Life Sentence

by Carolyn Arnold

  “Yes, but you’ve been waiting for this. You must have some idea.”

  Jessica scrunched up her face.

  Children.

  Honestly, she hadn’t given it much thought. And the proposal—for all the anticipation of it, now that it had passed the excitement had waned. He had changed so quickly after getting that call Sunday morning.

  Her thoughts continued to dwell on feelings of uncertainty. She knew she loved him, yet she questioned whether he truly reciprocated—despite the fact he spoiled her materially. At that passing consideration, she was reassured.

  Of course, he loves me.

  “Jess, you’ve spaced out on me. You all right?”

  That was a loaded question.

  The response was no. Everything was far from fine. On top of her unstable emotions, she had to deal with an angry mafia boss and his men.

  “So?” Nella shook her head. “Spill it.”

  She refused to disclose the fire at the firm. She hoped that her friend wouldn’t come across it in the news, but in some ways would rather her find out that way. But the stress of everything was bearing down on her, and she didn’t want to be in it alone with only Bryan anymore.

  “My apartment was broken into on Friday. Found it when I got home.”

  “Oh, my Gawd.” Nella’s hand covered her opened mouth. “But you’re doing okay, right?” She crossed her legs. “What did they take?”

  “Nothing actually.” Jessica swiveled in her chair. “Just a tactic to shake us up.”

  At first Nella appeared puzzled but a few seconds later pieced everything together. Her intuition was back. “Does it have something to do with Damien?”

  “Dimitre. Yeah.”

  “Obviously you filed a police report.”

  “I wanted to.” She folded her hands together on her desk. “Bryan didn’t want me to. He figured there was no point since they didn’t steal anything. Anyway, I’m staying with him for a few days. He’s going to have the place cleaned up, and then I’ll go back.”

  “So you’re living together?”

  “For now, yes.”

  Jessica was relieved that Nella hadn’t been too shaken by that news. Her resolve not to mention the fire remained intact.

  “You do realize once you’re married you’ll have to live together?”

  “Yes, smartass. I just like my independence and part of me hesitates to let any of it go.”

  “Bryan ain’t going to hold you back. He’ll let you be who you need to be. Hell, you’ll probably be whining to me not long from now about how you wish he’d spend more time with you.” The light reflected differently in her eyes. “Actually, it seems to me, you were already complaining about that.”

  Jessica sat back. “You’re probably right.”

  “Girl, I’m always right.” Nella laughed.

  HIS PRIDE FORCED HIM TO stand tall and not back down. The generations of the Lexan men were always strong. They got things handled. Legally not being the logical means each time. He felt like a coward under the judgmental stares of his ancestors. He had to find a new room to retreat to—all those eyes were burning through his soul.

  Dimitre had some nerve to push his buttons like this. Play with him like a rodent in a maze. He would have preferred in some ways that they just come after him like a lioness tearing after her prey as opposed to all these mind games.

  In the end, though, the Lexan men had to come out winning. He had to see to that. He tipped his glass back, draining his Scotch in a single swallow. His eyes were bloodshot and scratchy. He had been drinking for hours.

  His cell phone rang. He answered it, “Lexan.” His tone of voice revealed his agitation.

  “It’s Colleen.” She let the line fall silent for a second. “The fire department is ruling the fire accidental.”

  Bryan squeezed the glass in his hand while mentally willing it to shatter into a million pieces.

  “What a shock.”

  “They can’t prove that the fan was brought in by anyone other than us or the staff. For their purposes maybe one of the girls brought it in and just doesn’t recall doing it.”

  Her tone of voice was demeaning.

  “Sure, whatever. I mean I do things all the time and completely forget I did them. It’s a perfectly normal, healthy thing to do, isn’t it?”

  “Bry—”

  “The bastard is going to get away with it, Colleen. There’s nothing to tie his men to the fire, or the break-in at Jessica’s apartment. Or the note left in my den the Monday the jury passed the guilty verdict. They’ll get away with all of it.” His drunken rage was intensifying. “And you know he’ll probably get away with my murder!” He finished speaking and realized she knew nothing of the note.

  Colleen went silent for a few seconds. “Murder?”

  “Yes, he’s threatened my life. You happy now that I’ve said it out loud?”

  “You’re drunk. You’re no doubt exaggerating things.”

  His words were slurred, but he lacked any self-control to keep his mouth shut. “You know what? Why don’t you go screw yourself? I know what he said, I know what he’s doing, and it’s only leading to one thing. My death!”

  Those words left his mouth, and he was ashamed that he carried his family name. Fear had tightened its hold on him, stronger than he willed to admit.

  He must have really upset her. The line remained silent. He should have apologized for talking to her that way, but couldn’t find it within himself. “I’ve got to go.” He hung up.

  He tipped the crystal decanter to pour himself more Scotch, but it only had a small amount to offer. He stared into the bottom of his glass, swirling the liquid, disappointed he had reached the end of his stock. Sinking into his leather chair by the fireplace, he gulped the drink back. He became mesmerized by the flames. They led his mind into the dark recesses of reasoning ability.

