by J. M. Witt
She sagged on the bed, wiping the tears as they fell. I tried not to look at her because if I had I would have caved and taken her in my arms. I walked out of the room, down the stairs and out the door. My truck was still parked out front from the other day. I hopped in and drove, not knowing where I was going to go.
~ CASSIDY ~
I was numb. I heard the door slam and knew he was gone. I couldn’t win for trying. “FUCK.” I was so angry. Why didn’t he believe me? Convinced that someone else damaged him, I shook my emotions off and headed downstairs. I’d never given him a reason to doubt me. Was Melissa responsible for his trust issues? Annie? Someone else?
When I made it downstairs I headed straight for the radio and turned on my iPod. I scrolled through the list, picked what I wanted and turned it way up. What Now by Rihanna was playing. I sat on the couch trying to digest everything that had just happened. How was it possible for so much to take place in two days? He thought I was cheating on him. Was he out of his mind? I could ask him the same thing. He was the one always leaving in the middle of the night, not me. The tears started falling again.
“AHHHHHHHH.” I let out the scream and immediately felt better.
Looking out the window, I saw that he really had left and there was no sign of Smith or another guard outside. Who fucking cared? I was so sick of all his bullshit and now I was married to him.
Breakin’ Dishes by Rihanna started blaring in my living room and I turned it up even louder. Walking into the kitchen I found dinner half cooked and cold, since I turned the burners off when he started yelling for me. I was starving and I wasn’t going to skip eating because he wanted to be a dick. He could think whatever he wanted. I knew the truth and so did Paul. Turning the burners back on, I resumed my cooking. I pulled a drink out of the fridge and told myself that one was my limit for the night. I had to work in the morning after all. I went to bed at a reasonable time, but struggled to get to sleep.
~<>~<>~<>~
The next day I got a text from Eva. She mentioned that she was excited to see us for dinner. How was I going to get out of that? James must’ve forgotten to tell me. I decided to text her back and told her that I’d try to make it, but that I had to work late. Guilt riddled me all day. I knew she didn’t have much time left. I knew that I should just grin and bear it and have dinner with them.
Cal had called me in the morning to let me know that Jane was out on bond. She was forced to take a leave of absence from work until everything was straightened out. He said that Annie did great work and now it was a waiting game. He said that he, James and Smith were doing everything they could, launching their own investigation to find the real murderer.
My phone rang late that afternoon and it was Annie. “Hello?”
“Hey Cassidy, its Annie. I went over that contract for you. If I stop by your office are you free to talk?”
I had totally forgotten about the contract. Cecily would need my answer soon and I was surprised she hadn’t already inquired. “Yes, I’m free. I’ll tell the front desk to send you back.”
It wasn’t long before she knocked on my open door, walked in, closing the door behind her. I motioned her to sit down. She pulled out the documents and handed them to me. She pointed out a few areas and explained them to me. It was a lot to take in, but the distraction was a welcome one.
“Here’s my only concern. When this contract was drawn up, you were single. We both know that’s not the case anymore.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I’m not worried about James, but that may change things for Cecily. I would be open and honest with her about it. She may request that James sign a separate agreement.”
“Okay.” That would be a piece of cake. NOT.
“It’s not that big of a deal. I’m sure it’ll work out just fine. Other than that it’s a stellar opportunity, Cassidy. You must be so excited.”
“I am.” I smiled brightly as she sat back in her chair.
“What’s going on? Trouble in paradise already?”
Closing my eyes I sighed. “You could say that.”
“What happened?”
I was a little uncomfortable talking to her. Knowing the history she and James had. Maybe Annie was the one who caused his trust issues. “I’m not sure I should talk about this with you.”
“Cassidy, I’m pretty sure James told you about our relationship. We were never intimate sexually. He’s not my type. He’s been a good friend to me and I like to think that he feels the same way about me. I like you, a lot. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
Might as well just lay it out there. “Paul stayed the night the day he and Jane were arrested.” Her eyes got big, “Nothing happened. But, Paul left a note in the morning when he left and James found it last night.”
“Oh, Lord.”
“He left. He thinks I slept with Paul. Paul and I have a history, but I’m in love with James. Why is he such a stubborn ass?”
She laughed, “Yup, he’s stubborn alright and has serious trust issues. I shouldn’t tell you, but I know it had to do with a girl in the Army. From what I managed to get out of him, it was the first girl he thought about pursuing a relationship with. He later found out that she was sleeping with half the guys in their squad.”
I dropped my head to the desk and banged it lightly a few times. “What is wrong with people?”
“I’ll try to reach out to him, but I should get running. I haven’t seen much of my kids over the last few days.”
“Thank you again for everything. I really do appreciate it.”
“Anytime.”
After she left the guilt started seeping in again. Why was I the one feeling guilty and like I should fix it? I wasn’t the one who broke it. I gathered my things and headed to my car.
As I pulled out of the parking garage I spotted him across the street, staring at me. He ran his finger across his throat, like he was holding a knife and I swear he mouthed, ‘You’re next.’ I looked away and floored it, my tires spinning on the wet pavement.
