“Start planning now. In one month everything will be ready.”
“And about the other matter we discussed? Did you forward all documents that Cynthia handled?”
“As requested.”
◆◆◆
The Park Avenue restaurant was slow for a lunch hour. The last time she was here it was her first meeting with Hunter Chase. Although he behaved like a prick, he was one of the first people to reach out after Lisa’s death. He sent flowers to the office accompanied with a condolences card. She thanked him with a call and he said he would continue to support the foundation out of respect for Lisa.
Ramona saw Julius sitting at a table near the bar when she walked in. “How did you manage a last-minute reservation?” she asked, taking a seat across from him.
“I already had it. The person I was meeting canceled.”
“What’s wrong?” Ramona noticed his saddened demeanor. Like he'd lost his best friend.
“I think Kelsey’s leaving me.”
Thank goodness he brought her up first, now there wasn’t a need to slide her name casually into the conversation. “Did she say she’s leaving?”
“In the beginning, our relationship seemed perfect. We did everything together and out of nowhere she pulled away.”
“What do you mean?”
“If she was on the phone, she would hang up suddenly when I walked in. Her days at work had become longer. She’s changed, and no longer has time for me.”
“Where is she? No one has seen her at work.”
“I don’t know. She leaves our place every morning dressed for work. You haven’t spoken to her?”
Ramona expected him to bring up the fight she had with Kelsey. It’s clear he was in the dark. “I haven’t heard from Kelsey in weeks.”
“She's behaving out of character and I don't know what to do.”
“I’m sorry you’re going through this.”
“Me too.” Julius stood to remove his navy suit jacket and placed it on the back of his chair. When he reached for his glass of water, it revealed his choice of jewelry hidden under his sleeve.
Her eyes widened at the revelation. “Where did you get that?” She pointed to his wrist.
“This bracelet?”
“Yes. I bought it when Kelsey and I first moved in together. It was to commemorate us moving in together.”
“So, Kelsey has one like it?”
“Yes, she noticed it first at the jewelry store. She liked the braided leather and thought we should both get one.”
Ramona stood and frantically gathered her purse and keys. “I’m sorry Julius, I have to go.”
“You never told me why you needed to see me.”
“I know. Rain check?”
Before Julius could answer Ramona was halfway out the door. She had a dull feeling in the pit of her stomach. She prayed the thoughts racing through her mind were not true. That someone who she and Lisa once considered a friend could commit such a heinous act. It was a necessity she backed up her suspicion before meeting with the detective. She was wrong about Xavier, therefore she had to be positive about Kelsey. Ramona called Detective Yancey and asked him to email the video footage to her. She raced home and made a beeline for her laptop. Nothing yet. She raced up the stairs to her bedroom and opened the box of texts and emails she printed. If Kelsey was guilty, there would be a clue somewhere. She put everything in date order. It was three years worth of emails and four years of text. It would be a long night. The first year nothing stood out. Mostly work related, meetings, galas, expenditures, etc. Year two is when Lisa stepped up her mentoring. She had given Kelsey more responsibility, and the texts turned personal. They had working lunches, shopped together. Kelsey bought birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, just because gifts. In one text Lisa asked her to stop, afraid the number of gifts had crossed the lines. The third year a whole six months was missing before Lisa sent a text telling Kelsey she was removing her name from the list of potential board members. That’s when the texts turned ugly.
Lisa: I’m removing your name from the list. You are no longer in consideration as a replacement board member.
Kelsey: You can’t do that!
Lisa: Consider it DONE!
Kelsey: If you dare remove my name I will tell everyone what you did.
Lisa: Your threats are meaningless. You do what you have to do.
Every text after that was a threat from Kelsey and Lisa continued to call her bluff. She threatened to fire her and Kelsey said she would ruin her if she did. Ramona had read enough. The messages were damning, but she needed one last piece of the puzzle.
She scrolled through her email’s inbox and printed every spreadsheet that Dave sent her. The documents were all the organization’s financial balance sheets that Cynthia had created. Most of them were easy enough to follow, however some needed a special expertise. She forward the questionable ones to Amber and asked her to read over them right away.
Ramona checked the time on the clock next to her bed, it was three in the morning. She couldn’t believe her eyes, how did so much time pass? Then she realized she hadn’t heard from Nick. She checked her phone. One voicemail. He’s arriving in the morning because of a canceled flight. She dialed his number. Who cares if it’s three in the morning, this was an emergency.
“Ramona?” It was clear from the sound of his voice she woke him.
“Hey, did I wake you?”
“Yeah, but it’s fine. Are you okay?”
“You won’t believe the day I had. Between your ex-wife showing up at my place of business and I think Kelsey killed Lisa, I…”
“Wait! You saw Lauren?” That tidbit seemed to wake him.
“Yes, Dave asked her to stop by. I’ll tell you about that later. Did you hear what I said about Kelsey? I think she killed Lisa.”
“I heard you, but I thought you were joking.”
“No, I’m serious. I need you here tomorrow. What time are you landing?”
“Ten. Why do you think it’s Kelsey?”
