The car comes to a halt. We are back at the house. Jonathan walks to my side and opens the door. As we enter the house, silent tears stream down my face. He walks me to the sofa and holds me in his arms. A while later, after what I witnessed sinks in, I wipe my tears away. One of his arms surrounds my shoulders; the other hand he laces through my fingers.
“I’m so sorry,” I eventually whisper.
“Why are you apologizing?”
“I let her get the better of me.”
“I’m assuming that was your best friend?”
“My so-called best friend, yes.”
“You didn’t know she was pregnant, did you?”
“I had no clue… I can’t believe it.”
“She looks more than three months pregnant.”
“The investigators found out they were seeing each other for months… close to a year.”
His eyes fill with astonishment at my response.
“He started seeing her almost right after he proposed to me. I guess that means when I walked in on them, she was already pregnant.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Me, too. I wish this all had ended the day I threw them out of my house. The more I find out, the angrier I get.”
“I know this isn’t easy, Babe, but you have to try to let this go. Otherwise, it will eat you up inside.”
I sigh. I know he’s right. I wish I could erase all memory I have of Koto Miller and Richard Preston. I get off the sofa, head to the bathroom, and wash my face. I think I’ve wasted enough tears on the two of them. I return to the living room.
“I know you must be hungry. Let’s eat. I’ll get us some plates,” I say, walking into the kitchen.
“I’ll do it. You sit,” Jonathan replies, following closely behind me.
I eat dinner but the healthy appetite I had prior to seeing Koto is gone. Jonathan is very quiet. I’m not sure he knows how to handle my mood.
“I’m sorry dinner was ruined,” I finally say, breaking the silence.
“Don’t worry about it. I know being betrayed that way by two of the people that were supposed to be closest to you can’t be easy.”
“C’est la vie… What time do you usually go to bed during the week?”
“Ten or eleven. Why?”
“Maybe we can watch a movie from that extensive collection of yours before I go home.”
“I thought you were spending the night and leaving tomorrow morning with the dogs.”
“We discussed the dog part. We didn’t talk about spending the night.”
“Maybe you should…” He looks at me with sparkling eyes.
“As tempting as that might sound, I think I should go home. I’ve kept you awake every night we’ve spent together. You’re going to have another rough week. You need your rest.”
“You didn’t keep me awake…”
“Immm hmmm. If it’s okay, I’ll put you to bed then I’ll take myself home later. I have to go. I’ll need my luggage.”
“Alright. Take the Land Rover. You should take it with you to Big Sur too. I don’t think there’s enough space for the dogs in your car.”
“Good thinking.”
After dinner, we cuddle on the family room sofa to watch a movie. Within half an hour, Jonathan is fast asleep besides me. I knew he was tired. I lie with him for a few more minutes then cast the throw over him and kiss him gently on the lips before I shut off the TV.
I find the keys on the foyer table, and soon, I watch the garage door close. Ten minutes later, I arrive home. I step out of the shower and then my Johnnyphone rings.
“You left without saying goodbye,” he says groggily.
“I said goodbye. You were comatose, so you didn’t notice.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how tired I was.”
“I did,” I reply, climbing into my bed.
“I wanted to make sure you got home safely.”
“I did. I’m about to go to bed. You should do the same.”
“Sleep well.”
“Sweet dreams,” I whisper.
“Hopefully, they’ll be all of you…”
I’m out the house by 5:30 the next morning. I call ahead at my downtown location and order breakfast for two. Twenty minutes later, I arrive at Jonathan’s house.
As I climb the stairs from the garage, he awaits me at the top of the landing, arms outstretched. He looks like he stepped out from the pages of a Giorgio Armani catalog dressed all in black—black suit, black shirt, black tie.
“You look sharp this morning,” I say, kissing him lightly on the lips.
“And you look hot as usual.”
I blush. “Hungry?”
“Where did you get food from before six in the morning?”
“That’s one of the benefits of owning your own hotel. I got you an omelet, croissants, and some fruit. I hope that’s enough.”
“More than enough… thanks.”
We enjoy breakfast together. Although he’s his usual charming self, something about him seems different. Like that day I passed him in the corridor of the courts. All business. I suppose he’s in his work frame of mind, thinking about the day ahead.
“Busy day?”
“Yep. Opening arguments start today for a major drug trafficking case.”
“Sure you have your man?”
“If I wasn’t sure, I wouldn’t be trying the case.”
“Of course not… Too bad others don’t see things the way you do.”
He looks at me and holds my hand. He’s present again.
“It will work out.”
“Did you hear anything from your friend at the FBI?”
“I don’t expect to. At least, not right now. They’re more likely to contact you directly. Try not to worry about it. They may not have contacted you yet, but trust me, they’re doing their job.”
“Fine. I’m going to preoccupy myself as a new dog caretaker over the next few days and try not to worry about my plight.”
“Good,” he says, pecking my lips. “Now, I have to get going soon. I have a boatload of work to do before court at nine.”
