Vindication: Of Demons & Stones: Tri-Stone Trilogy, Book Three

by Anne L. Parks

  Alex is standing near the arched opening to the living room when I come in. "Hey, baby," he says, and wraps his arm around my waist, giving me a chaste kiss. "How was your meeting?"

  "Interesting," I say, and glance around him to see who else is in the room. A woman is seated on the love seat. She's wearing a cream-colored pantsuit, and has dark-hair that sits just on the collar on her jacket. She looks familiar, but I don't recognize her. "I'll talk to you about it later."

  The woman stands. She wobbles slightly, and I wonder if it's from wearing high heels or being nervous. A small smile crosses her face, but her gaze is apprehensive. "Hello, Kylie. It's been a while."

  A cold sweat breaks out across my skin, but my blood instantly boils. My heart pounds in my chest like a drum beating before a deadly battle.

  No. Fucking. Way.

  All I can do is stare at her. The desire to punch her is as overwhelming as turning around and leaving the room. I hate this woman, hoped never to see her again. She may have given birth to me, but she is not my mother.

  I swing my gaze over to Alex. "What the hell is she doing in my house?"

  "Kylie, please, I just want to talk to you—" she says. The pleading quiver in her voice sets off an explosion of rage that's been dormant for years.

  "Don't speak to me, Angelina." I watch as she cringes at me using her name instead of calling her mother. She gave up that right a long time ago. "There is nothing you can say that will mean a damn thing to me." I take a step toward her. Alex lightly tugs on my arm. Is he afraid I might hit her? Probably a smart bet, but I have no desire to get that close to the bitch. "Leave. Now. And don't ever come back. You are not welcome in my house, or in my life."

  Turning to Alex, I mutter through clenched teeth. "Get her out of here, now."

  He nods, and releases my arm. I storm out of the room. Sniffles and crying follow me out. They have no effect. Not after everything she did—and didn't do—when she left my father and me with nothing.

  "Please, help me," I hear her pleading with Alex. "I just want to make things right with her."

  "My wife was quite clear that she wants nothing to do with you, and I support her one hundred percent. You need to leave now. You would be wise not to try to contact either one of us in the future."

  I enter the library, toss my attaché on the desk, and drop into my desk chair. I swivel it toward the windows, and gaze out at the water. The click of high heels against the travertine tiles in the foyer is followed by the heavy front door closing. I close my eyes, and try to focus on my breathing. Inhale and hold. One…two…three…four…five. Exhale.

  "Kylie." Alex's voice is low, calm, and quiet. I open one eye. He's standing at the entry. His eyes crinkle at the corners, and deep creases line his forehead.

  Taking a deep breath, I exhale and sit up in my chair. Alex rounds my desk, and sits on the edge. "I'm sorry, baby. Jake didn't know we had put a strict 'no entry' order in place for her. By the time I found out she was here, you were coming in the house."

  "It's fine. She was the last person I expected to see. I was all geared up to yell at the police for questioning you without your attorney present—not—that bitch."

  "I don't think she will be an issue anymore. You made your position pretty clear."

  I laugh. "I guess I was a bit rude, huh?"

  "I've seen you mad before, and it has scared the shit out of me to be on the receiving end of your fury. But I hope I never have the rage you have for her directed toward me."

  "Well, that's easy to avoid," I say, grasping his shirt and pulling him to me. "Don't ever leave me."

  "As if I ever could," he murmurs against my lips. "Nothing will ever keep us apart."

  "Excuse me."

  We look at Jake standing in the doorway. "The police are here, and would like to ask you both some questions."

  "Have they talked to you or Thomas?" I ask.

  "No, but I assume they will eventually."

  I nod. "Show them into the living room, and let them know we will be in shortly." I stand, and smooth my hands over my pants and button my suit jacket.

  Alex grabs my hips, and gazes at me. "You in lawyer mode still turns me on."

  "Is that right?"

  "Mm, hmm." He nods, his eyes darkening.

