Nica relaxed, understanding more than he imagined. She considered telling him that she already knew about the power some Apedrans had, but decided to let that discussion wait for another time.
“Is Flora aware of this?”
“Yes,” Ian said. “I wrote to her not long after I left Cidade a couple of weeks ago. I got a response from her about a week ago. She indicated that she wasn’t particularly happy with my decision.”
Nica thought that was probably the biggest understatement she’d ever heard. She and Bree had wondered why they hadn’t run into Flora at any balls for the past week. Maybe this was why. “Why did you change your mind?”
“Because I discovered how much I’d be giving up if I married a woman I didn’t love,” Ian said. “I’d never been in love before, and I managed to get by well enough without it. I didn’t miss what I didn’t know.”
“And now?” Nica asked softly.
“Now, I know.”
For one blissful moment Nica’s heart overflowed with happiness. Then reality came crashing in and the happiness fled as quickly as it had come. She sucked in a sharp breath, swallowed the pain, and met Ian’s gaze directly. “I’m not going to pretend I don’t understand what you’re not quite saying, Ian. I’m not going to pretend I don’t feel the same way, either. But there are things I need to tell you. Things you need to know before either of us say those words we’re both avoiding. Things that’ll probably convince both of us that those words need to remain unspoken.”
“All right,” Ian said slowly. “I’m listening.”
Nica shook her head. “Before we talk about us, we have to talk about why I’m here.” Ian looked frustrated, but he didn’t argue. Instead he gave her a single nod, so she just plunged into it.
“The day before you left Cidade, the day of the first ball, Bree and I went shopping. Afterward we went to a restaurant for lunch and just as we were leaving, two men approached our table. Bree knew one of them. His name was…is…Evan Hearken.” Ian nodded, acknowledging that he knew the man. “He’d met his companion, Quill Thomas, on the liner from Sauria. Bree was immediately infatuated with him.”
“Yes, I remember she mentioned later that night that she was disappointed he hadn’t shown up at the ball.”
“Yes, that’s the one,” Nica said. She went on to tell him all that had happened since he’d left town. The changes in Bree’s behavior, her growing secretiveness, her overwhelming obsession with Quill and refusal to see anything she didn’t want to see.
A knock at the door interrupted her, giving her a welcome break just before she got to the worst part of her story. She sat quietly while Ian spoke with the waiter, watching as their food was laid out on the table. She waited until Ian showed the waiter out and returned to his seat before she picked up her plate and began eating. They were both hungry so they ate quietly for a time, each of them lost in their own thoughts. When Nica put her fork down and reached for her wine, Ian did the same.
“Now tell me the rest,” Ian said.
“Yesterday morning Quill came to pick Bree up for an exhibition at the museum. Bree was still upstairs getting ready, so I sat with him in the parlor while we waited for her. He said some things that were really horrible, proving that every reservation I’d had about him from the moment I met him was completely founded. Then Bree showed up, and they left.”
“Wait,” Ian said, holding up one hand to stop her. “Are you saying that you let Bree go out with this man, alone? Without you?”
“Let her?” Nica asked in surprise. Then her eyes narrowed again. “You do realize that Bree is a grown woman of twenty-three, don’t you? Furthermore, I assume you’re also aware that I am not her governess.”
“I apologize,” Ian said. “That was out of line.”
“Yes, it was,” Nica replied. “You sound just like Bree when she asked why I let her be late for her date with Quill.” Ian winced, knowing exactly how Bree could be sometimes.
“I’m really sorry, Nica.”
“Apology accepted,” she said, though she was still somewhat irritated. “To continue, Bree left without me, yes, but she told me that Evan Hearken was acting as chaperone.”
“Now I feel even worse,” Ian said with a sigh.
Nica just nodded and continued her story. “When Bree returned home a few hours later, I told her what Quill had said, which played right into his hands. He’d evidently spent the afternoon convincing her that I hated him because he loved her instead of me. He told her that I’d threatened to make sure Bree never wanted to see him again, that I planned to make up lies about him. And Bree believed every word he said. She listened to me, then told me what Quill had said, and that I’d just proved him right. Then she kicked me out of the house.”
Ian’s mouth fell open in shock. “Bree told you to leave?”
“Yes, she did, quite loudly in fact,” Nica said. “I assure you, Ian, everyone in the house heard her.”
“I’m not doubting your word, Nica,” Ian said. “It’s just difficult for me to picture Bree doing most of the things you’ve just told me, but kicking you out of the house is just…impossible to imagine.”
“I know. That’s kind of my point. Bree should know better than to believe I’d ever stab her in the back like that. But I knew ahead of time that Bree would kick me out because I know exactly how out of character she’s been acting since meeting this guy. She gets worse and worse each day.”
“Do you think she’s being drugged?”
“I almost wish that was it, but I don’t think so,” Nica said. “A drug that would cause such a drastic change in her personality would have other effects as well. A change in her sleep patterns, disorientation, motor skill impairment, memory loss, paranoia, or any one of a number of other things, and she displays none of them. I think the truth is simpler than that.”
