He breathed in and nodded. The last time he bought Madison coffee she wasn’t too into it. Of course, she had just learned that her boss and friend had been killed so maybe that had more to do with it. Either way, he hoped this worked out better for him. When he approached the table, Madison’s eyes widened at the enormous amount of food he was bringing her.
“Helios, are you really hungry 'cause that’s a heck of a lot of food?” she asked with a smile.
He chuckled as he set the tray down. “It all looked good. I figured whatever we didn’t eat we could put in the room for later.”
She nodded as he handed her the cup of coffee. Her face lit up immediately. She took a sip and moaned softly. Next to her Caramel Macchiato’s, this was her favorite drink. Something that she didn’t get very often as it wasn’t sold at Starbucks, which was basically the only coffee shop she went to anymore.
“How did you know I love Marrochino’s?”
Andrew smiled radiantly. YES! He thought to himself. “It sounded like something you’d like.”
“Thank you, baby.” She started to say something else but then noticed the cup her drink was in. She raised it up so she could read what it said.
All you need is LOVE or maybe coffee
Madison smiled as she set her cup down. She rose and leaned over the table and the mountain of pastries to kiss him softly. “You are so good to me.”
“You’re worth it.”
She smiled again and sat back down, grabbing the Cranberry Orange Muffin. Andrew looked at the array of food and picked up what was identified in the display case as a Cinnamon Cigar. He took a large bite and nodded. He heard giggling across from him and glanced at Madison. She leaned over the table again and kissed the confection off his lips and then sat back down. He grinned and took another bite and arched his brow at her, waiting for the next kiss. Madison smiled and leaned over the table again, kissing him as she did before. This continued until he had finished that particular pastry.
Madison, in spite of herself, was beginning to feel good inside. The heaviness she had felt only moments before was starting to lift. She began chomping down on her muffin, happily enjoying the combination of flavors. She hadn’t been hungry until she started eating and now found herself eating more. She was currently working on a Bomboloni, a mini Italian donut with jam, and it was heavenly.
Andrew watched her eat and sip her coffee. She seemed happier, but she wasn’t as talkative as she normally was and he suspected the reason why. He finished his Blueberry muffin and then took a sip of his coffee, trying to decide if he should broach the subject or not. One of the things Madison was always stressing was that he needed to tell her what he was thinking versus worrying about something that may or may not be true. He had been doing better on this but still found himself hesitating every so often. He set his cup down determinedly.
“I know you wish that Mr. Bennett was here, but,” he blurted out and then paused as his brows furrowed. “We can do this together. You know that, right?”
Madison stopped chewing and sighed. This was what she had suspected. That he was somehow upset about her being discouraged that Mr. Bennett couldn’t be there with them. She only wanted his counsel. She had a tendency to talk before thinking about what she said and she felt he would know when to tell her to shut her mouth. She never intended to make Andrew feel that she preferred Mr. Bennett over him. She reached her hands over the table and he immediately took them in his.
“If I had to choose between having Mr. Bennett or you with me right now, I’d choose you, Andrew. Always. Please don’t ever doubt that.”
He looked down, smiling and slightly embarrassed at being jealous.
“Andrew?”
He looked up to find her looking frightened. “What’s wrong?”
“Nolan scares me. I don’t trust any of this and I think you’re right that they’re going to try and set me up. He’s smart, and if Bowers is also involved...” She stopped talking and chewed on her lip nervously.
“Madison.” When she met his eyes he continued. “We find out what they’re looking for and we show that you aren’t involved. Period. And you know what, we’re smart too.” He raised his brow. “And we can do anything as long as we are together. Together we are stronger than anything Nolan or Bowers can throw at us,” he said forcefully.
She nodded. “Together,” she whispered, feeling the tears prickling at the corners of her eyes again.
He smiled and picked up her left hand. He brought it up to his lips and kissed her engagement ring. “Together.”
