With a loud puff of exhaust, a taxi arrived at the foot of the stone steps to the Hall of Lawson.

The taxi driver that picked up Mina, Star and Ashley was sadly not D. Vito.

Perhaps, he too was laying low after supporting a major invasion of the mayor's house. He seemed to be incommunicado after that incident and despite hundreds of trips, Mina had never given him her phone number. She really hoped he was okay and that she hadn't endangered his livelihood.

But she couldn't worry long for her own livelihood was at stake. As soon as she stepped from the vehicle, she was confronted with hundreds of reporters standing at the foot of the steps. It seemed every news station in the county has arrived to question her over what she has done. And the questions flew like bullets.

"Miss Hawkins, is it true you decided to break into the mayor's house to steal their prized collection of vintage animatronic trouts?"

"Mina Hawkins did you really break your fall on the mayor's lawn gnomes when you jumped into their garden?"

"Mina Hawkins? Have you gotten involved in a twisty threesome of women because your boyfriends always die around you?"

The stupid questions about Mina's failed burglary were easy to ignore, but that one was truly below the skirt. She turned bright red and screamed. "That's none of your bee's wax. Or technically, your human's wax. Or whatever! Just flippin' shut up!"

This only provoked more flashing of cameras in her eyes, but Star used her large toned body to shield her friend. "Just go!" she said to Ashley and Mina. "I've already had every tumor in the rumor mill thrown at me that I'm unphasable!"

Mina thanked Star and they headed up the steps. Mina was truly grateful for both of her newfound allies. Even without Trudy and Winona, she still had one heckuva unlikely dream team.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Mina panted up the steps. Only reason she looked in shape was due to her ability to have a fast metabolism without working out. Ashley patted her on the back as she caught her breath. "You got this!" she said.

Mina turned to look in her frienemy's eyes as they walked up the steps. "Never thought I'd hear that from my biggest prosecutor rival! But thank you!"

Ashley nodded. She was about to answer when her emerald eyes widened. There was trouble at the top of the steps.

Devillia, dressed like a 1950's housewife but concealing the heart of a psychotic killer, leered at them. Mina hoped she'd be able to get past the devil woman without talking, but she accosted them with words so deadly it stopped them in their tracks.

"It seems my interview with the press only made them thirsty for more questions, dear!"

Mina froze. Her brow dressed in anger. "You sic'd the press on me like your attack dog?"

Devillia fluffed her blond curls. She pouted in sadness. "I only told them the wittle ol' truwth. A deranged lawyer broke into my house and caused thousands of dollars in collateral damage and traumatized my hubby bubby!"

Mina was silent. There was no time to object. That was all true. Even she couldn't deny it.

Devillia continued to purse her lips. "I feel you really should just give up your occupation. You can't stand for justice when you lie down with criminality!"

Mina's fingers curled into fists. She really wanted to sock that pout off her face. The faux sweetness was absolutely gag worthy.

She went to open her mouth, but Ashley immediately stepped in. "She has nothing to say to you, Mrs. Ebony. Anything she says, will be said from the defendant's stand!"

Devillia's eyelids fluttered. She held a gloved hand to her face. "Fair enough, sweeties, but…"

Suddenly, a devilish smirk spread across her face, revealing sinister rows of pointed teeth. "I'll just say this, dear. If you say anything that could criminize me or my husband in any bad light. Well…let's just say that, that tubby or bony will be pushing up daffodils."

Mina gasped so loudly she squeaked. Bony and Tubby. Those were two highly insulting descriptions of her besties. The Aura now clenched them in their vile claws and would use them as leverage to get that dastardly Devillia off scot free.