Rachel (Women of Privilege Book 2)

by Bridget Bundy

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Last night, I was picked up by a cop while I was walking on a highway, where I knew I shouldn’t be. I was drunk off my ass and couldn’t walk straight. He asked me questions and wanted my identification. I told him who I was, where I lived, and that I left my ID at the house. The officer took me to the police station and booked me. I must admit, I got the best sleep in that jail cell. No one was there. The place was cool and quiet. It was all very wonderful. Damn shame I enjoyed my stay.

  Now that it’s morning, I’m being released. I want to catch a cab, but I have no money after my gin and juice drink-fest. One of the police officers calls Grey, and of course, they know each other from the days he was on the force. Grey doesn’t show up, much to my relief. He sent some security guy from his firm to pick me up and bring me home.

  The guy says nothing during the entire trip. He keeps his hands choked around the steering wheel and his eyes forward. Maybe, he’s afraid to look at me, or Grey threatened him that if he spoke to me, he’d kill him. Probably, the latter.

  Thirty minutes later, the guy makes the last turn into Privilege Place. A police car and an Impala catches my attention instantly, and they’re parked at the Russell’s house. Two officers are standing outside the closed front door. I take a closer look at the Impala as we drive by. Lucas and his partner are in that house. My heart begins to tremble. The first part of my plan went down. I’m scared and excited at the same time. I want to get out of the car and knock on Russell’s door. I want to comfort him in this time of need. With the news that Tiffany is dead, he’ll need someone to be there for him. But unfortunately for me, I can’t. It wasn’t too long ago that Tiffany was in my car trying to kill me over Russell, and I don’t want people to think that I’m trying to squirm my way into his life.

  I get out of the car and watch to see if anyone comes out of the house. The uniformed police officers are having a casual conversation. Maybe, there’s nothing wrong. Maybe, Tiffany is fine, and the hitman is still waiting to take her out. I can’t think of any other reasons the police would be there. It has be that Tiffany was killed.

  “Rachel,” Grey calls from the door. “Get your ass in here!”

  I wait until he moves from the entrance before entering the house. I go directly upstairs, take a shower, and get dressed. Afterwards, I sit down on the bed, thinking about how I can get in touch with Russell without Grey finding out about it. I left my second cell phone in the master bedroom. Wonder if I can get it today. Maybe, Grey and Leila will leave and go out somewhere. That’ll give me a chance to get to my phone, and if Grey sees the footage of me going into the room, I’ll make up something. Tell him I forgot a pair of earrings. He won’t be able to know for sure because the camera doesn’t face the dresser where my jewelry box is located.

  “Rachel!”

  Damn. What does he want now? I go downstairs. Leila is on the sofa, feet folded to her side, and she’s holding the remote and flipping through channels on the television set.

  “Remember I told you Jack is taking me to court?” Grey says while putting on his jacket.

  “Yes.”

  “Well, you’re not allowed to go back over to his house. He can start doing for himself from now on.”

  “He left his prosthetic leg in the trunk of my car,” I lie. “I have to take it back to him.”

  Grey frowns. He doesn’t like talking about Jack’s missing leg or hearing about it. “Fine, but you take it back and come back home. Don’t say shit to that asshole. After all I’ve done for him, this is how he does me. Fuck him. You got that? You get your ass back here after you drop that thing off.”

  “Yes, Grey, I hear you.”

  “And you go with her.”

  Leila huffs and whines, “But I’m so tired.”

  I want to ask from what, but I know the answer to that question. Her ass isn’t tired. She’s lazy.

  “If I say it one more time-”

  “Baby, I got you.” She stands up quickly. “I’ll go. Don’t sweat it.”

  “Alright, I got to go to the firm. I’ll be back later.”

  “LOVE YOU, BABY!” She says before giving me a phony triumphant smile. “And I’ll walk you to the car.”

  Grey looks as if he’s a little tired of her. Actually, I’m surprised he’s letting her call him pet names. He usually can’t stand it.

  As soon as I hear the door that lead to the garage close, I head for the master bedroom. When I’m inside, I rush over to the jewelry box and take out the necklace that Grey gave me when I thought we were in love. If that piece of jewelry was a token of his commitment, then it’s worthless. It’s a shame really. Love is supposed to be infinite and unfaltering, but in my case, it fizzed out or never really caught fire. Not even smoke is coming from it. I dig out the cell phone and put it in my jean pocket. After replacing the bottom and necklace, I run back to the living room.

  To my surprise, Leila is already there. Good thing she didn’t catch me in the bedroom. Lord, how would have that gone down?

  She asks while putting on her shoes, “Does he always work every Saturday?”

  “He works every day.”

  She sighs. “Well, that will have to change when the baby comes. A lot of things will have to change. Like you moving out so I can have my man to myself.”

  “I feel sorry for you.”

  “What?” she laughs. “You feel sorry for me? Why?”

  “Grey only loves himself, and a child isn’t going to change that.”

  “No, darling, you’re wrong. He loves me, and he loves his unborn son. You’re just jealous. You fucked up when you slept with that other man, and you’ve lost your meal ticket. Well, he’s mine now. Just a matter of time before your sorry ass is in the streets, and this house and Grey will be mine.”

