Page 74 of Cause of Action

“You think she stole the designs before she was fired?” he asked.

“Yes, I believe she made copies.”

“I just got out of court.”

“How did your closing argument go?”

“I think it went great. Let’s hope the jury agrees. I’m heading home to write an opening argument for a new trial tomorrow. I can have Ollie pick you up when you’re finished and bring you home.”

“That’s okay. I can take an Uber.”

“If you change your mind, call Ollie. I’ll see you at home.”

“Okay.”

His words, “See you at home.” I couldn’t explain it, but the first time I stepped inside his house, it felt like a warm embrace—a sense of belonging I hadn’t felt since my father died. My heart raced at the thought. Was it the house or the man who occupied the home? I supposed it was both.

The Uber driver pulled up to the curb of Vanessa’s building. Taking the elevator to the second floor, I stepped out, where a young woman sitting behind the black rounded desk smiled.

“Can I help you?”

“I need to speak with Vanessa Graves. Is she in?”

“May I tell her who’s asking?”

“Morgan Ashley. I’m a private investigator.”

“One moment.” She picked up her phone on the desk. “She said she’ll see you. Her office is down on the hall, third door on the right.”

“Thank you.”

I walked down the hallway until I found Vanessa’s office.

“Miss Graves? I’m Morgan Ashley.”

“Come in and have a seat. What can I do for you, Miss Ashley?”

“Would it be possible for your designer, Nina, to join us?”

“Nina?” Her brows furrowed.

“Yes. Is that a problem?”

“No.” She picked up the phone on her desk and told her secretary to call Nina.

A few moments later, the door opened.

“Nina, have a seat,” Vanessa said. “This is Morgan Ashley. She’s a private investigator.”

“Okay? I don’t understand,” Nina said.

“You will in a minute.” I held up my finger. “Vanessa. It is okay that I call you Vanessa, right?”

“Sure.”

“Vanessa, you will withdraw your lawsuit against Katherine Mallory Designs immediately.”

“What?” She laughed. “Wait a second. You’re working for them.” Her eyes narrowed.

---