Wrongly Accused

by Erin Wade

  “S&K is a privately held company, and their stock isn’t traded on the stock market. They have just over a hundred stockholders who have snatched up the family’s stock any time they offered to sell it.

  “The S&K board is dying to take the company public. No doubt the stock will soar and split three-for-one, based on the amount of common stock they want to release. They can’t go public without your consent.

  “As it is now, upon your death your stock reverts to the family. If you marry or have children, your spouse or children inherit your stock. Your death would make your mother and brothers extremely wealthy. My advice to you is to set up a living trust with you and Dawn as the administrators. That will take you out of their crosshairs.

  “Let me make this clear to you,” Libby said, leaning across the table. “You are a billionaire several times over.”

  “Children,” Niki whispered, smiling as she squeezed Dawn’s hand. “I haven’t given much thought to children. I’d like that.”

  “Children?” Libby snorted. “That’s what you take away from this conversation?”

  “We need to discuss this,” Dawn said. “It’s a lot to process. Can we call you later?”

  “Of course,” Libby said. “I’ll see you at the wedding.”

  ##

  “Are we okay?” Dawn asked as Niki made coffee. Their walk from the cafeteria to their room had been a silent one.

  Niki frowned. “Why wouldn’t we be? Does it bother you that I’m an heiress?”

  “No, of course not. The only thing that would bother me is losing you.” Dawn sat on the sofa, and Niki crawled into her lap.

  “You’ll never lose me, honey.” Soft lips reinforced Niki’s statement. “I’m not with you for your money, and I know you aren’t with me for mine, so nothing has changed in our lives except that we do need to marry legally.”

  Chapter 62

  Val looked around her new office. No wonder he was feeding the prisoners dog food, she thought. He had to cut somewhere to afford this office and expensive furniture.

  She opened a liquor cabinet and found it stocked with the most expensive liquors available. Priceless artwork graced the walls of the conference room off the office. The entire suite looked more like a boardroom at a country club than the office of one who was responsible for the well-being of criminals.

  Opulence, Val thought. I’ll need to make this look more austere.

  “Director Davis?” the voice hummed over her intercom. “There’s a Detective Bobby Joe Jones here to see you.”

  “Please send him in,” Val said, smiling to herself. She couldn’t wait to show off her new surroundings to Bobby Joe.

  “Wow!” Bobby Joe exclaimed, suitably impressed. “You have definitely moved up in the world, Val.”

  “Thank you.” Val gestured toward a chair for Bobby and walked toward the liquor cabinet. “How about a scotch to celebrate my promotion?”

  “Maybe just a finger,” Bobby said. “I’m on duty, but it’s not every day my childhood playmate is named director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.”

  He took the drink Val handed him and held it high for her to clink her glass in a toast. Her jacket dropped back, exposing the gun she wore. “May you achieve all your goals, my friend,” Bobby Joe toasted.

  Bobby tossed down the smoothest scotch he’d ever tasted. He picked up the bottle to see what it was. “Macallan Sherry Oak Scotch Single Malt,” he read, “aged 25 years. That’s one expensive bottle of scotch.”

  “I didn’t buy it,” Val said. “It was left over from my predecessor. That’s just one of the many reasons he’s my predecessor.”

  Bobby Joe walked around, looking at the artwork and statues placed about the room. “I love your office. He did have good taste.”

  “Yeah,” Val huffed, “but when you consider that while he was basking in this opulence inmates were eating dog food, his good tastes seem obscene.”

  “Good point.”

  “But you didn’t pay me a visit to tour my new office,” Val said, chuckling. “What can I do for you?”

  “Have you heard the verdict in Richard Wynn’s case?”

  “Yes, he got seven years without parole.” Val shrugged. “Unfortunately for him, he was tried before the same judge Dawn appeared before. He gave Wynn the mandatory two years for vehicular manslaughter and five years for aggravated perjury, plus a $10,000 fine.”

  “He’s lucky,” Bobby Joe said. “The judge could have given him up to ten years for the perjury charge.”

  “The judge said he was giving him two years for the death of my sister, two years for Dawn’s time in prison, and three years for lying.”

