Like Silk

by Mary Lynn Baxter

  “Sure I do.”

  “I’ve never lied to you, Brittany.”

  She gave an almost hysterical laugh. “Our whole sordid affair has been nothing but a lie.”

  He flinched visibly, his face draining of color. “There’s nothing sordid about what’s between us, and you know that.”

  “God, Collier, how can you say that when you’ve kept me hidden like some backstreet—” Her voice cracked in two, and she turned away.

  “Don’t,” he said in a thick voice. “Don’t say that.”

  That was when she felt his breath on her neck and knew he’d closed the distance between them. Her breathing constricted, and she swallowed hard before moving out of harm’s way. If he touched her… Ashamed of those thoughts, she shut them down and swung around, her eyes daring him to make another move.

  “Why not?” she asked painfully. “That’s the truth.”

  “When I took you out to dinner the other night, I hoped many other nights would follow, only—”

  “You got caught,” she interrupted in a low, dull tone.

  “Brittany, please, let’s stop the personal insults.” He stepped toward her once again, then pulled up short, as if he’d reached the imaginary line she’d drawn between them.

  “You’re right, Collier, this isn’t about us.” She paused, tempted to add, There is no us and never will be. But she refrained, determined not to prolong this agony with any more useless words. “It’s about Tommy and the injustice that was done to him.”

  “Which is something I intend to fix,” he responded roughly.

  She let loose another hysterical laugh.

  Color shot back into his face, but when he spoke, his voice was controlled. “Even as we speak, I’ve got my best investigator looking for the girl. And I can guarantee you that when this all shakes out, Brewster will lose his license to practice law.”

  That news was unexpected and even managed to shake her resolve. But only for a second. Regardless of what measures he took now, nothing he could do would make up for his past duplicity. “What about your dad?”

  “Not a damn thing will happen to him,” Collier responded in a listless tone. “Is that honest enough for you?”

  “I should’ve gone to the D.A. first, you know,” she said, still not convinced he was sincere.

  “Why didn’t you?”

  “I wanted you to know that I knew what you were all about. What we were all about.”

  An incredulous look deepened the lines on his face. “You think I used you as a pawn in order to keep this covered up? That I knew who you were all along?”

  “Under the circumstances, why wouldn’t I?” she flared, her chin jutting.

  A groan parted his lips. “God, how can you even think that?”

  She closed her eyes against the agony in his, feeling her resolve weaken even more.

  “I love you, Brittany.”

  His carefully spoken words fell into the silence with a resounding boom. As she winced against the mental impact, her eyes popped back open.

  “I always will,” he added in an unsteady voice. “And furthermore, I want to marry you.”

  “Please, Collier,” she whimpered. “Don’t.”

  “Don’t what? Tell you the truth? It can work. We can work.”

  There was a wrenching twist to his voice that cut her to the quick. She desperately wanted to believe him, but long years of mistrust and bitterness resurfaced, and she cried, “You’re just saying words that don’t mean anything. What about your family?”

  “What about them?”

  “They would never approve of me.” She paused and searched for enough air to continue. “And what about the precious judgeship? Marrying me could jeopardize that.”

  “Loving you means more than either one,” he countered, a fierce note in his tone.

  “Oh, Collier, I don’t believe a word of that, and neither do you.”

  His mouth worked. “Dammit, I’ll prove it to you.”

  “Even if you married me, I could never live in your world, in the shadow of your family.”

  He went white again, as if she’d slapped him. “It doesn’t have to be that way.”

  “Yes, it does.”

  “Someway, somehow, we could make it work.”

  “Tommy’s my only concern now. He needs me.”

  “He’ll never need you or love you as much as I do,” Collier said in an agonized voice.

  She wished she could believe that, but she couldn’t.

  “It’s too late for us, Collier. The damage is too severe.”

  “Don’t say that,” he begged.

  She fought back the tears. “And know this—if Tommy isn’t released or doesn’t get a new trial, I’m going to hold you personally responsible.”

  With that, she turned and left.

  Thirty-Eight

  It was over.

  And just as she’d predicted, her heart was in a million pieces. Despite that, the world didn’t stop. The sun still rose and set. He would pick up his life where he’d left it before he met her, and she would do the same. No! her soul screamed.

  Without Collier, nothing would ever be the same.

  She missed him so much. If only she could believe he’d been in the dark about Tommy, that he hadn’t known from the get-go about the underhanded deal, then maybe…

  Brittany snuffed out that thought. Even if he hadn’t known, how could she ever be part of a family that had such flagrant disregard for what was right? They used power and money to run roughshod over anything and anyone who got in their way. She could never accept that. A shudder shook her. Collier wasn’t like that, she told herself. He didn’t use his wealth and power in that manner. But since her heart was her only gauge, she couldn’t be sure.

  All she knew was that she loved him, loved him with every fiber of her being. And he’d said he loved her and wanted to marry her. Every time she thought of his tormented confession, her heart stopped beating for a few seconds.

  If she’d said yes, would he really have married her? It was hard for her to believe he would defy his family, forsake his friends, jeopardize his job, all for her. No way. If push had come to shove, he wouldn’t have gone through with it. She had convinced herself of that, which was how she’d survived these last few days without him. Still, a part of her ached to hear from him.

