Justice (Counsel #2)

by Shenda Paul

  "Let me check to make sure Angelique hasn’t planned anything with Grace," I reply. Angelique, when I call, tells me that Grace and Sharon are planning to stay in and watch a movie and expresses enthusiasm for visiting Ian’s pub. I can’t help, just for a fleeting moment, contrasting her eagerness to embrace my friends with Jaclyn’s bad behavior.

  That evening, on our way to Ian’s and as we near her old ballet studio, Angelique asks whether we could stop off for a few moments.

  "Sure. I planned on seeing Mr. Murphy myself at some point," I answer.

  "You know Declan?" Her surprise would ordinarily have made me smile, but my most prevalent emotion right now is trepidation.

  "I've met him twice," I admit. "I meant to make this confession before, but I was afraid once you found out what I'd done, you'd decide to have nothing more to do with me." I turn my head to gauge her reaction and, thankfully, see no sign of censure, just curiosity.

  "I recognized the studio from the address provided in investigation documents," I explain as I park the car and turn to face her.

  "I don't know what I expected, but I stopped and went inside. Declan was there and…well, he threatened to kick my ass if I did anything more to hurt you. I promised that I wouldn't, and he left me there.

  "I watched you dance, but I was too afraid to approach you. The second time was when I delivered your flowers. He made the same threat and let's just say that if he were forty years younger, he and I would be rivals for your affection."

  "You watched me—when was that?"

  "Just before the verdict in Justin’s trial was delivered. In fact, it was the night before."

  "I remember that night…I sensed someone's presence. That was you?"

  "Yes. I'm sorry… I… " I take a deep breath and lean in so she can see my sincerity. "Angelique, I really can't explain or excuse my behavior, but something compelled me to stop. And then, I was so mesmerized by you—I should have made my presence known. I apologize for my behavior and for scaring you."

  "There's nothing to forgive; I know it's not something you'd normally do, Adam. It's strange, but I only felt scared for a moment, so you didn't really frighten me."

  "Thank you for being so gracious." I reach for her hand and kiss it.

  "Declan is like the grandfather I never knew, and even if he were forty years younger, I doubt that he’d be vying for my affections," she jokes trying to alleviate my feelings of guilt, no doubt.

  "Any man in his right mind, even if he were blind, would find you irresistible," I tell her, brushing my lips across her knuckles before turning to open the door.

  "Delivering more flowers?" Declan challenges when he spots me.

  "Not this time, Mr. Murphy, I bring something much more beautiful," I smile as I hold the door open to let Angelique pass ahead of me.

  "The most beautiful Irish lass in Boston. Welcome back, Miss Angelique." His eyes glow with affection.

  "I bet you say that to all the girls," she says, wrapping an arm around his waist.

  "Only the Irish ones," he returns, hugging her to him. "We haven't seen you in a while."

  "I'm sorry, I've been busy, but I've missed you and Ruth." She blushes deeply as she tugs me forward by the hand. "I believe you already know Adam."

  "I do. I'm glad to see you've kept your word, lad. She looks happy."

  "Thank you, Sir; that's all I ever want. Angelique and I wanted to personally tell you that we’re engaged. We hope you'll grace us with your presence at our wedding."

  "Well, that depends; is he treating you well, lass? Because I'd kick his ass if he wasn’t."

  "He spoils me rotten," Angelique says, stifling a giggle.

  "Then I'd be happy to be at your wedding. Congratulations, you deserve happiness," he tells her and enfolds her in another warm hug before extending a hand to me.

  "I'm not too old; just you remember that," he warns with a twinkle in his eye.

  "Is Ruth still around?" Angelique asks, smiling at our interaction. At his nod, she kisses him on the cheek before leading me away.

  Everyone’s already gathered when we arrive at the pub, and Angelique looks both pleased and relieved at the sight of Cait and Matt. They embrace her warmly. Ian and Alan, who introduces us to his new girlfriend Sally, are welcoming and much more circumspect than they’d been when seeing me with a female in the past—a result, no doubt, of my warning sent via Matt. I also think that Angelique’s surprised them. I'd lay bets that they harbored stereotypical expectations of her based on media reports.

