Betrayal - Fern Michaels [93]
He would make one more attempt to find Kate. If not, well, he’d cross that bridge when he had to.
Chapter 26
Kate stopped at a Burger King, had a quick bite, then headed back into Debbie’s office. She would put a down payment on the condo if that was what it took to get her into Debbie’s presence. She’d continue with her plan, no matter what. But female to female, Kate knew if the wannabe beauty queen didn’t recognize her, then she was good to go.
Kate waited in the parking lot for another half hour to kill some time; she didn’t want to seem too eager. She brushed her hair and reapplied her lip gloss. She added a touch more blush to her cheeks. Five minutes later she was in the reception area for the second time.
“Mrs. Ramsey, you’re a little early. I’m not sure if Randi’s back from her last showing. I’ll check.”
Rocket wasn’t the most common name. Ramsey was her maiden name, so she felt comfortable using it. If she tried to pass herself off as Cindy Lou Who or Suzy Q, she wouldn’t be able to keep up with her own lies. It was best to keep it simple.
Kate remained at the reception desk. She peered down the long hallway, hoping to catch a glimpse of the owner, but the door to her office was closed. Did this mean she was in and working, or did the other associates keep the door to the boss’s office closed when she was out of the office? Kate would see if she could pick up anything from—she leaned back to look at the nameplate by the girl’s computer—Melanie. Yes, Melanie liked to gossip. She was back. “Randi isn’t here. Why don’t you relax with a magazine while you wait. We’ve got all the current issues.”
“Uh, you know, Melanie, I could use a Coke or something cool to drink. Would it be okay if I waited in the kitchen area?”
“Oh, I’m so sorry! Of course. How rude of me. Mrs. Winter would kill—”
“What am I going to kill you for this time, young lady?” Debbie Winter asked as she rounded the corner.
“Oh, uh nothing. Mrs. Winter, I was just telling Mrs. Ramsey that she could wait in the kitchen. She’s got an appointment with Randi, but she isn’t back from the last showing.”
Kate stood three feet away from Debbie. She hadn’t even glanced her way. She was still Debbie. Too much makeup, though Kate thought her clothes were fine. She wore a pair of white linen slacks with a pale pink blouse. Pink sandals matched her blouse. She’d learned a bit of style since she’d seen her last.
Debbie glanced at her watch. “What time is the showing? I may be able to take, what did you say your name was?” Debbie asked Kate.
“Mrs. Ramsey. Kate Ramsey.” She waited for some sign of recognition. So far so good.
“Tell Randi to report to my office when she returns. It shouldn’t take this long. Mrs. Ramsey, I would be happy to show you the property. I’m Debbie Winter, the owner.” She held out a professionally manicured hand.
Kate was nervous, but didn’t want it to show, “If you’re sure. I wouldn’t want to cause you to neglect any of your clients.” The Southern accent was strong. Kate hoped Debbie didn’t pick up on its falseness, even though she thought she sounded okay.
“No, I’ve cleared my calendar for the day. I was about to go home. Melanie, get me the paperwork on Mrs. Ramsey.”
“I had a condo I wanted to see.”
“Yes, but if you’re not happy with it, we can see if we have something else listed as well. Mrs. Ramsey, let me let you in on a secret. Property in Naples is hard to come by. If you see something you like, you’d best snatch it up. It goes like that.” She snapped her manicured