Chapter Six
The next morning we were on our way to Manhattan. Max had bookings on the talk show circuit over the next couple of days. As he slept, I busied myself trying to catch up on business matters until I succumbed to sleep as well. He woke me as we descended into New York.
“I thought you couldn’t sleep on a plane,” he remarked, smirking at me. “It must have been all that extra activity last night.”
“Something like that, I’m sure.”
As we waited to come to a complete stop I noticed two unmarked SUV’s heading toward the plane, knowing it was not the car service I used. They send a limo and wouldn’t send more than one vehicle. I glanced over at Max to see if he’d seen them. We gathered our things as I led Max toward the exit and down the stairs.
Waiting for us at the bottom were two men, who by their appearance were some sort of Federal Agents. I recognized one of them immediately as Ben, the detective from Atlanta.
“What’s going on, Ben?” I asked before either he or his companion could utter a word. “What’s wrong?” I felt Max’s hand on my shoulder.
“Ms. Thomas, I need for you and Mr. Frazier to come with us.”
“No, that’s not good enough. I want to know what’s going on. Now!”
“Trust me, please. Neither of you are in any sort of trouble, but I do need for you to come with me.”
“Come on, Ashleigh,” I heard Max inject. “I’m sure these gentlemen are merely looking out for our safety. Isn’t that right, Ben?”
“Yes. Now, we need to go.”
We were escorted into downtown Manhattan to an official looking building and shown to a conference room. A young woman came in and asked if we’d like coffee or something else. Instead, I asked the woman the whereabouts to the ladies’ restroom, and she accompanied me down the hall.
When I returned, Max, Ben, and a couple other men were deep in discussion. All of them glanced up and got out of their seats as I entered. Max stood and took the chair next to mine.
“Ashleigh,” Ben began, “this is Agent Keller.”
The man extended a hand in my direction. “Ms. Thomas, I’m sorry for the circumstances.”
Everyone sat down as I nodded my head. By the look on Max’s face, he had already been briefed to some extent as to why we were there. “Ms. Thomas, how much did you know about your husband Richard’s business dealings?”
“Only that the agency was his life…not that he actually worked. He let everyone else do that. He simply claimed all the perks. Why do you ask?”
“That’s it?” Agent Keller asked as he stared me in the face.
“Um, I’m sure you know Richard and I had a sham marriage. After he signed the prenuptial agreement, he wanted nothing further to do with me unless it was for show. I was simply the cash cow.” I looked around the room at each of the men’s faces. I couldn’t get a read on any of them, except Max. He looks guilty.
“Okay, what the hell was Richard involved in? What’s this all about?”
“Ashleigh,” Max began, “Richard was, and is, involved in the sex trade.”
“What? What the hell are you talking about?” I yelled, my eyes fixed directly on Max.
“In addition to owning some clubs, he’s also involved in the business of selling women to rich men to use in their own perverted worlds,” Agent Keller replied.
“So, Lisa wasn’t lying,” I hissed at Max. “You do frequent places like that. And why are you all speaking of Richard in the present tense?”
“Because Richard is still alive, Ms. Thomas, and Mr. Frazier here was, is being tricked by him. Blackmailed might be too strong a term.”
“What are you talking about? Richard died in a car crash a year ago. His car went off a cliff in the canyons outside L.A.”
Agent Keller dumped a pile of photos in front of me. Pictures, recent pictures, of Richard. He may have had a beard, trying to disguise himself, but it was Richard. And to my shock, in a couple of the photos, Lisa was cuddled right up to him. I stared at Max. “Did you know about any of this?”
“No, I didn’t. Not until they showed me the pictures while you were in the restroom,” he replied, looking upset by my earlier attack on him.
“So who else knows about this? Not my father, I hope.”
“No, there has been no reason to involve him…yet. However, we need your help.”
“How?” I asked, suddenly feeling a knot in the bottom of my stomach.
“Richard,” Ben began, “is not in the country. He’s smartly situated himself somewhere he knows we can’t get him. Lisa is his eyes and ears here.”
“What we want you and Max to do is to carry on as you are,” Agent Keller took over. “Max said you’re in town for some interviews, and he told me about this Las Vegas deal. Just continue on as though you know nothing of what we’ve told you. We would like for you two to discreetly start frequenting some clubs that are owned by Richard. When you do, we’ll brief you on what we need from you.”
I sat in utter silence for several minutes as I tried to collect my thoughts, knowing all eyes were on me. “This is ludicrous, this can’t be…What kind…what sort of clubs…?” I began to ask, but then I stopped and looked at Max. “Never mind, Max can brief me in private later.”
“We’re also going to assign an agent to come on board as part of your staff, Ashleigh, and we’ll have our people nearby at all times,” Agent Keller added.
“I don’t understand how I, or even Max, can help. Wouldn’t my presence hurt Max if Richard knew he was inside his clubs?”
“No, we feel it might actually lure Richard out. Once he is made aware that the two of you are a couple and is led to believe you live that lifestyle. He will be as jealous as a crazed bull.”
“He never was jealous before.”
“Maybe not before, but seeing you parading in one of his sex clubs with Max might be an entirely different matter. He must be stopped.”
