“Of course, I support you, Trish. I just think you are doing the wrong thing.”
“Ugh,” Trish groaned.
The phone rang and Mr. Jacobs walked to the desk to answer it. “Hello, Jacobs residence.”
He was silent for a moment then he said. “Hey, David.”
Darlene and Trish whirled around on the sofa. Trish started waving her arms in a negative motion - putting her finger to her mouth.
“No, David, she hasn’t come home.”
Trish gave him a thumbs up.
“Yeah, David, I’m sure she didn’t use her private entrance because I just got off the phone with her.”
Trish shook her head up and down and mouthed the words, she’ll be gone until tomorrow.
“Yeah, she called and said she’d be gone until tomorrow. Where did she go?” Mr. Jacobs looked at Trish for an answer.
Darlene shook her head with disapproval.
Trish mouthed the words, with friends.
“She’s with friends. She met up with some friends from high school this afternoon and they invited her for an overnight trip. Where?”
Darlene threw her hands up and fell back on the sofa.
Trish was lost on ideas. Where would she go at a moment’s notice? Then, Mr. Jacobs spoke.
“Philadelphia,” he answered. Mr. Jacobs was quiet for a minute.
“It’s only a four-hour drive, son. Yes, she drove.” Mr. Jacobs went quiet for a second. “She didn’t tell me what hotel she was staying at, she was calling from her cell phone.” Mr. Jacobs was quiet again. “No, son, she didn’t give us the name of the friends she was with.”
Trish was getting antsy. Why was David torturing poor Mr. Jacobs?
“David, she’s a big girl who lived in California for years. I’m sure she’s safe and will continue to be so.” Mr. Jacobs was quiet again. “If I hear from her before she gets back I’ll tell her to call you, son. Stop worrying so much. Have a stiff drink and get some rest, okay?”
Darlene ran her hand through her short blonde hair.
“You’re welcome, son. Get some rest. Bye.” Mr. Jacobs finally hung up the phone. “You need to put your car in the garage, Trish. I wouldn’t put it past that boy to drive by the house at this point.”
“It sounded like he believed you,” Trish said.
“He might start thinking about it. David could have picked up on something. I’m not used to lying.”
Guilt formed in her mind. “I’m sorry, Mr. Jacobs. I’m sorry for the inconvenience. I just need some time for myself right now. To think. To figure out what I want. I know I can’t avoid him forever, especially since he is handling my divorce.”
“It’s all right. I’d do it again for you. Take all the time you need. How about something to eat? We saved you a steak.”
“Yeah, Daddy let the moths out of his wallet and bought Black Angus steaks for us,” Darlene said when she sat back up.
Trish gave off a weak smile. “Thanks, but I’m not hungry.”
“How about some cocoa for both my girls? I’ll put marshmallows and a wafer in it like Darlene’s mother used, too.”
“Awe, Mom used to make hot cocoa for us all the time when you stayed over. Remember, Trish?”
“Of course, I do. I would love to have some hot cocoa,” Trish said.
Chapter 21
Ted Shaw was watching an episode of Law and Order while drinking a beer when the doorbell rang.
“Damnit,” he mumbled. Then, he decided to be quiet. Whoever it was would soon go away.
The doorbell chimed again followed by loud banging.
“What the hell?” Ted said and got off the leather couch. He walked slowly to the door.
“Ted! I know you’re home,” the invader said and banged on the door again.
“David?” Ted yelled and started unlocking the door. He swung it open.
David stood there. His clothes were wrinkled, and his black trench coat halfway hung off his shoulders. He stalked past Ted like a wild man.
“What the hell is going on? This better be good, I’m missing Law and Order. Even though it’s a rerun, I haven’t seen it,” Ted said with anger and shock.
“I need you to go to Philadelphia and find Trish.”
“What? Wait a minute. What is Trish doing in Philadelphia?”
“She went on an overnight trip with some friends, but I don’t know who they are. I need you to find out who they are and what hotel they are staying at,” David said and stuck his hands in his pockets.
