Eliza Starts a Rumor(69)

Olivia got up, grabbed the binoculars from the shelf, and took a good look at the enemy.

“It’s definitely her. Post it. I think our new plan is good.”

Eliza nodded in agreement and got down to business.

“Done!” she said. “Now we wait.”

They could easily see with their naked eyes what was going on. Ashley climbed the stairs and appeared again in her bedroom window. Alison watched through the binoculars for more detail. They were all ready to duck out of sight if she shot a glance their way. The comments on the post were already pouring in.


Paint an A on her lawn, scarlet letter style!


Call her husband. Let him “get” her.


Really? Are you really promoting domestic violence? Forget him, go beat her up yourself!


WHY ARE YOU BLAMING HER? WHAT ABOUT THE HUSBAND? HE’S THE ONE WHO DESERVES THE BEATING!



Eliza didn’t read the comments out loud. They would only have been entertaining if the victim of this whole mess hadn’t been sitting on the floor dangling a rattle in front of her baby girl. But Olivia stood again and checked them out herself, addressing the last one.

“I know I should be concentrating on Spencer and that this woman has no loyalty to me, but I can’t help but feel betrayed by her as well.”

They understood—at this point they all hated her, too. No one needed binoculars to see what happened next. Ashley sat on her bed, took off her shoes, and pushed herself back. She grabbed her phone and began to read.

“She’s on her phone,” Alison reported to Olivia. “It looks like she’s listening to a message.” Alison looked through the binoculars.

Olivia began to purposefully breathe in and out. The others unknowingly followed suit. Ashley Smith dropped her phone on her bed and covered her face with her hands.

“She read it!” Alison shouted. The three women stood, grasping hands, as Alison reported her every move.

“She’s making a call. She’s talking on the phone. She hung up. She’s putting on her shoes!”

Alison looked down at the four women’s feet. Everyone was wearing shoes but Eliza. Ashley sat down on the edge of her bed. She held her phone in her hands as if it were the Holy Grail. Olivia’s phone rang. They all screamed, “Don’t answer it!”

“I’m not,” Olivia said, and somehow laughed. They all joined in. She looked down at the name. It was Spencer. He left a message. She played it on speaker. He sounded weird.

“Ummm. Hi. Um, where are you? I have a question. Call me back. Umm, OK, love you.”

Olivia picked up Lily and stood. They all watched as Ashley answered her phone, shook her head, grabbed her purse, and hightailed it out of her bedroom.

“We have to follow her!” Alison shrieked. Olivia started to go, but Alison grabbed Mandy. “You! You come with me. You two stay here with the babies.”

Eliza took Zach. There was no time to think or waste. Olivia agreed, and within seconds Mandy and Alison were following Ashley Smith’s car down the road.

“This is insane!” Mandy said.

“Should I stop?”

“Absolutely not. Let’s get this bastard!”

Olivia called Alison’s cell, and she connected the Bluetooth.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

“We’re right behind her, on River Road.”

“I’m staying on the phone. Be careful.”

“Don’t worry. She’s not speeding, she’s just driving—somewhere,” Mandy added, which made Olivia feel a bit better about not risking their lives.

Olivia read more comments popping up on Eliza’s computer. She actually made a joke: “She’s lucky the whole town isn’t chasing her with burning stakes.”

“She’s getting on the highway.”

“Which direction?”

“North.”

“Spencer’s office is at exit twenty-two. I bet she’s meeting him up there. Why else would she be going that way?”

Andie Rand cut in. Alison was more than eager to confer with her and tell her what was going on. Andie was adamant that they still needed a photo.

“I’m telling you. I reviewed her prenup. Visual evidence that can be exposed to the press is her only way to get what she deserves. I see this all the time. In the heat of the moment women just want out, but she’s only been married a short time. I’m concerned that she’ll be very much on her own without physical proof.”

Her words gave Mandy and Alison a renewed sense of purpose.

“Wait, she’s pulling into a truck stop.”

“OK, pull in, too, but a few spots away from her. Feed Zach, as if that’s why you pulled over,” Andie instructed.

“Do you think I brought Zach on a high-speed chase?” Alison interjected.

“Oh. That’s a bummer. Babies are great props.”

Alison turned to Mandy. “Remind me never to let her babysit.”

Eliza called Mandy’s phone. “What’s happening?”

Mandy put her on speaker, too, as Spencer showed up in his stupid flashy car. He pulled in right next to Ashley. Mandy reported it loud and clear.

“Does Spencer have a red Porsche?”

Olivia confirmed it, more embarrassed than ever to be married to him. She managed another joke. “Yes, and a small penis.” She blushed as she said it. All the women laughed, except for Andie Rand, who was all business.