Champagne Brunch: The Stiletto Sisters Series by Ainsley Claire (easy readers .txt) 📗

likely. I’ve spoken to President Bolden about it, and he’s not in favor, but the pressure is on him and the secretary of state. They want the Russians to release a mother of two young girls who was visiting her college roommate for a wedding. They exchanged a flash drive, and she was found guilty with almost no trial and sentenced to sixteen years of hard time. There’s also a man from Wisconsin who’s accused of a murder spree in a part of Russia he never visited. Then there’s a former US Marine who was on a cruise that stopped in Saint Petersburg. He’s accused of being a spy and trying to form a coup against the government. It’s hard to balance these human rights abuses with the need to bring Viviana to justice.”

“When do they interview you?” I ask Nate.

“A week from tomorrow.”

“Make sure you’re safe,” I tell him.

“Definitely.” He takes a deep pull on his beer.

I nod. “Who’s interviewed next?” Axel asks.

“They had Mia on the docket for the rest of the week, so the attorneys will deal with some outstanding issues, and we’re back on Monday,” Marci says. “I have Mason that day. Tuesday will be Caroline and Claire Walsh. Then Wednesday we have Jackson and Landon, followed by Nate on Thursday. No meetings on Friday.”

“Is Katrina on the list?” I ask.

“She is, but if they’re not going to actually question anyone, it will be easy. I’m not sure I agree with Walker’s thinking, though.” Marci looks over at him and shrugs. “I say you’re the most powerful witness for both the prosecution and the defendant. They let you go for now because you’ll be their star witness at the trial. You were obviously close to Viviana, and you knew her as a totally different person. They’ll claim the person you knew is really her, and she just got caught up in something that turned out to be more than she could handle. So, she needs pity, not prosecution.” Marci rolls her eyes.

I sit back hard in the barstool chair. “That’s very sneaky.”

Walker kisses Marci on the forehead. “I don’t think they’re as smart as Marcella is.” He looks at her with adoring eyes, and my heart warms.

I know that’s what I want. It’s what I deserve.

“You both look exhausted,” Lilly says after a moment.

“We should get going,” Axel says to me.

I nod. I do want to go with him. “Peter will drive us home.” I turn to Lilly. “I put my clothes in the trash in your bathroom. I don’t want them back. They’re destroyed.” I raise my arms in the sweatshirt. “I’ll get this back to you in a few days.”

Lilly waves that away. “I have lots of yoga pants. I won’t be lost without those, and Nate always likes people wearing a Navy sweatshirt over an Army one.” She winks at me.

“Thank you.” I lean down and give her a fierce hug. “I really appreciate it.”

“Any time,” Nate says. “We’re so glad you and Marci weren’t seriously hurt.” He looks over at Axel, who nods in agreement.

Axel finds his jacket, and we walk outside to find Peter standing by my Mercedes. As he opens the door, he steps in and pulls me into a big hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay. I think Frank and the kids are making cookies or something to celebrate.”

“Thank you. I’m glad too.”

Axel scoots into the backseat behind me, and I reach for his hand. I could be angry at him, but that’s not what I want. I want to talk through this and make sure we can move forward. He’s been stressed and dealing with his sister’s troubles, and if anything, today taught me not to let the little things get to me. Axel and I haven’t been dating long, so there are bound to be some bumps in the road. I mean, my life is a mess.

I lean my head against his shoulder, and he laces our hands together, turning my insides all mushy.

“Where to, Ms. Couture?” Peter asks.

I look at Axel.

“It’s up to you,” he says. “We can go back to my house or to yours. Or you can drop me at my place and go on to yours. But I do need to tell you, my house is complete chaos, and the kids are not going to let you sleep late.”

I nod. “My house, Peter.”

I watch the lights of downtown San Francisco as we cross the Golden Gate Bridge, and again, I’m grateful to be home.

When we arrive at my condo and Peter has checked every room to make sure things are safe, he gives me another hug. “Jim has strict instructions. You’re not to go anywhere without someone from our team until Clear has a better idea of what happened today.”

I nod. “I understand.”

Peter bobs his head at Axel. “He doesn’t count. I’ll wait until Jennifer arrives. She should be here in ten minutes and can sleep on the couch.”

“She can have the guest room,” Axel says. “If anyone is sleeping on the couch, it will be me.”

I smile and try not to be disappointed. I’m sure he’s just being gentlemanly. I suppose we do have a few things to talk about, and I’m too tired to think about it now.

“I’ll be sure she knows,” Peter says, eyeing Axel.

“I have two guest rooms, so you’re both fine,” I say.

Axel takes my arm and walks me to my room. “You look exhausted,” he says. “Sleep well. I’ll be here if you need anything and when you wake in the morning.”

I nod and shut the door behind me. I don’t even pause to change or brush my teeth. I crawl beneath my sheets and immediately crash.

Chapter 26

Axel

I texted Jeremy earlier to let him know Mia was okay,