Cadence

by J. M. Nevins

  With Lila out at lunch, Ariana was available to receive the document that had arrived via messenger. Its contents included copies of the original documents that confirmed the assets to Sully’s inheritance from her grandmother’s estate were now frozen and in the process of being reallocated to Spencer as the executor. An additional document of repossession for the Steinway was included. All part of procedure that made Kit feel increasingly uneasy. She set the documentation aside, letting out a defeated sigh.

  Shifting her attention to her wristwatch she knew Spencer had yet to reach Baltimore. Doubts started clouding her mind and she wondered if she was doing the right thing. When she took a moment of pause to think about what her grandmother would want, she knew she did.

  She stared at her wedding and engagement ring set for several moments before taking them off, placing them into a velvet pouch and setting them on top of an appraisal certificate adjacent to the other documents on the table. She didn’t give it a second look.

  The rings belonged to her grandmother. Tilly had given them to Sully to propose to Kit years ago. He promised that it was only a placeholder and he would buy her a proper engagement ring and wedding ring that was more her style. A promise she suspected would never be fulfilled now.

  She adored her grandmother and was grateful for the set of rings, but they were ostentatious and much larger than she would ever want to wear day to day. The emerald cut engagement ring center stone alone was fourteen carats. She was ready to let it all go.

  Today was set to be one of change for certain. A representative from Sotheby’s was due to arrive at any moment to appraise the rings and list them for Kit. She headed into the front room and admired her grandmother’s Steinway. She had played so many pieces on that beautiful instrument. Although she felt melancholy as she stroked the keys, she knew letting Sully keep it would defeat the purpose. Although it was technically being repossessed, it would remain in her possession. Spencer deferred to her judgement. She wasn’t sure where it would be going in the interim.

  The sound of the doorbell got her attention. She answered the door and greeted the appraiser. He spent his time thoughtfully evaluating all the rings. By the time he left, Kit had an auction date set. The representative had left with an armored briefcase that contained her grandmother’s rings.

  Kit sighed, pleased with resolution, yet a bit surprised at how quickly everything was moving. She returned to the front room to take a moment and recollect her thoughts.

  Ariana entered an hour later. “Mr. Donaldson is here with his client.”

  She thanked her and ran out to the foyer, excited. “Mike, hello. Henri!”

  He giggled and embraced her, giving her a kiss on each cheek. “Ma cheri like fine wine you better with age. Trés belle.”

  She beamed with happiness. “I’m so glad you’re here. Business first, then fun?”

  He nodded. “Your realtor Monsieur Donaldson has given me much information. I’d like to see for myself.”

  She linked her arm in his. “I’ll personally give you a tour.”

  After an extensive thirty-minute tour, Henri had made his mind up. He looked at her. “Remind me—le prix?”

  She stared at him, then remembered he spoke in what she called ‘Frenglish’ a mix of French and English. “Oh! You mean my asking price?”

  He giggled. “Oui, bien sur!”

  She laughed. “Oh Henri, I had forgotten how much fun I have with you.”

  She noticed her real estate agent within hearing distance. She proceeded confidently. “If you want to do month to month it’s one-hundred. If you want to pay up front, it’s nine-hundred annually.”

  Henri thought about it for a moment. “I have no use for a studio where they make the records, Cheri. Make an entrance separate so I can hold parties.”

  She smiled. “Deal. Except the Steinway piano is not included. I’ll have a new baby grand here before your move in date.” She called over her real estate agent. “Mr. Valois would like to proceed.”

  Two hours later, Kit donned dark sunglasses and a large, floppy rimmed white hat, sunning herself on Joe’s one hundred-fifty-foot super yacht that gently bobbed in the waters of Marina Del Rey. She was relaxed and felt relieved. Henri had signed a one-year lease for her estate, electing to pay it all upfront in a wire transfer.

  She took in her surroundings, relishing fond memories. When Joe put his roots down in Los Angeles, he had his yacht moved from Port Hercules in Monaco to Marina Del Rey. When he died, he left the yacht to Henri. Instead of having it shipped back to Port Hercules, Henri negotiated a deal with the city of Marina Del Rey in order to keep it where Joe had placed it. It was frequently used for business reasons, including a yacht charters and private parties. They were fortunate that there were no bookings for the day, so Henri suggested they take advantage of it. He approached her and handed her a glass of champagne.

