Page 44 of The Fragile Truth
“Amen,” Lizette punched out.
Sadie could certainly agree with that. Oh, how she wished that Ian would give her a second chance.
An edge of disapproval crept into Lizette’s voice. “How are Talon and Effie doing?”
“They’re blissfully happy together,” Madeline answered.
Lizette grunted. “That second-rate designer will never be good enough for Talon.”
Fire flashed in Madeline’s eyes. “Effie is a fabulous designer, and I like her.” She glared at Lizette, daring her to disagree.
Lizette rocked back, blinking fast. With her red hair and flaming face, she reminded Sadie of an overripe tomato. “Um, I meant no disrespect.” It was interesting to see the pecking order. Madeline was obviously the one in control of the relationship.
Lizette flicked her wrist, her expression going pained. “I just hate seeing Sylvia so upset.”
Sadie busied herself with cutting up fruit to place on a platter as she listened to the women talk. She wondered if Banks would tell Madeline about finding her in his study.
“What about Marcus Harding? I heard he was crazy about Sylvia.”
“He is,” Lizette answered. “I guess we’ll have to see how things go when Sylvia gets back.” A crafty expression came over Lizette’s face as she cut her eyes at Madeline. “How did Talon and Effie take the news of Lina’s escape?”
Madeline tensed, but her voice remained casual. “They’re a little nervous.”
“I can understand that.”
“We’ll all be glad when Lina is caught,” Madeline finished.
“Do the police have any leads on Lina’s whereabouts?” Interest shimmered in Lizette’s eyes. It was obvious that she thrived on gossip.
Madeline threw Sadie a subtle glance. “Unfortunately, no,” she answered.
“Hopefully, it won’t be long before that witch is caught,” Lizette chimed in. Her voice dripped with outrage. “I still can’t believe that she tried to murder Effie.”
“That woman has no scruples,” Madeline muttered.
Lizette’s voice turned conspiratorial. “Who do you think bailed her out of jail?”
Madeline’s eyes narrowed. “I wish I knew.”
“Hello,” Banks called as he strolled into the room.
“Darling,” Madeline exclaimed as she got up from her seat and went to greet him with a kiss and hug. “It’s great to have you home,” she breathed with genuine emotion.
“It’s great to be home.”
A moment later, Banks turned his attention to Lizette. “Hello,” he began, giving her a kiss on the cheek and a partial hug. “How’s Carter doing?”
“Great,” Lizette chimed. “He and Wesley are out golfing.”
Sadie half expected Banks to scowl at her or make some snide remark about the incident in the study, but he didn’t. In fact, he blatantly ignored Sadie. He, Madeline, and Lizette moved into the living room. After the fruit was done, Sadie put plastic wrap over it and placed it into the fridge. Next, she cleaned up the kitchen and prepared to leave.
A wave of loneliness overtook her as she thought about the approaching weekend. She would love nothing more than to go back to the beach with Ian. He’d sent her a text earlier saying that he’d stop by her house around eight p.m. to get a report. Maybe she should order a pizza just in case she could talk him into staying and watching a movie.
She stopped by the living room on her way out to let Madeline know she was leaving.
“We’ll need to talk about the prep for Wesley’s party,” Lizette said.
Banks frowned. “What party?”