They leaned over the table and kissed once more. Andrew and Madison believed wholeheartedly in the concept that together they could conquer anything. They had already survived what they imagined was the worst-case scenario the last time they were in New York. There was no way what was happening right now could even come close to the pain Andrew leaving had caused them both. Using that as their comparison, they knew they could withstand whatever Nolan or Kurtis or even Bowers slung their way.
“Let’s finish up,” he murmured against her lips.
She smiled and sat back down. They both picked at the remainder of their food. When they had finished, they both looked at the food still on the platter. They did indeed have plenty of leftovers for a late night snack.
“I’ll be right back. Do you want another coffee?”
“No, I’m okay, I think.”
He nodded and approached the barista again. “Could I get a to go box?”
“Here ya go.” She motioned her head towards Madison. “I see a smile.”
Andrew nodded with a laugh. “Yes, thank you.”
As he approached the table, they placed their remaining pastries in the box and walked towards the hotel lobby. There was now a little more activity going on. Andrew scanned the people present but none looked threatening in any way.
“I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll wait here,” Madison stated, motioning towards the couch she had sat on before.
Andrew nodded and took off. He patiently waited for the elevator and jogged down the hallway to their door. He hurriedly inserted the key and placed the pastry box on the desk in the room, along with their coffee cups. As he was about to leave, he stopped and took one last glimpse of himself in the mirror. Madison had told him he didn’t need to dress up, that she wasn’t going to, but he had no intention of walking in her old office looking like he stepped out of his garage. He knew they would judge him and, in turn, her. He was extremely proud of what he did, but he was well aware of other people’s perceptions of him. He wouldn’t let their negative views of him hinder Madison.
He stood before the floor length mirror in a pair of dress slacks and a solid blue dress shirt which was uncomfortably tucked into his pants. Instead of his favorite leather jacket, he elected to substitute it for a black wool coat, figuring that was more professional. He fiddled with the shirt and then adjusted his belt with a frown. Andrew despised belts with a passion. Every time he saw one, he remembered his father and the beatings he often received with the sharp leather strap. He shook the memory out of his head and patted his hands over his head as he tried to flatten his unruly hair, hair that refused to cooperate with the occasion. Glancing at the clock by the bed, he sighed before turning back to his reflection.
“Whatever you do, don’t beat the shit out of Nolan or that asshole Kurtis,” he scolded himself.
He blew out a breath and hoped he could contain his escalating unease. He met the elevator in the hall and took it to the lobby uninterrupted. As he exited, he looked around and didn’t see Madison. She had indicated that she would wait for him on the sofa. His brow furrowed and his hand shoved into his pocket to extract his phone. Just as he was about to call her number, he saw her talking to the portly bell hop. She was shifting uncomfortably from one foot to the next and he realized that her nerves were worse than he imagined. As if she sensed he was nearby, she turned her head and offered him a smile, which immediately eased his min
d.
“Sorry, Helios, I was just antsy sitting there,” she said, approaching him.
“It’s okay. Let’s get this over with.”
She nodded and took his hand. Janice Luger had definitely been right. It was another bitter cold day in the city. Temperatures were easily approaching the minus level, too cold for even the snow to fall. They hailed a cab and made their trek to the main offices of Turner and Crawford. Madison found herself wondering many things en route, such as how long Nolan would keep Grayson’s name on the door. Her lips twisted in anger as she imagined him already removing it. Andrew and Madison didn’t talk while in the cab. Both recognized that no words would ease their discomfort until they knew exactly what they were dealing with. Until then, they would have to try to curb their speculation and worry.
12 Keep Your Enemies Close
Upon arrival, Andrew absently paid the cabbie before exiting the vehicle while Madison stared up at the tall structure. She remembered the joy she used to have whenever she approached this building, but now all she felt was dread. Andrew’s hand held hers as they began walking towards the doors. Once again, silence invaded the air as they stepped into the elevators and took the long ride up to the twelfth floor. As the bell rung, indicating their arrival, Madison raised her eyes to Andrew. He immediately saw her concern and kissed her forehead, letting his lips linger there until the doors opened.
