Xavier

by Miranda P. Charles

  “That’s a shame. What does your friend Scott say?”

  “Oh, that’s sad. So sad,” Lionel said, his voice dropping.

  “Why?”

  “He tried to kill himself.”

  “What?”

  “I visited him in hospital the other day. He told me he was very, very sorry. He won’t talk much about it, but his wife told me that Scott couldn’t possibly have anticipated what was going on. She’s very distressed, because he didn’t seem to want to fight the accusations against him, like he was just giving up as if the whole thing was his fault. It wasn’t, of course. He was only someone who tried to sell the units off, not someone who worked on the numbers.”

  Lionel sighed. “Anyway, they still have him on suicide watch. But I think he’s over wanting to take his life, because he clung to my arm and told me to come back and visit him again. And his wife said he didn’t want to be alone, even at night.”

  “But is he okay now?”

  “Yes, thank God. Scott’s a good man, you know. I told you that before. It would have been out of character for him to deliberately scam people.”

  “Anything else you know about the scheme?”

  “Why are you so interested all of a sudden?”

  “I’m investigating something similar. It might even be the same scheme, although I don’t have many details yet.”

  “Right. Hm. No. Can’t say I know any more about it, except for Scott mentioning to me there could be more deaths from this. I think he was suggesting other people might try to take their lives if they lost money in this scheme. He’s really taking it hard.”

  “When are you visiting him again?”

  Lionel chuckled. “I’m walking along the hospital corridor to his room as we speak.”

  “Can you ask him something for me?”

  “What?”

  “The name of the development and the directors of the development company.”

  “Let me see if he’s relaxed and all, okay? I don’t want to upset him.”

  “Of course.”

  “I’ll call you back.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  Eve hung up, brow furrowed in thought. Scott was probably acting in the same capacity as Gerald Stirling in relation to that scheme.

  Was Gerald as sorry as Scott? Or would he try to cover things up and save himself?

  She wouldn’t know until she did more investigating. And this time, she wouldn’t let Xavier talk her into not meeting with his parents. They didn’t have a relationship anymore, and she was within her rights to ask Gerald Stirling the questions she needed the answers to.

  Her phone vibrated.

  “Hey, Dad,” she answered.

  “Eve,” Lionel said, “Scott told me you shouldn’t investigate this matter.”

  “What? Why?”

  “Just don’t—hang on, he wants to talk to you himself.”

  There was a moment of shuffling.

  “Eve,” a weak voice said.

  “Scott? How are you?” she asked.

  “Getting better. Listen, don’t even think about investigating this development scheme.”

  “May I ask why?”

  “Just don’t. It’s not something you should be concerning yourself with.”

  “That won’t stop her,” Lionel said in the background.

  “No, just no,” Scott insisted. “You’re my friend’s daughter. I don’t want anything happening to you.”

  Eve’s lips parted, her heart beating faster.

  “Here’s your dad.”

  “Did you hear that, Eve?” Lionel said. “Don’t work on this story.”

  “Can I just ask Scott one more question, Dad?”

  “Okay,” Lionel said with a sigh.

  “Yes?” Scott said.

  “Do you know Gerald Stirling and how he’s connected to this scheme?”

  Scott let out a heavy breath. “I’m going to answer this because you asked the question about Gerald. But I’m warning you again, Eve. Do not work on this story.”

  “I hear you. Please let me know what you know about Gerald.”

  “He’s a good man. A very good man. I’ve known him for years. I know you’ve done a feature on his company before, but Gerald is not what you think. He’s honest and he cares about his clients and employees. He’d even…”

  “He’d even what?” Eve asked gently.

  “He’d tried to warn me about this scheme, but it was too late.”

  “Warn you? He knew what was going on when he went into this?”

  “Look, I’ll simply say it like this. Gerald and I didn’t have a choice about what happened here. We didn’t want this to happen.”

