by A H S Salt
But the smile on his face had anger building within me. She abruptly passed her colleague the folder almost throwing it at him, her almond eyes creased, giving me a calculating stare.
“You know this man?” She asked, her dark blue eyes bore into me as she waited for me to reply.
“That’s Jessica’s ex-boyfriend….” I stopped, knowing it was not my business to let them know why they broke up. I wasn’t willing to tell them Jessica’s secret she had hoped to have buried in the past along with Elijah.
“We know who he is Mr. Claremont. Ryan was more than willing to co-operate with us” She replied, shifting from one foot to the other as she went on to explain.
“We have reason to believe he had befriended Ryan, having watched him at your club. There are pictures of Jessica at Oval - A bistro close to your apartment – And many more of you two together.” She informed.
Wait, Elijah had been at my club?. I hadn’t even been aware of him being so close to Jessica! He’s been watching, stalking Jessica the entire time.
“The paps have our every move mapped out,” I said, not surprised at how he got photos of Jess. Elijah must have kept pictures of her, he found online.
The detective shook her head “No, Mr. Claremont. I mean all the pictures we retrieved were in Ryan’s apartment. A montage of photos, almost like a shrine dedicated to Jessica,” She paused for a few seconds, unsure if she should go on.
“We suspect Elijah realized he was obsessed with Jessica and played on his emotions to try and break your relationship up. Not realizing the extent of Ryan’s intentions”. Her partner added, taking over for Detective Malone.
“We have video footage that shows Ryan running away from the scene. We traced him back to your club, and the weapon we suspect he used,” Malone added.
My face twisted in anger “That son of a bitch went to Oval after he stabbed Jessica?”
The overwhelming urge to be sick rose from the pit of my stomach.
“He admitted going there, offering to help out before the club opened, hoping to have a solid alibi,” Smith said.
How could I not have seen it?
I knew Jess would talk to him at the club, but she was just being friendly. She was like that to everyone.
“He had become obsessed with Jessica” Detective Malone carried on “He claimed Jessica was the only person who cared about him. That she was really in love with him and was afraid to break off the relationship with yourself.”
I shook my head “He’s sick in the head!” I said coldly.
Detective Smith stepped out from behind Malone.
“I agree,” He said “I also believe that you were the one that Ryan intended on hurting” Smith eyed me, waiting for some sort of response.
“Then why didn’t he hurt me? If he does have this infatuation with Jessica?” I pressed.
The detectives gave each other a quick glance.
“That’s what we’re going to find out” Malone added.
I thought it best to keep the news of the girl that approached Jessica earlier on the day of her attack to myself. I was certain she had something to do with the attack or at least knew something about Jessica’s attack.
Still, in shock, I stood staring blankly at the Detectives. I had the urge to run, but my legs stood unable to move. Detective Smith reached for my black coffee instead, passing it to me.
“Here, drink this,” He said holding it up for me to take. I’m sure he was aware I was in shock. I sipped without blowing steam off it, not caring how hot it was. I would have done anything for a whiskey on the rocks. I needed something a little more than coffee to settle my nerves.
I turned, walking back towards Jessica’s room, needing to be by her side. The detectives followed behind. I stopped outside Jessica’s room with my back to the door.
“Don’t say anything to her parents yet. They’ve been through so much already.” I calmly noted.
“It’s only going to be a matter of time before they find out Mr. Claremont,” Detective Malone said.
I reached for the handle “A little time is all I’m asking!” I remarked.
Nodding, the female detective agreed “We will give you time alone with Jessica just now. However, as soon as she’s awake, we’ll need to speak with her.” Again, her tone had her being the dominant one out the two.
I stood observing the duo as they looked my security men up and down. If they were curious to know why I had security, they didn’t let on.
I nodded agreeing with them, watching as they walked back down the corridor, whispering back and forth.
I stepped into the room and closed the door over, retreating towards Jessica’s bed.
Her parents were still asleep.
I couldn’t wrap my head around Ryan hurting Jessica. How long had he had this infatuation with her?
Lowering my head, I sat staring at the black coffee that I was still holding onto. Unable to understand why Elijah would do something so sinister. He must have loved Jessica at some point? How could anyone play on another person’s emotions so hard that they try and harm someone?
After everything Jess told me of his games, it was clear he was a loon ball. I didn’t know just how much of a crazy and dangerous mother fucker he was until now.
He can’t get away with this I won’t let him get away with this!
That son of a bitch will pay.
I will make sure of it.
I desperately wanted Jessica to wake up. I wanted to hold her. The sweet smell of chocolate from her skin faded, as the sterile smell took over.
Leaning into Jessica’s ear wanting it just to be her and I. Lord knows, I would do anything to have her lying beside me in our bed, for her to hold me like there’s no stronger love than ours.
“Jess” I whispered “If you can hear me, please come back to me baby. I need you more than you know. You have to fight. Do you hear me, Jessica? Fight!” I pressed my lips against her cheek hoping she felt my touch, preparing not to leave her side until she woke up.
