Reconcilable Differences

by Ana Leigh

  “Later, I had my doctor examine me and the medical tests confirmed that I was neither pregnant nor HIV positive.”

  She lowered her eyes to avoid looking at him. The whole situation was so humiliating.

  “I’m not a heartless bitch, Dave. I hope you understand now why I cannot bring myself to mourn Robert’s death.”

  “Trish, I know you’re not heartless, and I know how our breakup affected both of us.”

  He reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “And, lady, I don’t know where Robert Manning was coming from but you’re not cold and unresponsive. I’ve never known a woman as responsive as you.”

  She glanced up at him sheepishly. At the warmth in his eyes, a quivering smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

  “Really?”

  “Really. There’s something else we have to discuss. I had hoped to keep this from you, but the incident in the mall forces me to tell you. Let’s go into the living room and sit down.”

  Once seated, her previous remorse had shifted into a look of apprehension. “What is it, Dave?”

  “Your father told me last night that McDermott contacted him.”

  She bolted to her feet. “What!”

  “I’m quoting him, Trish. This is not only the Agency’s theory anymore.”

  “Why would McDermott contact my father?”

  “Because he knows Manning and your father were working together.”

  “Did my father admit to that, or is it some more of your theory about him?”

  He grasped her by the shoulders and stared into the anger and hostility that had replaced the previous anxiety in her eyes.

  “Trish, listen to me. I don’t intend to turn this into a dispute over your father’s guilt or innocence. That’s an issue you’ll have to face and deal with. He said that McDermott accused him and Manning of double-crossing him, and, according to Henry, McDermott admitted killing your husband.”

  “It’s not true. I won’t believe it. Don’t keep saying it, Dave. Please, don’t keep saying it,” she pleaded in a wounded whimper.

  Her control was so tenuous, her anguish so unmasked, that his heart ached for her. With all that had happened in the past week, how could she keep taking these blows and not stay down for the count?

  He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly, hoping that his body could absorb some of her pain. When he felt her still shaking he lowered her back down on the couch and sat down beside her. Her hand trembled when he grasped it and held it between his own.

  “Trish, I didn’t want to tell you this, but the incident in the mall forces me to. Your father said that McDermott threatened to do the same to you as he did to Manning if Henry doesn’t meet his demands.”

  “What demands did McDermott make?” she asked.

  “He wants five million dollars—”

  She jerked up her head with a hopeful gleam in her eyes.

  “Well, don’t you see, Dave, that’s more like a ransom demand, not an indication that my father was involved with him. He knows my father is a rich man and is trying to get money out of him, that’s all.”

  Dave released her hand and stood up. God, Trish, will you ever face the reality about your father?

  “McDermott demanded your father return the diamonds, too.”

  Once again he had deflated her hopes. Kicked the legs out from under her. It showed in the slump of her shoulders and the lengthy silence that followed before she finally spoke.

  “What did Dad say to that?”

  “He said he didn’t have the diamonds.”

  She looked up at him. “Do you believe him?”

  Good job, Cassidy. You can be real proud of yourself. Go ahead. Finish the job that McDermott failed to do and drive the knife in deeper.

  He cupped her cheeks between his hands. He couldn’t look into the probing hope in her blue eyes and lie to her.

  “No, Trish, I don’t believe him. I believe he’s guilty as hell.”

  Call it sympathy, a need to comfort her, or just plain need to feel her in his arms. He did the dumbest thing he could think of—he lowered his head and kissed her.

  He moved his mouth over hers, devouring their softness. They tasted so sweet. So damn sweet.

  She parted her lips, and he savored that unforgettable taste of Trish and the incredible feeling that shut out everything except their need for each other. His tortured soul had hungered for it as much as his body had done and he crushed her tighter against him.

  The harsh drone of the buzzer broke them apart. For the longest moment they stared in bewilderment at each other, then he released her.

  “That must be Deb,” she murmured in a confused voice. “I called her and explained the situation, and she said she’d come over here for us to talk.”

  “Good idea,” he said. “It will help you to pass the time.”

  The conversation had become ludicrous. “Will you entertain her while I get dressed?” She hurried into the bedroom.

  “Well, finally!” Deb groused when he got on the intercom. He buzzed her in and returned to the kitchen and poured himself another cup of coffee.

  This time he’d really fouled up the situation.

  Dave and Deb chatted over coffee until Trish joined them. She had changed into a halter top and a pair of shorts. She looked great. As long as they were confined to the apartment, those long, tanned legs of hers sure made a great view.

  He noticed that Trish had composed herself, too, and showed no signs of the effects from their kiss or conversation—but he couldn’t help but wonder what was going through her mind.

  To pass the time he washed the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen, then he went into the den and watched television while the two women went over some business arrangements.

  Before leaving, Deb came in to say goodbye.

  “Take care of her, Dave,” the usually blithe woman said somberly.

  “Nothing’s going to happen to her,” Dave said.

  “You won’t let it happen, I know. You two darlings haven’t fooled me for a moment. I can sense that things still aren’t the same between you and Trish, but I have faith in both of you. I know you’ll work it out.”

