Fall: Rise & Fall Duet Book 2 (Shaken 4)

by Grahame Claire

  “Zegas is working to rectify the situation, but there are too many fires burning at one time. We’re surrounded.”

  “Is the apartment the worst thing?”

  “It appears that way, but who knows? I don’t think the federal government has simply decided to forget their pursuit of the tax evasion and securities fraud charges.” Discreetly, he pulled me closer.

  I shifted so that our faces were inches apart.

  Muffy softly snored from the foot of the bed.

  It was so normal, I wanted to hang on to it.

  “Let’s consider doomsday. What does that look like?”

  “I lose most of my property because of improper title work and the authorities find a charge to stick that puts me in prison and seize the rest of my assets.”

  I swallowed hard. When he put it that bluntly, the situation sounded impossible.

  “We should focus on keeping you free. The rest of it, you can build back. It might take a long time, but you did it once. If that’s what you want, you can do it again.”

  He pressed his head farther into his pillow. “I’m not confident I can remain out of custody. Zegas and Whitley are the best attorneys in the city, but they can’t combat bogus charges. It’s not a fair fight.”

  “If they’re the best, they’ve probably been in quite a few of those.”

  “I can’t understand why I’m being targeted.” He pulled back, realization on his face. “I’m audited for my taxes nearly every year.” He tapped my hip as if the wheels were slowly beginning to chug in his brain. “And I’ve been cleared or paid the adjustments every single time.”

  “So the government has essentially confirmed you didn’t commit tax evasion?” I asked carefully.

  He kissed my forehead as if I’d come up with the answer and rolled out of bed.

  “I’d better call Zegas.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Lincoln

  “You’re only just now remembering you’ve been audited?”

  Zegas sounded annoyed but not asleep, like he’d been up and waiting for my call.

  “It’s so routine and my accountant handles the details. Shouldn’t there be some documentation in the tax returns he sent to you?” I rubbed my jaw. I didn’t want false hope, but this seemed to be a break in my favor.

  The audits took months. One year I’d had a particularly large amount of transactions, it had taken over a year. Naturally they found mistakes so that I owed more. But they weren’t egregious transgressions. And I highly doubted anyone had ever been audited who didn’t end up writing a check.

  “This could be what we need,” he said. “But don’t think this is your get-out-of-jail-free card. It helps, but they can always come up with more bogus charges.”

  I leaned against the bedroom windows, taking in the city lights. “How are you certain they’re bogus?”

  “You reported fifty-three dollars in interest on one of the returns. The rest of the interest transactions far exceeded that amount. It would’ve been very easy for you to skip that one.”

  I was aware of exactly which account he spoke of. It was the remainder of a bank account my mother had set up in my trust. Over the years, it had dwindled to an amount that barely earned any interest, but I couldn’t close the account on principle. I’d never even taken her name off of it.

  And I was mildly impressed Zegas had noted such a minute detail. There were pages of documents for that section alone of my returns. The knowledge that he picked through even what seemed to be insignificant bolstered my confidence.

  “How can we use this to our advantage?” I was ready for him to charge the authorities so they’d have to let this investigation go.

  “We sit on it until the time is right. If we aren’t strategic, they can come up with a way around it.” A chair creaked in the background.

  “How? They support us with their own audits.”

  “And you don’t think they’d say those were incorrect? Or come up with some other charges in addition? We aren’t playing with some namby-pamby schmuck slapping you with a bogus lawsuit.”

  “If they’re just going to keep charging me until something sticks, what’s the point in fighting?” I turned my back on the city I loved.

  “Because if you’re innocent, we can win.” Then he snorted. “Actually, if you’re not, I can make that happen too.”

  Smug bastard. Though he’d earned the right to be. His reputation supported his statement.

  “My freedom is the most important aspect to concentrate on. I’m aware there are many battlefronts, but don’t let the faulty title work become a distraction.”

  Talking with Lexie had reminded me of that. I’d become so bogged down in the chaos of the situation, I’d lost sight of that.

  If I were behind bars, everything else was irrelevant. What purpose did it serve to own all those properties if I wasn’t able to tend to them?

  “I’m trying to keep you that way,” he said confidently. “And send over the records you have regarding the audits.” He groaned. “With all of your paperwork, I’m going to have to get a bigger office space just to store it.”

  I started to remind him we had digital storage capabilities in this century to alleviate problems such as that, but decided to keep the snide comment to myself.

  “Keep me out of prison.”

  “That’s the plan.”

  I hung up and tossed the phone on the nightstand. Lexie lay partially on my pillow, watching my every move.

  “Can it help? she asked hopefully.

  “Maybe.” I wasn’t as confident as I’d been before the conversation, but I had no doubt Zegas was already formulating a plan to use the information.

  I climbed back in bed, careful not to disturb Muffy, who was peacefully sleeping. This was what I wanted. This was what I had to lose.

  I wasn’t ready to let go of it. I wouldn’t ever be.

  I hesitated before I switched off the lights. My view was gone, but feeling Lexie beside me was as good as seeing her.

