My questions range from what their services include to their total costs, but our conversation is cut short when he reveals he charges $800.00 as his retainer aside from $60.00 per each hour of service. I scratch my head and cross out the name. With living expenses and working as a store clerk, I wasn’t able to put that much money aside. The second office I contact is Alexander Mason Investigations. A chipper female secretary informs me that they offer a free consultation is offered to approximate the investigations fees. It’s worth a try. I bring Michael’s necklace to my lips.
She lets me know there are few appointments booked for next Saturday…and then I remember where I am. Oh boy. I let her know I will call her back soon with a response. There’s no telling what mood Carter will be in from minute to minute. I check the clock. It’s been an hour since I was last in his office. I debate whether to call him or visit his office but choose the first option—as a precaution. The line rings three times.
“Alyson”, his husky voice is sexy and authoritarian. I pause briefly. My breathing is unsteady. Strangely enough, Carter is not rushing me. He isn’t speaking. He is dead silent on the other side of the line. I moisten my lips.
“Mr. Stevenson, I’d like to request next Saturday off if it’s possible.”
I swear I hear him cuss under his breath. “It’s not possible. What’s the reason?” He demands. In my mind, the cool sapphires have transformed from gems into intimidating icebergs. “I asked you a question.”
“I have personal business to take care of, sir.” I blatantly respond. He can’t be punishing me for being late. “It’s a matter that can’t wait.” My request is almost a plea. “It must be quite urgent if you require the entire day.” Carter is eerily pensive. Think quickly. I offer a valid substitution. “I am willing to do overtime to make up for the missed day.” And in a split second, I can almost predict his mood changing from frustration to consideration. “I will think about it” he hangs up the line. Jerk.
******
Ferdinand picked me up before dark to look at the Ford Focus. The official diagnostic: a dead battery. Go figure. Something significant has to stop working when I need it the most. Fortunately, I can count on Juliette or Ferdinand to drive me to work until I can afford a replacement, most likely when I have an approximate fee for Mason’s services. Behind me, he is scoping the number of peppers I’m dicing for mango chutney. His eyes widen in fake shock. “Good grief. I thought the inferno caused by your boss was plenty for you.”
The unforeseen remark sways the sharp knife too close to my thumb. “Careful! You’re going to hurt yourself!” Ferdinand grabs my hand. “It’s nothing” I fret, going to run my finger under cold water. “Your comment is way out of line.” My tone is harsher than I mean it to be. Ferdinand lifts his hands in apology and walks to the bottle of wine, filling our glass goblets close to the top. His movements are suspiciously mischievous, and I know exactly what he’s doing. It doesn’t take much alcohol to provoke my unfiltered honesty, and this will be my third glass.
He hands me the glass. “What does this really have to do with?” Ferdinand’s gaze searches my face for an honest answer. “I thought talking to a private investigator would calm you down.” His sparkling chestnuts inspect me as if he were reading his favorite book. There are no secrets between us. When I don’t know how I feel, it’s a weight off my shoulders to know that my best friend can help me figure it out.
I bite my cheek. “I’m not excited about telling Juliette” I confess. Ferdinand’s eyebrow relaxes and he squeezes my shoulder. We both know she’s never agreed with my decision to search for Michael. Juliette practically lived my pain when he disappeared. She was my rock when I believed I was going to die too. Deep inside, I know that she and Ferdinand are both afraid I will suffer more if the investigation doesn’t prove me right, but I can’t stop now.
I’ve waited too long to give up on one decision that will bring me some kind of closure. I need Juliette’s support on my decision. I want her understanding now more than ever, but I’m also aware that she believes Michael drowned in the river, a belief that I can’t live with and refuse to accept. “I can’t live with uncertainty and hate for life anymore.” I smile weakly at Ferdinand, who evidently shares my concern over Juliette’s reaction.
