<div style="font-size:10pt;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;color:black;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The plot thickens. <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">It isn’t going to be the cop. <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">It isn’t going to be Hamilton. <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">So who <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>could it be?. <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Your making good progress, keeping
the reader in suspense. <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">I’m seriously enjoying this saga.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Martia sub for May<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Chapter 14<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Help Wanted<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">I had used the excuse of a business
call to hasten Claudia’s departure that afternoon, but truth was I was anxious
to telephone Officer Braun as soon as possible to investigate the intrusion of
my office. Regrettably, I would have to reveal my many secrets to Robbie in
order to solicit his help.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Unnerved, I retrieved and reread the
cryptic message that had been left on my desk. “I’M WATCHING YOU.” . Was it
Hamilton messing with my head? I realized that Michelle was threatened because
I was upsetting the status quo, challenging my rival’s position at Millwood. Or
perhaps, I wondered with regret, had my affair with Millwood’s regional sales
manager in Chicago been exposed? <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The <u>reveal</u> would damage his
reputation and jeopardize his marriage. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Shouldn’t this be<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>revelation?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Worse yet, had someone at Millwood
discovered that I was the daughter of a famous television star and was
intending to blackmail me for their silence? I considered, the only people who
had a key to my office were the company’s officers or Pete, Millwood’s security
guard. I had been with Hamilton and Roberts on the factory tour, so it would
seem they were eliminated as suspects. On the other hand, I wouldn’t put it
past Hamilton to recruit Pete to leave me the threatening note. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">I telephoned Robbie and asked him to
meet with me the next morning. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I’m flying to New York City
tomorrow. I know I’ve been avoiding you, Robbie, but I need your professional
advice before I leave town.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">, </span></u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Go
on.” Officer Braun’s response was flat.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <b><u>Why is there a comma
here?<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“The thing is, I’m being threatened.
I don’t know if it’s because of a workplace rivalry, or if someone has
discovered my true identity.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“You’re not making sense,” Robbie
said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“I’ll explain more in the morning.
Can I trust you to keep our meeting confidential?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Of course, Veronica. The coffee
date will be our little secret.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“This is serious,” I said. “I’m
being watched. I don’t know if it’s a prank or if someone is stalking me.
Please, just meet me at 8:00 tomorrow morning at that hole-in-the-wall
breakfast place outside of town. You know the one I mean, on the back road to
Grand Rapids? My flight departs at 11:00.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Having made the call, I began to
second-guess my paranoia. Maybe I hadn’t secured the door when we went on the
factory tour? Yet, Claudia had expressed concerned about her purse. Was I so
distracted by all the unwanted visitors that I had neglected to follow through?
Curious, I tested the lock with my key, clicking the mechanism left then right
repeatedly, when Mr. Reed sauntered by.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Having trouble with the lock,
Veronica?” he asked.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The last thing I wanted was to call
undo attention to my predicament.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“It’s all good, Mr. Reed. “Just
locking up because I’ll be out of town for two weeks.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Hope you nail that interview for me
with the editors of Contract Magazine when we’re in Chicago this June.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“It’s at the top of the list when I
meet with our public relations manager in New York City next week,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Atta girl,” Mr. Reed squeezed my
upper arm like a piece of fruit. I restrained myself from shrugging off his
condescending gesture. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Seated in a worn leather booth at
the back of the dark diner the next morning, I sipped my coffee, anxious for
