“That’s none of your business.” She pushed past him, but his forceful stance caused her to collide with his chest. Her cheeks warmed and her pulse skipped a beat.
“You’re not going anywhere until you tell me who you are going out with.”
Resistance was futile. She sighed. “I’m having dinner with Trevor.”
“Cousin Trevor is in town?”
“Yes. Now if you don’t mind, I have to meet with Gwen.”
“My client is in the public eye, so discretion is of utmost importance.” He released her arm and took a step backward. “You need to handle this problem fast, before the media gets wind of Gwen’s carelessness. I expect you to contact me as soon as you’ve met with your client.”
She nodded and stepped past him, fighting not to inhale his cologne. Steven let her off too easily, which wasn’t like him. Christina knew his relationship with Trevor was not on friendly terms, which had her looking forward to her dinner date even more. Unfortunately, she didn’t have time to enjoy the irritation it may cause him. She had to see Gwen and learn the truth behind the damaging photos.
While Christina waited in highway traffic on her way to Gwen’s house, she heard on the radio about a stalled truck near the overpass. She’d normally take an alternate route, but decided to stay on course. The delay would provide desperately needed time to think of how to approach her client.
Steven had just dropped a bomb on Christina’s lap with photos of Gwen with a man, a man that wasn’t Gwen’s husband. This evidence would be hard to prove in court as anything other than an affair. In a custody battle where the father is a good-standing political figure and the mother could be accused of having a torrid affair, the verdict was already in favor of Steven’s client.
Before knocking on the door, Christina released a deep breath.
When Gwen Fraser opened the door, the woman’s pleasant smile soon faded. Gwen invited Christina into the living room and then left for a moment to get a pot of tea.
Christina sat on the sofa, glancing at the family photographs on the mantel. Mother, father, and children all wore smiles, confirming a happy and loving family once lived here.
“Your call to request this meeting has me a bit nervous.” Gwen returned with the tea.
Christina took a sip of tea and placed her cup back on the saucer. “Gwen, there’s no easy way to approach this, so I’ll get right to it. I had a meeting with your husband’s lawyer today. He provided me with data that can damage our case.” She pulled the file from her briefcase and passed it to Gwen.
Her client gasped and her hand shook as she set her teacup on the table.
“I need to know who this man is, and what he means to you.”
Gwen’s face paled. “I’m not having an affair if that’s what you’re thinking.” She sat straight. “I’m still a married woman and I took my marriage vows very seriously.”
She sensed Gwen was telling the truth, but she still needed an explanation. “I can’t help you if you don’t tell me everything. You need explain what is going on.”
Gwen pointed to the wedding photograph on the wall. “When Brent and I met, we fell in love, got married, and had our first child. Our life was a fairy tale. Everything was perfect, until Brent went into politics. We kept our family life separate from his business and our efforts worked for a while. Then came the late nights at the office, the extended trips, and the secrets.” She wiped a teardrop from slipping down her cheek.
This was the part of her job Christina disliked the most. She had witnessed breakdowns before and learned how to set compassion aside. Eight out of ten divorce cases were messy, and emotions soared. Women tended to shed many tears when they feared losing the financial support they had become accustomed to. However, the poignant shadow of grief on Gwen’s face was sincere. “This is obviously upsetting to discuss, and I apologize, but as your lawyer, I have to know everything.”
“I understand and I appreciate your kindness.” Gwen swallowed a sip of tea before continuing. “Things changed about a year ago. Brent was hardly ever home and when he was, he was different. The business changed him. He moved into the guest room, started drinking, and wouldn’t talk. Then one day, he announced he was leaving.” Tears dripped down her cheeks. “I thought the separation was my fault. That I had failed my marriage and my husband.”
Christina pulled a packet of tissues from her purse and passed one to Gwen. “When did this man come into the picture?” She tapped a photograph on the table.
