Random Acts of Malice (Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries Book 3) by Christy Barritt

Author:Christy Barritt
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: River Heights
Published: 2015-12-07T05:00:00+00:00

* * *

When I got back to my car, I felt even more determined. Maybe it made me stupid. Maybe it made me brave. I didn’t know.

I pulled down the visor in the car and flinched at what I saw. My lip was split. A bruise had already formed around my eyes. My hair looked like a Stylist-of-Doom had practiced her skills on it.

But even more than that was the look in my eyes. My fear was all too evident.

But I couldn’t let fear stop me. Life was too short for that.

I found my purse and tried to cover the imperfections on my face. But every time I touched my sensitive skin, I wanted to cry.

Maybe makeup wasn’t a good option right now. Instead, I pulled my hair back into a ponytail. I grabbed a hat and slid it on, along with sunglasses. I also had a jean jacket in the back that I pulled over my bloodstained shirt. I still wasn’t a pretty sight, but this was going to have to do.

My ribs ached with every motion. My head throbbed. My throat felt swollen. I should have driven to the hospital, but I didn’t have time.

I found the address for Golden Equestrian and headed that way. I didn’t know if I’d get in or not, but I had to at least try.

It took me forty minutes to get there. On the ride, my entire body throbbed. I needed some painkillers, yet I didn’t want to take anything. I needed to remain lucid.

I could do this.

Rolling hills passed as I traveled toward the outskirts of town, deeper into an area that screamed “affluent.” Ancient-looking stone fences surrounded some of the land, and black fences surrounded the rest.

I pulled up to the gate. I knew it was there. I’d seen it when I dropped Jamie off this morning. But, after everything that had happened, I’d forgotten. I needed to get my game face on.

“Can I help you?” a man about my age asked. He had freckles, reddish-brown hair, and a stain on his shirt that could have easily come from the chips and dip behind him.

I licked my lips and tried to smile, but it hurt too much. “I’m here for an interview.”

“Name?”

“Anna Pala . . . wicky.” Palawicky? That was the best I could come up with?

He conferred with his clipboard. “There’s no one named Anna Palawicky on the list.”

“It was a last-minute interview. I assure you, I’m a world-class stall mucker.”

He stared at me a moment before a smile spread across his face. “World class, huh?”

“Only the best for Alexander Cartwright.” I shrugged. “Besides, I really need a job before I get kicked out of my apartment. You know how that goes.”

“Yeah. I do.” He frowned. “Look, James—he’s the stable manager—should be finishing up an interview right now. You can probably squeeze in. He’s in the last building you’ll come to. Just say there was a scheduling mix-up. Okay?”

I attempted another smile. I was certain it wasn’t pretty. “Thank you.

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