Veronica looked from him, to Shannon, to him again. “Maybe I’ll see what I can do about cancelling that contract for you. See how high and mighty you are then.” She turned on a heel and marched out of the restaurant.
Triston sat down, focus carefully on Shannon. “I’m sorry.”
She shook her head, lips curling upward. “I’m the one who should be apologizing. Everything you told me was true. I should have believed you. I wanted to believe you, but seeing her again, it was hard to not see us all as kids again, you know?”
He leaned forward. “Of course I understand, Shannon. I just hoped you had a little more faith in me than that. I told you once, I’d shout my love for you from the rooftops. In fact,” he stood up, the mischief in the smile unmistakable.
Shannon’s hand reached out and pulled on his wrist. “Triston, don’t. The divorce,” she hissed.
He leaned down with a whisper. “Tell that fancy lawyer of yours to work a little harder. I never was good at keeping secrets.”
“Triston!”
“Excuse me everyone.” He struggled to keep his balance as Shannon pulled harder against him. He leaned over again. “Careful Shy, you’re making a scene.”
“I’m making a scene?”
He straightened up, cheeks glowing. “I’m sorry to interrupt your meal, but I have an announcement to make.”
“Triston!” She scanned the dining room, all the guests looking up with amusement and expectation. “Oh,” she groaned, laying her face in the palm of a hand and closing her eyes.
“After twenty years, I’ve found the love of my life again, and while we have some obstacles we still need to overcome, it is my intention, with all of you as my witness to hold me to my word, to prove to this very special lady everyday for the rest of her life how much she holds my heart in her hand.”
A chorus of clapping and aww’s rippled through the room as he sat down, the smile illuminating every feature while his chest swelling.
Shannon lifted her head, eyes wide, face blank. “I can’t believe you just did that.”
“There. I’ve chased Veronica away, and made a very public declaration. Now it’s up to you to decide. Do you still think I’m looking anywhere else for what I’ve already found?”
She wiped a tear away. “That was stupid to do, you know that?” But the smile on her face spoke louder than words.
“Did it finally break through that thick head of yours?”
She laughed. “Triston, I … I’m so sorry. I love you.”
“I know, love, I know.”
*
The gardens were quiet in the afternoon sun, and Shannon sat with feet propped on the bench, file folder in hand, reviewing assets and annual income, her laptop resting awkwardly on her legs. As she reviewed the numbers, Shannon couldn’t suppress the pride, and fear, creeping into her gut. No one could deny the success she’d had in building the business, but Greg would have no problem proving the hotel provided a fair amount of their joint income.
Her brows furrowed as she stared at the numbers, her swollen and bruised eye howling in pain, her head throbbing. She gritted her teeth, willing both away, and wished Triston was right. If only there was some way of fighting Greg, but numbers didn’t lie. The judge would surely see it as sizable enough to split up the assets.
“Shannon? Can I have a moment?”
Her insides twisted and she turned her head to face Lauren. “I don’t have time for this right now.”
Lauren paused, her mouth dropping and closing, and then stepped forward to settle in the chair next Shannon. “I think you need to hear what I’m about to tell you. I don’t want to see you lose anymore because of me or Greg.”
Shannon sighed and closed the lid to the laptop. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Lauren drew in a deep breath and looked out across the garden. “This was always my favorite place to sit. I miss it here.” She returned her focus to Shannon. “I miss our friendship. I’m so sorry.”
Shannon shifted her weight, and reached for a folder. “I don’t have time for this.”
“Please, believe me.” Lauren reached out and touched her hand. “You need to make time.”
Shannon looked away for a moment, steeling herself. “Okay. But you better have a good reason for coming here.”
“Believe me, it could change everything.” She drew in another deep breath. “Listen, what I’m about to tell you, this isn’t easy for me. I wanted everything you had, you were always so perfect. The hotel, your marriage … you had it all together. And really, I mean, your husband, he seemed like the icing on the cake for your life. Oh,” she hummed the word into several syllables. “I admired you, and Greg.”
“Do I have to listen to this?”