“I love you,” he whispered against her skin.
“I love you, too,” she returned.
They entered the reception area and immediately heard someone call out Madison’s name. Madison turned towards the sound to see her friend, Monique, approaching them. She looked excited and full of life. Andrew released Madison’s hand and watched the two old friends share an embrace. Meanwhile, Andrew surveyed the environment. He had been to her office before, but generally waited for her in the downstairs lobby. It still looked the same.
The offices of Turner and Crawford, LLC were quite similar to most offices. A small waiting area to the left of the elevators was set up with chairs in a rectangular fashion. While magazines sat on end tables and a large potted plant rested in the corner. There was one desk out front that housed the receptionist and then two long hallways with two offices on each side. One hallway was where the partner and his assistant worked while the other hallway was where the two accountant’s offices were. Off to the right was the small break room and off to the left was the conference room where they held their monthly meetings.
Andrew turned back to Madison and Monique. He remembered her briefly from when he lived in New York with Madison, but they had not gotten to know each other, per se. Madison had advised him that Monique had been Grayson’s assistant and, by proxy, was now Nolan’s. This, of course, made her suspect in Andrew’s eyes.
“Hello, Andrew,” Monique said politely.
“Hello, Monique.”
“So is everyone here already?” Madison asked.
“Pretty much. We were waiting on you. Come on back.”
Monique veered Madison and Andrew to the left towards the conference room down the hall. The door was ajar and they could hear lively conversations going on inside, including some laughter. Monique stepped through first and then motioned for Andrew and Madison to enter. Once inside, all conversation ceased. There were four people in the room. Two Andrew immediately recognized and two he did not. Not wanting to stand there looking useless he immediately brought his hands to the neckline of Madison’s coat and helped her out of it. She smiled at him as he positioned it over the nearest chair. He then removed his coat and placed it over his arm, looking across the table.
“Why is he here?” Kurtis stated with loathing.
“He’s with me,” was Madison’s immediate reply.
“He can’t be here!” Kurtis continued as he walked around the table to confront Andrew’s intrusion into what he had hoped would be a re-acquaintance of sorts with Madison. “You don’t belong here,” Kurtis seethed.
“I belong wherever Madison is.” Andrew stood his ground.
Kurtis stepped closer. “You can play dress up all you like, rapist, but you’ll never belong with her,” he whispered out harshly.
The muscles in Andrew’s arms twitched as his fists clenched. “I would never let my fiancée be alone in a room with someone like you,” Andrew replied fiercely.
Kurtis’s eyes widened before they turned into snake like slits. “Fiancée?”
“Look, Andrew, correct?” Nolan interjected, breaking the standoff.
Andrew offered one last glare at Kurtis and then stepped back. Although Andrew was pissed that Nolan was acting as if he didn’t know him, he was taking great pleasure in Kurtis’s discomfort. Kurtis’s forehead creased and his ears turned red from the rage he wanted to express. A cocky smirk formed on Andrew’s face before he turned towards Nolan.
Nolan sat at the head of the table as if he were a king. He was dressed in a sharp grey suit and bore an arrogant smile. Nolan’s facial hair was perfectly trimmed while his brown hair was cut in a conservative manner. Andrew didn’t recall Nolan having any facial hair the last time he saw him. Of course, the last time they met he was more concerned with landing as many punches on his face as he could. But right now, Nolan’s whole aura was that of a successful man, and, if Andrew was truthful to himself, he was a bit intimidated by it all. Nolan tapped his pen on the table twice before rising and straightening out his suit jacket.
“The matters discussed today relate to various accounts, and as such, there are privacy laws in place. I can’t have someone not associated with our agency privy to the financial goings on of our clientele. I’m afraid you will have to wait outside,” Nolan stated calmly and to the point.
