“Hi, mind if I come in?” I asked softly, seductively, gazing with adoration.
“Sure.” He said. Catching the expression, he wore for only a fraction of a second. He hadn’t shaved in a while yet it wasn’t really a beard. I stopped within a few yards sensing his uneasiness. And when I saw the way he turned away; my happiness was short lived.
“You’re absolutely beautiful.” He said, then closed his eyes. “I’ve never met anyone so—" Then lifted his shoulder in a half shrug. “But when the person who I was supposed to trust the most in the world has been carrying a secret, the devastation is hard to put into words.”
“Secret?” I asked, and watched him set his guitar on its stand.
“Imagine one day you wake up and you find yourself thousands of feet above the earth and you’re free falling. You don’t know how you got there but you feel sheer terror. You search frantically for a parachute cord that will save your life, but you never find the cord.”
“What does that mean?”
“It’s all a bad dream, I pinch myself to wake up, but I don’t because it’s not a dream. Each second growing closer to the ground, seconds later my body smashes into the earth at five hundred miles per hour, shattering into a million pieces.”
“Nathan.”
It finally registered, and in an instant the world before me looked very different. Suddenly a searing pain ran down my abdomen and I felt unsteady underfoot, abruptly unaware of my surroundings.
“That’s what it feels like when your spouse lies to you, the pain of betrayal.”
“Cash. This is about Cash.”
“Isn’t it always about Cash?” He said, nodding slowly. “That’s the problem, only this time you played along.”
There was a moment of panic. Viewed in this light it was easy to assume the worst, without pausing to explore my motives, I felt his betrayal and now I was unsure how to handle it.
“I said no, I did. But he threatened my job, Nathan, I had no choice.”
I knew the issue needed to be addressed immediately, I needed to make sure he understood my reasons. But I didn’t know how to remedy the situation or offer him reassurance about being alone with Cash, again.
“Yet you couldn’t tell me?”
“You wouldn’t have understood.” I begged taking one step closer. “Like now.”
“Exactly, I don’t trust him.” He said narrowing his eyes. “What were you thinking?”
“I wasn’t.” I said, fighting back tears. “I’m sorry I wasn’t honest about it.”
His eyes were the bluest they’d ever been, my gaze held his and searched his face for answers. He was right, I made a mistake, it all made sense at the time. What harm could one little white lie do anyway. I was leaning how much now.
It was all my doing. I didn’t want to table his concerns to avoid another problem, I wanted to resolve them. Instead they would simmer in the background and become the cause of something bigger in the future.
“You’re angry. You were right, I was wrong. I was foolish, I’m sorry, please forgive me.”
The secret to a fulfilling relationship was how to recover from a disagreement and learn from it. I knew by saying these words we could bounce back from the conflict and keep our relationship healthy.
“Oh, Bryer.” He said his forehead creased. “C’mere.” Holding out both arms.
But there was no denying the damage I caused. I hurt him; broke the trust I had gained.
“Nathan, I’m madly in love with you, I’m still all in.”
I approached and he wrapped his arms around my waist as he lifted my feet off the floor. Instantly I wrapped my legs around his waist then I circled his neck with my arms, resting my chin on the curve of his shoulder.
“We’re married baby, I’m in too.”
I woke with purpose, one objective on my mind—to write my resignation, and present it to Cash face to face. I went back and forth last night if I wanted to resign in person or email, and I decided that facing him was necessary.
I relished in my work; I’d built it up and contributed to its success. It created a better version of myself. When the company shined, then I felt as if I shined as well. Now, I was walking away under a cloud of sorrow. I loved my work and the people I touched through the process, they deserved my devotion but I needed to get out as soon as I could and make a clean cut of it. Draw a clear line between the job and myself and once I accepted that I’d be better off, I’d be free.
Still I questioned would I find something better, or even just as good? And who would I become after I leave? My job had made me who I was, but even if I might regret it, I must part now, it was the right time. It was consuming me, overwhelming me and I wouldn’t give him that. Cash had caused enough conflict in my life, then he came between Nathan and my marriage, that was the final straw.
It’s not enough to own the company I worked for, he was determined to alter its course, and throw out the habits and standards that I learned to value. I would not be held captive, I wouldn’t let the rage empower me in every sense of the word, I wouldn’t show weakness, only strength, that was all I’d have to hold on to. That and my integrity.
I’d say my heartfelt goodbyes, let the people I wanted to keep in my life know our relationship would go on, and develop in new ways.
I reached the entrance, and with each step, my emotions intensified. Retreating to my office for solitude, I started typing the letter I never envisioned I would be writing.
“I’m writing to you today to give my resignation effective immediately. I enjoyed my time here at Tranquility and will miss working with my team. The skills I’ve learned over the past years will serve me well in my new adventure.”
I dated, and signed it. I waited impatiently for it to print, acknowledging this changed the trajectory of my future.
“I need to have a word with Cash, Mr. Harrison.”
“He’s currently out of the office Bryer.”