“Remember the video of the person wearing a bracelet? Well, I met with Julius today and he had one exactly like it. He told me he also bought one for her. Nick, I read through the text messages I printed and something happened between Kelsey and Lisa. Something big enough for Kelsey to threaten to ruin her.”
“No, shit?”
“I can’t believe what I read. Kelsey had done something Lisa wasn’t happy about enough for her not to want her on the board. From that moment the threats began.”
“Did she ever say anything about their relationship?” he asked.
“No. She gave me cryptic warnings here and there. Definitely not enough for me think Kelsey was a threat.”
“You might need more than threatening text to back up your theory.”
“Remember the accounting audit I told you about?”
“Yeah.”
“I had Dave send me more documentation and Cynthia was very creative with her accounting. I forward some to Amber for a second pair of eyes. I believe I’m on to something and if I’m right those two bitches conducted shady business behind Lisa’s back.
“Don’t wait for me. First thing in the morning contact Detective Yancey.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. I’ll come straight to your house once I land.”
“You never told me where you are,” she said.
“I’m in Florida.”
“Florida? You have real estate there?”
“Let’s just say I have a secret project in the works.”
“One you will eventually tell me about, right?”
“Of course. Now go to sleep. You have a big day tomorrow. Love you.”
“Love you, always.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Thirty days ago Ramona had informed Detective Yancey about Kelsey’s bracelet and what she knew about her relationship with Lisa. With collaboration from Julius, the detective pursued her as a person of interest. Two weeks later, someone provided an a
nonymous tip she was hiding in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in her family's home. The police there extradited her to Texas. After hours of questioning, she confessed to the unintentional death of Lisa or by its legal term, voluntary manslaughter.
It didn’t matter to Ramona what her intent was, Kelsey must answer for what she’s done. Yesterday, Ramona pleaded with Detective Yancey to allow her to speak with Kelsey. At first, he refused because he claimed it’s unusual for the victim’s family to have a private meeting with the accused. He later changed his mind when she offered a donation to the police department to use however they saw fit. Maybe money talks after all. He told her to come to department in the evening and he would have Kelsey available.
“Thank you for doing this,” said Ramona to the detective. She did as instructed by arriving at six pm sharp. He said the evening would be easier for him to slip her in unnoticed.
“I’ll walk you to the north interrogation room where she’s waiting. You will have exactly fifteen minutes to say what you need to. For your protection, I will remain in the room.”
“Fifteen minutes is more than enough time.” Ramona reached into her purse. “Here’s the check I promised.”
Detective Yancey studied the rectangular sky blue paper. “Twenty-five thousand, huh? That’s more than I expected.”
“Can I see her now?”
The detective led Ramona out of his office and down the hallway. At the end of the hall a red door stood out against the plain white walls. He opened it and there sat Kelsey shackled to the table. She looked different, her red hair was shorter and thinner from the lack of extensions. Her face was void of any makeup, false lashes, or concealer. Without it, she appeared much younger than her age of twenty-five. Ramona sat in the one empty chair directly across from her while the detective stood near the door. Kelsey didn’t avoid eye contact, like someone who felt guilty or filled with remorse. Instead, she seemed almost boastful with a proud grin on her face. “I should’ve known it was you,” she smirked.
“I wanted to give you the opportunity to tell me your side.”
“Why? He didn’t tell you?” She nodded towards the detective.
“I want to hear it in your words.”
Kelsey explained that she and Lisa began a friendship after a year on the job. They had become close enough that Lisa suggested she should become a board member. One day after a long conference call they had gone out for drinks and Kelsey innocently kissed Lisa. Afterward she apologized, but made it known she was open to a relationship. Lisa wasn’t interested and tried to distance herself.
Ramona couldn’t listen to anymore. She abruptly stood causing her chair to fall backward. “Is that why you killed her?”
“No! I blackmailed her. I told her if she didn’t give me a seat on the board I would file charges and sue her for sexual harassment.”
“You bitch! After everything, she's done for you!” Detective Yancey walked over and picked the chair up off the floor. “Sit down, Miss Vasquez,” he ordered. Ramona sat in the yellow plastic chair. “Can you get to what happened the night you took my aunt’s life.”
“I went over there to talk. I found out the reason she removed name as a potential board member was because she thought I stole money.”
“You mean the fifty-thousand-dollars?”
Kelsey looked surprised.
“Yeah, I know all about yours and Cynthia’s secret accounts.”
“Anyway, I told her I had nothing to do with any stolen money. She said she had proof that Cynthia and I embezzled money into outside accounts. My only thought was to convince her it was all Cynthia’s doing and not mines. So, we argued, and she asked me to leave. I then followed her to her bedroom where we continued to argue. Lisa belittled me and called me names. It was like she was purposely trying to push my buttons. All I can say is I snapped, picked up an extension cord from the floor and strangled her. That’s everything I told him,” she said pointing to Detective Yancey.