“You know Juliette loves you more than anything, Alyson. She’s known your plans all along and never tried to stop you from coming this far. Don’t worry, give her time and she’ll come around.” I nod and sip the wine. “Well…I suppose you’re right.” I wave him off and finish preparing the fish tacos. “I’m usually with you.” Suddenly, Ferdinand pauses and takes the knife from my hands. “You’re not getting away with it. Who’s the COO driving you crazy?” Whoa! Curveball!
Chapter 5
“You just don’t give up.” I work with diced ingredients in front of me, throwing them into a bowl and expertly mixing them. The alcohol is shifting my gears into drive. My lips as dry as the Sahara Desert, it must be from Florida’s insane heat. Peeking next to me, Ferdinand has been gauging my actions this entire time.
“That’s your nervous reaction! Then I was right. You do want to fuck your boss.” Jesus what’s the point in responding? The answer in my head doesn’t match the one about to come out of my mouth. I can’t fool Ferdinand, much less kid myself. “Peach.” Ferdinand takes my free hand and gently slaps my cheek with it. “I knew this ‘Adonis’ wasn’t just a heat of the moment guy.”
“He is over and done with like this conversation.”
“Alyson, you’re an awful liar.” Ferdinand says. “I can’t believe your fire is extinguished when you have that intoxicating light in your eyes again—”
“Stop it…” I urge.
“That look you get when you can’t get enough of something no matter what you do. Then there’s no turning back until you get what you need—”
“Carter Stevenson is a pain in the ass, and he isn’t worth the struggle, okay?” I finally explode into one million pieces, walking into the living room and holding my head with my hands. I feel Ferdinand’s hand on my back. “Mr. Stevenson isn’t one of those drunken bar bastards I used to sleep with…This man is everything but helpless. He’s a wealthy, dominating, intelligent, and extremely handsome COO who’s not remotely interested in me anyway. I’m sure the majority of his tastes in life are upscale. That includes his choices in women.”
For some odd reason, a vague prick of pain stabs me somewhere in the chest. Ferdinand is side glancing me, still not fully convinced of my words but kisses my head. “Ali, I didn’t make you talk about this to pressure you. I love you like a sister and I’ll be damned if someone who’s not worth it hurts you or Juliette again.” I smile and rest my cheek on Ferdinand’s shoulder. “You have nothing to worry about.” Carter is not worth any woman’s trouble.
******
When I wake up the next morning, Juliette is busy finishing a second batch of pancakes. I’m not looking forward to talking with her. At least Ferdinand is still here. He crashed in her bedroom last night. I kiss her on the cheek. “You look tired. When did you get back last night?” I ask, pouring coffee into my mug and sitting down at the table. “Past 11:00pm. The photo shoot went great. I got paid double the amount and I’m on call all week!” She proudly fills me in with the details. “The model’s name is Caroline Elisebrook. I think she’s married to a mega construction tycoon. It turns out that the makeup artist she hired had to be hospitalized for appendicitis.”
Juliette excitedly waves her hand while taking a sip of coffee. “She promised she would refer me to her sister who has influential connections in the advertising industry.”
“I’m so glad!” I wrap my arms around her. “You deserve the success.” My fingers squeeze her protruding cheeks. Her grin is immense. “It’s our success, Ali. Hell, I was so excited last night, I almost stumbled over the wine bottle you and Ferdinand left in the living room floor. What were you guys celebrating?” Here it goes. The smile on my face dissolves as qu
ickly as it came. “Um…” I stab my pancakes with a fork and eat a large piece, passing it down with the hot coffee. Juliette’s grin turns into concern.
“…I’m starting to call private investigators and have plans to meet one next Saturday.” Juliette looks at me with a somber expression. I groan internally. She’s reacting like I knew she would. “Ali, don’t you think you are taking this too far?”
I slowly drop my fork and close my eyes, counting to ten. “Why can’t you support my decision to find Michael?”
“I do. You’re my sister, almost my daughter, of course I support you. What I don’t support is the storm you’re creating in your heart.”
“My heart is barely alive.” My voice cracks. Tears that I’ve refused to spill since I swore I would one day find Michael want to spill and flood the planet, but I won’t let them have their way. Breathing deep and taking a drink of coffee, I try to reason with Juliette.
