“Do what?” countered Liam.
“The crimes; the heists,” he said. “My god, Liam, the hostages.”
Liam didn’t say anything, so Warren just kept needling. “Was it your way of getting back at me?”
Liam smirked. “Ah, yes, somehow I knew you’d make this all about you.”
“Then explain it to me, because I can’t figure out why a young man who had everything going for him, would throw it all away.”
Liam remained silent, which only made Warren angry. “Dammit, Liam, you have no answers,” he snapped. “You held people against their will, and innocent people died, and you have nothing to say.”
Liam slammed his handcuffs down against the table and shouted, “I didn’t kill anybody!”
Warren scoffed, “You can’t be that naïve.”
The hard to ignore loud arguing could be heard outside in the hallway, prompting Weston to step towards the door but Penny stopped him. “Please don’t,” she said. “They need to hash this out, for both of their sakes.”
Back in the room, Liam suddenly felt as if he were a little boy again, desperate for his father’s approval, but knowing he wasn’t going to get it. “Nothing I did was ever good enough for you, grades, sports, awards, you always said, well son, you could do better.”
“And then of course when I told you how much I loved ships and was looking into schools to study naval architectural design, you said, well son, you go draw boats on your own time, but you need to go to law school, that’s where your true calling is.”
It was Warren’s turn not to say anything. He was obviously stunned at hearing Liam throw all of this back at him. “You see, Dad, I was good at something,” he said, grinning conceitedly. “In fact, I was great—at being a thief.”
Warren glanced at the guard who was half listening to their conversation, but then Warren focused on Liam who continued his verbal assault. “I robbed convenience stores, banks, jewelry stores for years and never got caught, until now,” he said.
Liam watched his father’s eyes deaden, as he showed just how cold and ruthless his only son could be. “I’ll be honest with you, there were times I did think being a criminal was some sort of way of getting back at you, but deep down, I just liked it.”
At that point, a completely disheartened Warren finally found his voice again. “And what about the hostages?”
Of course, Liam’s mind went straight to Remi. “Hated dealing with them, most jobs didn’t require it,” he replied. “There were only a couple that did, and it wasn’t until the Bank of Philadelphia that any of them had been severely injured or killed,” he said, his voice choking a little, not going unnoticed by Warren. “So, that did bother you?” he asked, sounding somewhat hopeful. Liam stared his father directly in the eye and replied, “Yes.”
Warren exhaled, a clear sign of relief, as he had feared his son had lost all empathy for human life. “You still had to know going in that innocent people could get hurt,” he said, afraid that Liam’s soul belonged to the devil, which may or may not have been in the form of Charles. While no longer looking at his father, Liam nodded slightly. “Yeah, I knew, but I had programmed myself not to feel anything,” he said. Then the mantra he hadn’t thought about in quite some time came to mind. “No emotions, no involvement, don’t get attached,” he uttered in an icy robotic tone. Warren stared at his son, a mirror image of himself, sadly in more ways than just physically. “How’d that work out for you?” he asked. Liam leaned back in the chair and sighed. “Good up until that day.”
An almost desperate sounding Warren said, “I wish you’d let your Mom and I help you.”
“I’m owning up to what I did.”
Though he hated it, he couldn’t deny that Liam was an adult, facing the consequences of his actions. Liam assumed his dad was going to assist on the case, regardless of their strained relationship. “Can you call mom back in?”
Warren obliged, and she had barely sat down when Liam stated, “I need this expedited because I want everybody to be able to put this behind them and move on.”
His parents exchanged glances, and in that instance, Liam had a serious what-the-hell moment, having both of them sitting there, in that capacity no less, working together on his behalf felt incredibly surreal. He thought, after all those years, it took for him becoming a criminal to get the family to rally together. Warren suddenly mentioned Remi and wanted to know more about her. Liam smiled wide and replied, “I was locked inside of the bank vault with her and ended up saving her life.”
Warren couldn’t resist commenting, “Guess you felt something after all.”
