by J. M. Witt
“I didn’t kill him. I promise.” Jane was frightened and becoming erratic.
“I know, but if he scratched you, well, all fingers are going to be pointing at you.” Jane started sobbing, as Cal wrapped his arms around her.
James pulled out his cell phone and stepped outside. Cal took Jane upstairs and I sat on the couch trying to wrap my brain around everything that was happening. I was feeling sorry for myself, for all of us. Why couldn’t we just get a break? Life wasn’t fair. James came back inside then, stood by the door and just stared at me.
“There’s something you should know.” My stomach churned as he sat next to me and took my hand. “When I went out for my run this morning, I stopped by the hospital. After checking in on my mom, I went to Derek’s room.” I looked at him, shock written all over my face and tried pulling my hand out of his grasp. “Cassidy, I promise you, I didn’t do this. I wanted to, but it wasn’t me.”
I searched his eye for a moment, trying to put the pieces together. “But, if Jane says it wasn’t her and you say it wasn’t you…Cal? I don’t believe it.”
“I didn’t say that either. It could have been anyone. Jane said the guard wasn’t on post. And now that I think about it, he wasn’t there when I stopped in either.”
“I think I’m going to be sick.” I rushed to the kitchen sink, splashing some cold water on my face. The cool water helped calm me, ceasing the need to hurl. “Did anyone see you there?”
“I don’t think so. I didn’t talk to anyone.”
James rubbed my back as there was another knock at the front door. Cal was walking down the stairs and opened the door after taking a deep breath. It wasn’t who we expected. Paul stood there with a smile on his face, which dropped when he saw James and me.
“Sorry. I thought you could use a workout buddy. You said today, right?”
“Yea, come on in. You haven’t met Cassidy’s boyfriend yet.”
“No, it’s okay. I can come back.”
I felt horrible and I didn’t want things to be difficult between us all. If Paul was here to stay, we were all going to have to get used to being around each other.
“Paul, please come in.” He looked to James and I and smiled politely before coming in. “Cal, Paul and James actually served together too. Paul is working for James.”
Cal must’ve sensed the tension in the room. He looked between the three of us before saying, “Oh. Well alrighty then. Your timing has always been impeccable, Paul.”
He slapped Paul on the shoulder to which he responded with, “Tell me about it.”
“You should sit down. I have some news.”
James immediately tensed and said, “This is a family matter, Cal.”
Cal looked to James, answering, “I trust Paul with my life. After what we’ve been through, I would think you do too.”
What the fuck was going on? Had Cal and James discussed their time in the war? Now I was on the verge of getting pissed. Why did everyone know but me? “James, you can trust him.” I glanced at Paul and he smiled at me.
“I’m sorry. We’re all under a lot of stress. Of course, I know I can trust him.” James walked over to Paul and put his hand out between the two of them. “I’m sorry, man. No hard feelings.”
“Nah, it’s cool.” They shook hands and then Paul asked, “So, what the hell has you all so serious?”
~<>~<>~<>~
That night in bed we were chatting about the day’s events. No arrests had been made, yet. Annie was set to represent any and all three of them if need be. The cops had questioned Jane and she in turn answered the questions they asked with Annie was present the whole time. They were waiting for the coroner’s report which could take days or weeks.
“You believe me, right?”
Peering up at him, “Of course, but I don’t want to believe that any of you did this. Just thinking about it depresses me. I mean, if it was Jane, at least she’d have the sympathy of the court.”
Glaring at me, he retorted, “She didn’t do it.”
“How do you know that? We don’t know what happened in that hospital room.”
“Exactly, it could’ve been your brother. None of us has an alibi.”
“I should’ve made you stay. If I’d insisted you stay this morning at least you’d have an alibi.”
“Something about this whole thing seems off. It’s too convenient.” Kissing my forehead and scratching my back, he whispered, “Don’t worry. We’ll figure it out. I’ll spend every last penny to make sure Cal and Jane have the representation they need.”
I fell asleep shortly after, though my sleep was restless.
He followed me to work in the morning then headed to his office. His mom was scheduled to go home, and she’d have twenty-four hour care and hospice would be brought in when the time was right.
On Wednesday Paul had texted, asking if I was free for lunch. I accepted, not thinking anything of it. I met him at the diner down the street and as I walked in and saw him I got nervous. If James found out he’d probably be furious. Paul stood and gave me a hug before we sat down. The waitress brought two waters immediately and said she’d be back for our order. Why did I feel like I was on a date? I was playing with my straw wrapper, tying it in knots and avoiding his gaze.
“I wanted to apologize.” He words surprised me.
“For what?”
“I hope my being back in town hasn’t caused any issues with you and James. I should’ve put the pieces together when Smith mentioned he had a fiery redhead.” We both laughed. “I have to admit that when I ran in to Cal all those weeks ago, I was very eager to see you too.”
“Paul. You didn’t cause any issues that weren’t already there. I admit that I wondered for a long time what happened to you, to us.” I nervously looked at him and took a sip of my water.
He forcefully blew the air out of his lungs. “I was an idiot. That’s what happened. I’m really sorry if I hurt you.”