By walking away will be to show Nathan how much he means to me. Proving I chose him, but not with words with actions. And if quitting was the only way, I’d gladly do it.
“I need to leave this in his office.”
“Of course, Bryer, do you want me to unlock it for you? I’m leaving for my break.”
“Yes. That’s nice of you.”
“Lock up when you leave, and set the key on my desk.”
I unlocked the door and slowly walked in. I placed my resignation on his desk and glanced around.
Cash’s laptop sat open, and I paused, then I pushed the thought away. It went without saying it would be wrong to indulge in a little digital self-help spying. Even if I had good reason to be suspicious, he was always hiding something leaving clues all over the place.
And never mind ethics, or a conscience. Theoretically I’d describe my interest as getting the upper hand. I just wanted to know the truth so I could get on with my life. So, I took a seat behind his desk and tap the pad and I was greeted with an ‘log on’ icon.
Cash only used one password the entire time I knew him. Could he possibly be that predictable? I typed the words “I object” and voila’, I gained access.
“Oh hell.” The screen lit up like the fourth of July.
I moved on to the next step allowing me to obtain entry to his document folders. He also had saved private emails, conversations he had with attorneys Roberts and Kendrick. Cash was controlling he knew knowledge was power and he wanted to have power over other people, including me.
A folder named Tranquility popped up. Which was no surprise, I double clicked on it. Which held the contract with James Sr and Cash Harrison’s name. I closed that file now looking for any other evidence.
M&M patents. I opened this file and clearly saw a dozen patents in development, all in Cash Harrison’s name with M&M Global. But on closer inspection it was clear this entitles Cash to full financial control. And not with just the patents, but the foundation, and other departments as well.
Now my head s
tarted to hurt, some files dated prior to Max’s death. The thought sickened me, how Cash took advantage of a dying man.
Will--Mary Louise Reid Insurance policy, the folder said and my heart stilled. I opened the folder; it was my mother’s will. The late Charles Berman was the original trustee. Cash was on his team back then, he had to have known this existed back then.
I stared at the text, then going back thinking about how incoherent she was during the latter part of her illness, she was destitute, no will, no savings my father made sure of that. There was so much to think about, it was making me sick. I was confused, so confused.
It drew me in for another quick look. A whole life insurance policy, she goes into great details about the provisions of her death. Paid-up additions, which reinvest dividends, I recognized companies like Apple, Walmart, Microsoft just to name a few.
My mother put in two stipulations—I had to be of age, over twenty-five and married. Maybe…maybe this was real.
I turned over the scenario in my head, wanted to dismiss my thoughts, the truth, the accusation. Cash. He wanted it all. How did he think he could get his hands on it? By winning me over? Perhaps charm me into falling for his clean-cut good looks? Never again. Typical Cash.
He chipped away at the emotional layers and slid the lies right in like a master manipulator, and everything he ever told me was all a lie, a con job. A horrible human being, he cooked up a get rich quick scheme, Bit by bit, he planned it all and now he was all set.
Everything was disintegrating around me. But my brain was still able to connect the pieces. I inhaled a deep breath and blew it out slowly, I rummaged through drawers for a thumb drive and began copying everything I read.
Then covertly dodged back to my office, I checked my phone ten missed calls.
What now?
“It won’t be long now.” I said to Sonja. “There’s a new player, I have a buyer already in mind, and it looks like Kendrick is facilitating the transaction.”
“We need to gain control over James before he figures it out, don’t wait too long.”
I leveled my gaze at her. “I hear you, I won’t. Trust me I know he’s dangerous and corrupt.”
“That’s too nice of a word for him.” She said fighting back tears “He’s a killer.”
She was scared we went too far. I let out a breath; divide and conquer. We’d collect the money and be out of his life forever.
The house was quiet and dark, her fear was real, he’d do it again to someone else and someone else after that. Regardless, we won’t live in fear, that wasn’t the way to live, that would be slavery. And we are not slaves to James.
“I’m afraid—”
“Don’t be.”
I lied.
Life was busy. I was running through crazy schedules, work and the company’s state of affairs. But busy or not it doesn’t negate the fact that I dumped all the responsibility of the gym on Clayton’s shoulders.
I found myself trying to squeeze in coffee with my friend between errands, appointments and meetings. It would be a quick in and out, and as I inserted the key into the front door, balancing two black coffees and my new back pack, the lock finally gave.
There was something significant to be said about slowing down for just a simple morning coffee get-together. However, I paused when I heard faint sounds. Now curious I had to investigate the dying rhino sounds coming from my office.
I pushed the door open, and at first glance I could plainly see that there was more going on than WWE matches. So, I channeled my inner Fred Rogers with the most measured tone I could muster.
“Hey I’m surprised to see you both here, making yourself at home.” Clayton’s eyes grew wider and his ass was a vivid paper white. “Does this mean you’re officially a couple?”
Classic awkward situation that would haunt me forever and even though they were startled they took their own sweet time attempting to get less naked.
“Let’s just say what happened didn’t happen.” Clayton offered in lei of an explanation.
“Okay, but after you put on some clothes, both of you.”
