by Shenda Paul
"I could have told her, but it's much more fun riling her; she does it to me often enough. You should tell her, though—you've seen what she can do to a witness on the stand," I joke.
"I generally spill my guts to Jodi without too much prompting," he returns with a laugh.
"Then yours is a match made in heaven. I look forward to your big day."
"I have plans," he says, trying to make light of it, but I detect an underlying note of seriousness. I smile; there's no need to say more.
I arrive home that evening to find Angelique ensconced on the living room sofa with her laptop balanced across her knees. "Something other than you smells good around here." I tip her face up to plant a kiss on her mouth.
"Hi," she greets me, pulling me in for another. "It's dinner."
"You've cooked? I was hoping to help."
"It didn't take long. It's another of your mom’s easy recipes. She's a genius in the kitchen."
"She sure is, and whatever you've made, smells delicious."
"It's a slow-roasted leg of lamb. It’s been in for hours and should nearly be done. We also have roasted beetroot, baby carrots, and potatoes."
"Sounds delicious! You've been very busy." I sit down beside her. "I don't remember Mom serving that before."
"It's new. She's found a book of recipes just for me."
"She loves you." I move a wayward tendril of hair from her face.
"I love her too," she smiles. "I love everyone in your family."
"Our family, Darling, which now includes you and Grace," I remind her.
"How long before you want to serve?" I ask, and she tells me about half an hour. I excuse myself to shower and change and, on my return, help by setting the table and carving the lamb when Angelique asks. I don’t do a particularly good job, but she's gracious about my shortcomings, and I enjoy being domestic with her.
The meal truly is delicious, and I can't help saying so with almost every mouthful. She accepts my praise with her usual modesty, but I can tell she enjoys being complimented on her cooking. Talk turns to our day, and she goes into more detail about the plans for the opening event and the stranger danger program, which, I can tell, she's especially excited about. I continue being thrilled that she's managed to turn what had been a dark chapter of her life into something so positive.
We talk about my day while cleaning up, and I give her a sanitized version of my run-in with Lisa. I don't withhold any information, but I don't see the need to elaborate on Lisa's derision of her. Angelique’s come a long way in regaining her self-confidence, and I won’t allow someone like Lisa Delaney to rob her of it.
She's ecstatic when I tell her that Jon’s agreed to be my groomsman, and our conversation turns to our full weekend ahead. The governor's commendation ceremony is at eleven on Saturday morning, and we have a family meeting scheduled to discuss Eleanor’s, the progress on Grace’s house, the gardens, and any outstanding wedding arrangements after. We leave for New York on Sunday.
We have our coffee and tea in the living room, and after, settle on the sofa to relax and listen to some music before going to bed.
I wake without Angelique in my arms and feel decidedly cheated of an experience, I realize, I've become almost addicted to. I love waking with my nose buried in her fragrant hair, feeling her body pressed against mine, and then watching her beautiful eyes slowly open as she wakes.
I check the bathroom, which is empty, then, slipping on a pair of sleep pants, I wander downstairs. There's no sign of her in the living room, so I make my way to the kitchen where I smell coffee brewing. The sight that greets me stops me dead in my tracks. Angelique’s wearing a white shirt of mine and pink leg warmers, her toes and heels bare as she strains on her tiptoes to reach up into the overhead cabinet.
I move silently to wrap my arms around her. She lets out a startled, squeak. "Shhh, it's only me," I whisper, nuzzling her neck before moving her long hair aside to nibble and lick at the spot just behind her ear. "I missed you in our bed."
"I wanted to surprise you with breakfast in bed," she confesses, turning her head to kiss me under the jaw.
"Can I help?"
"I’m trying to find the Irish Breakfast tea." She rises onto her toes again, rubbing her backside against me in the process.
"You're doing it again, Miss Bain," I warn her with a strangled groan.
"I'm just trying to reach the tea," she says with mock-innocence.