Braun to meet me as promised. The sleepy clerk glued to a black and white
television set took little interest in her only customer. Fortunately, the
coffee was fresh and strong. When Robbie entered, I waved a hand in relief.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Breakfast is on me,” I said as he
slid into the opposite bench. “I appreciate your time; I know I’m not your
favorite person these days. Nevertheless, can you please promise that you won’t
talk to anyone about what I’m about to tell you?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The clerk perked up and approached
our booth with a broad smile, prepared to take Robbie’s order. She obviously
preferred his business to mine.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Why, Officer Braun. You don’t come
round here often. How about the farmer’s breakfast plate with sausage and
bacon? It’s on the house,” she said, flirting with him like a school girl.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“That’d be fine,” Robbie said, “but
my friend has offered to pay.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Oh? I thought she just wanted
coffee and free refills.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The clerk gazed at Robbie like I was
invisible. Just as well that she might not remember me later, but I needed her
to disappear so Robbie and I could talk.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Tell you what,” I suggested. “I’ll
buy Officer Braun’s breakfast, and there’s a twenty dollar tip in it for you,
too - if you give us complete privacy while he eats. This is a police matter,
right Robbie?” I kicked Braun’s uniformed leg under the table to take his
attention off the chick.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Right, right,” he echoed. “You
didn’t see me here today, Chicky,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The girl pursed her lips behind an
index finger and nodded. “Mum’s the word.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">As soon as the clerk closed the door
to the back kitchen, I said, “I can’t believe you called the girl ‘Chicky’.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“That’s her name. Chicky. Chicky
Fowler. Believe it or not, they call her dad Rooster, swear to God.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Okay, enough local folk lore,” I
said, rolling my eyes. “I don’t have a lot of time. Just let me explain why I
need your help.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“This better be good,” Robbie said.
“You’ve been avoiding me for months. What’s so important about meeting with me
today?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Here’s the thing. The reason I
moved to Doe Lake was to get away from prying eyes. Now, someone at Millwood is
watching me and I need to know why.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Everyone in Doe Lake has been
watching you since the day you came to town, being the good looker you are.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">I silenced Robbie with another kick
under the table as Chicky the chick returned with his platter of eggs, home
fries, buttermilk biscuits, and breakfast meat. She poured him a mug of black
coffee without offering to top off mine. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <b><u>This<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>is a lot for <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>the waitress to<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">  </span>do with that short span of conversation with
Robie.<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Leave the coffee pot and don’t come
back until I ask for the bill,” I said, thumping my mug on the grimy table for
emphasis.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Sounds like you mean business,”
said Robbie, forking a piece of sausage into his mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Just shut up and listen while you
eat. I don’t have all day to make you understand.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Robbie nodded and focused on his
food while I disclosed my bitter workplace rivalry with Hamilton, and then went
on to reveal my sexual indiscretions. When I confided that I was the daughter
of a famous TV star, his eyebrows lifted like a marionette puppet. Otherwise,
his face remained expressionless. If he was surprised, jealous, disappointed,
or taking pleasure in my predicament, he didn’t show it. The consummate cop, I
had to admit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“So, Veronica. Let me see if I’ve
got this right. You’ve been hiding in plain sight from the tabloids in Doe Lake
because, pretty much, no one pays any attention to what happens around here,
right? And, even though you have no intention of sticking around, you’re
pursuing a promotion you don’t need or want just to stick it to Hamilton.
Turning a piece of bacon in the air, he continued to tighten the screws.
“Finally, You think that local boys like me aren’t good enough for your
affection, but a married man from the city is deserving. That about right?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Well, when you put it like that,
yes,” I said, meeting his emerald eyes in defiance. “Don’t judge me, Robbie.
