Page 6 of Dangerous Liaisons

“I’ll need you in court to get the order lifted,” he said. “Oh, and keep in mind, don’t touch any of the funds.”

Her heart rate increased. He wasn’t talking about the trust fund, but was covertly warning her away from the endowment she’d set up four years ago to fund research for autistic kids. Barrett had insisted he not be put in charge of the grant in case he was compromised as her attorney. Seems he’d been right.

“You don’t want to lose control,” he said.

So Lanton hadn’t found the endowment fund—yet.

Jesse recalled the two hundred thousand dollar Cayman account under her name—an account that wasn’t hers. She’d discovered the account while digging through Lanton’s financials along with a two million dollar Swiss account in his name. She had yet to connect the two accounts, but there was no doubt he had set up the Cayman account to look like she’d taken a payoff.

“Understood,” she said into the phone.

“Keep in touch,” Barrett said.

“Thanks.” She closed the phone.

Jesse stared out the window as if deep in thought, her attention on the nearby motorists. She had known her covert lifestyle would catch up with her, but hadn’t expected it to be so soon, or so violent. At thirty, she couldn’t imagine doing anything else. That’s what she got for watching all those old spy movies.

“Thank you, Mrs. Peel,” she whispered, remembering all too vividly night after night of late TV with The Avengers. “And how do you propose I get out of this?”

Ah, yes, The Professor. If he couldn’t help, no one could.