by Ciana Stone
“I’m sure he’ll say yes.”
There was silence for a few minutes before she spoke again. “Does it matter to you that I have a child?”
Mace wasn’t a man to play games or be dishonest, and he wasn’t about to start now. “I don’t know. I mean we haven’t known one another long, and neither of us knows where we’re headed, so I guess it doesn’t matter. Besides, I love kids.”
“Yeah?”
“Oh, hell yeah. Some of the best times of my life have been spent with Nash and Rusty. There are times, I miss him being little. Kids are so amazing and so funny when they’re first born and up until they start to figure out the world. They remind us about the magic and miracles around us.”
“Well, there you go. Making a girl swoon.”
He looked at her and smiled. “You’re good for my ego, Bailey Strong.”
“I think maybe you don’t see yourself through a clear lens, Mace Walker.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Because if you did you’d be a hell of a lot more conceited than you are. Not that I’m complaining, mind you. It’s not often a woman meets a man who’s the whole package.”
Mace had received compliments over the years, but he’d never received one that meant as much as Bailey’s words and maybe that was because she’d already impressed him as a person who was kind and smart and honest.
And one who was starting to turn his thoughts to what it might be like if he wasn’t single anymore. As pretty a picture as that conjured up, it also brought a dose of fear. Like it or not, the one thing his family didn’t seem to be good at was happily ever after.
He was scared he might just be another Walker man doomed to carry on that tradition.
Chapter Fourteen – April 2nd, 2019
Edward stood as Cici was shown to his table in the semi-private dining room. She saw his smile fade and his eyebrows draw together into a frown. “I do hope I’m not the cause of that thundercloud you’re wearing in place of an expression,” he commented as he took her hand.
“Edward, I’m sorry.” She tilted her face up for the customary kiss he always placed lightly on her cheek. “It’s been a– well it’s been a stressful time of late.”
“Sit, darling,” he held her chair, and as she sat, he looked at the maître d'. “Would you please have a Johnny Walker Black on the rocks delivered to the lady?”
Cici almost protested that she didn’t want a drink but let it slide. Edward was merely trying to be solicitous of her.
“Of course, sir.” The maître d' nodded and walked away.
Cici waited until they were alone. “It’s good to see you, Edward.”
“Yes, it’s been too long. What in the world has been going on that has you, Cici Walker, missing business appointments? Is there a threat against the country I’ve not heard about?”
She decided this was another one of those situations when she needed to tread carefully. Edward was a good client, one of the first she’d been hired by when she passed the Texas bar. He was also a good friend. He was the man she called when she was not dating anyone and needed an escort.
Edward was a handsome man. Tall and slim, he knew how to dress, and he dressed well. His blonde hair had lightened over the years from honey blonde to platinum, but it only added a kind of movie star appeal to his appearance since it was still thick and styled in a fashion that suited his facial structure.
Cici knew he dated, but he’d never been married, so she had no clue what demons he hid that kept him from a committed relationship. Not that it was her business. She enjoyed the work she did for him and appreciated his friendship, but now she could not and would not ever forget that he was not just Kal’s friend, but his best friend.
So, she chose a deceptive way of dealing with him and his question today. “To be honest, I’m not sure whether to thank you or kick you in the shin, if you must know.”
“Well, what in the world did I do to deserve that?”
“Introduced me to Kalvin Burton.”
A waiter delivered her drink just then. “Would you care to order?”
“Not just yet,” Edward answered. “But you can bring me another drink.”
“Certainly, sir.”
“Now, tell me. What happened with you and Kal?” he asked Cici as soon as they were alone again.
“Well, let’s see. He’s charmed me, nearly seduced me, infuriated me and possibly sabotaged Heritage’s organic status. And that’s just for starters.”
Edward’s eyes widened and then narrowed suspiciously. “Cici, are you serious or is this some kind of prank? I thought you and he were getting together to discuss business?”
“We were, but things changed. At least I thought so. He led me to believe that he was more interested in getting to know me and dating me than working with me. Then we found pesticides in one of the water supplies on Heritage and discovered the source was property he bought adjacent to Heritage that he claims he’s going to build a green city on.”
“Ah, the Texas project.” Edward nodded.
“Why do you say it like that?”
“Like what?” He looked up as the server delivered his drink.
“Come on, Edward, don’t be coy.”
“I’m not,” he said and added. “And don’t give me that look. From everything I know, he plans to develop another of his cities. And he has a substantial amount of my money attached to the project, so I certainly expect he is serious.”
“Do you think he’d do that? Poison the water?”
“Well, Cici, you’re a smart woman. How would that benefit a man who is attempting to create a green city?”
She nearly sagged in relief but wasn’t ready to call it a victory until she had more information. “That’s what I thought but–and this is in strict confidence.”
“Of course.”
“Okay, the truth is I’ve had investigators on it for weeks and let’s just say that all roads lead to Kal.”
Edward sipped from his drink. “Well, be that as it may, I can’t imagine why he’d do such a thing.” He paused for a moment, and an expression came onto his face like he’d just thought of something. “Unless, of course, it has something to do with–no, forget it, that’s insane.”
