My Once in a Lifetime

by Nicole Vidal

  Soon after Connor leaves, my family departs in a steady stream. Norah and Jill are whispering as they make their way to the front door.

  “You’ll be my first call,” Norah says, glancing over at me. Great, my… girlfriend, lover, client… Norah and my sister are joining forces against me. I’m sure that isn’t good for me.

  “Care to share what that was about?” I ask as the door closes behind our last guest.

  “It’s not a big deal, Jacob.”

  “You and my sister conspiring against me isn’t a big deal?”

  “She just offered backup if I need it. I assured her I can hold my own with you.”

  I shrug, moving closer to her. She looks up at me. “Okay, I give. Are you up for a walk?”

  “Sure.”

  Less than fifteen minutes later, we’re walking hand in hand along the driveway.

  Chapter 35

  Norah

  With our fingers intertwined, we casually stroll along the driveway toward the inlet. Tank ambles along just ahead of us. This time, Jacob turns right instead of left.

  “Where are we going?”

  “To my favorite spot,” he replies, offering nothing further. As it gets darker, he hands me a flashlight.

  “What happens now with the Morettis?”

  “We keep searching for the ledger. It’s the only thing that will remove the threat. How does your job work?”

  “I crunch numbers.”

  He laughs softly, hanging his head. “When you’re retained by a new client, what typically happens?”

  “If it’s my client, I open a file, gather as much back data as I can, and interview the client regarding the areas they need assistance. Then I review everything and create a plan based on their needs, such as a restructuring or trimming expense.”

  “Do you have anyone else review your work?”

  I’m trying my best to focus on his questions and not the tension in my body. The push and pull of my brain and my heart. I only hear peacefulness here. It’s silent other than Jacob’s questions and the sounds of nature. The water nearby, the crunch of the snow beneath my feet, and my heart pounding in my ears.

  “If it’s my client, someone I brought in myself, then no. If it’s a file assigned to me as an associate, then yes.”

  “You said the Moretti file was assigned to you seven months ago. Have you worked on it before that?”

  “Yes, but nothing substantial.”

  “What did you do?”

  “I recall reviewing a few filings for the SEC regarding some stock transfers and the split of one company into two new entities. When a member of the family attains the age of thirty, the parents create a company for him or her based on their skill set or splits one that already exists.”

  “When was the first time you ever saw the Moretti file?”

  “Three years ago, give or take.”

  After I answer him, Jacob comes to a stop. We had walked up a small hill and are standing on an overlook.

  “This is spectacular.”

  “It is. It’s equally as gorgeous during the day, but the stars now are unmatched. Stay there.” Jacob steps away from me, taking about ten long strides. Not long after, he returns with a thick blanket, which he spreads out on the wooden platform to my left. “Join me.”

  He takes a seat on the platform, patting the spot beside him. I sidle up against him; then we lie down, staring upward, taking in the midnight sky dotted with what seems like a million stars. He sets his hand over mine, and Tank rests his head on my ankles.

  “I haven’t seen this many stars maybe ever.”

  “Thank you, Norah.”

  “I didn’t do anything. I should be thanking you.”

  “You did.” He turns on his side to face me. “I shouldn’t have asked you to host dinner with me. It was selfish.”

  “I could have said no when you asked. I don’t want you to change your life because I’m here. I gather from your family that I’m your only client who has ever been here.” He nods slowly. “Why?”

  “I’ve never had a client who was more than a passing acquaintance until you. You’re in a category of your own.” He leans over, lifting his hand to my face. “My family is taken with you. You made quite an impression today.”

  “They’re wonderful. All of them. Were your parents and Connor’s parents friends before your adoption?”

  “Yes. I think my mom’s relationship with Joyce was one of the deciding factors in pursuing adoption.”

  “Would you consider marriage again? You don’t have to answer me if you don’t want to or aren’t ready.”

  He inhales sharply. I knew what I was getting myself into when we started seeing each other, but everything is different now, at least for me.

  “Before I talked to my father last week and Joyce today, I would have said absolutely not. You know better than anyone that I wasn’t looking to share my life ever again. They offered sound insight into us, even after meeting you briefly.”

  “Like?”

  “It boils down to me giving myself permission to be happy again. Only I can do that. Only I blame myself for being in Afghanistan when Mara died.”

  “Tell me about her.”

  A look of surprise crosses his face. “She was tall like Connor with the same light features, which makes sense because they were twins. Mara was a tomboy. She played in the dirt with trucks. She sat through our games, both football and baseball, regardless of the weather. Connor was my offensive lineman. She would run routes as we prepped for football season. A teacher was the only thing she wanted to be. You would think we talked about having a family, but we never did.”

  Based on this little bit of information, Mara sounds like a cool chick. “Do you?”

  “Giving myself permission also means deciding what I genuinely want. Do you?”

  “Since I started at Quinn Sterling, I had the single focus of becoming the youngest partner ever. I knew it would mean forgoing many things. I opted out of dating, vacations, parties, and so many other things to focus solely on work. Now that is gone, and I have nothing to show for the first chapter of my career other than a small fortune with nothing to spend it on. I don’t even know what I’m going to do for work when I’m free to make that decision. I suppose the answer is, at one time, I would have said no because it would prevent me from attaining partner. Now, I would say yes.”

