“That works.”
“I think it’s too fitted and short.”
“You’re not seventy years old, Lani. Who knew you had a nice body and legs? You’re always hiding behind those baggy clothes.”
“Don’t hold back.”
“I won’t. Now for shoes.”
“No way are we the same size, and even if we are, I’m not wearing something like those.” Lani pointed at Katie’s feet.
“I have lower heels, and I think a wedge will be better for you, so you don’t break your neck.”
Once she’d loved heels. Loved makeup and dressing up.
“Try these.”
Lani sat on the bed and put on the sandals. At least she’d cut her toenails last night.
“They fit. Excellent.” Katie clapped her hands.
“Hello!”
“In here, Cubby,” Katie replied.
Lani panicked. Getting to her feet, she had the urge to run.
“Hey, it’s all right, Cubby is one of the good guys.” Katie put an arm around her shoulders. “Now you need to sit down here, and I’ll do your hair and makeup.”
What the hell was she doing? Why was she allowing this?
“We need to go, Katie, or we’ll be late.” The sheriff of Lake Howling appeared in the doorway. He wore dress pants and pale blue button-down shirt and still looked authoritative. “Oh hey there, Lani, I wondered why Buddy was sleeping on the sofa.”
“I’m doing a makeover on her,” Katie said, applying something to Lani’s face. “Be ready in five.”
“No worries, take your time.”
“I—ah, I was out walking—”
“And I hijacked her.”
“She’s forceful,” Cubby said to Lani before leaving them. She heard him talking to Buddy.
She felt Katie put on eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. Then something glossy on her lips. She then plugged in her straightening iron.
“I don’t think—”
“Excellent, not thinking is the way to go. I wish a few more of our community took your advice,” Katie said, picking up a lock of Lani’s hair.
“I can see why you’re in the line of work you are.”
“I learned to be forceful when I went to LA. Spoilt little girl that I was, I got a shock when everyone didn’t fall at my feet, but I soon learned to be heard.”
“You lived in LA?”
“I trained and lived there for years. Now, Lani, I hope you don’t mind, but I’m a straight talker and I want to say a few things.”
“About what?”
