Barbara Levenson - Mary Magruder Katz 03 - Outrageous October Read Online Free PDF Page A

relationship that we had is over, ended, finished. Do not phone me, e-mail me, or attempt to see me at the office or anywhere else.
    Next I outlined everything I had to do to leave quickly for Vermont. I made a list of work things to do and house things to do. The clock read five-thirty a.m. when I finished the paper work. Time to shower, and feed and walk Sam, who was thrilled that he was partaking of an early breakfast, My appetite began to return. I downed toast and two cups of strong coffee.
    I was seated at my desk by seven-thirty and had already called the messenger service when Catherine arrived.
    “What are you doing here so early?” she asked,
    “I had a bad night. What’s your excuse?”
    “I had to have the boys at school early for soccer practice so I came here instead of going back home.”
    Catherine had a sixth sense when it came to detecting troubles. “What’s going on? Is it Carlos?”
    “Oh, yes, it’s that lying untrustworthy Carlos. I caught him having dinner with Margarita last night. His business dinner turned out to be a cozy fling with the ever-present ex. Listen, Catherine, I’ve called the messenger service. I’m sending back his ring. I’m really through with him. And do not discuss this with Marco, or you’ll be looking for a new job.”
    “Mary, you know I’d never do anything you didn’t want me to do. You know I will always take your side. I understand about cheating partners. I lived it with my ex.”
    “I guess you do understand after your ex, that louse, Brady, walked out on you and the two babies and ended up with some bimbo in Ft. Lauderdale.”
    “Sure, I know the whole feeling; blaming yourself, blaming him, but at least you never made things permanent.”
    “Lucy has offered me her house in Vermont. I need to get away, so I’m taking her up on it. I’m going to get out of here as fast as I can.”
    “What can I do to help? What about the office?”
    “I want you to keep it open. Get Joe Fineberg on the phone. He can take over my cases and interview any new clients for a couple of weeks. He owes me a favor now that he and Liz Maxwell have finally tied the knot. And I’ll want you to check my house from time to time. Sam and I will be out of here in a day or two.”
    “Of course. Anything else?”
    “Yes, do not tell Carlos where I am. I need time to let this broken heart heal.”
    “Mary, I’ll miss you. Please, don’t stay away too long.”
    “I can’t leave my work for too long or I’ll have no practice to return to. I just need some quiet time, and Lucy tells me nothing ever happens in High Pines.”

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    CHAPTER
    TEN
    Two days after the disaster dinner. I had the Ford almost packed. Keys to the house were left with Catherine and my neighbor, Mrs. Armando, who didn’t believe that I was just going on vacation. She probably thought I was being run out of town because of my colorful clients.
    Sam was bathed and brushed. My files were left in Joe’s capable hands and Catherine had a list of instructions for every kind of office disaster imaginable and even a few unimaginable, like a hurricane and a tsunami both aimed directly at my office.
    Only one thing was left to do. I went to the phone. “Hi Mother. Would it be okay if I came up there for dinner and spent the night?” I’ll tell you why when I see you.”
    “Well, of course it’s great, but your dad won’t be home until late. It’s his poker night.”
    “Good. It’ll be just us girls. See you later.”
    I finished loading the car with water and Sam’s food. I threw in a blanket and the few cold weather clothes I had packed away for trips up north in winter to depose witnesses. I loaded Sam’s crate in last and whistled for him to jump in. He loved riding and the crate was a sign that this was a longer ride, not just to the cleaners or grocery store.
    The house was as cleaned up as it had ever been. I made one last round through the rooms checking windows and doors. The checklist for