“Why?”
“Because I don’t know who she’s with. I just need to know that she’s okay. When I got back to the office she was gone. No one has seen her since this afternoon.”
“But, you know she’s in Philly.”
“I called the Jacobs house. Mr. Jacobs told me she went to Philadelphia with some friends from high school, but he didn’t know where they are staying or why they went.”
“Why do you think she’s in trouble?”
David sat down in the leather arm chair. “I’m not saying she’s in trouble. I just need to talk to her. She ran off.”
Ted leaned his head back in slight amusement. “Ah. I see now. You have something to explain, and she doesn’t want to hear it,” Ted said and took a swig from his beer.
“I need to talk to her, but I can’t do that if I can’t find her and she refuses to return my calls. I called her cell phone and her house….,” he trailed off as he leaned back with exhaustion.
“I’m missing something,” Ted said. “The last time I saw you two, you were at the office. You left her there – in a hurry. Who was the mystery woman?”
David huffed. “Yes, you and Mrs. Hinkle were trying to eavesdrop. How much did you hear?”
“Enough to know that you asked Trish to dinner, she said no, and then she said something about a blonde and a hotel room. Tell me what happened. Start from the beginning,” Ted said and sat down on the sofa.
David explained what happened with Trish and Heather. “When I got back, Trish was gone, and Mrs. Hinkle finished out the day. I called Trish’s cell phone three times – she didn’t pick up. I called the Jacobses, they haven’t heard from her until an hour ago. On the last call, Mr. Jacobs said she went to Philadelphia with friends. She’s supposed to come back tomorrow.”
“Then why not wait until she comes back?”
“I can’t. God knows what she’s doing in retaliation or out of hurt or anger,” David said desperately.
“Trish isn’t the type to do something reckless unless it is extenuating circumstances.”
“That’s easy for you to say. Nevertheless, I would feel better if you went.”
“I’m not driving to Philly at 8:30 at night without any leads.”
“I think Mr. Jacobs knows more than what he was telling me,” David said.
Ted finished his beer and sat the bottle on the table. “Maybe he was lying. I don’t think she’s left town at all.”
“I can’t see him lying. Hiding something? Yes. I think he knows exactly who Trish is with and what hotel they are staying at.”
“I can if it concerns Trish’s wellbeing. He’s been known to do out of character things for Darlene.”
“So.”
“So, he thinks of Trish as a daughter. I believe he would do the same for her. Let’s face it, you are in a very emotional state. You probably didn’t pick up on any telltale signs of a lie when you talked to Jacobs.”
“Maybe,” David mumbled.
“And what the hell is wrong with you? Sometimes I wonder if we really are brothers.”
“What do you mean?”
“Sometimes you know how to treat a woman, and sometimes you are just dense. You left the woman you claim to want, who by the way, you had eating out of your hand, to go see what your ex-fiancé wanted. No wonder Trish won’t speak to you. You should have thrown that stupid card away, scooped Trish up and taken her back to your apartment. Why did you go see Heather, David?”
“I had to see wh
at Heather wanted. I wanted it finished- done and that’s what happened when I went there. I left my baggage from the past in her hotel room, so I could move forward,” David said defensively. He leaned forward and buried his face in his hands.
“Are you sure you’re not still in love with Heather?”
He raised his head and looked at Ted. “Positive,” David said with conviction and placed his head back in his hands.
“You know Heather is the type of woman that gets what she wants. She’s not the type to pack her bags and go home. That’s how she’s gotten to where she is today.”
David looked up again and ran his hands through his thick dark hair. “She can do what she wants. I’m not interested.” He leaned back in the chair.
“Okay, so Trish is the woman you want?”
“Yes. I’ve grown to care for her very much, and I enjoy her company.”
Ted’s eyebrows rose. “Well, I have to say I never thought you’d admit it this easily. Then again, you’ve never been one to play games. I tell you what. Stay here, spend the night.”
