I pick up my bag, pulling my cell phone out and dial Thomas’s number.
“Thomas.” I talk frostily; he’s the last person on earth I want to see and he better not start with his schizophrenic antics. “I hope you’ve calmed down since the last time I saw you.”
“What do you want?” he retorts, equally cold.
“Michael and Jason were in a fight today and the school called me to pick them up. They can’t stay at my work any longer. Where are you?”
“They’re at your office?”
“Yes.”
“Are you playing ‘happy families’ with your boyfriend?” his snide comment is exactly what I was expecting out of him.
“Thomas, stop it!” I snarl. “I’m working. I can’t have them here. Where are you?”
“Why? Can’t you fuck him with them around? Is that it?”
“If you don’t want to be a father, just say so. It will sure help me in court!” I remain cold; I mustn’t let him in on my fears. Upon hearing my words his voice softens. I know he would never give them up.
“At my studio. Bring them here.”
“Let’s go, boys!”
I pick up my bag and without telling anyone, I leave.
We’re in the car for twenty minutes and we don’t talk; they should know better than to ask me anything right now. With the day I’ve had, I cannot wait until it’s over.
We approach the studio off Fulham road and I see a lot of people with cameras hanging around their necks. I park and, for the first time, Thomas is coming outside to meet us. What the fuck is happening?
“Amelia!” I cringe as Thomas kisses me theatrically on the cheek, while around us all hell breaks loose. People shout questions at us and the paparazzi take lots of pictures.
“Is this your sister in law?” “Thomas, tell us about your relationship?” “What are the names of your children?”
What-the-fuck?
“Calm down people, shhh…” I look at Thomas who’s trying to calm the hoard and I cannot believe I’m part of this scene, the boys as well. Right now, I need to be as invisible as air, not performing on the five o’clock news!
“This, here, is my gorgeous sister in law, Amelia, and my beautiful children, Michael and Jason.”
While most people jot down what Thomas is saying, some are shouting more questions at him. I don’t think I can stand it any longer.
“Didn’t you want to kill your sister in law recently?” someone in the crowd asks.
Fuck! The boys don’t know that information and these people do?
“Oh no, ha-ha, I made that thing up. We’re still very much together and friendly.”
“Friendly?” I scream at him. “Friendly?! You better wake up from that dream of yours! We are not in together or friendly Thomas!!” I wave to Jason and Michael to get out of the way while I go back in my car, slamming the door shut. Immediately I reverse with a screech, prompting some of the paparazzi to jump out of the way. I didn’t say goodbye to the boys but if I stayed any longer there would have been more harm done.
Driving like a mad woman on the streets of London, I reach the office in record time and before going back inside I take a deep breath, calming my nerves. I absolutely detest Thomas and right now, I need to find out when Mrs. Saunders can pick the kids up from the studio, away from his influence.
Buying myself a cup of coffee from the nearby coffee shop I head inside and without looking at anyone I sit at my desk. Enough distractions. I do work here and I need to actually do some of it. The meeting we have at four o’clock with New York requires me to prepare for it; I don’t know all the figures by heart and I dig into them, full on.
My mind is set to no interruptions and as I don’t get any, the momentum I have is enormous; all I do is work. I manage to finish eighty percent of my work in twenty percent of my time; Pareto’s law makes so much sense in my head when time is of the essence, even if it’s a lot of nonsense to some. I reach the moment where I prepare the logistics and, not knowing if Alexander needs to be present at this Skype meeting, I head for his office. Knocking a few times on the door, I don’t wait for a reply, I just walk in, totally forgetting about his son. By the time I look up and see them on the settee, both talking, it’s too late.
“Oh….Um. I’m sorry. I only wanted to find out if you’re coming to the four o’clock meeting with New York.” I sound professional. I’ve been working for the past four hours and really, that’s all I want it to be in here from now on. No fucking. No drama. Nothing. Just work.
“No, it’s okay Amelia, do come in. Max and I were only discussing dinner arrangements.”
