Traces Of Me

by Nikki Summers

  “I’m sorry Jay, I’m not mad at you, I’m mad at her. I didn’t want you involved in this,” she cried. He held her close. Her sobs slowed as she sat back. She looked into his eyes, taking his hand in hers.

  “You have to get those pictures from her Jay. She has to be stopped but I refuse to give her my mother’s money. She would roll over in her grave if she knew Marie had it, if she knew she won.” Charlotte gripped his arm tighter.

  Jay needed to hear her side of the story before he went down to Marie, who would be waiting impatiently for him.

  “Tell me the story Charlotte,” he commanded. She breathed in heavily, this was obviously painful for her to talk about.

  “I was fourteen when I caught my father and Marie having sex in his office one afternoon. His secretary wasn’t at her desk so I tried to open his office door but it was locked. I was about to leave when I noticed the secretaries top drawer was opened. I peaked in because I was curious. I grabbed a chocolate bar and found a key under it. I thought I’d try it. To my horror my father had your partner bent over the desk, they were both naked. He was fucking her so hard that they didn’t hear the door open. I slowly closed it but not before her eyes caught mine. She just moaned louder as I silently closed the door behind me.

  I ran home convinced I would tell my mother what I saw, but she was in such a good mood, I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t break her heart. So I avoided my father at all costs and kept his secret but I can be vengeful. I planned on ruining her somehow. So I found out who she was, I found out she worked for the police force. I followed her, taking photos of her at restaurants with different men. I knew where she shopped, her gym and her favorite spa. She caught me one day and followed me home. My father was furious when he saw Marie in our driveway shouting at me. He didn’t know I knew about them until that day. He shouted at her to leave and to never contact him again. She shouted back that she wanted her share of the money and he would hand it over to her or else she would tell my mother about their affair.

  If my monster had done his job correctly than my mother would have been murdered, not raped and my father would have been forced into handing over the money, but her hired assassin was insane. He forgot about the money during the attack and killed them both before leaving without the money,” she explained.

  “Why did you never tell me any of this before,” he muttered, shocked.

  “I didn’t trust her when she arrived at the hospital with you. I wanted to trust you, but I thought if she had her control over you than I wouldn’t be able to trust you either. I knew she was the devil. She was the mastermind, controlling men to get what she wanted. That’s why I clung to you. I wanted you as mine not hers,” she whispered, releasing her hands from his arm.

  “I have to go down there before she leaves. Charlie, she does not control me, she never has and never will. You on the other hand, I’m not so sure. How do you know about the pictures?” he asked, afraid of her answer.

  “She sent me a copy of them shortly after the fact. I knew she was threatening me because of the money. I told her I wouldn’t have access to it until I was eighteen. That’s why everything has changed in the past year and a half. She wanted my monster, Colin, to quit playing his game and get her the money, but he was a psycho. He liked the game too much to quit until he had to. He told me so before I shot him. He didn’t like to share his prey, Josh’s presence around me made him angry,” she said with a half smile.

  “I hate to say I told you so,” Jay said sighing. He looked into her eyes, seeing fresh pain and darkness.

  “What are the pictures of Charlie?” he whispered, he had to know just how incriminating they were.

  “I’m sure she’ll show you, she has them on her phone. They are the work of my monster. Photography was his passion, aside from murder. He had telephoto lenses or whatever. He could get pretty amazing shots from a distance,” she gulped. Jay was instantly reminded of the shots of her with Josh.

  “What are the pictures of Charlie?” he asked again. She sighed, looking at her cut arm before speaking. He knew this was hard for her but he had to know.

  “You were a little drunk one night and we got into a fight because you wouldn’t sleep with me. I begged you to sleep with me like I always did and you got angry, you grabbed your bottle of Jack and went to sleep out in the car. I was worried about you when you didn’t come back into the hotel after a few hours so I picked up a blanket and went out to the car. You were sleeping in the back seat. I quietly shut the passenger door and climbed into the back with you. I rested on top of you and covered us with the blanket. You began to mumble as your hands ran down my back. I kissed your neck and ran my fingers over your stubble. You kissed me back Jay, it was the first time you kissed me back,” she sighed as her fingers touched his cheek. He didn’t remember any of this and it drove him mad.

