Truth or Dare (Liar Liar #2) Read Free Page A

he’d thought he was doing when he warned her to stay away from me, a laborer with no ambition who used his fists to settles his scores. But he had been wrong about me, and I wondered whether he might be wrong about whatever perceived problem was troubling him now. “What are you trying to protect her from?”
    He paused before accelerating when the light turned green. “I shouldn’t even be talking to you about any of this. We just met. Besides, you’re my daughter’s business associate, and possibly mine if you like what you see today.”
    “Sometimes a complete stranger can be more objective than a family member or friend,” I suggested. “It sounds like you need that right now, Eric. Objectivity. I assure you, whatever you tell me will be kept in the strictest confidence.”
    Eric glanced at me when we rolled up to a stop sign, probably trying to decide whether he could trust me. “Maybe you’re right, maybe I could use another person’s opinion before I spring this on Maura.”
    I waited, trying not to appear anxious. I looked out the window instead of looking at him.
    “I found out something about her fiancé, Jeff, that’s very troubling.”
    “Is that so?” He’d really piqued my curiosity. “What did you learn about him?”
    Eric sighed. “I mentioned that developer who was in town? We went out for dinner last night, and he wanted to check out this… spot.”
    “Uh huh,” I said, knowing there was much more to the story. “A piece of land?”
    “No, it was a night spot.”
    “Okay.”
    “A gentlemen’s club.” He shook his head, looking disgusted. “Normally I wouldn’t be caught dead in a place like that, but he’s an important client, so I made an exception.”
    “Understandable. I probably would have done the same thing in your position.” I could barely contain myself. I knew Eric’s secret was going to be big, a potential game changer for me and Maura, and I needed to let him know I was on his side so he would just tell me.
    “Well, imagine my surprise when I found my future son-in-law enjoying a lap dance in the V.I.P. section.” He gripped the steering wheel tighter. “I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. I thought maybe he was there for a friend’s bachelor party or something. But no, he was there alone, and apparently he’s a regular.”
    “Hmmm,” I said, trying to sound dispassionate. “How do you know that?”
    “You know how it is. Slip the right person a few bucks, and they’ll sing like a canary.”
    “Yeah, I know how it is.” I’d done the same thing myself countless times. That was how I knew everyone had a price. “What else did you find out?”
    “He’s been going there at least three years. That’s as long as he and my daughter have been together.” He scowled. “And he’s been getting more than lap dances too. The son of a bitch has been taking the girls up to their… V.I.P. room for… god knows what.”
    “I think we both know what he’s doing with them, Eric.”
    “Jesus!” He slapped the steering wheel. “I could kill him for doing this to Maura. He was the one who pursued her, the one who begged her to marry him. Why would he do that if he wants all these other women?”
    I hated to add fuel to the fire, but Eric wasn’t seeing the most obvious reason. “Have you ever considered the fact that he may want to use your money and connections to further his career? He’s the D.A., right?”
    “Yeah, so?”
    “Being connected to a prominent family, having a wife like Maura, it would make him look good.” I hated to think what that information would do to Maura when she found out. She’d been with that asshole for three years, and while I knew she didn’t love him nearly as much as she pretended, she would still be crushed by his betrayal.
    “You might be right.” He pulled into a parking lot and cut the engine, closing his eyes as he tipped his head back against the headrest. “I can’t believe I didn’t see the