Surrounded by Darkness

by Rachel Dylan

  She’d been batting an idea around in her head, and she grabbed her keys and headed out the door.

  When she arrived at Eliza’s, she knocked on the door.

  “You don’t look thrilled to see me, but can I come in?” Stacey asked when Eliza answered the door.

  “Yes.”

  “Is Katy here?”

  “No, she’s at work,” Eliza answered.

  “Good. I was hoping to talk to you alone.”

  “What’s going on?” Eliza led her into the living room and took a seat on the couch.

  “Layton’s in trouble. You probably don’t know this, but Nina Marie filed a lawsuit against him and, Olivia is her attorney.”

  Eliza opened her mouth in surprise. “For what?”

  “Basically, a civil case as a result of the attack.”

  “Can you do that? Wasn’t there already the criminal case?”

  “You can. I’m no expert, but I did some reading, and he could definitely be held liable for damages even if a jury found him not guilty.”

  “What does all of this have to do with me?” Eliza asked skeptically.

  Stacey wanted to choose her words carefully. “What I’m about to say, you cannot repeat, and if you do, I’ll deny I ever said it.”

  “All right.”

  “I think that Optimism is going to take a hit here, and it’s Layton’s fault.”

  Eliza didn’t immediately answer but rose and went to the kitchen. Stacey didn’t follow and instead waited patiently for Eliza to return.

  “I think we need tea and cookies for this,” Eliza said.

  Stacey would never turn down Eliza’s cookies, so she ate one quickly.

  “Why are you coming to me?” Eliza asked.

  “Eliza, I’ve liked you since the moment we met. I still think you have a ton to offer, and I believe in a more friendly and open environment, you could find your true voice. Layton is amazing at many things, but he has some really high negatives. I worry that his indiscretions are going to sink the entire group. And as a woman, I don’t want to stand behind an abusive man. We have a voice, and we should be able to stop him.”

  “And what do you plan to do about it?”

  “It’s all about timing, but say, hypothetically, that an opportunity arose. Would you join with me?”

  “Join with you in what?”

  Stacey was about to put it all out there. “In taking over Optimism’s spiritual arm. I realize being CEO of the business right now might be a stretch as that would most likely fall to Morena, but I think I could become its spiritual leader.”

  Eliza raised her eyebrows. “You don’t need me.”

  Stacey didn’t think that at all. “I disagree. I think we could band together and do good things, but to do that, you need to give up any fanciful delusions about Olivia and her way of life.”

  Eliza shook her head. “I don’t have any delusions. I’ve told you many times that I don’t believe in what Olivia does. I have my own path.”

  “And there will be space for people like you within Optimism. Those who want to practice the Wiccan ways. Layton is intolerant, but I’m not. I think we are stronger when we ban together, not as a fragmented body.” Stacey wasn’t sure how far she could push it, so she let those words sink in.

  Eliza sat back in her chair. “What do you want from me?”

  “Nothing right now. But if the time comes, I’d love to know that I could count on your support. We could remake Optimism into something better than it’s ever been.” She locked eyes with Eliza and realized Eliza was actually considering this proposition. It was time to seal the deal. “Layton has hurt too many people, we can do things in a new and different way. When given the opportunity, we can make a big change.”

  “I don’t want those things in my house,” Eliza whispered.

  “I can help you with that. I can protect you. That will not happen again on my watch.” Stacey might be overselling, but this was all for the greater good, in her opinion. “Believe me. I know I’m young, but I do have special gifts.”

  “I can feel that about you. I want to trust you. I really do.”

  “But?”

  “I am afraid.”

  “Enough of that fear. Here and now, let’s do a cleansing ritual.” Stacey was making this up as she went along, because if demons wanted to come into Eliza’s house, this ritual wouldn’t stop them. But if it helped convince Eliza, then Stacey was going to put on a show. Yes, this was all happening much faster than she could’ve imagined, but sometimes you had to strike when the iron was hot.

  Layton sat with Eli Morgan in his fancy downtown Chicago law office. When Layton had gotten the lawsuit, his first call was to Eli. He wasn’t sure if Eli was going to take the case or refer it, but he was anxious to have this meeting.

  “I’ve read over the complaint.” Eli’s lips pulled down into a tight frown.

  “And what do you think?”

  “The good news is that your criminal trial went well, and that evidence could be used in the civil case. The bad news is that, optically, this looks really bad. In civil cases, the rules are completely different. You don’t have the criminal defendant protections built in. The discovery process is much more onerous.” Eli cleared his throat. “What do you think their endgame is here?”

  Layton cursed. “They want to make me feel pain. I don’t think this is about the money. Nina Marie has done well for herself over the years.”

  Eli shifted the papers on his desk. “That’s what I was afraid of. This could be a PR blitz against you, against your company. And if it’s not about money, then settlement isn’t a realistic alternative. I have to ask you this.”

  “You want to know if I did it.”

  Eli laughed. “I think I already know the answer to that.”

  “You have that little of an opinion of me?” Layton had to ask.

