Page 41 of Hidden Trial

“Hang on,” she called out in a scolding voice. “Yes, it’s been more than fifteen minutes, but it was impossible for me to get back to my room, have a shower, and be ready for you.” She was still talking when she opened the door. Will was holding a large box in his arms. “That’s my study material?”

“Sure is.” He pushed past her and dropped the box on the floor near the couch. “Should keep you busy for a while.”

“Great.” She beamed.

“Great?”

“Yeah. I’m going to soak my feet, make a nice hot cup of coffee, and start reading. A nice, peaceful way to spend the rest of the day.”

“I’m glad to hear it. But don’t get too comfortable. I’ve got a job for you.”

“Are you serious? You’re doing this on purpose. You told me I would spend the rest of the day on this stuff.”

“Did I? I don’t remember. Look at it as another lesson. In this job, plans change all the time. You need to stay on your toes and be ready for anything.”

“How is it you can make my life miserable and then spin it to make it sound like I’m the bad guy for complaining?”

“It’s a gift.”

“What’s the job?”

“It’s a two-for-one deal. I’m working on another case, and I need to speak to someone who won’t be too happy to see me. It would help if you came with me.”

“You mean like a buffer?”

“Kind of.”

“Am I going as Maddison? You said it’s a different case.”

“Yeah. No Maddison on this one. You can be Charlotte if you like. We try to use our names if we can. Makes things easier.”

“What about clothes? I don’t have much of my own.”

“Maddy’s will work the same—or, mostly. Actually, I’ll pick something out for you.”

“I thought you weren’t any good with fashion.”

“This isn’t about fashion. It’s about presentation.”

“They’re not the same?”

“When you see what I’ve picked out, you’ll understand.”

“Why are you making that face?”

“What face?”

“The face that says you expect to be apologizing at any moment. You’re going to make this as uncomfortable as possible for me, aren’t you?”

“It’s not on purpose. I swear.”

“Great. Then you’d better prepare me. What is it you expect me to wear out in public? I do have lines that I refuse to cross.”

“I understand.”

“So?”

“I promise I won’t make it worse than it has to be.”

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