Page 40 of Cursed Fox

I watched as Maisie packed up the scones, plus a few other desserts I was sure Nancy might love. By the time it was all said and done, we were leaving with two big boxes of stuff.

"It was nice to meet you, Maisie."

"Nice to meet you too. We’ll have to get together sometime outside of this place."

"I'd like that." And based on Nancy's smile, it was a genuine response.

Once we were back out on the sidewalk, Nancy looked down at the boxes. "I can't wait to try all this stuff. No wonder my ass is so big."

I placed a hand on her arm, stopping her from walking any further. "You say that like it's a bad thing. I happen to like that ass of yours."

Nancy flushed but didn't have a response, so I took pity on her and changed the subject. "Would you like to meet the rest of my friends?"

"As long as I don't have to share those." She pointed to the boxes in my hand.

"Absolutely not. They can get their own." I winked at her and started walking back toward the Jeep, where I hid the boxes in the backseat before taking her hand and leading her into my office.

"Hey, Lex. Hi, Nancy." Annalee greeted us as soon as we walked through the door.

Nancy groaned. "Does everyone in town know I'm here?"

Annalee answered before I could. "Sorry! Something similar happened to me when I came to town. People I didn't know were using my name. It was a bit strange. I swore I wouldn't become like them, and yet here I am, doing the same."

"It's okay." Nancy sighed. "I actually know who you are as well. Maverick likes to keep Wes apprised of everything going on, so I heard about you when you got hired."

"All good things I hope."

"Yes, all good things. I believe the term Maverick used was ‘godsend.’"

Annalee laughed. "I can see that. You would swear having to answer the phone and greet people was a form of torture the way these guys described it."

Nancy looked over at me but I held up my hands. "Don't look at me. I wasn't here when Maverick started the place. I came to town the same time as Annalee."

And thank heavens for that, because there was no way I would have acted as a secretary. Not even for a minute.

"Is everyone in the back?" I asked Annalee.

"They are. And probably watching us right now."

The glass behind Annalee's desk was a one-way mirror. Those back there could see out, but people in the reception area couldn't see in. I didn't have the slightest idea how Annalee worked like that every day. It would've driven me crazy. "Maverick really needs to replace that already."

"I don't think Owen will let him. He likes knowing I'm safely within his line of sight."

I didn't blame my friend. Not after what happened to her. It was just a good thing Maisie was there to kill the man who went after Annalee.

I grabbed Nancy's hand and escorted her into the back room. Sure enough, all six of my friends were watching the interaction out in the lobby.

"Don't you all have something better to do?"

Owen was the first to answer. "Nope. I could stare at Annalee all day."

I shook my head and made the introductions. By the time I was all done, Nancy looked a little nervous.

"Nice to meet you all." Nancy’s voice was much softer than normal and even cracked a little when she spoke.

I couldn't even begin to understand what that was all about. I hadn't seen Nancy nervous in all the time since I’d met her. I was about to ask her what was going on, but Nolen spoke up.

"How did your conversation with the townsfolk go in regards to Thomas?"

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