  “So, when did you start wearing a gun?” Bobby Joe asked.

  “When people began making attempts on Dawn’s life. With Lucky on the prowl and the unsavory characters I’ve met on the job, I felt safer wearing a gun. It’s become a part of me now.”

  “That’s good,” Bobby Joe said. “You’re in a real snake pit now, and the snakes aren’t in cages.”

  “Director, the Attorney General is here to see you,” the intercom announced.

  “I’ve got to run,” Bobby Joe said as he got to his feet. “Take care, Val, and you know where to reach me if you need me.”

  After Bobby Joe left, Val poured herself another tumbler of the Macallan before greeting the Attorney General. Bobby Joe is right,” she thought. This is the smoothest scotch I’ve ever tasted. Perhaps I’ll always keep it on hand for dignitaries. I can’t wait to show Dawn my new office. She’ll enjoy having coffee with me here.

  ##

  “I’m as nervous as a virgin on her wedding night,” Niki confided in Libby. “I’m so glad we’re doing this again. I was barely coherent the first time.”

  “You make a much more beautiful bride this time around.” Libby laughed as she zipped Niki’s dress. “The photographer is here. I bet you’re very photogenic.”

  “Is Dawn as nervous as I am?” Niki fidgeted with her flower bouquet.

  “You’ve seen your wife in surgery,” Libby scoffed. “She has ice water in her veins. I don’t think anything shakes her except the possibility of losing you.”

  The wedding march echoed through the chapel. “That’s our cue,” Libby said as she caught Niki’s hand. “Bobby Joe is waiting to walk you down the aisle.”

  “In a way, Bobby Joe and Val Davis are responsible for today,” Niki said, swallowing hard against the lump in her throat. “If Dawn hadn’t been wrongly accused, I wouldn’t have met her.”

  “Lord!” Bobby Joe exclaimed as they walked toward him. “You are one gorgeous woman.”

  Niki ducked her head to hide the crimson that was coloring her face. Bobby Joe held out his arm. “Ready?”

  Niki nodded, and they stepped into the chapel, walking to the swell of the music.

  Niki couldn’t take her eyes off the woman waiting for her with Father Garza. Dawn sparkled. Niki swore a light from heaven spotlighted the beautiful blonde. Her smile illuminated the room.

  The ceremony was a little longer than their first, as Father Garza gave them the traditional Christian blessings. Niki was deaf. All she could hear was the beating of her heart.

  “By the powers vested in me, I pronounce you woman and wife,” the priest concluded. “The brides may kiss.”

  Dawn leaned down and chastely kissed her wife. The fireworks would have to wait for later. Niki wrapped her arms around Dawn’s waist and hugged her.

  They spent the next two hours posing for photos, visiting with their guests at the reception set up by the nursing staff, and dancing.

  “Would it be rude if we left?” Niki looked up at her wife as they danced to a slow song. “We could simply slip away. I just want to be with you.”

  They danced their way to the nearest exit, and Dawn looked around to make certain everyone was entertained before pulling Niki into the corridor. “Quick, run for the elevator,” she said, laughing.

  They ran to their room, u
ndressed one another, and fell into bed. “What a day,” Dawn exclaimed.

  “Are you as tired as I am?” Niki snuggled into her wife’s arms.

  “I’m exhausted.”

  “There’s always tomorrow,” Niki mumbled as sleep overtook both of them.

  Chapter 63

  Libby moved quickly to set up a living trust for Niki, who had decided to name Dawn, Libby, and herself as the administrators. She informed Libby that she wanted her to manage the trust. “I don’t really want anything to do with it. If my family had been halfway decent to me, I would have signed the stock over to them. This way we can help others in need.”

  When the paperwork was processed to change Niki’s stock from Niki Sears to Niki Fairchild Family Trust, Sylvia and her sons stormed into Libby’s office demanding an explanation.

  Libby informed them of how Niki’s marriage and the trust affected the stock and, more importantly, them. Sylvia went into a rage. Libby had the fleeting thought that the woman would melt if she threw water on her. I should be so lucky, she thought.