  Goosebumps formed on Eve’s skin. She believed she understood what Scott was trying to say, but she needed more. She needed the facts. So she pushed the envelope. “Am I to take it that Gerald was directly responsible, even if he’s not fully responsible, for the development failing? And now he’s sorry because it can’t be saved?”

  “No,” Scott said in frustration. “Gerald was only tasked to sell the units, like me. He never had anything to do with the workings of the development.”

  Eve’s eyes moistened. It was Barker toying with the sterling silvers. She was sure of that now. “Thank you, Scott. Thank you.”

  “Promise me you’re not going to work on this story.”

  “I promise,” she said readily.

  “Eve.” Lionel was on the line.

  “Dad?”

  “How are you and Xavier going?”

  She blinked back tears. “We’ve had a misunderstanding. I hope we can sort it out.”

  “Okay. And remember Scott’s warning, please.”

  “Yes, Dad. Kisses to you and Mum. And to Scott too.”

  “All right, darling.”

  “Bye, Dad.”

  Eve placed her face behind her hands. The Stirlings were still in danger from Barker. She had to warn Xavier.

  Was he still with Gloria Mendez right this moment?

  Her heart squeezed. She accepted now that he truly hadn’t tricked her so she wouldn’t report on his family. There was no reason for him to do that. Like he’d repeatedly declared, they were innocent.

  But he’d still cheated on her. That was plain to see. He couldn’t even explain himself at the beach.

  Did it make her feel better that she hadn’t been used, only cheated on?

  She snickered. Only marginally. Her heart still hurt like hell. And she still couldn’t forgive him.

  But she wouldn’t think of not warning him about Barker.

  She took a deep breath and picked up her phone, but a knocking on the door interrupted her.

  She motioned for Alex to come in.

  “Aaron’s still in a meeting,” Alex said. “How are you doing? You look a little upset.”

  “I’m fine,” she said with a smile, standing. “I think I’m gonna go home. Aaron might still take a while.” No point in her sticking around for Aaron when she wasn’t going to report on Gerald Stirling anymore.

  “I’m still hanging around here for a little while. Do you want me to let him know where you’re at with the story if he comes out and looks for you? I bet he’ll be worse than a bear with a sore head, but it might help you if he knows you’ve got something meaty regarding the Stirlings.”

  “I don’t, Alex.”

  Alex frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “I just did some investigating, and I’ve decided not to run with the Gerald Stirling property development scam.”

  “Really? Why? I thought you said it has legs.”

  “Turns out they’re phantom legs.”

  “Aw. What are you gonna tell Aaron now?”

  Eve shrugged. “Time will tell. But I don’t like my chances of being around next year.”

  “Oh, come on now, girl.” Alex gave her a hug. “Tell you what—how about you and me go have an early dinner?”

  “It’s okay. Thank you. I know you’re here to work.”


  Alex waved dismissively. “I’ll just come back and do another hour after we eat. Come on. I’m hungry too. We can chat about everything else other than work—like food or travel or how you’re missing Adelaide. Anything. Come on.” Alex linked arms with her and dragged her out of the goldfish bowl.

  She relented. It would do her good to be with a friend right now, even if she couldn’t reveal everything to Alex. Besides, the last thing she wanted was to go home. Home reminded her too much of Xavier.

  “I’ll drive,” Alex offered.

  “Okay. I didn’t know you drove to work.”

  “I don’t,” Alex said in a whisper. “We’ll use the shared company car. No one else should be needing it at this time.”

  “Are you sure? I’m happy to drive. I don’t want you to get in trouble.”

  “Wait here while I get something.” Alex disappeared into one of the rooms.

  Eve shook her head. She knew the shared company car was strictly for work-related use only. Going out to dinner was most definitely not work-related. They’d better take her car.

  Alex came back a short while later and held up a car key on a Hyundai logo keyring. “You know why I won’t get in trouble for using the car?”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m not logging it in.”

  Eve gasped. “Alex. That’s sneaky.”