“What’s insane?”
“Nothing.”
“Edward.” She was starting to become annoyed. “It’s not nothing. What did you mean?”
“Darling, it’s not worth a thought. Just old jealousies.”
“What does that mean?”
“You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“What do you think?”
“Fine.” He leaned forward a bit and lowered his voice. “You’re too young to remember, I imagine but–let’s see, when was it? Oh yes, Kal and I were thirty-five and embarking on the first of the resort cities. He wanted to start in Texas, home state and all that, you know. Anyway, he had his eye on property down below Corpus Christi.”
“I don’t remember anything about that.”
“Of course not, that was thirteen years ago. You were, what–fifteen?”
“Something like that.”
“Well, anyway, your father and uncle were dead set against it, and I don’t remember why, but there was zoning that had to be changed or something like that and until Kal accomplished that the project was going nowhere. So, your family stepped in and made it attractive for the county to say no to Kal.”
Edward’s voice dropped a bit more in volume. “He never quite got over that, and since this is in confidence, I always wondered if–oh my god, Cici, you don’t think–no never mind, never mind.”
“Don’t do that. Finish what you were saying. I don’t think what?”
“Nothing.” He lifted his drink, and she saw that his hand shook. That bothered her more than his words. Edward could come across as a man interested more in his appearance and social standing than one of power, but she knew better. He was one the smartest people she’d ever met, and his will was rock sol
id. Moreover, he could and had sliced people to bits in business situations without so much as a blink. For him to tremble meant either he’d become afflicted with a health matter he hadn’t revealed or was apprehensive about the conversation to the point of fear.
Cici reached out to take his hand. “Edward, it’s not nothing. You’re shaking. Tell me.”
He set the glass down, extracted his hand from hers and picked up a linen napkin to wipe his hands. “It was a horrible thought that can’t be true.”
“Well if it can’t be true then it can’t hurt anyone, so tell me.”
“Fine,” he sighed. “One night after the Texas deal fell through, Kal and I were in Atlantic city, partying. When the sun came up, we were standing on a balcony drinking, and he said one day he’d get even, but his revenge was going to be one they didn’t expect. He’d hit Russell where it hurt the most.”
Cici felt a wave of heat work its way up from her feet to her head, bringing with it nausea that bubbled sourly in her gut. Aside from Heritage, there was one thing her father was willing to die for. His family.
“And you think? Edward, do you think he’s trying to get involved with me to hurt my father?”
The sickly heat kicked up a notch at his hesitation. “No, no of course not. Kal’s a good man. You know that. Those were just the boastful words of a young man who’d had too much to drink. He was just full of himself and had lost a battle to a stronger and more experienced opponent.”
“You mean my father.”
“Let’s not forget that it was your father who helped Kal make his first million, darling. Kal holds Russell in the highest esteem. Forget I said anything. I can’t believe I even remembered that. Now, tell me, are you going to take him on as a client?”
Cici knew when someone was deliberately changing the subject, and that’s exactly what Edward was doing. That made her even more uncomfortable, but she wouldn’t have admitted it for all the money in the world. “He didn’t offer me the opportunity.”
“I’m shocked. I recommended you highly.”
“I appreciate that, but to be honest, at this point I think it’d be a conflict of interest.”
“Because of your social involvement with him? Cici, you didn’t– you didn’t sleep with him?”
That question crossed a line in their friendship, and she didn’t even acknowledge it. “The conflict is professional. I’m not sure my family will be keen on the idea of a city being built on our doorsteps. Chances are they’ll fight it. And that reminds me, if it’s a green city, why is Kal lobbying to have the gambling laws changed?”
Edward’s smile was one she’d seen before, that sly expression that said he was holding cards he wasn’t willing to show. She’d never minded seeing it until now, when, for the first time in their relationship, it was directed at her.
“Well,” he said after a moment, “who said this is the only project he wants to do in Texas? Cici, you and I both know that where there’s legalized gambling there’s a lot of money to be made. Who wouldn’t want to be the first to have a casino?”
“How does that fit with a green city?”
“Who knows, darling? Besides, does anyone really want to save the world or do we just want to own as much of it as we can while we can?”
“You have a point.” She didn’t like what he said at all, but there was no point in letting him know. Edward had undoubtedly given her a lot to consider, not the least of which was whether Kal was really interested in her or just using her to try and exact some kind of revenge on her family.
It hadn’t gone unnoticed that Edward never said straight out that Kal was innocent. It's almost like someone covering for a friend when they know the friend is guilty.
Was that what was happening? Had Kal played her? That idea made her feel almost physically ill. Cici needed someone to talk to, someone she could trust implicitly and someone whose judgment wasn’t tainted.
For the next hour, she and Edward discussed business. When that was concluded, she wished him a good day, promised to have dinner with him the following week and accompany him to a show and opening party and then she called for her driver.
As she waited for the car to pull around to the entrance of the restaurant, she placed a call. Naomie answered on the third ring. “This is a surprise.”
“Are you busy?”
