Kathy hissed at the phone. “Don’t tell me what to do, you bastard. I’ll bring Kip along as a guard dog in case you have aspirations of hurting me. He may be mad but I know my husband. He’ll fight to the death for me.”
AFTER SENDING THE reply text to Kathy, Richard smiled, rising from the sofa to fix another cup of espresso. Though not the original, meticulously plotted plan, things were falling into place as he envisioned the day he discovered Samantha’s intrusion inside his home. The communication with the pole-grinding whore was perfection. It was time to set the final pieces in play. While walking toward the kitchen, he clicked on Conrad Baxter’s cell number and hit the call button.
“Morning, Rich. How was the vacation?”
Ignoring the use of the abhorrent nickname, Richard kept his tone neutral. “Wonderful thank you. I feel like a new man. Trite, I know, yet true.”
“Considering how hard you work and all the hours you put in the statement is right on target.”
Sighing, Richard cleared his throat. “The time away from the daily grind did give me a new perspective on life for a variety of reasons. Some are welcome distractions. Others are not.”
“Rather ominous, Rich. The tone in your voice suggests something is wrong. What is it my friend?”
Taking a sip of steaming espresso, Richard walked back to the sofa. “Am I so obvious?”
“Yes. The Rich I know doesn’t sigh or make cryptic statements. He’s a straightforward go-getter and a man I admired for years, which is why he’s my business partner. Talk to me.”
Richard chose his words with care. “Life forced me to make some difficult choices, Conrad, stemming from a moment of deplorable weakness during my youth which has, to my shame, resurrected to haunt me.”
“Oh hell, Rich! We all have dusty skeletons in our closet hiding under old blankets. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t be human, right?”
“Some youthful transgressions are worse than others, Conrad.”
“Let me guess: Some dalliance from the past showed up and served you with paternity papers?”
“No. I wouldn’t be upset if fatherhood was on the horizon. My previous relationships ended amicably and I adored every single one of the ladies from my past. I would be thrilled if one of them informed me they bore my offspring. You know how much I want a family someday.”
“Ah, words spoken from the lips of a confirmed bachelor with no children jabbing their sticky fingers in his face, demanding money for one silly thing after another. If it isn’t baby-mama-drama, what’s on your mind?”
“I’m giving up my law practice and need to know if you’re interested in purchasing my portion to keep the name, or prefer I walk away.”
Conrad gasped. “Fuck, Rich. What in the world are you trying to hide? A body?”
Richard stifled the urge to laugh at Conrad’s angst. “No, nothing as serious as murder, I assure you. I can’t go into specifics about the sordid issue. It’s not only to protect me, but the reputation of you, and the firm, as well. If ever asked by the press or police, you won’t be lying when you reply with ‘I don’t know a thing.’ However, I believe after the matter is settled in private this week, the entire debacle will return to dormancy once again, thereby negating the need for you to lie.”
Conrad blew out a long huff of air. “You intend to pay someone off to keep a lid on whatever this is, in hopes they, in turn, will keep their mouths shut?”
“Yes.”
“Is it that bad? What you did, I mean?”
“To my everlasting shame, yes.”
“Sonofabitch,” Conrad mumbled. “Sounds like it’s something along the lines of a sexual nature?”
“Again, I’m unable to go into specifics. I won’t risk the stellar reputation of you, or the firm, getting entangled inside the cobwebs of my past. You and the staff are too important to me to suffer through such degradation. The official version will be I opted to retire early, which won’t entirely be false. I am leaving. I believe it’s time for me to concentrate on a few hobbies left on the backburner. Repair some broken things in my life.”
“I…wow…at a loss for words here, Rich.”
“Talk over whether to buy me out or change the firm name tonight with your lovely wife and give me your answer Tuesday. I need to wrap some things up on Monday so I won’t be in the office until around ten thirty on Tuesday to clean out my desk.”
“So much for enjoying a lazy Sunday or the rest of my career. I can’t believe we won’t be working together any longer.”
“Me either my friend. The decision was difficult for me. I waffled back and forth for days about what to do. For the sake of all of us, personally and professionally, I believe I made the right choice.”