  "Well, try to keep your libido under wraps—at least until our guests leave."

  "I'll do my best, but I can't promise anything." He kisses me, coaxing my lips apart, and sweeping his tongue into my mouth.

  I relax against him, falling into the passion of the moment, needing the silence before the storm that is about to commence.

  Pulling back, I rest my forehead against his, soaking in his strength and confidence in me. "Okay, serious now. You don't answer a question unless I allow it. Try not to give them anything, through body language, sounds of disgust or exasperation—nothing. We can overcome any statement that you were unemotional, but it's damn hard to counter the perception that certain questions irritated you."

  "This is your show. I'll follow your lead."

  A male and female detective stand as Alex and I enter the living room. The female detective reaches her hand out to me as soon as I approach. "Detective Janice McClure." She's wearing basic black pants with a black suit jacket over a simple white blouse. Her hair is pulled back into a tight ponytail. Her dark hair shows some gray.

  Gesturing to the man next to her, she says, "This is my partner, Detective Aaron Kain." He's wearing essentially the same uniform as Detective McClure, with a dash of color from his red tie.

  "I'm Kylie Stone, and this is my husband, Alex Stone. Please have a seat." Alex and I sit on the love seat facing the detectives. "How can we help you?"

  McClure picks up a notepad from the glass table that separates the love seats. Apparently, she'll be taking the lead on the questioning. Because she is senior to her partner? Or because they assume I will be the dominant obstacle, and a woman will relate better to another woman? Oh, the games we play…

  "We've gone over Detective Reyes' notes from his meeting with you yesterday. We just have some follow up questions." She looks at me and smiles. "I understand you were in Colorado on your honeymoon at the beginning of the year, and—Mrs. Stone—you were kidnapped. Is that correct?"

  "Yes," I say, and rest my hands loosely in my lap.

  McClure stares at me for a moment as the silence stretches. "We've been able to obtain the police reports, as well as your statements to the police in Colorado, and gone through them. Why didn't you mention this to the investigator?"

  "Which investigator would that be?"

  "Detective Reyes."

  "I wasn't aware he was an investigator assigned to this case. He's from the DA's office. As far as I know, and knew at the time, there was no arrest, no case pending with the District Attorney, and therefore, no need for an investigator from the DA's office to be questioning anyone."

  McClure audibly exhales.

  "What can you tell me about the kidnapping?"

  "Beyond what's in the police reports from the Colorado authorities?"

  Kain rolls his eyes, but McClure keeps her razor sharp gaze on me. "Perhaps you could just start from the beginning, and run us through it?"

  "If you have specific questions regarding the kidnapping, we will answer them. I'm not sure it's necessary to rehash the event. It was extremely upsetting for both of us."

  McClure stares at me for a minute, that feels like five. I stare back, knowing full well how this game is played.

  "Mr. Stone, where were you the night before your father's body was discovered on your property?"

  Alex bristles next to me at the mention of James being his father. "I was working in my study, and then went to bed."

  "How late did you work?"

  "I went to bed at about four in the morning."

  "Did you stay in your study the entire time?"

  Alex pauses, and then nods. "Yes, I was in there the entire time."

  "Can anyone support your
claim? Was anyone else with you during that time?"

  "No, Kylie was asleep—"

  I rest my hand over the top of Alex's, and he stops talking. No need to do their job for them by answering questions they haven't asked.

  McClure's gaze darts over to me. She picks up her notepad, and puts her pen in her jacket pocket. "That's all we have for now. We'll be in contact if we have any other questions. We can show ourselves out."

  "Why not just answer their questions about what happened in Colorado?" Alex asks once we hear the front door close.

  "The police took our statements right after the incident when everything was fresh in our minds. If we start letting them interrogate us and we slip up on some detail, they'll use the discrepancy against us. Claim that we were either lying then or lying now. It's too hard to get the genie back in the bottle once it's out."

  I fall back, and melt into the cushions. Could this day get any crazier?

