by Liv Morris
Shit, shit, shit. The missing pieces of the puzzle have become crystal clear to me, and the reality I’m confronted with reveals the selfishness of my actions. Everything I’ve been facing over the last few days is the result of my own behavior. Granted the girl is nuts, but if I’d never fucked and dumped her, these officers wouldn’t be here grilling me now. I’m to blame for setting the wheels in motion.
“We asked Ms. Llewellyn if she told Edwards the true reason why she broke up with him. She told him everything down to the last detail. It seems as though Mr. Edwards blames you.” Baker nods his head in my direction with his brows knitted together in a scowl. “Apparently, he cracked when he realized she was using him to get to you. She gave us some emails he sent to her. It’s clear he’s hated you for years, even referencing you their correspondence.”
Another paper makes its way across the table, and I don’t want to acknowledge it. I’d prefer this interview to be over, and the detective, along with his cohort, gone from my sight.
“This printout is the last email Edwards sent to Ms. Llewellyn. There is no doubt in our mind he had some type of mental breakdown and is determined to get at Mr. Kingsley.”
The rest of the interview is a blur to me. I feel overwhelmed with guilt and remorse for my choices. Unaccustomed feelings for someone so used to instant gratification and impenitence. But it was true, I was careless and cared for no one but myself. Now someone I’ve known for almost half my life wants me dead because he thought I took from him the most precious thing he ever had: his lover and future wife.
Finally the room is empty. The detectives and attorneys have left, and I’m alone with the detective’s papers sitting in front of me, reminding me of my self-indulgence. I lean my elbows on the table and bury my head in my hands. Not remembering the woman’s face and the intimate acts I did with her sickens me, but I know she’s just one of many I’ve used and forgotten. Other than my beautiful Kathryn, there isn’t a fuck I’m proud of. What a fool I’ve been.
Chapter 19
The glow from the evening sun shines through my office windows. The view from the top floor of my building showcases the brilliant sunset as it flickers over the Hudson River. Normally, I stare in awe at the colors blazing across the horizon, but tonight I’ve moved far away from the display and the conference table with its incriminating evidence. Instead I’ve found a soft couch and a bottle of scotch to keep me company as I hide from the world. The couch is comfortable; the scotch is a familiar and numbing friend.
I rest my feet on the coffee table in front of me and lay my head back over the top of the couch as I await a call from Kathryn. I sent her a text around six thirty, hoping she might be able to meet me earlier than we discussed. She returned my text promptly, saying she would call me in about thirty minutes. The time is now ten after seven, and my palms sweat as I itch to call her. I pour myself another glass of scotch, very conscious that waiting is a game I’m not accustomed to playing.
Holding my phone in my hand, I feel it begin to buzz. I sit up straight, removing my feet from the table, and look down at the phone and see the photo of Kathryn I took earlier in the day filling the screen.
“Kathryn,” I say her name quietly as my voice strains from all the tension I’m under.
“Kingsley, is everything okay? You sound funny.” I hear the concern in her voice and close my eyes as I realize she does truly care about me. At this moment, she may be the only person in the world who does.
“The police were here earlier and…” I can’t seem to tell her what I learned today about myself and Simon’s motive for wanting me dead. “I need to see you.”
“You’re scaring me.” Now her voice reflects a touch of fear, but I don’t want her worrying about me.
“I know what’s behind Simon’s actions now.” Without giving her the ugly specifics, I say, “But I’d rather talk to you about it person.”
“Of course. You’re not in more danger now, are you?”
“No, the police are convinced Simon has fled to Canada, and until they know he’s back on American soil, the case has been put on hold.”
After enduring the detectives’ attitude toward me, I’m convinced they feel I’ve brought Simon’s revenge upon myself and don’t care to waste their time going through the hassle of working with the Canadian authorities.
“Well, that’s good news he’s not in the area at least. But something else is bothering you. What aren’t you telling me?”
“It’s the motive behind Simon’s actions. It’s not what I expected at all. Where are you now?”