“I don’t need a babysitter. I need-.”
“I know- you need to talk to her. But, that’s not happening at the moment, and I would feel better if you stayed here tonight. You’ve still got clothes in the guest room. Wash your face, get a drink, and some food. I’ll be out doing some footwork for you.”
“You’re going to Philly?”
“No, I’m not driving three or four hours on a wild goose chase. But, like I said, I don’t think she’s in Philly,” Ted said and stood up. He went to the closet and grabbed a pair of boots.
“Then, where are you going?” David said and started pulling his arms out of his coat.
“Don’t worry about it, right now. Just relax. My legwork should take no more than two hours.”
*******
Ted parked his SUV across the street from the Jacobs house. He had only been watching the house for fifteen minutes. The Christmas lights lined the front of the roof, the windows, and the doorway. The nativity scene was a few inches away from the walkway. Light came from the windows on the front of the house. He didn’t see Trish’s car in the driveway, but Mr. Jacobs’ and Darlene’s were there.
Ted figured that Trish parked her car in the garage. Judging from the silhouettes from the windows there were three people inside. Ted opened the car door and got out. He jogged across the street and up to the front door. After he carefully opened the storm door, he leaned his head against the front door. He heard Christmas music and muffled voices. There were definitely two women talking. Ted knocked on the door. The voices got quiet. He waited for a moment.
“Who is it?” Darlene asked.
“Your favorite neighborhood P.I.,” he replied.
“Oh… um just a minute,” Darlene said.
She definitely sounded surprised and nervous.
“Come on, Darlene, it’s freezing out here,” he said.
“Okay, coming,” Darlene said in a high-pitched voice. After another twenty seconds, she opened the door.
“Hi,” she greeted with a nervous smile.
“Hey, sunshine,” he said and squeezed past her to walk into the house.
“It’s past nine o’clock,” she said.
“I know it’s getting late, but I had to come over. Where’s your father?”
“He’s upstairs. Why?” she asked as she clenched her pink bathrobe around her chest.
Teddy unzipped his leather coat. He ignored the question. “Where’s Trish?”
Darlene looked down. “She’s out of town. She’ll be back tomorrow.”
“When tomorrow?”
“I don’t know,” she said defensively.
Ted softened his tone. “I just want to help. I just want to make sure she’s okay,” he said and took a few steps closer to Darlene. He looked into her blue eyes. There was only an inch between them.
“I…she’s fine. You better go before Daddy comes downstairs,” she stuttered.
“Too late,” Mr. Jacobs said in a deep voice. He stood in the middle of the staircase staring daggers at Ted.
Ted took two steps back. “Mr. Jacobs, just the man I was looking for.”
Mr. Jacobs came down the rest of the stairs. “Oh, it’s a little late for a financial consultation, Ted.”
Darlene walked to the other side of the room.
Ted smiled. “I’m not here for your financial advice, sir. I wanted to ask you a few questions about Trish’s whereabouts. I heard she went to Philly with some friends.”
“She did. She’ll be back tomorrow,” Mr. Jacobs said.
The old cogger was going to hold his ground. Ted tried another tactic. “Was she already in Philly when she called you?”
“No, she called from her cell phone.”
“Who was she with?”
“She didn’t say.”
“Did she say how many friends she was with?”
“No.”
“You didn’t ask?”
“It was none of my business. She’s a big girl.”
Ted turned to look at Darlene. “Why didn’t you go with her? If they were friends from high school, surely you knew them.”
“I did…I mean didn’t, I just didn’t want to go on an overnight trip,” Darlene stuttered.
“Why? Your best friend is going through a divorce - she wants to go on a trip. Why didn’t you go with her for moral support? You’ve been by her side so far.”
Darlene’s mouth opened, but nothing came out.
Ted walked to the couch. “Yeah, she’s not in Philly. She’s here, isn’t she?”
“It’s time for you to leave, son. I’ll tell Trish to call you when she gets back,” Mr. Jacobs said.