I turn her around, scoop her up and navigate the short distance to the center island before setting her down to stand between her legs. "Are you trying to kill me with what you’re wearing?" I ask, running my hands up her legs and over the soft wool that ends just above her knees. I caress her naked thighs and gently pry her legs apart.
"I hope you don't mind; I helped myself to one of your shirts," she apologizes.
"Help yourself at any time…I love seeing you in my clothing." I place a forefinger into the barely buttoned shirtfront to circle a rosy nipple. Her legs tighten around me when I lean down to blow hot air over her newly exposed flesh.
"Adam…" she gasps.
I caress her thighs slowly. "I like this," I say touching the soft wool. "It reminds me of the first time I saw you.
"My feet were cold, and I didn't bring any socks," she explains breathlessly.
"These are much more erotic." I push the shirt up her thighs.
"Fuck! You're naked…" I stare at her enticing flesh, heat instantly rushing to my groin.
"I was planning to be back in bed before you woke," she tells me, flushing deeply as I continue to stare.
"I really, really like this outfit," I say, looking up at her, "and I don't think we should let it go to waste." I lay Angelique back on the counter top before lowering myself to kneel between her legs.
Chapter Twenty-Six
On Saturday morning, Angelique and I weave our way through the gathering of people in the lobby at City Hall to meet our family. I acknowledge Mom and Dad before turning to greet Cait, Matt, and Jodi and Jon, who are also present.
"This is a momentous occasion, Son; for all of you," Dad says, including Jodi and Jon in his smile.
"Thanks, Dad. I take it you've all met?"
"Yes, Ms. Maddox introduced Detective Holmes."
"Jodi and Jon, please, Mr. Thorne," she insists.
"And it's Callum," Dad counters with a warm smile, and, at a question from Matt, talk turns to what we can expect from the ceremony.
"I'd like you to meet some of my colleagues," Jon says during a lull in conversation and points out a group standing across from ours.
"Detective Lucy Sullivan, Sergeant-Detectives Joe Malone and Arty Wall," he introduces the trio in turn when, after having excused ourselves, he and I join them. "And this, as I'm sure you all know, is ADA Adam Thorne."
"Glad to meet you and congratulations on your commendations. You deserve it for your excellent investigative work," I tell them as we shake hands.
"You did a helluva job yourself… it sure makes a difference when the prosecutor manages to finish what we started. Nothing pisses me more than when some asshole gets off on a technicality after we busted our asses working a case," Arty, who must be in his early fifties and clearly a man who speaks his mind, says.
"Sure there's nothing else you’d like to add, Wall?" Jon asks dryly, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," I reply, equally entertained.
Having instantly recognized the name of the young rookie responsible for uncovering the Cordi’s hidden secrets, I turn to Lucy Sullivan. "I'm glad to finally have the opportunity to congratulate you on the crucial role you played in the case, Detective."
"Th… thank you," she stammers bashfully.
"You did a terrific job," I repeat, smiling to put her at ease, then, after chatting with the wider group for a short while, I rejoin my family.
Inside, the designated room is already surprisingly crowded. Bec, seated beside Jen, Jodi’s assistant and some other people from the office, catches my eye as we enter. She waves, her smile widening at the sight of Angelique beside me. At a whispered word from me, Angelique looks up and reciprocates with a little wave and shy smile.
Relaxed out in the lobby, she became visibly nervous when Jodi announced it was time we went inside. Then, aware of the interested stares as we made our way to our assigned seats at the front, Angelique walked with eyes downcast. I tried to allay her anxiety by stroking the back of her hand held in mine. It helped, but Bec’s unreserved and warm reception of her is a much-needed boost to Angelique’s self-esteem—it’s reassured her that not everyone present is hell-bent on judging her.
