Halton: Vested Interest #6

by Melanie Moreland

  He made a strange face, trying to appear tough. “Fuck off, Smithers. I want to talk to Fiona.”

  “You talk to her through me. With your attorney present.” I narrowed my eyes. “Walk away, Scott. I’ll call the police if you don’t.”

  He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, trying to find his center of gravity. He pursed his lips.

  “You fucking her?”

  I dropped Fee’s hand and stepped forward. My voice was menacing to my own ears as I spoke.

  “Last chance, Scott. Stop disrespecting Fee and walk away. You’re already in enough trouble.”

  He snarled and began to step back. I saw his hand curling into a fist, and I was ready, knowing what he was about to do and welcoming the chance. As he lifted his arm, ready to strike, I knocked away his ineffectual punch and hit him with a punch of my own. It caught him fully in the nose, sending him sprawling back to the cement, blood spurting down his face.

  He screamed like a little girl, holding his face.

  “I’m suing you for assault,” he yelled.

  “Go ahead.” I looked at the small crowd that had gathered. “Anyone see me attack him first?”

  A woman stepped forward. “I’ll be a witness. I saw him attack this woman and then attack you when you came to her defense. You got here before I could,” she added.

  A couple of other people nodded, and I looked down at Scott. “I think you better call Jonas,” I informed him. “Your problems just got worse.”

  I slid my hand into my pocket, ignoring the dull ache in my knuckles, and handed the people who had agreed to be witnesses my card. I took their information on my phone, never moving from in front of Fee or taking my eyes off Scott for long. He sat up, his head lowered, holding his sleeve to his nose.

  When I was done, I dragged Scott to his feet. He glared at me as I snapped a photo.

  “You’re going to regret this, Smithers,” he vowed. “I’m going to end you.”

  I laughed at his empty threat. “Get out of my sight, Scott, before I do something I might regret. Like you’re going to regret this in the morning.”

  With a final glare, he uttered one last warning. “This isn’t over,” he snarled at Fee.

  I stepped in front of him, blocking his view. “It is,” I spat. “You did this, and now you’re going to pay for it.”

  He wiped his nose. “She isn’t worth it.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong, Scott. One day you’ll crawl out of the hole you’ve dug for yourself and realize how worth it she is—but it will be too late. Now, get out of here. It’s the last time I’ll say it.”

  He stumbled away, disappearing around the corner.

  I turned back to Fee, taking in her shaking form and the shock written across her face.

  Wrapping an arm around her waist, I pulled her close. “It’s okay, Fee. I have you. I’ll take you home now, okay?”

  “Don’t-don’t leave me.”

  I tucked her closer.

  “I promise.”

  Halton

  I led Fee to my car, buckling her in when her shaking hands refused to cooperate. I drove the short distance home and kept her tucked to my side until we reached my condo. I led her to the bathroom and slid my fingers under her chin, forcing her to meet my eyes. She hadn’t said a word to me since I got her in the car, although she had held my hand with a death grip the entire time.

  “I need to check you over, okay?”

  She looked at her arms. “He tore my dress,” she whispered, touching the frayed fabric at her shoulder. “I just bought it.”

  “I’ll replace it.”

  She let out a long, shuddering breath. “He came out of nowhere. I was almost home, and suddenly he was there, yelling at me.”

  “Why were you walking, Fee? I told you to take a cab home.”

  “Joanne and I shared a cab. She was headed to Union for the train, and I had the cab drop me at the corner. It was only a couple of blocks to walk. I had no idea…” Her voice trailed off. “He appeared out of nowhere and starting screaming.”

  I tamped down my anger and slid the zipper down from the base of her neck. She didn’t move as I tugged her dress off her shoulders, hissing in anger at the marks on her arms. Bruises were already forming from the grip he’d had on her.

  I turned her to face the mirror, showing her the marks. “Fee—he fucking assaulted you. Again. This needs to go on the record. He should be charged. I’m calling the police.”

  She dropped her eyes, worrying her lip. I turned her back to me and took some pictures of the marks. “Let me do what I need to do.”

  “Halton, please.” She swallowed. “What if he sues you for punching him? It would be bad for you.”

  I stared at her in disbelief. She was more worried about me than herself. About my reputation. Typical Fee. Sweet, wonderful Fee.

  “I can take care of myself. Stand up to him, Fee. Don’t let him get away with treating you like this anymore.”

  For a moment, fear held her still. Then she straightened her shoulders. “You’re right.”

  “Good girl.” I brushed a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll handle this.” I leaned over and pushed the plug down in the tub and turned on the taps. “You’re going to have a bath and try to relax. I’m going to make some calls.”

  “You’ll be close?” she asked, her voice anxious.

  “I’ll be right outside the door.”

  “Okay.”

  I called Rene and told him what had occurred. Then I called Aiden, asking for advice. He gave me the name of a cop he was friends with to contact and suggested I have someone around to protect Fee and myself.

  “If he’s strung out on drugs and acting erratically, you might want to consider protection. You never know what he might do next if he feels cornered.”

  “You have someone in mind?”

  “Yep. I’ll send them over tomorrow.”