  “A small fortune?”

  “I assumed you reviewed the data that Blaine provided when he paused my banking.”

  “For any other client, I would have. I have no reason to mistrust you or invade your privacy, so I decided not to open the file. I trust that Blaine froze everything.”

  “I appreciate that, but it wasn’t necessary. The buy-in for partner at Quinn Sterling is two and a quarter million dollars.”

  “Damn, good for you!”

  “Thanks.”

  “Do you want to go back to Quinn Sterling?”

  “No. I’m certain I don’t want to be a partner there anymore. I also don’t think I can work there after the way Stan mistreated me. He was using me, and I didn’t see it. Plus, I’ll always be looking over my shoulder there, wondering which file will cause problems next.”

  A gust of wind sends chilly air up my back. I shiver. Instantly, he pulls me closer. I struggle to suppress the sigh that is ready to fall from my lips.

  “Do you want to go back?”

  “No, but we probably should. Thank you for bringing me here.” I mean here right now and his home, but I’m not sure I conveyed that adequately.

  “You’re welcome.”

  As we walk back, he informs me that he’ll be working from home and the team will arrive daily by nine. Although Maia, Christoph, and Nolan live in the bunkhouse, they don’t show up without calling first or for a scheduled meeting.

  When we enter the house, he sets the alarm before we turn in for the night.

  Chapter 36

  Jacob

  The last two weeks have felt norma
l, except for the fact that Norah is still being sought by the Moretti family. Over that time, we have talked and learned a bit more about one another. Each day, Norah and I hit the gym and make breakfast. I handle my morning meeting at the house, then work in my home office. Norah typically curls up on the couch in my office with a book. I’m sure she’s bored out of her mind.

  It has been lightly snowing all morning. The longer she is here, the more likely she will miss Thanksgiving with her family. We need to talk about how to handle that and her townhouse. Whether she wants to keep it, move, or upgrade her security system.

  On one hand, I have a sense of dread, waiting for the next issue. Yet on the other, I have hope we’re going to locate the ledger.

  Late afternoon, I receive an urgent call from Blaine. The moment Norah hears my tone of voice, she sits up straight against the arm of the couch.

  “Give me an hour to review this and discuss it with Norah. In the meantime, work your magic. Find out everything you can about this video and where it was sent from.”

  The pit in my stomach is back. After I watch this, if I need to get Connor here, I will. The question is, do I watch it alone first?

  “That was Blaine. Your personal email address received an email from someone with a video. Do you want me to watch it first?”

  Norah lowers her head slowly. The fear that just crossed her face has me on my feet immediately. In two steps, I have her curled into me, her hands flat on my chest.

  “I won’t let anything happen to you.” I won’t survive if I fail her. “If I need to have Connor here because I don’t trust myself, I will.”

  Norah nods against my chest, and I loosen my hold on her. The cold fear in her eyes has lessened some, but not enough for my liking. I kiss her forehead and then her lips. After sitting back behind my desk, I pull out a set of earbuds, inserting them just in case this is something awful she doesn’t need to see or hear. I inhale sharply and press play.

  The video is grainy, but Stan and Delores are front and center. Both look despondent and disheveled but largely unharmed. The background is a nondescript room with a crack in the wall. It looks like a newer warehouse, but that’s something Blaine will figure out.

  “My name is Stanley Sterling. Delores and I are being held until Norah Cavallaro releases the ledger to the Moretti family. Norah, they don’t want you; they want the ledger. Please, wherever you stashed it, retrieve it, then deliver it to the FBI building in Boston by Friday at 5:00 p.m. If you fail to comply, they will kill Delores. I can only imagine how you feel about me, but please save my wife.”

  Absorbing his words, I lift my eyes to Norah. She’s moved over near the window that faces the backyard.

  Throughout the entire video, Delores sat beside Stan, her right hand covering his, her left hand gripping the armrest. She sat debutante straight in her chair, head held high with a grim look on her face. Even though it appears he’s reading from the paper in his hand, Stan is composed and steady. The paper isn’t shaking and…. He’s lying! Stanley Sterling knows where the ledger is but won’t give it up. He’s trying to draw Norah out! I want to murder him.

  Get it together! Right now, she’s your client. Not the woman…

  Before I think it through, I dial Connor.

  “Yeah, Jake.”

  “There has been a development.”

  “I’m on my way.”

  Rising from my chair, I walk over to Norah.

  “Is it that bad?” she asks warily.

  “Depends on your definition of bad.”

  “It must be pretty bad if you called Connor before telling me.”

  “After watching and taking a few minutes to digest the footage, I feel rage building against the person speaking in the video. I need Connor to make sure I’m not reacting because of my feelings for you. He’ll see the footage for what it is, without regard for feelings.”

  “Should I watch?” Her voice is strong, unwavering. She may not know what she will see, but she isn’t afraid.

  “Probably, but let’s wait for Connor’s opinion.”

  She nods before pulling my lips to hers.

