Beautiful (Book Three of the Beautifully Broken Series)

by Angela Stephens

  “You can hardly blame yourself, James. The person you thought you knew was no one you ever knew at all. Sometimes we’re just not the all seeing, all knowing people we wish we could be. If that were the case no one would ever make a mistake.” Kathryn smiled ruefully. “Lord knows we’ve all made our share.”

  James looked at her. “That’s true to an extent, but in my case I can’t plead complete ignorance.”

  “What’s this field trip you mentioned?” Kathryn asked, hoping to lighten the mood.

  James’ eyes gleamed, his demeanor instantly improving. “Just something we’re going to discuss later.”

  “That’s it? No more details?”

  “We were actually supposed to discuss it with Dad after the Gala, but it got pushed aside.”

  He glanced at his watch. “Let’s pick this up later,” he said, pulling away with a smile. “Time to get the show on the road!”

  Chapter Nine

  Sitting at her desk virtually obscured by a pile of mail, brochures, invitations and packages she had not yet opened, Kathryn paused to sip her coffee. Judging by the material spread chaotically across her desk, it was clear that there were more opportunities than hours in the day to deal with it. This didn’t include the countless emails she had started reviewing before her eyes started to water. It was all good, if overwhelming, and she welcomed the thought of the team ready to step in.

  Kathryn sighed and leaned back in her chair and focused on the view. The eternal flow of the river, glistening in a jeweled veil of sunlight, captivated her. She watched the shipping traffic come and go and wondered where her plans to explore the city and the surrounding areas had gone. There were so many beautiful places to see not only in Oregon but in the Northwest in general, and she longed to just jump on a train and see where the journey took her.

  James had mentioned a field trip. If it was even to tour the city, she was ready to put all the drama behind her. She was beginning to feel more relaxed when she heard a knock at the door.

  “Abandon hope all ye who enter here,” she said.

  Sandra cautiously peeked inside. “I’m sorry,” she said. “Have I reached the gates of hell in error? I was looking for Kathryn Denton.”

  Kathryn laughed. “The way I’m feeling right now, I’m the one with the pitchfork and the pointed tail.”

  Sandra entered with a hearty laugh. “Well, I’d better make sure I don’t sign my soul away!”

  The women hugged, and for a moment Kathryn lost herself in Sandra’s strength.

  “That’s more like it!” Sandra said. “Damn, I’ve missed you, girl! Was getting so lonely around here I’ve started talking to myself.” She patted her hips. “They’ve certainly missed our morning coffee and pastries.”

  “I’ve missed you as well,” Kathryn said, pulling a chair over for Sandra. “God knows it’s been crazy. It was bad enough before the Gala but now with all this other stress ...”

  Sandra sat down and looked at her. “I know. Sam just updated me. How have you been holding up?”

  Kathryn attempted a smile. “A little more than worried.”

  “Come on, this is Sandra you’re talking to.”

  Kathryn sighed. “Honestly, Sandra, I never imagined I’d become the victim of someone as twisted as Heather.”

  “Sam’s having everything analyzed,” Sandra said. “He’s closer to resolving it than you may think. No matter how smart people like Heather and her crowd think they are, sooner or later they all make mistakes, and with drugs, booze and lord knows what else in the mix, that’s bound to be sooner. Sam’s been involved in cases that would grow hair on your chest, so trust me, you’re in good hands.”

  “Well I hope I don’t start seeing yet more hair to remove,” Kathryn said. “All the usual places are enough for me.” She paused, recalling the photos and the recording. “I just didn’t expect—I mean, someone was at the ballroom watching us, listening to us.”

  “Sounds like what the paparazzi do every day to celebrities,” Sandra said, “but I agree with you that if they planned to take it to the media they would have done so by now. Personally, I think they’re playing with you. Heather’s become quite a twisted little bitch but you have to be stronger than her and not let her win this sick little game.”

  “I just want this to be over,” Kathryn said. “This is so far from what I imagined when I came here I feel like I’ve slipped into a parallel universe. I expected challenges moving to a new city to start a new career, and I did hope to eventually find a better relationship, but this...”

