was folded neatly on top. Next to her clothes, Hailey was surprised to see designer jeans and a classy vintage t-shirt that seemed to be precisely her size. For a moment she wondered how the hell Jared could know her sizes, then shrugged. Of course, he would. Why not? She was hardly the first woman who’d sneaked out of his bedroom in the morning who needed fresh clothes. She snorted in disgust. Undoubtedly her arrogant caretaker had a closet full of women’s clothing in various sizes.
Knowing that she had to get to her apartment, and not wanting anyone to recognize her as a cop, Hailey yanked on the jeans and t-shirt. Taking advantage of the toiletries on the vanity, she brushed her teeth, washed her face, and worked her tangled blonde hair into a respectable ponytail. Shoving her swollen ankle into her regulation work boots wasn’t gonna happen. Instead she carried her boots and uniform and headed to the doorway in her stocking feet, praying that she could find a back exit somewhere in the daunting mansion.
A deep voice from the bottom of the stairwell shot her prayer to hell.
“Well, well, I wondered when Sleeping Beauty was going to wake up.”
Hailey looked down the stairs to see a tall, white-haired man peering up at her. His pressed trousers, tailored shirt and vest revealed his ramrod frame, confirming that the elderly man had maintained his military bearing. Introductions weren’t necessary. Clearly the ruggedly handsome, green-eyed man was Jared’s grandfather, James Justice, the patriarch of the Justice family. From the abbreviated history she knew of the Justice family tragedy, the octogenarian eyeing her with a frown was the man who’d raised his grandsons after his son and daughter-in-law died in a tragic boating accident. Swallowing hard, Hailey prepared to tell the imposing man who she was and why the hell she was creeping down his stairs when he continued.
“Hmm, you must be Officer Michels. I understand you were hurt in the mission last evening. I’m glad to see that you can walk.” He added unnecessarily. “I’m James Justice. You may call me Judge. Everyone else does.”
Before she could protest, the big man took her uniform and boots in one big hand and offered his other to her. Helping her down the last steps, he studied her thoughtfully then shot her an appreciative smile.
“Hmm, I can see now why that arrogant grandson of mine left a list of orders this morning for Margarite and Gregory. Not only were they to clean and press your uniform, but to provide an alternative outfit as well.” Sweeping his approving gaze over her, he nodded. “Apparently our overworked staff followed his orders explicitly.”
Hailey tried to hide her distress but couldn’t keep from stammering. “I…I don’t know what to say, Sir. I would have worn my uniform…I…I didn’t ask him to—”
Judge Justice put up his hand, stopping her protest. “First, please call me Judge. I stopped allowing people to call me Sir when my ill-mannered grandsons started saluting every time they said it.” He added, “One thing you should know, Officer Michels, when that incorrigible grandson of mine gives an order, we all jump. Especially, Gregory and Margarite, who have been caring for him for nearly thirty years. Moreover, they are so thrilled that he has returned they would crawl over glass on their hands and knees to do his bidding.”
Mortified, Hailey glanced longingly at the front entrance, wishing that she could sprout wings and fly away. The astute man confirmed that he understood her beleaguered expression when he winked at her and smiled.
“Unlike the servants, I don’t always follow Jared’s orders. For example, I’m not going to encourage you to stay here through lunch, or even insist that you have breakfast. Instead, I’ve asked Gregory to bring the car around and take you to your apartment where I’m sure you will be more comfortable.” He hesitated then added carefully, “I understand
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