From Olivia: yes sir, I’m sorry
Her face flushes red in an unwelcome response as she hits send, then closes her phone and pushes it into her pocket. The thought of his large, muscular body standing over her while she knelt on the floor in front of him last night, makes her heart flutter and her pulse quicken.
Entering the tiny exam room behind the nurse, she briefs her on the reason for her visit. As per her instructions, Olivia strips from the waist down and is covering herself with a paper blanket when her cell phone beeps from her pants pocket on the floor. She’s thinking about her last message to Ethan and wonders about his reply when the doctor comes in and interrupts her thoughts, making her blush awkwardly.
“So you have a cut that’s not healing?” He’s all business and gets right to the point.
“Yes, it wasn’t a clean cut. Something dug into my leg. I’ve been feverish and sick to my stomach as well.”
“Let’s have a look.” He pulls on a pair of gloves and snaps them at the wrist as he adjusts the fit. Lifting the paper blanket he makes a few concerning sounds as he evaluates the wound.
Olivia is still thinking about Ethan’s broad shoulders and muscular stomach, the edgy, commanding tone in his voice. The rock hard erection that he purposely pressed against her so that she couldn’t ignore it. Doh! Stop thinking about that!
“Miss James?” The doctor repeats impatiently.
“Oh, I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“I’ve taken a swab to have the lab evaluate it. I’ve written you two prescriptions for antibiotics. I’m not sure which one you’ll need until I get the results back so I want you to take both until then. I have also prescribed an antibiotic cream.”
She takes the papers out of his hand and folds them as she sits up on the table. “What about the fever?”
“The usual, Miss James. Tylenol for the fever and any generic brand of anti-nausea medication will do.” His impatient tone indicates that he seems to be in a rush. ”Is there anything else?
Olivia’s cell phone beeps loudly reminding her of Ethan’s reply. She thinks about his cologne and how his body felt against her, hard and warm, the touch of his hands as he brushed them across her cheek and tucked her hair behind her ear. Completely flushed, she turns her attention back to the doctor. “Well actually, I think it might be time to start back on birth control.”
He looks up at her over the top of his bifocals. “Very well.” He says as he grabs a new pair of gloves. “Lay back down and wiggle to the end. I’ll check under the hood and make sure everything’s in order.”
A clear head is required for the video conference Ethan is about to join and the thoughts he’s having about Olivia right now are more than distracting. He puts his phone away after his last reply, needing to get through this call without an aching hard-on straining against the unforgiving material of his jeans. He keeps the entire floor of Aurora Technologies in darkness except for his office. Leaving the blinds open, he lets the sunshine warm the room with a delicate light. Selecting a play list of soothing jazz music, he attempts to create a calm atmosphere. Looking at his watch, he turns on his laptop and prepares for his video conference. He has driven all the way into the city today to have some privacy and collect his thoughts. Within minutes, he’s joined online by his assistant, John McCabe, who is currently at the head office in Ireland.
“Mr. O’Connell.” He greets him in a much more formal manner than usual.
“John. How are you?” Ethan finds his voice comforting and for the first time he feels a little homesick.
“I’m well, Ethan. Thank you for asking.”
John was the head of security with Aurora Technologies when Ethan was promoted to Senior Vice President of International sales. Most men would feel contempt over Ethan’s quick rise up the ladder, especially at such a young age, but it didn’t seem to bother John. Ethan’s dedication and drive to succeed put him in the office 24/7 making John his only companion on many long evenings. Despite Ethan being 10 years his junior, they formed a friendship and John became one of the few people Ethan could trust.
John’s insights, both in business and his personal life continue to be invaluable to him. He often teases Ethan by saying that he’s is a brilliant young man who lacks nothing but a little life experience and at times, more self-control. It was no surprise to anybody that when Ethan became successful, he hired McCabe away from the company to be his own personal assistant and bodyguard. It was a wise move on his part since he was a young mustang full of energy and passion. Still is, somewhat, although a few years have settled him some. However, he still has an incredible knack for attracting women with extremely jealous boyfriends. Admittedly, John’s maturity and military discipline kept Ethan in line and out of jail on more than one occasion. If only he had been around that night.
Ethan is starting to feel a little on edge. “Is everyone there?”
“Yes Sir, the company lawyers are with me now. We have arranged for the best representation for you.“
“Well that’s brilliant considering that it’s a load of bullocks. I DIDN’T DO ANYTHING!” His voice is riddled with frustration.
“I believe you. But it’s her word against yours.”
One of the lawyers chimes in. “Mr. O’Connell, Jessica Keane has some pretty compelling evidence.”
Ethan looks down at his cell phone and reads an incoming text from John.
From John: Calm your temper Ethan. Don’t give them any reason to believe you’re capable of the things she’s accusing you of.
He knows John is right and forces himself to relax. He twists his neck trying to release some of the tension and then extends and flexes his fingers which were clenched into tightly formed fists.
