Betrayal - Fern Michaels [114]
She was excited that Coleman was helping her. She would call Gertie. There was nothing more to hide.
She punched in the number.
“Hello,” Gertie said. In the background, the dogs were barking up a storm.
“It’s Kate, Gertie. I take it I caught you at the kennel?”
“Yes, these little critters. They want their food. Why are you calling back so soon? You’re not in jail, are you? If you are, I would hire that same attorney Alex had. The one in Florida. He’ll be able to help you.”
“Gertie! First, I’m not in jail, so you can stop worrying. Secondly, I’m calling to give you the good news.”
“Okay, lay it on me.”
“I’m calling off the plot. Things have changed. Oh, Gertie, I feel like such an idiot! All these years. I could’ve been helping you. I could have done a number of things. All I wanted was revenge. Why didn’t you try and stop me? Never mind. Don’t answer that. You did. I know that.” Kate paused to take a breath.
“Well, I don’t know what changed your mind, but whatever it is, I’m glad. Now when are you coming home?”
Kate hadn’t thought that far ahead. She didn’t really know where home was at the moment.
“I don’t know. I’m still working on some things here. Gertie, Coleman Fitzpatrick is here. He’s helping me.” Kate waited.
“Gertie, did you hear me?” Kate asked.
“Yes, yes, I heard you. I thought you said you were finished with your schemes and plots. What in the world did you go and involve a legal man in all this mess for?”
Kate laughed. So like Gertie.
“He’s not involved in any scheming. As you said, he’s a man of the law. He’s going to help me make things right. Sort of undoing what I’ve done, but in a different way. A legal way this time.”
“So, has this Fitzpatrick kissed you yet?”
“Not hardly! Why would you ask such a silly question?”
“You sound happy, Kate. For the first time since Alex’s death, you sound like the old Kate. The happy Kate. When you said ‘Fitzpatrick,’ something in your voice changed. I know these things, dear.”
“Well, I like the man. I’ll admit that. He’s a wonderful friend. And to answer your question, no, he has not kissed me!” The kiss on her hand didn’t count. Or did it? She’d had such a reaction. She felt silly. Like a schoolgirl.
“As soon as he does, I’ll know. I’ll be able to tell. And, Kate, don’t drive this man off with your need for revenge. Second chances only come around once. Now, I have a crew of animals to care for. Call me soon.”
Kate smiled as she replaced the phone in the cradle. Gertie knew her better than anyone. She hadn’t had a chance to examine her feelings for Coleman. Whatever they were, they were still at the brewing stage. If asked, she had to admit she was attracted to him. He was the first man since Alex that she’d allowed herself to get close to. And it had only been a few days, but there was something simmering between them. When this was all over, she would take a closer look at her feelings. But first she needed to right the wrongs she’d been focused on for so many years.
She spent the next few minutes defragging her computer. That might take a while, so she was ready to implement round two of her plan.
This was going to be the hardest part. She and Coleman had gone over it until she was blue in the face. There was no other way.
She’d made a late-night trip to Wal-Mart. What would people do without the Wal-Marts around the world? Open all night for people like her. She’d purchased color stripper and a hair color as close to her own as she could find.
Now, as she stood in front of the bathroom mirror waiting for the solution to work its magic, she wondered what Debbie’s reaction would be when she walked into her office. Would she put two and two together? Would she recognize her as Kate Ramsey, the woman who’d looked at her condo?
It didn’t matter. Either way, she