“There’s nothing that can stop me from finding him now and I don’t care about the consequences. I know that he somehow survived falling from that cliff. If I swam to shore, why couldn’t he? Michael and I were excellent swimmers. It doesn’t make sense! None of this will ever make sense until I see him again.”
“You didn’t see what the damn police report said!” Juliette stomps her foot.
I’m fuming. “What did they say? That Michael and I fell into the Connecticut River and that one survived and the other one disappeared? They also wrote that Michael had a tattoo on his left arm when it was on his right, for fuck’s sake! Juliette, I feel it in my bones that he didn’t drown!”
Just then, Ferdinand walks into the kitchen and solemnly looks at both us. I grab my purse to leave before I’m late too. “Hold on a second, let me get the car keys, and I’ll drive you.” He says. “No.” I look at Juliette’s reddened cheeks. She is on the verge of tears as well. I know she needs Ferdinand more than I do. She still has her boyfriend and I don’t. “I’ll take a cab.” I barge out.
******
I take the long route to Carter Stevenson’s office, skipping front desk again. Thankfully, today is Matt’s day off, and that is one interrogation less to deal with. My anger from this morning has slowly diminished, and I know it will not be present by the time I see Juliette again. I wish that I wasn’t already upset before meeting with Carter and his multiple mood swing personality. He could make this day a lot worse. I’m playing it safe though and arrive 10 minutes before our usual meeting time.
The gray carpet matches my mood, and my three-quarter sleeve dress, darkened further by black pantyhose and high heels. As I knock on Carter’s office door, I am perplexed by the rest of the offices from which I have not seen people come out of. I wonder what they are used for. “Come in.” Carter calls. He’s not rude so far. Approaching his desk, I am taken aback by the blonde beauty sitting in front of him. Her hair is enviably straight and tied in a perfect ponytail, blunt bangs covering her forehead.
An expensive, persimmon, strapless dress flows to her ankles. Her amber eyes however are not as appraising towards me. One of her hands is raised next to her face. She caresses her glistening red thumbnail with her index finger. So much glamour from both Carter and the blonde is absurd. This must be the type of woman who meets Carter’s bed every time he clicks his fingers. Trying not to look at myself up and down like the blonde is doing, I focus on not stuttering. “I’m sorry Mr. Stevenson. I did not know you were busy.”
“You came on time today, Alyson.” He smiles proudly and sincerely. He’s wonderfully calmed today…happy even. His sapphires display the timid beauty I know he hides somewhere within him. The air is broken by the blonde trying to hold back a laugh. “Is something amusing?” Carter questions the blonde who immediately stops chuckling. “No.” She reveals a pretty smile that doesn’t go at all with her personality. Her brown eyes shine like her fingernail polish when she sees Carter’s satisfied nod. I know that look anywhere. The girl is far past the stage of liking him.
“Alyson, I’d like you to meet a close friend of mine, Rebecca Laches. I’ve known her for years.” I do my best to fake a grand smile for the bitch in front of me. “I’m delighted to meet you ma’am.” My voice is unwavering. “Rebecca, Alyson won this year’s internship with Caravana. She’s sufficiently prepared to be my right hand.” Carter’s true expression is mixed somewhere in between honest and amused. Why is he praising me in front of this woman who obviously doesn’t care about anything but him?
“The feeling is mutual, Alyson.” The woman hides a sneer. That’s for sure. “I can come back later, Mr. Stevenson—”
“Nonsense, Rebecca was just leaving.” He coolly lifts his eyebrows at her. In an odd response, Rebecca lowers her eyes to the floor and nods slowly, standing up from her chair. She doesn’t leave without secretly smirking at me. “Good day, Ms. Barnes.” She doesn’t glance back at Carter when she walks out the door. I lick my lips, maintaining eye contact with her until she’s gone. What strange change in her behavior. Carter’s mood swings must be contagious. “The dress you are wearing looks very nice on you, Alyson.” Our gazes lock.