1
SCANDALOUS PAST
CHAPTER 23
Two days had passed. Jessica still lay peacefully asleep. Sitting in the blue leather chair that was beside Jessica’s bed, my hands rested behind my head tired and exhausted but not willing to leave until she woke up. I observed the female nurse checking in on Jessica for the second time.
It was close to Nine o’clock in the morning. I wasn’t sure if it was normal for nurses to check as much as she had. Even though it wasn’t long after the last time since she had come in and made sure Jessica was doing okay.
“How’s my girl doing?” Donald asked.
He was sure to keep out the nurse’s way, permitting them to do what they were paid to do.
Only for him to double-check on Jessica’s vitals as soon as they left the room. He had urged Riley to take Marie home and to get her to rest and told him he would call to let them know if anything changed. There was no need for them both to watch over her.
“Her vitals are good right now. Better than yesterday I’m pleased to say.” The nurse said, answering Donald’s question. She stood watching the beeping machines a few lingering seconds before turning back to face Donald and retrieving her pen from her pocket of her nurse overall.
“She’s a stubborn one your daughter,” She said while jotting down notes on the clipboard that was attached to the side of the bed.
“She sure is,” Donald said proudly.
Stashing her pen, she clipped the folder back in place.
“It’s just a waiting game now.” The nurse said before making her way out of the room, giving us privacy. She looked close to retiring but full of energy, her jet-black hair was short and spiky.
She was right. In all the years I had known Jessica she was always the feisty one, stubborn as fuck and determined.
I wouldn’t want her any other way, it made my love for her all the more exciting. I could never tell if she was going to kiss me or storm off away from me.
Donald leaned in monitoring the machines, doing what he had done each time a nurse left. He didn’t mean any disrespect to the nurse; he was merely a father worried about his daughter. As a doctor who had an emotional tie to the patient, he was under strict instruction’s not to treat Jessica as a patient in any shape or form. But he still checked her over, going against their policy. He was a lot calmer at the doctor’s instructions than what I was.
Her father was the best person to make sure Jessica was getting the best treatment as far as I was concerned. It took Donald to explain to me. That an emotional involvement can lead to a lack of objectivity in clinical decision-making.
He had told me that when I argued he should take over from the nurses.
A knock on the room door had me standing up on alert. I glanced at Donald who had clearly noticed my agitation.
“Come in!” He yelled, not taking his eyes off me until the door had opened. I turned to see the Detectives from the night before and every day since stepping into our room. They had checked in twice a day to see if there was any change in Jessica’s condition.
So much for waiting.
They both looked towards Jessica, no doubt wondering if she had awoken. I shifted a little, shielding Jess from their view.
“Any improvement in Jessica’s condition?” Detective Malone asked, tilting her head trying to see for herself. She was dressed much the same.
“Still no change,” Donald said firmly.
I turned my back on them, not in the mood to talk. Directing my stare to Donald before moving my position closer to Jessica again, still trying to keep them from seeing her. I knew why Donald had chosen to lie to the detectives. We both knew Jessica was a lot stronger today than she was yesterday. He was trying to gain time, hoping that Jessica wouldn’t wake up in their presence.
“Why don’t I call you, if anything changes?” Donald said, reaching into his shirt pocket and holding up the small card they had given him with their extension number and names in bold writing. He knew they were only doing their job, but he was Jessica’s father, and no one was going to cause any more stress.
He was wanting her to wake and have time to accept what had happened, before answering questions. He extended his arms, guiding them out. He was rushing them.
“Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go and get Cillian and myself a decent cup of coffee. Give him some time alone with my daughter,” He said sternly. I looked over my shoulder, watching as the three of them left the room. Donald shot me a look before closing the door over.
He had gotten rid of the detectives for now, but it would only be a matter of time before they came back.
“Right now, would be a great time for you to wake up, sleeping beauty,” I whispered staring down to Jessica and taking a few seconds to admire the woman who will soon become my wife. Her brown hair lay limp around her sharp features. Her elegant hands rested by her side with no ring in sight.
I made my way around the bed to look out the window. It was a dull gray morning upon the city. I stood with my hands in my jeans back pocket, courtesy of Riley bringing a bag of clothes and toiletries.
The view was something else. I could see Lombard Street - known as Crooked Street. The squiggly road was one I had admired over the years.
If only Jessica could see this, she was a sucker for a view. I peered out, getting lost in the city below. The vibration of my phone brought me back to the moment, I pulled my phone from my jeans pocket only for irritation to simmer within me.
“God, Damn it, Annie!” I hissed. She just wasn’t giving up. I rejected her call and placed my phone and hands back in my jean pockets. What does she want from me? She had been calling me constantly. How she got my number to start with was beyond me. She had walked out on me at an early age, and here she was now a constant thorn in my side. What does she think she could accomplish by coming back into my life now? I had no time or patience for her. She had walked away from a family that loved her. I wasn’t prepared to salvage any form of relationship. She was in for a rude awaking if she thought we could move forward.