“Guess so,” echoed Liam, with a slight hint of a grin. Just as he did earlier with his mom, Liam’s softening towards his father warmed Penny’s heart. The circumstance sucked and the situation ominous, but for a brief moment, the three bonded together as a family unit. The legal combination of Matthews and Matthews were a formidable duo that Liam had no doubt would do their best to make sure his sentence was at worst, life without parole. As he listened to his mother rattle off all the charges against him, there were so many he lost count after she reached charge numbered twenty-one. The most damaging of course were the deaths of Jenna and Wendy. Though Tom was the actual killer, Liam knew that he, Charles and Denton were all complicit. Tom being dead didn’t help matters. “Odds of me ever getting paroled are slim to none, right?” he asked, but when neither his mother nor father answered right away, Liam’s mind instantly dove into a place he hadn’t wanted to go. “I’m not looking at the death penalty—am I?”
Warren quickly reacted by replying, “No!”
Liam studied his father’s all-telling expression. “Dad, robbing a bank is a federal crime, my actions that day, inadvertently led to the deaths of those two women, why wouldn’t they seek lethal injection?”
“Because, not only did you supply the police and feds the other fugitive, your actions also saved Remi’s life, so no you are not looking at death,” explained Penny. She then added, “Pennsylvania hasn’t executed anyone since 1999, and in 2015 the Governor suspended the death penalty, though that doesn’t mean it’s been abolished, it just means there’s a less likely chance the State would seek it.”
Warren chimed, “Let’s hope all the good you have done, benefits your sentencing.”
Penny concurred then mentioned that his apartment had been searched and his truck had been impounded. “Any chance you can get it out?” Liam asked. Penny told him she’d talk to Weston about it. He then unexpectedly thanked them both for being there. “I’m sure this couldn’t have been easy for either of you.”
Penny glanced at Warren. “I think we are all culpable here to some degree.”
Weston entered the room to announce that Liam had to go back to his cell. “We’ll see you later,” said Penny, as all three stood up. She walked around the table to give Liam a huge hug. She squeezed him tightly as she couldn’t remember the last time she actually embraced him. Unfortunately, since he was shackled, he couldn’t reciprocate. “I love you,” she whispered. He half-grinned and nodded. Warren patted Liam’s shoulder and told him if there was anything he needed, to let them know. Again Liam just nodded. With that, he was escorted back down to lock up.
CHAPTER 22
Remi sat crossed legged on her bed, staring down at the manila envelope that Chris had given her. She still hadn’t opened it, knowing it was from Liam, she was half curious, half scared. She also couldn’t erase the image of seeing the yellow police crime tape strung across the front of his apartment door. It was a harsh reminder of what was happening. As her cell phone continued to beep with messages and calls, she could hear Chris and Melanie out in the kitchen talking. When they first got back from the station, Remi reluctantly made the one call she didn’t want to—to her parents. It pretty much consisted of her dad flipping out and her mom asking a million questions, all the while Remi not able to answer any of them. So, she came up with the only plausible solution. She invited them, along
with Marlene, Penny, Warren, and Olivia over later that evening so she could explain the entire story one time, in person. She felt she owed them all that much. In the meantime, she continued to dodge opening up that envelope. She couldn’t get passed Liam’s logic on making that deal and screwing himself in the process. “Why would he do that?” she asked herself, but then she caught a glimpse of the music box on her nightstand. And she giggled because it was just a Liam thing to do. No rhyme or reason, it is what it is, she thought. She then smiled as opposed to crying because if she allowed herself to envision Liam sitting in a dingy jail cell, she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to stop the tears from falling. She also needed to read what was inside the envelope so after propping up two pillows behind her back; she inhaled deeply then slowly exhaled as she removed ten papers, a folded one and nine of which were paper clipped together. Those were the first ones she glanced at. The top page of that particular stack had the title, Quitclaim Deed. Having never heard of that before, Remi wasn’t quite sure what it was. Completely stumped, she thoroughly read over the page. It wasn’t until she saw Liam’s full birth name and her name next to it that she understood what it was. “Oh my God!” she exclaimed.
