Justice For Abby by Cate Beauman

the designer along with rumors of the shoot will give the brand more exposure. It’s brilliant marketing. Everyone will want a copy of the magazine.”
    “That may be, but we can’t take these risks.”
    Abby opened her mouth again and quickly closed it when Lily jumped in for the second time.
    “We’re going to use Jackie and Marco for hair and makeup. You know them. You’ve cleared them both. And I assure you Zenn MacGreggor and Connie are no danger to Abby. I’ve made sure this is safe, Jerrod. We won’t leak the rumored shoot until after it has already happened.”
    “And the trial will be over by the time the magazine hits the shelves,” Abby finally added, frustrated that her new adventure was just beginning and precautions were already ruining everything. “Prosecutor Bitner said there shouldn’t be anymore delays.”
    Jerrod’s calm eyes held her gaze. “Just because the trial’s over doesn’t mean you’ll be in the clear.”
    She pressed her lips firm, well aware that he was right. “I’m doing this. I need to do this.”
    He shook his head. “It’s a bad idea.”
    It probably was, but she couldn’t live in the shadows forever, unless she planned to give up her career, which she didn’t. “This is my dream.”
    “Tell you what, General. I’ll talk to Connie about a contingency plan. We’ll make sure there’s a Plan B if things aren’t going the way we want them to in regards to Abby’s safety.”
    Jerrod sighed. “Send me your ideas, and we’ll go from there.”
    “Fine. Done.” Lily turned her attention back to Abby. “Connie wants to discuss the new line and our plans to donate one hundred percent of the profits to the safe houses we’re starting here in LA and Baltimore.”
    “Lily,” Abby whispered as her eyes filled again, but this time they overflowed. “Oh, Lily.” The clothing line and the safe houses. This was everything she’d been wanting—a way to change lives while doing what she loved most. “I don’t even know what to say.”
    “I’ll scan over the main points I want you to hit during the interview. Of course you’ll have input after we’ve had more of a chance to talk, but this should get us started.”
    “Thank you.” She sniffled and wiped at her cheeks.
    “Shit, Abby, thank you . My profit margins are about to go through the roof, and there’s a good cause behind it. We both get what we want.” She glanced around. “I should mingle.”
    “Okay.”
    “I’ll see you Wednesday.”
    She nodded, her voice too tight with emotion to do more as Lily walked away.
    “Come on.” Jerrod took her arm. “Let’s get your wrap, and I’ll call Austin. We can head to the airport a couple minutes early.”
    “All right,” she murmured, suddenly overwhelmed by the daunting evening. “I’m going to use the bathroom.”
    “Okay.” Jerrod veered toward the hall closet.
    Abby continued down the hall, pausing outside Lily’s master suite when she spotted another balcony. Craving fresh air, she stepped in and unlocked the slider, pulling it open, bracing herself against the rushing winds and shock of cold as she walked to the railing. Her teeth chattered, and she gripped her arms tightly around herself as she stared out at the city, relishing the freedom and endless views, afraid she might have somehow imagined the entire evening. How often did a person actually get everything they’d ever dreamed of?
    “I thought you had to go to the bathroom.”
    She whirled with a hand to her heart. “I just needed a minute.”
    Jerrod stepped up next to her, placing her wrap around her shoulders.
    “Thank you.” She held the white cashmere tight.
    “Damn it’s cold out here.” He shoved his hands in his pockets as he hunched against the harsh rush of wind.
    She tilted her chin to the air. “I like the breeze. It’s real.” She turned, facing him. “Is this—the private jets and limo rides, dinner and conversation with my idols, my own clothing line?” She