  She took it from him and grinned. “Thanks. I guess I underestimated how much I needed this.”

  He sat across from her, crossed his legs and looked at her. “Mon dieu, Chaton, quell euphimiseme.”

  She giggled. “In English please.”

  He thought about it for a moment. “Aaah… understatement? Is that the word?”

  She nodded. “Yes. Ok, I see where you’re coming from. Yes, it is an understatement.”

  He waved his hand. “You must take better care, Chaton. Louez le grand mansion du fuisillade?”

  Kit struggled to remember her high school French. “Why did I lease my house? I’m not sure of that last word.” He nodded and formed his fingers into a gun.

  She sighed. “First of all merci beaucoup beaucoup for leasing it and for the year. I know you come to L.A. a lot and hate staying in hotels so it’s a win-win for you and me. It means a lot to the me and the McKenna family that someone who understands legacy will be staying there from time to time.”

  She pressed her hands together and bowed to him in gratitude before continuing. “Secondly, yes, I can’t live there because of the shooting. It’s too much. And on top of that, it’s over with Sully. It’s now up to me to take the next step and make it a legal separation. I’m meeting with a divorce attorney in a few days. When it comes down to it, I just can’t be in that house anymore and I wanted to move as soon as possible and before he got home from finishing out his tour.”

  Henri gasped, shocked by her words as he sat in front of her. Feeling deep compassion for her, he took both of her hands into his as he gazed into her eyes.

  He spoke softly. “Oh Cheri, this makes me so sad. J’adore Sully beaucoup. What happened, Cheri?”

  She shook her head, feeling tears well up in her eyes. Henri always did have a way of helping her release pent up emotions. He had a big heart and there were times his demeanor reminded her so much of Joe. The compassion, the caring, the deep empathy.

  The tears started to flow as her voice trembled. “Too many drugs and a girlfriend.”

  Henri grimaced. He then leaned forward and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks. He nodded, his caramel brown eyes shrouded with concern. “D’accord. Makes sense.”

  She frowned and shook her head. “What makes sense?”

  He met her eyes. “He was trés exubérant.”

  She tilted her head to the side, confused. “He was very exuberant? Huh? When did you see him?”

  Henri grinned. “London.”

  She nodded. “You went to the Wembley show? Which one? The one a few months back?”

  He shook his head. “No. Last year. We talked when they arrived in Europe first time. We agreed for London. He gave passes.”

  She sat back and got more comfortable, then grinned. “Did you have fun backstage?”

  He giggled. “Oui, bien sûr! Le soirée aprés was incroyable!”

  She grinned. “You enjoyed the after party, huh? Yeah, the London after-parties are usually very good because that’s where the tour director is from so he’s got some hookups at the best clubs there. So, since you said he
was exuberant, I’m guessing he was high as a kite at the party.”

  He nodded. “Cocaine. Beaucoup beaucoup.” He sighed. “Like mon cousin.”

  She cast her eyes down sadly. “Just like Joe. Yeah.” She met his eyes. “Did you party with Sull?”

  He grinned and shrugged his shoulders. “Un peu.”

  She chuckled. “A little? Ok. Answer this for me, did you have a good time with him? Wait, scratch that, I know you did. You’ve always liked Sully. Actually, I think you’ve had a crush on him all this time. Did your love, Gianni, get a little jealous?”

  He sighed and nodded, stifling a giggle. “Oui. Sully is… trés charmant et trés beau. Gianni agreed! We all flirted!”

  She couldn’t hold back her giggles. “Yes, my husband is very charming and very handsome. I’ll give him that and I’m happy to hear that you and your love had fun with him.”

  She shook her head and looked away, keeping her focus on the sunlight as it bounced off the water. “And he’s a pain in the ass too.”

  He nodded. “Oui, je sais, Cheri.” He took her hand and kissed it, pulled her toward him, embracing her tightly and kissing her on the cheek, whispering into her ear. “Je suis vraiment desolé.”