“Which is?”
“She loves him,” Nica said. “More importantly to her, she truly believes that he loves her back, and she will do absolutely anything he wants to hang onto that because, in her mind, this is her one and only chance to not be alone any more.”
Ian nodded, surprising Nica. She never expected him to believe her so quickly. Maybe he’d meant it when he said he trusted her.
“That’s sad, Nica, but I think you’re probably right,” Ian said. She watched as he emptied his wine glass and set it down, unable to shake the feeling he was preparing himself. “I think it’s time for you to tell me what Quill said to you now.”
Nica nodded, then recited nearly word for word all that Quill had said to her. Ian stared, growing more and more stunned by each word she spoke. When she finished, his temper rose so fast it made him dizzy. Nica leaned forward and held up one hand. “Don’t, Ian,” she said sharply. “Don’t let your temper get away from you right now. I’m not finished, and you need to hear this next bit because I have no idea what it means. I need you to explain it to me so I can figure out how to help Bree.”
Ian struggled to contain his anger for Nica’s sake, but it wasn’t easy. Head down, hands clenched into fists, he concentrated on taking long deep breaths. A minute or two later he straightened up and reached for his wine glass. He refilled it, took a drink, and leaned back in his chair. “I’m sorry for that.”
“Don’t be,” Nica said. “That was nothing compared to the fit I wanted to throw after Quill and Bree left the house. I held it in because I was afraid I’d frighten your servants.”
“Did any of them hear what Quill said?”
“No, I don’t think so,” Nica said. “I confided in Joseph, though. I hope it wasn’t a mistake, but I couldn’t leave without knowing someone trustworthy would keep an eye on Bree while I was gone.”
“I trust Joseph with my life, and Bree’s as well,” Ian said. “I’m glad, and grateful, that you thought of that.”
“Well, I had other, more selfish reasons for confiding in him too,” Nica said. “He reserved a hotel room for me for the night, and he made arrangements for a grou
nd car so I could come find you. Without him, I would have gone to your country estate instead of…wherever we are. He was very kind and extremely helpful. I don’t think it hurt that he disliked Quill on sight about as much as I did.”
“Joseph has good sense,” Ian said, “and he’ll be careful not to let Bree know he’s watching over her.”
“I’m glad I made the right decision,” Nica said.
“You did,” Ian assured her. “You said there was more you had to tell me.”
“Yes, one more thing,” she said. “When I left the townhouse yesterday afternoon, Quill was standing out front, waiting for me. Obviously he knew Bree was going to tell me to leave. It was probably his idea. He said that I was to say three names to you. Jake, Gordon, and Stephen.”
“Son of a bitch,” Ian whispered, his face going white with sudden fury, his hand tightening on his glass with such force that it exploded in is hand, leaving him staring at the splintered glass and red wine dripping from his fingers.
Before she knew she was going to move Nica was on the other side of the table, kneeling beside Ian’s chair, using her linen napkin to gently pat the wine from his skin while she searched for cuts. “I’m sorry, Nica,” he said. “That was uncalled for.”
“You know those names,” Nica said, rising to her feet, then urging him to get up.
“Yes, I do,” he said, following her into the bathroom. She turned on the cold water and placed his hand beneath it, letting the stream rinse away both wine and glass. “It’s a long story, but the ending is simple enough. I thwarted a man named Gordon Thomas in two separate crimes. The first was when he stole the identity of a friend of mine, Jake Gowen, of Sheara 3. We were both enrolled in the same college and agreed to meet on the afternoon of the first day in a little park on campus. I got there and waited for an hour, but Jake never showed, so I went looking for him. I found Gordon Thomas instead. He was using Jake’s name and settling into Jake’s dorm room, all set to take advantage of the education Jake’s father had paid for. I reported him, of course, but Jake was never seen or heard from again.”
“I’m sorry, Ian,” Nica said, seeing the pain on his face when he spoke of his friend. Ian nodded his thanks and continued.
“The second time I encountered Thomas was when he nearly married another friend’s twin sister. He was going by the name Stephen Gordon that time.”
“That was recent, wasn’t it?” Nica asked. She’d shut off the water and was now examining Ian’s hand carefully for more glass. “Bree told me you went to a double wedding a few weeks ago on Sauria, but only one couple actually got married.”
“Yes, that’s right,” Ian said, frowning.
“What is it?” Nica asked.
“When Bree told me about this man, the name Thomas set off an alarm. But when Bree described him to me, I realized it couldn’t be Gordon Thomas. She said he was my height, with brown eyes, blonde hair, and handsome. In particular she said he had a nice smile.”
“That’s right,” Nica said.
“Gordon Thomas is about three inches shorter than me, has blue eyes, dark hair, and really bad teeth. I don’t see how it could be Gordon, but only Gordon would know what those names meant to me.”
“He could have told someone else who is now acting on his behalf,” Nica said. “But my gut is telling me that’s not it. I think Quill and Gordon are the same man.”
