CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE – A FRIEND TO RELY ON

Sliding into the back of her town car, Madison couldn't resist an uncharacteristic giggle over Jason's stunned face. The way his cheesy bravado had melted under her brutal takedown gave her a perverse sense of delight. Served him right for being such an obnoxious blowhard. As the driver pulled away, Madison realized it was the first time she'd laughed and smiled so freely in...well, she couldn't even remember how long. A surprising weight felt lifted off her shoulders, like verbally eviscerating that arrogant prick had been just the release she needed. An hour later, Madison was at home enjoying a glass of scotch - the good stuff, not the swill Carl drank - and watching the evening news, when her doorbell rang. Frowning, she crossed the living room and opened it to reveal her best friend Bella grinning widely. "Well, well! If it isn't Seattle's most infamous cougar on the prowl again!" Madison rolled her eyes good-naturedly as Bella shouldered past her, making a beeline for the liq