Fool Me Once by Fern Michaels Read Free Book Online Page A

back.”
    â€œI can take him and Alice with me when I leave on the weekend. I’m up for a little dognapping. It’s your call, Ollie.”
    Olivia’s eyes almost bugged out of her head when she realized her father was serious. “Dad, Cecil is the richest dog in America. He’s news. They’d probably call in the FBI.”
    â€œHow about this? We get another dog that looks just like him and pass the new dog off as Cecil. I take both dogs with me, and no one will be the wiser. When we get back from the lawyer’s office, we can check the Yorkie Rescue, the pound, and all the pet shops. I bet it would work. The best part is you’ll be giving a rescue dog a good home, and Cecil won’t care one little bit. Then when the smoke clears, you can come to the islands and pick them up. Alice knows Lea, so she won’t be homesick. Cecil, I’m thinking, will adapt as long as he’s with Alice. Lea loves animals.”
    â€œAnd if we get caught?”
    â€œThen we deal with it at that time. Why don’t you call the handler now and see what he says about your offering to keep Cecil for a few more days.”
    Olivia looked down at the two dogs sleeping at her feet. They were curled up side by side. She rose from the chair. “I can’t believe I’m willing to do this. Damn, I can’t believe I’m even thinking about doing it.”
    â€œWe make a good team, Ollie. You know what I always say, it’s just you and me, kid.”
    Yeah, Dad, that’s what you always said.
    Olivia looked up at the small calendar taped to the wall above the kitchen phone. She ran her finger down the long column of numbers she’d penciled in on the side. She punched out Jeff’s number and waited. When he answered, he sounded like he’d been running, or else he was just one of those people who was always harried. “This is Olivia Lowell, Jeff. I was wondering if you would mind if I kept Cecil for another day or so. I’d like to get some action shots of him out in the snow. You know, showing him at play with my dog. People love to see dogs playing. Cecil is such an interesting dog, and he’s so very rich. People want to know he isn’t being treated…you know…differently. By the way, I was just jerking your chain when I said I was going to charge you fifty bucks an hour. What do you say, Jeff?”
    â€œI think that would be okay. So when do you want me to pick him up? I hate to say this, but that dog is controlling my life.”
    â€œHe just needs a playmate. Why don’t you get him a companion? I bet those trustees would applaud you for being so conscientious.”
    â€œDo you think so? A companion, huh?”
    â€œI could get you one, if you think it will be okay. I know someone who has Yorkies,” Olivia lied through her teeth.
    Suddenly, old Jeff wasn’t sounding so harried. He was sounding relieved and happy. “I’ll call you back later this afternoon. I’m sure it will be all right, but I do have to run it by the trustees. So what you’re saying is, I should pick him and his companion up on Monday.”
    Olivia sighed and held up her thumb for her father’s inspection. “Yes, that’s what I’m saying. It will free you up for the weekend, and I don’t really mind watching the little guy.”
    â€œOkay, Olivia, I’ll be there sometime Monday afternoon.”
    Olivia burst out laughing when she hung up the phone. “Hey, Cecil, you are no longer rich and famous.” Cecil opened one eye, then closed it.
    â€œI’ll call the airlines and make arrangements for the dogs. Do you have carriers?”
    A huge smile stretched across Olivia’s face. “Dad, I have everything but the replacement dogs.” Sobering, she added, “I sure hope we don’t get caught. This is serious stuff.”
    â€œI think it’s worth the risk, don’t you? Some people