Between the Lies (Book One - The Northern Lights Series) by Joy DeKok

hand for the paper in Newman’s fist.
    “Everything is in order,” Michelle said. They want to take your red evening gown, and shoes as well as any other clothing you’re willing to part with.”
    Harper led the group in and said, “I see you’ve done our work for us.
    “I’d like to take all of these clothes with me, if you don’t mind,” Newman said, eyeing the bags the way a parched man would look at a glass of water. Anything he said irritated me, so I nodded at Michelle and let her take the lead. She gave him explicit instructions about what to do with the items when they were done with them.
    Once Newman and Lloyd were on the elevator, Harper said, “I need to talk to you two. I know it’s late, but I could really use a cup of coffee.”
    We rode the elevator in silence, not uncomfortable, just quiet. Once we sat down, Harper asked, “Does Michelle know about the roses and vases?”
    “No. I haven’t had time to fill her in,” I answered.
    “Please do now,” Harper said. “We all need to have the same information.”
    I told Michelle about the roses, the notes, and the ghost-like way in which they came and went.
    “Someone knows too much about Olivia’s past and has easy access to the apartment,” Harper said.
    Michelle said very little, but she took notes on her legal pad. I found her action reassuring and official. Lawyers who believe in someone should do that.
    When our cups were empty, Michelle got up to leave. “Here’s a business card for a realtor I trust, Olivia. Tell her exactly what you want, and if there’s anything close to it in the state, she’ll find it for you. If what Harper says is true, a move sooner than later will be good for both you and Alan. I know this feels like we’re pushing you out, and you do have up to a year to vacate, but Alan’s reasons for pushing this are the constant presence of the press and the visits from law enforcement might make clients nervous. If you leave, they might take their business elsewhere. I know that’s not your problem, but I promised him I’d bring these things to your attention. ”
    Then she turned to Harper. “From now on, if you want to talk to Olivia, keep me in the loop.”
    Harper accepted the business card and asked me, “Is that the way you want to work this?”
    “No. Michelle, I’ve been under the control of the Lyons family for too long. If Harper needs to see me or calls with an update, I’ll call you for advice.”
    “Fine. Be sure you do.”
    * * *
    As soon as Michelle was gone, I crumpled up her realtor’s business card.
    “You don’t want to move?” Harper asked.
    “I do, but I do not want the Lyons’ realtor looking for me. I want to do this on my own.”
    Harper nodded and then asked, “What’s up with her?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “She seemed more nervous than you are. Her face twitched a little when you mentioned the vases,” Harper said.
    I shrugged and said, “Michelle was abrupt, but this whole thing is wrapped in stress.”
    “I think moving is a great idea,” Harper said.
    “You do?” I arched my eyebrows and hope rose inside me.
    She nodded and said, “There’s something I don’t like about that apartment. Someone knows you live there, knows how to get in, get out, and is watching you. I’d really like to get Newman’s team in there to search for bugs. Are you open to that?”
    “I am.”
    The thought of being listened to and maybe even watched terrified me, but the urgency to flee wiped out the hope moving away brought. At least here I had Lloyd and his guys watching me. Moving meant I’d be on my own.
    “Okay. I’ll let the FBI know what Alan is requesting you vacate the premises, and about my concerns regarding the apartment. Do yourself a favor and call Newman. Tell him everything in your own words. Call him tonight.”
    “I will,” I said.
    “I’ll update him on everything up to this point,” she continued. “But he needs to hear your side of the story. He likes