Uncorked

by Rebecca Rohman

  “Come in. I made some pasta primavera. You want some?”

  “Sure. I miss your cooking,” he replied, sitting at the island while she plated his portion.

  “Is that all you miss?”

  “I miss you too, Mom, but you’ve made it hard for me to be around you.”

  “I feel a bit badly about that.”

  “Do you? Or are you saying that because it’s what I want to hear?”

  “It’s the truth. I have to admit that it hurt when Charlotte was the one to call to tell me about Emily.”

  “I didn’t need the added stress of hearing you attacking the woman I’m in love with while I was preoccupied with my daughter’s well-being.”

  “How is she, anyway?”

  “You should know she’s great. She told me she saw you earlier today.”

  “I’m talking about Chella.”

  “Why do you care?”

  “Let’s just say I had an epiphany after the accident with Emily. And after a fight with Margery. She set me straight.”

  “Why? What happened?”

  “Apparently Francesca overheard some of Chella’s friends talking about me and my little stunt at your birthday party. It really hurt her, and when she told her mother, she came over here and we got into a huge fight over it.”

  “What did she tell you?”

  “Let’s just say I’m not willing to lose my son and my best friend.”

  “Why didn’t you call then?”

  “I still hadn’t found a way to swallow my pride. I can’t stand Chella. I probably will never like her, but I promise you, from now on, I will respect her.”

  Great. Just when things get rocky, you come around…

  “What’s wrong?” Liz asked.

  “Nothing. Why?”

  “I don’t know. Your expression.”

  “I have no idea what you’re taking about.”

  “You’re lying to me. Emily said something that caught my attention earlier. She said Chella didn’t come to visit her, yet. That struck me as odd. Did the two of you break up?”

  “Not really.”

  “What do you mean ‘not really’? It’s either yes or no.”

  He looked down, circling his temples with his fingers.

  “What did she do to you?”

  “Nothing. It’s nothing like that.”

  “Care to explain?”

  “Mom, she just had to go away for a while.”

  “Is she cheating on you? Is she seeing someone else?”

  “No, Mom. It’s nothing like that. She’s been through something really traumatic, and she needed to take a break.”

  “More traumatic than Emily’s accident?”

  “In some ways, yes. Sometimes it’s easier to deal with physical pain and injuries than emotional pain. You of all people should know that.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “Mom, can I trust you? Are you being honest with me right now about respecting Chella?”

  “Yes. No more games. I swear on Emily’s life.”

  “She went through something very similar to what you did.”

  “Are you talking about what I think you’re talking about?”

  “Unfortunately, yes. She wasn’t raped, but she was violated in the same way. I couldn’t be there for her. It happened around the same time as the accident. She left and I have no clue where she is.”

  Liz went silent. She slid down into a barstool, enclosed her face with both hands and took a deep breath. “Mitch, I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Not even my worst enemy.”

  “They drugged her, took pictures of her, unconscious and nude, then circulated the pictures at her job.”

  “Oh, no. Mitch, I’m so sorry. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I feel for her. Have you spoken to her at all since she left?”

  “I sent her an email earlier. She hasn’t responded.”

  “How is she?”

  “She’s building a wall around herself. Mom, there’s so much more I’m not willing to discuss. It’s just a really difficult time right now.”

  “Is there anything I can do?”

  “Yes, when this is all over, and I find her and get her back, you have to lay off.”

  “I will. I’m not promising to fall in love with her, but I will be cordial.”

  “That’s all I ask.”

  “So what are you going to do next?”

  “The police have some work to do. I’m going to see if I can find her. I don’t want her to come back until the perpetrators have been arrested, though.”

  “Do you think she’ll come back?”

  “I don’t know. I guess we’ll have to see how much damage is there when all is said and done. Her last memories of her parents are in San Diego. Hopefully, that will be enough.”

  “What are you going to do if she doesn’t want to come back?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll think about that if or when the time comes.”

  “Are you going to be here for Christmas?”

  “I doubt it. Charlotte and her family are going to visit George’s parents in Vancouver. Why?”

  “I’m going on a cruise with Margery.”

  “That’s great. I hope you have fun. Maybe you’ll finally meet that someone special.”

  “Ohhh, I don’t know about that.”

  “Hopefully this will all be over soon, and we can get together in the New Year.”

  After spending the rest of the weekend with his daughter, Mitch returned to San Diego late Sunday night. It concerned him that he still had not heard from Chella. After showering, he climbed into bed and called her. After the fifth ring, her voice mail came on. He left a message.

  “Hey, Chell. It’s me. Can you call me back, please? Or at least drop me an email? I haven’t heard from you in a few days, and I’m getting a little concerned. Please…call me…soon… Bye.”

  The following day, Chella awoke on the couch. The night before, she was curious and checked her old email address. When she saw the barrage of nasty emails to her from the perpetrator since she left, it upset her. That, compounded by the fact that they sent her a copy of the email they had sent to the staff of Sheyenne International, shook her to her core.