Hurt me? He destroyed me. After confessing my love, he walked down the terminal, side by side with my brother and I never saw him again. It wasn’t until James that I felt those feelings again.
“It’s ancient history. No hard feelings.”
He smiled at me and then the waitress came and took our orders. “So, what have you been up to all these years? You seem to be doing pretty good for yourself.”
“I’m doing okay. I’m an event planner, graduated school a few years ago, nothing too exciting. What about you?”
“After the Army I ended up in Atlanta for several years. Dad relocated the business there when I was enlisted. James and I always stayed in touch. I was originally supposed to work for him when we got out, but Dad got sick so I moved home and finished my degree in architecture. My younger brother is helping dad run things down there now, so it seemed like the right time to come back here.”
“So, you never married or had kids?” I couldn’t help but ask. I had to know.
“Married and divorced, no kids. It’s a story for another day.”
“Oh. Okay.” He’d been married. It didn’t surprise me that someone had snatched him up. “So, what are you doing for James?”
“I’m helping him with the house.”
“The house?”
“Yea, the property by the cider mill.” He looked to me and realized I didn’t have a clue what he was talking about.
“That rotten sneak.” I remembered our visit to the cider mill and the ‘private property’ sign that was posted. He had me believing that it was a friend’s property. He was building a house? I just couldn’t keep up.
“We’ve been redesigning the plans for months. I figured you knew.”
“It’s no big deal.” I couldn’t help but wonder why he hadn’t told me.
The rest of our lunch ‘date’ was uneventful. He’d been spending a lot of time with Cal and Jane and that made me happy. My phone buzzed and I checked to see a text from James. He was at my office and wanted to know where I was. I texted him back
that I was down the street and headed back.
“That’s my cue. I should get back to work.” We both reached for the bill, which he snagged up.
“Nope, my treat. I’m glad you made it. Maybe we could do it again sometime?”
“I’d like that.” I got up and hugged him as he handed the waitress the bill and told her to keep the change. We walked out the door, which he held open and I started walking down the street.
“You walked? It’s freezing out. Let me drive you.”
“It’s not that far and I needed some fresh air.”
“It’s like fifteen degrees out. Come on.”
I walked with him and followed him to his SUV. We drove the couple blocks in silence before he pulled up and parked in front of my building. As I got out I saw James storming out the front doors of the complex.
“You’re not supposed to leave without security. What were you thinking?”
“That I needed to be alone. Give me a break.” Paul joined us, asking if everything was okay.
“I’ll deal with you later. Get back to work.”
“Whoa dude…”
“Hey. Knock it off, James. Paul is a friend and I’ll have lunch with whomever I want, whenever I want. You don’t control me.”
Paul was enjoying the show when I glanced at him and I rolled my eyes at him.
“You’re right. This isn’t the time or place. I’ll talk to both of you later.” He barreled toward the parking garage as Paul apologized.
“He’ll get over it.”
“He must really like you.” He elbowed me, “I don’t remember him ever being so territorial.”
“Give me a break,” I laughed. “I’ll talk to you later. Let me know if he gives you any grief at work.” He nodded before hopping in his vehicle and driving away.
~ JAMES ~
I was getting caught up on emails after lunch when Paul walked in. Eyeing him out of the corner of eye I saw him sit down like he was waiting for me to unleash.
“Spit it out Paul.” He didn’t say anything. “She’s the girl isn’t she, the one before Cora.” He simply nodded. “Are we going to have a problem?”
His head whipped toward me. “I’m not the one who has a history of sleeping with married women.”
Leaning back in my chair, I exhaled harshly before responding. “Paul, I’m not going to apologize again for what happened ten years ago. I’m not the one who wronged you, Cora screwed us all over. You more than the rest of us.”
“If I knew then what I know now we wouldn’t be having this conversation. You better treat her right. If I could go back, I’d pick Cassidy every time, not Cora.”
“I know you would.” I asked the question knowing I wouldn’t like the answer. “Was it just a summer fling?”
He looked to me and I knew it was more. “Now, I’d say it was a summer fling, but back then it was more. She doesn’t know what happened when I got back to base. This is the first time her and I have had any contact since that summer. When Cora broke the news to me I was devastated, but I had to do the right thing.”
I just nodded because I was there for everything else that happened. Melissa had nothing on Cora.
“James, you have to know that I won’t try to get her back. Unless you fuck things up.” We sat quiet for a moment. “I just want her happy, and you too.” We went about the rest of our day with no mention of any women.
~ CASSIDY ~
I was sitting on the couch that night, after having dinner, wondering where James was. When I was getting ready to give up on him, I heard his truck pull in the driveway. Happy to see him, I jumped up and greeted him. He was slightly stand-offish and I frowned at him.
“What’s wrong?” He just looked at me. “Seriously? He’s a friend.”
“He wasn’t always a friend.”
“James, you have to trust me. And him. He’s your friend too. Don’t forget that.” I was trying to lighten the mood, running my hands under his shirt.
“I see how he looks at you.”