“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry you’re going through such a rough time. I hope your decision is the right one, Rich.”
“It is. See you Tuesday.”
Richard disconnected the call before his dolt of a partner had a chance to respond. Chugging down the remainder of the stout espresso, he headed to the bedroom to change clothes, eager to finish preparations for Tuesday while humming “Gravedigger” by Willie Nelson.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
“YES, NEXT THURSDAY at three. I’ll see you then. Thank you again. Yes, you too. Goodbye, Mrs. Ballentine.”
Sam sighed after hanging up the phone. Though glad for the work and the distraction preparing the documents provided while waiting to see if Kip and Kathy showed up, she didn’t look forward to seeing her newest client.
The elderly woman would remind her of Nana. “God, I miss you so much. I need one of your warm hugs and a raunchy joke to keep me going.”
Out of all the potential clients Nana urged to make appointments, Mrs. Ballentine was the hardest to win over. The woman was extremely well off yet fearful of change.
Nana told her once Lynette Ballentine was “eccentric.” Sam thought the woman was rude and hateful. She was a pure snob through and through.
Several weeks prior, the woman’s daughter passed away with no children of her own, leaving Lynette without an heir to inherit her wealth or manage her affairs should she become incapacitated. After several attempts, Sam convinced the elderly woman the best option was to prepare a charitable remainder trust, have it administered by a financial institution, and leave her wealth to a charity of her choosing when she passed on.
The woman agreed. Garland County Humane Society would flip when Lynette passed away and over eight million dollars landed in their bank account.
Glancing at her watch, Sam sighed. It was after eleven a.m. She hadn’t seen or heard a word from Kip or Kathy. A dainty meow at her feet made her smile. Bending down, she scooped up her buddy. “Hey, Wee Thing. Did you have a nice nap? Geez, I wish I could sleep for more than an hour at a time. I’m a bundle of nerves.”
The cat responded with a head butt and lick to Sam’s nose.
“Mommy’s been working hard all morning so it’s time for a break. I’m going to kill off some lung tissue. You hold the fort down, okay?”
Wee Thing purred then made the funny little chirp that always made Sam smile. The black and white ball of fur brought her a lot of enjoyment with his cute antics, endless curiosity and companionship.
Setting Wee Thing back on the floor, he wobbled back to the blanket next to the credenza, curling into a tight ball. Sam picked up her cell phone then opened the middle drawer of the desk. With practiced moves, she tucked the loaded Glock into the discretely hidden holster underneath the bulky sweater.
Until the plans were finished, Sam would never be more than inches away from a weapon.
Steps away from the back door, her cell vibrated. The second she saw the number, her palms filled with sweat. Oh, God, here we go!
Taking a deep breath, Sam forced her voice to sound authoritative. “Hello?”
“Hey, Ms. Chapman. Do you have a minute to talk?”
Closing her eyes, grateful the call was from Gr
etchen rather than Richard, Sam let her breath out in a slow, controlled stream. “I always have time for the best assistant ever and woman who saved my life.”
“Awww, how sweet! Listen, I hate to bother you because I know you’re busy, but after the crazy events of this morning, figured I better. Self and financial preservation, you know?”
Sensing the tension in her former assistant’s voice, Sam’s skin prickled. “What’s wrong, Gretchen? Why are you whispering?”
“I slipped off to the back conference room so Richard couldn’t hear me. I don’t know what’s really going on, but he announced to the entire office he’s retiring. Today.”
Sam’s knees shook as she stepped outside. The frigid air blew thin shards of ice crystals around, turning them into tiny daggers peppering her cheeks. “Are you serious? When did this happen?”
“Yep, dead serious. He dropped the bomb about ten minutes ago then went into his office with Conrad and closed the door. They’re still in there. It’s so weird! Since I work for him, I know his departure, whatever the real reason, means I’ll be out of a job too. Business has slowed down a lot since you left, and there isn’t another partner in need of an assistant.”
“Did he say you were being let go?” Sam’s mind spun to process the latest twist.
