I leaned forward. “Financial advisor? That’s great! Do you have their contact info? They’ll be able to talk you through some stuff and give you an idea of what you have and where the money comes from. Is there any money that you know your mom didn’t earn? That would probably be clear from the investigation.”
They exchanged a look before Lila grew sheepish. “We’ve never earned anything, actually.”
“But our dad was a trust fund kid,” Jude said as he jumped in. “Maybe the money from his family would be clear for us to use?”
I blinked as the cogs started turning. “Speaking of trust funds, I’m assuming you two have one as well?”
Lila brightened. “We do!” Then her shoulders sagged. “But it’s not available until we’re 25.”
I shrugged. “Okay, well, make an appointment with your finance guy to talk this through and find out the details. Anything you can learn will be helpful and give us a better handle on your actual financial situation. In the meantime, I know you don’t want to stay here and it’s going to be awfully cramped, but you’re welcome to stay here as long as you like. I know they took your computers, so help yourselves to mine if you need it.”
I pointed to the little desk in the corner by the only window in the living room with my old MacBook sitting on top. Then, Jude pulled me into his arms and kissed the top of my head.
“You’re amazing, you know that?”
I felt his voice rumble against my head and the emotion in his voice made me smile just as much as my heart broke.
“Come on, I think we could all use a drink.”
And that’s when Lila finally smiled. “I’ll whip us up something nice, but only this once. We have to save the fruit and stuff that we do have.”
I pointed at her. “Now you’re getting the hang of it.”
And the sadness that wafted over her face would forever be etched into my memory.
10
Lila
What followed was probably the worst day of my life. In my stomach, a thick feeling roiled as the three of us did our best to act as if there was nothing wrong, as if all were well.
Brooklyn’s studio apartment was beyond bearing. I felt as if I were locked in a too-small prison, with no way out. The drinks I whipped up for everyone helped some, but the two drinks I had after that didn’t, and the four from there made it worse. I could feel myself sinking into a sandpit of despair, and I didn’t know how to pull myself out.
Look, I know I’m a spoiled brat, okay? I’ll be the first to admit it. It’s my flaw, and aren’t we all flawed? Does it make me the worst person in the world to admit that the thought of living in Brooklyn’s apartment, even for a few days, much less a few weeks, made me feel like jumping off the roof of her building?
I mean, how the hell had Mother finagled staying at the house, but we couldn’t!?
We sorted through the rest of our stuff while Brooklyn ran an experienced eye over all of our items and put aside things she felt she could sell quickly. We had a smaller pile of things going that she said she could sell if things got desperate, but she seemed to think we were okay for now without selling anything. Which gave me some hope.
But if we needed to find a place to live, we’d wipe out nearly our full reserve of cash in one go.
Jude made us an appointment with Mr. Smythe, our long-term financial advisor, for the next morning, and had also made an appointment with the agent assigned to our case, Agent Martin for the afternoon. And me? Well, I felt like a fish out of water with no purpose. I didn’t have anything to do until the two of them started bossing me around.
Which made me feel even more useless.
While the two of them made plans and created a living situation out of the fucking hovel we were in, I drank. Sue me, that had been my habit for a long time, and hell if I was about to break it now of all times. I drank while they worked, and when they asked me to do something I paused my drinking long enough to get it done.
Before throwing back more drinks.
Only once did Jude try to stop me, and I’m pretty sure I growled at him, though things had gotten pretty hazy as the day went on. It was still light outside when I crawled into my makeshift bed on the couch, which after twelve drinks did not feel too uncomfortable at all to tell the truth. I felt the glass in my hand roll onto the floor, and as I drifted off, heard Jude’s voice.
“Everything’s going to be okay, Li,” he said softly, tucking me in and dropping a kiss on my head.
And then, everything went black.
I woke up sometime the next morning, disoriented and with a raging headache. Sitting up, I blinked and looked around, and for a moment I wondered where I was.
Then it all came crashing back.
I dropped my head into my hands and let out a small moan, being careful to keep it quiet since Jude and Brooklyn were sleeping just six feet away. I stumbled into the kitchen, my dry mouth begging for something to drink as I fumbled with the cabinets. I grabbed the orange sticky note from the front of the fridge and squinted at it in the darkness of the room. And when I read the words scribbled down in almost illegible handwriting, I smiled softly to myself.
Lila, food for you in the fridge.
Opening the door, I saw a foil wrapped plate with a large bottle of Lime Perrier and- thank God- four Advil on a napkin beside it. I grabbed it all and crept to the porch, sliding the door open and closed behind me as quietly as possible before I sat on a cushion on the cement. There was a little citronella candle with a lighter beneath the lid which I lit before unwrapping my plate of food.
And the smell of it made my mouth water with excitement.
By the light of the moon and the flickering of the candle, I saw a grilled cheese, an apple, and a pile of carrot sticks with a little ramekin of hummus. I was suddenly ravenous, not having eaten a single thing the previous day. But first, I was desperate for water and a painkiller. I took a long drink of the sparkling water, gargling one mouthful and spitting it off the edge of the balcony, then took all of the Advil at once.
