by M. Sembera
Ignacio nodded and Fiore left.
Standing in The Brothers’ house, I looked past Ignacio instead of at him. It seemed as though I caused trouble, no matter who I was around. After what Fiore said about me, I couldn’t concentrate on the things I wanted Ignacio to advise me on. I wanted to just close my eyes and think but I was standing in the man’s living room.
“Mrs. Herterand, my brother and I are out of line. I understand if you no longer require our services,” Ignacio calmly stated.
I’m not sure if it had anything to do with what was going on in my own personal life but I had a sudden need for confirmation.
“Would that be the easiest thing for you?” I questioned in a serious tone.
Stone faced, he answered, “I cannot answer that.”
Irritated, I snapped, “Yes you can.”
“Mrs. Herterand, I do not know the answer,” he admitted.
Narrowing my eyes at him, I said, “Okay then, I no longer require your services.”
I noticed Ignacio seemed to be clenching his teeth, as he stated, “Yes ma’am.”
He stood very still as I stared at him.
Walking up to him, I held out my hand, saying, “Thank you for your time.” As I stood there hand extended he still didn’t move. “You’re not going to shake my hand?” I questioned.
When he didn’t move or speak I lowered my hand and turned to walk out.
Almost at the door, I heard Ignacio state, “Mrs. Herterand, I would like for you to reconsider.”
Stopping, I wondered if I really should.
It was logical to question the reasons for either decision. The Brothers were my greatest ally in achieving my goal but Ignacio did kiss me and Fiore seemed to think there was more to it than a simple lapse in judgment. In order to make a responsible choice, I felt like we needed to clear the air.
Turning to find him in the exact same spot, I asked, “Is what your brother said true?”
Without thought, Ignacio replied, “No.”
Tilting my head to the side, I raised my eyebrows, saying, “I have to be able to trust you.”
“Please have a seat,” he offered, making his way to the table.
Meeting him at the table, I sat in the chair across from his.
Serious in expression, he stated, “A man such as myself is drawn to a woman like you.” Scowling out of curiosity, I listened as he continued to say, “You were disobeying your husband the first time I saw you. Then you returned and offered my brother and I a drink.”
Recalling the night Telli died, I couldn’t believe with all that was happening, that was worth remembering.
In an interesting turn, he politely asked, “Please look down at the table, Mrs. Herterand.”
I wasn’t sure why he was asking, however, I instantly obeyed.
“One moment you appear broken and vulnerable and in the next you’re shouting and cursing as you violently attack someone in your underwear,” understanding why he asked me not to look at him, I continued to stare at the table as he said, “You were all but naked inside my suit jacket, then you let me hold you.” I closed my eyes as he finished by saying, “What man wouldn’t want è nel suo letto.”
Running the memory of The Brothers rescuing me through my mind, I opened my eyes.
Although I knew he indirectly said he wanted me in his bed, I said, “I don’t speak Italian.”
“You know what I said. I was looking at you while I said it,” he stated before questioning, “Is there anything else you would like to know?”
Making eye contact with Ignacio, I asked, “Is that why you kissed me?”
Appearing uncomfortable, he replying, “That is why I understand if you no longer require our services.”
“Why did you ask me to reconsider then?” I asked, frustrated he was back to business.
He sat up straight in his chair, informing, “I do not have personal relationships, Mrs. Herterand.”
“With people who hire you or in general?” I questioned.
Without a direct answer, he replied, “You are the first woman to request our services.”
Sighing a little, I said, “You know you are really hard to talk to.”
“It’s possible that is because we should not be talking,” he suggested.
Stopping for a moment to think, I questioned, “So if I tell you I still require your services?”
Nodding, he replied, “We are available to you.”
Pleased, I stood up saying, “I will call you when I need your assistance.”
He nodded again before I let myself out.