“No, it’s a gut feeling, like the one I had the day your appendix ruptured? Remember?”
“Yes, a day I won’t ever forget. Because of you, I’m still around to remember it.”
“Me either! I was so scared. Anyway, the reason I’m calling is I wanted to make sure you wouldn’t mind me using you as a reference in case I do get a pink slip?”
The news from the quivering voice of one of the sweetest women in the world made Sam’s heart pound.
The flames of the fuse were licking close to the powder keg. What is your devious mind up to, Richard?
It took several attempts to light a cigarette. Even though Gretchen said Richard was still in Little Rock, Sam’s gaze swept the area to ensure she was, indeed, alone.
“Ms. Chapman? Are you still there?”
“Yes, sorry. And its Sam, remember?”
“Sorry, old habit.”
“I stepped outside and the wind took my breath away. Of course you may use me as a reference. I’ll shoot you a referral letter as well if you like.”
“Thank you! I know you said at the open house you’re a one-band show but if that changes, will you please let me know? You were the best boss! I adored working for you and would make the long commute from Little Rock to Hot Springs to do it again.”
“What a kind thing to say, Gretchen. I enjoyed working with you as well. When my practice picks up, you’ll be the first one I call to be my right hand. I promise.”
“Great! Listen, I better go before someone pops in here and catches me. Thanks again!”
“Welcome. Think positive thoughts, Gretchen. Conrad’s a good man and even better businessman. If there’s even a sliver of financial feasibility to keep you on, he’ll find it.”
Gretchen sighed. “I hope so. Thanks again for your willingness to help me out. Bye!”
The line went dead. Sam stared at the phone for several seconds, shocked by the disturbing news.
Stubbing out the cigarette, she dashed back inside. Locking the door behind her, she punched in Bradford’s number, pacing the floors until he answered.
“Good morning.”
“Morning. Where’s Mom?”
Bradford stifled a yawn. “Bathroom. Us retired and sick folk like to sleep in late.”
“I’ll make it quick then. A friend and former co-worker called me. Richard announced to the entire firm he’s retiring as of today.”
The sleep cobwebs tethering him to the warm mattress disappeared. Throwing back the comforter, Bradford exited the bed to shut the bedroom door. “Oh, shit.”
“My thoughts exactly. Other than his obsession with me, the firm was Richard’s life. If he’s walking away from it then…”
“Then Mt. Benton’s about to blow.”
“Right. I don’t want my mother anywhere near the explosion. Period. I don’t care how you do it just get her out of town. Now. Whisk her away for a romantic rendezvous in Eureka Springs, Branson, or somewhere similar and hours away. Put the reservations under your name not hers. Take your vehicle. I’m calling Suzy then Resa and advising them the same thing.”
“She’s going to…”
“I’m aware Mom will balk at the request. Lie, Bradford. Tell her whatever necessary so she’ll go! I have a bad feeling. Really bad, and I’m not the kind of person who says such things.”
“Agreed. Don’t worry about my end. Call the others. Oh, and Sam?”
“Yes?”
“Situational awareness is the key for your survival now. Don’t let your guard down for anything or anyone. Whatever you’re plans are, execute them as soon as possible.”
Following a nervous chuckle, Sam closed her eyes. “Strike first. Check.”
“Lock, load, and leave no trace. Got it?”
“Loud and clear.” Movement in her periphery caught Sam’s attention. Glancing out the window, she took a deep breath. “The Hales just pulled up. Shit! Will you please…?”
“I’ll take point and round up everyone. You deal with them. Remember the code words. Take care, Samantha.”
Rushing back to the office, Sam picked up Wee Thing then ran upstairs to the bedroom. Once shutting him inside the room, she raced down the stairs as Kip and Kathy walked up the concrete steps. Turning her back away from the glass, she checked the weapon. “Full clip, safety off, and nerves wound tight. Let’s do this.”
Saying a silent prayer for Bradford’s success at rallying her loved ones to a secure location, Sam turned her phone to silent then unlocked the door.
