Justice For Abby by Cate Beauman Page B

no longer focused on underpaid models and prostitution; instead, they filled the headlines with misinformation—from the practical to the absurd—speculating on the identity of Lily’s new mystery designer. Abby remained in the clear for now; her name had yet to be mentioned, but she was going to have to throttle back—all the way back before their luck ran out and she was discovered. And today could be that day.
    Although Lily kept her at-risk youth program discreet, it was only a matter of time before someone caught wind that Lily was spending the morning at the university. Locked doors and the rent-a-cop stationed outside the building wouldn’t keep reporters hunting for the next Lily Brand story away for long.
    He glanced at his watch again as Abby’s laughter carried through the huge space, accompanied by chuckles from her captive audience crowded around her on the stage floor. She sat with Lily among their ‘apprentice team’ of ten young men and women, relaxed with her hair up in a pony tail, wearing a red button down sweater with a snug black shirt beneath, dark blue jeans and black boots. Lily was certainly the money behind today’s event, but Abby was the star. The kids adored her, hanging on her every word as she answered their endless questions and offered hints and suggestions when she held up each students’ sketch one by one.
    She loved being here. Her enthusiasm was genuine, her passion infectious. He hated that he had to worry more about door duty, red stickers, and exit plans than the good Abby was doing, but that’s the way it was.
    She glanced up, meeting his eyes for a tense moment, then gave her attention back to her group. They’d argued again this morning. Despite every logical reason he’d given her for canceling her appearance, she’d refused. They need me, Jerrod. This might be their only shot at something better. Her heated words echoed in his head as he scanned the crowd.
    A month ago, he would have been all for her participation; hell, even a week ago this wouldn’t have been a big deal, but that was before the media circus unknowingly joined in the hunt for Abigail Harris.
    “Latisha,” Abby got to her feet, smiling at the pretty girl. “Why don’t you show us your sample?”
    “Sure.” Latisha hopped to her feet and stood next to Abby in front of the group.
    “All right, let’s see what you have this time around.” Abby rubbed her hands together greedily, earning another round of chuckles.
    Latisha hesitated. “I don’t think it’s very good.”
    “Why don’t you let me be the judge?”
    “Okay.” She unfolded a solid black dress with a vivid, multi-colored flower sewn on the side and a tank top matching the bright bloom.
    Abby blinked. “Latisha, this is great.”
    The girl beamed. “Really?”
    “Yes. Really. Lily, do you agree?”
    "Absolutely."
    “Thanks.”
    Abby took the dress from Latisha. “Your design has great cohesion, not to mention amazing flow. This is very summery. I would wear it.”
    Latisha eyed her skeptically.
    “I’ll put it on right now. We’ll use this as one of our examples of clean lines and excellent movement. Jeremiah, why don’t I take your top too? I think your shirt and Latisha’s skirt will pair well.”
    Latisha’s eyes filled with guarded excitement as Abby started toward the small dressing space and a camera flashed. Jerrod focused on the heavyset woman snapping picture after picture in the front row—Latisha’s mother no doubt—and walked toward her.
    “Excuse me, ma’am.” He smiled. “I’m afraid this is a non-photographed event.”
    “I’m taking a picture of my baby girl. Ms. Abby says she makes great stuff.”
    “You must be very proud. The dress is beautiful,” he added, still going with tact before he was forced to take the camera away, which more than likely wouldn't go over well. “We’re trying hard to protect Lily’s privacy right now with all of the media buzz. She wants to be able to do this