  Somehow he had to get himself together. He had the means, the money, and the connections to deal with the situation. He was a Lexan by blood. Pride coursed through his veins. His family name wielded respect and admiration from the community. His ancestors, nine generations deep, consisted of diplomats, justices, mayors, and lawyers. They had been a strong breed. And it had all come down to this. Little Bryan, William’s son, was going to squash their legacy, smudge the heritage left him. By being a coward. By succumbing to fear.

  The phone rang on his desk, and he wished it wouldn’t be for him even though he knew better.

  “It’s for you.” Rosa stood in the entry to his den, feather duster in hand. “Miss Pratt.”

  Panic set in. She would know he had been drinking to excess and that wouldn’t impress her.

  “Take a message, and tell her I’m otherwise engaged right now.” He rubbed his facial hair. He hadn’t even groomed himself today. “Tell her I’ll see her when she gets here.”

  “Very well.” Rosa reversed from the doorway.

  His heart sank and his palms were clammy. His fear was getting such a grip on him, it was changing the person he was.

  A few moments later Rosa stood in the doorway.

  “Miss Pratt said she’s picking up dinner to bring back tonight.” Her tone could not hide her contempt toward Jessica’s living with them. “May I remind you of the time? She’ll be here within the next hour and a half.”

  “Ah shit. Make a pot of strong coffee. I’ll be out for a cup in a minute.”

  After Rosa left, he dropped his head into his palms.

  Jessica. It was time to put on a strong front and be there for her. It was almost getting to be too much. Now that they were living together, the bravado persona became a full-time occupation. And keeping up this pretense wore him down, mentally and physically.

  As if struggling to deal with that wasn’t enough, he didn’t even want to think about the insurance claim on the busin
ess, the paperwork, having it rebuilt. Then there was the matter of finding a suitable place to set up the firm temporarily. He delegated that to Colleen. He entrusted Richard with the responsibility of informing all their secretaries. Maybe being the partner with the largest cash flow did have some advantages.

  The mantle clock chimed five. Each one reverberated in his head. Coffee—he needed it now.

  After drinking about three cups, his stomach couldn’t handle any more. It wasn’t blending well with all that Scotch. It did its job though and helped him to sober up enough so that Jessica wouldn’t know about his binge this afternoon. He rubbed his face. He needed a shave. She loved it when he was clean-shaven and made no secret of it. He headed upstairs.

  “BRYAN.”

  He heard a voice calling him. It sounded like Jessica.

  How could she be here so quickly?

  “Up here.” He had to bellow to get his voice to carry through the rooms of the house.

  She came into the bathroom and stood beside the vanity. “Oh, there you are.”

  The room had double sinks and a Jacuzzi tub large enough for four. He stood bent over the sink, wearing only a white towel wrapped around his waist. She watched him in the mirror. Once their eyes met, she smiled.

  “How nice of you to get up for me.” Her smile gave way to laughter.

  He ran the razor up from his lower jaw to his cheek and then swished it in the water to rinse the soap and whiskers off.

  “Hello there, beautiful.” Bryan smiled and moved toward her. He kissed her hard, hoping to share some of the shave gel residue from his face.

  “Brat.” She slapped his shoulder. He backed up and grabbed a towel from the rack to wipe his face. “Assuming the truth must hurt you?”

  “And what truth is that?”

  “That you just got up.” She pulled the towel from his waist, her eyes narrowing to slits.

  “Why I should—” He chased her and managed to corner her near the bed and couldn’t help but think how convenient.

  She was fully clothed but wearing a low cut, button-up blouse. The top three buttons were left open, revealing the swell of her breasts and her long neckline. It taunted him. He pulled her in and nuzzled his face into her breasts.

  “You ought to what, Bryan? Hmm?” She laughed seductively.

  He moved from her breasts, kissed her neck, and made his way to her mouth. Those cherry lips he had come to lust after. Her eyes rolled upward, and her pulse sped up. He pushed her onto the bed and made love to her—their minds connected.

  They both lay on his bed afterward, fighting for a good breath, sweaty and satisfied. He broke the silence.

  “Do you like living with me? Look at the benefits that come with it.” He winked at her, enticing her with his eyes. Even robbed of energy, he still hungered for her.

  “I like the benefits.” She smiled, turning her head from him to the ceiling. Her eyes were on the mural his great grandfather had painted for a twentieth-anniversary gift to his wife.

  “It’s settled then, you’ll be moving here permanently.” His words offered the invitation without him thinking it through. As much anxiety as it caused him to fake strength, he needed her close. He had to believe it would be harder for Dimitre to reach her if she was with him.

  “I don’t know.” She kept her eyes on the painting.

  “It’s going to happen sooner or later, Jess. You did say yes to my proposal. I hope you’re not regretting that.”

  She faced him. “Of course I’m not.”

  “Then move in with me. It will make things easier. Planning that is. We’ll have each other right here to consult with.”

  She remained silent.

  “I can go over and help you pack your personal effects.” He rolled onto his side. “We can sublet the apartment, furnished. Then if it doesn’t work out, you’ll have it to go back to. I’ll even pay for the expense of maintaining it.”

  “I don’t know. If I say yes, I want to cover my own expenses.” Her eyes gave him hope she would accept.