  She was here.

  She hadn’t run.

  And I needed her to give me strength.

  Because as soon as I closed my eyes, there wasn’t peace. Dark red was all I saw. Blood. A river of it. Flowing from my mother’s lifeless body.

  Zegas and his damn questions.

  The nightmare replayed in my mind. I’d been late. I’d done nothing but stand by and watch helplessly instead of screaming or following the gunman.

  My eyes flew open.

  How had I not realized it before?

  I’d only seen the back of the shooter. He’d worn a long black trench coat with the hood over his head.

  I could conjure up his form in a split second at any given time. He was ingrained in my memories and frustrated me because I’d never seen his face.

  I scrambled for details as I desperately tried to go back to the scene. I’d always focused on the raised arm and gun gleaming in the afternoon sun.

  The coat had given the illusion the arm was wider around than it seemed. That combined with my assumptions had led me to make a mistake.

  I tried to see beyond that arm and back. In my head, I scanned down the body, trying to recollect details I’d missed.

  The murder may have happened over thirty years ago, and I recognized that traumatic events had a way of altering the mind.

  But I had no doubt, the murderer wasn’t what I’d thought for all this time. The height and lack of focus had thrown me off.

  My mother’s killer wasn’t a man.

  It was a woman.

  And she’d been wearing stilettos.

  Why was this coming back to me now?

  And how the hell were they related?

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Lexie

  “Where have you been, stranger?”

  Beau sat at the kitchen island, smoothie in hand and dressed for work. I hadn’t seen her last night. She seemed to come and go at odd hours, though I imagined if we weren’t here, Li
ncoln would do the same.

  “Working like crazy.” She glanced away.

  I had a feeling that was only partially true.

  “Lincoln should go back to work to help you. We can figure out how to make our deliveries.”

  Her shoulders slumped. “I’m so sorry, Lexie. I should’ve driven you yesterday.”

  Thank goodness she hadn’t. Half a day with her behind the wheel had been harrowing enough, though I appreciated the gesture.

  “You’ve helped so much. We can’t ask any more of you.”

  “Is it because I almost ripped off your side mirror?” She flashed an apologetic smile from behind her glass.

  “I’m pretty sure it was the parallel parking that did it.” I grinned. She really was an awful driver.

  She made a face at me before she turned serious. “How are you feeling?”

  I opened the refrigerator and retrieved a bottle of water. “Better. My head still has a dull pain but it’s nothing like it was.”

  I rubbed the tender spot on my skull where I’d hit the concrete floor. It was truly a wonder I hadn’t sustained a fracture.

  “That’s good news. Hopefully, the doctor’s report in a few days will be all clear.”

  It had to be. I didn’t have more time to be so hands off in our business. The sip of water didn’t settle well at the thought of how we were going to keep it together. We needed to get back to a schedule instead of this winging it arrangement we were doing.

  “Hope so.”

  “Where’s Lincoln?”

  I blushed thinking about Muffy delivering her my tank top. “He needed to go to the office for a while before helping us with our route today.” Guilt washed over me. It wasn’t fair he was having to work twice as hard to cover for my shortcomings.

  “I have a few things to do this morning before I head that way. If you talk to him, will you tell him I postponed the closing on the Ludlow property? I’m waiting for an inspection report.”

  “Sure.” I took a sip of water. “Isn’t that near my apartment?”

  She nodded. “Yeah.”

  “I didn’t know you had any projects in that area.” Then again, I had no idea where they did anything. I assumed they only dealt in luxury properties. Were they going to transform my street into something fancy-schmancy? What would happen to Mrs. Brooks? She couldn’t afford to pay rent in a high-end place.

  Neither could I.

  “This is the first. Lincoln wants to pursue it.”

  I furrowed my brow. “What will you do to the building?”

  “That’s why I’m waiting for the inspection. I’m thinking we’ll have to demolish it, But best-case scenario is we can renovate.” She rinsed her empty glass out.

  “Is it occupied?” I asked quietly.

  There had been a rumor a few years ago that our building was going to be bought and we’d all be kicked out of our apartments. The worry and stress the idea had caused was awful. In the end, nothing had changed, so I’d assumed the property hadn’t been sold.

  “Yes. And how they get away with it, I’ll never understand,” she said coldly. “The conditions are a disgrace.”

  Beau had never judged anyone for their living arrangements or financial situation. And she wasn’t now. She sounded downright angry on the tenants’ behalf.

  “What will happen to them if you buy it?”

  She looked a little embarrassed. “They’ll have to find somewhere else to go.”

  It was their business. I understood, and obviously they were very good at it.

  But the Lincoln who’d showed me his heart wouldn’t leave people in a situation like that. The one who argued with me and dictated his edicts might.

  Beau? I couldn’t picture her doing it either.

  “He’s been after me about this property. He won’t let it go and, because I can’t say no to my brother, I’m buying it.” She placed her glass in the dishwasher and dried off her hands.

