“You could have picked a cheaper jeweler.”

“I know, but where’s the fun in that?” Fran said as she walked to the door. “Look, I have to head out, but I can be reached by mobile if you need me. All right?”

“Hold on. You may as well take this with you,” Addison said, holding out a manila folder.

Fran went over and took the file. “What’s this?”

“My doctor’s report.”

“I’m impressed,” Fran said, hiding her amusement as she tucked the folder under her arm. “I didn’t think you’d follow through with it.”

“I didn’t think I had a choice,” Addison growled as she turned her attention back to the papers in front of her. “And I will expect hers on my desk tomorrow morning.”

“It’ll be there.”

“It sure as hell better be.”

***

Prior to Oliver Kane’s death, Evelyn Ward’s position was that of the housekeeper. In charge of all the female staff members, she oversaw the cleaning and upkeep of the interior of the home, while the rest of the servants, along with the budget, scheduling, and payroll were handled by Oliver’s butler, Hugo Marwick. A portly man with bushy, gray mutton chops, Mr. Marwick had never hidden his dislike for Addison over the years, but when Oliver Kane died, Hugo became the master of the bootlickers. Much to his dismay, it didn’t work. Seeing no need to fill her home with those who had scorned her, a few days after her father’s funeral, Addison marched into the house and fired everyone except for Evelyn Ward.

Evelyn was the only constant in Addison’s life. She was the only face that had never changed, the only smile that had never been false, and the only person who had ever spoken only the truth, no matter how hard, and Addison respected that. While she didn’t always appreciate Evelyn’s stern looks and scolding tones during her adolescence, Addison knew in her heart the woman did it because she cared. So, that afternoon after dismissing all those whom she couldn’t trust, she turned to the only one she could and allowed her defenses to weaken. Her staunch exterior faded for only a few moments, but it was enough time for Evelyn to see an old friend. The little girl who liked to hide appeared when Addison flashed a quick smile as she began to speak, and seconds later, racking her brain for just the right words, her expression reminded Evelyn of a teenager, desperate to understand her lessons.