Who did I call? James or Cal. I voted for the third option and called Smith.
“Cassidy, is everything okay.”
“I just left work and Dan was standing across the street.” I explained what I saw and he listened intently.
“Where are you headed?”
“To the Benedict’s, to see Eva and J.J.”
“I want you to stay on the phone with me until I know you’re safe.”
When I pulled through the gate and saw James truck, Smith let me go. I walked in and James looked to me as he answered his cell phone. He stalked off, seemingly ignoring my presence. Removing my coat, I headed toward Eva’s room. I found her resting and started to head back to the living room. The TV was on, but no one was around. I grabbed the remote and started flipping through the channels.
~ JAMES ~
I spent the majority of the day in bed, nursing my hangover. After listening to Cassidy spout her bullshit about how she didn’t sleep with Paul, I drove to the hotel. I blazed a trail straight for the bar. Several shots later I felt her hand trail over my arm.
“Fancy meeting you here.”
“Go. Away.”
“I’ll have what he’s having.” The bartender nodded at her as I groaned. “What has you so blue?”
I turned my head and looked at her. “Go. Away.”
She sat next to me quiet for a very long time as I continued to throw them back. I got up, heading to the bathroom and barely made it there without falling over. When I managed to make it back to the bar, Melissa had another drink waiting for me. I glanced at her. If she thought I was drinking it, she was mistaken. I knew her well enough to know that she’d do everything she could to take advantage of the situation.
“Not happening. I know you’re dying to date rape me.” I chuckled as she rolled her eyes and threw back the liquid herself.
“Would I drink it if I put a roofie in it?” She went back to watching the TV above our heads.
As the doors opened, Smith came walking out. “There you are. Whew. You’re shit faced.”
I laughed, stumbling into the elevator. When the doors closed I saw Melissa staring after us and I gave her a wave as I smiled.
“What has you drinking?” Smith looked to me and I just shook my head at him.
“You don’t want to know.” I struggled with my keycard before Smith took it and opened the door. “What’s up? Do you have new information?”
“The video footage from the hospital is corrupt. The hard drive has a virus. We’re trying to salvage it.”
“How convenient.”
“It helps your case, but I worry that it hurts Jane’s.”
Grabbing the bottle of Scotch I kept on the kitchen counter, I took a swig and sat on the couch. “Stop looking at me that way.” He took a seat across from me. “We got married today.”
“Excuse me.”
I told him how Cassidy went to the police station and perjured herself trying to save me.
“Annie suggested it as the only way we wouldn’t have to testify against the other.” He eyed me, careful not to say anything. “Judge Mathis owed Annie a favor and now we’re married.”
“Then why are you here, drunk, and where is she?”
“She slept with Paul last night.”
“What?”
“I know. I found a note in her room, when we got home, from him. She denied that anything happened. Said he slept on the couch.”
“Whoa. Slow your roll. I know you have history with Paul and Paul with her, but if she’s denying it…”
“You slow your roll.”
“You’re an idiot. She’s not Cora.”
“Fuck you.”
“That’s right James. Fuck me.” He got up and headed to the door. “Paul called me last night, after talking to Cal. Cal asked him to look in on her. Cora broke your trust, never Paul and never Cassidy.” With that he left, the door slamming behind him.
I found myself in my room, shedding the clothes I wore before bracing myself against the dresser. My iPod was staring me in the face and I hit play, grabbed the bottle and went and sat in the chair by the window. Always by Killswitch Engage started its deep, throbbing tone. Leaning my head against the top of the chair, I wanted the song drown out my thoughts, but it just made them worse. I wanted to be with her and had committed to do so, as long as she’d have me. What if she was telling the truth about Paul?
I took another swig as memories from the desert started popping into my vision. Drinking beyond my limit was never a good idea. Instead of drowning the memories, it rehashed them.
“Diesel, Smith! Where are you?” We’d been out here for days, at least that’s how it felt. There was another explosion as dust clouded my vision. Half our squad was already dead. I had to find them and get us out of here, if I could. They were my brothers and we left together. Dead or alive.
“Beast!” I heard my nickname called. Spinning around I tried to focus on where it came from. “Beast! We’re over here.”
I moved as fast as I could and found Smith holding on to Diesel. He was covered in blood and unconscious. “Paul, wake up man.”
“I’ve tried. He needs a medic. We need to get out of here.”
We made it out of there with Smith carrying Paul over his shoulder. Fire was exchanged as I radioed for help. They were on their way, but I wasn’t sure they’d make it in time.
“Chopper’s coming.” We sought cover as more shots were fired. “Did anyone else get out?”
“I only saw Frogger, Surfer and Hank make it on the last chopper.”
“Shit.”
Another shot whizzed by our heads. Pulling out my scope, I started looking for him. He was overhead and had the advantage. Dust flew up in front of us and helped me find him. He was a terrible shot. I found him. Taking a deep breath, I let it out and fired, taking him out.
“We need to get out of here, find higher ground.”
