Page 86 of Charmed Forces

“The pink dress in the corner with one shoulder.”

I glanced over at it. “There’s hardly any material on it!”

Lily pulled a face. “That’s why you bought it. Duh!”

I laughed. “I want to carry a weapon in case things don’t go as planned. I don’t think I can conceal one under that dress.”

“Should I carry a weapon too?”

It was my turn to frown. “Do you have one?”

“No.”

“I’m not expecting you to be anywhere you shouldn’t be. Actually, I want you front and center, causing a distraction.”

“You got it. Fainting. Falling in a pool. Starting a fire... I’ve got your back.”

“Maybe a little less extreme.”

Lily snorted. “Let’s see what happens.”

I pulled out a dark purple mini dress and held it against me so I could see the reflection. The sides were ruched and deeply flattering and the neckline was draped. There was enough space to carry my gun and easily conceal a wire. If there was space for my phone it would have been perfect.

“I like it,” said Lily. “What purse are you going to carry?”

“A beaded clutch. The one with the jeweled clasp. Where’d I put it?” I wondered as I scanned my purse shelf.

Lily sighed. “I’ll bring it with me.”

“Did I lend it to you?”

“Absolutely,” said Lily with a decisive nod. “I’ll trade you for the straw tote I see on your shelf.”

“It’s yours. I borrowed it when we went to Lake Pierce last month.”

“Fair trade then. Shall I pick you up? Or do you want to Uber?”

“Neither. Solomon will drive us, drop us off, and park around the corner as backup.”

“I feel very comfortable with that. Plus, we can make a fast getaway and we don’t even need to stretch the truth with him. Not yet anyway. Although I’m surprised he went for this plan.”

“He can’t think of another way to get into Tom Victor’s private residence. He knows it’s the best ruse for us.”

“Great. Do not, under any circumstances, tell Jord.”

“Where did you tell him you were going tonight?”

“To your house because you’re ‘upset’,” she said, adding air quotes. “He’s taking Poppy to your mom and dad’s. I’ll be with you by six.”

“Wait. You haven’t told me what you’re wearing yet.”

“Coral dress, coral heels, coral lipstick.”

“Damn.”

“I feel a little bad that we’re using Louise’s engagement party as cover, but not bad enough not to look like a distraction. It’s not like we’ll be invited to the wedding, which is a shame because I do love weddings. Do you think we’ll be invited?”

“I think we’ll have wrapped the case up by then,” I said.