Shattered Hearts (Shattered Series Book 2)

by Marilyn Williams

  “Was he arrested?”

  “Yes,” beamed Ramona. She noticed the bulging vein had disappeared. “It’s finally over.”

  “I don’t like that you met with him alone, but like you said the end result made it worth it.”

  “I can finally move on from this nightmare. Now I can put all my focus on the foundation.”

  “How’s Dave doing with that? Is Kelsey giving him any problems?”

  “Speaking of Kelsey, I have a box full of text and emails between her and Lisa that I printed.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m trying to put a time line together. From what I read so far it appears Lisa had taken Kelsey under her wing. She was mentoring her and they were much closer than Lisa led on. I have four years of consistent messages and then nothing. No kind of communication between them. Then it picks up again.”

  Nick smirked and threw his napkin on his empty plate. “It sounds like you’re wasting your time.”

  “No, I’m not. Lisa had an audit done of the accounts and she found discrepancies. I’m still piecing everything together. But, it doesn’t look good.”

  “How long ago was this?”

  “A year.”

  “I’m sure it’s resolved by now.”

  “I still have a pile of emails and texts to go through. Soon, I’ll have the full picture.”

  “Anything else you need to tell me?” he asked, sounding bored with the conversation. “If not, I’m ready for you to show me how much you missed me.”

  “You are?” she asked with a smirk on her face.

  Nick rubbed his hands together and nodded his head. “Sure am,” he smiled, revealing his deep-set dimples.

  “Follow me.”

  Four hours later the sound of Ramona’s ringing cell phone woke her. It was Detective Yancey, and he needed her to come to the station immediately. He wouldn’t tell her why over the phone. All he could say it’s related to the case. It was probably about Xavier and that he formally him charged with murder. She sat on the passenger side, quiet and in her thoughts, as Nick drove. She imagined they were in court, at Xavier’s sentencing for murder. In her imagination, he got exactly what he deserved, the death penalty. When they arrived at the police station, the detective was at the front desk speaking with a Sergeant. “Detective Yancey, did you charge him for killing my aunt?” interrupted Ramona.

  Detective Yancey stroked his chin. “Let’s talk in my office.”

  “No, tell me now! Was Xavier arrested for murder?”

  “Miss Vasquez, it would be best if we spoke in my office,” he said in a lower tone.

  “Sweetheart, let’s go to his office and hear him out,” said Nick.

  Detective Yancey led them to his office. It wasn’t as nearly cluttered as before. This time he had an extra chair for Nick to sit. “For starters, we arrested Xavier, but we later dropped the charges.”

  “Dropped the charges?! Why?” Nick placed his hand on her back. Ramona took a deep breath to calm herself.

  “We dropped the charges because he’s no longer a suspect. Before you say anything, I would like to explain that we questioned him for sixteen hours straight. He finally admitted to having proof of his innocence. We didn’t believe him until we obtained a video of someone who is not, Xavier Powers, entering your home that night.”

  “Wait a minute. A video? I don’t understand.”

  “Yes, the video shows a person wearing dark clothing enter the home and go up the stairs into her bedroom.”

  “Are you saying the video is from inside my home?”

  Detective Yancey nodded yes. “Mr. Powers admit to placing the cameras. That’s the reason he didn’t come forward. He was afraid of the consequences of recording without your permission.”

  Ramona glanced at Nick and the vein had reappeared. She's just as angry about the violation, but glad there’s video evidence of the killer. “Can I see the video?”

  “That’s part of the reason I called you. Unfortunately, the video doesn’t give us a clear picture of the assailant’s face. I hope you can identify the person based on their mannerisms.”

  “I’ll try.”

  The detective brought them to another room that had only a television and four rows of five chairs. She and Nick sat on the front row. She held on to his hand as she watched the detective place a flash drive into the side of the television. Within seconds a black and white video appeared on the screen. She saw Lisa open the front door and she let someone in. Ramona squinted her eyes as she tried to focus on the person’s face. She couldn’t make it out. The video was not the best, there wasn’t sound, and the quality was grainy. The camera didn’t have a straight on view. It appeared as if he placed in an upright position in the potted plant by the front door.