  “I didn’t get this far in life by playing by the book, and you didn’t either. There was obviously a falling out between you and Nina Marie, and you took it too far. The question is now, what are you going to do about it?” Eli twirled his pen in his hand. “But you have to realize that as long as she’s around, this is going to be a problem. She’s going to drag you through the mud.”

  Layton couldn’t believe Eli’s insinuation. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

  “And what is that?”

  “That I need to get rid of her for good.”

  Eli didn’t respond.

  “Your lack of a response is all the response I need.”

  “The problem is that you can’t withstand a murder trial. A jury won’t be so forgiving a second time around so that isn’t an option.”

  “Then what do you suggest?”

  “If we can’t squash her like an ant, then we crush them in the litigation. We need to gear up for this case and the discovery requests that just came in. They aren’t wasting any time.”

  “Does that mean that you’re going to take this on?” Layton asked.

  “I like a challenge. We have to match them on how aggressive they are. I’m assuming you’ll be good with that.”

  “Absolutely and we have one major tactical advantage.” Layton was already starting to feel better.

  “And that is?”

  “Olivia Murray is a rule follower.”

  Eli laughed. “My friend, I haven’t met a rule yet that isn’t meant to broken.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Grant knocked on Olivia’s door and held his breath. If she opened and then slammed it in his face, he’d accept that. He’d been in such a foul mood lately that he would deserve any treatment she would give him.

  He still wasn’t ready to change their relationship status, but he did have something he wanted to share with her. The first good news he’d had in what seemed like months.

  Olivia opened the door, and her eyes widened in surprise. “Grant.”

  “Yeah, I know I’m probably not welcome.”

  She shook her head.
“You’re always welcome.” She grabbed onto his hand and pulled him inside. “Is everything okay?”

  Finally, he could give a positive answer. “Yes. I have some news I wanted to share.”

  “Let’s sit.”

  He followed her into the living room and sat down beside her on the couch.

  Olivia turned toward him. “Do you want some coffee or something?”

  “No. I won’t be staying too long.”

  A flash of disappointment hit her pretty brown eyes. “What’s on your mind?”

  He couldn’t wait to tell her. “We reached a settlement. A very positive settlement.”

  “Really? How?”

  “Turns out the plaintiff had some damaging baggage, and my attorney was able to capitalize on that.”

  “I know your settlement is confidential, but can you share anything?” Olivia asked.

  “It’s within the insurance coverage.” Five hundred thousand to be exact. Which meant he wouldn’t have to pay out of pocket. Thank God for malpractice insurance. Maybe God had finally heard his prayers.

  She threw her arms around his neck. “That’s amazing news.”

  He accepted her embrace and then pulled back, putting a little space between them. “Yeah. Not gonna lie. I needed something to go my way.”

  “And it did. I’m so happy for you.”

  “I also owe you an apology for being such a beast lately. I still can’t say that my ultimate feelings on us have changed, but I never want to hurt you.”

  “You need more time,” Olivia said softly.

  He ran his hand through his hair. “Yeah.”

  “I can handle that.”

  Once again, this woman took the high road. “Anything new with you?”

  She smiled. “Actually, something big.”

  “Go on.”

  “We’ve sued Layton.”

  “What? Who is we? For what?”

  “I filed suit on behalf of Nina Marie in a civil suit against Layton. The flip side to the criminal case.”

  “Wow.” He didn’t even know what to say. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”

  “I didn’t undertake it lightly. Civil litigation was a topic at a continuing ed class I went to, and it hit me once I heard them talk about it that this could be a viable option.”

  “And you think Nina Marie is ready for this? Last time I saw her, it looked like a slight wind would blow her over.” The woman wasn’t the fiery and confident woman he had once known.

  “She’s improving. I think this lawsuit will give her a purpose and drive her to get out of bed each day.”

  Grant took a moment to process everything Olivia had told him. “So, you’re seeking damages for assault or something like that?”

  “Yeah, but it’s not all about the money. It’s bigger than that, Grant.” Her eyes lit up.

  “You think this is an opportunity to get to Layton.”

  She nodded. “Absolutely. The criminal justice system didn’t allow us to put the true Layton on display. We were constrained by the system and prosecutor, but those rules don’t apply to a civil case.”

  “You’ll depose him, I’m sure.”

  “Of course. And before you say that he’ll lie, I’m more than ready for that, but we’re going to outsmart him this time. Him and Louise and whoever else I need to expose to bring down Optimism.”

  “That’s a mighty feat.”

  “Have you ever known me to back down in litigation?”

  He laughed. “Never.” Then he turned serious. “What can I do to help?”

  “Nothing right now. I want you to focus on your issues and getting your head on straight.”

  “I’ve been messed up. I’ll fully admit that, but I don’t know if there is a solution. Would you really ever want me again?”

  “Grant, I never stopped wanting you. You’re the one who keeps pushing me away, not the other way around.”

  “I hear you. Why don’t we take this victory and move on from it, right? One step at a time.”

