by J. M. Witt
“Seriously, you two need to get laid.” Laughing, I continued, “So, you may or may not be looking at your new boss.”
They both stared at me in shock. News had gotten out that Cecily was planning to retire, but only a few people knew.
Anthony was first to respond. “Damn girl. For someone who thinks Cecily hates you, she loves you.”
I didn’t know what to say to that. He was right, I always thought she was out to get me. Lena congratulated me as we started dreaming up what the future held. I knew realistically that I probably wouldn’t be planning as many events as I was used to. I guessed that my time would be spent on the few corporate accounts we had. Like Benedict Enterprises and a few other well-known companies around town. It was certainly going to make life interesting. I wanted to scream from the rooftop, but I knew not to get too excited. Life, especially lately, loved throwing me curveballs.
When I got to the penthouse, I left my purse and the envelope on the kitchen counter before heading upstairs. I went to the closet to see what clothes I had stashed here and found some jeans, but no comfy shirts. I rummaged through his drawers until I found an old sweat shirt of his.
“Perfect.” I was rolling up the sleeves when I heard him bellow for me.
Running down the stairs, I jumped in his arms and kissed him. “Someone’s in a good mood.”
“Yes, I am. How are you?” I had locked my legs around his waist before he even had a chance to remove his coat. He set me back down to hang up his coat before grabbing a bottle of water.
“Good. Tired.” He looked at me, “So what’s this news of yours?”
I grinned at him like a fool, “Okay, so I don’t really understand the contract, that’s where I was hoping Annie could help. But, Cecily wants me to take over for her.”
His eyes got big and then he smiled. “That’s amazing.” He hugged me to him. “We should celebrate.”
“I can’t believe it. It’s crazy.”
“It’s not crazy. You’re a hard worker. I’ve seen your work. The masquerade and the auction were the best they’ve ever been. People are still talking about both events. You’ve outdone yourself and it’s paying off.”
“Let’s grab dinner. I’m starving.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
He ran upstairs and traded his slacks for jeans, removed his suit jacket and tie. He left on his shirt, but the top few buttons were open and his sleeves were rolled up. He’d be lucky if I didn’t jump him in the restaurant. We headed downstairs hand in hand. Deciding to sit on the bar side of the restaurant, we grabbed a booth in back.
He’d looked over the contract for me before we ordered our dinner. He seemed to think everything looked legit, but insisted I meet with Annie to confirm. Halfway through our meal, I spotted Melissa, and she was coming right toward us.
“Oh for fuck sakes.”
“What’s wrong?” I didn’t have a chance to warn him before she was standing beside him and placed her hand on his shoulder. It was like she was purposefully trying to set me off.
“Hi guys. Fancy meeting you here.”
“We’re busy Melissa.” His voice was calm, yet firm and I loved him for it.
“I heard about Derek. Have they made any arrests yet?”
“You know damn well they haven’t. Unless you have news for us, please let us finish our meal.”
He couldn’t be more obvious if he tried. ‘He’s just not that into you!’ I snickered at my thought which got her attention.
“Something funny?” She was glaring at me and I just shrugged my shoulders. “That’s what I thought.”
I stood up then and stepped closer to her. “I was thinking that you look better with a black eye. I’d be happy to replace the one you had.”
James pushed her aside, having no other choice and stepped between us. “Alright ladies. Melissa, we’re done here. Cassidy, sit down.”
“You might want to have the bitch spayed. She appears to be in heat.” Her statement was a touch ridiculous.
“Jealous? He’s mine.”
“Not before he was mine.” At that James, with both hands on her waist, turned her toward the front of the restaurant and walked her out.
I sat down, but not before I felt my face flush as my blood pumped vigorously through my body. I could feel it in my toes. She wanted to play dirty, I could play dirty. I was sick of playing her cat and mouse game and I wasn’t about to take anymore of her snide comments anymore. James returned then and scolded me with his eyes.
“Was that really necessary?”