He was close. “Trish, you may as well come out. I know you’re here.”
No one said anything.
“Trish, if you don’t come out I’m not going to help you and David with your divorce case anymore. And believe me, you need what my contacts are pursuing on the west coast. And are you really going to keep making Darlene and Mr. Jacobs lie for you? It isn’t in their nature.”
Trish slowly emerged from the hallway that led to the kitchen. She wore a black silk robe and slippers with black fuss on the top. Her hair was down- the ends grazed the top of her shoulders. Ted could tell she wasn’t wearing a bra. If David was here, he’d go nuts.
“What do you want, Shaw?” she asked with annoyance.
“My brother is beside himself with worry. All he wants is to talk to you. I’ll take you to him. Get dressed- I’ll wait,” Ted said and sat down on the couch.
Trish walked around the sofa and sat down next to him. “I’m not going anywhere, and if you are my friend, you would leave and not tell David where I am.”
“I am your friend, but David is my brother- my kid brother. He’s in agony,” Ted said and crossed his arms.
“Oh, he can’t be that bad off. All because he can’t find me,” Trish huffed.
“Listen to him, Trish,” Darlene implored and sat down on the other side of Ted.
“Did he ask you to look for me?” Trish asked.
“Yes. David is a wreck. Why won’t you return his calls? Is it because of that woman?”
Trish blew out. “Partly.”
Mr. Jacobs quietly watched and listened.
“She means nothing to him, and he went to The Wingate to tell her that. Now, what’s the other part?” Ted asked.
“I need some time to myself. I need time to find me again. I lost so much of myself these last seven months. I need some time to think. I know that’s hard for a man to understand, but sometimes a woman needs to do that,” she answered with desperation in her voice.
“I do understand, but David-.”
“Just tell him you spoke to me, and I’m fine. Just to leave me alone for a while,” Trish said.
“I’m not lying to him,” Ted said.
“I’m not asking you to lie. You did speak to me. Just don’t tell him how or where you spoke to
me.”
“He’s going to ask,” Ted said.
“Just ask him to give me a few days, better yet, a week. Please, Teddy,” Trish begged.
Ted looked into Trish’s dark brown eyes. He had never heard Trish so desperate. She was always so confident and strong. Ted’s mind churned possible ideas that could make both parties happy.
“Please, Teddy,” Darlene begged with a pout and lightly placed her hand on his arm. Her watery blue eyes could melt a glacier.
They were ganging up on him, and it was working. “Oooh, I’ll tell David I spoke with you, and you’re fine. I’ll try to stall until tomorrow afternoon about your whereabouts, but that’s all I can promise you.”
“Thanks, Teddy. You’re the best,” Trish said with a smile.
“Yeah,” Darlene said with a smile and squeezed his arm.
******
Ted told himself this was the last stop for the night, and then he was going back home. He knocked on the door of suite 720. David had told him Heather’s room number earlier.
Heather opened the door. Her opened white silk robe revealed a low cut, lace-lined nightgown. Her cleavage didn’t leave much to the imagination.
“Teddy!” she exclaimed happily. “How good of you to come to see me. Come on in, sugar.”
Ted stepped into the suite. The room screamed money. Heather had got all the money she wanted and needed.
“Come..come…sit. I’ll make us some drinks. I’m afraid I don’t have any beer. Then, again I could call room service and have a couple of bottles sent up.”
“Don’t bother. I’m not staying long,” he said dryly.
Heather turned off her southern hospitality. “This sounds serious. Has something happened to David?”
“Yes. He’s finally forgotten about you and wants to move on- with a vivacious exciting woman that can breathe life into him again. I don’t want you messing that up for him with your mind games.”
“I didn’t come here to play games. I love, David. I want him back.”
“I love, David. More than you will ever know or probably understand. I’m not going to sit by and watch you break his spirit or mind in half again.”
She smirked. “Don’t you think David is a little too old for you to be fighting his battles for him?”
The Lawyer Page 11