“I’m close to The Pierre at the Rose Club bar in The Plaza.” She’s only a few blocks from my penthouse, and I sigh in relief as my mind forms a plan.
“Let’s meet at The Pierre. On 61Street there’s rose-colored marble accenting one of the hotel’s entrances. Enter there through the revolving doors, and once you’re inside the lobby head straight toward the back wall. You’ll see a seating area with red velvet chairs ahead of you. Sit down in one of them and face the lobby entrance. You won’t be able to miss me when I arrive; I’m sure you’ll notice Goliath, my bodyguard, first. Join me when you see us walking closer to you. We’ll ride up the elevator together.”
“Are you sure it’s okay?”
“Yes, my security guy has been working at The Pierre all day. The inside is likely safer than the White House.”
“It will only take me a few minutes to walk there. Are you still at your office?”
“Yes, but I’m leaving now.” I rise up from the couch, grab my discarded suit coat off a nearby chair, and head to my office’s outside door. I can’t decide whether to bring the papers on the conference table or not. For now I think it’s best to leave them. What I have to say to Kathryn won’t need a picture.
“Then I’ll see you in a few minutes. And Kingsley, everything’s going to be all right.”
“Thanks, beautiful. I hope you’re right.”
Her words soothe me and give me hope. She has no idea how I long for them to be true. But for now, I have to face the reality of the situation. Simon’s loose, and until he’s caught I’ll always be looking over my shoulder. My carefree lifestyle, with its laissez-faire freedom, is gone.
I’d love to take Kathryn out for an elegant dinner tonight. Nothing would make me happier than to parade her on my arm. But for now my apartment will have be our meeting place.
Heading out of my office, I see Eddie and Goliath playing cards on top of Mrs. Carter’s abandoned desk. Eddie is seated in Mrs. Carter’s chair, and his brow furrows as he concentrates on the cards in his hand. Goliath is perched on the edge of the desk. He too appears consumed by the game, and neither of them moves a muscle as I stand there observing them.
I pull the door closed behind me; the handle makes a clicking sound against the metal, startling them. Their eyes shoot up from their amusement, and on reflex they immediately stand when they see it’s me. Goliath walks toward me as Eddie nervously stuffs the cards back into the box.
“Mr. Kingsley.” Stopping in front of me, Goliath towers over me; his expression is unreadable. “Finished for the day, sir?”
“Yes, I’m ready to leave.” I have spoken no truer words today, as I can’t wait to get the hell out of here, especially knowing that Kathryn is waiting for me.
Goliath takes longs strides as he leads the way to the elevators. Eddie and I dutifully follow behind him since Goliath is in charge of getting me safely to my next destination. And as annoying as it is having someone shadowing my every move, I’ll just have to get used to it for now, because my gut feeling is that Simon will be on the loose for a while with no one actively pursuing him.
The police insinuated the case is in limbo until Simon returns to American soil, so I need to discuss an alternative plan with Peters. Perhaps he can hire someone to search for Simon in Canada. It’s amazing what money can do, and I’d be willing to pay a king’s ransom to have my freedom back.
On the way to my pent
house, I give Tom a call. He was off work today to stay home with Lois and make sure she was fully recovered from the trauma of Simon’s attack on them last night.
“Adam. ” Tom seems to be in a good spirits. I breathe a sigh of relief hoping this means Lois is doing all right. To think a stupid choice on my part could’ve killed them makes me ill.
“Just checking in with you to see how Lois is doing.” I pause and wait for him to answer. I hear what sounds like the heels of Tom’s shoes clicking against tiles.
“Sorry, I needed to step away from Lois. I’ve tried to avoid talking about last night unless she brings up the subject. But she’s doing fine. After we left the library last night, she calmed down. I think it was the initial shock of Simon firing the gun at us, followed by his threats. It was too much for her.”
“Hell, it’s too much for anyone. I’m relieved she’s doing okay. Especially in her condition, and what she’s already been through…” I don’t finish my statement, but Tom knows what I’m implying.