“I know you’re not talking to me.” He just shook his head at me. “Stop reprimanding me. I’m not a child. I’m sick of her crap and I’m not laying down for it anymore.”
“I would hope you wouldn’t lay down with her.”
I threw my napkin at him as he smiled that shit-eating grin. “I don’t think I’m her type.”
“Oh, no? And what would her type be.”
“Apparently she thinks it’s cocky, rich, dominant businessmen. But I’m guessing she doesn’t take orders too well.” We were both eye-fucking each other and it was way too much fun bantering with him.
“I’m not cocky.”
Snorting, I said, “Aren’t you?”
“And you’re right about the taking orders part.”
“Gross. I don’t want to know. That bitch makes me want to whip her into submission.”
We both laughed as he said, “That’s a sight I would pay to see.”
“I bet you would. Pervert.”
He then threw his napkin at me. “You love it.”
“Don’t tell anyone. I’m soon going to have a business of my own. I have a reputation to maintain!”
“I think it might improve your reputation. Everyone would know not to cross you.”
“Bet your ass. I’ll make them all pay!” I winked at him.
~ JAMES ~
Cassidy had invited Cal and Jane and Lena and Anthony over for cards, games and pizza Saturday night. I invited Smith and Delaney. A night in with friends was just what we all needed. Everyone was sitting or standing when the pizza was delivered. Cassidy had setup half a dozen liquor bottles on the counter and there was a case of beer in the fridge.
After we were all done eating we decided to play Cards Against Humanity. We were an hour into the game and I think we all had aching abs from all the laughter. There was a knock on the door and I immediately wondered if she had invited Paul. I told her I’d get it, got up and walked to the door. Looking out the peephole, I spotted two officers. Shit! It couldn’t possibly be good news.
Opening the door, “Can I help you?”
“We’re looking for Jane Whitford.”
I knew stopping them would only result is mass chaos. “Can I ask what this is about?”
They walked past me as everyone stared at them in disbelief. “Jane Whitford.” They were looking right at her. She stood up from her spot on the floor, with Cal right behind her, and walked toward the officers.
“You’re under arrest for the murder of Derek Hamilton.”
“Whoa, whoa.” They had turned her around with Cal and I both objecting. “This is insane. Jane didn’t murder that bastard.” Cal was beside himself, trying to reason with them. “Is this necessary? She’s not going to put up a fight.”
I looked to Smith and told him to call Annie ASAP. He nodded and stepped outside. Cassidy was standing to the side, her hand covering her mouth. I had to stop this. Jane would never survive in prison and she wouldn’t survive without Cal. Cassidy. She was stronger than she thought. I had to protect my family. Annie would get me out of this.
“Jane didn’t do it.” Everyone stopped and looked at me. “I did it. I killed Derek.”
“James!” Cassidy and Jane both gasped out my name. I couldn’t bear to look at my Blackbird.
“Sir, we have evidence on the contrary.”
Jane went to speak and Cal told her to keep her mouth shut. “You should do the same, James. Wait for Annie.”
“Jane and Derek had an altercation. I walked in and stopped it, but not before he scratched her arm. I told Jane to go back to work and then I finished him off. I smothered him with a pillow, after knocking him out.”
Before I could defend myself, I was being hit in the chest. Cassidy had flung herself at me, beating her fists against my upper torso. “You liar. You’re lying.” I didn’t try to stop her. I had a plan and I was praying it would work. “Tell them the truth, right now.”
“I am telling the truth. I’m sorry Cassidy.”
Smith came in at that time and pulled Cassidy off of me as the officers talked quietly to themselves. “If that’s how you want to play this, that’s fine. Jane Whitford and James Benedict, you’re both under arrest for the murder of Derek Hamilton.”
They turned me, cuffed me and then Jane was next. They walked us out the door and put us in the back of the squad car. Cassidy was on the porch staring after me. What scared me was that she wasn’t crying. Instead she looked ready to strike.