It was laughable. “Please. How exactly does he look at me?” I rolled my eyes at him.
“Like he wants to do this.”
Before I knew what was happening, I was over his shoulder as he carried me upstairs. His hand fondling and tickling my ass the whole ride up. I couldn’t help but laugh hysterically as I tried to say, “Put me down. Ahhh, stop it. You think Paul wants to throw me over his shoulder and tickle me.”
“No.” We made it to my room as he dumped me on the bed and straddled my hips. “He wants to do this too.” He pulled my shirt off my head and immediately kissed me.
When he pulled away and I caught my breath I said, “You’re crazy.”
“Only about what’s mine.” He smiled that wicked smile at me saying, “He’s still in love with you.”
“James. Stop it.” I looked into his eyes. “I’m yours.”
Chapter 15 ~Arrested
~ CASSIDY ~
The next week at work, Cecily called me into her office. I had been throwing myself into work, trying to keep my mind off everything with Derek and Dan both. Cal, James and Jane had all been questioned, but there didn’t seem to be any new developments. Cal was planning to go back to work soon, though Jane and I thought it was too early. Eva was actually doing really well. Home seemed to be exactly what she needed.
Knocking on Cecily’s open door, she waved me in. “Close it behind you please.” I did as she requested and sat down. “How are you?”
“I’m good, all things considered.” It was no secret what was going on. Working closely with her the past few weeks, she knew everything that was going on. “How are you?”
“Doing well. I’m proud of you. You haven’t let things slow you down these past few weeks.” I just smiled and nodded, not sure how to respond. “Just so you know, I had a talk with Smith and he let me know what happened before Christmas. He’s the reason all the cameras were installed.”
“Okay.” So, she didn’t know everything.
“I take the safety of my employees very seriously. You should too.”
“Of course I do, though I don’t really have any employees of my own.” What was she getting at?
“I wanted to talk to you about that. I’ve been watching you and I’ve made a decision. You’re very innovative and you think on your feet. If you accept, I’d like to hand B & C over to you.”
I think my chin hit the floor. She’d lost her damn mind. “I, um, I’m sorry, is this a joke?”
She chuckled, “No joke. Quit underestimating yourself. You’re a take-charge, get down to business kind of girl. A natural leader. I think you’ll do great with it.” She might’ve thought different if she knew about my submissive side. I let out a small chuckle and she asked, “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing. I’m just blown away. Flattered.”
“Here,” she handed me a large manila envelope, “look these over. If you have an attorney, do it with them. It explains all my terms. If there is anything you’re not agreeable to, we can work on it.”
Holy shit. “Okay. Will do.” I sat there silent when it dawned on me, “I don’t know anything about running a business.”
“I mention that in the contract. I would like to see you hire a CFO within six to nine months. Until then, I can assist with that. Your attorney can explain it all.”
“Okay. Great. Thank you so much for this opportunity.”
“There was no other choice. You were the best option and you’re great at what you do. I won’t be in tomorrow so enjoy your weekend. If things are slow you can send everyone home at lunch.”
“Will do.”
I practically skipped to my office and closed the door behind me, throwing my hands in the air. I hoped I wasn’t getting in over my head. It had to be a dream. HOLY SHIT! I sat down, pulled the contract out of the envelope and stared at it, not really understanding anything. Putting it back in the envelope, I placed it by my purse, pulled out my phone to call James. It was after lunch and I k
new he had meetings, but I hoped he would answer. They were hoping to break ground on the house in March or April.
“So, a little birdy told me that the property by the cider mill is yours.”
He glared at me, “Paul has a big mouth. Remind me to fire him.” We both laughed. “I’ve been wanting a place of my own for a while. I figured it was time.”
“Are you designing the whole thing? Custom.” I really wanted to be involved, but I wasn’t going to push myself in without an invitation.
“Yup. We’ve been working on the design on and off for a few years. When the property came up for sale five years ago, I snagged it as quick as I could. I love it out there.”
“You’ve waited five years?”
Shrugging his shoulders, “I wasn’t ready.”
“Hey Blackbird. How are you?
“Hey babe. Umm, does Annie know anything about contracts and corporate law?”
“Yeah, you know that. She handles almost everything here, but worked as a criminal law attorney too. What’s up?”
“I have incredible news, but I want to tell you in person. When can I see you?”
“I have a late meeting, but if you meet me at the penthouse, I can see you sooner. It’d save me a trip across town.”
“Deal.”
“I should run. I’ll see you soon.”
“Love you.”
“Love you too.”
Cecily had left the office shortly after our meeting. Immediately taking advantage of my new soon-to-be status I let several people go home early. Anthony, Lena and I were hanging in my office when I got up to close the door. They both looked to me with curiosity brimming in their eyes.
“Oh, girl please tell me you’re finally going to spill the deets on your history with Paul.” Oh, my God. Anthony was relentless.
“Seriously?” Laughing I replied, “It was just a summer romance. And no. I have better news.”
“Oh, she’s going to spill some deets on JB3.” Lena pumped her fist in the air as I rolled my eyes at them.