“I took her to her favorite restaurant for lunch, followed by a mini-shopping spree at Barney’s. She’s just starting to show and needs new clothes. Overall, I think she’s doing fine. So don’t worry.” He clears his throat. “Did you find out anything more about Simon? The news didn’t cover it tonight, so I wasn’t sure.”
Hell, how do I answer Tom’s question and tell him what I found out today? Normally, we meet at nine each Saturday morning for a game or two of squash, but obviously that’s not happening tomorrow. I feel like what I need to say to him should be done in person. The details I have to disclose aren’t going to be welcomed, and I sure as hell don’t want to spoil his current good mood.
“He’s still on the loose for now.” I leave out the facts about Simon’s motive. “I can’t meet for squash tomorrow morning. Too public. How about meeting me at the office tomorrow at nine instead?”
“Sure thing,” Tom replies quickly. “I better get back to Lois. She’s trying to decide between Chinese or Italian for take-out. And in pursuit of domestic harmony, I agreed to watch one of her chick flicks.”
“Have fun,” I say with a chuckle, but mostly I’m laughing at myself. A couple of days ago, I would have made a jab at Tom. Telling him how Lois has him wrapped around her finger, but now I get it. Kathryn has me under the same spell.
As Eddie makes a left off Madison Avenue onto 61 Street, Goliath tries to swivel in the front seat and turn around to see me. It’s almost comical watching his giant frame twist.
“Sir, let’s go over our plan for exiting the car and entering the building.”
Who knew that opening the door and getting out on my own would be a luxury?
“I’ll exit the vehicle first. Do a quick scan of the sidewalk and those standing around the entrance. Once I’m convinced the coast is clear, I will open your door. You need to exit quickly when I do, so be prepared to step out. Skip the revolving doors; we will use the set of doors to the right of them.”
“Sounds simple enough. I have a friend, Kathryn Delcour, meeting us in the lobby. I stayed with her last night when Peters said I couldn’t go home. She’s no danger to me.”
Eddie catches my eye as he looks into the rearview mirror. He gives me a big smile at the mention of Kathryn’s name. He knows what I’m doing with Kathryn is out of the norm for me. Same woman two days in a row is a record breaker.
“Will she be going up to your penthouse with us?” Goliath asks, now facing forward and appearing more comfortable in the front seat.
“Yes,” I say quickly with one simple word. I don’t care to discuss any other matters concerning Kathryn with him.
I can see the entrance for The Pierre through the front windshield. We are almost there. I feel the anticipation building knowing Kathryn is only moments away from my sight, and as soon as the elevator doors close, my arms will be wrapped around her.
Eddie begins to stop the car in front of the entrance, and Goliath is out the door before the wheels quit turning. He’s in full-on bodyguard mode now as he walks around the car to the door closest the sidewalk. He motions one of the doormen away from the car with his arm, indicating he has things covered and needs no assistance from them.
Goliath opens the passenger door after scanning up and down the street. I do as he instructed and exit quickly. With hurried steps, we make our way toward the building’s entrance. Once inside the lobby, I glance in front of me looking for my reward, and I make out Kathryn in the distance. But people are traipsing through the lobby, walking through my line of sight and partially blocking her from my view.
Finally I’ve passed the hustle and bustle of the front desk and our eyes connect. The buzz I feel whenever I’m in her presence begins again. I’m pulled across the carpeted floor to her. Poor Goliath is having a hard time keeping up with me, but I give him no mind at all, because the only thing on my mind now is Kathryn.
Gracefully, she stands and begins walking toward me. She looks stunning in a black wrap dress that hugs her every curve. The gap narrows between us until I’m beside her.
“Hey, beautiful.” My heart races as I extend my arm and take her delicate hand in mine. I feel her fingers enclose around mine and give my hand a gentle squeeze. Who knew a simple touch could help calm me? But it does.
“Hi, Kingsley.” She smiles up at me, and its brilliance dazzles me, leaving me breathless. I run my fingers through the hair lying over her shoulder, righting a strand that’s going astray.
“Excuse me, Mr. Kingsley, but we need to proceed to the elevators.” Oh, yes, I almost forgot Goliath.