  “So, you can stop trying to kill Niki and Dawn,” Libby declared, “because their trust would still live on.”

  “What happens if all three of you die?” Renfro sneered. At that point, Libby called Bobby Joe Jones.

  ##

  “We ran search warrants on the homes of your brothers and your mother,” Bobby Joe informed Niki, “but we found nothing to tie them to the shooting or the thug who was hired to kill you or Dawn with the truck.

  “I’m not ruling them out, but I have no cause to arrest them except for Renfro’s threat to Libby, and that turns into a big ‘he said, she said’ argument. Of course, the Searses are swearing it never happened.”

  “Bobby Joe, I think the danger has passed,” Dawn said. “The Searses have no reason to kill me. They didn’t in the first place. Richard, Lucky, and Merrick are all in jail now. So even if it was one of them, they’re locked away. Niki and I just want to go home.”

  Bobby Joe gave her request several minutes of consideration then agreed that the danger to them had passed. “Okay.” He sighed. “My captain is giving me hell over the cost of the guard detail, and you’re probably right. Still, I do want the bastard that hired the hit man who almost killed Niki. The guard detail is approved for one more night.”

  “I have the next two days off,” Dawn said. “We’d like to move home in the morning.”

  “Perfect timing.” Bobby Joe grinned. “Can I help you relocate?”

  “No, we can put everything in the back of our SUV. Thank you for everything, Bobby Joe. You’ve been a good friend.”

  “You’ve got my number in your cell phone.” Bobby Joe hugged both women. “Don’t hesitate to call if you need me. I may run by and check on you tomorrow.”

  Dawn turned to Niki as the detective walked away.

  “Ready to load the car?”

  ##

  The next morning Dawn woke as the sun made an appearance. She opened her eyes to gaze into green eyes flecked with tiny sunflower petals. Red hair tumbled about the face of an angel, and kissable lips parted as a pink tongue darted out to moisten them.

  Dawn could feel her heart rate increase as Niki threw her leg over Dawn’s and eased on top of her. She wrapped her arms around the redhead. “Where do you think you’re going, missy?”

  “I’m going to make love to you.” Niki giggled as she straddled her wife.

  “Hmm. And I should let you do that, why?”

  “Because you’re dying for me to show you how much I love you.” Niki brushed Dawn’s lips with her own, letting her full bottom lip linger on Dawn’s as she pulled away then pressed harder. Dawn parted her lips and welcomed the warm, pink tongue that was exploring her mouth. She slid her hands up firm, silky legs to grasp Niki’s waist and hold her where she wanted her to be. Niki began to move against her.

  Dawn moaned. “Baby! Oh Lord, Niki. Don’t stop. You feel so good.”

  “I’ll never stop loving you this way.” Niki caught Dawn’s nipple between her teeth and tugged on it before sucking it into her mouth.

  Dawn threw back her head and arched her body to meet her wife’s movements. “So good, baby,” she moaned.

  ##

  Later, they lay in each other’s arms, whispering words of love. “Are you ready to go home and start living our lives?” Dawn murmured.

  “I want that more than anything.” Niki kissed her. “I’m just having a difficult time leaving your arms.”

  “I know,” Dawn muttered as she gently massaged Niki’s back. “You’re such an armful of woman, yet you’re so small sometimes.”

  “I love the way we fit together,” Niki whispered against Dawn’s lips. “We fit so perfectly.”

  Chapter 64

  “Bobby Joe, I can’t trace this to a specific computer, but I did trace it to this address.” The police department’s chief of cybercrimes pitched a sheet of paper on the detective’s desk. “Unfortunately, there are hundreds of computers in that building.”

  Bobby Joe studied the paper for several minutes before replying. “If I can get on the computer I suspect, will you be able to tell if they’ve gone to this site?”

  “If they didn’t erase their browsing history I can, but if they went to the trouble to use the dark web, I’m sure they would erase the search. It’s been months.”

  “It’s the only lead we’ve got.” Bobby shrugged. “I’ve got to follow it.”

