Sleeping Beauty by Phillip Margolin Read Free Book Online

did drop him about a month later but he followed her to Portland. We’re members of the country club where the Van Meters go, so my mom is on top of all the good gossip. She says that Coleman is bugging the dean to come back to him because Henry Van Meter had this real serious stroke and he’s still sick. If he dies, the dean and her brother will be loaded and Coleman wants a piece of it. And get this, Coleman’s supposed to be a professional gambler with ties to the mob.”
    Casey reached the wall. Coleman tapped her shoulder. She stopped in mid-turn and looked up.
    â€œWhat are you doing here?” Ashley heard Casey ask. She sounded annoyed at having her workout interrupted.
    â€œWe have to talk,” Coleman said.
    Something about his voice was familiar, but Ashley was certain they’d never met.
    â€œIf you received the papers you know that there’s nothing to talk about,” Casey said coldly.
    â€œYeah, I got them, but this is all wrong. We belong together, baby.”
    Casey took a quick look around. A number of the students were watching.
    â€œI’m not going to discuss this here, Randy. In fact, I’m not going to discuss it at all. You can have your lawyer call mine if you’ve got questions.”
    Casey turned her back to Coleman and positioned herself to start swimming away from him. When she raised her arm, Coleman grabbed her wrist. Van Meter glared at her husband.
    â€œRelease me at once.”
    â€œI said we have to talk.”
    A movement to her right distracted Ashley. Joshua Maxfield was strolling toward the pool.
    â€œHey, Randy, let her go.” Maxfield sounded friendly, not threatening.
    â€œFuck off, Maxfield. This is between me and my wife.”
    â€œGet your hands off me,” the dean commanded angrily.
    Coleman turned his face toward Casey Van Meter and said, “Listen, bitch,” but he never finished the sentence because she lashed out with her free hand and smacked him hard. Coleman reared back to punch Casey but Maxfield was on him before he could strike. Everything happened fast after that, and the action ended with Coleman on the ground, his arm twisted behind him at an odd angle.
    â€œThis isn’t helping anyone,” Maxfield said, still calm and completely in control of the situation. He stood and forced Randy to his feet.
    â€œI’ll get you, you fuck,” Coleman gasped, obviously in pain.
    â€œNow, now. I’m the last guy you want to threaten, Randy. I had demolition training in the Rangers. Make me nervous and you’ll be even morenervous every time you start your car or open your apartment door. Do you want that? I don’t think so. So why don’t you calm down and leave while the only aches you have to nurse are a sore wrist and injured pride.”
    Coleman looked unsure of himself. Maxfield inched up Randy’s arm until he was forced to stand on his toes.
    â€œWhat do you say, old chap?” Maxfield asked. “I’ve got nothing against you but there are kids around here. It’s not good for them to see this.”
    Coleman grimaced with pain and nodded.
    â€œI’m going to let go. Okay? No sneaky punches, promise?”
    â€œLet loose, damn it,” Coleman gasped. Maxfield released his hold. Randy cast a furious look at Casey.
    â€œWe’re not through,” he threatened before stomping off.
    â€œThanks, Joshua,” Casey said as she watched her attacker walk toward the parking lot.
    â€œNo problemo. These marriage things drive people crazy.”
    Casey studied Joshua. She didn’t look angry anymore, just curious.
    â€œDo you really know how to rig a car?”
    Joshua threw his head back and laughed. “Hell no. Remember, I’m a novelist. I lie for a living.”
    Suddenly, Maxfield and the dean noticed the gawking teenagers. Maxfield held up his hands.
    â€œEverything’s cool. You can return to your regularly scheduled