  Lisa and the person in dark clothing appear to argue. Lisa reopens the front door and points outside. Like she’s asking them to leave. “Anything yet?” asked Detective Yancey.

  “Not yet. I can’t tell who it is.” Ramona continued to watch the video. Lisa closed the front door and walked up the stairs, another camera takes over once she reaches the top. The person in the hoodie follows her and enters her bedroom. Evidently, there aren’t cameras in Lisa’s room. Exactly thirteen minutes later, the person exits the room and run down the stairs. When they reached the bottom stair, they disappear out of sight as if they've fallen. Once in view again, the right side of their body is directly in front of the camera. As the person stands into an upright position Ramona catches a glance of a bracelet on their wrist. “Go back!” she shouted.

  “You know who it is?” asked Nick.

  “No, I’m not sure. Can you rewind it and stop when I say so.”

  Detective Yancey did a slow rewind on the video.

  “Pause it right there.”

  “You recognize the bracelet?” asked the detective.

  Ramona silently walked closer to the television and intently stared at the screen. “I’ve seen it before. I don’t know where but it's familiar.”

  “It looks like a braided leather bracelet,” said Nick.

  Ramona turned towards him. “It could be for a man or a woman. This person is taller than Lisa but physically smaller. I’m at a loss.”

  “The fact that you recognized the bracelet is a great first step in identifying this person. Go home and think about. Call me anytime if you come up with a name.”

  “I will. Can I ask what will happen with Xavier?”

  “Mr. Powers will face charges for obstructing justice. As for the recordings we made a deal with him in order for him to cooperate. I suggest you get your home swept to locate the cameras and have them removed.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  It took a team three days to complete their sweep for cameras before Ramona could return home. They found tiny cameras scattered throughout the house. The first one was in the potted plant in the entryway, then the kitchen, and finally in the main hallway. Nothing prepared her for the number of cameras in her bedroom. There was one in the light fixture above her bed, one above her window and door. He placed one on the back wall of her closet, and the bathroom had one in the light fixture and above the shower. The size of the cameras were comparable to the tip of a ballpoint pen. When could he have hidden them? Maybe during one of his many pop-up visits. How long they’ve been there is the true mystery.

  The violation caused her feelings to split straight down the middle. On one hand, it felt like another form of assault. However, if the cameras weren’t there they would’ve never learned the truth. Now she had to figure out where she’d seen the braided bracelet. It’s all she thought of since she watched the video. Nick had suggested she should focus on something else and eventually it would come to her. That’s easier said than done, but it was a good idea. To help take her mind off the mysterious bracelet, she had suggested a quick out-of-town trip just for the weekend. He nixed that idea because he was extremely busy at work and had to take a quick business trip. Again. He'd promised to return that nigh
t, stating it would only be a day trip. She hadn’t a clue what he was up to but her female intuition told her it’s more than business.

  While Nick was off doing whatever she made a quick impromptu visit to the office. It was time Dave brought her up to speed on the progress he has made. When she stepped inside the building, the first thing she noticed was the emptiness. “Good Morning, where is everyone?” she asked Irma, who was at her desk front and center.

  Irma pushed her glasses forward and walked from around her desk. She led Ramona into an empty cubicle. “They quit about a week ago,” she whispered.

  Ramona eyed her strangely. “What do you mean they quit?”

  “Well, many of the employees didn’t want to be here since Lisa’s gone and there’s that rumor.”

  She waited for her to continue, but she paused. As if she was waiting for Ramona to drag it out of her. “What rumor, Irma?”

  “That you and Kelsey fought in the board meeting. Is it true?”

  “Is Kelsey still here?”

  “She hasn’t shown up since your rumored fight with her.”

  “Is Dave here?”

  “I saw him pass through right after I arrived at seven.”

  “Thanks, I’ll go talk to him. One more thing Irma, thank you for your loyalty. I won’t forget it.”

  Irma took Ramona’s hand and cupped it between her palms. “I’ll be here until you close those doors.”

  Irma’s touch was familiar like her grandmother. Hands that had seen too many laborious days, leathery yet soft. “You won’t have to worry about that. Someone told me my father was a visionary and the nonprofit he created continued to morph into something bigger and better. That’s what I plan to do. I can’t give away any details, just know my vision includes you.”