  “I’m so sorry Charlie,” he said, feeling horrible for not being more professional, for being weak with her.

  “It’s okay Jay, even in your drunken haze you still refused to take my virginity,” she smiled.

  “Oh, thank god, then what were the pictures of?” he asked again, confused.

  “We were both a little worked up and you were very excited so I offered to relieve your discomfort. Of course you agreed, you’re a man and you have needs. It was warm in the car so I rolled down the window and threw off the blanket. I wrapped my lips around your-“ Jay instantly placed his hand over her mouth, unable to hear her give any more details as a very hazy memory surfaced. He slowly removed his hand as he walked to the door.

  “It was more my fault than yours Jay, I loved you and I was relentless. You are an amazing man, how could a girl resist,” she whispered. He turned to face her. His beautiful Charlie had loved him once. He had tears in his eyes as he stared at her.

  “I have to go. I’ll get those pictures Charlotte,” he promised as he walked out.

  Marie was waiting impatiently outside, by the front doors smoking a cigarette. He lit one of his own as he approached her.

  “What took you so long, getting another BJ from your little Charlie?” she seethed.

  “She’s Charlotte to you and no. She is in love with another man,” he informed her before taking another drag.

  “Love is a bitch, that’s why I don’t do it,” she said as she threw her smoke down, stepping on it with her high heel.

  “So what exactly do you want Marie?” he asked, looking for a figure amount.

  “She didn’t tell you, what a little bitch. You should know she’s a lot more vindictive than you think. She broke that rancher’s heart, the poor boy. Who knows what she’s put Josh through? She likes to role play, it’s a game of hers. Innocent virgin one day, trashy wench the next,” she laughed.

  “If she’s only been with a few men I don’t think you can call her a wench, you should know that,” he responded.

  “We can share bedtime stories another time. I want the two point six million dollars she has scattered around the country and I want it deposited in my bank account, which she knows the number for, within the next, oh I don’t know, seeing as she’s still in a hospital in Paris, getting to all those hick towns you left her in might be a little time consuming. I’m going to be really nice, seeing as I have waited this long already. I will give you three weeks, twenty one days to collect and deliver it all before your little indiscretion with a minor goes to your boss,” she told him.

  “Let me see them,” he said, gritting his teeth.

  “Of course, I have them ready for your perusal,” she smiles, unlocking her phone and holding it up to him.

  “I have them saved in a few different locations, just so you don’t think of taking my phone and smashing it or something,” she informs him. He grabbed it from her. Ignoring her comment he scanned through the photos, showing her no signs of how those photos were affecting him. He hated himself for being so weak, for not seeing how desperate she was for his affection. He led her on too much, she deserved love from him not th
is. He had to end this himself. He refused to hurt Charlotte anymore. He would end this then he would be the friend she needed while she built her life back, presumably with Josh. He knew he would have to get over his jealousy.

  “I don’t know Marie, they look a little photo-shopped,” he replied calmly.

  “Listen Jay, I don’t know what the two of you did behind closed doors, unfortunately my photographer didn’t get those shots but I have these and they are real, whether you remember the occasion or not. Don’t try and play me Jay, I’ve worked too long for this,” she ranted. He laughed.

  “You have not worked! You’ve sent a murderer and a rapist after a little girl for five years. You’ve killed her family and abated in all the other murders your photographer managed to do while under your service. All that blood is on you Marie and you are the one that will pay,” he threatened her. She tried to ignore him and remain in control.

  “I’ll be in touch, twenty one days,” she said before grabbing her phone back from him. He let her have it.

  “Looking forward to it,” he said as he stared her down. She trembled but she wouldn’t let him see her fear. As soon as she had her money she would vanish. Jay went back to his hotel room. He wouldn’t rest until Marie pays for all she has done, either locked behind bars or dead.