Relaxed out in the lobby, she became visibly nervous when Jodi announced it was time we went inside. Then, aware of the interested stares as we made our way to our assigned seats at the front, Angelique walked with eyes downcast. I tried to allay her anxiety by stroking the back of her hand held in mine. It helped, but Bec’s unreserved and warm reception of her is a much-needed boost to Angelique’s self-esteem—it’s reassured her that not everyone present is hell-bent on judging her.
Angelique’s tension returns when we take our seats and she, like me, spots the media contingent assembled near the stage. They’ve, no doubt, been invited by the Mayor and Governor’s Offices to cover the ceremony, and I tell Angelique so. Her acknowledging smile does little to convince me that she’s stopped worrying about their presence or, more accurately, what they may choose to print or say about her next.
To distract her, I discreetly point out Bristly, seated onstage and engrossed in conversation with the police commissioner. Three men, wearing police dress uniforms like the commissioner, flank them—one, I recognize as Jon’s superior, so I share that snippet of information as well. Mom, sitting on the other side of Angelique initiates a conversation with her then, and, soon after, an official announces the imminent arrival of the Mayor and Governor. Their entrance is greeted with muted applause, and as is fitting for a gathering at City Hall, the mayor welcomes the audience, governor, and other officials.
He makes a short address, during which he outlines the statistics of drug-related crimes and their impact on Boston. He pays tribute to the thousands of public servants who are often taken for granted and announces that today’s commendations are being awarded by both City Hall and the Commonwealth Government in recognition for work done not only by the honorees but also every individual who serves their community. The mayor then introduces the governor, who graciously thanks him before turning to address the gathering.
"The Cordi family preyed on our citizens for decades. They contributed significantly to the increase in drug addiction and related crimes in Boston and cities and towns beyond. It took the dedication of a team of professionals working tirelessly to bring them to justice; people who were prepared, in some instances, to place their own safety in jeopardy, who sacrificed much of their personal time and refused to be deterred when met with silence or confronted by dead ends.
"The Cordi case was not only the most complex investigated by our police; theirs was the most widespread and far-reaching crime syndicate our agencies have encountered in decades. The complex nature of the case demanded careful, methodical police work, onerous documentation, and when the perpetrators were arrested, it demanded meticulous and tenacious prosecution to ensure they were brought to account and that the people of Massachusetts received the justice they so richly deserve.
"Today we recognize those who played a pivotal role in making that happen. Because of their dedication our streets are safer, and victims of the Cordi brothers and their minions can, hopefully, reclaim their lives and livelihoods.
"The City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts proudly commends the following people for services to our community," he announces as a woman steps forward to hand him a plaque. He reads the inscription before turning to the microphone.
"Senior Detective Jon Holmes," he says, and Jon makes his way forward. He poses for photographs first with the governor, then the mayor, the police commissioner, and, finally, all three. Jodi’s called next, then Joe Malone and Lucy Sullivan. My name is announced as Lucy poses for her last photograph. Angelique turns to smile at me and squeezes my hand. I kiss her cheek and acknowledge my parents’ proud smiles before walking onstage.
"Congratulations, Adam, you did a formidable job," the governor says as we shake hands.
Presentations complete, we pose for group shots before Jodi and I flank Bristly. "Make this good kids; I want to hang it in my office," he says jovially as a photographer calls out instructions.
We're finally released to rejoin family and friends and mingle over refreshments. A reporter approaches as Angelique and I head to where our family is standing. Avril Rabin has a reputation for being fair-minded and for her even-handed reporting, so I’m not as defensive as I’d normally be.
"Mr. Thorne, would you care to make a comment on your commendation?" she asks, her gaze wandering to Angelique’s left hand clasped in mine.
"I'm humbled by the recognition, Ms. Rabin, but I don’t think I did anything extraordinary. I view this commendation as an acknowledgment of all who serve," I say. She nods and turns her attention to Angelique.
"How do you feel about your fiancé’s award, Ms. Bain?" Angelique glances up at me nervously. I smile at her, silently encouraging her to respond. She takes a deep breath.