Still, in shock by what she had just read, she set those papers aside then went back to the folded one. Her heart began thumping a little harder when she undid the flaps to reveal a handwritten letter from Liam. It was unlike his previous short notes she had received when he had been away for those few weeks. Though excited at the idea that he took the time to write her one that long, she dreaded reading it at the same time.
Dear Remi,
If you are reading this, that means I’ve been arrested. And I needed to explain a few things, that couldn’t be done beforehand. First and foremost, protecting you has always been my priority, so making a deal to keep you from being charged and out of prison was the most important thing to me. I couldn’t tell you about it because the less you knew, the better but also I was afraid you’d talk me out of it. If you only knew how many times I wanted just to run away with you and never look back. But that would be beyond selfish of me. Always looking over our shoulders while you would be removed from your family and friends, I could have never done that to you. And I also couldn’t have just run without you, because then you would have been left with the fallout of my actions, and would have suffered the consequences alone. Again, I couldn’t do that to you. So, the only choice was for me to accept what I’ve done and face it head-on. It was only a matter of time, you and I both knew that.
I also needed you to know that I’m giving you the house in Miami. Everything has been taken care of, all you have to do is sign the documents, and the house is yours if you want it. I have set up a special account for you as well, which has plenty of money for property taxes and utility bills for at least the next ten years. The reason I’m giving you the house is because I think after everything that’s happened, you might want a fresh start, and you are the only person that I feel can give it the life it deserves. However, there’s no pressure. If you truly don’t want the house, that’s okay, I’ll understand. My lawyer has been instructed to sell it if you choose not to accept it. I’m also giving you my truck if you want it. But again, if you don’t, that’s fine, too.
Finally, you need to know that the last couple weeks of spending time with you have been some of the best of my life. You have gone above and beyond for me, and I still often question why you would do that. I can’t ever convey just how much that has meant to me. That said, even with my giving you the house, I don’t expect you nor want you to wait for me. I’m more than likely going to prison for the rest of my life, so you need to move on, go live your life, find love and be happy. I know as you are reading this you are probably hurt, upset, and possibly even angry with me, but hopefully, someday you will see my side and understand why I did all of this.
Back on Columbus Day, the moment I made the decision to save your life, deep down you actually saved mine too. You just didn’t know it. It will forever be “our story” and no one else will ever fully comprehend what that means, but it won’t matter, because remember, it’s always been just you and me.
Sincerely,
Liam
When she got to the last sentence, she whispered, “Oh, Liam.”
Though nowhere in the letter did he state that he loved her, it was close enough, she thought. He had never poured his heart out like that before. “Our story,” she murmured while smiling. “That’s right, no one can ever take that from us,” she said. Just then, Melanie cracked the door opened slightly and asked if she was okay. Remi told her to come in and Chris followed close behind, which Remi was glad he was still there. They both took a seat at the bottom of the bed while Remi informed them about the truck and the house in Miami. “Are you moving down there?” asked Melanie. Remi fell back against the pillows and replied, “Right now, I don’t know anything, except I wish that Liam wasn’t in jail.”
They were all in agreement on that one.
With arms folded behind his head, Liam laid on the hard, uncomfortable cot, staring up at the ceiling, wondering what Remi was doing. Having seen her so upset pained him more than he had ever imagined it would, even worse was not being able to take that pain away for her. “Knock knock,” said DeGrazerio, as he tapped a pen against the steel bars. Liam turned his head slightly to see the agent and Weston standing there. Weston announced that they had news for him. “Your buddy, Charles sung like a canary,” declared DeGrazerio. “We just had to turn the heat up a little, and he ratted out Mitchell Denton in a matter of seconds.”
Liam smirked, apparently not shocked, as he figured or more like banked on that happening. “Denton had been cleared early on because he had an airtight alibi,” said the agent, shaking his head at the obvious disgust at the department’s lack of pursuing him back then. “Guess we should be thanking you,” he said grudgingly. Liam half-grinned and said, “Just the fact that Denton will get his due is all the thanks that’s needed.”