  Josh had gone back to his hotel to wash and sleep, which he was finally able to do now that Charlotte was out of the ICU. His mother called his cell after nine that morning. He was surprised he slept in so late.

  “Hello Mom,” he answered groggily.

  “Josh, good morning son, glad to hear you’ve caught up on your sleep. I just called to let you know I’ve made an appointment for Charlotte to see my doctor when we return to New York,” she told him.

  “Thank you, I appreciate that. I hope to be bringing her home tomorrow if the doctor tells me she’s safe to travel,” he said, brightening up. The idea of bringing her home with him made him the happiest he’s been in a long time, possibly ever. He’s never been in love, never felt so protective of someone like this before.

  “Where does she live?” his mother inquired. He realized he hadn’t actually told her about the situation, he should have known his mother would start digging for information eventually.

  “It’s a long story Mom. I’ll tell you everything over dinner tonight. When will you be leaving Paris?” he asked, not wanting to take up any more of her time.

  “I have a flight for tomorrow morning booked. Do you need me to book yours and Charlotte’s?” she asked.

  “I’ll wait till I know every thing's okay then I’ll take care of it,” he told her.

  “I have some shopping to do while I’m here, is there anything I can pick up for either of you? Does Charlotte need anything?” she offered. Josh sighed as he thought of Charlotte’s meager belongings. He planned on changing that and he could tell his mother would happily help.

  “She could use something comfortable to wear back tomorrow I think,” he said, not sure how to shop for a woman.

  “I can handle that. I’ll see you for dinner at five if that works for you. A little early I know but I do have an early flight,” she reminded him.

  “Of course mother, I’ll meet you in the hotel lobby at five,” he told her.

  “Keep me posted on her progress Josh, bye,” she said before hanging up. Josh put his phone down and dressed, he missed Charlotte already. He picked up coffee and grabbed a pastry before hailing a cab. On his way there he felt anxious. He wasn’t sure why, he just had to get to her. He raced up the stairs to her room, unable to wait for the elevator. He calmed himself before opening the door to her room. He gasped when it was empty. His face paled as he turned to the nurse’s station.

  “Excuse me, where is Charlotte Bellamy?” he asked as calmly as he could.

  “She’s been moved and you are?” the nurse asked abruptly, looking him over.

  “I’m her boyfriend, Joshua Martin,” he told her.

  “Okay, you’re on the list. She had a few unannounced visitors in the middle of the night and I’m afraid she was injured. She hasn’t been very forthcoming with any details. The police were in to speak with her already this morning but she became rather agitated so we had to sedate her. I’ll bring you to her but she might still be sleeping. You should convince her to cooperate with the authorities, if she doesn’t it could postpone her ability to leave the country or return here in the future if she so desires,” she warned as he followed her down the hall to another corridor. She opened the door and walked in ahead of him. Josh watched as the nurse took her pulse and checked her IV. His heart sunk when he saw her sound asleep. He wanted so much to see her smile. He glared at the new bandage on her arm.

  “What happened?” he asked, feeling his blood boil. He thought she was safe now, he thought she was safe here.

  “Like I said, you’ll have to ask her. I cleaned it up this morning, she received a few stitches and thankfully it’s clean. It’ll scar though. It looks like a knife wound and I know she didn’t do it to herself because aside from the OR we don’t have knives capable of that kind of damage here on the floor,” the nurse explained. She tapped him comfortingly on the shoulder before walking out.

  He pulled a chair over to sit beside her. He reached for her hand and wrapped it in his. He closed his eyes as he leaned his head down. He didn’t understand any of this. He considered calling Jay, demanding him to tell him what was going on now. He kissed her hand before laying it back down. He placed his hands over his face as he tried to compose himself.

  “Josh.” He heard her whisper. He glanced down at her, forcing himself to smile.

  “Hey baby, how are you? I hear you had a rough night.” He tried to mask his frustration.