“Please.” Lauren stood up and walked across the pebbled patio. “When Greg approached me, I slapped him, told him you were my best friend and that I wouldn’t hurt you.” She shrugged. “He kept coming anyway, and,” she rolled her eyes, “oh, I couldn’t resist. I know that makes me weak, it does. And I’m a horrible friend.”
“To put it mildly.”
She nodded, “Yes, I know. But, let me finish. We started the relationship, if that’s what you can call it, in November of 2009.”
Shannon bristled. Not an ounce of curiosity yearned to hear more. She was about to brush Lauren off when the date screamed in her head. The math …
“Wait, say that date again?”
Lauren nodded slowly, staring at Shannon, the words taking their time. “November. 2009.”
Shannon’s jaw clenched, and she shot to her feet, the pile of papers scattering around her like autumn leaves. “2009. November of 2009. Are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure, Shannon. I thought I had finally seen my dream come true. A girl doesn’t forget a time like that.”
Shannon’s hands reached into her hair, pulling it into a ponytail as she turned to look out over the gardens towards the Hudson. It couldn’t be. And if it was, it changed a lot. Could Greg … The thought trailed off. He’d already proven he could do just about anything. “That was four months before the accident.”
Lauren walked to Shannon’s side. “Yes. But that’s not all.”
Shannon’s chin scraped a shoulder as she spun to stare at Lauren. “What do you mean?”
“Shannon, he was with me that night. He left my place, and we had been drinking. I begged him not to leave, he could barely walk. But Greg said he had to go, pushed me, and I fell into my coffee table. I blacked out.”
“So he got away with a DUI. Nothing I can do about that.”
Lauren shook her head. “No, there’s not, because that would be double jeopardy.” Lauren took a step closer, her voice dropping low. “But he also hit someone, and no one ever knew it was him.”
“Wait, what are you talking about?” A hit and run? Oh Greg, what have you done?
“A man that lived down the block from me. He didn’t die, but it was a hit and run. The man moved out of the area, but he’s paralyzed from the accident.”
“You never told anyone this?”
“I thought I was protecting the man I loved. I was wrong. Stupid. The point is, now you know. It could save your hotel, save you from all of this.”
“I don’t have any proof, nothing the police could use. It would be my word against his.”
“I have proof. I have his confession on a recording.” She blushed as a lone eyebrow shot high into Shannon’s forehead, eyes creased at the corner, the other features crushed in a comical display. “I know. Sounds a little creepy. I guess I am, but I saved all the recordings Greg left on my voicemail. I just liked listening to the sound of his voice, the way he talked to me.”
“The statute of limitations … I don’t think it’s passed for a hit and run.”
Lauren shook her head.
Shannon looked away, rubbed the back of her neck. “Why are you doing this?” She studied Lauren. A change of heart never came easy. “Greg break it off w
ith you, so you want to get even?”
“We were together just last night. He told me how he’s planning on stripping you of the Grande, of everything, really. After he left, I couldn’t stop thinking of you. I know how much you love this hotel.” She shrugged. “It’ll never succeed with anyone else running it. You fit here, the guests love you. I couldn’t let him take that away too, not after all he’s, and I’ve, already done to you.”
“You could go to jail too.”
“I know. I can’t change that.”
“And this doesn’t make us friends again.”
“I know that too. I’m so sorry, Shannon. I loved you, I did. I just loved him and myself a little more.”
She handed Shannon the memory stick. “I transferred the files onto this. I’m not brave enough to turn it in myself.” She began walking away, then turned back. “I’m so sorry. I can’t say that enough. And, if the police don’t come for me, but you need testimony, please let me know.”
“Thank you, Lauren. I do appreciate this.”
Another time, Shannon would have hugged her friend, but that time had passed. Now, they shared an awkward silence, Lauren nodded and walked out of the garden for what Shannon was sure would be the last time. Staring at the memory stick in her palm, fingers refusing to close around it, she was frozen. With it, she may win back the right to keep the hotel, but she’d also put her husband and the woman she’d once considered her closest friend in jail. What kind of choice was that?