  She kissed him on the cheek. “I’m glad you’re back, darling. So glad you’re back.”

  “Say hello to Tom for me,” he said as he showed her out.

  “We’ll have to get together for dinner. How about next Saturday night, our place?”

  Dave nodded. “Sounds good. I’ll check it out with Trish.”

  That would be a week from now. He didn’t say that by next Saturday he might not be around. That he hoped McDermott would be in custody, and for all Dave knew the squad could be in the Middle East or some other dangerously exotic location. He didn’t tell her that by next Saturday he might have said goodbye to Trish again.

  “So did you and Deb settle your business?” he asked when he rejoined Trish.

  Trish’s eyes gleamed with enthusiasm. “Yes, I’m excited about a new project we’re about to start. A complete renovation of a fourteen room Victorian.”

  “You never said what your father thought of the idea of you and Deb going into business.”

  Her smile faded. “He thought it was just a passing fancy with me.”

  “Is it, Trish?”

  “I think our record speaks for itself. I’m a little disappointed, Dave. You sound as if you have as much confidence in me as he did.”

  “Not at all. I believe you can accomplish any objective you put your mind to.”

  That was how she’d always felt about him, too. Had been part of the beauty of their relationship. A deep camaraderie between them. Dave had always been supportive of anything she did, and it had always added to her confidence.

  In addition to which, they enjoyed the same kind of food, books, movies and television shows. They shared the same religious and political beliefs.

  But the undeniable thing they had in common was the sheer pleasure of just being together. Whether hav
ing sex or just hanging out, they enjoyed each other’s company.

  The only issue between them was her father. And it had proven to be one too enormous to overcome.

  Now, as she listened to Dave’s words of encouragement, Trish smiled secretively.

  He’d probably sing a different tune if he knew her new objective was him.

  “Thank you, Dave. And you’d be surprised about everything I have in mind.”

  A short time later, Kurt Bolen showed up with a couple of decks of cards and a board game Dave had told him to bring. Dave made out a grocery list for him to fill, and along with the groceries, Kurt brought back pizzas for them to eat.

  When Kurt prepared to leave, Dave told him to inform the rest of the squad they could take the night off because he and Trish were housebound. So, shortly after Kurt’s departure, once again she and Dave were on their own.

  Which again created an awkwardness. The kiss they had shared was foremost on both their minds. Finally Dave broached the subject.

  “I’m sorry about the kiss, Trish.”

  “I’m not,” she said, unable to deny the truth. “It was a very tender gesture, Dave, so there’s no need for you to apologize.”

  “I still shouldn’t have kissed you. You’re very vulnerable right now.”

  “Look, I understand why you did it, and I’m not reading any more into it than a compassionate gesture from a friend. The important thing is that we are friends again.”

  “I’ll always be your friend, Trish, I won’t try to deny that I’ve been bitter over our breakup, and I’ve tried hard to resent you. But I can’t. Whatever the reason we’re unable to make it together, it is not of our choosing.”

  His chuckle was deep. Throaty. Its warmth carried to his eyes.

  “Lord knows, if loving was all it took, it would have been a slam dunk for both of us.”

  The laughter left his eyes, but his tone remained gentle.

  “But it would destroy us to try to pick up where we left off, Trish. The kiss was a mistake, so we’ll both be better off not to let it happen again.”

  Trish smiled and turned away.

  But it will, David Cassidy. And whether you admit it or not, you want it to happen as much as I do.

  Dave cleared his throat. “When are you bringing Ayevol over?” he asked in a light tone to change the subject.

  She sat down beside him on the couch. “As soon as the painters are done and I have the place entirely in shape. It should be in another week.”

  “You know what a great watch dog he is?”

  “Yeah, right. Even a kitten would be better protection.”

  His laugh was infectious. “He’s just a trusting little guy. He loves everyone.”

  “He sure didn’t love Robert.”

  “He was just responding to your vibes,” Dave said. “You know how empathetic dogs are.”

  “Remember the time we went camping and the grass snake he was sniffing out bit him on the nose. He scooted back to us on the double,” she said.

  “Or what about the time we were visiting Kim and after Ayevol gave her cat his usual enthusiastic greeting and turned to walk away, the damn cat hissed at him and jumped on his back.”

  “And Ayevol stayed on your lap for the duration of the visit,” she said.

  They both broke into laughter.

  “Yeah, I missed that little guy.”

  “He missed you, too, Dave.”

  That shared reminiscence set the mood for the rest of the day.

  The hours passed swiftly. They played several hands of double solitaire and then switched to a game of Scrabble, before they finally settled down to watch television.

  The evening news came on and covered the events of the shooting in the mall and made reference to a mysterious couple who fled the scene.

  “Who do you suppose that could be?” Dave asked, tongue-in-cheek.

  “I can’t imagine,” she replied.

  Trish was pleased. They had fallen into their old relaxed banter. And naive as it might be, despite all the serious issues such as McDermott and her father’s situation that still remained to be resolved, Trish was more encouraged than ever that she and Dave would work through their problems.