“Jason and I were friends in college. We had no contact until just recently when we bumped into each other at the library. I needed someone to talk to, and he had a sympathetic ear. Jason made me realize my failing marriage wasn’t my fault. I decided to stop blaming myself and found the strength to continue, for my children.” Gwen picked up one of the photographs of Jason. “He’s a professor at the university here in town. He suggested I get back into teaching.”
“Were you a couple in the past and a spark rekindled?” An image of Steven filtered through her mind, confirmed this possibility.
“No, we were only friends, and that’s all we are now. He helped me get an interview at the school, and he’s been a support to lean on. Jason and I have gone out a couple times…he makes me feel beautiful again. Brent and I haven’t been intimate for a while.”
At the final statement, Christina raised an eyebrow. She didn’t like where this was leading. “Are you and Jason friends with benefits?”
As she shook her head, Gwen snickered. “I’ve been lonely and have needs, but I assure you, I have never acted upon them. Jason has hugged me or has given me a quick kiss, but only to say goodbye, or in greeting. I swear that’s the truth. Our relationship is not as sordid as these photographs imply.”
“When did the subject of divorce come up?” Christina made a few notes on her tablet.
“On one of Brent’s rare visits to see the children, he suggested we go through with the divorce proceedings. I was tired of living a life of turmoil, so I agreed. He assured me everything would go smoothly.” Gwen stared at Christina. “This case is not going smoothly, is it?”
“I’ll be honest, Gwen, the odds are against us.” She leaned against the sofa cushions. “The pictures imply you’re having an affair while still married. What responsible mother does that? You can be guaranteed your husband’s lawyer will play that scenario in court.”
“Will it be public knowledge?”
“I’ll try everything to avoid the publicity. Unfortunately your husband’s lawyer is exceptional.” In more ways than one. At that stray thought, she shook her head. “Brent’s lawyer has nothing to lose by releasing the photographs. They imply you’re an unfaithful wife. With an election coming up, these pictures could be a sympathetic vote in your husband’s favor.” As Christina spoke the words, she figured out her opponent’s motive. “He’s setting you up.”
Gwen frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“You’ve been separated for months, so your husband could have asked you for a divorce at any time. Why now?” When Christina received no response, she provided a possible answer. “Because there’s an election coming up. I’ve read in the papers that Brent’s support is down. What better way to gain support than to have the public sympathize with a man whose wife abandoned him and their children?”
“I didn’t! That’s not true.” Gwen clenched her hands in her lap.
“I know that.” She tapped her client’s hand. “Desperate people take desperate measures. Brent had you followed. Whoever he hired took specific photos, knowing they would imply the worst. This evidence is to secure his position and votes. His loss of political character has to be our defense in court.”
Again, Gwen eyes filled with tears. “If those pictures get released, the children will be affected. The press can be cruel. I don’t want my children to see their parent’s flaws smeared over the news. They are my main concern. Please, there must be a way to hide these pictures, and still retain custody of m
y children.”
Compassion tugged Christina’s heart. “I’ll talk to Brent’s lawyer to work out equal terms.” Upon leaving, Christina didn’t offer her client any words that might lead to hope. A victory had been in their favor, but with this incriminating evidence, their chances were now slim. A court battle was the best option. Christina knew how to convince a judge and jury to empathize with a caring mother, but Gwen’s preference was to avoid court. She had valid concerns for her children, which left Christina only one alternative—one she wasn’t looking forward to. She’d have to grovel at Steven’s feet, beg and plea for time to save this sinking case.
****
“Where is she? Why hasn’t she called?” Steven paced the living room of his penthouse apartment. He checked his watch, six-fifteen. Christina should have called by now. His irritation grew with every minute he stared at the silent telephone.
The photographs he had given her were crucial to this case. Maybe the meeting with her client ran longer than expected…or her mind was preoccupied.