  Alex brushes the hair that has fallen across my face to the side. "You look tired, baby. Why don't you go lay down for a while, maybe take a nap?"

  I glance at the time on my phone. "I can't. I'm meeting the contractor to go through a final inspection on the office space."

  "Okay, but when you get back, you need to seriously consider some down time. You're just getting over a serious concussion."

  "I will," I say sitting up and giving him a quick kiss on the lips. "Promise."

  * * *

  The office space is completely transformed from what it was a few months prior. I glance out the windows of my new corner office, over the tops of neighboring businesses, and onto the bay. Even though the day is overcast and rain threatens, it is still a beautiful view.

  Now that the construction is complete, the new furnishings I ordered can be delivered. One of the perks of marrying a billionaire is that all the money I make is mine to do with as I please. Which is how I'm able to afford remodeling the office and upgrading the furniture. There are now three offices, a conference room, a restroom, and an eat-in kitchenette. Everything sits along the exterior walls, leaving an open area in the center as a reception area.

  In stark contrast to the office at my former law firm, Roberts & Daniels, which was very contemporary in it's use of glass, chrome, sharp edges and straight lines, I'm going for a more comfortable, homey atmosphere. I love the natural wood tones and the exposed brick. Closing my eyes, I envision the leather love seats and chairs filled with new clients, the office buzzing with activity, and the aroma of coffee wafting through the air.

  "Kylie?" A female voice calls from the stairwell. Sarah, the receptionist at R&D, hits the top step and slowly looks around the space.

  "Hey, Sarah." I haven't seen her since before I was shot by John. The vibrant, young blonde impressed me with her ability to read people and situations, and respond accordingly. She was an excellent first face for clients stepping off the elevators to the penthouse suite of the firm. Smart and flirty worked for her, and she was able to dispel some long-held prejudices I had.

  "I thought that was you. I saw you come in here while I was grabbing coffee across the street," she says, breathing a little heavy. The stairs tend to do that the first couple of times people traverse them. "How are you doing?"

  "I'm good."

  She snorts. "Good…you just married the most delectable man on the planet. I'd say you're more than good." Her gaze sweeps around the office space again. "Is this your new place? I heard you were opening your own firm."

  I stifle a chuckle. No doubt I have been the topic of conversation throughout the R&D rumor mill for the past few months. After things fell apart, and John, who was also an attorney at the firm, was fired for stalking and harassing me, many attorneys and other staff had harsh feelings toward me. I never felt comfortable working there after the shooting, and never returned to work. Jack graciously offered me the office space where he first started out, and I jumped at the opportunity to start my own law firm.

  "This is the new office," I confirm. "Are you still at Roberts and Daniels?"

  "Yeah," she says with a deep sigh. "I hate it there. Your gone. Lisa's at law school. Jack is hardly ever there anymore. I can't stand the arrogant attorneys, pretentious clients, and catty legal secretaries. It's just no fun there anymore." She stares at the open reception area where the new receptionists desk will be. "I was hoping—" she faces me with her patented bright smile, "you might need help getting your firm off the ground."

  Do I ever. I sigh in resignation. "There is no way I can afford to pay you what you're making at R&D, Sarah."

  "Well, luckily, I'm able to take a pay cut. I've been living pretty frugally for a twenty-something, and managed to put away nearly half of my paycheck in savings and investments. I have a pretty good nest egg." She taps the side of her head. "Not some dumb blonde here. I just play one at the office."

  "Why do you want to leave—and take a substantial pay cut?" Not that I wouldn't love for Sarah to work for me, she is great with clients and a hard worker, but this would be a significant step back for her.

  "I can't advance at R&D. I'm at the top rung of the ladder."

  "And how does becoming a receptionist here advance your career?"

  She smiles, and a glint hits her eyes. "Because you'll be hiring me as your office manager. I’ll still handle the receptionist duties—because let's face it, I'm really good at it—but you’ll also get someone who can manage all aspects of the office that you don't have time for. I can also do some secretarial duties, and even some legal research. And just for you, I can offer bookkeeping services, also."