Please, just do your job and figure out who is watching me, and why.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Sure, Ronnie. I think I can
schmooze with the big boys at Millwood. If they know anything about your
identity or affair, they’ll want to brag about it. Hamilton, on the other hand,
is a feral cat. She’ll scratch and claw to protect her territory. But Pete is a
mouse – he’ll talk if I set the trap right.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Don’t let anyone know you’re
snooping around or all hell will break loose.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Robbie smirked at my words. “Nah,
nothing exciting ever happens in Doe Lake, right?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Look, Robbie. I think Doe Lake is a
great town. And you’re a good cop. Maybe, if I’d been born under a different
star, I’d even consider being your girl. But our stars are crossed. I could
never fit in around here. Life in a small town is too predictable. Growing up,
all I’ve known is upheaval and uncertainty. The good news is, I’ll be leaving
Doe Lake soon. After my trust funds are released this summer, I won’t be at the
mercy of my marvelous mother, the prying paparazzi, or horny men enthralled
with my body any more. I have a mind, too, you know. One day, you might even
see my photograph on the cover of a best-selling book.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Robbie shoved his plate aside and
cupped well-manicured fingers around his coffee mug. His puppy dog eyes
regarded me, not like a bitch that he wanted to fuck, but as if he actually
cared about me as a friend. For once, I wasn’t feeling vulnerable to the heat
of his testosterone. If we weren’t meant to be lovers, maybe we could be
friends, I thought. On the other hand …<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Robbie,” I said, “You know there’s
another woman in town who cares for you. I understand why you’re angry with
Claudia over that silly editorial, but it was honest and well-intentioned.
Claudia likes the people in Doe Lake, you know. She could fit in, given time.
She might even sample your venison steak, if you ask nice.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Actually, Claudia called me last
night and asked me over to her place for lunch today. You think maybe she wants
to kiss and make up?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Treat her with respect, Robbie, or
you’ll be hearing from me.” I glanced at my wrist watch. “It’s 9:00. I’ve got a
flight to catch. If you learn anything before I return, call me at the Waldorf.
If I’m not in, leave a message at the front desk and I’ll call you back.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">After slipping two twenty dollar
bills under Robbie’s plate, I thumped my mug three times on the table top and
stood. Robbie blocked my retreat and gave me a warm hug for encouragement.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Thanks for that,” I said. “I’ll
leave you to sort out the change with Chicky.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">* * *<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">With Veronica out of town on
business, Hamilton was intending to lobby Millwood’s president for the
Marketing Director position opening in April. The promotion had been hers until
Veronica landed in Doe Lake like a shooting star. The owners of Millwood,
blinded by Barringer’s beauty, had invited her to apply for the position.
Hamilton had hoped to intimidate her rival, creating so much workplace
animosity that Veronica would quit her job at Millwood and depart Doe Lake, but
Barringer had persisted like an unwelcome pest that needed to be exterminated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Equally pernicious, Michelle
Hamilton wasn’t to be under-estimated. She had more than one weapon up her
sleeve. Hamilton was confident that Millwood’s president could be convinced
that she was the right pick for the job after she reminded Mr. Reed of her
loyalty to the Millwood brand. After all, hadn’t she coerced Doe Lake’s mayor
to look the other way when the company “inadvertently” spilled toxic waste into
a nearby creek the previous year? She had helped Millwood Furniture leverage
its value as the largest taxpayer in the valley to buy the mayor’s silence.
Eventually, the mysterious fish kill had been blamed on a rare algae that
vanished without treatment. Ultimately, if Hamilton was passed over for the
promotion in favor of Veronica, she wouldn’t hesitate to take the story to the
Grand Rapids television station, and Doe Lake’s future as a trendy resort would
be doomed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.75in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">* * *<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.75in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Trying to understand women was
almost impossible, but Robbie figured he was coming around, about as fast as a
large tanker reversing its direction on the open sea. He acknowledte that he
objectified women like Veronica and Claudia based on their appearance, but
women wanted to be appreciated as beautiful, didn’t they? At the same time,
Robbie had already learned the hard way that good looks alone didn’t guarantee
happiness. Why had he thought good lookers from out of town would prove any
different? <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">As Veronica had suggested, Robbie
would take a closer look at Claudia over lunch. He would try to see beyond her
pretty figure and understand her underlying qualities – honesty and good
intentions, strength and stubbornness, perseverance and passion for her ideals.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">If things went well, Robbie wanted
to invite Claudia to join him for the ice fishing contest on Doe Lake later
that month. He was pretty sure she’d never experienced anything like it before.
Sure, she had skied the Rockies and the Midwest hills and valleys, but fishing
through a hole on a frozen lake wasn’t likely anything she’d done before. <o:p></o:p></span></p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></div>