His fingers tightened into fists, remembering she had a dinner date with Trevor. Jealousy stung. His cousin may be looking for payback and using Christina to settle the score. Steven ran a hand through his hair. Years ago, he ruined his relationship with Christina and now he needed to do everything possible to win her back. Even if he has to play dirty. “Back off cousin, Christina is mine.” Steven picked up his cell phone, dialed a number, and smiled.
Chapter Fourteen
Running late, again. She didn’t have a second to spare. Christina had so much to do, before…oh no, she almost forgot. She had dinner plans with Trevor, in less than an hour.
She hurried back to the office to pick up a printout she had asked Jill to leave on her desk. Her goal was to be in and out of the office in minutes, but ran into another lawyer in the elevator. He wanted her opinion on one of his cases. The five minutes he asked for turned into twenty.
Inside her car, she checked the clock—six-forty. As she merged into highway traffic, Christina remembered she was supposed to call Steven. “Damn.” She couldn’t call him while driving, and she’d barely have enough time to change before Trevor arrived. “Double damn.”
With mere minutes to spare, she had the quickest shower of her life and slipped into a pair of black tights and a sleeveless, ultra-long top. She applied a thin coat of makeup, and then ran a brush through her damp hair, scrunching her long locks with her hands for style. Just as she stepped into her heeled ankle boots, she heard the doorbell ring—seven on the dot.
“I hope I’m not too early.” Trevor wandered into the living room.
He looked handsome in black pants and a leather jacket. “No, just a typical day, running late at the office.” Christina’s response was a breathless whisper.
“If you need more time? Or if tonight isn’t good, we can reschedule.” He smiled, glancing at the photos of her family on the mantel.
Even though she longed to pop a frozen dinner in the microwave, curl up on the sofa, and sip a glass of wine, Christina had to admit Trevor came to her rescue the other day. She owed him. “I have been looking forward all day to dining out.” She linked her arm through his and guided him out the door.
When they arrived at one of Halifax’s finest restaurants, they didn’t understand the attendant’s confusion with Trevor’s reservation.
“I’m sorry, Monsieur Peterson, we had your reservation booked, but received your cancellation less than an hour ago,” the tall, grey haired man said.
“I didn’t cancel. We’re here.” Trevor waved a hand in front of them.
“There must be a mistake, please accept my apology.” He tapped the reservation book with the tip of a pen. “We are booked solid this evening. Perhaps we could make you comfortable at the bar with complimentary drinks. I will have a table cleared as soon as possible.”
Trevor’s eyebrows arched inward. “How long a wait are we talking about?”
Trevor was clearly irritated by the error, but remained calm and polite. Christina placed a hand on his arm. “We can come another night. I know a nice spot close by.”
He nodded and then thanked the attendant for trying to accommodate them.
She gave Trevor directions to an Italian restaurant, which too was just as busy, but because she knew the owner and staff, they were seated at a table with only a short wait.
Antonio Ciccone, owner and head chef, was Vince’s brother. Antonio greeted her at the bar and immediately sent someone to clear a table.
She introduced Trevor to Antonio, and they chatted for a few minutes before Antonio excused himself to return to the kitchen.
As Christina expected, dinner and conversation were both great. Trevor made her laugh and fun is exactly what she needed tonight. She was sad when the night came to an end. After the drive home, Trevor walked Christina to the door and she invited him in for coffee.
“It’s close to midnight and I know you’ve had a rough day. You did a great job of hiding those yawns.”
“I’m so sorry.” She thought her attempt to conceal her exhaustion had been flawless.
“Hey, don’t apologize.” He leaned on the wall, jingling his keys. “I had a great time and hope we can go out again.”
“Definitely.” She kissed his cheek. “Give me a call the next time you’re in town.” After stepping inside, Christina fastened the security chain and kicked her boots into the closet. The doorbell buzzed. She assumed Trevor had changed his mind about that cup of coffee so she unhooked the chain and opened the door. Her eyes widened and she gasped.
Steven stood on her doorstep. He pushed past her and stormed into her apartment.
“What are you doing here?” She closed the door and followed him into the living room.
