“I do. I won’t.”
“Good. They’re still fishing. Their overzealous and the clock is ticking, so be ready.”
“I’m just curious how they seem to know where to find me.”
“Don’t be naïve, Jonathan. They probably have someone tailing you at all times. All the more reason to watch your back, and stay close to Rebecca.”
“Will do. Do you think we can still take that trip for the weekend?”
“Considering they don’t have a warrant, I would say go ahead.”
“Okay, we will,” I answer. I don’t know if Kara knows about the trunk, but before I can have a subconscious debate about whether to tell her, she brings it up.
“Did you pick up the package at Grand Central?” She asks. Clearly she knows a lot.
“You know about the trunk?”
“Of course I do,” she answers. “Where is it?”
“I don’t know,” I tell her. “The locker was empty.”
“What?” she says, and it’s less of a question and more of a demand.
“Dad told me about it this morning. I met with Mandy and begged her to let me have it. She gave me the locker key and I went to directly over to Grand Central. It wasn’t there, Kara. The locker was empty.”
“There has to be some mistake,” she says. “Did Mandy tell you how long ago she put it in the locker?”
“It’s been there for a few days, from what she said.”
“We have to find it. Tonight.”
“I can go check again. I’ll search the ones around it and see if there’s some kind of mistake with the key number.”
“Good. Before you leave, let’s get Rebecca to find your dad and bring him down here.”
“Okay,” I answer.
“That also gives us some time to talk privately.”
“Was there something more?”
Before Kara answers, someone knocks on the door. It’s Rebecca. She comes in and fills us in on what Bateman knows. Kara tells her she needs to speak with me, and sends her to get my Dad. I can see the curious look on her face as she leaves, but I have other things on my mind. I can’t believe the NYPD is using so many resources and they have nothing on me. They’re down here because of another anonymous tip? Here I was thinking it had to do with evidence from the Rushton girl’s body.
Thank goodness, there is nothing on her. My dad may be sick and disturbed, but he must be way more careful than I thought. With all the blood and gore I saw that night with the three girls I had to clean up, I have no idea how the woman’s body had no hair, fibers or any other evidence on it. I start to wonder whether he might have someone on the crime scene investigation team who’s also covering for him.
Not that I’m complaining. The less there is to connect that girl to my dad and me, the better my chances are to get away from this case unscathed. I just pray to God my dad never does anything like this again. Everyone’s luck runs out eventually. On the subject of luck, we need to find that trunk. I almost can’t wait until my dad and Rebecca get here, so we can wrap up the chitchat and I can get back to Grand Central to figure out where this thing is.
Rebecca leaves to go get Dad, so Kara and I continue.
“Jonathan, we’re going to have a candid conversation, and after were done, I want you to understand that the conversation never happened. Can you do that?”
“Yes,” I answer. It’s time we all cut the bullshit and come up with a plan based on facts, not on legalities and process. “Are you sure it’s safe to talk in here?”
“Positive. My security team does a sweep in this office twice a day, every day.” She clears her throat and looks me right in the eye. “Did you have anything to do with the Rushton girl’s death?”
“Absolutely nothing.”
“So it was Solomon.” She does not wait for me to answer. “Do you know what’s in the trunk?”
“No. I didn’t know about it until this week.”
“How far in the past does your father’s… tastes… go back?”
“Years.”
“As far back as Nevada?”
“Yes.”
“What has your role been over the years?”
“Cleanup.” This conversation feels surreal. I have never admitted any of these things to anyone. Now the circle has grown by one. Deep down, I desperately hope Kara’s knowledge will be enough to get my dad to stop for good. If anyone can make this man see the light and listen, it’s Kara.
“Wait…but you… you were just a kid,” she says.
I see a shift in Kara’s facial expression. What started as a matter of fact conversation has turned emotional for her. She drops her head into her hands and takes a while to look up at me again.
“How many has there been?”
“Thirty-seven,” I tell her. “No, thirty-eight. I forgot to include the Rushton girl.” It’s a number my brain will never stop tracking.
Kara’s is putting some serious effort into keeping her composure. She reaches a hand over the table and places it on mine. “I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through this, Jonathan. Your dad had no right to include you…ever. I know about what he made you promise to do for him, and I understand your loyalty, but he was wrong. As far as I’m concerned, you’re also one of his victims. I know this firm represents both of you, but I’m going to do everything I can to protect you, and I will see to it that he never does this again.”
Her statement just about does me in. Her eyes have a mix of dread and compassion in them. This is the first time someone has stopped to consider me. I’ve been doing this for my father for so long, even I stopped thinking about how his behavior has hurt so many people and families, including me. I’m so close to breaking down here in Kara’s office, but I draw on every ounce of strength I have to keep it together.
Kara picks up the phone and tells her assistant to bring us two coffees. She brings it in a few minutes later, and we have our drinks in silence. I’ve never seen Kara sit still for this long. From my read of her, she’s completely shaken. We don’t say another word until Rebecca and my dad walk into her office.
Chapter 19 - Rebecca
“What’s this about, Kara?” Mr. Sloan wastes no time when we walk into her office.