  "This is Lana," I complete introductions, "and you've already met Tess," I add, barely glancing her way.

  "Hello again, Tess," Angelique greets her cordially. She displays such poise and dignity, even when nervous like now. She's also being more gracious than anyone could reasonably expect, given Tess’ appalling behavior.

  I’d been determined to protect Angelique from any unpleasantness, so, when I called Matt to say we’d join them, I asked him to warn Ian and Alan that I wouldn't tolerate any of the ribald remarks they make on occasion when joking about what they perceive to be my past with women. I also told him about Tess’ confrontation with Angelique.

  "I'll give the boys your message and ask Ian to have a word with Tess if she shows up, not that I expect her to. She hasn't been hanging out with the gang much lately," he assured me. Because of that, I was a bit taken aback to find her here. I have no idea whether she knew that Angelique and I planned on attending, or whether she was equally surprised when we walked in. Whatever the case, I won’t allow her presence to mar our enjoyment.

  Ian leads the way to our usual spot where two tables have been pushed together to accommodate us. He asks what everyone would like to drink and then leaves to have our orders filled.

  "So the news about your engagement is true?" Lana questions me with her usual bluntness. I can't help noticing Tess’ slight grimace but tamp down my irritation, opting to concentrate my attention on Lana instead.

  "Yes. I feel exceptionally lucky that Angelique’s accepted my proposal."

  "I've never thought of you as settling down, but I'm happy for you—both of you," Lana replies, casting Angelique a tentative smile.

  "Thank you," we answer in unison. I’m particularly appreciative of Lana’s overture toward Angelique. She and Tess are best friends, so I have no doubt that she has some inkling of Tess’ professed feelings for me. I'm also positive that she’s aware of her altercation with Angelique.

  "That's some engagement ring," Sally remarks at the same time Alan asks when the wedding is.

  "August ninth," I answer proudly as Angelique shyly thanks Sally

  "Excuse me," Tess mutters, scraping her chair loudly across the floor as she rises.

  "I’ll go after her," Ian, who’d only just returned, says in the awkward silence that follows.

  "What’s her problem?" Cait asks.

  "Just drop it, Baby; I’ll tell you later," Matt mouths, but Cait, impatient as ever, drags him to an empty table a short distance away. She gets up moments later, and when Matt tries to follow her, glares at him. He returns to our table and shrugs at my questioning look.

  "Shit’s about to hit the fan," he mutters.

  "Cait shouldn’t be upset..." Angelique says worriedly and gets up.

  "I’ll go." I pull her down and place a reassuring kiss on her forehead before making my way toward the restrooms where Tess has evidently escaped to. I stop when I hear Ian’s voice.

  "I care for you, I always have, but things didn’t work out because it was clear you wanted Adam. He’s never thought of you like that; you know that, Tess."

  I had no idea Ian still harbors feelings for Tess. A momentary pang of guilt assails me, but I instantly dismiss it with the reminder that I can’t be held responsible for Tess’ feelings. I’m about to return to our table when Cait’s voice rings out.

  "What did you think you wer
e doing confronting Angelique?" she asks. I hurriedly round the corner to find Tess and Cait glaring at each other.

  "Well?" Cait demands.

  "What’s it to you, Cait? You’re always shoving your nose in Adam’s business," Tess challenges.

  "He is my business. He’s my brother and my best friend, and I’m here, like everyone else, to celebrate his and my future sister-in-law’s happiness. You should leave."

  I haven’t seen Cait this fired up in years. I think the last time was when she had a run-in with Jaclyn because of something she’d said to Matt. I decide to intervene before things get out of hand.

  "Come on, Sis." I place calming hands on her shoulders. She stares Tess down before turning to wrap an arm around my waist, pulling me along with her.

  "Give me a minute," I say, gently extricating myself. She’s about to argue, I can tell, but I cut her off. "Matt and Angelique are worried about you."