  “What was that for?”

  “I wanted to. Plus you just shared feelings with words.”

  A grin spreads on my face. Leaning closer, I kiss her again, but more deeply. I lose control easily when her lips are on mine. Thankfully, Tank lifts his head and runs into the hall when Connor arrives. I would prefer to avoid any awkward moments until after Norah is safe. Kissing her softly once more, I step away from her.

  Connor steps into the office as Norah retakes her spot on the couch.

  “That was fast,” I say.

  “Hi, Norah.”

  “Hi, Connor.”

  “I was already on my way here to use the range. What’s up?”

  “Blaine sent me this about thirty minutes ago.” I hand him earbuds as he sits at my desk. After he watches it in its entirety, he backs up about thirty seconds to review the end again.

  “Did she watch?”

  “Not yet. What’s your take?”

  “She should watch before I say anything. I don’t want to steer her.”

  Norah sits at the desk. As she watches, her emotions play out on her face. I see them, maybe Connor does, but the betrayal, the anger is all bubbling beneath her calm surface.

  “That son of a bitch! I don’t have the ledger. He’s lying! Why?” she shouts.

  I move behind my chair and set my hands on her shoulders. She leans into my forearm slightly, then pulls back to straight. Maybe because Connor is here.

  “I agree. He is too composed; the paper isn’t shaking,” Connor states.

  “It isn’t me?”

  “No, you have every right to want to murder Stan after watching that.” Connor assures me.

  I start to formulate some type of plan. Although I’m not sure there’s anything else we can do. I believe she doesn’t have it, or maybe she doesn’t know she has it. Either way, I don’t know where else to look.

  “What do we do now?” Norah asks, looking back and forth between Connor and me. Connor doesn’t speak up right away.

  “I believe you. You don’t have it, but Stan is indicating that you at least have access to it,” I admit.

  “Neither Stan nor Delores has ever been to my townhouse. The only things from work that were at home are my laptop and access reader. Everything else I use—the printer, shredder, and pens—are mine. William has my laptop, and the access reader is smaller than a deck of cards. I don’t see where they could hide anything in there, and it still works properly.”

  “Blaine should continue his search as well as picking apart that video,” Connor adds. “We need to know as many details as possible. The closer we get to the end of the week, we may need to consider responding in some way to stall or suggest that we have the ledger but they need to let Delores go.”

  Norah pushes up out of her chair, circles around me, and starts walking back and forth behind me. After the first two passes, I step back so she is in front of me.

  “As heartless as this may sound, I don’t care what happens to them. He lied to me, used me, set me up to look complicit in a money laundering scheme with a notorious, albeit alleged, crime family. All I care about is clearing my name, restoring my reputation, and forgetting everything about Quinn Sterling and everyone who works there.”

  “Well, then that is what we have to do,” Connor says, watching Norah who has stopped pacing to look at him, “but first we need to find the ledger. I realize we keep returning to it, but Sterling thinks you can get to it. So, let’s locate it.”

  “Okay, what do I need to do?”

  “The only thing I can think of is going through your interactions with Stan over the last two years or so to recall a time when he gave you something or you feel something was off about him.” Before I can say more, my phone rings. Seeing it’s Blaine, I answer.

  “Yeah, Blaine.”

  “I’m working on isolating the sounds in the
background and checking if there’s anything unique about the video. Whoever sent it to Norah’s personal email address has serious skills. I haven’t been able to find the origin yet.”

  “Thanks.”

  I update Norah and Connor.

  “There’s nothing else we can do right now other than let Blaine do his thing,” I inform them.

  Connor nods. “I’m headed to the range. I can stop by again before I leave.”

  “That works,” I reply.

  “See you later, Norah.”

  “Bye, Connor.”

  I hear the front door close, and Tank returns to his spot at Norah’s feet. “Will you take a walk with me?” she asks.

  “Yes, whatever you need.”

  “What I need is to strangle Stan, but I’m pretty sure that would land me in jail for a very long time.”

  I laugh. “It would, but I would love to see you tell him off at some point.”

  “I would like that myself.”

  Chapter 37

  Norah

  After donning coats and boots, we walk out the back door. Tank opts to remain in the house. We cross the yard in silence. As we near the edge, we exit through a wrought iron gate. After stepping through, Jacob grabs my hand.

  “Are you up to talking about Stan and the ledger, or do you want to talk about other things we need to discuss?” Jacob asks.

  “Such as?”

  “I realize that all of these are indirectly connected, but are you planning to go back to your townhouse? I had the front door and French doors replaced with added security locks. I can have someone clean it up and remove the damaged furniture and other items.”

  “Thank you. I don’t know. I feel like I could choose anything. Honestly, it’s pretty scary and exhilarating at once.” As we talk, Jacob guides me to the right on a leaf covered path into the woods.

  “Did you always want to be an accountant?”

  “No, does anyone?” I smile, and Jacob laughs heartily. It’s deep, honest, and unguarded. Considering the reason we’re walking, unguarded is surprising. The sound of his laugh warms my soul. I don’t know that I have ever seen Jacob relaxed during a regular day and not after a hookup.