Not long after I arrived at the house, Mr. Griffin called to inform me, the papers were ready to be signed. I made lunch for Sophia and waited until she was down for her nap before leaving. On the way to Mr. Griffin’s office, I was happy to have this part of my plan taken care of. I didn’t know what Jackson’s plans for the future were but I was sure after coming over and finding out I was in Emerson’s bed, they weren’t going to be favorable where I was concerned.
The reception area was empty when I walked in. Mr. Griffin walked in and waved me back. Holding my breath, I hoped since the makeup I had on did not fully cover the bruise on the side of my face, he wouldn’t mention it. Stepping into his office, I almost turned and walked back out when I saw Jackson already seated.
Thinking maybe he was so mad at me he wouldn’t want to look at me, I heard Mr. Griffin say, “I will read through the entire document before the notary joins us for signatures. First, I want you both to be aware, in the event Mr. Herterand contests, whether he signs the consent or not, the court will rule in his favor.”
I nodded and assumed Jackson did too because Mr. Griffin started reading aloud. Wanting to look over at Jackson but afraid to and at the same time worried that Jackson would look over at me, I didn’t hear a word the lawyer said. Sure Jackson was paying attention, I decided, I could read my copy when I made it home. The notary stepped into the room. Jackson and I took our turns signing. Mr. Griffin gave me the consent form, folded in an envelope for Hert to sign before I thanked him. Seeing the curiosity in Mr. Griffin’s expression, as his eyes trailed my cheek, I wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible.
Rapidly walking to my car, I was glad I parked close to the front. I was fixing to open my car door when I noticed Jackson’s hand on the top of it.
Freezing, I heard him ask, “What happened?”
“What are you talking about?” I questioned, keeping my back to him.
Serious in tone, he ordered, “Turn around.”
Slowly turning to him, I had no idea how close he was to me.
With a pitiful expression that turned to revelation reflecting in his eyes, Jackson whispered, “That’s why you were in Roberts’ room.”
Moving my head away as he reached to touch my cheek, I confirmed, “It’s fine now.”
“You went to see HIM, didn’t you,” he asked, appearing angry.
Giving a slight nod, I replied, “Yes but it wasn’t HIM.”
With a pitiful stare, Jackson questioned, “Who did that to you?”
Shaking my head, I answered, “It doesn’t matter, it’s already taken care of.”
Seemingly accepting my reply, he stood there in front of me.
Looking at him, I noticed his eyes kept drifting to the bruise on my cheek. Starting to feel uncomfortable, I didn’t like the way it was making me feel to have him feel sorry for me.
“Since you’re here, I found a way for you to gift me your shares if you’re still willing,” I said, making an effort to distract him.
I had to lean all the way against my car in order to keep him from touching me as Jacks moved forward.
“I don’t actually want the shares for myself but I need them to…” I started to say before he stopped me, saying, “Ren, come home with me.”
Immediately defensive, I snapped, “Why?”
Taking my hand in his, Jackson replied, “So you can stop being hurt.”
B
etween his pitiful gaze and protective tone, I started to feel sick.
I hadn’t thought about what could have happened to me if The Brothers hadn’t shown up, since the first night after it happened. Suddenly, everything I was dealing with trickled in after being able to push it out of my mind. Jackson’s sympathy was making me feel weak. I didn’t need to be protected, I needed support. All the ‘what if’s’ of my situation seemed to attack my psyche and I reacted.
Stepping away from Jackson, I stated, “I need your shares. Not your pity.”
With a wounded expression, he assured, “It’s not pity, I …”
I stopped him before he could finish.
“Whatever it is, I don’t need it,” I said.
Shaking his head, Jackson fussed, “Yes you do, this is not a lost cause.”
After a moment to reflect on Jackson’s statement, I snapped, “Why don’t you stop lying to yourself and admit that’s all this ever was.” Stopping for a moment before I stated, “I never needed you to rescue or save me. Grow up and move on Jackson, I am not your little cause.”
“You truly are screwed up,” he assured, stepping away from my car.