  “You’ve already met those challenges, Kat,” Sandra said. “And you’ll be more than fine with James.” She grinned conspiratorially. “I can really see a change in him. I’m glad you two finally hooked up. The pheromones were getting so heavy around here there were days I could barely breathe.”

  Kathryn giggled. “I thought we were being discreet?”

  Sandra cocked an eyebrow. “I that what they call it these days? Honey, I didn’t need to set up any cameras. It was just the eyes in my head that told me everything I needed to know. You ever hear of body language?”

  Kathryn smiled. “Thank goodness. For a moment I thought you’d set up some cameras as well.”

  Sandra tapped the side of her head. “Everything I need to see I see in here. Don’t need technology for that.” Her gaze drifted to Kathryn’s overloaded desk. “Need some help with that?”

  “Do I ever,” Kathryn said.

  Sandra pulled up a chair and together they began to tackle the piles.

  “I’ve been categorizing everything according to priority,” Kathryn said.

  Sandra browsed through and set various items aside. “I can handle some of these,” she said, “and I’m also going to relegate some of this lower priority stuff like tour and information requests to Neil.”

  “Excellent idea,” Kathryn said. “I’m inputting the most critical tasks on a spreadsheet which I’ll copy to you.”

  “Okay,” Sandra said, scooping up as much as she could hold into her arms and rising. “Let’s get started on this batch so at least when the crews come up here they can actually see you behind the desk.”

  Kathryn rose and went to open the door for Sandra. “Thank you ... for everything,” she said as Sandra stepped into the bustling reception area.

  “You’re very welcome,” Sandra said, “but the only thanks I really need is seeing that smile on your face.”

  Feeling in a much better mood, Kathryn closed the door and returned to her desk. With more space now visible on her desk, she felt more focused on completing her remaining tasks. She was tempted to ignore her ringing cell phone when she caught the number displayed: Home.

  Guiltily, she stared at the number before answering on the fourth ring.

  “Hello, Mom.”

  “Hello, Kathryn,” Roslyn Denton said in her efficiently crisp voice. “I’ve been trying to reach you but you never seem to answer your phone.”

  “I know, Mom. Honestly, I’ve been meaning to call but things have really taken off here far beyond what I expected. It’s not just you, I haven’t been in touch with anyone.”

  “Your father and I see that,” Roslyn said, “but surely you could manage more than an occasional text or email? I’m confused how people find the time to do that but not to make an actual call. It was more than a little embarrassing when some of the staff at the hospital congratulated me about the Gala when I had no idea what they were talking about.”

  Here it comes, Kathryn thought, mentally chastising herself. Contacting her mother had been at the back of her mind, but that’s where the intention had languished. Even before she went to college communication between them had never been that frequent, but admittedly, she had dropped the ball by leaving things so long.

  “I’m really sorry, Mom. I didn’t expect anyone in Arizona to even hear about it. I literally haven’t slept since the Gala and I had no idea the event would turn out to be such a huge success. In fact, the media’s
here today to interview me and several other staff.”

  “Well, I’m pleased to hear it, Kathryn. You’ve done very well for yourself. It’s good to see someone who’s made such good use of their degree.”

  “I always tried my best,” Kathryn said, irritated by the comment. “It’s not that easy for grads to find good jobs these days. Jackie’s also done well at the station.”

  “Oh, yes, how is she?”

  Kathryn realized her mistake too late. Apart from the text she had gotten from Jackie after the Gala, they hadn’t spoken in some time.

  “She absolutely loves her job,” Kathryn said. “They’ve already sent her out on the field and she’s doing really well. No doubt she’ll be an anchor soon.”

  “I ran into her mother the other day when I attended a seminar in Phoenix,” Roslyn said. “Quite by chance, actually. We happened to waiting on the platform for the train.”

  “Did you talk?”

  “Only for a moment,” Roslyn said. “Her train was pulling in. She seemed in good spirits.”

