Page 10 of Conner's Choice
She obviously heard the difference in his voice and asked, “Is everything all right, Conner? Has something happened?”
Jesus, did she have to be intuitive, too, on top of being incredibly beautiful? He softened his tone. “I’m worried about you, that’s all.”
“I’m fine. Nothing happened this morning when I saw Kevin. I don’t think he suspects I’m on to him.”
“Good. Just don’t do or say anything out of the ordinary. I’ve got you covered, Elizabeth.” He told her about Surfer but omitted his and Britain’s theory that Kevin impregnated Tanya Parker.
Conner detected hot emotion in Elizabeth’s voice when she answered, “I don’t know what to say, Conner, except thank you.”
“Come to my office after work. Hughes emailed photos this morning.”
“Okay, I’ll see you later.”
Lexi stood justinside the doorway to Elizabeth’s office. “You’re really doing it, aren’t you? Divorcing Kevin.”
Elizabeth rose from behind her desk, annoyed that Lexi possibly heard her entire conversation with her lawyer. “Yes, I am. At last. And I hope he gets what’s coming to him.” She hesitated as she looked her assistant in the eyes. “Please, Lexi, keep this between us for now.”
Lexi nodded. “The mayor’s wife is here to finalize the details for his birthday celebration next month.”
“Send her in.”
Tall, statuesque, and well-groomed, Debra Monahan breezed into Elizabeth’s office and embraced her. Her blue eyes keenly regarded Elizabeth. “Ready to finish our plans for Harrison’s party?”
“Of course. Sit down, Debra, and let’s review what we’ve decided so far.”
The mayor’s fiftieth birthday party was being held at the Grand Hotel. The guest list included politicians, entertainers, sports figures, businessmen, and women—Denver’s elite. The Stones and the Sherwoods were on the guest list as well. After they finalized the decorations, the menu, the entertainment, and the seating arrangements, the women rose to their feet, and once again, Debra studied Elizabeth before she spoke.
“Because we’re friends, I think you need to know something.”
Elizabeth stiffened, waiting for Debra to tell her that Kevin’s affair with Alexa wasn’t a secret, that everyone knew about it. “What is it?” she asked, hardly daring to breathe.
“Harrison is extremely unhappy with Kevin for various reasons, but first and foremost, he’s stunned by his decision to defend Ray Farmer. Terry saved Harrison’s life when he suffered a heart attack while they were golfing at the Innisbrook resort in Florida. My God, Elizabeth, Kevin was there, too. Harrison would have died if Terry hadn’t responded so quickly. What Kevin is doing is a personal blow to my husband. Believe me, he will be using his power and influence to support the D.A. Harrison wants Ray Farmer convicted and behind bars for the rest of his life. Are you aware that he almost murdered his own wife? She would have died, too, if not for Britain Sherwood, who helped Beth escape from him.”
Debra paused as she shook her head. Elizabeth remained silent from shock and grief that she was a part of this tragedy.
“That’s not the only thing which concerns Harrison,” she continued. “Rumors reached him about Kevin’s bid for mayor next year. He checked them out and discovered they’re true. Kevin already has contributors to his campaign. He’s running, Elizabeth, against Harrison. We knew he was wrangling for a judgeship, but this is an affront to us, to our friendship.”
Elizabeth drew in a sharp breath. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words wouldn’t come.
Concerned, Debra touched her arm. “You had no idea, did you?”
“No,” she replied in a barely audible voice. “No, I didn’t.”
“Talk to Kevin. Please. For all our sakes.”
“I will discuss this with him tonight, Debra. You can count on that.”
Did Debra threaten her? Elizabeth couldn’t decide. After her initial shock, anger swept through her. And oddly, the only person she wanted to confide in was Conner O’Donnell. She sent Kevin a text message informing him of a late meeting she accepted with a client, and they needed to talk as soon as they both arrived home. Kevin texted he’d be home by eight.
Elizabeth didn’t bother responding. She was grateful she didn’t have any meetings planned with clients, for she was too upset to deal with anyone. Sensing her friend’s mood, Lexi interrupted Elizabeth as little as possible.
When Elizabeth rushed out of the shop at five o’clock, Lexi called, “Where are you off to in such a hurry?”
She shivered for no reason, hackles rising once again on her neck. Don’t tell her, an inner voice cautioned. Glancing behind her at Lexi, who had grabbed her things and was right on her heels, Elizabeth pasted a bright, innocuous smile on her face as she replied, “Shopping. There are a few flower stands at the wholesale florist’s shop across town I’d like to buy. It closes at six. I’ll see you tomorrow at the Grand for Andrea Allen’s engagement party. Four o’clock?”
“Got it. See you tomorrow.”
As she drove toward Conner’s office building, Elizabeth couldn’t explain her unexpected reaction to Lexi. Either her paranoia or her intuition had shifted into hyperdrive. By the time Sherri, Conner’s secretary, escorted her into his office, her nerves skittered like live wires.