Gen made a beeline towards her pile of clothes. Staring without blinking at Clayton like she wanted to pummel him. And just when Clayton was about to concoct a cover story. I held up both hands stopping him.
“You’re shameless.” I said. “Anyone could have walked in.”
“Hardly.” He smirked.” “Chill out, business hours are over pal.”
“No, they’ve just begun. Collect yourselves. Then create a clear mental boundary between kinky time and work time.”
I peered over at Gen but she was kind of weirded-out as if she needed to breathe into a paper bag. Clayton watched her like a hawk as her eyes bore into him. As if the whole thing would send her to an early grave.
“Not true, we started in the early morning hours.”
“Jesus Clayton, you should take your show on the road.”
“My skillset doesn’t exactly translate into working in stand-up. But hey, I could be wrong.”
Gen stood toe to toe with Clayton, as she stared into those rich milk chocolate eyes that swallowed her up. Wagged a finger in front of him, her patience had run out.
“Okay ding-dong you said we were safe for the time being.” She then put her hands on her hips. “This is all your fault, the next time you get a bright idea leave me out of it.”
“Oh honey-bunny you don’t mean that.”
“I told you I hated that.”
But Clayton just grinned, tipped her face up to his just before lowering my lips in a kiss.
“See you later babe, I’ll call you.”
“Okay.”
Seemingly satisfied with his answer, she walked out the door.
“What the hell was that?”
“Stay out of it, Nathan.”
Then grabbed the coffee I brought and took his seat at his computer, touched the pad and the screen came to life.
“Fine. Happy to see you too.”
In truth I never thought he’d manage to pull it off. This may sound a bit cynical, but relationship equality is very important, and as juvenile as Clayton could be, and as shallow as Gen knowingly was. I dismissed their positive qualities and deemed their relationship as nothing more than a fling. Apparently, that wasn’t true, I was wrong, they are both naturally funny, and had subtle qualities that complemented each other. In a partnership you needed to be able to bring equally good qualities to the table, apparently, they did. It was as simple as that.
“I’m happy for you bro.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“I came by to check on things, check on you.”
“You did huh?” I watched him drink his coffee, read his emails, and check his phone. “I appreciate that, but everything’s good, better than good it’s great. I have everything under control.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
My phone buzzed in my pocket, I pulled it out and glanced at the screen, and pressed the phone to my ear answering it.
“I finally got you.” The voice said over the line.
“Ok let’s hear it, Storm.” My heart squeezed, so I rubbed my hand over my chest.
“Cash owes James Sr. an enormous dept, so he’s only in it for the money.” Storm said, but there was a note of insistence in his voice. “The patents have been stopped and transferred back into your name, so we have protected them for now.”
“Strike one for the good guys.”
“Well, we haven’t won the war, but we’ve claimed the mountain.” He said cautiously. “Cash was there earlier, ready to apply for the official application. When told of the new development, he made a scene and had to be escorted out of the building, it wasn’t pretty from what I heard. He also made threats directed at you. I wanted to warn you in case he makes good on them.”
“Makes good on them?”
“I got the distinct impression he was not accustomed to losing.” He said. “Watch your back, it was enough to get him good and pis
sed.”
I could feel the blood drain from my face. Not again, I felt every muscle tense and my hands began to open and close with each quickened breath. The solution was becoming more complicated with each turn, spiraling out of control.
I ended the call, knowing we still had our work cut out for us.
“What happened?”
“God only knows, but it has Cash’s name written all over it.”
We don’t live in an ideal world, and I could look at resigning as a strategic move but it was indeed emotionally challenging. But in comparison to the phone call that followed, which was an avalanche demolishing everything in its path, I wanted to put it all behind me.
“You’re home early.” Nathan said, and suddenly all I was focused on was his gravelly voice and his masculine scent.
“You are too.” I answered, pushing away the voices in my head, I didn’t know how I was going to tell him. Wrapped in his arms they felt stronger than anything I’d ever known cocooned within his safety, it was enough, for now.
“Hey, look at me. What’s wrong?”
He had always sensed when I was off balance. But, how was I going to break the news about my father? The call from Detective Moore was shocking, and we’d already had enough drama in our past. I dropped my arms and took a step back, and a sad smile slid across his face.
“Just come and say it.”
“I resigned today.”
He let out a long sigh, and held out his arms.
“Babe, that’s a good thing.”
But I hugged myself and rocked back and forth. I was on the edge of maintaining control or losing it.
“There’s more.” I said gazing up into his eyes. “Do you remember the detective that informed me of my father’s death?”
“You don’t think it really was a suicide, do you?”
“I know it wasn’t. And what’s more there’s undisputed evidence pointing to the killer.”
“The killer? Okay, I’m listening.”
Dressing up bad news with a pretty bow didn’t make it better, didn’t make it easier. In fact, it could make it worse. There was no trying to prepare him, he knew something was up. My stomach was doing somersaults as I tried to deliver the bad news.
Forgotten Chance: Book Three (Forgotten Trilogy) Page 12