  When she saw them, she forwarded them to Detective Carter. Her leaving obviously pissed off the perpetrator. Due to the content of the email, it was a good thing that she was out of the state. Some of the threats were against Mitch and her friends. If Detective Carter’s suspicions were accurate and Jade was the one responsible for this, she would know who Chella’s friends were and who Chella cared about the most. Detective Carter promised Chella he would increase the police presence, especially at the office and Mitch and Craig’s house and do routine patrols at Vicky and Kacy’s house. He also warned Chella not to be tempted to respond to the emails.

  After making herself some coffee, she looked at her phone and realized she had a voice message from Mitch. She listened to it. She wasn’t in the mood to talk and didn’t want to be put in the position where she would rely on him for support, so she decided she should email him.

  Mitch sat in his study later that morning checking his emails. He was relieved when he saw the email from Chella.

  To: Mitch Mariani

  From: Nicolette Taylor

  Date: Monday December 12, 2011

  8:43AM

  Hi Mitch,

  Thanks for your email. Sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner.

  I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. However, I need you to please be careful and watch your back. Detective Carter will be calling you to update you sometime later today.

  Take care of you, and send my love to Emily.

  He was happy to receive her email. After retrieving her IP address, he did a search and found out she was in Aspen, Colorado. He spent the rest of the morning researching private investigators in the area. A few phone calls and many questions later, he was happy with one company in particular and hired them to find out where she was. He gave them sp
ecific instructions to be discreet and not to approach her. If Chella suspected someone was watching her, she would pack up and leave in a hot second.

  When Detective Carter called, Mitch realized why Chella asked him to be careful. After the weekend she had, he was even more eager to see her. The police also had Jade under surveillance, but since they weren’t one hundred percent certain she was the perpetrator, they continued with the extra security for Chella’s friends.

  Being the week before Christmas and the promotion, Chella spent lots of time on the phone with Officer Jamie Cooper, a.k.a. Nicolette Taylor, to walk her through the promotion. So far she’d done a great job following everything according to plan. She told Chella that Jade hadn’t done anything overtly to make her suspicious, but Jade seemed very angry about the fact that Chella hadn’t called her to personally say goodbye.

  Later that afternoon, Detective Carter called Chella.

  “Ms. Noon, remember I told you some time ago that I was waiting for a list of employees for a company where Mr. Stewart worked?”

  “The business that was no longer operating?”

  “Yes, that’s the one. You won’t believe what I found out.”

  “What is it?”

  “Aaron Stewart and Jade used to work there together.”

  “Oh, God. So she’s been the one helping him all this time?”

  “It seems so, but that fact is not enough to arrest her. It means I need to investigate some more. I’ve tried reaching other employees who worked together with them at the time, but, as you can imagine, this time of year people are out of town and a few have moved. I’ll be speaking with two tomorrow. I’m hoping they will give me some insight into the nature of their relationship, if one ever existed, between them.”

  “I can’t believe this. Did you find out any more about my parents case?”

  “Not yet. I’m making your case a priority for now.”

  “Thanks, Detective. I appreciate your hard work on my case. I know it must take you away from your family.”

  “It does, but…”

  “I know. You’re just doing your job. Can I ask you a favor?”

  “What’s that?”

  “Spend some time with your family. It’s Christmas.”

  “That’s nice of you, but I’m scheduled to work.”

  “From what time?”

  “Nine to five.”

  “Well, do me a favor. You have been working on my case all day, every day, morning, noon and night. When five o’clock comes, go home to your family.”

  “I’ll do my best, Ms. Noon.”

  Days later, Mitch was boarding a flight to L.A. when his phone rang.

  “Mr. Mariani? Charles Worthington.”

  “How’s the investigation?”

  “Good. I wanted you to know that we’ve located Ms. Noon.”

  “So soon?”

  “It’s what we do. She’s smart. She did a pretty good job of covering up her tracks. I ID-ed her in person myself. I’ll be emailing you everything.”

  “I can’t thank you enough. I’m getting on a plane now. I’ll call you when I land if I have any questions.”

  During the flight, Mitch checked his email. He smiled when he saw the investigator’s photos confirming it was Chella. She wore dark sunglasses and her hair straight in every photo, despite different clothing and different time-stamps. In all she was completely unaware her picture was taken. A few were of her bundled up on a patio, some were in town. Seeing her made him aware of how much he missed her, and how much he wanted to see her, but he wasn’t sure how well she would receive him—especially after she found out he hired an investigator to find her.

  He spent the next few days with his daughter before she and the rest of her family left for Vancouver. The first day he took her to the doctor to ensure all was well before her three-hour flight to Canada. When they returned to Charlotte’s house, her mother told her she had a big surprise for her.

  “You and Micky get to open one Christmas present before our trip.”

  “Really?”

  “Yep. It just arrived in the mail.”

  “Go ahead, open it. It’s for both of you,” Charlotte said as she looked at Mitch and smiled.