“James?”
I couldn’t look at her, but warned her, “Jane, shut your mouth. Don’t say a word without Annie. You understand.”
“But…”
“Jane, do you understand?”
“Yes.” The officers got in the car and pulled away with us in the back.
We were sitting in separate holding rooms as the cops tried to interrogate me. They were going at me hard and I prayed Jane was able to hold strong. The door opened and Annie walked in.
“I need time with my client.” The detective got up and walked out as Annie sat down. “What the hell are you doing?”
“Trying to keep Jane out of jail.”
“I’m charging you double for this.”
“You can charge me whatever you want.” She was studying me, as I asked, “When can I get out of here?”
“You know as well as me that they can hold you for forty eight hours. I’ll do what I can, but you need to spill it. Tell me what’s going on right now.”
~ CASSIDY ~
Cal followed Jane and James to the police station, offering to take me and I refused. Smith and Delaney left at the same time as Cal. I was left with Lena and Anthony, who didn’t dare say anything. They helped me clean up before I told them it was okay to leave. I was sitting in my sweats, flipping through Netflix aimlessly, when the doorbell rang. I wasn’t in the mood and decided to ignore it.
“Cassidy, I know you’re in there.” He knocked this time. “I talked to Smith and Cal both. Please let me in.”
“Go away.” I shouted from my perch on the couch.
“I’m not leaving.”
“You’ll freeze out there.”
“Then I’ll freeze.”
Fucking hell. I got up and walked to the door. “Paul, I’m fine. I don’t need a babysitter.”
“How about a drinking buddy?”
Now that sounded like a fucking fantastic idea. I walked to the kitchen and pulled a beer out for him and poured myself a drink. I opted for the cherry vodka and sprite, though it was mostly vodka. I grabbed another slice of cold pizza and went and sat on the couch. He stood against the wall, sipping his beer, watching me cautiously.
“How’d you know where I live?”
“Cal told me.”
“Oh.” Taking another swig of my drink I asked, “So are you going to stand there all day or sit down?”
He sat down on the other end of the couch as I searched for a comedy. Laughter was what I needed. Forgetting Sarah Marshall is what I decided on. It was one of my favorite movies and Paul approved. He refilled my glass a few times throughout the movie. The numbness was setting in just like I wanted it to. Why would he do this? I just didn’t understand.
We both drank until we were stumbling. Well, maybe I was the only one stumbling. I woke up on the couch and everything was dark. It was the middle of the night. My head was pounding and I felt nauseous. There was a blanket covering me and when I went to stretch my legs out I hit another body. Glancing up, I let my eyes adjust, and saw Paul passed out at the other end of the couch. He was sitting up with his head dropped back. He looked terribly uncomfortable.
Carefully, I thought, I got up and put the blanket over him. We both drank a lot. I tripped over his shoes and he woke up. “Sorry. Go back to sleep. I’m heading upstairs.” He just groaned and laid down as I made my way up.
The more I walked the more my stomach churned. I was going to lose it. Rushing to the bathroom, I made it just in time. I wretched for what felt like hours. It wasn’t my finest moment. Clutching the bowl. I enjoyed the coolness of it against my cheek. The water turned on and I looked up to see Paul wetting a rag. Mortified didn’t begin to describe how I felt.
“Here.” He crouched down while handing me the rag. I could barely move. Mumbling, I thanked him for the rag and tried apologizing. “Come on. Let’s get you to bed.” He helped me stand up and put his arm around me.
When we reached my bed, he pulled back the covers and I plopped down in bed. My head started throbbing once again, causing me to groan. I heard the sink running again and he came back with a glass of water and the rag. Insisting I drink some of the water, I did as I was bid before laying back down with the rag on my face.
“I’m sorry. I’m sure this wasn’t how you intended to spend your evening.”
“I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You’re not the first girl I’ve seen throw up after drinking too much.” I felt his fingertips graze my cheek as he swiped the rag from me. “You should get some rest.”