  He held her tightly as she sobbed. She didn’t want to let go. She felt so safe in Henri’s arms. He gently stroked her back, letting her cry on his shoulder.

  She finally pulled back and sniffled, wiping her now puffy eyes. “Merci, Henri. Things are a bit compliqué right now. I haven’t filed for a legal separation yet—timing is everything. We were married for three and a half years and together for nine. I want to be decent about this.”

  Henri nodded and searched her eyes. “D’accord.” He put his hand atop hers and squeezed it gently. “I do not like him very much today, Cheri.”

  She chuckled. “He’s a good man at the core, Henri. I think you know that. He’s a lost man right now who I don’t know anymore and we’re not seeing eye to eye. I’m responsible here too, though. I took care of him for years and years. Bottom line, it’s unhealthy for both of us to continue. He may not agree with me, but he will in time.”

  She surveyed Henri and let out a sigh. He looked stunningly handsome. His skin was sunkissed, his body fit, toned and supremely healthy. His jawline chiseled and perfect in so many ways. His brown hair trimmed short and with stylish flair. He was dressed to the nines, taking casual male fashion to a whole new level.

  She couldn’t stifle her giggle. “Henri, sometimes… actually most of the time I see you… I really wish you were straight and single.”

  A jolly laugh burst forth from Henri as he doubled over. He got up and gave her a very demonstrative, lingering kiss on the lips. He then pulled back and stared deeply into her eyes. “Une autre vie, mon amour.” He winked at her and smiled.

  She giggled again. “In another lifetime? Yeah, I agree. Maybe we’ll hook up in our next life.”

  They erupted in laughter, enjoying the moment fully. After a few moments, they sat back, grinning from ear-to-ear, as he put his arm around her. He kissed her on the cheek. “Chaton, where shall you live?”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “I dunno. I can move into Alexa’s new house in a month or two. I need to start looking for something to lease immediately.”

  “Nonsense. Take mine.” He swept his arm out, motioning to the yacht.

  She giggled. “Yours? Your what? Do you have other properties in L.A.? Although Marina Del Rey is gorgeous here, living on a yacht wasn’t what I had in mind, truthfully.”

  He smiled and nodded. “Oui, je sais. I have friends. I’ll ask if their houses are free.”

  She grinned and grabbed his hand, squeezing it. “Thank you. I appreciate that. Knowing you and all your friends, I’m sure you’ll find me a great place to stay for a few weeks while all of this drama blows over.”

  * * *

  Spencer sighed and got up to make himself a stiff drink in his suite at the Four Seasons while Edward and Steven sat at the table discussing the matter at hand: the default of Sully’s position as one of Tilly’s heirs.

  He felt a mixture of anger and sadness about the situation. None of it felt right. He had been convinced that Sully and his sister would stay together forever. He didn’t want to take sides initially, yet he found himself struggling to stay impartial and not to be reactionary.

  He and Sully had become close, like brothers, but his behavior lately wasn’t acceptable and he hated seeing Kit so upset. He wanted nothing more than to coldcock his soon to be ex-brother-in-law, but knew that wasn’t the best way to handle the situation.

  As he took a sip of his bourbon, he heard a knock at the door. He knew it had to be Sean and Sully. He set his drink down and approached the door, opening it.

  When his eyes met Sully’s, he felt a jolt of disappointment. Sully smiled and reached out to give him their characteristic half hug, a pat on the back and their secret handshake. “Hey brother!”

  Spencer engaged albeit half-heartedly and Sully noticed immediately. He didn’t say anything, yet his steel-blue eyes searched Spencer, who coolly evaded his gaze.

  As Sully walked into the suite and was about to start small talk, he stopped in his tracks and noticed the two men in suits at the table. He wasn’t sure if they were from Diamond Records or investors for KMK.

  Motioning to the table Spencer nodded at him. “Take a seat, Sull.”

  He did as Spencer had requested and noticed that Sean headed into the living area, taking a seat on the sofa and picking up a magazine to flip through it. Sully glanced down and noticed a manila envelope in the center of the table. He felt his stomach turn. He didn’t know what was going on, but it didn’t seem good.

