Read Shot Through Velvet for Free Online

Lacey’s apartment in Alexandria, Virginia, and not here.
    Mimi would tell Lacey to slap on some war paint, put on some nice clothes, and show her best face to the world. If you look strong, you’ll be strong . That was what Mimi would have advised. Lacey checked the mirror in her purse and freshened her own war paint.
    She was ready for battle. At least, that was what she told herself.
    Lacey Smithsonian’s
    FASHION BITES

    Recession Depression Got You Down?
Dress Up in the Downturn!
    So the economy is in a downward spiral. The wolf is howling at your door, your future uncertain. Is that any reason for a Depression-style fashion statement? When bad things happen, some women carry around their own personal gray cloud. Even worse, they dress down , anticipating the worst. Not exactly the style of a survivor, is it?
    There is a woman out there, smart and attractive, but down in the dumps. You may know her. You may even be her. But wearing ugly clothes in response to bad news is simply punishing the wrong person— you .
    Ask yourself: Are you spiraling down into the dismal colors, the grays, the beiges, the taupes that steal the blush from your cheeks? Passing up the makeup and forgetting to comb your hair? You might as well say, “I give up! Depress me! Wake me when it’s over!”
    No, no, no! Do not give up. Do not wear those baggy sweatshirts to the office, not even the unemployment office. Do not let the jerks win. Not while you’ve got breath in your body and cute clothes in your closet.
    Even when you (and your pocketbook) feel empty, there’s a simple reason to fight back with fashion. When you feel like a loser and dress like a loser, you tend to look like a loser. Who wants to hire a loser? Hang with a loser? Date a loser? No one.
    My advice: In this iffy economy, your own attitude is the only thing you have any control over. So face the world with bravado. Punch it in the nose. Change your sad rags for glad rags. Dress like a winner. And for heaven’s sake, don’t give in to stretch pants with elastic waistbands. The economy may be sagging, but that doesn’t mean you have to sag too.
    It’s hard to be brave when your livelihood is on the line. Sometimes bravery requires faith, hope, a bit of magical thinking, and oh, what the heck, maybe even sequins. Okay, sequins are optional. But your best and brightest clothes do you no good hiding in your closet, waiting for your ship to come in so they can help you strut your stuff on that happy day. Dress to welcome that luxury liner into port, and the Good Ship Glamorous just might cruise your way.
    What to wear with those sleek dark-wash jeans? That velvet jacket you never wear, or the old reliable denim rag that looks like something out of a Depression-era photograph? Go with the velvet. It’s stunning and striking, and as soft and comforting as a security blanket. Or those high heels and your best silk blouse in the perfect color that enhances your eyes and your outlook. Declare your own holiday party and celebrate being the stylish survivor you are.
    So if you’re down in the dumps, head for your closet. Dig out buried treasures you’ve been saving for, well, for right now. Fight that depression by getting rid of torturous togs. When in doubt, throw it out. Pretend those ugly clothes are all the demented employers who have ever tormented you. Dump them in a trash bag. They can’t hurt you anymore. Now, don’t you feel better?
    This is the time to do something radical, to look your best and wear your best. Don’t give in to the blues by wearing gray. Resolve to dress up in the downturn! And when your ship sails in, you’ll be ready for it, wearing that great outfit.
    The chicest woman on the dock.

Chapter 4
    “So you’re Lacey Smithsonian,” Special Agent Mordecai Caine said. “Reporter. What exactly do you do for that newspaper of yours?”
    After everyone else had been questioned and released, Agent Caine came back to speak with Lacey. He gave the