“Of course,” I say through clenched teeth, upset that our perfect reunion was interrupted. “We’ll follow you.”
“At your side is best,” Goliath mutters to me.
“Kathryn, I’d like for you to meet Jordan Hayes, my bodyguard and shadow.” I introduce him with a stab at some humor; it seemed to work when I called him Goliath to his face earlier.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Hayes.” Kathryn reaches out her hand to Goliath. Being no fool, he takes it in his own for a quick shake. It’s not every day a beautiful woman like her is in your presence.
After the quick exchange, Goliath returns to guard mode, looking around the area for good measure. Kathryn and I walk hand in hand toward the elevator with Goliath escorting us. He’s standing awkwardly close to me with his hand behind my back in a protective move. So much for being discreet; his purpose of protecting me is likely clear to everyone’s eye.
We stand before the elevator and wait for the car to descend to the main floor. I rub my thumb gently over Kathryn’s hand as we gaze into each other’s eyes. Even though I’ve had a shitty day, there’s still something primal between us, and I can’t help wanting to get lost in her embrace.
We step into the elevator, and Goliath bugs off a couple that want to ride up with us. He appears obsessed with controlling the situation. I produce the key that overrides the keypad and insert into its lock. Now I can successfully push the button for my floor. The residents and a few workers are the only ones with access to the floor I live on. It keeps curious hotel guests from wandering around where they’re not invited.
We are standing behind Goliath as he faces the door. He insists on being the first off. Once the car begins to ascend, I turn my attention back to Kathryn and rejoin our hands. But handholding simply isn’t enough for me, and I sweep her small form into my arms, crushing her to me. I bury my nose into her hair and breathe deeply. Her scent, the perfume I love, fills my lungs, and I feel the day’s stresses fading away for a second.
“Why does it seem like days since I’ve seen you?” I murmur quietly in her ear. The weariness I feel can’t be hidden.
She doesn’t answer my question with words; instead she pushes herself closer against my body, telling me all I need to know with her actions.
We stand in this position quietly embracing each other, rocking from side to side, until the elevator doors open up onto my floor. Momentarily, I almost
forget about my troubles.
I give her a quick kiss on the forehead as we reluctantly pull apart and prepare to exit. My penthouse is one of only two residences on the top floor, so we turn to the right and make our way down the long hallway to my door. Goliath, my constant shadow, for once follows behind us.
“Are you sure you’re okay, Kingsley? You seem so different to me. Sad, actually.” Kathryn gazes at me; her brows knitted together in concern.
“It’s been a hell of an afternoon. I’ll tell you all about it once we’re inside my apartment and settled.” I squeeze her hand in reassurance.
As I unlock my door, I see a surveillance camera perched above my door. Peters must have installed it today; another sign he’s doing his job.
We walk into the foyer and are greeted by Peters himself. He’s all grins when he sees Kathryn with me.
“Hello, Peters.” I wrap my arm around Kathryn’s shoulder and draw her to my side in a definite ‘she’s mine’ move. Peters isn’t fooled and chuckles to himself. Likely shocked to see me being openly affectionate to a woman. He’s known me for years, and this type of behavior isn’t anything he’s seen before.
“This is Kathryn Delcour. Kathryn, this is John Peters, my security expert.” I want to say, ‘and pain in the ass,’ but I refrain and keep it civil. After all, he’s doing a good job trying to keep me safe, even if he insists on having a giant follow me around.
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Delcour.“
“Nice to meet you, too,” Kathryn replies as she stands poised and perfect in my living room. Outshining all the expensive artwork surrounding us.
Peters turns to me and puts on his serious business face, as the introductions are over. “I’m going to get Hayes settled in the servant’s quarters off the kitchen. He’ll be staying here for the time being. I’ve set up cameras and a closed circuit television network for your residence, the hotel’s lobby, and the sidewalk in front of the entrance. Also I’ve made sure the hotel’s employees, especially the doormen, as they’re our first line of defense, have copies of Simon’s photo.