Moving to my car, I opened the door, saying, “Let me know what you decide on the shares.”
As I got in, Jackson leaned to my ear and whispered, “I know you’re strong. You need someone to take care of your heart.”
Before I lost control, I slammed my car door almost catching him in it. Without looking back, I started my car and drove straight to the house.
Dr. Chepelli and Emerson were at the house with Sophia when I returned. Apparently the doctor had stopped by to check Emerson’s nose and Hert took the opportunity to disobey me by going to The Office. However, I was actually glad he had because the moment I walked through the back door Emerson gave me a consoling expression.
“Are you okay?” Em asked as Dr. Chepelli walked towards me.
When I nodded the doctor looked down at me, asking, “Do you not feel well?”
I had no idea what I was feeling on the inside was showing on the outside.
Taking a breath, I lied, “I’m just tired.”
Neither one appeared to believe me.
Unhappy about that, I asked, “Where is Sophia?”
“In her play pen in the living room,” Em replied before walking out of the room.
Dr. Chepelli questioned, “Have you been experiencing any headaches? Nausea?”
Thinking ‘not for the reason you’re asking’, I answered, “No, it’s just been a long day.”
Then out of nowhere he informed, “You brought a smile to my face today, Mrs. Herterand.” I gave a confused expression before he explained, “I have been with The Office since my internship after medical school. As far as wives go, I had never heard of a bar fight being a reasonable explanation for anything, especially by a Society member.”
Unable to hold back a smile, I said, “Guess I’m a rare breed.”
With a slight smile he replied, “I hope so. Have a good day Mrs. Herterand,” and left the room.
Dr. Chepelli’s little bit of encouragement helped ease my mind a bit.
After the doctor left, it was Emerson, Sophia and I. Sitting on the couch with Em after Sophia made it clear the toys she was playing with needed more attention than I did, I waited for him to say something first.
“I am here if you need me,” Emerson said as he turned towards me.
With a light sigh I shared, “I had some business in town and I ran into Jackson.”
Instant remorse was in his expression as he said, “I can call him and explain…” before I stopped him, saying, “He knows nothing happened between us.”
“What’s wrong then?” he asked.
Faking a smile, I replied, “Nothing Em, everything’s fine.”
Sighing in disbelief, he asked, “So I am turning my shares over to you?”
Thinking I probably should have spoken to Em about that before I told Hert, I apologized, “I know I should have asked you first. It’s up to you.”
Placing his hand on my shoulder, he assured, “Whatever you need, Ren,” before adding, “Next time, let me know what I am doing before Hert tells me, okay.”
Nodding at him, I stood up. I walked to Sophia’s playpen. I picked her up and sat on the floor with her, while she continued to play with her toys.
Chapter 12
Everything was fine, at least until I went to bed. Nightmare after nightmare interrupted my sleep, until I refused to stay in bed. The next night was exactly the same and so was the next. Staying awake, I quickly discovered, was not the answer. The moment I was in my room, alone, my mind ran wild with frightening scenarios of what would, could and almost happened.
Weeks spent with only two to three hours of sleep a night were taking their toll on me. I even accidentally patted Hert’s arm one day when he came back from The Office after asking him how his day went. Luckily, he thought I was being sarcastic, gave me a dirty look and went upstairs. Emerson’s natural tendency to be a loving comforter soon became annoying. Especially when, he had Amila call to see what was wrong with me. The only thing that kept me together was Sophia. Her smile and knowing this was for her kept me going. Each day, I reminded myself everything was justified, so that she wouldn’t turn out like me.
Ramsden was on his way back to town and today was the day. I stood in the bathroom putting my makeup on. Finding, I was covering less bruise and more dark circle under my eyes, I was happy there was almost no physical trace of my encounter with Henry. Meeting with Salvador at his house was risky, however, I had a feeling the moment Ramsden found out I was still around, Salvador was exactly who he would go see and I hoped I would be there when he did. I knew there was no way I could bring The Brothers with me to meet with Salvador. Calling to let them know where I would be on the other hand, was a smart thing to do.