  “Who is it from?” Mitch asked.

  “It’s from Chella,” she whispered.

  He smiled at her response. It was just like Chella to be thoughtful.

  Emily tore away the wrapping on the box, her little brother eagerly helping her so they could get to what was inside. They pulled out a massive hardcover book with five containers of frosted glass inside.

  “Let me read you the card,” Charlotte said. “To Emily and Micky. Over the Christmas holidays while you recover from you injuries, I hope you have lots of fun together making all the frosted glass crafts in this book. Do you know who it’s from?”

  “Chella!” Emily shouted with excitement. “Wow, look at all the pretty colors. Can we make something now? Would you like to help, Daddy?”“

  “Sure, Sweetie.”

  A few days later, Chella roamed the house, a little bored. The days were becoming monotonous. She had finished one painting, but she wasn’t sure she was ready to start another yet. Christmas was in three days. She had already shopped online for all her friends using her anonymous debit card. She had sent them all warm Christmas messages along with their gifts. After a while, she realized what was missing: a Christmas tree. She searched the internet and found a local company that would deliver the next day. She placed an order.

  The next morning, after the tree had been delivered, she headed into town to get decorations and food for the upcoming Christmas weekend.

  Aspen was charming. Quaint shops and old-fashioned street lamps adorned with Christmas décor in vivid greens and reds lined the streets. In the distance was a huge, lit Christmas tree with decorations in every imaginable color. The day was filled with sunny skies, snow-filled slopes, below-freezing temperatures and locals draped in furs, walking their diamond-leashed dogs through the shops. After shopping, she stopped at a local café for a cup of hot cocoa and headed home.

  While in town, she heard there would be a major storm coming through that night. As much as two feet of snow was expected, so she made sure to pick up enough supplies in case she was snowed in for the entire Christmas weekend. She found salt for the stairs, and brought firewood into the house. By the time she had finished baking cookies and heated up a pot of cocoa, it was snowing.

  Christmas had always been a special time of the year for Chella. It reminded her of the happy times with her parents. After they died, she continued with the usual family traditions. She unwrapped her new crystal ornaments, remembering the last Christmas she and her parents spent together. She thought about Mitch. She really thought this would be a special Christmas, and she would be able to share some of her traditions with him, but their relationship was over. She missed him and couldn’t resist the temptation to pull his shirt from her bag. She wove the fabric between her fingers and took in his scent.

  Sadness overcame her, and she tried her hardest not to think of him or all the drama of the last year. She stuffed the shirt under a throw cushion and switched on the television to preoccupy her mind. While watching the movie Home Alone—so appropriate—she set up the Christmas tree and added lights. By the time she was finished, the snowfall was significantly heavier, and the wind had picked up. She went into the kitchen to get another cup of cocoa. As she walked past the entry, there was a knock on the door.

  Chella froze.

  No one, apart from the real estate agent, knew she was there. Her heart skipped a beat. She slowly put down the cup of cocoa, and tip-toed toward the door.

  Then she heard a voice, shouting over the howling winds.

  “Chella? It’s Mitch. Open the door.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chella looked through the peephole.

  Mitch.

  While she was excited to see him, she definitely didn’t want him knowing that.
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  She opened the door. He stood before her covered with snow. Blood ran down his temple.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I had to see you…”

  “You’re bleeding. What happened?”

  “The branch of a tree fell and hit me. No big deal.”

  Snowflakes spiraled around him in the alcove. He shifted from one boot to the other.

  “Are you going to invite me in, or do I have to freeze out here?”

  “I’m sorry.” Chella grabbed the leather duffle bag from his gloved hand and helped him inside. “I’m just in a bit of shock that you’re here. Come in.”

  He stomped a mini-blizzard of snow to the floor.

  “Let me get something to take care of that cut. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be right back.” She went to the medicine cabinet, shouting after her, “There’s hot cocoa on the stove if you want some.” She returned with a first aid kit. Mitch sat in the living room, drinking from a mug.

  “I see you were putting up a tree.”

  “I was.”

  “I like your hair. You look beautiful—not that you didn’t before.”

  “Thanks. You have a lot of explaining to do, Mitch Mariani,” she said, standing in front of him as she unwrapped an antiseptic wipe.

  “I do, don’t I?”

  “Start talking,” she said as she cleaned the cut on his temple. “How did you find me?”

  “Ummm…”

  “Ummm is not an answer. I’ve been very cautious. How did you find me?”

  “I got your IP address from the email you sent me and found out you were in Aspen.”

  He winced as she pressed the bandage against his head. Hard.

  “Go on.”

  “Then I hired a private investigator to find you.”

  “You did what?” She stepped away from him. “Are you insane?”

  “Without a doubt. Chella, the last few weeks… I had to see you. We have to talk.”

  “Shouldn’t you be with Emily on Christmas?”

  “Charlotte and her family went to Vancouver for the holidays.”

  “I can’t believe you hired an investigator to find me,” she said, nearly shouting.