  After another hour of viewing, Dave fell asleep. Trish felt the rumblings of hunger and got up to see what she could prepare for dinner.

  Checking out his and Kurt’s selections, she came to the conclusion that bachelors should not be allowed to prepare grocery lists. She narrowed the possibilities down to macaroni and cheese or broiled steaks and frozen French fried potatoes—which actually would have to be oven fried because Kurt had failed to purchase any cooking oil.

  She was in no mood for a heavy meal of steak and potatoes, but Dave might be. She went back to the den to ask him.

  He looked so peaceful asleep that she hated to disturb him as she shook him lightly on the shoulder.

  “Dave, what do you want for dinner: steak and potatoes or mac and cheese?”

  “Whatever you want, angel,” he said drowsily, and went back to sleep.

  Smiling, Trish went into the kitchen. He had called her angel. His affectionate nickname for her. First the kiss and now the nickname.

  Yes, it was only a matter of time before he’d break down completely.

  Trish began to hum as she prepared a tossed salad.

  Chapter 11

  “So what’s it going to be?” Trish asked when they’d finished dinner and the dishes. “Television or Scrabble?”

  “I’ve been thinking about this whole McDermott situation. Obviously he doesn’t have the diamonds or he wouldn’t still be trying to kill you.”

  “So who do you think has them?”

  “I figured your father. But if so, there’d be no reason for him to tell me about McDermott’s phone call and threat on your life.”

  “So now you think Dad was telling you the truth,” Trish said hopefully.

  “Only about not having the diamonds. He implied he got involved with McDermott for the excitement of it. I don’t think he’d risk your life over money and diamonds.”

  “Gee, Dave, that’s the kindest thing I’ve ever heard you say about him. Is this an admission that you were wrong about him?”

  He shot her a cold-eyed glare. “Not likely, Trish.”

  “Well if Dad doesn’t have the diamonds, Robert must have given them to someone.”

  “That’s what I’m thinking. A close friend, maybe.”

  “I’m not exaggerating; I truly believe he didn’t have any close friends.”

  “How about a girlfriend? Do you know who he was sleeping with lately?”

  “Anyone, as long as his money held out.”

  “This is no time to be cynical, Trish. Can you come up with a name?”

  “Dave, my only guess would be his secretary, Sharon Iverson. I think he trusted her. I know they had a brief affair, and he didn’t fire her when it was over so they must have stayed on good terms.”

  “Do you know where she lives?”

  “Not exactly. I vaguely remember mailing her a wedding invitation, but that was two years ago. The address had a tree in it. Pine Ridge or Oak Grove. Something like that.”

  Dave stood up. “Where’s the telephone book?”

  “In the drawer of that end table.”

  Dave quickly paged through the directory. “There’s an S.D. Iverson listed on Willow Ridge.”

  “That must be it.”

  He quickly dialed the number and the ring was answered with a throaty, “Hello.”

  “Miss Iverson?” he asked.

  “Yes,”

  Dave gave Trish a thumbs-up. “Miss Iverson, I’m with the insurance company investigating the recent death of Robert Manning. I wonder if you would answer a few questions for me.”

  There was a long pause, then the velvet voice replied, “I don’t think I can be of much help to you, Mr.—”

  “Webster. Dan Webster,” he said quickly, glancing at the dictionary lying next to th
e Scrabble board. “You were Mr. Manning’s private secretary, weren’t you?”

  “Yes, but I’ve told the police everything I know.”

  “If it wouldn’t be too inconvenient, I’d like to hear it for my records.”

  “Are you the person who just called and hung up?”

  “No, ma’am.”

  “Very well, Mr. Webster. Come to the office tomorrow morning and I’ll speak to you then.”

  An uneasy feeling began to gnaw in his craw like it did on a mission when he sensed something was going awry. He was convinced more than ever that he had to talk to her as soon as possible.

  “Miss Iverson, would you object if I came over now? I’m short on time and I could type up my report tonight and be out of here in the morning. It shouldn’t take longer than thirty minutes.”

  He could hear her sigh of impatience. “I’m sorry, Mr. Webster, but you caught me practically on my way out the door. I’ll be happy to speak to you in the morning. And be certain you have the proper identification, sir, or I won’t answer any of your questions.”

  “Of course. I understand. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Why did you lie about your identity?” Trish asked, as soon as he hung up. “Sharon would have seen you at Robert’s service.”

  “That doesn’t mean she would know who I was,” he said.

  “Perhaps not, but we made quite an entrance, Dave, and she’d have to have guessed that you weren’t just your friendly insurance agent offering sympathy.”

  “I can be charmingly convincing when I want to be,” he said.

  “Tell me about it,” she murmured in defeat.

  “I’ll call Kurt and ask him to get over here quickly to keep an eye on you while I’m gone. Do you have a flashlight?”

  “Where are you going?” she asked, and went into the kitchen to get him the light.

  “I’m hoping she wasn’t lying about going out. I want to take a look around her apartment. Maybe I’ll get lucky.”

  “Give Kurt a break. He’s probably out on a date by now. I can come with you.”

  “You’re safer here.”