“Always, but never too much for a friend. What’s up?”
“I need an unbiased opinion, and I need it today.”
“Where are you?”
“San Antonio.”
“Can you come here?”
“I’d rather the family didn’t see me. Any chance I could coerce you to come here?”
There was a brief pause before Naomie answered. “Tell you what, if this can wait until tomorrow, I’ll drive up when I finish here, but you’ll have to put me up for the night.”
“I can do that. What time can you be here?”
“Seven?”
“That works for me. I’ll have dinner ready.”
“You’ll cook?”
Cici heard the disbelief in Naomie’s voice and laughed. “Hardly. I’ll have it delivered. Any preferences?”
“I’d kill for some good middle eastern food.”
“Consider it done.”
“Great. See you at seven.”
“Thanks, Naomie. See you then.”
Cici stuck the phone back into her purse and smiled at her driver, who’d just arrived and exited the car to open her door. Once in the car, she gave her driver the next destination. She had a meeting with a venture capitalist to sign some contracts and then she was free for the day. Cici leaned back and closed her eyes, letting the meeting with Edward run through her mind.
By the time they arrived at her destination, she was no more comforted than when she’d left Edward at the restaurant. The only conclusion she’d drawn was that he believed Kal was involved in the pesticide being dumped into the stream but was determined to protect Kal.
And that meant, Cici had a real problem on her hands.
Chapter Fifteen – April 3rd, 2019
Cici opened the door to find Naomie smiling at her. It struck her, and not for the first time, how exotic Naomie was in appearance. Cici could easily imagine her dressed as a gypsy, dancing and seducing men who watched. It wasn’t hard to understand why her father was so attracted to Naomie.
“Well, are you going to invite me in?” Naomie asked.
“Sorry, yes. Come in, please.”
“Thanks.” Naomie parked her overnight bag in the foyer along with her oversized shoulder bag and gave Cici a hug. “How’re you doing?”
“I’m good.”
“Ha, is that like the redneck, I’m good thing?”
“I have no idea. What’s the redneck I’m good thing?” Cici asked as she led the way into the living area.
“You know, guys who do stupid things like ski off the roof of the house, end up in a tangle on the ground and raise an arm to yell I’m good.”
Cici snorted. “Oddly appropriate now that I think about it. Are you hungry?”
“Starved.”
“Well the food arrived five minutes ahead of you, so it’s still hot.”
“Then let’s dig in. What did you order?”
“The works. Come on.” Cici walked into the kitchen, calling out the menu. “Fattoush, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, falafel, shish tawook and for dessert, umm ali and knafeh.”
“I’m impressed with your pronunciation. Most people massacre it.”
“If you order it enough you get the hang of it.”
“Code for you don’t date much.”
“Pardon?”
“That much garlic is rarely inspirational for being up close and personal.”
Cici laughed. “Busted.”
“Well, you’re not sailing in that boat alone girl.” Naomie looked around. “Do you have wine?”
“Do I have wine?” Cici pointed to the wine rack.
“Oooh, come to Mama,” Naomie c
ooed and selected a pinot grigio from the rack. “Glasses?”
“The cabinet to the left of the sink.” Cici got busy unloading the box of food and put all the containers in the center of the kitchen table.
Naomie opened the wine and took it and the glasses to the table as Cici brought plates, serving spoons and silverware. They sat, and Naomie poured the wine. She then lifted her glass. “Well, here’s to us, girl.”
“To us.” Cici touched the rim of her glass to Naomie’s then drank.
Once they’d eaten and refilled their glasses, they cleaned up and went into the living area. Cici lit the gas logs in the fire, and they got comfortable on the couch. “Okay,” Naomie set her glass aside. “Why am I here?”
“The situation with the pesticide in the water supply.”
“Why would that bring me here?”
“It wouldn’t. I’m just–” Cici was a bit hesitant to just blurt out her concerns. “Look, I guess I shouldn’t make it some big secret. I’ve been seeing Kal Burton.”
“Oh, and your family thinks he’s responsible for the contaminated water.”
“Yes.”
“Well, it was your investigators who came to that conclusion, so do you think they’re wrong?”
“I thought so. Then … okay damn, I’ve got to start at the beginning, and this is going to take a while.”
“I’ve got all night.”
“Okay, so it started on New Year’s Eve…”
An hour and a half later, Cici had spilled the entire story, leaving out nothing, not even the fantastic sex she had with Kal and then the concern Edward had raised yesterday with his behavior.
“Wow.” Naomie drained her glass. “Mind if I crack open another bottle?”
“Please.”
Cici leaned back and closed her eyes as Naomie left the room. Telling someone the story had provided a strange sense of relief as if the mere act of sharing had somehow provided comfort or made her feel less alone. It also made her feel strangely fatigued.
“So, let me get this straight,” Naomie said as she returned, filled her glass and offered the bottle to Cici. “You spent time with him and came away feeling that he was someone with a humanitarian bent, a bit of a superman complex in wanting to save the world, and someone who would give away money like it was nothing to help people who were less fortunate?”