What surprised Ramona the most was the numb feeling she felt inside listening to Kelsey’s version of events. She expected herself to be angry, tearful, or ready to beat the life out of her. Instead, she was remarkably calm. “Basically, you ended my aunt’s life because she wouldn’t give you a seat on the board, she obtained proof you embezzled money from my family’s charity, and she was on the verge of turning you both in.”
“That about sums it up,” shrugged Kelsey.
“How did I fit into your plan?”
“What do you mean?”
“I had you pegged on day one. You made it your purpose to become my friend, you did whatever to gain my trust. Why?”
“You were just another card for me to play. But, it didn’t pan out. I thought if I couldn’t get what I wanted from Lisa that I could get it from you,” she said, unapologetic. “You can’t judge me. You’re no different. You tried to take a life for much less! Just because you have Pennington blood in your veins doesn't make you any better than me.”
In an instant, the calm and subdued demeanor had disappeared. It was either the comparison Kelsey made between them two or the insinuation she’s not good enough to be a Pennington that sent rage rushing within her. With her jaw clenched, she stood to her feet and balled her right hand into a fist. She raised her arm in the air and swung it directly towards Kelsey’s jaw. Mere inches before her fist connected with her face Ramona felt a hand grip her arm. “This meeting is over!” Detective Yancey shouted.
Ramona jerked her arm away, ignoring him. She leaned forward across the table and spat in Kelsey’s face. “Let me tell you something, you pathetic little bitch! No one knows better than I that money and a team of lawyers can be the difference between freedom or time behind bars. Unfortunately for you that’s what separates us. I have more money than you can imagine to keep your demented ass locked up for the rest of your life!”
“Miss Vasquez, I have to take the prisoner back to her cell.”
“In case you’re unaware, your partner in crime, Cynthia, is behind bars.” Ramona stood and grabbed her purse. She bent down towards Kelsey’s ear and whispered. “I don’t care what judge I have to bribe I will make it my mission to ensure you never see the light of day.”
“We’ll see about that!” she screamed.
Before Ramona could say another word Detective Yancey yanked her out of the room. “Do I need to have someone escort you out?”
“No, I know the way.”
“I can’t let you see her again.”
“I said all I needed.”
◆◆◆
Ramona woke the following morning feeling lighter and free. The past months had been an emotional roller coaster with no end in sight. With Xavier out of her life and Kelsey locked up, she felt an inner peace that had been missing. The last major milestone on her list would happen tonight. It was the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new and improve Helping Hand. The purpose was to reintroduce it to the community with its new mission. With the help of the remaining staff, she predicts the ceremony will be a success. Ramona checked the time. She had just enough time to down a quick breakfast and change before Amber arrived. Their friendship has become what it used to be all those years ago. Ramona had asked her to stop by before the ceremony to help with her clothing selection. Becoming the new face of a multi-million dollar foundation required the proper attire.
“I’m here to assist you, my queen,” joked Amber, taking a playful bow as she entered the front door.
“Get in here,” laughed Ramona. “I appreciate you coming over early this morning. My hairdresser will be here about noon. That’ll give us three hours to narrow down an outfit, shoes, and accessories.”
“We need three hours to do that?”
“No, but there’s something else I want to talk you about after we handle business.” Ramona led Amber into a room she’s converting into a dressing room. Lisa had created a smaller version prior to her moving in, but she has now outgrown the space. So far, the new and improved dressing room has built-i
n shelves for her growing shoe and purse collection. The back wall used to be a plain white wall now it’s covered by one gigantic mirror. A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling and plush pink benches provided seating. “This is gorgeous!” exclaimed Amber.
“It’s still a work in progress.” Ramona laid out three outfits. One was a black, A-line, sleeveless form-fitting dress. The second was a white pants suit and the third option was royal blue off the shoulder dress with an asymmetrical hem. “Which one says a leader you should take seriously?”
“Um, I like the blue. It’ll accentuate your curves the best.”
“I don’t want to come across as sexy.”
“No, you want to be unforgettable and no one will forget you in that dress.”
Ramona held the dress against her body in front of the mirror. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“I trust your judgment. Let’s move on to shoes and accessories.”
The ladies viewed their options among many pairs of heels until they found the perfect pair of silver, strapped stilettos. As for the accessories they settled on a pair of platinum diamond teardrop earrings with matching bracelet.
“Will your beau be in attendance?” asked Amber.
“Yes. He’s coming over, so you’ll get to meet him before the ceremony.”
“I can’t wait to put a face with the image in my mind.”
“I’m curious. What image do you have?”
Amber placed a finger on her chin and looked upward. “Let’s see, gorgeous model good looks, washboard abs, and a deep voice that can make your heart melt.”
“Wow! You’ve really given it some thought,” laughed Ramona. “But, two out of three is not bad.”
“Which two did I get it?”
“You’ll find out soon enough. What about your husband and kids? Did you invite them like I asked?”
“Yes, Lee will attend but not the girls. The school is having a field trip to the museum.”
Ramona grabbed Amber’s hand and led her to one of three pink benches. “Let’s sit, I have something important to ask you.”
“This sounds serious.”
Shattered Hearts (Shattered Series Book 2) Page 17