Seducing the Heiress by Martha Kennerson

said, breaking eye contact.
    â€œDo you know what’s on it?” Farrah asked.
    â€œI have no idea,” she said, shaking her head.
    â€œWhat’s your name?”
    â€œBlige. Blige Summer,” she said proudly.
    â€œWell, Blige, I’m Farrah Blake,” she said, offering her hand. Blige gave Farrah’s hand a quick shake before dropping her hand and taking a step back. “How long have you worked for Alexia?” Farrah asked, slipping the drive into her clutch. She tried to remain calm and nonchalant because she knew this could be a critical piece of evidence in finding out who was out to destroy Robert’s reputation, their business and why.
    Blige frowned, her thin, glossed lips pursed. “Worked for...no, I’m her dependent. I mean, she’s my guardian. Alexia is like a sister to me,” she explained, shifting a quick look at the door.
    Farrah tilted her head. “Her... dependent ?”
    â€œMy parents died when I was eleven. Car accident. Alexia had done some kind of work for them—” Farrah parted her lips, but Blige quickly added, “Don’t ask me what, but lucky for me, she felt like she owed them, so she took me in. She’s the only family I have. I’d do anything for Alexia.”
    â€œI didn’t realize,” Farrah whispered. “So are you telling me you know nothing about her business?”
    â€œNo, ma’am... I mean, yes, that’s what I’m saying. She made sure I stayed focused on school,” she said, nodding like a bobblehead doll.
    â€œHow old are you?”
    â€œNineteen, but I’ll be twenty next month,” she said, raising her chin as if that could make her claim seem more relevant.
    Farrah crossed her legs and kept her gaze trained on the wispy teen. She liked the girl’s spunk. “Why did you have the drive?”
    Blige folded her arms, suddenly a little more defensive than Farrah expected. “I didn’t steal it, if that’s what you think. Alexia gave it to me. She said if for some reason I didn’t hear from her in a while or couldn’t reach her, just sit tight and someone would contact me with instructions.”
    Farrah mulled that over for a moment, then said, “When was the last time you talked to Alexia?”
    â€œA few weeks ago, but I wasn’t worried,” she said shrugging. “She stays so busy. I knew I’d see her over the holidays like always.”
    â€œWhat made you come here tonight? Did someone contact you, tell you to come?”
    â€œYes and no. Her friend Butch called me and said Alexia had a partner and that you were looking for something and that I needed to be careful.” She shifted her weight from one leg to the other. “I figured that was it,” she said, pointing at Farrah’s purse. “When I saw you sitting in her box, I knew you had to be her partner and that I should probably give you the drive.”
    â€œWho’s Butch, and what’s his last name?”
    â€œIt’s Johnson. Butch Johnson.” Blige bit down on her lip and shifted her eyes downward. “Alexia said he’s like her assistant, but I’ve never met him in person.”
    â€œHmm. Do you...happen to know where he lives?”
    â€œI think she said he lives in New Orleans.”
    â€œSo how’d you know I’d even be here tonight?”
    â€œI didn’t. This is where Alexia always conducts her business. I’m not sure why, though. So I’ve been here every night since Butch called me a week ago.”
    Farrah pushed out a breath. “Sit down, Blige...please.”
    Blige bit the side of her lip and remained still for a few moments longer before dropping her shoulders and finally taking the seat across from Farrah. She crossed her feet at the ankles and gripped her hands in her lap.
    â€œAlexia’s been arrested, and I’m not sure she’s getting out anytime