We had been there for hours by now and Agent Keller suggested we end the meeting for the day. He had Ben escort us to my Manhattan townhouse.
The drive back was in total silence. Max reached over and took my hand during the ride. I didn’t deny him, but tried not to look at him. I was too confused and angry, afraid I’d say something I’d regret.
While one of Ben’s colleagues checked out the apartment with Ben, I walked toward the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room. I suspected they had done this prior to their arrival. As I heard the door close and lock, I headed over to the bar and picked out a bottle of Cabernet. When Max appeared, I was pouring myself a second glass after wolfing down the first one. I handed him a glass as well, walking past him in silence.
“Ashleigh…,” he began.
“Max, please. Don’t talk. Right now, all I want are a couple of glasses of wine and something to eat. But before that, I’m going to take a long, hot shower.” I gulped down the second glass in front of him, walked back to the bar, and poured another.
“Baby, please hear me out.”
“No, I just learned my husband whom I thought was dead is in fact alive, having faked his own death. And I’ve learned that the man I’ve fallen madly in love with has an entire side of himself I was unaware of. Now, please let me take a shower. I promise we’ll talk. I just need…” I turned and almost ran toward the master bedroom in tears, leaving Max standing alone in the living room.
Inside the sanctity of the bathroom, I turned the water on full force, opening both showerheads with hot water. I striped off my clothes, found a large, fluffy towel, and hung it nearby. Opening the door, steam escaped the capsule. I sat down on the built-in bench and sobbed. Once the tears started flowing, they would not stop. Slowly regaining control of my emotions, I stood under the spray.
Get over it, stupid.This doesn’t change how you feel for him, nor does it change the way he feels about you. What you need to do is get a grip and help catch Richard at whatever means it may take.
I towel-dried my hair in front
of the mirror, grabbed the fluffy, lavender-colored robe I kept behind the door, wrapped it around myself, and strode down the hallway.
Reaching the large, sun-filled living room, I found it empty. Max was nowhere to be found. Walking through the apartment, I searched for him until I re-entered the main area and found a handwritten note that sat on the cocktail table. I picked it up and read.
“Ashleigh, I’ve gone for a walk to give you some space. I’ll pick up dinner on my way back. I love you. Max.
I paced the room before I decided to busy myself by getting dressed. I picked out every item with extra care, from the bra and black lace thong to the pants and blouse.
Finally satisfied with my reflection, I walked back into the living room. Wandering the perimeter, I walked over to a small glass cart strategically placed in a corner of the room and opened another bottle of Cabernet, pouring myself a glass and striding over to the sofa.
The next thing I knew Max was kneeling beside me. “Ashleigh, I’m back, my love.”
I opened my eyes slowly, taking in his masculine scent first. He had a look of concern on his face as he helped me into a sitting position. “I must have fallen asleep. What time is it?”
“Half past eight. Are you okay?” He sat next to me.
“Mmmm, yes. Max—”
He cut me off before I could go further. “Don’t, Ashleigh, I’m fine. I thought you needed some time to think.” He leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. “Are you hungry? I brought Italian from a place down the street.”
“Yes, I’m starving.” I stood up alongside him. “Max, I love you. Please let me apologize. Today simply knocked the wind out of me, but it doesn’t change the way I feel for you.”
“I know, love, you don’t need to apologize. I love you, Ashleigh, and I’ll do whatever it takes to help you through this. Now, why don’t you get us some plates, and I’ll pour us some wine.”
We sat at the cocktail table in front of the couch and enjoyed the manicotti Max had purchased along with salad and bread. Setting my fork down, I turned and eyed Max as he ate. “I guess we need to talk about this stuff. Is there anything else I need to know, any skeletons still hiding in your closet?” I took a sip of wine and held the glass tightly as I waited for his reply.
Max wiped his mouth with a napkin and sat back against the sofa. He didn’t look directly at me. Instead, he seemed to be carefully thinking about how he was going to respond to my question. “What exactly do you want to know?” He finally turned toward me.
“Well, for starters, are Lisa’s claims true? That you have some sort of secret sex life.”
Picking up his glass, he swirled the contents before taking a drink. “Lisa’s claims are a lie. The only time I’ve ever been in one of those clubs was when Richard demanded I show up.” He took another swallow and grinned mischievously at me. “I certainly don’t need an alternative lifestyle, love, when I have you.” He leaned over and kissed me gently on the cheek.
“I had to ask. Anything else I don’t know?”
“There’s only one other thing, and it’s part of the reason the feds want us to do this. I spent a few years in the British Special Air Services. When my career was in a lull, I decided to try something different and ended up in the SAS.” The sides of his mouth twitched, and I assumed he was thinking about his stint in the elite unit.
“Holy shit, Max! You’re full of surprises. One last question for tonight, and then we’re going put an end to this subject. Exactly what kind of clubs are these?”
“Honestly, baby, I don’t know. The few times he had me join him, we were in a private room. The only thing I saw was scantily clad women when I was being taken to him. Nothing out of the ordinary. But that could have been for show. I guess we’re going to find out, huh?”