  I agreed and thanked him, grateful for the friendship I had with the BAM boys and their connections.

  Then I texted Jonas, informing him of what occurred. His response was swift and filled with apologies and pleas not to include the police. He promised to keep Scott away from Fee and assured me he would push the divorce through as fast as possible. I texted him back the picture of Fee’s bruises and the one of Scott I had taken. With the dried blood around his nose and the wild, dark glare at the camera, it showed exactly what it should—an out-of-control, drugged-up, desperate man.

  Jonas didn’t respond. I didn’t expect him to.

  My last call was to the cop. I got his voice mail and left a message. Scott had already been given too many passes. It ended here.

  Then I went to check on Fee.

  She was in the tub, her arms wrapped around her legs, her head resting on her knees. Her shoulders shook, and I knew she was crying.

  Something happened to me when I saw her cry. I had witnessed countless tears in my life. From clients, witnesses, the women I dated, even Rene on occasion, but they never affected me in any way. Fee’s tears, however, did something to me—caused a reaction, a need to comfort and care. To solve whatever was causing her pain and ease it.

  Without a word, I shed my clothes and slid in behind her, drawing her close to my chest and wrapping my arms around her.

  “Careful,” I instructed gently and turned on the tap to add some hot water to the bath which had grown tepid. I moved my legs, distributing the heat, then shut off the water.

  Fee leaned into me, her body tight and anxious.

  I rubbed her shoulders, wanting to loosen the muscles.

  “Let it out, love.”

  She turned her face, resting her cheek against my chest and wept openly. I held her, cupping water and pouring it onto her skin to keep her warm, mumbling quiet assurances that she was fine. I was here. Everything would be okay.

  Finally, her sobs stopped.

  “I was so scared,” she admitted, her voice rough.

  “So was I.”

 
“Why?”

  I tightened my hold on her. “I saw him grab you. All I could think of was getting to you before he hurt you.” I drifted my fingers over her arms. “I was too late.”

  She lifted her head, her beautiful eyes red-rimmed and tired. “No, you saved me, Halton.”

  I ran my finger over her pale cheek. “You’re staying here, with me, until this is done. We’ll get your things in the morning.”

  She opened her mouth, and I held a finger to her lips to stop her disagreement. “No arguing. I’m driving you to work and home. I’m not going to risk you again. I might not be around to stop him next time. He’s irrational and erratic. I can’t risk it. Don’t ask me to.”

  Her breathy sigh was warm against my skin. “Okay.”

  “And I have security coming as an added precaution.”

  “You think that’s necessary?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay.” She agreed again without argument.

  I pulled her back, letting her relax against my chest. I rested my chin on her head, holding her tight. I couldn’t find the words to express the fear I had felt when I saw Scott with her earlier. The rage that overcame me when I knew he was hurting her. The desire to rip him apart limb from limb with my bare hands for even approaching her. I couldn’t tell her, because I didn’t understand it. The emotions I felt with Fee were all new, at times frightening, and definitely overwhelming.

  I didn’t want to talk about things I didn’t understand.

  Instead, I held her until the water cooled, then carried her to my bed and lost myself in her, taking my time and drawing out her climax slowly.

  I braced myself over her, watching as the ecstasy flitted across her face, our eyes locked, the intense emotion of the moment binding us together. Pleasure rippled down my spine as I orgasmed. I entwined our hands, our fingers clutched tightly as her name escaped my lips. I lowered my head to her neck, kissing the damp skin as my body shuddered and shook, the aftereffects of my orgasm strong.

  I slid my arms around her, gathering her close. For a moment, there was silence. Our chests moved in unison, one breathing in while the other breathed out, our skin always touching.

  “We just made love,” she murmured. “At least, that’s what it felt like to me.”

  I kissed her brow, knowing she was right. It felt that way to me as well. To my body anyway. My heart remained intact.

  My chest ached because I knew this would end soon.

  I didn’t do love. I didn’t do relationships. I didn’t know how. I didn’t have the capacity.

  And I was certain I would fail, even if I tried.

  For the next few days, I dealt with the aftermath of Scott’s attack on Fee. The police, his attorney, the security Aiden had sent over. Fee showed her strength once again, giving her statement in a quiet but steady voice. I added in my account, and the police followed up with the witnesses I had given them the information for.

  Then I left it up to them to carry forth justice.

  My phone rang late in the afternoon on Monday, and I frowned looking at the number.

  “Smithers.”

  “Jonas Peters here.”

  “What can I do for you?”

  “There has been a development with Scott.”

  “The development had better be the fucking proposal I’ve been waiting for and an apology with the assurance he will never to come close to Fee again.”

  “He’s gone into rehab.”

  I tossed my pen on the desk and rubbed my eyes.

  “Are you serious?”

  “Yes. His partners convinced him it was in the best interest of everyone involved.”

  “In his best interest,” I snapped. “Great way to avoid the fallout.”

  “He admitted to his drug addiction, Hal. He wants to move past this and get help.” He paused. “His, ah, assistant, was let go from the firm as well.”

  I snorted. “His assistant, girlfriend, and supplier you mean?”

