“Yes, and I want to tell you everything now. Before I do, swear you won’t speak of this to another person. Not your mother, Meg, or Tess. No one!”
Her wide eyes stared at him with sudden panic. “Promise, I won’t say a word.”
“Even if you walk out after you hear what I have to say, you can’t tell a soul.”
“Now you’re scaring me!”
He held his head low as tears fell from his eyes like raindrops. Ava placed her hand on his chin and turned his face enough for their eyes to meet. “Your secrets are safe with me.”
Justin wiped his eyes and clear his throat. Nerves coursed through his body. Regardless of how he felt, it was time she knew the entire sordid story. “It was the end of my junior year in high school when friends of mine had thrown a party. Jack asked to go, but my parents had told him no. He snuck out of the house and begged for me to take him. Although he wouldn’t have begun high school until the following year, he knew most of my friends. So, I reluctantly agreed.”
She remained silent and stroked his arm.
“I don’t have to tell you how high school parties are. Lots of drinking, weed, and not a single adult in sight.”
“Believe it or not, I attended a few of those.”
“Well, I had several drinks that night. Jack bypassed the alcohol. He was too busy chasing a girl he’d liked. Anyway, later that night, I’d ran into Nina and didn’t see her again until it was time to leave. Her ride had left the party, and she’d asked if I could drop her off at home. I’d told her yes and made the poor decision to get behind the wheel. Jack sat in the passenger seat, and Nina sat in the back.” Justin could feel nausea building in the pit of his stomach. He stood abruptly and moved towards the liquor cabinet. He felt Ava’s eyes on him as he poured himself a swallow of whiskey.
“I can guess what happened next,” she said, moving beside him.
He gulped his drink and shook his head. “You can’t imagine what happened next.”
“You’re blaming yourself because you were in a car accident.”
“Ava, you are a principal woman. You have rules that guide your life. Where some of us live in shades of gray, for you, it’s purely black and white.”
“You make me sound uptight.”
“No, babe. That’s not what I meant. I’m afraid you won’t understand the rest of what happened that night.”
“Try me.”
“During the drive, Jack and I got into an argument that began with him changing the radio station. I overreacted, and it led to me not paying attention to the road. Because I had been drinking, I thought I’d seen something in the road that wasn’t there, I swerved and lost control, and ran straight into a tree.”
“Oh, God!” She covered her mouth.
“I passed out, and it was Nina’s screams and cries that woke me. When I came to, it was my first instinct to check on Jack. I turned to my right, and he sat slumped forward against the airbag, with trails of blood down his face.” Justin’s mind became flooded with vivid images from that night like a bad dream. His thoughts were a continuous loop of his brother’s bloody face. Justin’s face flushed with angst as his vision became a blurry sea of tears. He struggled to get out his next words.
“I couldn’t think straight or find my phone. So, Nina calmed down enough to call for help. Instead of calling 911, she called my house. My mother answered and rushed to the scene. She told us not to call the police.”
Justin led Ava back to the sofa where he told her the rest of what happened. His mother arrived at the scene and broke down at the sight of Jack’s lifeless body on the passenger side. But she’d gained her composure quick enough to realize the son who survived was drunk, and she had to hide that fact from the police. She had convinced Nina to tell the police she was behind the wheel because she was sober.
The street of the accident was a shortcut towards Nina’s house. It was a less traveled road with no houses nearby. Therefore, Corrine had ample opportunity to help Justin out of the car and instruct Nina to sit behind the wheel. She’d encouraged Nina to grab hold of the steering wheel to get her fingerprints on it. Corrine then called the police. When they arrived, Justin and Nina gave their statement and the paramedics took Jack away to a nearby hospital.
Justin explained he was wracked with guilt and wanted to confess to the police, but his mother wouldn’t allow it. She’d said she lost one son and refused to lose another. Justin continued to tell Ava that after a police investigation the entire ordeal was ruled an accident. Corrine paid Nina’s parents an undisclosed amount of money and created a college fund for her cooperation. He and Nina never spoke of that night to anyone.
Ava didn’t say a word as he watched her stand near a window and focused her gaze outdoors. He sat quietly, afraid of her response. Fearful she would leave again because he’d broken his promise of no more secrets. She turned towards him with her arms folded against her chest.
“I understand why you felt you couldn’t confide in me because it was a family secret.”
He moved closer towards her. “I wanted to. I never knew how to tell you I’m responsible for my brother’s death.”
She wiped the tears that had fallen from his eyes. “It was an accident, Justin.”
“I endangered my life, along with my brother and Nina’s because I had too much to drink. My brother paid the ultimate price for my recklessness. I’ll never let myself off the hook.”
“I appreciate you trusting me with the truth, but why now?”
“My father and I got into a heated argument and he threatened to expose my part in what happened to Jack. He always opposed what my mother put into motion, but never intervened.”
“What did he say exactly?”
“There’s no statute of limitations on murder.”
Her eyes widened. “What?! This has gotten way out of hand. Does he actually believe you murdered your brother?”
