Read Online Ghost Times Two by Carolyn Hart - Free Book Online

of Lisbeth Carew.”
    Geraldine reached out and grabbed the velvet case. “That’s the biggest diamond I’ve ever seen.” She lifted out the ring, slipped it on her left ring finger, held her hand high.
    Sherman clapped appreciatively. “Sparkles real pretty.”
    Geraldine preened, made a pirouette.
    Doug took a step forward and there was no good humor in his face.
    Geraldine proclaimed dramatically, “This ring should have my name on it,” but she was pulling off the ring, replacing it in the box. She pressed the box to her heart for a moment, then, clearly reluctant, handed it to the oilman. “That is one big ring.”
    Sherman’s laughter boomed. “Doug, the lady put her finger on it. And in it.” Geraldine’s face was a mixture of cupidity and jealousy. Megan gave the ring a brief glance, one eyebrow slightly raised. Sharon’s gaze locked on the vivid, sparkling stone. Anita blinked, perhaps trying to merge this odd moment into the welter of fear in her mind. Lou made a soft cooing sound. “Oh, so lovely. So beautiful. That’s the biggest diamond I’ve ever seen. The little stones around the setting are amazing.” Nancy’s eyes were wide, her lips slightly parted. Winifred touched a cameo pinned to her blouse. Small pearl earrings were her only other jewelry. Her expression suggested she thought the stone and its setting gaudy and vulgar.
    Sherman stopped in front of Keith Porter. “Ever seen anything like this, son?”
    Keith stared down at the glittering diamond.
    The big man threw back his big head, delighted to stretch out the moment. “Don’t ever say Jack Sherman didn’t give you a glimpse of life among the one percent in Adelaide, Oklahoma.” He turned back to the cluster of women. “Ladies, you’re among the first to know that Doug is landing in a big patch of clover. When he marries Lisbeth Carew, he won’t need clients.” Sherman snapped the ring case shut. “On your toes, Doug.” He tossed the ring case in a smooth underhand throw to Doug. “Better put it in the bank ’til you need it.”
    The lawyer moved fast, caught the red plush velvet case in his right hand, held it tightly. “Maybe I should.” He tried to sound good-humored, but he was obviously angry.
    â€œYou got to promise to send a selfie of you and Lisbeth when you give it to her. I hear she’s due back from Lucerne next week. Now, I got to get out to the rig.” Sherman clumped heavily up the hall.
    Keith Porter scowled at Graham. “I’ll be back in touch. Like tomorrow.” He turned, walked away. He reached the door to the reception area as it was closing, gave one last angry look over his shoulder, stepped through, and pulled the door shut. Hard. There was silence in the hallway.
    Doug Graham looked at his partner. “I’m sorry the noise interrupted your meeting with Winifred. I know you’ll both dismiss Jack’s performance from your minds and not mention it to anyone.”
    Brewster raised an eyebrow. “I don’t discuss private matters.”
    Winifred gave Doug a chilly glance. Her tone was clipped. “I wouldn’t dream of speaking of the matter. It is of no interest to me.” She turned and stepped into Brewster’s office. He followed and the door closed.
    Graham’s face was touched with red. He knew a put-down when he heard it. He turned toward the others in the hallway. “The show’s over.” His tone was brusque. “Like everything else in a law office, anything discussed in the hallway this morning is confidential. I expect everyone”—he looked at each in turn—“to dismiss this from your mind.” In other words, no gossip, no description of the scene, keep your mouths shut. He looked at Megan, jerked his head toward his office.
    Megan, green folder beneath one arm, followed him.
    As if that had been a