DeGrazerio understood but tossed out for good measure, “You know I still don’t like you.”
Liam sat up and with a genuine laugh, he retorted, “Feeling is mutual.”
The agent snickered then said he was on his way to have a little chat with Mitchell. As soon as he left, Weston had the guard unlock the door so that he could enter the cell. “I get the feeling he’s going to enjoy sticking it to Denton,” commented Liam. Weston sat down on the metal bench that was bolted to the concrete wall and remarked, “No doubt.”
Weston then asked Liam how he was doing. “I’m okay.”
“For what’s it worth, you did the right thing,” said the detective. Liam lowered his head and nodded in such a way that showed that he wasn’t as convinced. “I know you and Remi have forged a bond and you’ve been through quite a lot together,” said Weston. “But one thing really sticks with me, and that’s right after the heist occurred, I had gone to her parents’ house to show her the bank surveillance video, and at the time she obviously had no memory of what had happened.”
Liam listened intently.
“As I studied Remi’s reaction while she watched the video, her eyes remained fixated on one specific gunman, which turned out to be you,” he said. “I questioned if she recognized anyone and of course she didn’t, but even then I got the strangest feeling she knew who you were even though she had no memory recall at the time.”
Liam just smiled, as Weston added, “Makes me wonder just who was protecting whom.”
A solemn yet serene expression fell upon Liam’s face, hinting to what he was feeling in that moment. “I never wanted her involved in any of this.”
Weston believed him, and also believed that Liam deeply regretted holding her hostage. “If you had just taken off after the heist, you would have gotten away with it,” remarked the detective. A smug grin emerged from Liam who was fully cognizant of that fact. Weston then asked, “The night of warehouse, whose idea was it to plant the diamonds on Schaffer?”
Liam quickly replied, “Mine.”
It was apparent the detective didn’t believe that. “Remi spun one hell of a tale, you sure it was just your idea?”
Liam nodded then said, “It might have been a joint effort.”
Weston smiled. “Yeah, I kind of figured that.”
A guard brought Liam’s dinner, as Weston told him he’d check back later. Liam had appreciated the detective’s follow through on the deal and his kindness overall. He then glanced down at the three-slotted plastic tray where he saw a piece of flat breaded chicken, though he couldn’t be sure that’s what it was. A pile of lumpy mashed potatoes and waxy green beans that had a strange yellow tint to them, which made them highly unappealing. It didn’t matter anyway eating was the last thing he felt like doing. Instead, he hopped back up on the cot, folded his arms behind his head, and lied down again. After he closed his eyes, he sighed, resigning himself to what his life would be for many, many, years to come.
Remi sat on a kitchen stool, drinking a cup of hot tea while rereading Liam’s letter for the 100th time. Melanie asked her what time everyone was coming. She replied that they would be there soon. Her nerves were frayed at that point, but she had to keep it all together. Easier said than done, she thought. Melanie then asked her if she wanted her to stay for support, but Remi felt like she needed to do this on her own. “Time for me to put on my big girl pants,” she said. “I’ll always stand by you, no matter what,” said Melanie, as she embraced her. Remi appreciated that, and before Melanie left, she affirmed, “You can do this.”
A sudden coldness overcame Remi, and goose bumps appeared on her arms, so she grabbed Liam’s black hoodie. The moment it slipped over her head, it not only physically warmed her up but it gave her a sense of comfort. She yanked the sleeves over her hands then held them up to her nose and just smiled. The hoodie smelled like him. A pleasant combination of Tide laundry detergent and white Dove soap, no expensive colognes needed or anything extra necessary to make Liam smell better. She sighed just as the intercom buzzed. Her parents, Penny, Warren, and Marlene, all had arrived at the same time. Cue the awkwardness, she immediately thought. To hopefully avoid as much tension as possible, she greeted them at the elevators. As soon as the doors opened and they all stepped off, her mom pulled Remi into a bear hug while crying, “Oh sweetie, how are you holding up?”
UNMASKED: Sequel to Behind the Mask Page 40