“I no longer recognize my father. He’s saying and doing things that are unlike him.”
“You said you and your mother aren’t close.”
“We aren’t, but I speak with her from time to time.”
“If this entire plan was to protect you, how could she leave you to deal with it alone?”
“I don’t know.” He stroked his chin. “One day she was there and the next she wasn’t. When we saw each other, she behaved like she didn’t want me around.”
“Do you think the grief of your brother was too much for her to handle?”
“I believe a part of her regrets protecting me. When she sees me, I’m a reminder of the son she lost.
Ava moved closer, resting her hands on his shoulders. “This was a hard conversation for you to have, and I know you’re fearful your secret is a deal breaker. So, let me clarify where I stand. I’m not upset with you for not sharing this with me sooner. I love you, and I am on your side. If your father is serious about exposing you, your mother, and Nina, we need to be a step ahead of him.”
“You’re right,” he said, reaching for his phone.
“Who are you calling?”
“The one person who can help us. My mother.”
Chapter Twenty-four
“You know what you have to do?” asked Justin, carrying Ava’s suitcase to the bottom floor.
“Yes.” She viewed herself in the mirror and straightened a rogue strand in her perfectly coiffed updo. “I wish you could go with me.”
“You’ll be fine. Nina is due back from her trip out of the country, and it’s imperative I meet with her.”
Ava checked the time on her phone. “I still have hours before my flight. Would you like to sit for a quick breakfast?”
“How do eggs benedict sound?”
“You know how to make eggs benedict?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
“I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t.”
She followed him into the kitchen and watched as he retrieved a bag of English muffins and a carton of eggs out of the refrigerator. It’s been a wee
k since his confession about his brother’s death, and she’s noticed a considerable difference in his mood. He’s been quiet and distant. In the evening, after work, he retreated to his office and their morning coffee ritual has been nonexistent. He’s grieving his brother’s death all over again. He had to stuff his feelings by compartmentalizing his emotions. Reliving what happened that night brought it all back to the surface. It isn’t anything he admitted to her, but she knows the signs of grief all too well.
“I’ve missed having coffee with you in the morning.” She stood beside him as he blended the ingredients for the hollandaise sauce.
“I’ve had several early morning meetings at work. I’m only here to see you off.”
“Justin, I wish you would talk to me. I understand what happened to Jack is fresh on your mind, and you need time to heal again. I don’t want this distance between us to grow.”
He cut off the blender and faced her. “This is not just about Jack. It’s a combination of what’s become of my family, deciding where I go from here, you, and our relationship.”
“You have concerns about us?”
He placed a cracked egg in the simmering water. “I feel like I’ve broken your trust.” He kept his gaze on the eggs that had started to solidify in the water. “Can you place the muffins in the toaster while I keep watch on the eggs?”
“Sure.” She placed the four slices in the individual slots and pushed down the lever. “Justin, I will never judge the decisions your family made that night. I love you, and my trust in you has not wavered one bit.”
“I still feel like shit for keeping it from you. Rest assured I have no other secrets. I’ve told you everything, the good and the bad.”
“When I return, I think we should do something to honor your brother.”
“Like what?”
She shrugged her shoulders. “We’ll brainstorm, but it could be a donation in his name or even starting a charity.”
He met her eyes with a lopsided smile. “And I thought I would lose you.” He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. “You’re incredible, and in case I haven’t said it thanks for taking this trip in my place.”
“I’m glad to do it.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t put you on the jet. We can’t afford to tip off my father.”
“No complaints. I’ve flown commercial my entire life.”
Ava’s flight touched down in Atlanta in the early afternoon. Besides Justin and the person she’s meeting, no one knew she was in town. This wasn’t a social visit. Therefore, Tess and Meghan had to remain in the dark. After two days, she will return to San Diego.
She had an Uber drop her off at her and Justin’s home. After thorough search, they’ve found two corporate leasing agencies to work with, but have yet decided which is the better fit.
Ava sent Justin a text before she prepared for a short nap. He responded right away, thanking her for lifting his mood before she’d left. One thing she has learned about Justin is he needs time to deal with whatever he’s going through without her hovering. She watches him and waits for the perfect time to intervene and get him to open up.
Two hours had passed when she awakened from her nap. Ava checked her phone and saw she had a text message with an address and a request to meet within the hour. She selected the rideshare app on her phone to request a vehicle. It arrived twenty minutes later. During the ride, Ava sat lost in her thoughts. Nerves invaded every inch of her body. This person not only shared a connection to Justin, but also a painful period in her life. Regardless of the pain this person may evoke, Ava had to take this trip for Justin. He has dealt with too much in the past weeks; she had to lift some of his burdens.
The driver arrived at a stately mansion in Buckhead. It’s a suburb in the city, known for its wealthy residents in multi-million-dollar homes. The home sat far away from the street, with a long winding driveway that ended near the front door. The architectural design is similar to an old plantation home with two-story pillars that accented the front of the house. Ava climbed the multiple stairs and pressed the doorbell. Her foot tapped a nervous melody on the concrete porch. She straightened her posture when she heard the click of the lock. The door opened.