"I'm extremely proud of Adam, of course, and I think it's a fitting tribute to his dedication, but I wholeheartedly support what he said about others not being recognized," she replies with a quiet confidence that has me near bursting with pride. I could easily have deflected the question, but I hoped she’d find the courage to speak out. What I mostly want, though, is for this journalist, for the public, to know that there is so much more to Angelique than the person the media portrayed her as being
"If you'll excuse us, our family is waiting. May I suggest you interview the detectives here today? They’re the ones responsible for solving the Cordi case," I suggest before Avril Rabin can continue in her quest for a story.
"Thank you for your time, Counselor. Ms. Bain, it was nice meeting you—congratulations on your engagement," she responds graciously before making her way over to Jon and Jodi, who are currently talking to Lucy.
"You did magnificently, Darling," I tell Angelique, squeezing her hand for emphasis.
"She was pretty nice, so it was easy," she fobs off the compliment.
"She's a good journalist and realizes that people are ready to move on from the case and the negativity that went along with it, but it doesn't detract from the fact that you responded as if you've been doing it all your life."
"Being with you makes it easy," she modestly says.
"Being with you makes me a better man," I counter because that’s the naked truth.
Bristly ambles over to greet Mom and Dad, and after he’s spoken with them, I introduce him to Cait and Matt, who he’d never met, before turning to Angelique.
"And this is Angelique, my fiancée," I say, drawing her close.
"I'm very pleased to meet you, Angelique," he greets her with curious eyes. I can tell she’s apprehensive, and her beautiful face turns a warm pink as his large hand swallows hers. "Congratulations and thank you for the wedding invitation. Louise and I are looking forward to the happy event—I think she may already have RSVP'd?"
"She has, Mr. Beazley. We're honored that you've accepted." Angelique’s shoulders visibly relax at his warm smile.
"Nonsense; we’re the ones being honored," he brushes off her diffidence while still holding her hand.
Bristly has a reputation for being brusque, but he often displays a tactile side to his personality—when he wants to express approval, inject confidence in someone, express satisfaction with someone’s performance, or the outcome of a tria
l. And now, his overture toward Angelique, I think, is because of two things; the first is that like most people who come into personal contact with her, he’s been disarmed by her natural charm. And, knowing how good he is at reading people, I suspect that the other reason is that he’s realized Angelique’s concern about how he may view her and is going out of his way to set her at ease.
"Make sure you keep Thorne here in line; he has a reputation for being difficult," he jokes as he finally releases his grip on her fingers
"I should keep mingling; I'll see you on Monday, Adam," he claps me on the back and with a last greeting to everyone, continues to circulate.
When we’re ready to leave, I suggest an impromptu lunch at The Barking Crab. Mom and Dad decline but Jodi, Jon, Cait and Matt readily agree, and the six of us arrange to meet there. Conversation over lunch flows smoothly from the events of the morning to an update on wedding plans and Jon and Jodi's planned getaway to Martha's Vineyard. When Jon asks Matt about the projects he's currently working on, he mentions Eleanor’s Place. Jon and Jodi’s interest is immediately piqued, and I’m left to provide the background.
"It’s a beautiful way of remembering your mother," Jodi tells me. I thank her and not wanting to enter into a discussion about Eleanor’s life, talk about the services we plan on offering instead. Cait and Matt animatedly relate the details of the programs they're championing. Angelique, unassuming as always, doesn't say much about her involvement until I prompt her to share details of the stranger danger program. Jodi eagerly offers her services in any way Angelique thinks may be helpful, and Jon, when Matt outlines how he and Alan will be getting involved as mentors, promises his support in that area.
I thank them profusely and accept immediately, saying, truthfully, that we’re lucky to have them. We part ways over two hours later and, that evening, when the family gathers at Mom and Dad's, Cait presents the plans that she, Mom, and Angelique have finalized for the interim opening of Eleanor’s Place.