He sat on the recliner and flipped through the pages of a magazine lying on the coffee table. “You were supposed to call me.”
“My meeting with Gwen took a while. I then went to the office to pick up some documents, but got sidetracked. Then I was stuck in traffic and barely had time to get ready…” Why was she explaining and sounding like a blubbering idiot? She crossed her arms over her chest.
“Get ready for your date with Trevor?” His eyes darkened. “Unlike you, I put my professional life before my personal life. I would have thought this case would take precedence over a date.” He tossed aside the magazine. “How was your date? Couldn’t have gone well. He didn’t even come in.”
Steven must have been parked outside, watching and waiting for Trevor to leave. Christina ached to slap the smirk off his handsome face. “What gives you the right to come into my home and make accusations on how I conduct business? Calling you could have waited until morning. As for my date, that’s none of your business.”
“If you’re sleeping with my cousin, then your relationship with him becomes my business.” His brows rose.
Christina placed her hands on her hips. “Have you gone completely mad?”
“You don’t understand. Trevor and I have bad history. He’s holding a grudge and wouldn’t think twice about using you to hurt me. He obviously knows we have a connection.”
She held up her hand. “Stop saying that. How many times do I have to tell you? No connection exists between us. We had a brief fling. That’s our history.” She shook her head and then left him to go into the kitchen for a cup a coffee. Christina returned with one cup, hoping Steven would take the hint he wasn’t welcome. She placed her coffee on the table and sat on the sofa. “Do you think Trevor wants payback for Tammy?”
“So, he told you.” Steven leaned forward and wrapped a strong hand around her cup, bringing it to his lips.
Smug jerk.
“You don’t have any rat poison in the house, do you?”
His wink sent a shiver along her spine. “You should have asked before swallowing.”
“Then I’d better tell my side of the story before I lose consciousness.” He laughed and took another sip. “Tammy wasn’t as innocent as Trevor t
hought she was. Every time he left town, she’d attach herself to me. I told her I wasn’t interested, but she didn’t care. Trevor was my best friend. I would never cross the line of family and our friendship. My disinterest in Tammy only made her more determined.”
Christina rolled her eyes. “You expect me to believe you were the victim.”
Steven slumped in the recliner and closed his eyes for a moment. “Tammy called me one evening, threatening to tell Trevor she and I were lovers. She insisted we meet at her place.” One of his hands clenched into a fist. “Stupid mistake. She had a love nest set and all she needed was me.”
“Why didn’t you leave?”
“Oh, I tried. As I turned for the door, she yelled obscenities and threw a glass of wine at me. I had just left the court house and was wearing one of my expensive suits. Tammy apologized and gave me a cleaner she claimed would wash the wine from my jacket and shirt. Well, the stuff didn’t. My jacket and shirt were ruined. I was heading for the front door when Trevor arrived.”
She wanted to believe his explanation. “Trevor said he asked you to explain, but you refused to say anything.”
“He was crazy in love with that psycho. I knew he’d believe me over her.” Steven stared at Christina. “I let Trevor think Tammy and I had sex, to ruin their relationship.”
“You destroyed your friendship with Trevor to spare him from Tammy?” Her eyes widened.
“Exactly. I had hoped he’d eventually come around.” Steven stood and joined her on the sofa.
She scooted to the side until the pillows hit her back. “So, you claim Trevor is using me. What makes him any different than you? You pursued me until you got what you wanted and then you didn’t just dump me, you had me fired from my job.” Her muscles tensed. “What exactly do you want now? Another cheap roll in the hay? You can’t accuse me of sexual harassment this time.”
“I only want…” He glanced away, his gaze stuck on a spot in the carpet.
Words failed the man who always has something to say? Christina flinched as his hand reached forward. Standing, she crossed her arms over her chest. “What would your girlfriend think of you chasing after me? You’re playing house with me while your lady friend is conveniently out of town. Isn’t that what you accused me of doing?”
Law Of Attraction Page 12