  There was silence. Then he spoke.

  “I have a settlement proposal I’m sending to you tomorrow. I think you’ll find it fair.”

  “I’ll let you know when I see it.”

  I hung up.

  That fucking bastard. I would bet my last dollar rehab was simply a stunt to buy him some time, escape jail, and maybe garner Fee’s sympathy. He wasn’t fucking getting mine.

  I picked up my pen, tapping it impatiently on the desk. I decided to wait and see the proposal before discussing this with Fee. I wanted to see the offer before I told her.

  I waited until the office closed the next day and we were alone. Rene still came in part time, but he was putting in more hours than I wanted him to. He insisted he was bored at home, and with Fee in the office, he enjoyed being there. I had to admit he was right. The office was a great place, and I thought we made a good team. Still, I liked the times when it was only Fee and me.

  But for now, I had to wear my attorney hat. I handed her the offer and explained the terms.

  “It’s a flat settlement. He is offering two million, Fee. He’ll release you from any of his debts. He’s going to sell the house. But that’s it. You have to agree not to go after the business and that we will stop any other inquiries.”

  “That’s a lot of money, Halton.”

  “It is.” I sighed. “I think he’s hiding money somewhere, Fee. Stealing from his own firm. Reid suspects we’ve only scratched the surface. We could push this.”

  She passed a hand over her eyes, staring into space for a moment in thought.

  “At what cost?” she asked quietly. “Me worrying he is going to show up and do something? You overprotective and tense all the time? A security person standing outside the door all day and night?”

  She held up her hand before I could speak. “He’s in rehab, supposedly to get his life back on track. I hope he does. I hope he moves on. I want to move on. What he has done or not done to his partners is between him and them. I don’t care—I just want this done. I think we’ve punished each other enough.”

  “How do you think you punished him, Fee?”

  She shrugged. “I think maybe I failed him by not being as strong as I should have been. As strong as the person I thought I was years ago. I let him push me around. I allowed him to belittle me and make me into the weak woman I became. He failed me…well, in many ways. But it’s in the past. I don’t want to be filled with bitterness and resentment anymore.” She huffed out a long breath. “It’s all in the past, Halton, and I want it to stay there. Accept the offer please and get me my divorce. Let me move forward with my life—whatever direction that is.”

  I disagreed vehemently with her assessment. I opened my mouth, but she shook her head.

  “I know you want to go after him and the business. Dig around and find out if he’s hiding money. But it’s my decision. I need closure, and you are the person who can get it for me.”

  I had no choice. She was the client, and the decision was hers. I could advise, suggest, and offer my opinion, but the final word was hers.

  “I’ll get in touch tomorrow. He’s paying all the legal bills, and I’m adding in a no-contact clause. I don’t want him near you. He breaks that, we go after him.”

  “Thank you.” She hesitated. “If Scott is in rehab, can you call off the security?”

  I knew she hated the extra security. “Already done.”

  She stood. “Okay.”

  I watched her go back to her desk and sit. She lowered her head, picking up a pen and going back to work. I thought of the ways I wanted to nail Scott. Reid had sent me information, along with the drive, showing without a doubt Scott was skimming extra money from his firm. He was screwing everyone in his life without regard for anyone but himself. At some point, it was all going to catch up with him.

  I rubbed the back of my neck. I would make sure she got her money and was settled. If by chance, one of his partners received a package containing information about a different set of books, it wouldn’t be an
y skin off my nose. Scott in a dispute with his own firm would be entertaining to witness from afar.

  I stored the idea away. Fee would hate me for it, and I’d have to be careful not to let it lead back to me.

  The next day, I sent Fee to grab some lunch. With Scott in rehab, I figured she was safe going across the street, but I stood, watching her as she disappeared into the building. I told Rene my idea, and he stared at me, his mouth agape.

  “No, Halton. Leave it be.”

  “He deserves to lose everything.”

  “I agree. But you need to step back. Stop looking at this from a personal point of view.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  He crossed his good arm over his chest. “When Wanda Dutton hired you for her divorce, you found out some terrible information on her husband that could destroy him but had nothing to do with her situation. You did exactly what you were supposed to do. You got her the divorce she wanted and walked away. This is the same situation. You are reacting from emotion, not logic. Leave it be.”

  I shook my head. “He made it personal, coming after Fee.”

  “Tammy Water’s husband came after her. You made sure he went to jail for it. You didn’t set out to personally destroy him. Step back, Halton. Don’t risk your career over someone who isn’t worth it.” He narrowed his eyes. “You aren’t thinking clearly.”

  I opened my mouth to argue with him, then snapped it shut.

  He was right.

  “Fuck,” I swore. His words struck home.

  “Give me that memory drive.”

  “Why?”

  “To stop temptation. Do your job, Halton. Get Fee her freedom, and let the rest of it go.”

  I slapped the drive into his hand with more force than was necessary. “I might need it.”

  Rene slid it into his pocket. “It will be in a safe place. You tell me what it is needed for, and I will give it to you.”

  He paused at the door, looking back at me. “I never thought I would see this day, Halton.”

  “What day?” I snapped, flinging myself into my chair.