Though on edge, her lips curved into a sly grin while taking in the negative vibes from the unhappy duo. “Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Hale. My, the air temperature outside must be hovering near the freezing mark. What a miserable day to be out in the weather.”
“Uh, yeah, it’s brutal,” Kip muttered while stepping inside.
On his heels, eyes downcast and mood foul, Kathy snorted rather than responding.
Ushering them toward her office while one hand remained on the holster, Sam shut the door. “I’m sure the spirited conversation while signing the documents will warm things up. Don’t you agree?”
“Fuck you.” Kathy flopped down in the plush chair.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t catch what you said?”
“Nothing, Samantha.” Kip sighed. “She said nothing. Can we please get this over with?”
“Of course, Kip. Have a seat.”
Waiting until both were seated, Sam walked over to stand behind the desk. She was too wary and keyed up to sit, so she pushed the papers requiring Kathy’s signature across the desk, followed by a pen.
Kip stared at his lap while Kathy’s gaze was frozen on the papers. Sam expected a fight, or at least a spirited verbal, expletive-laden dressing down, so the odd silence from Kathy was strangely nerve wracking.
The years took a toll on Kathy’s face. She looked haggard. The puffy skin around her eyes and deep lines added years to her true age. Either the woman had been up all night driving from Tennessee, arguing with Kip, or recently shed a few tears. The rims of her eyes were vibrant red.
Shifting her probing gaze over to Kip, Sam noticed something different. He looked tired, eyes puffy from a long night and stubble covering his chin and cheeks, yet she sensed a subtle hint of determination and perhaps a smidge of anger.
Unsure if either of them were wired, which wouldn’t surprise her, Sam brushed a finger across the watch to start her own recording.
“There are some things we need to discuss prior to Mrs. Hale signing the documents pertaining to the divorce.”
Clenching her jaw in irritation, Kathy’s gaze shifted to Sam’s face. “I didn’t come here to listen to a lecture from you, Ms. Chapman. I came here to si
gn divorce papers. The sooner I sign, the sooner I can get back to my son, which is important to me since I won’t have him much longer, thanks to you.”
Ignoring the jab, Sam forced the rising anger back. “I appreciate your cooperation and understand this is a difficult situation for both of you, yet I must inform you of some legal rights before you…”
“Screw this!” Kathy snatched the pen from the desk. “My husband’s ending our marriage. I’m giving up custody of my son. He keeps his shit and I keep mine. I don’t need to know anything else.”
“Incorrect, Mrs. Hale. You have the right to confer with an attorney of your choice to go over the terms of the property settlement and custody agreement…”
“I said screw this!” Kathy interrupted. “You won, okay? Again. Your kind always does. I don’t know how you did it, and at this point, don’t care. I just want this over and never see your face again. Fuck! This is what happens when a silver spoon’s embedded inside a lying mouth. Money changes everything.”
With a few broad strokes, Kathy signed the marked pages. After the final one, she threw the pen across the room in a fit of rage.
Overcome by a wave of anger, Sam touched the watch again, stopping the recording. Leaning against the desk, she glared at her nemesis. “You’re right, Kathy. Money changes everything. It makes those who don’t have it willing to sacrifice even the most sacred of things to pocket some cash. Like the saying goes, the love of money is the root of all evil. You’re disgusting actions are proof.”
Kathy shot up from the chair. “Up yours rich bitch!”
“Sit down, Kath,” Kip pleaded.
“Shut up!” both women shouted in unison.
“Park your ass in the seat before something bad happens.” Sam’s fingers clamped around the butt of the Glock. “After everything you did to my family, I really don’t need a reason to pull this.”
The stare down lasted several seconds before Kathy caved. She dropped back into the chair, fuming.
“Being angry with me or Kip takes the cake. You have some nerve, Kathy! I didn’t make you hatch out a plot to milk my family for some quick cash. You did on your own, and in the process, joined forces with a man you thought might help you achieve your financial goals. You’re wrong, girl. Wrong. Richard Benton is a walking time bomb, and if you are anywhere close when he explodes, you and possibly your son or husband, might be casualties.”
Fatal Agreements Page 28