  “I’m so sorry Josh,” she cried, tears in her eyes. Her voice was rough. He took her hand again. He knew he had to calm her down. He leaned over her, gently brushing his lips over hers. He felt her tremble and he smiled. She was still his. Her eyes settled on his as he pressed his lips to hers again.

  “I’m here for you Charlotte, I’m not going anywhere. Do you want to talk about it?”

  “I can’t right now but I will, I promise. Jay is helping me with the remaining loose ends. I’m afraid my freedom isn’t exactly mine to own yet. If you want to go home I understand. I’ll come see you when all this mess is over, if you still want me that is,” she stuttered, her words catching. He knew she was trying to be brave, trying to give him a way out again. He grinned as he looked at her. He pulled his chair closer.

  “Do you want me to leave you here Charlotte?” he asked, forcing her to admit just how much she wants him to stay. He wanted to hear her tell him she needed him. Her eyes squeezed shut and a tear rolled down her cheek.

  “You should, I would be selfish to say I want you to stay,” she groaned.

  “Tell me what you want me to do Charlotte?” he asked her again.

  “You know what I want Josh. I want you stay with me, I need you, I love you,” she sobbed.

  “Than I’m staying so please don’t tell me to go home without you again,” he whispered as his lips landed on hers. He felt her cool hands on his shoulders, as she pulled him closer. He felt her tension ease as he continued to kiss her. He wanted her, he missed her. Reluctantly he moved back.

  “Did they tell you when you can leave,” he asked, his voice husky as he stared into her eyes, seeing her desire for him was still there.

  “My doctor is suppose to tell me before noon if I can travel or not,” she told him. He saw a look of confusion in her eyes.

  “What is it Charlotte?” he asked, not liking the fact that she was holding back from him again. She placed her hands on his cheeks and her eyes glazed.

  “I don’t know where to go or what to do anymore. Where do I live?” she stuttered. He was surprised she didn’t know. He looked deeper into her eyes and noticed how dilated they were. He realized it was the sedation that was still running through her that was making her vulnerable, confused and
weepy.

  “What do you mean baby, haven’t I made myself clear enough? I want you. I want you to live with me, unless you don’t want to?” he asked, his heart sinking at the idea. She didn’t falter her gaze, she actually seemed surprised.

  “You still want me to live with you? After all this,” she sighed as she glanced at her arm before looking back to him.

  “I want to know what’s going on, believe me I do but Charlotte I told you, nothing and no one will take you from me. You said once that you would like to live in my apartment, I really hope you meant it,” he said as he placed his hands over hers that still held his face. She sat up and kissed him, losing her focus in his embrace again.

  “I think, if I remember correctly I was also supposed to be your prisoner,” she whispered.

  “You will never be a prisoner, but I just might hold you captive from time to time,” he whispered back, kissing her again.

  “I have to get you out of here. Where is your doctor?” he groaned as he stood up. She grinned as she saw the effect she was having on him. He had no idea how good that made her feel.

  Josh paced the hallway as he waited for her doctor to come out of her room. He was eager to go home. He needed to mend her in his home and in his bed. He wanted to lavish all his attention on her. He planned on taking her shopping and filling the kitchen with all her favorite food. He couldn’t wait to be alone with her again. He ran his hand through his hair as he tried to shake the image of her bleeding in the street from his mind. He watched the doctor walk toward him.

  “Hi, I understand you’ll be Ms. Bellamy’s caretaker once she leaves?” he asked.

  “Yes sir, I am. Is she capable of flying home tomorrow?” He saw the look of concern in the doctor’s eyes.

  “I will allow it as long as her bandages are changed properly upon her arrival. She should make an appointment to have her vitals checked as well. After what happened last night, I’m afraid I have been instructed to tell the authorities when she’s released, they may need to speak with her. I’ll give her oral antibiotics and pain relief to take on the plane with her. She’ll need a new prescription when she arrives home. Take care,” the doctor said, before moving on to the next room. The police needing to know she was leaving worried him. He took his cell out and called Jay.