  Cait considers me intently, no doubt assessing whether I’m in control of my temper. Satisfied, she kisses my cheek before walking away. I ignore Tess to address Ian. "I’m sorry I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but you should know that I haven’t…."

  "I know," he interrupts. "We’re cool."

  "Can we ever be friends again?" Tess asks me, her voice trembling and her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

  "If we can, it won’t be for quite some time." I give Ian an encouraging look before walking away without a backward glance.

  "Are you okay?" Angelique worriedly asks on my return.

  "I’ve never felt better," I answer and lean in to kiss her mouth.

  Tess returns to collect her handbag and to have a short, whispered conversation with Lana, who appears sympathetic but makes no move to accompany her. Conversation picks up after Tess’ departure, with no one, thankfully, asking awkward questions. When Ian reappears we order more drinks and copious amounts of food, then relax and just enjoy the company.

  That night, as I hold a sleeping Angelique in my arms, I reflect on the tumultuous months since hearing about Justin’s involvement in a criminal case. I’ve been forced to come to terms with my past and confront the demons that have haunted me for decades. I’ve managed to tame, if not completely conquer, them. I’ll always have regrets about what happened to Eleanor, my beautiful and once loving mother, but my burning hatred for the man who sired me has cooled to a lasting disrespect. It no longer churns like poison in my gut. I’ve come to accept his financial atonement and will use it to bring happiness to the lives of those less fortunate and the people I love.

  Ensconced in my embrace, is the greatest blessing and joy to have come out of my recent turmoil. I’m looking forward to Angelique and I spending the weekend with our family, and soon, with Jodi’s help, we’ll put away the monster responsible for so much of her pain and unhappiness.

  Chapter Eighteen

  When deciding to propose to Angelique, I considered making our home in New York. I was prepared to uproot myself and move anywhere to ensure her happiness but, now, seeing her and her mother so comfortable and happy in the midst of my family, I’m reassured that initiating Grace’s move to Boston was the right thing to do.

  "So, August the ninth?" Dad cuts into my reflection.

  "August ninth," I happily confirm.

  "We’ll never get everything done in time," Cait complains.

  "We will," Angelique returns confidently.

  "Angelique, you have to find a dress. That could take months!"

  "No, it won’t. I don’t want anything fancy, Cait."

  "Yes, you do…"

  "Cait, enough!" Mom reprimands, unable contain her laughter at her petulance.

  "Whatever Angelique and Adam decide, we’ll make sure it happens," Dad announces, choosing to ignore Cait’s exaggerated eye roll.

  "The most important thing is that the garden’s finished in time. Are you sure that will happen, Adam?" Mom asks.

  "Brett’s assured me it will be."

  "He said the same thing when we met with him," Matt reminds Cait.

  "Men!" She exclaims with a dismissive gesture, "there’s Angelique’s dress, her attendants’ dresses, caterers to book…" She breaks off, glaring pointedly at me.

  "Mom and I are going to look through bridal magazines tomorrow to narrow down my choices," Angelique responds calmly.

  "That’s excellent!" Mom exclaims. "I was going to suggest that Cait and I manage the caterers. We’ll produce a shortlist, you and Adam sample their food, decide, and we’ll organize it."

  "That sounds perfect, Emma. Adam and I are meeting event companies to discuss ceremony and reception venues in the garden, so if you two handle the catering, Mom, Mandi, and I can concentrate on dresses," Angelique replies.

  "What else do you want me to do, Darling?" I ask.

  "Curb your impatience!" Cait mutters loud enough for all to hear.

  "If you and I decide on invitations this week, we could mail them by next Monday. Then, all you, your dad and Matt have to do is make sure the garden and Mom’s house is completed. Is that even possible?" Angelique asks, ignoring Cait’s snort.

  "We’ll have it completed in time. The construction team’s nearly finished at Cait and Matt’s; they can join the team working on Grace’s place by next week," Dad answers.