I have no idea what he wants me to do with that information. I just stare at him.
“Would you, perhaps, like to join us tonight?”
“Dad! I thought it would only be you and me tonight!” Max interjects and for the first time the angry child he’s hiding within makes an appearance and, just as quickly, he retrieves it back.
“No, thank you Alexander, I can’t tonight. Maybe some other day.”
“Yes. Yes, of course, Amelia. We’ll arrange to have you over some other day, right, Max?”
He looks at him, hoping to get something in return but Max has already detached himself.
“I’ll be outside.”
He walks out of the office while Alexander and I regard each other and I recognize that glimmer of sadness in his eyes. He knows his son very well; he’s been taught by the best. His anger remains hidden behind the impassionate face, all business like talk, one would think he is much older than twelve. Turning a cold shoulder the moment things are not right. At least I hope he can keep his cool, not like Alexander, losing it with the first influx of anger.
“Well, that turned out better than I thought,” he says with bitterness in his voice.
“Alexander, don’t. Don’t do that to yourself.”
“Never, my sunshine.” He smiles sadly.
He walks up to me and taking a lock of my hair he tucks it behind my ear. “As long as I have you, I can do anything.” He pinches my chin between his thumb and index finger, pulling my face closer to him so he can lean on my forehead. “No matter how painful.”
“It’s almost four o’clock,” I remind him. “Mrs. Genève will be waiting.”
“You’re right. We’d better go now.” He reaches out and takes his jacket. “Call Jennifer, too. She needs to know where the project is heading.”
I’m already heading for the door when I suddenly stop, looking back at him.
“Jennifer? Um, I think she already does.” I’m slightly confused. This is my project, Jennifer is only helping. “She does most of the legwork, anyway.”
“Still, I want her to be there. Mrs. Genève needs to meet her, too. Don’t forget Amelia, the plan is for us to go to San Francisco. I need someone here who will lead on this and Jennifer could be that person.”
“I guess you’re right.” I didn’t think of it that way. It makes sense.
As we walk out of his office a few people lift their heads and follow us to the boardroom. Maybe they can tell something is going on between us. I know it’s bound to happen soon. I know Alexander hates the fact that no one knows about us but I just… I can’t. I’m going to look so stupid. Everyone will judge me.
I see Jennifer enthusiastically working on some spreadsheets for the New York project, well aware of the conference call about to happen. God, she really wants that Christmas trip to New York.
“Jennifer, if you don’t mind, I’d like you to be present for the conference call with New York,” I say, gauging her reaction.
“Me?” she looks up from her screen. Yes, she is definitely surprised.
“Yes, come on.” I ignore her wide-eyed expression and go inside the boardroom, prompting her to follow me in a hurry.
“But, Amelia, this is your baby.” She closes the door behind her while she talks to me, confused. “Mr. Reeves, why do you need me?” now she looks at Alexander. “Amelia leads on this. S
he always has.”
“We both need you.” Alexander looks at me. God, why did he say “we”? Does he want me to tell her? I see him sighing, somewhat exasperated, and I know that’s exactly what he wants me to say.
“Sit down, Jennifer.”
“Of course, Mr. Reeves.”
Will he tell her? I must take charge.
“Jen, we want you to meet Mrs. Genève.” I look at him, hoping to lead the conversation in a different direction. “There may be other projects in the pipeline and since you’re familiar with this one, Mr. Reeves thought you could take over.”
Jennifer is in the clouds, grinning from ear to ear.
“Really? Thank you, Mr. Reeves! Does this mean the New York Christmas trip is going to happen?”
“Yes, Jennifer. Most likely so. Now, go ahead, call Mrs. Genève, talk to her and make sure she’s happy with the work so far. Set up your milestones until the end of December. Amelia and I will be sitting here, in the back. If you need us just let us know.”
“Of course, Mr. Reeves. Let me go and get the file. I’ll be right back.”
