front door.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I'm sure.”

By the time she met the tall statuesque redhead at the door, Marnie had girded her loins. She stood aside so the woman might enter.

“You should’ve just given your name, Ms. Stone.”

“Jessica, please. And considering the no-media policy, giving my name would’ve been awfully risky, don't you think?”

Pulling the door closed, Marnie winced. “Of course. I recognized you from your photo in the condo, but I couldn't place you. You work with Jake.”

“He's my protégé, actually.” Jessica looked around, taking in her surroundings. “I changed networks last year. Now we’re more rivals than co-workers. Still comrades-in-arms, though.” She pivoted so she met Marnie’s gaze. “We need to talk.”

“Nothing to talk about.”Go away. Leave me alone.

“You, my dear, you.”

She stared at Jessica with a mixture of frustration and exasperation. “I'm no one.”

The older woman tsked. “Far from it. Everyone wants to talk to you. Everyone wants to hear your story.”

“Well, they’re not going to get it.” She spat out each word, angrier than she believed possible. “And what's to say when they're done with me, they won't go after Olivia?”

“Olivia's mother made sure they plastered her story everywhere with as much ferocity as your father ensured yours was never told.” Emerald-green eyes softened. “Let me help you. I can guide you. Give them enough to placate them, then ask them to leave you alone. Do this, and they’ll have no choice but to leave you be.”

“How do you know?”

Jessica’s brow arched. “Despite what you think, we’re not all vipers. I’ve contacts at the major networks. Once you’ve given the interview, I’ll get them to agree to leave you alone.”

“Why would they?”

“Because they don't want to wind up like Phil Turner?” She leaned in conspiratorially. “And I'm not just talking about the shiner.” She sobered. “They respect me. They respect Jake. They respect your father's legal team. You want to get your life back and protect Olivia at the same time? Give an interview. One interview. That's all I ask.”

“I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I'll do it. Under one condition.”

“Name it.”

“You have to be the one giving the interview.”

Jessica’s cat eyes flashed, and her lips curved upward. “I wouldn't have it any other way.”

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