He helps me get the dogs, and all that they come with, into the vehicle. He hugs me goodbye, holding me for an extraordinarily long time. I pull away and look into his piercing greys.
“You okay?”
He looks at me, and I suddenly feel naked, like he’s looking into my soul. He cups my face into his hands and kisses me gently. I slowly divide my lips, and his kiss becomes more deep and passionate. We’re leaning against the driver side door, and I feel him awaking between us. Abruptly, he pulls away.
That kiss seemed so loaded, as if he was trying to tell me something more.
“I’m fine. I’ll miss you, that’s all,” he eventually replies.
“I’ll miss you too. I’m just a phone call or a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. Come whenever you want.”
“Let me know when you get in safely,” he says as he opens the door to the vehicle. I slip in and immediately put down the window.
“Are you sure everything’s alright?”
“Yes. I just have a big day ahead of me.”
“Okay, have a great day… and good luck in court,” I reply.
He kisses me lightly once more and watches as I back out of the garage.
* * *
I think I’m falling for this woman—hard. After what she’s been through the last few months and with the attempted break-in and that threat this weekend, it was difficult for me to let her go. I want her to be mine, but I risk losing her completely if I try to push her in that direction.
I’m going to have to learn a lesson in patience, and as much as I want to protect her right now, I have to trust that she’s smart enough to take care of herself. I have a feeling that overwhelming her, even in the slightest, might push her away.
She’s a completely independent woman. She’s also a very vulnerable woman. I don’t want to rush her or hurt her in anyway, even if I have my own selfish wants a
nd desires. I hear my last conversation with Dad ringing in my ears…
It was difficult when she left last night, then letting her go this morning. I hope that Maggie and Micky will do a great job of protecting her in my absence…
I can’t keep this up. I better head to work and occupy my mind in the office; otherwise, she will drive me crazy with worry.
* * *
The house is perfect, built upon a cliff with two bedrooms, but it has the most stunning coastal and cliffside views I’ve ever seen. It’s quaint but equipped with all the comforts I could ever want including a heated pool right outside my bedroom door.
The dogs love it. While I unpack, I can’t see them, but I hear them running around and frolicking in the small fenced area outside. Maggie, I’ve noticed, is the instigator, the more aggressive of the two. But the love she shows for Micky in their quieter moments warms my heart. Cleaning his ears and eyes and putting her paw over him when they sleep, they’ve been a joy to watch.
I place their beds in front of the windows in the great room overlooking the view and make sure their bowls are filled with clean fresh water in the kitchen. I’ve missed owning a dog. Before my dilemma, I never considered getting one because I travelled so much. Having them with me has made me think that if I get through this, I’ll get a pair.
My Bobbyphone screams inside my bag. After I fish it out, I eventually answer.
“Hey, you.”
“Hi. What’s going on?”
“I just arrived. I’m unpacking and settling in.”
“Are you alone?”
“Not quite. Jonathan’s two Rottweilers are with me. He’ll visit on the weekend.”
“I guess that’s better than nothing. Is there a security system?”
“Yes. I’ll remember to activate it.”
“Good. So you went to Tahoe with him this weekend?”
“Yes.”
“I sense a romance blooming.”
I blush. “We’re taking things very, very slowly. I don’t know if I’m ready for a relationship yet. Right now, we’re getting to know each other as friends.”
“Friends or friends with benefits?”
I laugh. “No benefits… okay minimal benefits.”
“You’ve always been a smart woman, Jada. You’ll make the right decision for you.”
“Except for when it came to Richard and Koto…”
He completely ignores my comment.
“So how are things in the case? Any new developments?”
I want to tell him about the phone call on Friday, but I don’t trust the phones, so I keep my mouth shut.
“Well, I have a team of lawyers as of today. Jonathan’s sister and a more experienced lawyer named Cooper Hicks will be working together with Joshua on my case.”
“I know Cooper. I interned at a firm he worked at after I left Stanford.”
“Small world… I haven’t met him yet. After Charles died, Jonathan didn’t think Joshua had enough experience to handle the case. That’s why Cooper is leading things now. He told me Megan asked if she could help. I guess she wants to see through what her dad started.”
“That’s great. It looks like everything is going smoothly over there. No more incidents to report?”
I’d like to tell him what happened. Maybe I’m being paranoid, but I’m not sure that I can trust any of my phones.
“I saw Koto yesterday. She confronted me while Jonathan and I were at a restaurant having dinner.”
“What did she say?”
“That she wants my forgiveness… same old garbage. But you want to hear the best news?”
“What?”
“She’s pregnant.”
“You’re joking.”
“I’m not. I swear to God… and she looks like she’s going to pop in a few months.”
“Unbelievable.”
“Tell me about it. So when are you coming to visit again?”
“Not for a while. I’m up to my neck in work.”
“Well, you should make time soon. I have so much more I’d like to share with you.”
I hope he takes a hint.