  ##

  Val gazed around her office. Everything was perfect. Her life was perfect. She had achieved her goal, and her career was right on track. Of course, her end goal was to be US Attorney General. She already had Governor Addison’s attention. She was certain he would eventually run for president. Then he would need a good attorney general. It was just a matter of biding her time. She’d make a difference while she waited.

  She was tired of waiting alone. Her job had consumed all of her energy the past few months, but she finally had things under control and running smoothly.

  She pushed the speakerphone on her desk console and autodialed Dawn Fairchild’s office number. “Dr. Fairchild’s office,” the efficient voice answered.

  “Dawn Fairchild, please. This is Val Davis calling.”

  “I’m sorry, the doctor is off today. May I have her return your call in the morning?”

  “No, I’ll just call back tomorrow.” Val hung up the phone and decided to visit Dawn at her home.

  As she drove to Dawn’s house she tried to think of some reason to visit the gorgeous doctor. The last time they’d talked, Dawn had walked away from her without looking back. Val had told her she couldn’t possibly go on television and accept any responsibility for Dawn’s guilty verdict. “I’ll say it was dark and raining, and that I’d suffered a blow to the head, but I won’t say I was mistaken about seeing you exit through the driver’s side.”

  “You’ve always known you lied about that,” Dawn had fumed.

  ##

  Val pulled her car into the driveway and admired Dawn’s home. The yard and flowerbeds were immaculate. Val could see herself living in this house with the blonde doctor. She walked to the door and pressed the doorbell.

  Dawn looked confused when she opened the door. “Val? What are you doing here?”

  “I felt that we parted company on a bad note,” Val said.

  “It’s water under the bridge. I’ve let it go and am moving on with my life. I’m the chief of staff, and you’re the director of prisons—”

  “Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice,” Val said.

  “Whatever.” Dawn dismissed her correction with a wave of her hand. “The point is, both of our careers are on track, so we can just let it go.”

  “I’m glad you feel that way,” Val said with a smile. “I want us to be friends. I miss talking to you. It’s lonely at the top. Sometimes I’d give anything to get your input on a problem.”

  “I . . . um . . . .” Dawn didn’t move from the door
way.

  “Please, Dawn. Can we just talk over a cup of coffee like old friends do?” Val looked down and scuffed her shoe on the porch.

  Dawn stepped back and let her enter the house.

  “Whoa,” Val exclaimed. “Something smells good.”

  “I’m cooking spaghetti sauce,” Dawn said. “It’s my mom’s recipe. I mix several herbs and let it simmer all day, but it’s worth it. It’s delicious.”

  “I bet.” Val looked longingly at the pot on the kitchen counter.

  “I just made a fresh pot of coffee,” Dawn said as she poured the steaming brew into two cups and motioned for Val to sit at the breakfast table. “Tell me what you’ve been up to.”

  Just like that, they were back at the prison, with Val discussing her problems and seeking Dawn’s help in finding solutions. Neither heard Niki as she slipped into the house.

  “Honey, I’m home,” Niki called out as she walked into the kitchen. “Val!”

  “Niki! I thought . . . I thought you were—”

  “Dead?” Niki said, a wry smile on her face. “No, I’m very much alive and happily married to Dawn.”

  “Married?” Val sputtered, unable to maintain her composure. “When?”

  “Three months ago,” Dawn replied.

  “I had no idea,” Val said, pushing back from the table and scrambling to her feet. “I didn’t mean to intrude.”

  “It’s not a problem,” Niki said. “I’ll walk you to the door.”

  Dawn watched in wonder as her wife ushered Val out the door and locked it behind her. “That was rude,” she said when Niki returned to face her.

  Niki beamed. “I know. Can you believe she just showed up unannounced?”

  Dawn laughed. “I meant the way you showed her out was rude.”

  Niki narrowed her eyes. “I’m not stupid. I know when another pussycat is making a move on my woman.”

  “I’ve been told that redheads don’t share,” Dawn teased, pulling her wife into her arms. “You’re such a little thing. Are you sure you can take care of all this by yourself?” She waved her hand down her side.

  Niki put her arms around her wife’s neck and pulled Dawn’s mouth to hers in a searing kiss. “My God!” Dawn gasped, trying to slow her heartbeat and catch her breath.