I cock my head, puzzled. I could have sworn he just complimented my attire. He’s thoroughly entertained with my confused reaction. “You’re not used to flattery?” he asks. I feel myself blushing at his sudden forwardness. I don’t understand what’s gotten into him. Carter Stevenson is suddenly being friendly. “Thank you, sir.” I reply, dissimulating shock.
“You didn’t answer my question.” Carter ignores me.
“No sir” My tone is firm, and he’s not annoyed by it but seemingly content. I strongly speculate this change of heart has to do with the visit of his girlfriend, Rebecca Laches. There’s no doubt that’s what she was. The blonde completely changed him in a matter of minutes. Carter extends his hand, wanting the reports and as I give them to him, I discreetly admire him too.
I can’t imagine him looking anything less than sophisticated. In his typical tailored dark suit, today he wears a black dress shirt and dark trousers, altered especially for him. The dormant electric currents in my stomach lunge fireworks throughout my system. Clearing my head from unnecessary thoughts, I prepare to sit down when Carter hands me back the reports and stands up. “Take a walk with me today. I’ll take notes on the way” He holds my gaze as he reaches for a notebook under his desk and opens the door for me. I blink twice; making sure this Carter Stevenson is the same one I’ve been learning to deal with all week.
He is about to lock the office when his telephone rings. He’s instantly annoyed though not with me. “Wait here, I won’t be long” Carter closes the door. I treasure the free moment and breathe deeply. I am caught in between getting carried away by my instinct and by what I have seen. Close to my heart, something warm and soothing tells me I could get used to this peaceful mood but my mind fights this emotion with flashing images of Artic glaciers. All of a sudden, the otherwise silent hallway echoes with Carter’s loud voice. He’s upset at whoever is on the other side of the line. Listening to his side of the conversation is inevitable.
“She shouldn’t have called you…It’s none of your fucking business…And if I was?...I can do whatever I want…That was a long time ago…Don’t you dare…Suit yourself…” I hear him click the phone and rustle through what I think are papers. He begins talking again.
“Jameson...Yes…That time is fine…I’ll meet you then…” I hear him hang up and I straighten my position before he opens the door. He seems unaffected that I’ve been standing here the entire time. If I was afraid the conversation would ruin his good mood, I couldn’t have been more off; he is beaming.
“Shall we go?” He captivates me with a breathtaking smile that has me grinning like a fool. Like a working team, I carefully reiterate this morning’s information without stumbling over my own two feet while Carter’s graceful movements leads our walk, using the front desk detour to arrive at the hotel’s astonishing circular courtyard. The grand space is a four-way area that
is connected to the outdoor swimming pool, the second entrance to the restaurant, a racquetball court, and an outdoor fitness center.
“What do you think of this view?” Carter waves his hand at the courtyard. “It’s amazing” I cheer. “You must enjoy seeing this from your office each day.” I smile and then frown. “It’s too bad that Gabrielle chooses not to decorate the management office” I add. At the mention of her name, his sapphires darken momentarily. “I don’t understand it either. She has the liberty to.” he pauses to look in my eyes before continuing. He makes me swallow hard.
“I’ve decided to authorize your requested day.” Whoa! My heart wants to jump out of my chest. Carter has just made an awful morning into a celebration. I can’t believe it. “Thank—”
“Don’t speak so soon.” He chuckles. “You will work late nights for a week to make up for the time lost.”
“Yes, sir, count on it.” I nod furiously, smiling fully. Instinctively, I approach him for a hug without measuring the consequences of my actions. My breathing quickens insanely as our flesh comes into contact. Our faces are painfully inches apart. Carter’s sculpted features are impossibly beautiful, sharp and defined to perfection.
What the hell am I doing?! He can’t be this close to me. It’s wrong. Regaining my common sense, I try to push myself away, but Carter’s grip is uninhibited power…something in his strength is pulling me into a deep abyss to which he only smirks, knowing what he is doing. His sapphires are darker than when he was speaking about Gabrielle, darker than I have ever seen them despite their glare being gem like. I swore I wouldn’t lose control…I swore…
Oblivion: Surrender Page 4