“I could use a break from this state, but I can’t leave it, so you will have to come to me.”
“Okay…okay. I’ll talk to Val and we’ll see how the weeks ahead look.”
“Well, make it soon.”
“I will. Gotta go. Love you.”
“Love you back. Bye.”
It’s late evening. I sit with a cup of coffee and pastry on the verandah taking in the panoramic vistas at sunset. I wonder how Jonathan’s day went. I call.
“Hi, Jada,” he answers.
“Hey. How are you?”
“Stressed. Today was every DA’s nightmare. I can’t wait to get home.”
“Why?”
“I found out that two of my three key witnesses are missing in one of my cases. One, the police suspect, is a man that washed up dead in the bay this morning. We’re waiting on a DNA match to confirm.”
“I’m sorry. Does that mean the case is dismissed?”
“Not yet. But the most serious charges might be thrown out. It was a complete spectacle in court today. Right now, all I want is a glass of wine and then put my feet up and relax.”
“Anything I can do?”
“No. Tell me about your day. I got your text. You said the house was awesome?”
“It’s amazing up here… so beautiful. I think you’ll love it. The dogs are having a blast. I just returned from a walk with them. I spoke to Bobby too, he says—”
“Damn it!”
“What? What’s wrong?”
“My street is covered with reporters. There’s a crowd of them at my—Jada, hold on a second. Mom’s calling.”
I go into the kitchen and pour myself a second cup of coffee while I wait.
“I’m sorry. Mom told me they’re outside her house too.”
“Why are they there? Is it about this case?”
“Yes. I glanced at my phone. I got a text. The two other witnesses were found dead. It’s all over the news, so they’re looking for me to comment.”
“Why don’t you save yourself the stress? Go to my place for a while. Sleep over if you want.”
“Jada, I don’t have keys to your place.”
“Actually, you do. Everything is coded access, except for the foyer door, which I rarely lock. You have that code.”
“Thank you. I think I’ll take you up on your offer.”
“In the closet in the guest room there are new toothbrushes, toothpaste, and T-shirts, and feel free to use the services of the concierge. They’ll get you just about anything you need.”
“Thank you. It’s too bad you won’t be there.”
“You know where to find me if you need me. Enjoy the space… Call me when you’ve settled in.”
Over the next few days, as Friday, my deadline day, draws near, I try to keep myself occupied. I now go through a daily routine of feeding the dogs, letting them out, a conference call with Ian, and work. Then later in the evenings, I head down to the beach with the dogs for a few hours.
It’s Wednesday, and I still have not heard from the FBI. I think I’ll load the dogs in the vehicle and go for a drive. I need to keep my mind occupied or else I’ll start pulling my hair out. Perhaps I should have saved that spa trip yesterday for later during the week. It would help me relax.
I get onto the highway and head north with no particular destination in mind. My instincts tell me what to do. The views in this part of California are gorgeous. At least, I can keep my mind engaged with that. I have my camera with me, and at various points, I stop to take some photos.
I drive for miles not seeing a house in sight. It really is secluded down here. Through meadows, rolling hills, and green pastures I drive, accompanied by never-ending ocean views. The scenery has changed to woodlands, and for a while, I see peekaboo views of the ocean. Sometime later, I come across a sign that reads Carmel-By-The-Sea. I’ve always heard of Carmel
, but I’ve never been. I follow the signs. I’m thinking I might have an early dinner there this afternoon if I come across a nice restaurant.
I drive through the town. It’s quaint, heavily wooded with small shops in old world stone houses. I browse through many stores and art galleries, and I’m happy when I come across a restaurant that is more than happy to have me and my pooches relish dinner in their courtyard.
I am quite amused when the server shows up with two menus and pours Micky, Maggie, and me water. I giggle when I have a look at the second menu… the doggie menu.
I enjoy dinner and the dogs practically swallow their treats before we take the drive back home. As I park the vehicle in the garage, a service van pulls into the driveway behind me, pinning me in the garage with no way for me to get out.
Oh my God. Who is that?
I am not expecting any service calls. My heart erupts in my chest.
Chapter 8
In the rear view mirror, I see two men in overalls getting out of the vehicle. I crack the window down slightly.
“Who are you and what do you want?”
“Ms. McLean. I’m going to approach the vehicle,” one of the men says.
One approaches me on the driver’s side. The other opens the back door of the van. A rhythmic pulse breaks out in my chest. I can’t back out of the driveway because I’m trapped inside the garage. The only thing I can think of doing is using the dogs to my advantage. How, I’m not sure. I have to think—quickly. This man is almost by my door.
I call Maggie to the front seat and she immediately obeys. Micky growls in the back of the vehicle. Once he sees the man, he barks aggressively. I put the back window down, and Micky lunges at him. Maggie follows and I nervously dig through my purse for the pepper spray.
“Ma’am. Stop the dogs. We’re from the FBI,” the man says.
“Micky, sit!”
He obeys but continues to growl.
Love, Lies & The D.A. Page 20