“Why?”
“Because Quill hates you, Ian,” Nica said. “This is very personal for him.”
“But…how?” Ian asked. “I know it’s easy to change hair color, wear contacts, even have teeth fixed. But changing a person’s height isn’t so easy.”
“No, it’s not, but Bree was wrong,” Nica said. “Quill is a solid two inches shorter than you, Ian. I’m not mistaken, either. I didn’t spend two years at the ICARUS Academy without learning a few things and observation is a required skill. Shoes with a thick sole could easily account for the other inch, and yes, he regularly wears such shoes. I thought it was a vanity thing, but now I think it’s part of his disguise.”
“Damn,” Ian whispered. “Gordon Thomas must have overheard me convincing his bride-to-be of his true identity. My name was hidden the first time, in college, so he never knew who turned him in. It would have been easy enough to find out my name at the wedding though. I’ve no doubt he saw Bree with me, too. He probably had it all planned before Bree and I even left Sauria.”
“So, he wants revenge,” Nica said, releasing Ian’s hand.
“And money,” Ian said.
“Wait…you said your friend, Jake, was never found,” Nica said. “Did Gordon Thomas kill him?”
“I think he did, and Jake’s father thought so too, but there was no evidence and no body. They got him on theft charges since he had Jake’s wallet, but that was all.”
“He threatened to marry and then hurt Bree if he doesn’t get what he wants from you,” Nica said. “But he didn’t say anything about killing her. Do you think he’d go that far?”
“I don’t know,” Ian said. “But I think we need to get back to Cidade and find out.”
“Agreed,” Nica said. “When do you want to leave?”
“I’d leave right now if we could, but we can’t. I’d like to leave as early as possible though, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course not,” Nica said in surprise. “Why would I mind?”
“I’m talking really early, Nica,” Ian said, leading the way back to the living room. “Like four or five o’clock. If that’s too early for you, tell me now and we’ll make it later.”
“You want me to come with you?”
“Yes,” Ian said, turning around to look at her in mild surprise. “Unless you’d rather not.” He frowned. “I know Bree can be really obnoxious when she’s angry. I share that trait with her, I’m afraid. I also know that what she did to you was unforgiveable. But my sister loves you, Nica, and she’s going to need you when this whole mess blows up.”
“Don’t worry, Ian, I’ll be there for her,” Nica said.
“Thanks,” Ian said with obvious relief. “I’ll go downstairs and let my driver know we’ll be leaving earlier than we’d planned. You should finish your dinner.”
“Ian, why can’t we leave tonight?”
“Because the law limits the number of hours a person can drive, and both of our drivers drove all day,” Ian explained. “They won’t be able to drive again until they’ve rested for a minimum of seven hours. Shall I dismiss your driver while I’m down there?”
“Yes, please,” Nica said, then hesitated before asking, “Will you come back?”
“I’d like to,” Ian said. “If you don’t mind.”
“No, I don’t mind.”
Ian nodded, then hurried out the door.
After he was gone, Nica picked up their dinner plates and stacked them on the tray left by the waiter, then went into the bathroom. She brushed her teeth, washed her face and hands, and dug her hairbrush out of her toiletries bag. She carried it to the chair beside the big window and opened the curtains, then stood staring out at the rolling green fields that seemed to stretch forever. In the light of the setting sun they appeared to be lush and healthy and beautiful, unlike the faded, struggling fields she’d seen outside the ground car window all day. Even after years of living on other worlds, lavender skies and blue grass would always be her favorite, but the blue skies and green fields of Apedra, even faded and ill, ran a close second.
She sat down in the armchair, pulled her long braid over her shoulder and unraveled it with practiced fingers as she gazed out at the setting sun. Once the braid was free she began the soothing ritual of brushing her hair, taking her time as she ran it from scalp to end, section by section. When she was finished she leaned back and relaxed as she watched the sun set in the distance.
Ian stepped off the elevator and started up the hall. He’d tried to hire a fresh driver for the night from the hotel, but the three they kept on staff were already spoken for. He’d
been frustrated at first, but decided it was just as well when he remembered how pale and tired Nica had looked when he’d seen her climbing out of the ground car in front of the hotel. He’d actually thought she was a hallucination at first.
He’d had to spend much more time than he’d expected just trying to track down his driver so he could change their departure time. He resented every minute of it too, since it was another minute he couldn’t spend with Nica. After finding his driver, he’d given up looking for Nica’s driver, opting to leave a message at the front desk for him instead.
He was still some distance from Nica’s room when he heard a muffled scream. He knew instantly that it was coming from Nica’s room and worse, from Nica herself. He ran the rest of the way to her room, grabbed the doorknob and twisted it, but it was locked and he couldn’t enter without the key card. He took a step back, about to ram the door with his shoulder, when the screams stopped. He hesitated, then began pounding on the door with his fist.
Nica's Legacy (Hearts of ICARUS Book 1) Page 21