“Have a seat, Solomon,” she answers. “You too, Rebecca.”
She waits for us to settle in, and that’s when I notice a difference in Jonathan. His facial expression is more serious and tense. It almost looks like he’s been crying, which is odd. I look over at him and our eyes lock for a brief moment. He nods and turns back to Kara.
“Gentlemen,” she says to them, “this is more of a courtesy meeting than anything else. Solomon, the police have been here. They had the nerve to show up without a warrant. Of course, I sent them packing, but if they have anything at all, we’ll be ready the next time. From what Rebecca has learned off the record from Bateman, we don’t have much to worry about. Still, I want the two of you to be on the alert.”
“We’ll be on the lookout,” Solomon answers.
“This is the second anonymous tip that mentions you, Jonathan. For that reason alone, police will keep a close eye on you for a while. Solomon, so far, your name has only come up when they interviewed Virocci and told him you were seen at dinner with Doreen that night. That was not even worth a mention, so I’m not worried. The problem I have is this. The fact that they are focused on you means there may not be looking broadly enough, and this is why you both need to watch your backs.”
“What does watching our backs involve, Kara?” Mr. Sloan asks.
“It means be careful. It means don’t go anywhere alone, and certainly don’t go anywhere with anyone you don’t trust. Don’t speak to anyone about this, don’t give your opinion, ignore the news, and stay out of the press, even for unrelated matters. Solomon, I know this Warrior deal is crucial for you. I want you to find someone else to deal with the media.”
“Why?” Mr. Sloan asks. “I’m the face of Sloan…and this merger.”
�
��Well,” Kara says, and my guess is her patience is already wearing thin. She’s not used to anyone challenging her as much as he is. “You’re going to have to take a back seat for this fun merger ride, Solomon. You need to stay off the radar right now. If there’s any news about Warrior that ends up getting entangled with the Rushton case, that deal is going to be over before we can try to control the damage. The long term impacts will be devastating for Sloan Sports and Entertainment, and probably for Fairchild Industries too.”
“Are you sure we’re not blowing this out of proportion?”
Kara just looks at him. She doesn’t answer. She turns to Jonathan. “I assume you know to stay off the radar as well, Jonathan. Two anonymous tips to the police could turn into two anonymous tips to the media. I don’t think I need to say more on this.”
“Got it,” Jonathan answers.
“Great, and keep Rebecca close.”
“Will do. Even while we’re in the Bahamas.”
Before Kara continues, Mr. Sloan says, “I’m not sure if that’s a good idea anymore, son…”
“Actually,” Kara jumps in, “I disagree. Jonathan, keep your plans. I doubt anything new is going to happen over the weekend. Judge Moore rarely signs search warrants on a Friday, so go. Relax a bit. Just be sure to come back here on Monday.”
Mr. Sloan looks like he is about to object, but he knows better than to cross Kara. He has a terse expression on his face. I also notice his reaction to the fact that I’m going on the trip with Jonathan. He must put two and two together, because for a moment I, see a faint smile rise on his face. I don’t know him well enough to read him, but if I had to bet, I would think it’s the first time he really looked at me—the first time he’s seeing me and paying attention, and almost inspecting me. And I’m instantly uncomfortable.
“Yes, ma’am,” Jonathan answers. “You don’t have to tell me twice. I have a short errand to run near Grand Central, and after that, we can fly out.”
This is the first I’m hearing about Grand Central. I assume it has to do with his job at Fairchild Industries. His father perks up to that comment. I must be wrong. Perhaps it has something to do with Sloan Sports and Entertainment.
“Great,” Kara answers. “I think that’s all for the four of us today. Let’s keep the phone lines open over the weekend.”
She picks up her laptop and purse, and stands up. “Excuse me, gentlemen. Would you mind waiting here one moment while I speak with Rebecca on another case before we leave?”
They nod and Kara tells me to come with her. I follow her to a private conference room and shut the door behind me.
“If you do end up going away with Jonathan,” she says, turning to me, “I need your assurance you’ll be able to convince him to come back.”
“I’m not sure I understand what you mean. Do you…do you think he’s going to try to stay away? Is there something I’m missing?”
She tells me to hold on because her phone is ringing. Again, she puts it on speakerphone.
“Hello Gerald,” she says to the person on the other end of the line. “You don’t sound like you got much sleep last night.”
“Cut the bullshit, Kara,” the man replies. I realize then it’s Gerald Spencer, a lawyer representing the opposing party in a civil suit our firm took on a couple months ago.
“I, on the other hand, slept like a baby,” she tells him. “Six and a half hours of pure bliss. I’m so rested I can go a full forty-eight, Gerald.”
“Well fuck me. That’s great Kara. We need to get on with this now, okay? You know my client has been waiting almost a month to schedule the deposition. I’m tired of your firm’s stall tactics.”
“Come on, Gerald. You know the client’s deposition is on hold while a criminal case is being heard. What part of this can’t you explain to them? Perhaps you’d like me to talk to your client for you? I’m certain I can convince them a little patience will go a long way.”