  Angelique’s relief is apparent because, once reassured that Grace could be accommodated at the facility where she’s currently staying, Grace, Angelique, and I collectively decided on relocating her to Boston as soon as possible. She’ll inform the New York facility on her return and then make a formal employment offer to Sharon.

  Angelique and Grace are meeting with the Boston facility director tomorrow to finalize plans for her interim stay and to ask for her assistance in finding a second, long-term carer. We plan on Grace moving into her new home just before the wedding.

  "How many guest are you inviting?" Mom asks Angelique.

  "We don’t think there’ll be many more than thirty, excluding us," she says.

  "Really?" Cait asks, sounding incredulous.

  "We’re only inviting close friends and family," I remind her.

  "What about the honeymoon? You are planning on having a proper honeymoon, I hope?" she challenges.

  "I have it in hand," I say with a secretive smile intended to drive her mad.

  "Don’t think you’re going to keep that a secret from me," she threatens.

  Angelique looks at me questioningly, and I lean over to kiss her cheek. "It’s a surprise—one I think you’ll love," I assure her.

  "I trust you," she says without hesitation.

  "Angelique!" Cait admonishes, to everyone’s amusement.

  .

  .

  The following day, I watch Angelique wish Grace a tearful goodbye.

  "I’ll see you in just over a week, Mom," she tells her before bending to give her another hug.

  "I can’t wait," Grace says and lovingly caresses her daughter’s cheek.

  "Adam, thank you so much for everything, and thank your family again for me," she says when I step forward.

  "I should be thanking you." I take her hand, and she cups my cheek with the other in a maternal gesture I’ve come to associate with Grace.

  "Take care of Angel," she tells me.

  "Always," I promise and kiss the back of her hand before allowing Sharon to wheel her onto the plane. We stay to watch it take off and then, wrapping an arm around Angelique’s waist, I lead her back to the car.

  "What are your plans for the rest of the day?" I ask on our drive home.

  "Your Mom and I are going to work on the interim plans for Eleanor’s Place."

  "Great. Toby’s found two places that could be suitable to rent. The locations aren’t as central, but if it gets us up-and-running, I think it’s worth the inconvenience, don’t you?"

  "I do. How long will the renovations on our building take?"
r />   "We shouldn’t be in the temporary premises for more than three months. What about start-up services; what are you and Mom considering?"

  "We thought we’d start with only the basics, like child care with perhaps a basketball court and dance classes as after-school activities. We could easily add counseling if Emma decides the need is urgent. What do you think?"

  "It sounds perfect; but Darling, how are you going to manage to teach, help with the work leading up to the opening, and organizing our wedding? Also, I plan on us honeymooning for at least three weeks; what about your classes then? Perhaps you shouldn’t include dance until after we return. "

  "Three weeks?"

  "Three weeks, Miss Bain; well, by then you’ll be Mrs. Thorne. Three weeks of just you and I… no one else. I can't wait." I give her a pointed smile.

  "Neither can I," she says, her face warming deliciously under my gaze.

  "You won't have time to teach between now and when we get back," I remind her.

  "I plan on hiring two of Jeanette’s senior students to help out. I'll develop lesson plans with them and sit in on their first couple of classes. They’re interested in long-term jobs, so it’ll be a good trial."

  "Sounds perfect. Has Cait said when she'll have the PR plans ready?"

  "Your mom’s hoping to discuss it at a family meeting over the weekend."

  "Okay. Remember, we’re having dinner with Jodi and Jon next Saturday, so don’t make any plans for then."

  "I haven’t, and let’s not forget Samuel, Mandi, and Ingrid’s visit," she adds, reminding me of the arrivals for Quandt’s trial.

  "Jodi’s scheduled their appearances for the Wednesday. One or two testimonies could run into Thursday, but there should be no reason for any of them to stay longer than Friday as planned."

  "Are you sure you're okay with us having them over for dinner?"

  "I'm looking forward to it," I assure her.

  "Do you feel ready to testify?" I ask then, concern tightening my chest.

  "Jodi and Duncan spent a lot of time preparing me, Adam, and she’s offered me another meeting, but think I’ll be okay."