A very professional sounding woman introduces herself. “Ethan, my name is Shannon Quinn. I’ll be handling your case.” She moves in front of the camera so that she can be seen. She’s a stunning blonde in her early to mid 30’s with bright blue eyes that look kind and gentle. Ethan takes note and straightens his posture when he see’s her on the video screen. He’s been told that she’s the best in her field and he’s shocked that she has developed such a successful career and reputation as a lawyer at such a young age. Lawyers are all old, wrinkled, argumentative people right? Not this woman, she’s stunning. The legal team may refer to her as a “bull dog” in court, but there is something about Miss Quinn, that is very… personable.
“I’m curious.” She begins. “What reason would Miss Keane have to say it was you? Why would she lie about it?”
Leaning back in his chair, he runs both his hands through his hair, holding his head for a few minutes before he lowers his arms to his lap and answers.
“Jessica and I were living together until I found out she was sleeping with another man.”
“So this was something that happened in a jealous rage?”
“NO!” He catches himself sliding into an angry tone and clears his throat. “No, I wrote her a note saying that it was over and that I wanted her to move out.”
“That’s all?”
“Yes, then I went out and got drunk.“
“So if it wasn’t you, who did it then?”
“I don’t know.”
“Was she there when you got home from the bar?”
“No, I don’t think so.” He scratches his head. “I don’t know for sure. I told you I was hammered.”
“You were that drunk, that you don’t know if she was even in the house; but absolutely positive that you didn’t do it?”
“Yes, because I could barely stand. The cab driver had to pretty much carry me into the house. The last thing I remember is him dropping me on the sofa.” Ethan’s stress is now evident in his voice.
Shannon turns to one of the young men sitting beside her. “See if you can track down the cab driver and confirm that he saw no one else in the house when he took Ethan home.” Turning back to the video screen she adjusts the camera. “Ok, so you don’t remember seeing her after
you left her the note. Let’s assume for the moment that she came home, saw the note and left. When was the next time you saw or heard from her?”
“A few weeks later.”
“Who made the initial contact?”
Ethan sighs. “She contacted me after I cut her off financially.”
“I see, so you were still supporting her until then?” One of Shannon’s assistants is taking notes on his laptop and the loud tapping of the keys is starting to grind on Ethan’s nerves. He holds the back of his neck trying to release the tension.
“Yes, I gave her a few weeks to find a place to stay and get a job, and then I cancelled the credit card and closed the line of credit that I opened for her.”
Shannon looks to another one of her associates and assigns him a task. “I want the transaction records on the accounts that Mr. O’Connell paid for and the cancellation information.” She turns her attention back to Ethan.
“What did she say?”
“I didn’t return her call. For two weeks I didn’t hear a single word from her until I cut her off. Obviously she missed my money… not me.”
She looks to the man on her right again. “Get your hands on her phone records. I want to know when that phone call was made and what date she went to the newspaper.” Everybody is scrambling, making notes and searching for things in their briefcases. “I think that’s all for today, Ethan.”
“So, what now?” He asks, trying to wrap his head around everything that’s happening.
Shannon flips through the documents in front of her. “My recommendation is that we hire an investigator to find out as much information as we can about that night. Hopefully, we can get to the bottom of it quickly.“
One of the associates interrupts. “The Garda may request that you return to Ireland. They will be conducting their own investigation eventually, and Ethan you should know that you could be charged with assault.“
“Do you really think it will get to that? I didn’t do it! This is ridiculous!” His hand lands heavily in anger on the desk in front of him.
“Ethan, we believe that you didn’t do it.” Shannon assures him. “We just need to prove it. Ideally we need to find the person who did. Otherwise it does come down to her word against yours. If you think of anything or anyone that might help us then please contact us right away.”
Ethan rubs his hands over his face in disbelief. “Unbelievable.” He shakes his head. “I can’t believe she would do this. Why go public weeks after it supposedly happened and then file the police report a month after that?”
Miss Quinn adjusts the camera so she’s back in view. “We had the same thought. We think she’s after money. When you didn’t return her calls she made her public accusation hoping you would contact her and offer her money to be quiet. When you didn’t do that either, she escalated it to the police.”
Ethan puffs out a breath that he had been holding and then, finally starting to feel more like himself, he takes control. “I want this resolved as quickly as possible.”
“It’s not our intention to drag this out. As long as you’re cooperative and available to the investigation team, we should have some answers soon. Until then, I feel it necessary to remind you, as your lawyer, that you need to stay out of trouble and not discuss this matter with anyone. Don’t post anything about it on any social media, Facebook, Twitter or otherwise.”
“Fine. You know how to get a hold of me.”
She closes her file folder and stuffs it into her briefcase. “I’ll hire an investigator first thing Monday morning. We’ll be in touch.” She stands and leaves the room with an entourage of assistants following behind.
When he hears the door close he calls out. “John? You still there?”
“Yes, I’m here.”
“Is everyone gone?”
“Yes, it’s just me here now.”
“How the hell did everything get so screwed up, John?” His voice strains in defeat.
“I believe Shannon is on the right track. Miss Keane’s agenda is money.”
“Well I’m very inclined to pay whatever she wants to put an end to this.”
“That would be a bad idea at this point.” He advises.
“As always you’re right. I wish I had listened to you, John.” Regret is visible on his face.