She shoots out of the boardroom, leaving us alone, and I turn to him, cocking my head, waiting for an explanation of what he just did. He knows why I’m acting like this but he’s deliberately ignoring me by staring blankly at me, not talking, with just a ghost of a smirk on his face. Maybe a contemptuous one, I’m not sure.
The door opens before I can question Alexander verbally and it’s Jennifer again, with two large files, heading straight for the other end of the room.
I’m still regarding Alexander, our eyes locked in a silent war. I’m sure Jennifer is too busy to notice us staring at each other.
“Jennifer?” Alexander says loudly while maintaining eye contact with me.
“Yes, Mr. Reeves?”
“Amelia has something to say to you.” He cocks his head at me, waiting.
“You’re not being fair,” I whisper.
“I love you, Amelia, and the world needs to know that, too,” he replies quietly.
I turn to Jennifer.
“Jen, Mrs. Genève is a lovely lady, and has a soft spot for Mr. Reeves; make sure you mention that he’s here if she needs him.” I smile. Fuck, I had to say something.
“Oh...thank you, Amelia, I’ll do that. We’ve got to keep her happy, eh?”
I regard Alexander and see him smiling. I’m off the hook. I think.
“Jennifer.” His deep voice wakes the butterflies in my stomach. I haven’t felt this kind of fear, I think, in a while.
“Please, let me tell her. Not now,” I beg; there isn’t any way out of this.
“You had your chance,” he says firmly and stands up.
“Jennifer.” I stand up, too.
“Yes, Mr. Reeves…Amelia?”
Suddenly I feel Alexander’s lips pressing onto mine and his passionate embrace pulling me into him. I’m trying to push him back but should I? It’s stupid. It’s silly. And my struggling dissipates. I kiss him back and with the same passion, I retaliate. Fuck, I love him so much, why do I have difficulty telling people about us?
My senses are focused on the space around us and I notice the silence in the boardroom. I know Jennifer is staring and when her quiet and slow “ooookkkayyyy...” comes out, we stop. Alexander is still holding me pressed against this body but he has now pulled back and is gazing at me with his sky blue eyes.
“I love you,” he whispers.
“I love you, too.”
We both turn to Jennifer but honestly, I have trouble looking her in the eyes.
“Um… yeah,” I say awkwardly.
“Oh, don’t worry.” She’s bewildered. “I won’t tell anyone.”
Alexander’s lips are still glossy from mine and he grins.
“Jennifer, we’re engaged. Feel free to tell the world.”
She opens her mouth but no words come out of it; she’s in shock.
“Let’s go, Amelia; I’m sure Jennifer will be okay in here.” We use the moment to leave and as we walk out of there, I smile. Actually, I grin. I feel so naughty for doing this to poor old Jen. This is the news of the century for her.
“Fuck! We left her speechless!”
“Yes, we sure did!” Alexander laughs and opens the door of his office for me. “This means we have a couple of hours to spend together.”
“Oh no, we don’t! This means I can get the boys from Thomas sooner than I thought.”
“You took them where??” Luckily we’re already inside his office, his sudden bark startles me.
“Don’t look at me like that, Alexander. I had to. I had no one to look after them.”
“Quinn will pick them up.” He pulls his cell out of his suit jacket.
“No! It has to be me. And I’ve got to take them now! He feeds them so much crap.”
“Fuck, Amelia, I fucking hate his guts!” his fingers curl in a fist. “And you know that!”
“He’s their father. Stop acting like a child, please.”
“I won’t! Fuck, I don’t care.”
“I’m going. I’ll call you as soon as I get home.”
“Make sure you do!”
~
I try the door in Thomas’s gallery but it’s locked.
Nobody’s around. Where has he taken them? I quickly pull out my cell and with shaky hands I dial his number.
“Thomas! Where are Jason and Michael?” I shout, already in full panic mode.
“Calm down, Amelia, they’re with me, at the O’Preys,” he says nonchalantly.
“Where is that? Where do they live? I want to come and pick them up!” I say in one breath, my heart beating in my throat.