Nothing mattered to me apart from Jessica’s well-being. I would give all my wealth up if I knew it could bring her back to me. For once in my life, I had the woman I have loved for as long as I can remember. She didn’t care that I had money, or what type of car that I drove. She truly loved me for me.
I had the love of my life. And I wasn’t willing to risk losing her ever again. Like a rare Diamond, she was precious to me. Someone I will cherish and love until the day I die.
“Cillian,” Her delicate voice murmured, I turned holding my breath, praying I didn’t just hear things. Jessica, she’s come back to me!
“You’re awake!” I rushed the words, pulling my hands-free from my jeans, and dashing towards Jessica’s bedside. She was staring at me.
“Hi” She murmured, offering a sleepy smile.
“Hi, baby” I whispered, breathing a sigh of relief. I stroked my hands over her hair.
Pressing my head against hers “I thought I lost you!” I managed to croak out.
“What happened?” Jess asked, her voice a little scratchy. I pulled back a little to stare into her cloudy blue eyes.
“You don’t remember?” I asked softly, hoping she didn’t. I wasn’t sure how she would take the news of knowing her attacker. She didn’t need the stress. I would carry that burden until she was ready to hear it.
“I…I remember we were…” She glanced up, staring at the ceiling as if trying to think back. Her eyebrows drew together as she tried desperately to remember.
“It’s okay it doesn’t matter.” I soothed, rubbing her cheek gently with my knuckles “I’m just glad you're awake” I whispered leaning into her.
Just to hear her speak, had me knowing everything was going to be okay.
“Can’t get out of marrying me.” She chuckled and winced at the same time.
“Help me sit up,” She demanded, holding her arms out. She was yet again determined to do what she wanted.
I didn’t care. I would do anything for her.
I tucked my arms under hers, careful to pull her up in an attempt to make her more comfortable in a sitting position. I reached for the chair pulling it as close as possible to be as close to Jess as I could.
I held her hand to my mouth, trailing kisses all over them. I watched her stare around the room. Confused and none the wiser as to how much her family had suffered at the thought of losing her. She tugged at my hand, pulling free from me.
Curious, she lifted the bedsheets up as her hands reached under to pull her hospital gown up, allowing her to see the bandage she had around her stomach. I took an unsteady breath as I watched Jessica. Her hands skimmed over the bandage. Her puzzled gaze paused. I knew Jessica well enough to know she was trying her best to remember.
I didn’t say anything. I knew she was going to ask questions. She was always one for wanting to know things. However, I was hoping Donald would come walking in to distract her.
“Why do I have a bag attached to me?” She asked, her face twisted in disgust, at just having noticed the urine bag.
“It’s a catheter. Jessica, you have been out cold for days” I replied, informing her.
“What actually happened?” She asked needing to know more.
I stood, adjusting her bedsheets.
“Someone attacked you” My jaw clenched tightly, the images of Jessica covered in blood, haunted me.
“It was Elijah, wasn’t it?” She croaked, looking up to me. Catching a glimpse of my worried face.
Her expression hardened.
“No,” I said, giving her time to grasp it all. How do you tell the woman that you promised to protect, that it wasn’t the man she had thought to have attacked her? Just for it to be a man she would never have imagined.
“Then who? A paparazzi?” She was staring directly at me with those blue eyes that looked to be conjuring up a storm,
as she tried her best to make sense out of what had happened.
I exhaled harshly “It was Ryan,” I replied, putting her out of her misery. Her eyes widened at the sound of my words as she shuffled a little in her position. Even though the pain was visible with every slight movement Jess made, she was adamant to know more.
“Ryan?” She repeated “As in Ryan from Oval? Why would he want to hurt me?” She asked.
Tears shimmered in her eyes.
She was asking the question that I held the answer to. The thought of her having to hear it pained me. I couldn’t stop them from hurting her before. She would no doubt think the same now.
“Cillian!” She snapped, pulling me from my own little world I had got sidetracked in. She knew me better than anyone to know I was hiding something. Another reason I knew Jessica was the one for me. Unlike the other woman before her, Jessica forced me to push past my boundaries and allow her into my heart. My love for her was greater than my need to guard my heart.
I had no care in the world that the media would print what they wanted about me. But the thought of them digging and prowling about Jessica’s past had fear radiate through me like nothing I had ever felt before.
I made a promise to myself when Jessica lay from her injuries that Elijah would not steal anything else from Jessica.
He had caused all of this.
For what?
Maybe he thought it would rustle up old secrets and expose Jessica in the twisted way he had hoped it would play out like.
A part of me knew Elijah would be somewhere waiting, lurking, and being the devious evil person that he is.
“The detectives believe Ryan was infatuated with you, and that Elijah was quick to turn that to his advantage. They didn’t say if he knew about the stabbing or if he had manipulated Ryan into doing it.” I tried to say it in a simplistic way, hoping she would let the police do what I had hoped they were doing, catching that son of a bitch Elijah.
Before I did.
“He stabbed me?” She cried. My hands reached for her cheeks, wiping away the tears that were streaming, trying to reassure her.