A Pawn for Malice

by Cynthia Roberts

  It seemed weird to be treated as a tourist. Living in the Capitol Region most of her life, one would assume she would have gotten to visit the ‘Big Apple’ at some point, but no. It just never happened. Her grandmother kept her cloistered away at a boarding school further upstate, until she graduated from high school and then, she took up residence at Berkeley another four years.

  She was held spellbound as they toured the entire city over the next four days. They took their time and walked the financial district, revering over some of the most uniquely, architecturally designed buildings. She loved their carriage ride through Central Park and adored Broadway, where her Aunt purchased balcony tickets for the showing of ‘Chicago’.

  Jessica couldn’t get enough of the sights and sounds of the City; the fog rolling in over the East River, the street-side vendors and performers, the numerous colorful flags, gracing the United Nations Building, the stoic, yet gracefully beautiful lady standing proud on Liberty Island and the ever-impressive Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they spent an entire day goggling over the exhibits that spanned multiple cultures and decades of time periods.

  Her Aunt maintained a suite of rooms for them during their stay at the Waldorf-Astoria on Park Avenue. Jessica loved it, because it was a well-kept relic of the past. Time honored, as it was, it still held title as one of Manhattan’s finest.

  No city in the world either, had as many fine restaurants, serving a multitude of national dishes, as New York. Eating here was an adventure, as she tested her taste buds with dishes she normally would have snubbed her nose at.

  She was readying herself for bedtime, when her Aunt called out to her and knocked on the door connecting their rooms.

  “Are you decent dear?”

  “Come in, Aunt Florence.”

  Her Aunt entered, breathless from the overly large package she was carrying, which was beautifully wrapped with a soft pink satin bow.

  “Is that for me!” Jessica exclaimed.

  “Yes, it is,” her Aunt replied. “Do you remember the Maurice Levkoff boutique we visited the other day and chose an evening dress for you?”

  “That’s it,” Jessica squealed happily. “They’ve altered it already?”

  Jessica retrieved the box from her Aunt and hurriedly placed it atop her bed and began to unwrap the bow.

  “I asked them to rush it, dear. I was anxious for you to have it for tomorrow.”

  Jessica paused lifting the top off the package, as she exchanged a puzzled look with her Aunt.

  “Why tomorrow?”

  “Well, there’s a gala at the Met, and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for you to get your feet wet.”

  Jessica chewed at her lower lip and hesitated lifting the top off the dress box.

  “So soon?”

  Her Aunt waved her hand at the box for her to hurry along.

  Jessica lifted the lid, let the top slip to the floor, pulled back the sheer tissue paper and gaped openly as a whish escaped her lips.

  “Have you ever seen anything so exquisite?” She purred, as she lifted the creation from the box, held it in front of her and slowly twirled before the full-length floor mirror in awe of the reflection gazing back at her.

  “No dear,” her Aunt replied. “I do believe it is the most ravenous gown I’ve ever seen.”

  The undergarment was royal blue satin of mid-calf length, set off by a cloak of white Schiffli embroidery, with mid-length scalloped sleeves and matching hemline, delicately stitched with tiny, intricate rosebuds and belted with a `royal blue silk ribbon.

  “I think I may have to hire a body guard to keep all the young bucks in this City at bay and the single women from killing you over pure jealousy,” her Aunt chuckled.

  Jessica made a face and clucked at her Aunt. “I admit the dress is simply beautiful, but I don’t believe men will be throwing themselves at my feet, Aunt Florence.”

  Her Aunt plopped down on the edge of her bed, shaking her head in argument.

  “You’ve been sheltered too long, child. I truly believe you have no clue what a natural beauty you are. Your arrival has caused quite a stir, that, I assure you. The chase is on.”

  Jessica turned, draping the gown over her arm, as she gazed at her Aunt with a stern intensity.

  “Well, they can chase all they want. I’m not interested. I’m your companion and that’s enough excitement for me. I told you, I’m not ready … and … and I don’t think I can ever trust another man again, ever.”