Then I dove into my little meal as if it were a filet mignon sent straight to me by my favorite steakhouse in the city.
It was certainly nothing that would have been prepared in my kitchen, or at any restaurant we frequented, but at that moment it tasted like the best meal I’d ever had. By the time I cleaned my plate, the Advil and water had kicked in and I was starting to feel a bit more human. Until I felt something vibrating in my pocket. It took me a few seconds to realize I’d fallen asleep in my clothes, so my phone was still in my pocket.
So, I pulled it out and winced when I saw all of the messages from Aiden.
11:00 AM
Dinner tonight? I thought I’d cook for you :)
12:35 PM
Hey babe, how you doing?
2:12 PM
If you’d rather go out, that’s fine, but just let me know please.
5:06 PM
Am I getting the silent treatment for some reason?
7:49 PM
I’m worrying about you now. Please just let me know you’re fine and I’ll back off.
9:00 PM
Lila??
11:59 PM
You know, it’s really shitty that you didn’t at least let me know something. I don’t know if you’re playing games or what, but I’m over it. Don’t bother calling.
Fuck.
I looked at the time and it was a little after four in the morning. Too early to call? Yeah, but I could send a text.
4:16 AM
Aiden, I’m so sorry! I totally forgot we were supposed to get together. Some stuff with my mom came up, I’ll tell you later. Can I see you later on today?
I knew he got up early, so hopefully I wouldn’t have to wait too long before he got back to me. I leaned my head back against the gritty outer wall of the apartment building and closed my eyes, enjoying the feel of the early morning air on my face.
I don’t know how much time had passed like that when I heard the balcony
door sliding quietly open and looked up to see Jude creeping out. He sat down beside and swung an arm around my shoulders.
“Feeling okay?” he asked
I shrugged. I mean, what was there to say? He was in the same boat as me, and even arguably worse off since he and Brooklyn’s relationship was still fairly new. But now, he and I both were imposing on her hospitality, and I wondered if that might shove a wedge between him and the only girl that had ever made my brother feel slightly normal.
“It’s all going to be alright,” he said, leaning his head on top of mine. “Everything is going to be just fine.”
I wished I could believe him.
“Let’s talk about something else,” I said as I let out a hefty sigh. “How are you and Brooklyn doing?”
“We’re good,” he said, and I could feel his smile even though I couldn’t see it. “She’s something else, isn’t she?”
I giggled. “She really is. I can’t believe we tried to ruin her life.”
He laughed at that. “God, we’re horrible people.”
“The worst,” I agreed.
The balcony door opened behind us, and Brooklyn came out. “I’ll second that,” she said, handing us both mugs of coffee.
I looked down at the coffee and over to Jude.
“Oh my God, he told you he couldn’t drink the coffee from my maker didn’t he,” Brooklyn said. “Jude!”
He groaned. “Well I didn’t know she’d ever have to drink it!”
“Ugh, fine.” She took back the mugs. “Let’s go, I know a twenty-four hour diner not far from here.” She shook her head as she poured the coffee into a pitcher and we came inside. “And I’ll buy a new coffeemaker today. I guess it’s about time anyway.”
I bit my tongue as I looked at the rusted, ancient contraption that she tossed into the garbage, wanting to ask if there had ever not been time.
“But nothing fancy!” Brooklyn added. Like that surprised me.
Jude focused on the pitcher. “What are you planning to do with that shit?”
She shrugged. “Well I’m not letting it go to waste just because the Wonder Twins are too good for it. I’ll use it for iced coffee later.”
Jude and I shuddered in unison as she put the pitcher in the refrigerator. Right next to the last of the good cheese we had.
Then, she faced us. “Lila, you can have the bathroom to get ready. I already brushed my teeth. Jude can go last and take a cold shower for bad-mouthing this place behind my back.”
Jude’s jaw swung against the floor that needed a good mopping. “Seriously?”
Brooklyn grinned. “Seriously.”
I giggled. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”
I went in and closed the door, changing into a pair of tailored shorts and a button up shirt, which was what passed as casual for me. I gratefully washed my face and brushed my teeth twice, taking care not to focus too much on my surroundings. Because I was concerned that if I looked too hard, I’d spook myself out of living here.
Which was necessary for both Jude and myself at this point.
They were ready for me when I exited the tiny bathroom, and I noticed Jude passed up a chance to shower before we left. Was the shower really that bad here? I resisted the urge to go back and look as Brooklyn ushered us out the door. She led the way a few blocks down to another hole in the wall. If I’d have known that this was going to be my life now, I would not have let Aiden take us to dinner at that pub the other day. I could cry, thinking about Bijous, my favorite French brunch restaurant.
I’m going to miss that place.
We slid into a sticky booth and an old woman with a waving bouffant hairdo more appropriate for the sixties dropped a stack of mugs and a carafe of coffee on the table without a word. Brooklyn, totally at ease with her red hair caught up in a high bun and wearing a shirt that looked as if it had been passed down through generations of people, distributed mugs and poured coffee, passing me one creamer and one sugar packet.
Just how I took my coffee.