“Hello, Corrine. I’m Ava. It’s nice to meet you.”
Chapter Twenty-five
“What is so important it required that I rush over here the moment my plane landed?” asked Nina. Justin closed the door behind her. After Ava had left, he dressed for the office, but decided against going in. His father’s words kept haunting his thoughts. There’s no statute of limitations for murder. He’s aware there wasn’t a murderous intent on what happened that night, but he was involved in a cover-up, tampering with evidence, lying on an official police statement, and the list goes on. An ambitious district attorney could make an example of another rich person who believed they’re above the law.
“I’m aware you’ve been on an extended business trip out of the country. I wouldn’t have asked you here if it wasn’t important.”
She lifted her oversized black-framed glasses from over her eyes, resting them on top of her head. “Justin, I’m jet-lagged, starving, and have a killer headache. This couldn’t wait until tomorrow?”
“No. Would you like something for your head?”
“Two aspirins and iced cold water.”
Justin led her into the kitchen where he retrieved a bottle of aspirin from the cabinet and filled a glass with water. He placed it on the kitchen island. He watched as she tossed the small white pills into her mouth, followed by a guzzle of water. “Where’s Ava?” she asked.
“I sent her to Atlanta to meet with my mother.”
Her brows lifted. “Corrine? Why?”
“Plenty has happened while you were away.”
“I see.”
“My mother is in Atlanta overseeing the sale of her home. I asked Ava to meet with her in my place, so I could remain here and speak with you.”
“Concerning?”
“Jack.”
Her dark eyes lowered. “Jack?”
He told her about the conversation he had with his father and all that led up to it. “He cares more about his company than my happiness.”
Nina’s lips twisted in a smirk and her face was full of doubt. “I’m having a hard time believing any of this. Chris would never use what happened to Jack to hurt you.”
Justin never imagined it would take much effort to convince her. But then again, Nina always admired his father. She always used to say she wished her own father were more like Chris. “Have you heard anything I said? He’s the father of Lindsey’s baby, he offered Ava a million dollars to leave, and he threatened to reveal what we did that night if I didn’t back off.”
She closed her eyes and massaged her temples. “He’s bluffing, Justin. Chris will never reveal what happened that night because he would implicate himself. He was well aware of what we did. Your parents and mine were all involved.”
“Nina, he has changed.”
“And you know why.”
“What are you talking about?” His mouth formed a smirk.
She rested her hand over his, as her fingers grazed across his skin with light, delicate strokes. “It’s because of Ava. I told you not to get involved with her.”
He snatched his hand away. He’d always known she had feelings for him. It began the moment she’d said hello in high school, and even now with a husband and three kids. She still has that look in her eyes. “I asked you over here so we could discuss my father, not bash Ava.”
“I warned you. How did you expect everyone to react to her? She involved you in that insanity with her unstable ex-boyfriend.”
Justin shook his head and frowned. “You never liked her.”
“She’s a hard worker, an excellent employee, but she’s not good enough for you.”
“And who is, Nina?” He met her eyes. “You?” Their feelings have always been uneven. Although she is an attractive woman, he has never been attracted
to her. He will forever view her as just a friend.
“That ship has sailed for anything to happen between us.” She expelled a heavy breath. “I’ll admit I’ve seen a change in you, and it didn’t happen until you met her.” She moved her empty glass to the sink and faced him. “Because I’ll do anything for you, if you need me to speak with Chris, I will.”
“What I need you to do is stand with me as I move forward.”
Concern washed over her face. “You really don’t believe he’s bluffing, do you?”
He shook his head. “According to him, I’ve turned my back on the family and sided with the enemy. He’s out of control and needs to be stopped.”
“What’s the plan?”
“It’s already in motion, and Ava has taken the next step.”
Chapter Twenty-six
She’s nothing like Ava expected. Sure, she’s seen photos and heard about her over the top diva appearance and attitude. But the woman before her seemed unassuming, wore little makeup, and her graying hair tucked into a neat bun.
Corrine led Ava through a maze of taped cardboard boxes with the names of various rooms written across them. “Excuse the mess. I just closed on the house two days ago,” she said once they reached the sitting room. “Would you like a cup of tea?” She gestured for Ava to sit on an antique tapestry sofa.
“No, thank you.”
“Oh, I insist. It’s freshly brewed lemon and green tea.”
Ava greeted her eyes with a polite smile. “Sure, why not?”
Corrine left and reentered the room with a porcelain teapot and two coordinating teacups. She sat and poured the brew into the cups. She then handed one steaming cup to Ava.
“Thank you. Sugar?”
She pushed forward a container full of sugar cubes. Ava dropped two in her cup and stirred until the cubes dissolved into the liquid. She brought the delicate cup to her lips.
“This is delicious.” Ava placed the cup on its saucer. “I’m sorry. Is it okay if I call you Corrine or do you prefer Ms. Ramsey or Harrington?”
Deceived by You Page 14