“An awful one,” she whispered as she forced the fingers to wrap around the small device and tucked it in her suit jacket. She stooped down, gathered her papers together and rested them within the folder. Packing everything into the laptop case, she headed inside.
Chapter Thirty Two
Rick Stockard was waiting in her office when she opened the door. She smiled, laid her things on the desk, and shook his hand before giving him a hug. He smiled, and stared at her eye.
“Did he do that to you?”
She nodded. “It’s okay, Rick. I’m taking care of things. How are you?”
He shoved his hands in the pockets of his shorts. “Ready to come back, if it’s alright.”
She smiled. “It’s more than alright. I’m glad to have you back. Can you start tomorrow?”
He nodded, face shining brightly. “Mom and Dad filed the suit against Mr. Winters. I thought you’d like to know.”
She nodded. “Thank you, Rick. Tomorrow morning at eight?”
“I’ll be here.”
“See you then.”
She watched him leave, and shadowed his steps to close the office door. Returning to stand before her desk, Shannon picked up the memory stick and stared at it for a moment, considering the waiting computer. Drawing in a deep breath, she circled the desk and stuck the device into the USB slot. An audio track opened up, Greg’s voice filling the office. He sounded breathless, disoriented, and frazzled.
“Lauren, baby. What’s the matter with you? There’s no reason to be pissed off with me. I just pulled out of your driveway. I just hit a man. Don’t know if he’s alive, didn’t go back to see. If anyone asks, you never saw me tonight.”
The recording ended with a loud crash, and Shannon slowly hit the replay button three more times. On the final playback, the office door burst opening, Lauren standing before her with a bloodied lip.
Shannon jumped to her feet. “Lauren? What happened?” Rushing to her side, Shannon wrapped an arm around Lauren’s shoulder and led her to the chair, easing the woman against the seat, and reached for a tissue.
“Greg’s out in the parking lot. I think he was here to see you, but when he saw me come out of the hotel,” she dabbed the crimson drops, “we argued, and he hit me when he figured out I’d come to talk to you. He’s drunk, and furious –"
“Conspiring against me?”
Shannon and Lauren both spun to face Greg, disheveled with rumpled shirt hanging out of khaki pants. He stepped into the room, calmly closing the door. “Seems my wife and lover are in cahoots to bring me down. Strange pairing, don’t you think? Of course, what else could I expect from a couple tramps.” Greg lurched forward, stumbled and roared with laughter. “Oops, not as graceful after a few drinks. But still tough enough to leave a calling card on your mouth, eh, Lauren? Did you tell your buddy here how we enjoyed a very physical evening last night? Maybe Shannon enjoys hearing of our escapades. A dirty little secret I didn’t know about, wife of mine? Maybe I gave up on you too soon.”
The audio track, Shannon’s mind screamed, turn off the audio track. She reached backwards to the computer, fingers searching for the power button and instead brushing against the space bar. The recording started, the drunken familiar voice resonating in the confined space. Shannon stabbed at the button, but it was too late. Fury erupted, blanketing Greg’s countenance. Darkness like she’d never seen engulfed him, and for the first time, she was sure it was the real man standing before her.
The anger targeted Lauren as he rushed at her. “You gave that to her?” Lauren cowered backward, eyes wide. “What, I wasn’t good enough in the sack? Got news for you, trailer trash, you have no clue on how to please a man.” Veins bulged in his neck and forehead, hands pumping for action.
Lauren crossed her arms to guard a frightened face.
“Back away from her Greg. I’m calling 911.” Shannon reached for the receiver, index finger pounding at the first number.
Greg’s hand shot out and ripped the phone away, flinging it across the floor. “You’re not calling anyone princess. The cops, that boy toy of yours. It’s just you and me, baby. Right after I finish with this trash.”
Eyes wild with fear, Lauren whimpered, “Shannon.”