“I’ve always liked coming here,” Brooklyn said, passing us menus. “You can get a full breakfast for four bucks and their coffee is great. I wanted to show this place to you both so that you knew a place to come day or night if you need to escape and be on your own without spending too much money.” She smiled a little. “And you definitely won’t have to worry about running into anyone you know here.”
The coffee was actually pretty good. There was nothing on the menu I was willing to eat, though, except for a half of a grapefruit. And it’s hard to screw that up. It was with a new appreciation that I looked at my $2.00 bill, wondering if this was my life now.
Drinking diner coffee and eating half a grapefruit for brunch.
“Jude, you never wrote down anywhere that you ‘fired’ me, did you?” Brooklyn asked as our breakfast dishes were cleared.
I looked at him sharply. “You fired her?”
“Not this again,” he groaned. “Listen, would you think it was a good idea to have my girlfriend cleaning our toilets?”
I pursed my lips. He made a good point.
“No, I didn’t, Brooklyn. Why?”
She smiled. “So technically, I’m still an employee?”
He shrugged. “I guess so. What’s it matter?”
“Because right now I’m the only one with a steady income for the three of us,” she said. “And that’s a very good thing. My next shift is on Monday, when Janey is supposed to start back as well. Hopefully she won’t screw anything up and I’ll be able to check things out in the house.”
“Great point,” I said, sitting straighter. “You’ll be able to keep an eye on Mother as well, see what she’s up to.”
“I’m hoping Agent Martin can give us some info today,” Jude said. “It’s complete bullshit that she’s been able to fuck us over like this.”
“I’ll take care of today’s bill, since I’m now the sugar momma,” Brooklyn said, grabbing the bill and going up front to pay.
Her comment made me legitimately smile, and it felt good to smile.
By the time we went back, showered, and really got ready for the day, it was time for Jude and me to go meet Mr. Smythe.
Brooklyn tossed the keys to Jude. “Take my car, but don’t drive it like you normally do. Remember this is our only mode of transportation now and we don’t have the money for repairs.”
I expected Jude to get irritated at that, but he only nodded. And true to his word, he drove like a grandma downtown to Smythe’s office.
Hampshire Wealth Management was as swank as a building could get, with plush carpeting, gleaming oak furnishings, and classical music piped in everywhere. Even the bathrooms. His secretary led us into his office as soon as we stepped inside.
I’d never really sat down face to face with Smythe before. Most of our correspondence occurred over the phone or through email. I was surprised to see that he was much older than I’d thought, with carefully combed white hair and glasses that sat low on his nose.
“Lila. Jude. Welcome, welcome,” he said, gesturing to the seats. “Carrie, bring in some refreshments, will you?”
The secretary nodded and disappeared.
Jude crossed his leg over his knee. “Mr. Smythe, I’ll be honest with you. My sister and I are very concerned.”
“I’ve seen the news,” Smythe’s voice was gentle. “I can imagine why you are here today. There is a lot for us to discuss.”
“Good,” Jude said as he folded his hands in his lap. “Because yesterday, federal agents came and started taking things out of our home. Mother has been let out on house arrest and is staying there, but we’re not. They’ve taken our computers for evidence and frozen our bank account and all of our credit cards. We’ve had to throw ourselves on the mercy of my girlfriend, with basically nothing to our name at all.”
Smythe nodded. “Let us not waste any time then in getting down to business.” His hands started flying across his keyboard. “In regard to your accounts and credit card
s, I unfortunately cannot give you any assistance. They are now the property of the federal government while they ascertain how the Congresswoman’s funds were used and can account for every dollar.”
Jude nodded, and I was impressed with how he kept his composure. “Do you know why that would be? Surely for murder they would not be looking into her financial records.”
“As I understand it, she has suggested that she has received funds from outside sources,” Smythe said delicately. “She told investigators that some of her money had been obtained illegally, and some of the public funds which she had access to were spent for personal gains.”
Jude and I looked at each other. So, she had thrown herself under the bus just to get back at us. How typical.
Smythe sighed. “This can take a very long time to clear up, sir, I won’t lie to you. Possibly years. But, let’s talk about your trust funds, where there’s good news and bad news.”
Carrie came in right at that moment, bearing a tray of lattes and sparkling waters. Damn Carrie. I tried not to look impatient as she put down the tray, laying out coasters for all of us as well. Neither Jude nor I made a move for a drink. Finally, Carrie left.
“Where was I?” Smythe asked, taking a latte for himself. “Ah, yes, your trust funds.” He glanced down at the papers in front of him. “As I said, there’s good news and bad news in that regard. The good news, I’m glad to say, is twofold.”
I was doing my best not to strangle the man. Get to the point already!
“First, the money came solely from your father’s family fortune, and is therefore not tied up whatsoever in any legal proceedings.”
I squeezed my hands tightly together. This was a good start.
“Secondly, and this is perhaps a little more difficult to discuss,” he took a long sip of latte. “But it appears that your father anticipated some trouble with your mother before his death. A few months before he died, he changed the trustee of your trust funds from your mother to someone else.”
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