“Why’d he do it?” I don’t know if I was asking Paul or asking myself.
“James?” He let out a big breath. “I don’t know what to tell you Cass. I don’t know if he did it or not. I can’t blame him if he did, but if he didn’t do it…”
“He didn’t do it. I mean, I don’t think, I don’t know.” I started crying, the anger and frustration finally reaching a torrid point. “He’s trying to be all noble and I’m over here like, ‘what about me?’”
He sat down next to me and handed me the rag, not say anything. He just listened to me cry and ramble like the stupid girl I was. When I was out of tears, my head pounding, my throat raw, and my chest tight, he laid me down and pulled the covers tight around me.
“Have faith Cass. It’ll all work out.”
“Will you stay?” Why did I ask him to stay? What the fuck was wrong with me?
“Cass, I’ll be on the couch, but you need to rest.” He was still a good guy.
“Okay.”
Chapter 16 ~Alibi
~ CASSIDY ~
The next morning I woke and Paul was gone. He left a note saying he left in the morning after checking on me. I texted Cal for an update, but there really wasn’t one. I got a crazy idea in my head and I wasn’t going to let it go. After taking a shower, I got dressed and drove down to the station.
“I have information about the Derek Hamilton case.” The receptionist looked at me and I saw recognition in her eyes.
“One moment. Someone will be right with you.” I sat down and waited, nervously playing with my phone. Anything to occupy my time.
“Miss Charles?” I looked up to see a man who appeared to be in his forties observing me. “If you’ll follow me.”
Standing, I followed him down a hallway and into an interrogation room. I knew enough from my brother to know where I was and that I was being watched and listened too by others outside the room.
“So, you have information about Derek Hamilton’s murder. We appreciate you coming down here.”
“Yes, of course. James Benedict didn’t do it.”
“And what makes you so certain of that? It’s no secret who you are to him.” He scrutinized me with his eyes before saying, “If you’re lying to protect him, you could get in serious trouble. Does he know you’re here, does your brother.”
“No! Neither of them know I’m here. I’m telling the truth. He was in bed with me all night.”
Si
ghing, “I’ll be right back.” He got up and left the room. I tried to remain calm, leaving my phone in my purse. I should’ve thought it through more. Breathe Cassidy, breathe.
He walked back in and sat on the edge of the desk, clearly trying to intimidate me. “So, he was with you all night. You didn’t sleep, giving him the opportunity to sneak out.”
“Officer Flores. We don’t sleep.” I tried putting on an innocent, yet sarcastic smile, hoping he’d get the point.
“Okay. You’re free to go. We’ll be in touch if we have any further questions.”
“But, I’d like to see James.”
“Sorry. That’s not going to happen.” He escorted me out of the room and walked me back to the lobby.
I was getting ready to leave when I heard Annie, “Cassidy?” I turned as she came out a separate door. “What are you doing here?”
“I need to talk to you.”
She pulled me to a corner where we could be alone. “Why do I have a feeling I’m not going to like this?
“I just got through telling Detective Flores that James was with me all night.” She angled her head at me as I continued. “James told me that he didn’t talk to anyone at the hospital. He didn’t do this and I won’t let him sacrifice himself.”
“Cassidy. I underestimated you. James is going to be furious with you.” She looked around for a moment, processing things before she said, “Stay here.” She walked back through the door she came from. Shortly after I heard some yelling, but I couldn’t make out what was going on. Annie burst back through the doors with a big grin on her face. “He should be out in a few minutes.”
“They’re releasing him?”
“He’s still a person of interest, but he’s willingly agreed to surrender his passport. With you giving him an alibi they don’t have proof, currently, to charge him.”
“Thank God!” My shoulders felt lighter already as I heaved a relieved breath. “Wait, what about Jane?”
“She’s still being held. They have her DNA and a witness confirming she went in his room before he was found.”
“James is going to be pissed.” She simply nodded.