Neither Andrew nor Madison had anticipated this. Although, in hindsight, they should have. Andrew looked at Madison for answers but none were there. Her eyes closed and she nodded slightly. Out of the corner of his eye, Andrew saw movement and realized that it was Kurtis. He was walking around the table with a knowing smile on his face. Madison took Andrew’s hand and walked him to the door. She did her best to look optimistic and cheerful but feared that wasn’t the message that was coming across.
“I’ll be alright, Helios,” she said in a barely audible whisper.
“I’m not comfortable with this.”
She nodded and chewed on her lip. “I know. Me either, but what can we do?”
Andrew looked across the room. Kurtis was sitting with his arms crossed, uncomfortably watching their exchange. The other two men looked disinterested while Nolan sat smugly, his pen moving rapidly between his fingers. Andrew looked down at Madison again and kissed her forehead softly before stepping out of the room. Once the door closed, he felt as if his heart dropped into his gut.
“Have a seat, Madison. I assure you that you are perfectly fine,” Nolan stated easily.
She took a seat and glanced at the only familiar face in the room. Monique. Monique gave her a half smile, which surprised Madison. Had something happened over the past few weeks to cause this reaction or was she merely trying to keep things completely professional as she was there as Nolan’s assistant. Madison twisted her fingers together, wanting whatever was going to happen to happen so she and Andrew could move forward.
“Madison, I’d like to introduce you to Mr. Carl Snelling and his associate Mr. Daniel Marx. They are our attorneys."
Madison nodded haphazardly. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Both men nodded and then the one in the black suit spoke. “Ms. Ellis, what do you know about the charges being brought against Turner and Crawford?”
He set a recorder in the center of the table and Madison’s eyes were drawn to it. She looked up at both men, trying to steady her nerves. She wasn’t aware there were actually charges being brought against the agency. She thought it was questioning. Suddenly, she was enveloped with panic. She remembered that she was also named, which meant charges were being brought against her as well. She glanced towards the doo
r, wanting Andrew to be sitting next to her.
“Ms. Ellis?” The man identified as Mr. Marx asked.
“Nothing, I don’t know about any charges,” Madison said, her voice cracking from nerves.
“Is it my understanding that you have been given no information?” Mr. Snelling questioned while glancing at Nolan.
“I thought it best to wait until she arrived to discuss the matter,” Nolan stated matter of fact.
“I see,” Mr. Snelling said and turned back to Madison. “Ms. Ellis, at this time, the Federal Trade Commission is investigating Senator Martine, and since Turner and Crawford are the accountants of record they are being investigated as well. You have served as Senator Martine’s personal accountant so, naturally, you are under investigation as well.”
“I barely worked with the senator so I’d hardly say I was his personal accountant,” Madison stuttered out and then turned to Kurtis. “Kurtis was the one that took over the case when I moved to California.”
“Yes, I did take it from you, Madison, but it isn’t as if you didn’t work with him as well,” he said, leaning back in his chair and smiling.
Madison narrowed her eyes at him. “There was nothing remotely shady about the account before I handed it to you.”
“Are you implying that I did something illegal?” Kurtis asked innocently.
“I’m not implying anything at all, but if the shoe fits!” Madison replied with a raised voice.
“Oh Madison, still feisty, aren’t you?” he said with a smirk.
Madison stared across at Kurtis, incensed. Not only was he being cocky and arrogant, but she hated that he had used the same terminology that Andrew had used to describe her. She started to reply but was stopped by Nolan.
“Enough!” Nolan inserted. “Madison, just tell us what you know about Senator Martine. That’s what we need.”
“That’s what who needs?” Madison inquired.
Having caught his faux pas, Nolan quickly responded, waving his fingers towards the people around the table. “Us. We can’t very well protect ourselves if we don’t have all the facts.”
Helios Renewed (The Helios Chronicles #3) Page 13
