Calculated Deception by K.T. Lee

Author:K.T. Lee [Lee, K.T.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781947870017
Publisher: Vertical Line Publishing, LLC

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Ree kept a tight grip on her wine, trying not to spill it as she laughed at Joanna’s latest work stories. It wasn’t every day you saw a patient with breathing problems because they read on the internet that peanut butter stuffed into their nose would help cure a sinus infection. In the middle of their discussion, Ree's phone vibrated, and she looked down. Usually, she left her phone in her purse when she was with her friends, but given the fact that it was also doubling as a distress beacon, she had it in her pocket.

“Everything okay?” asked Joanna.

Ree's eyes must have conveyed her discomfort as she read Parker’s message, and she quickly improvised with the first thing that came to mind. “Yeah, it's just my sister. She's been having trouble at work.”

“Aw, what’s going on?”

“She’s just dealing with a difficult personality at work, and we've been talking about how to approach it,” Ree diverted. Everyone had a clash of personalities at one time or another, and she wouldn't have to remember the lie she told later.

“We can call her right now if you want. I haven't talked to her in ages!” Joanna offered excitedly. Ivan stood up from the table and Ree watched him leave. Had he heard Parker?

Ree’s palms began to sweat. “I think she has plans tonight.”

Joanna’s face fell. “That’s too bad. You’ll have to tell her hello from us.”

Ree leaned back in her chair to look down the hallway but saw no one. Had Ivan had gone into the kitchen or followed Parker? It had been less than two minutes since Parker sent her the message, which was not enough time to do whatever he was doing. She hadn't seen him bring in any equipment, but even poking around took more time than that. She quickly improvised, “Ivan! I think your wife could use some more wine. I need more funny stories!"

Joanna's glass was still half full, but it had the intended effect of Ivan popping his head out of the kitchen to shake his finger at them.

“And some for Ree, of course,” Joanna offered. She fought a smile. “You don't have to worry, you know.”

“About what?” Ree asked, her head still slightly tilted towards the hallway while trying not to make it obvious that she was looking for Parker.

“What else?” Joanna looked at Ree as if she should already know the answer.

Ree paused, searching her friend’s bemused expression until realization dawned. “Oh, Parker! Yeah, he’s great, right?” How much longer was that man going to take?

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