Greg grabbed a bicep, whipping Lauren around like a rag doll. “Shut up! More, you always want more. More, more, more.” Throwing her to the ground, he dropped to his knees, straddling the smaller woman’s frame. “Now you get more.” Lauren shrieked as he pummeled her face, punch after punch. “More, and more and more.”
Shannon launched at him, wrapping both arms around him, struggling to pull against the heavier weight off the helpless woman beneath him. Greg whipped to the side, arm yanking Shannon off balance. The rocket of his strange reeled back and blasted into her, with full strength, and sent her careening across the room. A table leg jarred the back of her neck, sharp electricity riveting down the spine.
She moaned as instinctive hands wrapped around the source of pain, rolled into a ball, eyes closed. The sparks eased into coolness in Shannon’s back as Lauren screamed. Easing her eyes open, Shannon saw Lauren’s face swollen, bruised black and flowing with ruby liquid. Greg wound for another attack, Shannon screamed at him to stop as she scrambled to her feet. The office door barreled open.
Triston thundered in, ripped Greg off Lauren. “I’ve been waiting to do this since I met you.” The attack came quicker and harder than any Greg launched. Triston hung to Greg’s collar, pounding sure fists into his Greg’s face.
His head flopped to the side, unconscious. Triston dropped him to the floor and crossed to Shannon.
She’d made it to Lauren’s side, who was breathing but unconscious, face a blooded meat of cuts and bruises.
Hand on her back, Triston stooped next to her. “She’ll be okay. I believe Naomi’s already called 911. Are you okay?”
Shannon tried to nod, but a second conduit of pain barreled down the back, and she collapsed in his lap. “I don’t know Triston. Are you sure she’s okay?”
He stroked her hair as she lay against the floor. “She’s fine, you’ll be fine. Hang on.”
Police and ambulance arrived, took Greg into custody and questioned Triston as the EMTs strapped Lauren and Shannon to backboards. Once he was released, Triston climbed into the ambulance with Shannon, and held her hand as they whisked to the hospital.
*
X-rays and CT scans confirmed Shannon’s spine had not been permanently injured, but the doctor insisted she be held for observati
on. One night of bed rest, and Shannon didn’t argue. Triston was relieved, he wasn’t as sure he would have been as successful forcing her to rest at the Grande, despite her complaints of a headache threatening to graduate to migraine status and a neck stiff with pain.
And either way, he wasn’t leaving her side.
Triston sat next to the hospital bed, holding her hand, listening as she recounted the moments before the attack, disbelief fighting the pain for attention.
“The memory stick is back at the office. But I don’t think I’ll have to turn it in. He’s in enough trouble now. The divorce shouldn’t be an issue.”
“You have to take it to the police, Shy.” Triston said, softly rubbing her hand with two fingers. She had been lucky. Lauren suffered a broken cheekbone and jawbone, multiple bruises and lacerations. He shuddered, possibilities running through his thoughts, and thrown out. It didn’t happen, that was good enough. “You said he admits hitting the man?”
She nodded. “Like he didn’t care a bit. Said he didn’t even go back and check on him. Greg could have killed the man and wouldn’t have cared one bit.” She dropped her eyes. “I don’t know the man I’m married to. All those years together, and I have no idea who he is. I don’t care about the divorce. I couldn’t stay with him another day, even if you never came here. But how did I live with a man who faked amnesia and not have a clue he was doing it? Not know he had the propensity for all this?” A hand brushed across the room. “That he could run over a man and not care? What kind of wife am I not to see my husband?”
Triston leaned down and kissed her forehead. “A good one. The kind who believes in and stands by her husband, ignoring every instinct telling her something is off. You’re loyal, devoted, and amazing. None of this is your fault.”
“No, it’s not my fault. But if I had been paying attention –"
“There still wouldn’t have been anything you could have done differently.”
She sighed. “Maybe not. I guess it’s too late for that now anyway. Now, simply by turning this over to the police, I’ll be putting him in jail, as well as Lauren. That’s not an easy thing to do.” Another sigh. “And if I’d filed that restraining order with the black eye … I never did. It would have stopped him.”
Matter of Choice Page 21