Page 186 of Ice Princess

“Unfortunately, the real world isn’t so kind to bleeding hearts. After doing this for so long, you start to get a little burnt out.” Carol glances at me reluctantly. “She’s got a lot to learn, but… I know what you mean, Rodney. I see it too.”

Stunned, I look at Carol Kinsey with new eyes. I see the makeup and powder seeping into the fine lines around her eyes and mouth. I see the hands that are perfectly manicured and the bold red lipstick that she probably reapplied in the bathroom.

For the first time ever, I push aside my innate hatred for the Kinseys to see the woman beneath the coiffed hair and the overblown status.

Carol Kinsey started the Lady Luck Society wanting to help people and—even if we disagree on the specific type of people who need the help—community service is something we have in common.

“I knew Rebel was special the moment I saw her,” Benji says, his eyes glistening as he looks at me.

I shift uncomfortably.

Carol Kinsey clears her throat and mumbles, “It’s probably whymy sonis so crazy about her.”

I look up in shock. Did Carol Kinsey just put Benji in his place?

Benji shirks back as if he’s been spanked and Rodney quickly steps in. To me, he says, “Do you like being a member of the Lady Luck Society, Rebel?”

I feel Carol staring at me.

“There’s a lot about the Society that I like and other things I don’t,” I admit honestly. “No organization is perfect but…”

I feel rather than see Carol hold her breath.

“… we’re on the same team. And yeah. Carol is amazing at what she does and there’s a lot I can learn from her.”

I mean that sincerely. The way she handled this discussion with the donor today is undeniable. She was classy, calm, and kept her control. I don’t have that level of finesse nor the experience that she does.

Rather than fight her, which will only waste energy that could be used to serve more people, if I study her instead, there’s no telling how many families can be impacted for good.

Slowly, Carol’s lips curl upward. “I’ll drink to that.”

I lift my own glass in her direction and empty every last drop.

CHAPTER

FIFTY-FIVE

GUNNER

A lone cabinsits at the end of a trail deep in the woods. I’m parked in a conveniently well-hidden grove, waiting for any signs of Uncle Clancy sneaking around, and so far, nothing seems out of the ordinary.

Not that I’m fooled.

Uncle Clancy’s land is farther from town than all the others in the Kinsey portfolio and, back when the assets were being divided, everyone applauded him for choosing this less valuable estate.

But I know different.

Shadowy trees and thick foliage make this the perfect place to hide a body.

Or bury the contents of a will.

“How much longer do we stay out here staring at nothing?” Renthrow grumbles.

I put the binoculars down. “You’re the one who volunteered to come.”

“Because I’ve always wanted to be part of a stakeout,” he mumbles. “But now I regret it.”

I survey the woods around the cabin. “Are you worried about Gordie?”

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