  Ring, phone, please, she’d begged silently.

  Ring, doorbell, please, she’d prayed silently.

  Now Brittany forced herself to get up and water the plant on the waiting area coffee table. Now was not the time to rehash her feelings. She’d just arrived at the agency, though she hadn’t officially opened the door for business. But dear Lord, how she missed him, missed his smell, his touch, his being inside her for hours at a time.

  That crushing feeling in her chest suddenly stilled her hands. She didn’t think she could stand it, the pain was so intense. Then she panicked, knowing she had no choice. If she didn’t get hold of herself, she wouldn’t make it. Besides, she had work to do, which she hoped would be her salvation.

  Now that the dirty dealings had been brought to light, she had to take action. She couldn’t depend on Collier to right that wrong, though when he’d sworn he would, she’d almost believed him. If nothing else, as soon as his father found out what was going on, he’d put a stop to the investigation.

  She felt driven to do something on her own. But what? The district attorney’s office would be the logical place to start. As she’d told Collier, she should have gone there to begin with. And she certainly should have gone there after their conversation. But at the time her raw hunger for him had kept her from thinking rationally.

  However, if Collier didn’t get back to her soon, she would make that move. She couldn’t sacrifice her brother or betray him out of her own selfish needs.

  She hadn’t seen Tommy yet to tell him that soon he would get a new trial or even just simply walk out. She was waiting until she knew for certain. She couldn’t bear to get his
hopes up, only to see them crushed. Until Renee was found again and agreed to testify on Tommy’s behalf, then Mason Williams and Darwin Brewster would get by with duping her brother.

  Brittany’s temper suddenly kicked in. If Tommy wasn’t released, then she would make them pay. So what if it took a lifetime? It would be worth it.

  “My, my, you look like you could take on a lion and win.”

  Brittany swung around, her hand on her chest. “Jeez, Sissy, you scared the you-know-what out of me.”

  “Sorry. I figured you heard the back door open.”

  “Well, I didn’t.”

  “I know. You were too deep in thought. Not good ones, either, from the look of you.”

  “You’re right.” Brittany paused, toying with her lower lip. “There’s a lot going on, things I probably should talk to you about.”

  “You know I’m here for you, always have been.”

  “I know,” Brittany responded dejectedly. “It’s just that I think I should be able to handle my own problems. I hate to burden others with my whining.”

  “There comes a time in everyone’s life, my dear, when they have to depend on others. Perhaps that time has finally come for you. Anyway, whining’s not so bad. Lord knows, when Tommy went away, you crawled into a shell and didn’t come out for ages.” Sissy paused and angled her head. “What say we go to the break room and get some coffee? We have a while before we have to open.”

  Brittany didn’t hesitate; Sissy’s offer was suddenly a godsend. Once they were settled with cups of coffee in front of them at the small table, Sissy said, “Fire away.”

  “I don’t know where to start,” Brittany said, uneasy now that it actually came to unburdening her soul.

  “How about with who assaulted you?”

  “I’m not sure you want to know.”

  Sissy raised her eyebrows, looking shocked. “Why not? Whoever he is, the bastard ought to be tarred and feathered.”

  “It was Rupert Holt.”

  “What?”

  “I swear it’s the truth.”

  Sissy opened her mouth again, but nothing came out. Finally she snapped it shut.

  Brittany went on to explain the details, how she and Rupert had struck up a friendship, then how he’d mentioned helping Tommy.

  “Which was the only reason I ever went to dinner with him,” she stressed. “Otherwise, I never would have stepped out the door with him.”

  “Oh, honey, I know that,” Sissy said, shaking her head as though still trying to come to grips with what Brittany had told her. “The thought just blows my mind, that’s all. Rupert, a drunk and abuser. Never in a million years would I have guessed that.”

  Brittany lifted her chin a notch. “He’ll never bother me again, though. I threatened to expose him.”

  “Well, I’m going to nail his ass where it counts,” Sissy said with fire. “I’m going to expose him. I intend to tell his wife.”

  Brittany’s eyes widened.

  “That’s right. Angel’s one of my dearest friends. I can’t sit by and let him go ballistic on her one of these days when she crosses him.”

  “Whatever you think is best. I know he’s a good customer, so if—”

  “Are you nuts? He’ll never be welcome here again. Now that we’ve settled that, what else is bothering you?”

  “Oh, Sissy,” Brittany said, “I feel so bad about dumping on you.”

  “Spit it out.”

  Brittany drew a breath, then slowly let it out. “It’s a long story.”

  “We can open the doors a few minutes late. It won’t be the end of the world.”

  Brittany hit the high spots of meeting Collier, their affair and how all that was connected with Tommy.

  When she finished, Sissy gasped. “My God, girl, how have you survived?”

  “It hasn’t been easy.”

  “It’s unbelievable that the guy who rescued you turned out to be the stepbrother of the guy your brother ran over.”

  “I know,” Brittany said, biting her lower lip. “I still can’t believe it.”

