Free Hidden Truths (Violet Chain Book 2) by J Kahele Page A

meeting with the shareholders.
    I let myself in and walked straight to the kitchen and immediately went to the fridge, taking out a pound of beef and some vegetables.
    I threw the ingredients into a Dutch oven, then added water and bouillon, placing the lid on and letting it cook. I walked to the bedroom to change out of my work clothes.
    After sliding on a tank top and yoga pants, I commenced picking up the house. Mr. Drop and Go did not fail as I managed to pick up five ties, six suit jackets and even a pair of trousers. I dusted and vacuumed and after about an hour, the living room and dining area were clean. I stirred my beef stew, simmered it and then snatched the ties, suit jackets and trousers from the couch and took them to the bedroom. I placed them in the hamper and began picking up the bedroom. Spread across the chair was dry cleaning Chain must have picked up. I grabbed it and headed into the closet to hang it up. As I pushed some of the clothes aside, a box sitting on the top shelf caught my attention. It was white, large and it looked like it contained something very important. I tried to ignore that box, but as I hung up the dry cleaning, my eyes flickered back up to it.
    My curiosity was getting the best of me as I stared at that box. I wanted to know what was in that box. I didn’t want to invade his privacy, even though he had invaded my privacy when he read a personal letter that Harrison wrote to me. But two wrongs don’t make a right. I went to walk out of the closet but I stopped, that box silently calling my name. I fought back and forth in my head for a few minutes before I walked back into the closet and made the decision — I was looking in that box.
    The shelf was high and I had to stand on my tiptoes to reach it. With both hands on the sides of the box, I yanked. I didn’t realize how heavy it was until it tumbled from my hands, falling to the ground, the contents scattering over the closet floor. I knelt down and noticed photo albums and white envelopes everywhere. I began to pick up the envelopes and couldn’t help but stare at the writing across one in my hand.
    It was addressed to a Sean Michaels with Chain’s old office building address, and the return address had the name of Devin Michaels, 323 Mange, Columbus, OH. Who the hell were Sean and Devin Michaels? And why were the letters addressed to Chain’s old office?
    “What are you doing?” I nearly jumped out of my skin as Chain crept up behind me.
    “I, uh, was putting the dry cleaning away and this box fell,” I lied horribly as I waved the envelope in my hand.
    He looked at me suspiciously before saying, “You were hanging up the dry cleaning and the box just fell?”
    I nodded. “Yes.”
    He shook his head. “No way, Violet, that box was secure, I made sure of that. The only way it would even budge is if it was moved.” Okay so I wasn’t a good liar.
    He moved closer, folding his arms, looking at me, waiting for an answer.
    The way he was looking me made me feel guilty. How did he do that, make me feel so guilty with just a look? I raised my hands, waving them in the air. “Okay, okay, the box didn’t fall. I took it down, I’m sorry, I was being nosey.”
    He took the envelope from my hand. “Its fine, Violet. I don’t have anything to hide from you, but please don’t lie to me again.”
    “I’m sorry.” He nodded.  I knelt down and began picking up the photo albums, placing them in the box as Chain picked up the envelopes. When we were finished, Chain lifted the box and placed it back on the shelf.
    “So who is Sean Michaels?” I asked him.
    “I don’t want to talk about it,” he commented before turning and walking away.
    I followed close behind him. “I thought you said you had nothing to hide.”
    “I don’t, but it doesn’t mean I want to talk about it.”  
    I stopped. “That makes no sense.”
    He turned, placing his hands on my arms. “Violet, I have had a really long day. I’m famished and