  As she drew near, her Aunt reached for her hand and pulled her forward to sit beside her upon the bed.

  “I know, dear. I know,” she patted her hand tenderly. “I don’t expect the hurt and fear to dissipate like that,” she snapped her fingers. “But, you mustn’t build a wall around yourself either. You’re smart, stunning, resilient, and have a remarkable future that is awaiting you with adventuress, fulfilling accomplishments and wonderful memories, that will last you a lifetime. That life, won’t happen, if you aren’t willing to suck it up and take risks. Learn from those experiences. Don’t let them disable you.” She drew Jessica into her arms and hugged her fiercely, then held her at arm’s length. “Tomorrow night is about fun, making new acquaintances, and continuing to leave the past where it belongs. Are you willing to do just that?”

  Jessica knew that her Aunt was right. Like anything else in life, to move forward, one had to take baby steps. She wasn’t about to let her fear of getting hurt, disable her. Not by a long shot. It would be like allowing Richard and Hal to still have a hold over her.

  She nodded her acknowledgement slowly. With her Aunt by her side, she could survive her ‘coming out’ in New York society or any other damn city in the country.

  CHAPTER SIX

  They took a horse drawn carriage down Fifth Avenue to 82nd Street. It was a gorgeous evening in the city. The crisp Autumn air was refreshing and the clear, black night sky sparkled with the twinkling of a bazillion stars.

  Florence shared short quips of individuals Jessica would most definitely meet that evening. The same circle of socialites always attended such gatherings, and Florence told her, that she would be bored of them quickly. Then, there would be others Jessica needed to avoid extending relations to beyond a simple introduction. Florence promised to steer her away from those most readily.

  It was something she never had to familiarize herself with back in Maine. She rarely had the opportunity to attend such gatherings with Richard. Hell, they never had a date night after they were married. Those, she was graced to appear at, were strictly for ‘show’. Her gown was always rented. Her jewels were borrowed from her mother-in-law, and she was expected to keep her mouth shut, smile prettily, and basically act like an adornment, and nothing more.

  The carriage driver pulled up alongside the curb, where a long red carpet had been stretched out, that led up to the bottom of the Museum’s massive staircase. The entrance was flooded in light, as though the opening premier of a movie was being promoted.

  Jessica’s adrenaline ran hot as blood pumped furiously through her veins, and her excitement climaxed. The “Met”, as it was known to all in New York, looked like a white elephant against the evening sky, its many steps leading upwards, as if in homage to a god. She recognized many of the dignitaries entering ahead of them and felt rather privileged to be amongst them.

  A distinguished and handsome older gent moved forward to greet them, when they reached the top of the stairs, his face alight with pleasure.

  “Florence! What an honor it is to have you grace our presentation. I can’t tell you how happy I am that you chose to attend our simple little gala this evening,” he bowed, as he brushed the tips of her fingers with his lips.

  “Oh, Hayden,” her Aunt rebuked playfully with a wave of her free hand. “You don’t do simple. We all know that.”

  He smiled devilishly, tilting his head slightly.

  “You know me we well, my beauty.” He winked. “But still, my words are true in my happiness
to see you,” he continued, as he tenderly held her hand between his.

  “You are a charming flirt, and you know I adore you.” She slipped her hand from his and placed it upon Jessica’s arm. “Now, let me introduce you to my niece. Dear, this is Hayden Morrison, Director of the Museum. Hayden, my darling niece, Jessica Rochelle Wilton.”

  Jessica extended her hand. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Morrison.”

  She liked him immediately for the way he made her Aunt’s eyes sparkle. They both seemed to be cut from the same cloth, jarring back and forth playfully. Even a stranger coud tell that they were enamored with each other.

  “You are a beauty my dear, but of course, it only compares second to your Aunt’s,” he gallantly bowed, pressing her fingers to his lips in the same debonair fashion. “I hope you enjoy your evening with us, and it would be an honor, if you pleasured this old man with a dance later this evening. Now, if you’ll excuse me ladies, I must greet the rest of my guests.”

