Page 46 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

When Morgan pulled into the driveway, she noticed Ashley standing in her backyard waiting to help her, and tears stung her eyes. Ashley was such a loyal friend. She’d rescued her from an unstable situation in Florida and given her a chance to start her life over again. Now, here she was ready to help her again.

Morgan stopped the car next to the backyard gate and got the dogs out of the car one by one to bring them inside the yard.

Ben and Lizzy ran out of the house.

“We want to see the dogs,” Lizzy cried.

Ben instantly went to Sid and patted his head while Lizzy knelt beside the two Dachshunds.

“Okay, kids, stay with the dogs while I help Auntie Morgan with her things,” said Ashley.

As soon as they stepped away from the children, Ashley said, “Spill, girl.”

“Let’s get this stuff inside first. Then, I’ll show you the problem,” said Morgan.

The two women made a couple of trips to bring the gear into the apartment, and then Morgan said, “Have a seat.”

As soon as Ashley lowered herself into a kitchen chair, Morgan placed the torn envelope in front of her.

Ashley gave her a puzzled look. “What’s this?”

“Open it,” said Morgan, sitting down.

“Wow! Where did all this money come from? How much is it?” asked Ashley.

“I haven’t had time to count it, but it’s a lot,” Morgan said. “A tough-looking man delivered it for Brad. He told me to tell him he’s a friend of someone named Nick Carelli. It looks like a bribe.”

“Not a payoff,” said Ashley. “Either way, it’s not good. Have you told Brad?”

“I asked him to call me,” Morgan said. “I know he was scheduled into the evening with meetings.”

“When is he due home?” Ashley asked.

“Not for a couple of days. But now, he may need to return early. We’ll see. In the meantime, I don’t feel safe being there. The man said they’d be keeping an eye on Brad.”

Ashley shuddered. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

“Me, either. I was so scared I almost couldn’t walk back into the house because my legs felt so weak,” Morgan admitted. “The man terrified me. The way he looked at me, the way he talked, was like something from a creepy television show. I still can’t believe this is happening.”

“Oh, Morgan. Sometimes, life can seem overwhelming. This is one of those times. But you know I’ll help you in any way I can. I’d hate anything bad to happen to either you or Brad.”

The adrenaline that had filled Morgan drained away, leaving her weak and scared.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Morgan had just placed three dog bowls on the kitchen floor, loaded with their supper, when her cell phone rang.

“Hi, Morgan? What’s up?” asked Brad.

“I had a terrible experience this afternoon with a man who claimed to be a friend of Nick Carelli’s,” she said and waited for a response from him.

It was quiet for a moment, and then Brad said, “What did he want?”

“To give you some money. What’s going on?” Morgan was certain he would never take a bribe or be paid off for something he did, but her pulse pounded with apprehension as she waited for him to speak.

“I know exactly what he wants, and he can’t buy me off,” said Brad. “I’ll have to report this, hand over the money to a proper authority, and recuse myself from the case. Before moving here, I was representing Nick’s wife and son in a custody hearing.”

“The man who delivered it was scary,” said Morgan. “He told me that they’d be keeping an eye on you. That’s when I packed up your dogs and brought them to my apartment. They’re eating dinner now. All the dogs seem content to be here. I was too frightened to stay at your house, and I don’t think you should go there yourself until things are settled. You’re welcome to stay here. It’s a little crowded but very workable.”