  “Why isn’t he buying it?”

  She flashed me an annoyed look. “Getting information out of Lincoln is impossible.”

  I nodded. Did this have to do with the frozen assets? I’d never comprehend parts of their world. It was just too different. Most of my assets would actually fit in a freezer.

  “I need to run.” She kissed my cheek. “Tell Eric I said bye.” When she was almost to the door she turned with a gleam in her eye. “And move whatever of Lincoln’s crap you need to so you can fit yours in his closet.”

  She floated out before I could respond. I guessed it was obvious we weren’t in a hurry to go back to our place. My face got hot. I still wasn’t used to the idea, but I wasn’t going to run from it either.

  So, I sent Beau a text.

  It’s Bob Ross night. Come if you can.

  And suddenly got responses from Teague and Pepper.

  Heck yeah.

  We’re in.

  Had I accidentally done a group text? I was thrilled for them to come. It would be good for all of us.

  I guess the misfits are coming.

  I snickered at Beau’s text. She’d started the group text.

  See all of you tonight.

  I included a link with the address, suddenly excited. We’d been making our deliveries, but it wasn’t in our routine way. We hadn’t been to our apartment in days. We hadn’t helped our neighbors or volunteered at the food bank. And Bob Ross night was one of the great pieces of our old life I wanted to keep.

  I tilted my head. I’d always said the routine was mostly for Eric. Maybe I needed it as much as he did to stay balanced.

  I sent Beau another text.

  I keep forgetting to ask. Are you up for piano lessons soon?

  Eric had been through so much. He wanted the piano lessons, and I’d had to cancel when we’d lost Garrison’s business. Beau had agreed to teach him. We’d just never set up a time.

  Three dots flashed.

  For you I am.

  I sent her a kissy face emoji. Now I just had to find a piano.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Lincoln

  “To the kitchen?”

  I glanced at Lexie in the rearview mirror.

  She shook her head and pointed to the left. “Go that way. We have masterpieces to create.”

  “I thought the dog food was your masterpiece?” I asked.

  I didn’t blame her for not wanting to go to the kitchen. It was the place of her arrest. Truthfully, I wasn’t keen on reliving that night either. I didn’t know the effect it had on Eric, but I imagined it wasn’t the best thing for him either. He’d seemed okay with it every day when we’d come to make the next batch of dog food. Maybe better than I had. But we’d been so busy trying to make up for Lexie’s absence—an impossibility. So far, no one had complained that their dog wouldn’t eat the food we’d made. Eric and I had followed the recipes to the letter of Lexie’s instructions.

  The distance between my apartment and the kitchen, coupled with the negative memories, had been taxing. Perhaps we needed to find a kitchen closer to the apartment.

  Except we may not be living in that area soon.

  “It’s one of our masterpieces,” Eric said. “We have many dogs’ stamps of approval.”

  That they did. And I wanted to figure out a way to get it into even more dogs’ paws.

  “Turn right at the next light,” Lexie said.

  She’d been quiet today. All business, though she seemed less burdened. Was that because she told me she loved me? I still wasn’t sure how to accept that this incredible woman thought she loved me. I didn’t deserve it. But did I feel the same? Was that what these strange sensations in my chest were?

  Everything was changing so fast. It was a lot to take in if it was only our budding relationship. With so many underlying factors, it was understandable if she needed time to process.

  Would that time come for me?

  I hadn’t taken a moment to think lately. I’d simply done a whole lot of doing. Like turning my phone off so I could f
ocus on Lexie and Eric’s business instead of my own.

  I had employees to think about, but I’d set them up to sustain more than a few days without me. Hollingsworth Properties was strong and secure. I’d made certain of it.

  What if those titles come up bad for the company too?

  Some of them likely would, but it wasn’t our entire portfolio.

  I’d gambled sometimes, though I’d offset it with safer bets. I might hate my father and couldn’t care less if he lost it all, but I loved Hollingsworth Properties. I devoted my life to it. I would not let it crumble.

  Eric pointed ahead. “It’s Bob Ross day!” he shouted. “How could I forget?”

  His enthusiasm was contagious. Lexie smiled to herself. She’d known this was how the day would conclude all along, that it had slipped her brother’s mind. And she knew he’d be thrilled to do what he loved.

  A small crowd was gathered outside the community center. As we drove closer, I recognized Teague, Beau, and Pepper.

  I glanced at Lexie again. She’d known they’d be here too. I had been left in the dark.

  “There’s a spot.” Eric thrust his finger just down the street from the destination.

  I parallel parked the van. Eric had his door opened before I shut down the engine. Instead of racing toward the building, he opened the back door for Lexie.

  I turned off the ignition and strode around the back.

  “You’re overdressed for the occasion,” Teague said, slapping my hand.

  Beau pulled on my tie. “Might look better with paint on it.”

  Paint? I wasn’t going to paint.

  Eric looped his hand on Lexie’s elbow. “Let’s go, sis.” When he’d reached the door, he stopped. “Where’s Miss Adeline?”