  Jessica bumped her Aunt’s side playfully.

  “I like your gentleman friend, Aunt Florence, and do believe he has a mad crush on you. I’d set my sights on that one, if I were you. He’s a cutie.”

  “I’m working on it, dear. Men like Hayden love to pursue, and I like playing hard to get. I’ll let him catch me eventually.”

  Her Aunt grabbed two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter, handed one to Jessica, and raised hers in toast to the evening ahead, before taking a slow sip.

  It was the 60th Anniversary of the Museum’s opening and the guest list transcended any Jessica could have imagined. There were business tycoons, former and present representatives of government, starlets with their leading men from the theatres on Broadway, New York’s socialites, and those from the fashion world.

  The champagne flowed, hor’deurves were a plenty, fondues, delectable pastry, and gourmet dip stations were set up everywhere. It was an extravaganza as a twelve-piece big band played continuously for their listening and dancing pleasure hit songs from the past six decades.

  Her Aunt introduced her to New York’s finest, famed and influential. In turn, they were quite surprised that this had been her first visit to the city. Everyone she talked to professed there was no other city in the world quite like New York.

  It got a little old, after the first hour, almost to the point of being lectured to.

  “You know dear,” former Governor, Lawrence Ives, caught her ear, “I have lived a great deal of my life here, and although I have lived at shorter lengths in others, none is more captivating. It is the nation’s most populated, the capital of world finance, business, and communication. It may not be the center of our universe, but it does occupy a central place in the world’s lifestyle. Certainly, by any standard, you must agree it affects the lives of nearly every American in one way or the other.”

  Jessica wanted to look at him like he had two heads, but she responded as demurely as she could muster.

  “Governor, I have found that nearly every person in this room shares your sentiments. Everyone, but I, that is,” she chuckled lightly, noticing the look of utter surprise, that registered on his face. She raised her point finger quickly to stop him, as his mouth opened in argument. “Please don’t get me wrong. A man of your stature and traveling experience, would know this so much more than I. This is my first time visiting, and other than living in Bar Harbor, I have nothing else to compare this city’s greatness too.” She smiled demurely. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

  Jessica quickly exited her retreat, as she exchanged a look of boredom with her Aunt and headed for the nearest exit to catch a breath of fresh air.

  The temperature that greeted her was more biting, than when they first arrived. She didn’t mind though, as she found it refreshing. Despite the tall buildings, she could tell that the sky was clear, allowing the moon above to alight everything below in its soft glow. She leaned up against one of the huge, white palisades and rested the back of her head against it, closing her eyes and letting the silence embrace her. Slowly, she breathed in deeply and hadn’t realized just how thick the air was inside with so much pomp and circumstance strutting about.

  Jessica was startled by a voice that came from the other side of the pillar she had been leaning against.

  “Really, stuffy inside, isn’t it? There’s nothing like a little night air to clear one’s senses, smog not included, of course.”

  She didn’t know whether she wanted to respond, or just exit quickly.

  “My apologies, if I interrupted your quiet time,” he continued, making his appearance further known. His features were only slightly notable, as he stood somewhat hidden in the shadow of the same pillar he stood beside.

  Jessica swallowed a gasp. What she could see of him, told her he was ruggedly handsome with hair as black as the night. It was like he was holding back, trying not to invade any more of her space than what she might have wanted.

  She shook her head, what would probably seem in madness to him, and answered.

  “No, no. I, I just didn’t expect, didn’t see anyone else out here. I’m not use to all that noise and those people. I’m a country girl really, and, oh dear, I’m rambling, aren’t I?”

  “And, quite a beautiful one, I might add.”

  She could feel her face begin to flush and prayed that the moon’s glow she seemed to be now standing under, did not give away her embarrassment.

  “I’m one myself,” he titled his head slightly, as he took a step closer. “A country boy, that is. I grew up near a lake with not a tall building in sight. Still can’t get use to the hustle and bustle of city life. This one especially.”