  “How’s Dad?” Kathryn asked, hoping to deflect the tension. She felt even guiltier for not speaking to her father and felt more awkward by the moment.

  “He’s home today. Summer school has finished. Would you like to speak to him?”

  Formal, always so formal, Kathryn thought, as though they were strangers on a platform making small talk until the train arrived.

  “Put him on,” Kathryn said.

  “Hold on.”

  A few moments passed. True to form, her mother wouldn’t shout for her father, but rather take the phone to him. Dealing with the often unpleasant realities of her nursing career, she preferred a quiet environment at home.

  “Hey, Kat!” he said, his cheerful voice a distinct contrast to her mother’s neutral tone. “How’s my girl? Long time no hear!”

  Kathryn smiled, feeling her father’s warmth emanate from the phone. “Dad, how are you?”

  “Missing my girl, that’s for sure.”

  “I miss you, too, Dad,” Kathryn said. “I’m really sorry I haven’t kept in touch much lately. It’s really been busy.”

  “Oh, I know. I’ve been keeping tabs on you. Your mother and I are so proud of you, Kat.”

  Mom? Really?

  “Funny,” Kathryn said, still dubious about her mother’s reaction, “I didn’t think the news would spread that far.”

  “Are you kidding? It’s been the talk of the town. Can’t go anywhere without people asking about you. Let me tell you, you looked absolutely gorgeous in that gown. You looked as beautiful as any movie star.”

  “You saw my speech?”

  “Damn right I did! Recorded every moment of it. Never doubted one day you’d make it big, Kat. You had that fire in your eyes even when you were a little girl doing makeovers on your dolls and creating press releases for your birthday parties.”

  Kathryn felt a surge of emotion. “Dad, thank you. You don’t know what that means to me.”

  There was silence at the other end of the line.

  “Your mother’s stepped out of the room,” he said, “so I can talk more openly now. Your mother, well, you know how she is. Don’t be too hard on her.”

  “What are you talking about, Dad?” Kathryn asked. “You weren’t even in the room when we spoke just now.”

  He chuckled. “Come on, sweetheart, you don’t think I know your mother by now? I heard the phone ring and your conversation lasted less time than it takes her to check her email. She’s never been a woman of many words, you know that.”

  “I know, Dad,” Kathryn said, blinking back tears. “But it’s like we discussed a shopping list. Just for once I want to hear some emotion in her voice. Just for once I’d love to hear her vocalize the pride you say she feels.”

  “It’s just her way, Kathryn. This doesn’t mean she doesn’t love you or feel the way a mother does about her daughter.”

  “It would be nice just to hear it anyway, even once,” Kathryn said. “I mean, there are times I wonder...”

  “Wonder what, Kat?”

  “Nothing, nevermind.”

  “Go on. I know it’s weighing on your mind. Talk to me.”

  “How did you and Mom even get together? I can’t imagine Mom as sentimental or someone who would even fall in love.”

  “Well, it’s about time you got it off your chest. I’ve seen that question on your face so many times before. But yes, we did fall in love. I admit your mother has never been a hearts and flowers kind of girl but when we met, there was quiet kind of attraction. Love doesn’t always have to bludgeon you on the head for it to be real.”

  “You seem so different, so opposite.”

  “Ah, but you know what they say about opposites. They can and do attract. Look at James Manticorp.”

  Kathryn listened in stunned silence.

  He laughed softly. “I do stick my head out of the classroom now and again, you know. From what I’ve seen, I can only say run with it, Kathryn. Love is a strange thing, it changes like a chameleon until you don’t recognize it even if it hits you in the nose.”

  “I didn’t think,” she stuttered. “I mean, I thought...”

  “You forget who you’re talking to, Kat. After teaching for so many years, there isn’t an iota of behavior I miss. If you feel that strongly about him, you have my blessing.”

  Kathryn smiled. “I love you, Dad.”

  “I love you too, Kat. And Mom does too, even if she never really shows it.” He paused. “She’s come back into the room. Hang on a sec.”

