Perfect Stranger (Serendipity's Finest 2.50)

“Listen, I’m blunt but I’m not judging you,” the woman said. “Erin Marsden’s my best friend, and your sister stalked her for months.”

Nicole grimaced at the reminder.

“But Erin told me you helped them find where your sister was hiding out, and she said you came to town in the first place to warn her and Cole. So . . . truce?” Macy held out her hand.

Letting out a deep breath, Nicole accepted the other woman’s peace offering. “Thanks.” From inside her purse, her cell phone chimed, calling for her attention.

“I’m going to do a few things in the back. I’ll come out again in a few minutes,” Macy said, leaving her alone to take the call.

A quick look told her it was her ex-fiancé, so she blew out a breath and hit Decline. She’d explained everything in person and there was no reason to rehash things over the phone. His call only reminded her of what she still needed to deal with, but she wasn’t any closer to a decision. Should she confront her father and ask what he knew of his partner’s accounts? Should she ask Tyler?

She’d stood outside the office of her own father—a man she didn’t know all that well, as he certainly never made an effort to spend time with her as a child—and as she raised her hand to knock on the open door, she’d heard. There’d been no question that she’d mistaken the spoken words.

Robert Stanton and the firm accountant had specifically said they were laundering money from the Romanovs, a father and son who were known art dealers in Los Angeles. The Russian mob, she thought, her stomach churning. Their entire business could crumble, not to mention they could all end up in prison. Her stomach in knots, she’d turned to run, but Nicole’s father stro

de up to her at that very moment. He’d called out her name, which in turn brought Robert and Andre, the accountant, out into the hall to greet them.

The look Andre had given her chilled her even now. She told herself he couldn’t possibly know she’d heard anything. But she had. Which meant she didn’t need to worry just about her family and the business, but also about the men on the other side. Dangerous men.

Should she go to her father with the truth? If he already knew about his partner’s illegal dealings, she wouldn’t accomplish anything except to out herself. If Paul Farnsworth was in the dark, he probably wouldn’t believe his daughter’s word over his longtime partner’s. Nicole’s own mother would remain in useless denial even if confronted, and Tyler’s mother’s main source of campaign funds was her husband. No way would she risk using dirty money. So she ruled out her being aware. Which left the police—and she wasn’t ready for that yet.

And what about Tyler? She knew he was honest to a fault. She couldn’t imagine him allowing illegal dealings to go on, any more than she could envision his father involving him. He’d grown up as heir to the proverbial throne—entitled, privileged—and to his credit he rarely acted the role they’d bestowed on him. She had to assume they’d keep him squeaky clean.

But again, she couldn’t rely on assumption. The unknown players were just too dangerous.

Macy picked up a towel and wiped down the counter. “So what brings you to Serendipity?”

Easy answer, Nicole thought. “A fresh start.”

Macy grinned. “Because you liked it so much your first time around?”

Nicole laughed, grateful for this chatty woman and the distraction she provided. “That too. Seriously. Considering the reason I was here, the place and the people made an impact.”

Macy leaned on the counter. “It just so happens that there’s a fund-raiser this weekend to raise money for women’s heart health. I’m selling tickets and you should come!”

Nicole hesitated; the thought of walking into a big event all alone was not something she was ready to face. “I don’t know. I mean, I’m new in town—”

“All the more reason to go where you can meet people! Dates aren’t required. I’m not going with anyone, so we can hang out. What do you say?”

Nicole figured Macy was right, as far as it being a good way to get to know people, and now that Macy had invited her to join her, she felt more comfortable.

Before Nicole could answer, her new friend chimed in once more. “It’s for a good cause. The police department is co-sponsoring the event, and since this place is basically like a doughnut shop for Serendipity’s Finest, I agreed to pimp tickets for them. Please?” Macy was nothing if not persistent, and her enthusiasm was infectious.

So was the fact that the police sponsorship guaranteed Sam Marsden would be at the event. And she’d like to see him again . . . “Okay.”

“Yay!” Macy’s smile dimmed. “But it’s expensive since it’s a fund-raiser.”

“How much?”

“Seventy-five dollars.”

Nicole nodded. She had a plan for her life that included opening her own bake shop, but not right away. She needed to research the area, see if it could sustain what she had in mind. Which meant she needed a job while she plotted her future. In the meantime, she had the trust fund her grandparents had left her, something that irked her parents to no end, since it meant they couldn’t control what she or Victoria did.

Nicole didn’t plan to blow through the money frivolously, and she’d need it for her business venture, but it did enable her to rent the apartment and cover the cost of living until she got on her feet. As far as she was concerned, getting to know people in her new town and supporting a worthwhile cause certainly fell under that heading.

“No problem.” She met Macy’s gaze, and the other woman smiled wide.

“Great! Oh. Another thing.”