  “Well, that’s a first!”

  His tone was one of uncertainty as he replied. “The first?”

  She chuckled.

  “To openly admit your lack of admiration,” she replied. “No matter who I spoke to so far this evening expressed nothing but an overabundant love for this city. No other has quite the style,” she waved her arm widely. “I guess nowhere are things done in such a grand American way as the Big Apple.”

  His eyes twinkled, as he moved even closer, and she found herself squinting to see what color they were.

  “I know what you mean,” he continued. “It’s kind of sickening really. Where I come from, the people and the land represent the All-American way.”

  She couldn’t get over the stir he caused inside of her. She loved the smell of his cologne, as it drifted around her on the night air and the deeply-seated dimple she could see at the right corner of his lip. He seemed so familiar somehow, but she couldn’t quite place where she could have met him. She wanted to reach out and pull at his arm to draw him out of the shadows, so she could get a better look at him. All she could tell, was that his hair was as black as the tuxedo he wore, which fitted his tall, muscular form nicely. As chiseled as his profile seemed, his charm softened its edges.

  She found herself comfortably attracted to him and then it was as if a light bulb went off in her head.

  What the hell am I doing? This guy is a total stranger, and I’m goggling over him like a star struck teenager.

  Just as quickly, she remembered her conversation earlier with her Aunt. She knew she had to work at not letting Richard’s ghost destroy her chance at happiness. She willed herself to relax. Not all men, were like her dead husband. She couldn’t let her memory of him, cloud her judgement of others.

  “You’re Florence’s niece, right?”

  His question snapped her out of her trance.

  “Um … ah … yes,” she stammered.

  It was like the moon decided to shine much brighter at that moment, as he stepped into its light. Her breath caught in her throat, as she became entranced by the beautiful, blue cobalt of his eyes.

  The bewitching attraction was broken, when the sound of someone calling out her name filled the night air.

  “Jessie! Jessie, is that you out there dear?” Florence called, as she slowly approach
ed them both. “I was worried and … Bryan! Is that you dear?” She gasped in surprise, as she made her way closer. “Well, I’ll be … if, it isn’t you!” She exclaimed, as she opened her arms wide to hug him. “You’ve met my niece again, I see.”

  He smiled adoringly, as he stepped into her Aunt’s embrace.

  “Well, Florence, we were just getting …”

  “I am such a jerk!” Jessica bellowed. “I should have recognized you, and to think you offered a position on your staff, and I didn’t … I so apologize, Senator.”

  Her look of surprise matched his, as he answered.

  “Well, to be quite honest, I didn’t know it was you at first either.”

  “Oh, for Lord’s sake you two,” Florence blustered, as she pushed the Senator playfully, making him break into laughter. “Let me reacquaint you two. Jessica, you met Bryan rather briefly, which probably explains the confusion, a few weeks ago at a party hosted in his honor. Senator Bryan Gallagher, my niece Jessica, who as you remember, would be a wonderful asset as your Director of Communications.”

  The Senator reached for her hand and bowed respectfully.

  “It’s a pleasure Mrs. Wilton, I assure you.”

  “Not a Mrs., anymore,” her Aunt corrected him. “She’s quite single, a widow actually. You can call her Jessica, after all, since she may be working for you.”

  Jessica tried to stifle her laughter and cleared her throat before answering.

  “Senator, I’m sure you know my Aunt’s bark is worse than her bite. You’ll have to excuse her bad manners,” she toyed, as she sent her Aunt a sideward glance.

  “Well, I’m not the one who forgot they had already been properly introduced. Did I tell you, I’ve known this young man since his first year in college?”

  Jessica shook her head in response, and Florence continued without a beat.

  “Hmm. Bad manners, you say. I guess then I’ll just leave you two and get back to the reception.” She directed her attention to the Senator. “Bryan, you make sure you come by for lunch as soon as you’re able, tomorrow, if you can.” Before he could reply, she turned about and quickly departed.