“Me too, my friend. I had a bad feeling about that woman right from the beginning.” John struggled with telling him how he felt at the time. He warned him a few times but he wishes that he made him listen. A decision he has regretted a thousand times in the past three months. “Ethan.”
“Yes?”
“It’s good to hear your voice, you’re missed here.”
Ethan smiles. “Don’t get all mushy on me, McCabe.”
John raises his eyebrows and smirks as he leans in closer to the video screen. “I meant by all the young ladies… I don’t miss you. You’re a pain in the ass.”
Ethan laughs. “I can always count on you for the truth my friend.”
“Yes sir, that’s why you pay me the big bucks.”
“Go home enjoy the rest of your weekend.“ Ethan packs up the stuff on his desk. “I might need you to come here for a week or two and help me out with a few personal deals I’m working on.”
“Can’t your Canadian assistant handle things for you?” There is apprehension in his voice.
“Not as well as you. I’d just feel more comfortable if you were here.“
“Very well.” He concedes. “Let me know when you want me to arrive and I’ll make the necessary arrangements.” He looks into the camera with a serious expression. “Ethan, stay focused, keep a level head and stay out of trouble. Would you at least try to stay away from women until after this is resolved.”
Ethan thinks about Olivia and grins. “That might be easier said than done.”
John closes his eyes and shakes his head. “Dear God! Already? Don’t tell me anymore, I don’t want to know.”
Olivia reaches her car and unlocks the door, cringing at the creaking sound it makes as she opens it. Climbing in carefully, she slides the key into the ignition and says a little prayer as she turns it. “Please start… Please start.” The engine shows its age by making a loud wheezing noise, like an elderly man trying to walk up hill. “Come on girl… you can do it!” She turns the key again and it responds with an optimistic cough and a sputter. Taking a deep breath she releases the key and closes her eyes. On the third try the old girl muscles up the gumption and the engine rumbles to life. “Yes!” Olivia throws her hands in the air in celebration.
She hits the highway and feeling a little warm from the fever she rolls down all the windows and cranks the radio. The sun is bright and the fresh air feels good. Bravely she presses harder on the accelerator and hits an exhilarating speed. Singing at the top of her voice, her hair blows in the wind through the open window. Suddenly she hears a thud as something bounces off the car visor and then drops onto her chest and slides downwards into her bra. That was odd. She puts her hand to her chest but doesn’t feel anything right away so she turns her attention back to her song.
Suddenly she feels movement in there. Whatever it is, its HUGE and it’s now wandering around in her bra, violating her with its scratchy little feet and antennae as it goes. She screams and sticks her hand into her top and searches in her bra for the intruder. She can tell, as it takes a casual stroll through her cleavage, that it has a hard type of shell, like a June bug and she doesn’t understand how it’s possible that she just can’t seem to get her hand on it. Swerving back and forth all over the road she decides, that for safety reasons, she needs to pull over onto the shoulder and stop. She gets out of the car and rounds the hood onto the shoulder in a hurry, with her hand in her shirt still searching in distress. Finally she gets a hold of a leg and in one quick motion yanks the largest beetle she has ever seen out of her bra and launches it into the air. She jumps up and down. “Ew! Ew! Ew!”
A loud pop comes from the engine of her car and it sputters, t
hen dies. “Noooooooooo!” She gets back in and turns the key but no such luck. Lifting the hood, she stands there looking at its inner workings as if she’s expecting to receive divine intervention at any moment. But nothing happens. Perspiration forms on her brow and her eyes start to feel heavy. Her stomach flips and twists and she’s thankful that she hasn’t eaten because it certainly would come back up right now.
Slamming the hood down in sheer frustration, she watches as a silver car pulls up and stops behind her. The Cavalry has arrived! The door opens and out gets an extremely sexy Ethan O’Connell. Divine intervention indeed! Her stomach bottoms out, her breath hitching at the sight of him as she recalls his last reply. Good girl, I suspected you were a woman who does what she’s told.
“Having troubles?” He grins as he walks towards her.
That charming smile is not going to work today. She just wants to get home and she’s not interested in anything else he is offering. “What are you doing here?“
“I had to go into the office this morning for a conference call. Looks like it’s a good thing I did or you’d be stuck here.”
“I would have got her started eventually.” She says, offended by his comment and the fact that he thinks she needs to be rescued. Maybe she did but she thinks it’s rude that he makes assumptions about her.
He’s wearing a pair of black jeans and a tight fitting plain white t-shirt that clings to his chest showing off its impressive definition. “A little under dressed for the office aren’t you?” She hopes that he doesn’t notice her staring as she feels a rush of hormones and heat washes over her body. The look in his eyes and the slight smirk on his face tells her that he is well aware of her perusal. He’s amused at her continual attempt to deny her attraction.
“It’s Saturday, Olivia. There was nobody there but me. Get your stuff and I’ll take you home.” It’s an order, not a request, but she’s feeling far too sick to argue with him.
He’s about to pull back into traffic when she reaches out and grabs his arm. “Wait! We can’t just leave her here on the side of the road.”
Intractable Souls : Book 1 of the Bound for Ireland Series Page 8