  I thought I was dumb, but she’s by far dumber than I am. At least, I know I’m in a bad situation. She’s thinking that once she gets her way, along with me out of the house, everything in her life will be perfect. Grey isn’t going to change for her and not for that child. He’s too narcissistic, too consumed with making money, and too busy trying to control everything around him. I don’t think he’ll ever marry her. I’ll just let her keep thinking she’s winning.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  When we arrive at Jack’s house, he’s working on a crossword puzzle. He smiles when he sees me, but as soon as Leila comes inside, he becomes confused.

  “Hey, Jack,” I say as I go directly to the kitchen table. I whipped up chicken salad before leaving the house. It’s his favorite, and I wanted him to have it, especially if there’s a chance we won’t see each other for a while.

  “Hey,” he says, staring at Leila.

  She smiles and introduces herself with a handshake.

  “Nice to meet you,” he says. “Friend of yours, Rachel?”

  “No,” I remark as I put the containers of chicken salad in the fridge.

  “I’m Grey’s fiancé,” she says proudly.

  Jack’s mouth falls wide open. I can’t even begin to know what he’s thinking.

  “You’re his older brother, right?” Leila asks as she strolls around the living room.

  “Yeah,” Jack watches her. “Did you just say-”

  “That’s right. I just said I’m his fiancé.” Leila glances at me and smiles with a lift of her shoulders. There isn’t a ring on her fingers anywhere. She’s lying, trying to piss me off.

  “But he’s married to Rachel,” Jack says with confusion. “You two are still married, right?”

  “Not for long,” Leila answers. “Just a matter of time. So, Jack, you got a girlfriend?”

  “No,” he says.

  “Are you a war hero or something?” she laughs as she stops in front of the table that holds Jack’s medals.

  I cross my arms over my chest. Jack glances at me, and I shrug my shoulders.

  Leila picks up a medal from off its display stand. “This is pretty. What is it?”

  “I ca
n’t see,” Jack remarks.

  She brings it over to him.

  “It’s an Army Achievement Medal.”

  “Can I have it?”

  “No.” Jack looks at her like she’s crazy. “This ain’t a toy or piece of jewelry. Are you an idiot?”

  Leila giggles as if it’s no big deal.

  “Why don’t you wait for me outside?” I hint at her.

  Jack is about to cuss her out real bad, and she gets that her welcome has ended. She walks out with a huff and an attitude.

  “Who the hell is that?” Jack says angrily.

  “Grey’s fiancé,” I answer smartly.

  “Did I miss something? Aren’t you still married to my brother?”

  “Unfortunately, I am.”

  “I’m confused.”

  I shoulder my bag. “Don’t be.”

  “Rachel, come over here and sit down a minute.”

  Sighing heavily, I do as he says.

  “Jack, I don’t want to talk about it.”

  “Is she living with you and Grey?”

  I’m too ashamed to answer.

  “Why are you allowing him to hurt you like this? Don’t you think you deserve better?”

  “It is what it is. I’m stuck, Jack.”

  “Rachel, Jaleesa told me that Grey is making you sleep with other men. Is that true?”

  “You know your brother better than I do. What do you think?” I try to stand, but Jack grabs my hands.

  “Do you know how I feel about you? Do you know that it hurts me when he hurts you? Leave him, Rachel. Be with me.”

  “I can’t.”

  “Why not?”

  “I have to think about my mom.”

  “And what would your mom think if she knew the type of sacrifices you were making for her?”

  I cover my face, take in deep breaths, suppressing the need to cry, to scream.

  “Be with me, Rachel.” He takes my hands again. “I love you. No one has ever loved you more than I have, and I know without you having to say a single word that you love me.”

  The words make me shiver. Do I love him? Or do I love Russell? On the other hand, when was the last time I heard someone say they loved me and meant it? Russell has never said it. Never tried, not even once. But here is love right in front of me. The blaring truth, and I never realized it until now.

  Jack leans in close to kiss me, and I let him. It’s a sweet tender touch. It feels right. Jack tries to pull me closer. He makes me feel like I belong in his arms. Then just like that, I think about how Grey will react to me and Jack being together, and I back away with insurmountable regret.

  “I have to go,” I whisper.

  “You never have to go,” he says.

  “I’m sorry. You take care of yourself, Jack. Okay?” I’m out the door quickly.

  Jack loves me? I laugh inside.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  “I just realized something,” Leila says. “You didn’t give Jack a prosthetic leg. You never had it, did you?”

  We just pulled into the garage. I put the car in park and turn off the engine. Instead of answering Leila’s question, I go back outside. There are more police cars parked at the Russell’s home. Tiffany must be dead. I really must call Russell to find out for sure.

  “I’m telling Grey you lied,” Leila remarks from inside the garage. “You’re going to be put out on your ass, honey.”

  “I really don’t care what you say to him,” I yell over my shoulder.

  “Hand me the keys. Grey says I can go shopping. Should have told him to leave the other car. At least, the window isn’t broken out on that one. I’m going to look like a total hood rat driving around with a busted window.”