  Alex shrugged. “We’re only going a short distance. Besides, I’m not the only admin who does this. Workers like us hardly ever get any perks. That’s why we don’t think this is a big deal.”

  Well, when he put it that way…

  “We’ll take the stairs to the basement,” Alex said, opening the stairwell door for her. “The car’s next to the basement door.”

  “Okay. So where do you suggest we go?”

  “What do you feel like?”

  “To be honest, I’m not very hungry.”

  “I bet you’ll be once we get to this place I’m thinking about.”

  “Where is it at?”

  “Only about ten minutes from here. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it there.”

  “Okay, I trust your judgement.”

  Alex chuckled. “I’m glad, Eve. Very glad.”

  Eve settled in the passenger seat of the Hyundai as Alex put on some music. Great. She’d like some alone time with her thoughts while they drove.

  She’d go to the ladies’ once they got to the restaurant so she could call Xavier. She’d much rather text him so she wouldn’t have to hear his voice, but this was important. She had to rise above her emotions for something like this.

  But she’d meant it when she’d said she didn’t want to see him again, because she couldn’t see how he could ever regain her trust.

  Not that she believed Xavier would want to get back together. He’d already met someone else—a beautiful woman who’d never reported about his parents. If she were Xavier, she’d see Gloria Mendez as less of a complication.

  She shook her head. Wasn’t she out with Alex so she wouldn’t have to wallow in Xavier-related thoughts?

  “Tell me about your family, Alex.”

  Alex smiled. “Well, I’m an only child, like you. My mum used to be a kindergarten teacher and my dad used to be a fireman. We didn’t have a lot of money when I was growing up because my grandmother had health issues and my mum quit her job to look after her. Eventually, my dad left us.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” she murmured.

  “Nah, don’t be. It turned out for the best. Mum’s a very beautiful woman, you see. So she got herself a new man.”

  Eve laughed. “Now I see why you’re so good-looking.”

  “Why, thank you, Eve. Anyway, Mum’s boyfriend is the coolest. He’s rich, powerful, influential. He’s great. He and I get along really well.”

  “That’s good. How long have they been going out?”

  “Five years. And it’s been a wonderful five years for me too, being able to afford a lot of things I could only dream of after hardly having any money. To be honest, I don’t need to work. But Mum’s boyfriend suggested I do. He said it’s important I learn the ropes because I’ll be working full-time for him in the future.”

  “Wow, that’s great. What does he do?”

  “Lots of different things, actually. You’ll get to meet him, because we’re having dinner at their place.”

  Eve gaped at Alex, her mouth forming an ‘o’.

  “Look at your face, Eve,” Alex said with a laugh. “Hold that expression, because we’re here.”

  Alex turned the car into a driveway, the gates of the property already opening for them. Clearly they were expected, as Eve hadn’t noticed Alex press any remote or anything.

  They drove in and Eve looked around. The grounds were impressive, even more so than Trevor Clarence’s front lawn. The house appeared to be bigger than Trevor’s, too.

  “Wow,” she breathed.

  “I know, right?” Alex said gaily.

  They parked near the front entrance and Eve got out of the car, both curious and nervous. Something didn’t feel right, and she supposed it was because she’d never expected Alex to be rich—well, his mother’s boyfriend, anyway, who appeared to treat him like a son.

  “Come on, Eve,” Alex said, leading her up the path to the door. “I’m so excited for you to meet my mum and her boyfriend.”

  “I hope they don’t mind that I’ve come unexpected.”

  “I gave them a call while I was getting the car key, so they know you’re coming.”

  The front door opened, and they were greeted by a regal-looking, well-dressed woman.

  “Hi, Mum,” Alex said.

  “Hello, darling. Hello, Eve. I’m Patricia.”

  Eve gave Alex’s mother a big apologetic smile. She’d heard the coolness in Patricia’s tone, and she bet the woman wasn’t too pleased to have a dinner guest, despite Alex’s assurances. “Thank you for having me. I hope I’m not imposing too much.”

