Read Online Blindsided by Fern Michaels - Free Book Online Page A

asked testily.
    â€œThat’s not what I meant, Annie. If I were a betting woman, my money would be on all of you. I’m just saying those two judges are not amateurs, and we all need to keep that in mind. That’s another reason why I want to go there and walk the walk and talk to that young reporter from the Baywater Weekly. ”
    The ladies kicked it around some more, their eyes on the clock as they waited for the appointed hour, when they were to meet Charles in the catacombs, better known as the War Room. As women always did when a meal was over, they got up and worked as a team to clear the table, load the dishwasher, and pack away the leftovers into other bowls with lock lids. Myra leaned over to whisper in Annie’s ear, “You need to give Pasquale my compliments. It was a delicious dinner.”
    Annie blinked. Then she smiled, leaned forward, hissing in Myra’s ear, “You say one word, and I will snatch those pearls off your neck and shove them up your nose.”
    â€œFinally, finally, I one-upped you. Someday you have to tell me how you pulled this off with Maggie at your house. Not to worry, my lips are sealed.” Myra laughed.
    â€œWhat are you two talking about? What’s so funny?” Pearl asked.
    â€œMyra was telling me she thought I put a tad too much garlic in the bread. Like Myra knows the first thing about cooking! Although, I do have to say, she does make a decent grilled cheese sandwich.” Annie leaned over to straighten Myra’s pearls, which draped her neck. “There you go, dear. I just straightened out your pearls. You certainly wouldn’t want them to break now, would you?”
    â€œI would be devastated if that happened.” Myra smiled.
    â€œI think we’re good here,” Nellie said as she pressed the WASH button on the dishwasher. “The garlic twists are packed up, and the leftover spaghetti is in the fridge. All Charles has to do is heat it up.”
    â€œThen, ladies, I suggest we join Charles. Maggie, dear, check the kitchen door and set the dead bolt.”
    â€œI already did it. Front and side doors are bolted.”
    â€œThen let’s get things under way,” Myra said, leading the way to the living room and the secret entrance that would lead the women to the catacombs.

Chapter 5
    T he six women entered the War Room quietly and took their seats at the huge, round table in the center of the room. They looked at each other expectantly, unsure what was to follow. Myra turned to look at Charles, who was at his station next to a long wall of computers, three steps above the floor where they sat. Charles nodded to indicate he knew they were waiting for him. He flicked a switch, and the television screen came to life.
    There was a soft, muted humming sound in the air from the high-tech machinery and the overhead paddle fan. The entire area was climate-controlled to protect the expensive machinery under Charles’s control.
    One wall of the War Room had clocks that revealed the time around the world. Another wall was taken up by the ginormous television screen where Lady Justice presided.
    â€œI find this room absolutely amazing,” Pearl Barnes said as she looked around. “It’s unbelievable how you created all of this here in the catacombs. Must have taken forever from start to finish.”
    â€œNot all that long. Isabelle designed it. It took about six months. Since then, it’s gotten a lot of use, as you all know. For a short period of time we had an empty chair when our sister Julia passed away. Annie took her place. So many important decisions have been made in this very room that I’ve lost count. Sisters that we are, we cried here, laughed here, celebrated our victories here. It’s good to be back,” Myra said, a catch in her voice.
    Annie looked around. “Since Charles isn’t ready to join us, this might be a good time to have Maggie bring everyone up to speed and