  "Do you have any bookkeeping experience?"

  "Actually, I do. I have a degree in accounting, and have a side business keeping books for a couple small businesses in the area."

  Huh…I had no idea she had gone to college. Or had this much ambition. Shame on me for judging a book by it's cover.

  Inhaling deeply through my nose, I quickly consider my options. I can hire Sarah, who has more than enough experience, get three people for the price of one, or…there are no real options other than this. Smiling, I put out my hand. "How soon can you start?"

  "Really?" She bounces up and down and squeals. I'll have to get used to that again. "Oh my gosh, let's see. I'll put in my two weeks notice today. When will you be getting office furniture, and equipment?"

  "I have to get a hold of them and see when it can be delivered."

  "So, you have it all picked out?"

  I nod.

  "Okay, email the information to me. I'll call and set up the delivery for this Saturday. That way I can be here and make sure things are properly placed."

  "Are you sure you want to work on your weekend?"

  "Kylie, I can work during the day, and still have fun at night." She snorts, reminding me that I'm not that young anymore. Working all day, and partying all night would put me down for more than a couple days recuperation time.

  "Okay, let me give you a tour of the place, and keys."

  A half an hour later, I lock the door to the office, say good bye to Sarah, and point my Porsche toward home. I hit the speed dial button for Alex. "You will never guess what I who I just hired."

  Twenty-Two

  Family dinner night at the Alex's parents is not something I want to do tonight. Or any night. Standing at the front door of their large home, I take a deep breath. She will not get under my skin. She will not get under my skin.

  Alex tightens his arm around my waist, and brushes his lips against my ear. "If Francine starts acting up, we'll leave. Okay?"

  I nod, and force a smile as the front door opens. Francine, Alex's aunt and adopted mother, smiles broadly at him. "Hello, dear, come in." She steps aside to let us into the foyer. "Hello, Kylie," she says, her smile tightening.

  "Francine." I've tried for a long time to get along with the woman who raised Alex, but it has been a losing battle. The woman has a hate for me that I'm not even sure she can explain. Since the first time she met me, she has disl
iked my relationship with her son. On a couple of occasions, she has even tried to break us up. Once with a woman Alex was friends with. Of course, Rebekah wanted to be more than friends, and was all too happy to go along with Francine's plan. It backfired, and drove an even greater divide between Alex and Francine. And had completely destroyed his friendship with Rebekah. No loss there.

  "There's my favorite daughter-in-law." Harold walks towards me with his arms wide open. Where Francine is a bitch from the depths of hell—Harold is the light and love that brightens any day.

  "Hi, Harold," I say, and step into his bear hug. I have come to love this man like a father in the months since I’ve met him. He is everything I wanted my father to be. I have Harold now, and I guess it's better late than never.

  Wrapping his arms around my waist, Harold leads me across the foyer. I glance back at Alex, who just shakes his head, but a crooked smile slides across his face. Harold is probably the only man in the world Alex would allow to take his place at my side.

  "Everyone is in the living room having a cocktail before dinner." We step into the room, and my sister-in-law, Patty, hugs me as if she hasn't seen me in a month, when I had lunch with her a week ago. She takes after Harold in so many ways, most of all his loving, sensitive personality.

  "Hey, Kylie." My best friend, Leigha, who also dates Alex's brother, Will, gives me a hug. "How did it go at the office? I can't wait to see it."

  "The place looks great. I'm so happy with how it—" A woman standing on the opposite side of the room catches my attention. What the hell is my mother doing here? A wildfire of rage ignites in my chest, quickly spreading through my body. I look at Alex, and his eyebrows furrow. "Either she goes or I do," I say through clenched teeth.

  Francine steps beside Alex, and glares at me. "Don't be rude, Kylie."

  "You have no idea what you're talking about, Francine," Alex says.