“We’ll see. I haven’t made a decision. I have a lot more questions for our friends before I commit myself. Okay, enough of this, let’s get this mess taken care of so we can have the evening to ourselves.”
He helped carry the remnants of dinner to the kitchen. Placing the dirty dishes on the counter, I shooed him out of the room, insisting I didn’t need further help. “Go on, this will only take me a few minutes.”
When I walked back into the living room, I noticed Max had turned some music on and dimmed the lights. He stood at the window, looking out at the Manhattan skyline. I walked up behind him and placed my arms around his waist. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Yes, yes it is, at least from up here.” He took my hands and led me back to the couch. “Come, let’s sit for a while. Would you like a brandy or wine?”
“No, I think I’m fine. I want to be clear-headed when we meet with these feds tomorrow. But I’ll go get some sparkling water from the fridge. Would you like one?”
“Yeah, that’s probably a better choice. Hurry though.”
I reappeared with two glasses and handed one to Max as I sat down. He looked at me with mischief in his eyes.
“What are you up to? I know that look.” I eyed him curiously, knowing him well enough to know he had something cooking in that handsome head of his.
He produced a small jeweler’s box and placed it in my hands. “I wanted you to have something to remind you of how much I love you every time you wear it.”
Opening the small container, I found a pair of sapphire earrings. “They’re exquisite. Thank you. I’ll cherish them always.” I removed them from the case and walked over to a mirror, put them on, and smiled.
“You like them then? They reminded me of your eyes.”
“I love them, thank you.” I walked back toward him and sank down next to him. I leaned over and kissed him first on the cheek, then lightly on the lips. “I love you, Max Frazier.”
“I’m glad you like them. I love you too. Don’t ever doubt that.”
Chapter Seven
Max and I were awakened the following morning by a phone call from Agent Keller, who informed us someone would pick us up in an hour.
“Come on, love, time to get up.” He leaned down, pecking me softly on the lips. “Would you mind making some coffee while I grab a shower?”
“No, they aren’t going to give us any peace until we get this over with.” I rolled out of bed and watched Max walk toward the bathroom. Shaking off any lustful thought I might have had, I headed to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. But the coffee maker refused to cooperate. Time for a new one. I started a kettle of water instead. It’s either instant or tea.
When I returned to the bedroom, I found Max just leaving his shower. I handed him a steaming mug. “It’s instant, I’m afraid. Seems the coffee maker decided to die.”
An hour or so later, we were sitting in the same conference room as the day before. Agent Keller and his band of agents greeted us. I felt my stomach knot up once again at the thought of what might transpire. I was aware of Max gazing at me, and I tried to stay on top of my emotions.
“Good morning,” Keller started the conversation. “I trust you’ve had time to digest what we discussed yesterday, and you both had a good night’s sleep.”
“Yes, we did,” Max replied, taking a sip off the cup of hot coffee in his hand. He glanced over at me again.
“Ashleigh?” Keller asked me, noticing I was looking across the room toward the door.
“What do you want me to say?” I snapped back at the man, taking everyone, including Max, off guard. “You turned my entire life upside down, and you expect me to be what, happy? Now, can we get this underway and stop with the niceties? I need to contact my attorneys so they can file for a divorce and undo whatever else this mess will cause.”
The discussion went on for two hours. Max and I were briefed and questioned extensively. Our break was more than overdue. I quickly walked out into the hallway.
When Max reached me, I was on the phone with my attorney, giving him whatever information he needed. When I ended the call, I strode over to Max and into his embrace.
“Everything okay?” he asked, kissing t
he top of my head.
“Yes. They’re going to contact Keller immediately so they can get whatever they need from him, and then they’ll start drawing up my petition. Now I can breathe. All I have to do is tell my father, and I’m not sure how to do that.”
“We’ll figure it out. Just relax. I think we’re almost finished.” He put his arm around my shoulder and guided me back toward the conference room.
We sat and waited for Keller to return. He reappeared, shaking his head, an ever so slight grin on his face. “I just had a talk with your attorney, Ashleigh. He was quick, I must say.”
“That’s why he earns the big bucks. He’s efficient and nothing gets by him.” A smug grin of satisfaction crossed my face.
“When will Max be finished with these appearances? I’d like to get him on a firing range, and you need training on how to use a firearm, just in case.”
“He should be through Thursday, unless something new comes up. I can forward his itinerary to you so you can schedule anything around it.” I glanced over at Max. “Is that okay with you?”
“Of course.” He looked over at Keller.
“When and where is this operation going to start? I want to at least tell Papa about Richard being alive.”
“I understand, and I have no problem with that as long as nothing is said outside this room regarding what has been discussed about what the two of you are going to do. As far as when, we need to get you ready, and where will be decided when we feel the two of you are prepared. I will tell you, it won’t be in Atlanta. We understand Richard’s big business transactions take place either here in New York or out in Los Angeles.”
While exiting the building, Max and I decided we would rather leave on our own than ride back with the feds. Max took my hand and began walking. “You hungry, love? How about if I take my favorite girl to a late lunch?” He whispered in my ear as I peered over jewelry in a shop window.
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