Another difficult task was taking Sophia to Mrs. Thomas’ for the day. It worked out perfectly but I was worried about seeing her. She picked Sophia up a few times, over the last two weeks to play with Penny and see Jackson. Each time, I stayed upstairs and had Emerson meet her with Sophia. Afraid she thought I was avoiding her, which I was, I did not want her to think I loved their family any less than I always had. After getting Sophia ready, I headed over to the Thomas’ house.
I barely had a chance to make it in the door, when Mrs. Thomas hugged me saying, “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
Confused, I asked, “Yes ma’am, why wouldn’t I be okay?”
Shaking her head, she shared, “We can talk when you come back to pick Sophia up.”
Curious but unwilling to allow myself to be sidetracked, I agreed.
Salvador’s house was not as impressive as the Roberts’ but it was far from a humble home. A tall iron gate with an intercom prevented anyone from entering the driveway without permission. There was a buzz when I reached the gate that led me to believe there was a camera hidden close by. To my surprise, I was greeted by Salvador himself at the front door. Giving me a nod and a slow blink, Salvador led me through the house to what I’m sure was his office in the back. As I made my way through, I noticed the house was spacious and fairly empty. Reminding myself he was a widower, it made sense, there was an over whelming lack of décor.
When we made it to our meeting room, I took a seat in a rather plush chair as he made his way around to sit behind a desk so massive it rivaled the one Hert had at The Office.
A slow smile formed as Salvador greeted, “Rennillia, I am delighted you came.”
“Mr. Perazzi,” I stated, giving a slight nod.
Sliding all the way up to his desk, he rubbed his hands together before clasping them as he said, “Ready to get right down to business I see.” I gave another nod before he stated, “We will discuss the terms of our agreement first. The details are insignificant for this meeting.”
Sitting up tall in my chair, I gave a light smile as I informed, “I apologize for misleading you in regards to our meetin
g. I have decided I am unwilling to enter into any sort of agreement with you as I feel it is in my best interest not to.”
Drawing in a slow breath, he said, “How disappointing.” Running his hand across his mouth, Salvador assured, “It is unfortunate for you.”
Shifting slightly in my seat, I tilted my head, gave a smirk and said, “However, if you are willing, I would like to share my plans with you concerning this particular situation.”
Narrowing his eyes at me, he folded his hands on top of his desk as he replied, “Proceed.”
Taking in a slow breath of my own, to gain an air of confidence, I explained, “I have in fact, come to terms with my situation. What I have not been able to accept, is the people in it.” Salvador placed his first two fingers on his chin, listening intently as I continued, saying, “It seems as though, I am responsible for the current Head of The Office. If someone is acting on my behalf, I would like to appoint them myself.”
There was a gleam in Salvador’s eyes as he questioned, “And how would one be so fortunate?”
Looking down before I smiled and looked right into his eyes, I answered, “Authority over my own life is all I am after. For someone to understand that, they would be greatly appreciated.”
“Understanding without interference?” he asked forming a smile of his own. When I nodded, he shared, “I have had grown men, powerful men, cower and beg before me in that very seat. Here you sit, offering everything, while refusing me at the same time.”
Standing up, I took a step closer to his desk as I encouraged, “Just imagine, in three months, me standing right here. Your file in my hand, with share agreements inside, as I hand you over everything that you deserve.”
Admittedly, I was getting carried away.
Salvador sat staring at me for quite some time. I could see the excitement he was trying to conceal in his eyes. Finally standing, he gave an accepting smile.
“How could I decline such a generous offer,” he said.
Smiling back, I stated, “When we meet again, I plan to have your nephew with me.”
“Understood,” he replied, seemingly proud of my decision to take him up on his offer where HE was concerned.
Although I was being rather vague throughout our conversation, one thing I knew about men like Salvador, was that no matter what was said, if it was favorable they always thought it was about them.