  Patricia smirked. “Come on in.”

  Eve suppressed a sigh, glancing at Alex. But her co-worker was already walking inside the house. Gosh, this was awkward.

  She followed mother and son to the dining room, and she instantly spotted a man standing by the French doors, his back to them. This had to be Patricia’s boyfriend.

  “She’s here,” Patricia said.

  The man turned around, and Eve’s jaw dropped.

  “Trevor! I didn’t recognise you,” she said.

  “Hello, Eve. How are you?”

  “Good, thank you. I didn’t know you were Alex’s mum’s boyfriend, and I didn’t know this was your place too.”

  Trevor smiled grimly. “We were hoping for a fun dinner surprise, but I’m afraid I’m going to ruin your plans by asking you to work.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “A tip-off has come straight to me through some of my trusted connections. Barker will be rendezvousing with one of his top henchmen tonight. This is our chance to be there with cameras as the police swoop in and capture them.”

  Eve gaped at Trevor. “What?”

  “Really?” Alex said, disappointed. “I thought we’d be having a nice dinner together tonight.”

  “Sorry, buddy,” Trevor said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This is big. What do you say, Eve? Are you ready for this? I’m going to act as your cameraman until the news van arrives. That won’t be until after the police make the arrest, lest Barker smells something’s off. We can’t risk him escaping again. We have to hide ourselves, film covertly, then, when the police swoop in and the news van gets there, you can report this live as breaking news. Are you ready?”

  Eve let out a big breath. She was so not expecting this. “Yes.”

  “Let’s go.”

  Chapter 20

  Xavier stared at his bedroom ceiling, mentally and emotionally exhausted. He couldn’t stop worrying about Eve, especially when he wasn’t in contact with her.

  At least his parents were fine. He’d managed to convince them to
go to a particular hotel for a relaxing retreat and stay in. His mother had readily agreed, dragging his father along.

  Apparently, two IRs were already stationed at that hotel, watching a couple of VIPs in secret. Aidan hadn’t given him any more information than that, but Xavier was glad Indie Rebels were there to ensure his parents’ safety.

  He grabbed his phone, considering texting Eve to see how she was, when it rang in his hand.

  He sat up. “Aidan, what’s news?”

  “Eve’s missing.”

  “What?”

  “Her car’s still at the studio, but she’s no longer there. The IR checked with the security guard and the place was practically empty.”

  “Where did she go?”

  “We don’t know. It appears the Hyundai is gone too.”

  “Well, who took it out?”

  “There are no new logs. Whoever took it didn’t register it, like the last time. We’re now checking each employee and their current locations. It’ll take a while, but we hope to find out who might be with Eve.”

  Xavier heart thundered hard and fast. Eve had to be somewhere safe. She had to be with someone safe. “What happened, though? Why did anyone take her?”

  “We don’t know. But anything you have, anything you can think of, let me know.”

  “I assume someone’s already tried calling her?”

  “Yes. It’s going to straight to voicemail. It looks like it’s switched off, or it ran out of battery.”

  “I’ll try calling her. Then I’ll call her parents. Do you have their numbers?”

  “I’ll text them to you.”

  “Thanks.”

  Xavier hung up, pacing the floor as he tried to call Eve. Like Aidan had said, his call went straight to voicemail. So did his second and third calls. He left a message. “Eve, it’s Xavier. I know you’re mad at me, but this call has nothing to do with the two of us. It’s important that you call me back. Please. Call me back.”

  He filled his lungs with air. Hopefully, Eve would at least listen to his message and not simply delete it.

  The text from Aidan came through, and Xavier called Eve’s mother first, but she didn’t pick up. Then he called her dad. He didn’t pick up either.

  He raked his hands through his hair. He remembered hearing Eve tease her mum for not answering her call she’d made from work—because Eve’s mum hadn’t recognised the number.