  “I’m more than willing to do that. I’m going to push as hard as I can on this case. I sent out discovery earlier today and deposition notices.”

  “You’re not playing around.”

  “No, I’m not,” she said flatly.

  Looking into Olivia’s determined eyes, Grant felt like Layton’s time of evading justice might finally be up.

  Stacey sat in the Optimism meeting in Layton’s den surrounded by Layton, Morena, and Louise.

  “Who all here got deposition notices?” Layton asked.

  Everyone spoke up but Stacey. “I guess Olivia doesn’t think I’m important enough to bother with.”

  Morena looked at her. “Or she still holds onto the delusional belief that you’ll go back to the church.”

  “Like that’s ever gonna happen,” Stacey said under her breath.

  “We need to make sure everyone’s on the same page here and has legal counsel,” Layton said.

  “As you can imagine, I’m going to push back hard on my deposition,” Louise said. “I probably can’t avoid testifying, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, I’m going to have my lawyer file to squash the deposition. But Layton and Morena, you will have to get deposed.”

  Morena groaned. “Although the good thing is that I literally don’t have any personal knowledge about what happened that night. Should be a short deposition.”

  “Not so fast,” Louise shot back. “Everyone needs to take this very seriously. Olivia’s strategy isn’t a big payout for Nina Marie. It has to be something else, which means in these depositions, you need to be prepared for her to go on a major fishing expedition trying to air out all of our dirty laundry.”

  Stacey let Louise’s words sink in. “This could be a very real threat to our group.”

  Layton swatted his hand. “We do not need to overreact. We’ve faced down litigation before and always come out on top. The criminal trial went off without a hitch. I don’t see why this would be any different. It’s not like anyone from Optimism is going to admit to anything we shouldn’t. We’re all solid as a rock. They won’t have any proof to discredit us.”

  The room fell silent for a moment as everyone was probably thinking about the subject. Stacey started to realize that maybe her best move right now was to sit back and listen as opposed to being an active participant. It appeared to her, though, that Louise was miffed.

  Ideas brewed like a strong espresso in Stacey’s mind. She settled in and waited for the conversation to continue.

  Layton leaned in. “I still feel by the look on your faces that this group needs a pep talk. In the grand scheme of things, this is truly a blip on the radar.”

  Louise cleared her throat. “I’m afraid I have to report on one additional piece of unrelated bad news.”

  “What’s that?” Layton asked.

  “Grant’s lawsuit settled. Eli did everything he could, but the plaintiff had some issues in her past.”

  Layton shrugged. “I’d much rather have Eli focused on my case right now, so that all works out fine.”

  “Grant is still weak,” Morena said. “I think we should focus some spiritual energy on him. Getting to Olivia directly is most difficult, but he doesn’t have the strong foundation of faith that she has.”

  “I can help with that,” Stacey piped up.

  “Good,” Layton said. “Do it. No holding back, Stacey.”

  Louise picked up her coffee cup. “Back to your case, Layton. Is Eli going to try to delay?”

  Layton shook his head. “No. Actually, he thinks it’s better to quickly push through this, at the same time, keeping up the pressure on them as well. You all seem worried about your depositions, but let’s not forget that Eli will get a crack at Nina Marie. And I’ll have a front row seat to that train wreck. The quicker this thing goes to trial, the better. We can’t allow this to string out for months and months. That would have a more negative impact than ripping off the bandage. We defeat this thing and
move on quickly.”

  Stacey fought the urge to ask more questions, but she remained quiet.

  “Remember, though,” Louise said, “I can’t stress enough how important it is to take this seriously.”

  It was clear to Stacey that Louise was very concerned about this. Would Louise ever turn on Layton? Could the women of Optimism take out their male leader?

  Morena placed her hand on top of Louise’s. “Let’s not add additional pressure to Layton. We’ve gotten this far and look how we’re thriving. We will come out on top of this too.”

  Louise nodded and gave a weak smile. “I know, I know. It’s my job to worry about these legal matters and the protection of our group.”

  “And for that we are eternally grateful, Louise.” Layton leaned back in his chair. “Eli is on the top of his game, and I think he’s going to make Olivia feel the pain. He’s not constrained by the rules like she is.”

  “He can’t let up on her. You give that woman one inch and it’s all over,” Morena said.

  Stacey had seen just how impressive Olivia was, not only as an attorney, but also as a person. In a way, Stacey admired her, but Stacey would never go back to that type of belief system. She believed Olivia could have so much more in life. “If you all don’t need anything else from me, I’m going to go home and hit the books. I’ll also get started on those spells to see if we can keep Grant down.”

  Layton nodded. “Perfect, Stacey. Thanks again for everything.”

  She left the three of them and made her way outside. Once she reached her car, she had decided it was time to shake things up.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The past few weeks had gone by in a blur, but Olivia was managing to keep up. The case against Layton was moving at lightning speed—and much to her surprise, his lawyer seemed to want to push the case along much quicker than normal. That meant she was about to defend Nina Marie’s deposition.