“Now? No, Amelia, we’re having so much fun over here. How about I bring them over in a few hours?” his cockiness drives me mad.
“No! Thomas, may I remind you that you’re on a bail? Stop fucking around! I want them now! I’m going to call the police on your ass, you bastard!”
“Amelia, calm down, they’re my children, and they’re safe. Here, why don’t you talk to Jason?” I hear him passing the headset to someone. “Hi Aunt Lia, we’re fine, we’re playing on the Xbox here. Can we stay a little bit longer please? Dad said he’ll bring us back.”
Arghh! I didn’t want to talk to Jason!
“Okay, Jason. Only for one hour. I’ll be at home, waiting for you.” I’m furious. “Now put your father on the phone.”
“You see? No need to act crazy.”
Fucker!
“Thomas, I’m expecting you in one hour. Don’t be late.” I talk with my jaw clenched and cut the line abruptly. He’s a fucking idiot.
“I’m heading home.” It’s the text I send to Alexander. He doesn’t need to know more.
An hour later comes and still no sign of them. Thomas is not even answering his cell phone. All sorts of scenarios go through my head and I’m going crazy. I need to talk to someone. I mean, is this normal? For Thomas to be late? Mrs. Saunders is up in her bedroom, resting, and I don’t want to worry her. Should I call Alexander? There’s no point, he doesn’t know where the O’Preys live.
More than two hours later, at six thirty in the evening the doorbell rings and I jump, rushing to the door. I open it and see Michael and Jason standing there, with Melanie O’Prey behind them. I give them a hug like they’ve been away for years, not just a few hours, a bit too dramatic but I don’t care at this point.
“Are you okay, Aunt Lia?” Jason asks.
“Yes, I am, now I am.” I hope they can see I’m still upset because of the fight they had in school. “Come on, get inside!” I turn to Melanie. “Where’s Thomas?”
“He couldn’t make it.”
“Bastard.” I say under my breath. I’m about to close to the door but I see her standing still, not moving.
“Amelia, do you mind if we talk?”
“Talk?”
“Can I come in?”
I motion her with my head and she walks inside. I stand there silent, waiting t
o see what she has to say. After making sure the boys are out of sight, she takes a step closer.
“I think there may be something wrong with Thomas.”
“Ha! You think?” I remark sarcastically.
“I think you should change the locks. That’s all.”
“Why? Has he said something?” I immediately panic.
“He talks a lot. Things he means and things he doesn’t mean. But who knows what really goes on in his mind?” she says. “Just to be on the safe side.”
“Yeah, sure. The locks are changed already, thank god.”
We stand there, looking at each other in silence. I’m trying to decide how genuine she is.
“Thank you, Melanie.”
“Don’t mention it. I have to go now.”
She walks out quietly, closing the door behind her.
~
After safely tucking Michael and Jason in bed, I notice Mrs. Saunders has gone to bed, too. That’s very unlike her. Something is definitely bothering her but with Thomas on my mind, I decide not to impose. It’s too much for me to take on, although I must remember to talk to her tomorrow.
With everyone in their bedrooms and hopefully asleep, I make one final round, making sure everything is locked, then I head upstairs to my bedroom.
Melanie really scared me. I’ve been anxious all evening. Expecting Thomas to barge in and kill us all. I must get a grip on myself!
I lie down on my bed with my clothes still on and, I must have fallen asleep when a noise from downstairs wakes me up. Perhaps it’s nothing but still, I open my eyes immediately and listen intently. And there it is again. Someone is trying to work the lock.
I quickly go to the window and, hidden from sight, I pry open the curtain. I can’t really see the front door from where I’m standing but I can tell someone’s there. The first thing I notice is Thomas’s car, parked at the curb. And I see him; actually, I can just about see the end of his coat, standing outside.
I run downstairs and in the dark hallway, I stand by the front door. What to do? He’s actually trying to get inside. He knows the lock won’t work.
The Collar of Sacrifice Page 4