  “It’s a yes?” He peered into her eyes.

  “It’s a yes.” She smiled and they wrapped their arms around each other.

  -

  Chapter 14

  “WITH ALL THOSE SPEECHES YOU’VE given me, I’m shocked you caved,” Nella said.

  “He was looking right into my eyes. Just like you’ve been telling me, I’m going to move in soon enough anyway. I thought what the heck, I’d take the plunge.” Jessica smiled.

  They had taken a break from the office and were seated at a bistro-style table in a local coffee shop. People squeezed past one another from the front door to the counter. There must have been fifteen to twenty people in line.

  A cacophony of noises filled the air—conversations, cell phones, the whirring of cappuccino makers, and the dripping of coffee into pots. The sounds mingled with the smells of freshly baked goods and caffeinated drinks.

  Nella tapped her biscotti against the plate, a few loose crumbs falling from it.

  “Don’t hate me ’cause I know what I’m talking about. Besides, you’ll be just fine. He loves you.”

  Jessica nodded and took a sip of her hazelnut cappuccino.

  “There’s something else I need to say.” Jessica sat her beverage down. “I was hoping you would be my maid of honor.”

  The twinkle in her friend’s eyes relaxed her and caused her to smile.

  “I would be honored.” Nella returned the smile and placed a hand on her chest to convey how the proposal touched her.

  “ROSA, I NEED YOU TO arrange a formal gathering for a week from this Saturday.”

  “How many guests?”

  She was in a good mood today. Her Spanish accent came through giving a delicate appeal to her voice.

  “Nothing hugely elaborate, but you can arrange for a caterer to bring in the food if you wish. You have the charge card?”

  She nodded. “Sí.”

  “Order up lobster, caviar, whatever else is expensive, sure to impress.”

  “And the occasion?”

  “My engagement, Rosa.”

  He placed a hand on her right shoulder and her shoulder sagged. Despite being engaged for a few days, he hadn’t mentioned it to Rosa. He knew she would be disappointed.

  Her cold reaction wasn’t masked by her body language and her voice got its edge back. “Engagement?”

  “You should be happy for me.”

  “I am.” She forced a smile.

  Bryan could tell she was blatantly lying to him. “Please find it within yourself to be.”

  A moment passed.

  “Señor, I loved your father. I honor his memory. I will stand by his son. In the decisions he makes.” She smiled timidly at him.

  Bryan knew her better. Shyness was a characteristic displayed to hide her anger. But he ignored it and accepted her words at face value.

  “Very good, then. It’s settled. Invite my partners, Jessica’s best friend, Nella. Also Myles Flannigan, the judge. I’m sure you remember him.” Rosa nodded her head.

  Before leaving, he added, “I will get their numbers for you. As for myself, I’m going out to pick up a few things, but I’ll be back before Jessica gets here.”

  “WELCOME HOME.” Bryan greeted Jessica with a tender kiss on her cheek. “How was work?”

  “We’re getting close to closing the deal with Knockturnl—” She sniffed the air. “What is that smell? It’s divine.”

  He remembered the last time she said that—only three nights ago at the restaurant.

  “That is Rosa’s specialty. It’s a surprise, but let me tell you that it tastes even better than it smells.”

  “One wonders how that’s possible.” She sat her purse down. “Then again, we’re talking about Rosa. She’s full of surprises.”

 
She raised her eyebrows comically and they shared a laugh.

  He placed his hand on the small of her back, guiding her to the white sofa.

  “Wine?”

  “Sure.” Her brows rose and a smile graced her lips. “What is going on? I mean you seem so happy tonight. You must have done something wrong.” She forced an angry expression, but it gave way to a grin.

  “I have a surprise for you, but first dinner.” He handed her the glass of wine he had offered.

  “There you go being mysterious again.” She sat the glass on the coffee table in front of her.

  She decided to feign disinterest and changed the subject. “I picked up a few things from the apartment.”

  “You know I intend to help with that?” His tone encased a question.

  “I know. I just wanted to get some things. What about you, though? Have you heard any more about the cause of the fire?”

  He told her arson was ruled out. “Nothing more to tell. It will take some time for the insurance claim to work through the system. We’ll have to get a place set up temporarily.”

  “Did you look at any places today?”

  “No.”

  “You can’t allow this guy to push you down.”

  His pride took offense. That held more truth than he cared to acknowledge.

  “I’m not letting it bring me down. I’m merely basking in the few days reprieve I’ve been granted by this series of events.”

  His tone was harsh.

  “I didn’t mean to insult you by saying that. Let me reword it this way then. We can’t let him shape how we live from day to day.”

  If she doesn’t mean to insult me, then she should remain quiet.

  The embers of his anger were glowing, but the warmness in her eyes worked at stamping them out.

  “I’m well aware of that Jessica.” He attempted to compose himself. There was no sense of continuing with the current topic. He’d lose his temper with her. “First, a surprise for you. I will reveal part of it before dinner, but the rest of it I’d like to save until later.”

  He smiled, hoping that he had successfully changed the direction of their conversation.

  “All right, but I’m not a very patient person.”