  He secretly prayed he wasn’t getting sued. Everyone seemed so serious. He sniffled and forced a grin wishing he had done more than one bump before leaving his room to come to the meeting. “What’s going on, Spence? Who do you have with you here?”

  Spencer took his seat at the table. “Sully, this is Edward. You haven’t met him in person, but you’ve spoken to him on the phone when my grandmother died and we talked about her estate.”

  He nodded. “Oh yeah. Hey Edward. Good to meet you in person finally.” They exchanged a handshake.

  Spencer went on to introduce them to the McKenna estate’s attorney, Steven. He then leaned in and pushed the envelope forward. “Mr. O’Sullivan, there’s a problem with your meeting the terms and conditions as outlined in the inheritance agreement. Last night Mr. Finley asked you to complete a drug test. We’ve received word that the result of that test was positive.”

  Sully swallowed hard and felt anxiety washing over him. He didn’t like how this was shaping up. He nodded remorsefully. “Yeah it was. I’m sorry.”

  Spencer stared at him unfazed. “It’s a little too late for sorry, Sull. You’ve been doing this quite a bit on tour from what I hear. And then there are other things too.” He sighed and shifted his attention to Steven. “You can proceed.”

  He met Sully’s eyes again. “Mr. O’Sullivan as a result of your continued illegal drug abuse and the infidelity within your marriage you’re in violation of clause twelve in the terms and conditions of the inheritance agreement awarded to you by Matilda Grace Lindley McKenna. As a result, your remaining payout of eight million dollars has been frozen and revoked. All assets that were willed to you within the estate have been repossessed and will returned to the executor of the trust.”

  Sully’s eyes widened. “Wait, what? Wait a minute. I… I didn’t mean to. I can go to rehab. I can stop whenever I want. I told Kit it was one groupie I didn’t know. All I did was kiss her—nothing else happened and I can prove that. I don’t understand. How do we reverse this? And by assets, do you mean my Steinway is being repossessed?”

  Steven nodded. “Yes. It’s impossible to appeal this decision as it was the last will and testament of the late Mrs. McKenna. She made her terms and conditions very clear in the inheritance agreement that you signed. When you signed
the agreement were you under the influence of any drugs or alcohol at the time?”

  He cast his eyes down, let out a defeated sigh and shook his head as he ran his fingers through his hair. “No. I knew about that clause. I had my attorney review it. I read the contract. I understood the terms. I just… Shit, I just forgot.”

  Spencer couldn’t hold back any longer. His blue-green eyes blazed with rage, his anger bubbling up the surface as he slammed his fist down on the table. “You forgot?”

  He pushed his chair back and shot up, towering over Sully and glaring down at him. “So I guess doing all that blow and fucking groupies is no big deal ‘cuz you’re an entitled rock star and that all comes with the territory, right? And I guess someone like my sister should have expected that from you, right? While she was sitting home, trusting you with her heart as she worked her ass off to catapult you and your fucking band to stardom.”

  Sully squirmed in his seat as he stared up at Spencer who continued in a heated tone. “Oh no, no, wait one fucking minute. She put some of her own dreams on hold for you because she’s constantly been cleaning up after your jacked up shit. Ok, got it. You fucking forgot.”

  He leaned down, placing a hand on each arm of Sully’s chair and got into his face ominously meeting his eyes. “Well, I’ll tell you what, Sully Foxx or Patrick O’Sullivan or whatever the fuck you call yourself, you can forget being a part of this family. I’m done. Get the hell out of my suite.” Spencer stood up and pointed to the door.

  Steven slid the envelope across the table to Sully. “Mr. O’Sullivan, these are your copies of the documents stating everything we’ve discussed. Mr. McKenna has retained the original copies. If you need additional copies for any reason, you’ll need to contact me and I’ll get them for you.”

  Sully nodded and then looked up at Spencer. “Can I have a word with you? Privately.”

  Edward and Steven quickly and quietly left the suite. Sean approached both of them and gave Sully a cautionary glance. “Five minutes then we need to get you to soundcheck, dinner with that promoter and ready for the show. I’ll be in the hallway.”