  I drop them on the ground as I go back inside the house. Leila cusses at me. As soon as she’s gone, I pull out my cell phone. This is my chance to call Russell.

  The line starts ringing, but then I hear ringing coming from somewhere else in the house, too. I disconnect. The ringing stops. I dial Russell’s number again, and the ringing starts up. I follow the sound, going into the hallway and stopping at the basement door. It’s coming from downstairs. I put my ear to the door to listen. Sure enough, it is. Then I try the knob. Of course, it’s locked. I don’t have the key, and Grey has all the spares. Just to be certain I’m not crazy, I disconnect the call to see if the ringing stops. It does. I dial his number one more time. The ringing begins.

  Why is Russell’s phone in the basement? I try the knob again. I wonder if I can pick the lock. I’ve seen people on television do it; doesn’t mean I can. An idea pops into my head. I go upstairs and check my dirty laundry for the business card Lucas gave me. I find it, and I call him.

  The moment the line picks up, I call his name.

  “No, ma’am, this is Detective Rogers. Detective Parker is in a meeting right now. Can I help you or take a message?”

  Talking to her is the last thing I want to do, but then again I have to know if anything happened to Russell. I take a deep breath and say, “Don’t hang up, but this is Rachel, Grey’s wife.”

  Detective Rogers doesn’t say a word.

  “I’m calling about my neighbor. That’s all.”

  “How can I help you, Mrs. Phillips?” she says.

  “I saw police cars across the street this morning when I came home, and they’re still there. Is something going on?”

  “You haven’t spoken to your neighbor?” She sounds impatient and annoyed.

  “No, they’re not talking to me.”

  After a short pause, she answers, “Mr. Russell Wolfe is missing.”

  So, my suspicions are true. Grey has gotten to him, and that’s really Russell’s phone in the basement. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. We believe there’s foul play involved. Do you know what might have happened to him?”

  “No,” I remark, holding my chest. When did Grey have time to do this? Last night? It had to be, but did Leila help him? I can’t stand her, but she doesn’t seem like the kind of woman that would kill somebody.

  “Mrs. Phillips, can you help with this investigation?”

  “Uh,” I stammer. “No.”

  “If you have information about Mr. Wolfe, then you have to tell me. His family is very worried about him.”

  “There isn’t anything. I was just wondering why the police was across the street.” I can’t believe that Grey killed Russell. It’s not like I’ve been with him recently. Why would he do that?

  “Mrs. Phillips,” Detective Rogers says, bringing my attention back to the call. “Let’s just move on from that subject for now. You and I need to talk about the other night.”

  “No, we don’t.”

  “What you saw wasn’t what you think.”

  “Detective Rogers, you and I both know it’s exactly what I saw.” I sigh and lean against the wall. “And I hope you don’t love him.”

  She doesn’t answer.

  “Because if you do, you’re wasting your time. You’re not the only woman he’s been with.”

  Even though I can’t see Detective Rogers, I know this news is a shock. She should know better. If Grey will cheat on me, he’ll cheat on her. She has to know that his love is about as fluid as water going down a drain.

  “He’s gotten another woman pregnant,” I add. “He’s moved her into this house.”

  “That can’t be true,” she says. “You wouldn’t allow something like that to happen.”

  “You know I’m telling the truth, Detective.” I wait for a moment to see if she’ll say something else. She doesn’t. “I can’t keep doing this. I have to go.”

  I disconnect the call. My hopes of being with Russell is over. My plan was to have the hitman take out Tiffany and Grey. That way, Russell and I can be together without interference. I’d have to deal with Rocco, but I wasn’t too worried about him at the time. Honestly, the hitman idea was bad and dumb. What kind of person does that make me? I’m a monster worse off than Grey if I continue on this road.


  It’s time that I face facts. If I stay, Grey is going to kill me. I have a better chance at a good life on my own than I do living with him. It’s time. I’m so scared, but I can do this. But first off, I have to undo one thing that I shouldn’t have done in the first place. I make another call on my cell phone.

  Brennan answers.

  “Call him off,” I tell him.

  “Didn’t I tell you that once it starts, you can’t stop it?”

  “I don’t want it to happen, Brennan. You have to find a way to stop it.”

  He’s silent for a moment, and then he says, “I never made contact. I lied to you.”

  I let out a sigh of relief. “Thank God, but I have to know why?”

  “Because I didn’t want the fallout coming back on you, Rachel. Conspiracy to commit murder on your spouse can add up to a lot of prison time. Nothing he does is worth your throwing your life away.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Certainly,” he says. “What are you going to do now? I hope you plan on leaving him.”

  “That’s my plan.”

  “Will I be seeing you again?”

  “No, you won’t.” Just saying that gives me a whole new world of hope.

  “Then I wish you well, Rachel.”

  “Thank you.”

  He disconnects the call, and I look at the phone. The moment of truth is fast approaching. How I deal with it will be a surprise to me. I have no idea how this day is going to end, but I know for damn sure this is the last day I will be in this house with Grey Phillips.

  Chapter Thirty-Five