Smith was right. I threw a grenade to act as a diversion as we took off. We managed to get out about fifty yards before the firing started back up. Smith was hurting and wouldn’t be able to carry Paul much longer. In the distance we could hear the chopper flying in as they radioed to us. Giving our new location, they dropped some heavy weight before swinging around to get us.
“Smith, get him to the chopper. I’ll cover you.” Smith followed orders as I spotted another shooter. I fired, taking him down and turned to run. The last thing I remember is Smith yelling over me, throwing me over his shoulder as blood filled my eyes.
I woke and the music was still playing. I pulled myself from the chair, turned the music off and fell into bed. In the morning I was sick, nothing surprising given the amount of liquor I drank. I sent an email to my receptionist and told her to move my meetings, that I wouldn’t’ be coming in. I drank a glass of water, popped some ibuprofen and went back to bed.
My dreams were filled with Cassidy and I, then Paul and Cassidy. I woke up furious. After working out and showering, I headed downstairs. I had a missed call from Annie, but she also sent a text. Jane was out on bond. At least it was a little good news. I fought against myself all day on whether or not to call Cassidy, or even Paul. I did neither.
Mom called to confirm we were coming for dinner. I told her I’d be there, but wasn’t sure if Cassidy could make it. I didn’t have the heart to tell her anything more. After hanging up with her, Calvin called. We got into a three-way call with Smith and discussed where we were at. Smith was still working on the footage and hoped to have something by the end of the week.
After ending my call with them, it rang again. It was Annie. “What’s up Annie?”
“What did you do?”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me. I just left Cassidy’s office. She’s a wreck.”
“Annie, she slept…”
“I don’t want to hear it. I believe her. Don’t be an idiot.”
“Would everyone stop calling me that, please? For fuck’s sake.”
“She’s not that girl who hurt you and betrayed you in the Army.”
“Goodbye, Annie.”
“Make this right, James.”
Hanging up the phone, I threw it on the counter. Maybe everyone was right and I was making a mountain out of a molehill. Looking at the clock, I decided to head to my parent’s. I couldn’t help but wonder if she’d dare show her face.
Mom was resting and Dad was out when I got there. I was hovering in the foyer, after watching some TV when I heard a car pulling up the drive. She walked in the door as my phone rang. I couldn’t bear to look at her and answered the phone, walking out of the foyer.
“Smith, what’s up?”
“Is Cassidy there?”
“Yes. Why?”
“She just called me in a panic. Dan was outside her building today and he threatened her.”
“What? What did he do?” He explained what Cassidy had described. “Why did she call you?”
“You tell me, James.” He mumbled something to someone he was with about tracing his plates. “I’m going to try to call Melissa and see if she has any kind of update.”
“Alright. Keep me posted.”
I found her in the living room flipping through the channels. “I’m surprised you came.” She flinched slightly before her shoulders relaxed.
“I’m surprised you care.”
I deserved that. “I just got off the phone with Smith.”
“I figured.”
“Would you please look at me?”
“What for?”
I moved to stand in front of her. After a moment she looked up at me, her eyes icy. “You’re acting like a child, Cassidy.”
She stood up and smacked me across the
face. “Fuck. You.” Then she walked away from me. “I knew this was a mistake.”
What did she mean? Coming here or marrying me? I had to stop her. “Cassidy, wait.” My cheek burned where she slapped me.
“Go to hell.” She was pulling her coat out of the front closet and headed for the door which I now stood in front of. “Let me go.”
“Not until we talk.”
“I tried talking to you last night you asshole. You didn’t care to talk then and I don’t care to talk now.”
“Got anymore curses to throw at me?”
“Let’s see. Prick, douchebag, cocksucker…”
“I am no cocksucker.” I couldn’t help but smile as she glared at me, trying to hold back her own grin.
“I’m not doing this with you, James.”
“You’re my wife, we’re doing this.”
“Wife!” Both our heads turned to see my father staring at us. “You’re married?”
“Dad. We need to talk to you.”
“I’d say so. Maybe we should wait for your mother to wake up.”
“NO!” We said it in unison, knowing she didn’t need all the details.
“She’ll be ecstatic!”
“Dad, please sit down.”
I did most of the talking when we were back in the living room. Cassidy, trying to keep her distance from me, sat in the arm chair as dad and I sat on the couch. He couldn’t believe his ears. I left out the possibility that Cassidy already wanted an annulment.
“I underestimated you, my girl.”
“Yeah, I’m hearing that a lot.”
He walked over to her and pulled her into a hug. “Eva will be overjoyed. We’ll tell her at dinner, but keep out the bits about you lying to the police.”
“Sounds good.”
I tried making eye contact with her, but she avoided me at every turn. We made it through dinner, across from one another. Mom was crying she was so happy. My heart was softening toward Cassidy and I was beginning to think that I was indeed wrong. She was telling the truth and if she wasn’t, I was happy playing the fool. We updated mom on Jane and she seemed less concerned than she originally was. We were all confident we would find the true perpetrator.