“This is ludicrous. Shit, Kara! I’ve got things to do. Tell me what your terms are. Just tell me.”
“We conduct the deposition over five days. At our offices here.”
“There’s no way the client will agree to that. One day. In Houston.”
“You’re calling me, remember? There’s no way I’m recommending this goes forward in Texas. Four days here in New York, and before you think of countering, remember it’s me you’re dealing with. In fact, sit on it for an hour. Let me know, before I quash this and make him wait another month.”
She hangs up on Gerald Spencer and looks at me. “That man hates to lose, especially to women. He’s as sulky as he was five years ago. I’m telling you, Rebecca. They say women never forget, but men are the ones who hold on and get cynical as hell. By the way, where were we?”
“I was asking about Jonathan. Is there any reason he would want to stay away from New York?”
“I don’t know, Rebecca. Is there? You tell me.”
“I don’t know either,” I tell her.
“Good. See you on Monday,” she says, and gets up to leave. “Enjoy your trip. Let’s see Jonathan and Solomon out.”
Chapter 20 - Jonathan
Dad and I are waiting for Kara and Rebecca to come back and finish off this meeting.
“What was so urgent when you phoned me earlier?” he asks.
“I went down to the locker, Dad.”
“Wait,” he says, turning to me. “You went down there already? Why are you going again?”
“The locker was empty.”
His eyes widen. “What?”
“The trunk is gone.”
The man is close to frantic now. “Gone? What do you mean it’s gone?”
“Someone must have removed it before I got down there.”
“Is Mandy sure she left it in that locker?” He asks me. He gets up and starts pacing.
“She’s positive, and you know she does not lie. Anyway, I’m going back down there to check again.”
“Shit. Can things get any worse?”
“Why are you worried, Dad? You’re not the one with your life on the line.”
“I understand that, son, but I need you out here, not in prison.” He pulls out his phone and calls someone he knows from city transit security. He asks them to meet him tonight and it sounds like they agree.
“What’s that about?” I ask him.
“I’m calling in a favor. This guy can help us figure out who was at the locker. They have to have video surveillance of the Grand Central Station area. What’s the locker key number?”
“It’s 12 801E,” I answer.
“Good. I’ll call in a favor with my USPS buddy too. We’ll see who tampered with that locker after Mandy put the trunk inside.”
“Nice idea, Dad. How soon do you think we’ll have some answers?”
“Late tonight or tomorrow morning.”
“I’ll still go down there now, just in case.”
“That make sense… So tell me, son. You’re seeing Kara’s new associate? She looks like a sweet, young woman.”
“We’re not talking about this, Dad.”
“What? You don’t want your old man sticking his nose in your love life?”
“Exactly.”
“So there is something going on between you and Rebecca. This is the first woman you’re travelling with on a vacation. She looks like a nice catch.”
“Drop it, Dad. I’m done talking.”
“What’s your problem, boy?”
“You do not get to talk to me about the women I may or may not be seeing.”
“You realize you’re acting like a teenager over this, right? You’re a grown man. I’m not judging you. I’m your father. I’m supposed to care.”
There are a lot of things this man is supposed to be doing, and he doesn’t, so this line of bullshit he’s feeding me is nonsense. I’m about to tell him this when Kara and Rebecca return.
Chapter 21 - Rebecca
I’m confused as we leave the conference room. Does Kara th
ink Jonathan’s a flight risk? Why else would she pull me aside to tell me this again? She must have some concerns.
We get back to her office.
“I have two more meetings off-site this evening. Let me know if anything comes up.”
“ The men stand politely in response. Solomon turns to leave, and Kara says to Jonathan, “Let me know how it goes at Grand Central.”
Now I’m confused. Kara knows about to Grand Central too? Maybe it has to do with the Warrior deal. There’s so much to think about, I set that aside.
“I’ll phone you later, Rebecca,” Jonathan tells me as he follows them out.
He leaves with his dad and Kara. I head back to my office to gather my things. I’m not in a hurry to go with them. I look for a few more files, and take them with me when I finally head out. I’m a bit surprised. When I get out to the front of our office building, Kara and Jonathan are only now stepping out of Mr. Sloan’s limousine. It seems the three of them had a separate meeting—without me. There has to be more to this story. I start to wonder what secrets they have. Again, it could have to do with the Warrior acquisition, so I leave it alone.
Jonathan sees me exit the building and heads toward me.
“Hey,” he says. He’s not the slightest bit nervous or apprehensive that I just saw them. For some reason, that sets me at ease.
“Crazy day, huh?” I say.
“Way too bizarre. Are you heading home?”
“Yes. I was just going to hail a cab.”
“Let me take you.”
“Isn’t that going to take you away from your errand? You’re going to Grand Central, aren’t you?”
“That’s okay. It’s only a few extra blocks. Come on. I’ll drive you home.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
He opens the door for me, and takes my laptop bag, placing it in the trunk before he gets in the driver seat. He leans toward me and pulls me in for a kiss. It hits me how much I missed him. I’m already melting and wanting him all over again.
“Mmmm,” I moan into his lips and lift my hand to his jaw.
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