  “Kathryn?”

  “I’m here, Mom.”

  “I have to make some calls. Perhaps we can talk again when we both have more time?”

  “I’d love that,” Kathryn said.

  “Okay. Let me know. Good luck at the job. Let me give you back to your father.”

  “Take care of yourself. And if you want, we can talk again real soon.”

  “I’d like that, Dad. Talk to you later.”

  “Bye, sweetheart.”

  Kathryn listened to the silence before disconnecting, her emotions a churning ocean. Things were evolving quickly, almost too quickly, and for a moment she didn’t know what to focus on next.

  Taking a deep breath, she returned her attention to the emails and paperwork demanding her attention. Now that she took the time to read through them, she understood the scope of opportunities ahead for herself and the company. She responded to the media inquiries first, setting up appointments, interviews and appearances. Next came more generalized inquiries which she immediately forwarded to Sandra to deal with.

  A commotion outside her office distracted her. Hearing James’ voice ring out in a tone too crisp to be conversational, she went to investigate and opened her door to a glut of camera crew filming him as he introduced Sandra as chief creative assistant. Immediately, Sandra launched into a witty narrative about her position while James discreetly ducked from view and approached Kathryn.

  “You’re up next,” he whispered with a smile as he ushered her back into the office.

  Kathryn immediately rushed to retrieve her stash of toiletries and makeup and began frantically fixing her face and hair.

  “You could have given me a little more notice,” she said, hurriedly refreshing her curls and applying some lip gloss.

  James grinned as he watched her reflection in a magnifying mirror.

  “You look gorgeous,” he said, “and yes, I was supposed to give you some notice but Dad was in the middle of a call and asked the crew to come back after they interviewed you.”

  Kathryn tossed her toiletries back in the desk drawer and turned to James.

  “You sure I look okay?” she asked, smoothing out a stylish black top over cream capris and bow-topped flats. “I came in dressy casual today.”

  “This the the Green Scene,” James said, “not the Fashion Channel. You look good enough to eat regardless of what you wear or don’t wear.”

  Kathryn gave him a m
ock punch. “Is there any time when sex isn’t on your mind?”

  “With you around,” James said, “only when I’m sleeping.”

  A knock at the door interrupted their banter. Sandra poked her head in the room.

  “They’re ready when you are,” she said.

  “Bring them in,” James said. “We’re good to go.”

  Sandra motioned to James. “A quick word, James?” she said.

  “I’ll be right back,” he said, stopping to briefly talk to crew waiting outside.

  Kathryn quickly cleared the mess from her desk by stacking everything onto the credenza. While two male and one female members of the crew entered her office and expertly set up lights and equipment, the tall, bronzed figure of Jerome Emerson followed. She smiled, recognizing the notorious Green Scene investigator who was the land-bound version of Green Peace.

  Silver haired and blue eyes, Jerome’s rugged features bore a no-nonsense look that took no prisoners when it came to environmental debates and issues. Striding into Kathryn’s office with the ease of a cowboy returning to the ranch after a day out on the range, his easy grin instantly reassured her.

  “Kathryn, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said, shaking her hand with more than a firm grip.

  “It’s a honor to have you here, Mr. Emerson,” Kathryn said. “I was sorry we never got a chance to meet at the Gala.”

  Jerome’s deep crow’s feet crinkled in an amused smile. “Jerome, please. Only my adversaries call me Mr. Emerson. I was planning to attend the Gala but got a tip I couldn’t refuse.”

  “Man on the move, are you?”

  Jerome grinned. “Never was a desk man, Kathryn. The sky and the stars are my walls.”

  “That’s really a lovely analogy,” Kathryn said, seeing immediately that he and James were kindred spirits. “And for the record, you can call me Kat.”

  Jerome laughed, his resonant baritone echoing throughout the office. The female crew member approached Kathryn to attach a mike to her collar, then whipped out some cosmetics from a makeup pouch attached to her belt and dabbed some anti-shine powder on her face.