  “Do you really think he knew about the suppressed evidence?” Sissy asked.

  “He swears he didn’t.”

  “I don’t know him personally, of course, but I know of him. And he’s considered one of the best attorneys in this state. The fact that he’s being considered for a judgeship bears that out.”

  “Even if he’s innocent, Sissy, it wouldn’t work out. His family… God, can you imagine him bringing me home to Daddy?”

  Sissy smiled. “Stranger things have happened.”

  “Right now, my concern is getting Tommy released. I can’t sit around and wait.” Brittany tapped nervous fingers on the table. “I wish I could find that girl myself. I tried early on, but to no avail. Any suggestions?”

  “Wait on Collier,” Sissy replied. “I think he’ll do right by you.”

  “Maybe, maybe not,” Brittany said, frowning. “But I can’t take that kind of chance.”

  “Were the girl and her mother close to anyone in the neighborhood?”

  Brittany hesitated, thinking back. “Their next-door neighbors. I do remember that. And I’ve thought about going back, but—”

  “That’s what I’d do. If those neighbors are still there, maybe they’ve heard something from Renee.” Sissy shrugged. “I know it’s a long shot.”

  “But definitely worth a try,” Brittany responded thoughtfully. “Especially when that’s all I have.”

  “Want me to come with you?”

  “No, but would you mind holding down your fort till I get back?”

  Sissy half smiled, then stood. “I think I can handle that. In fact, forget about coming back. Take the day off.” Her features clouded. “I hope all this works out for you. I wish you and Collier—” She broke off, then went on, “You deserve some happiness, my dear. Life with that man would open up a whole new world for you.”

  “That’s not going to happen. Too much water under the proverbial bridge.”

  “You still love him, don’t you?”

  “Always.” Brittany’s voice trembled.

  Sissy grabbed her and hugged her. “Good luck.”

  Brittany ignored her racing heart as she stepped onto the porch, careful not to put her boot on a rotten board. That was hard, since the trailer was in a worse state of disrepair than hers.

  She knocked on the door several times before she received a response. A woman with scraggly hair and rotten front teeth poked her head out. Brittany couldn’t remember if this was the woman she’d spoken to three years ago or not.

  “Yes?” The woman’s voice had a bourbon-rough edge to it.

  “I’m sorry to disturb you,” Brittany said in a halting voice, suddenly sensing the futility of this visit. This woman didn’t even know the time of day, much less where her long-lost neighbors were. Still, she was here; she might as well see it through.

  “Whatcha want?”

  “Uh, I’m looking for Renee Youngblood. She used to live next door.”

  The lady’s eyes were suspicious. “What for?”

  “I just need to talk to her. It’s really important.”

  “They don’t live around here no more.”

  “I know, but do you know where they are? I thought you might have heard from them or know where they’re living now,” Brittany finished lamely, giving in to the sinking feeling inside her. So much for her stupid idea; it would die right here.

  “You got anything in that fancy purse?” Brittany gave a start. “Excuse me?”

  “Your purse, lady. You got any money in it?”

  “A little, but—” Brittany aborted the rest of her sentence. It had finally dawned on her what the woman was getting at.

  Hope was reborn.

  “I’m awfully thirsty,” the woman was saying.

  “First tell me what you know,” Brittany responded firmly, clutching the strap of her purse, which the lady was eyeing sharply.

  “Renee and her mamma have
moved back.”

  “Here?”

  “Nope. They live in a trailer park over in Mayberry. I seen ’em last week at Wal-Mart, then they come home with me to visit.”

  Brittany had trouble containing her excitement. For a second she wanted to grab the old hag and hug her. Instead she fumbled in her purse and drew out a twenty-dollar bill, then handed it to her.

  The woman grabbed it, clasped it against her chest, then asked, “Anything else?”

  “No, that’s all,” Brittany murmured. “Thanks. Thanks very much.”

  Wordlessly the woman slammed the door in her face.

  Where was Kyle?

  Collier sat behind his desk and stared down at the stack of folders in front of him, then at his computer, but the screen didn’t even register. His mind was elsewhere. He’d been expecting to hear from his investigator all morning, either by phone or in person. Nothing so far.

  He had heard from Mason, though, shortly after he’d arrived at the office. His dad had been waiting for him. Collier didn’t have to be told why he was there. Since they’d had it out, Collier had purposely kept his distance. He’d been so angry with Mason that he hadn’t trusted himself to go anywhere near him. And while that anger was still raw and festering, avoiding Mason indefinitely wasn’t the answer.

  “Are you due in court?” his dad had asked.

  Collier had picked up on the uncertain note in his tone, but at that moment he was in no mood to cut his dad any slack.

  “Not today. The judge is out sick again.”

  “Amberson seems to be sick a lot,” Mason responded.

  “Too much,” Collier returned in a clipped tone. “But you didn’t come here to discuss my work.”

  Mason’s lips tightened, and he said tersely, “No, I didn’t.”

  Collier held his tongue, waiting for Mason to make the next move.

  “I hope you’re enjoying yourself.”

  “Meaning?”

  Mason’s eyes were piercing. “You’re making this hard on me and your brother.”