  Irma only smiled and walked back to her desk. On Ramona way to the elevator, she glanced into Kelsey’s office. It was dark with all her personal items untouched. After their confrontation, she thought she would have taken her stuff and left. Ramona retrieved her phone from her purse and sent a text to Julius to meet. He would be the one person who could tell her what Kelsey’s next move may be. She thought about sending a quick text to Dave but changed her mind. It's best to catch a person off guard to know what they’re really up to. Not that she doesn’t trust him, but he did neglected to tell her that half the office had quit.

  “Ramona! Ramona!” She heard when she was halfway down the hall.

  She turned around. “Ashley?”

  “Hey, I wanted to tell you I’m so sorry about Lisa. How are you doing?”

  “I’m better with each day. Thanks for asking. I thought you were taking an extended maternity leave.”

  “I cut it short. I wanted to help any way I could.”

  “Really? It seems people are abandoning ship.”

  “Not me. I’m here as long as you need me.”

  “What does Dave have you working on?”

  “I’m his assistant for now. Taking calls, scheduling meetings, typing letters. I don’t mind. He said we’re not collecting donations anymore.”

  “I need to speak with him. Is he in his office?”

  “Yes, but he’s in a meeting.”

  “Not anymore.” Ramona walked straight towards Dave’s closed door. He’s supposed to run every decision through her and it appears he has gone rogue. Before she placed a manicured finger on the doorknob, she heard laughter from the other side. Ramona slowly opened the door, and it was the last person she ever expected to see.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  What the hell is Nick’s ex-wife doing here? Ramona walked past Lauren and aimed straight for Dave, who had his backside resting on the desk. “I didn’t realize you were in a meeting,” said Ramona, with a forced smile plastered on her face.

  “Are you pretending not to see me?” asked Lauren.

  Ramona slowly turned on her heel to face the woman she fought for Nick’s attention. “No, I see you,” she sneered. “I’m choosing not to acknowledge you.”

  “I’m sorry. I wasn’t aware you two knew each other,” said Dave.

  Lauren rose from her chair and stepped forward. “Yes, she’s the gutter snipe that stole my husband.”

  Ramona clenched her teeth and kept her eyes on Dave. “Why is Lauren Corley here, in your office?”

  “I asked her to stop by because she runs a successful charity and I thought I’d pick her brain while she’s in town.”

  Ramona gave her a once-over from head to toe and nothing has changed. She’s still dated and tired. What was Nick thinking when he made her his wife? By her attitude, it’s obvious she hasn't gotten over losing him. “Dave, can you leave us? Lauren and I have unfinished business to discuss. I’ll find you when I’m done.”

  “Okay,” he said, gathering papers off his desk. “I’ll return calls in one of the other offices.”

  “Close the door on your way out.” Ramona waited until she heard the door shut before speaking. “What are you really doing here, Lauren? I know it’s not about giving Dave advice.”

  “Look at you!” she said with her arms crossed and arrogant expression upon her face. “Released from prison and straight to calling the shots around here. At least you cleaned yourself up with designer clothing and shoes.”

  Stay calm. Don’t allow Nick’s jealous ex to get under your skin. “I’ll ask again, why are you here?”

  “You’re a long way from the girl who slithered her way into my marriage.”

  That’s it! It’s time to set this bitch straight. “You’re right, I am a long way from the person your husband fell in love with. So, what does that tell you? Even during my darkest time, he still loved me. But, it’s funny how you forget that you and Nick weren’t living together when we met.”

  “If we were, would that have stopped you from sleeping with him?”

  “Lauren, let’s not pretend you gave a damn about Nick. Your marriage was one of convenience, not love. I think all this hostility is because I was the one who convinced him to let your fake marriage go.”

  “Little girl, you think what you have with him is special. It’s not. He loved me once. When we met we both fell fast and hard. My parents didn’t approve, so it was us against the world. I agreed to marriage to prove a point and who could resist his devastating good looks. Once we married everything changed. He cheated often, and I put up with it because I didn’t want to lose him.”

  Ramona rolled her eyes in annoyance. “Why are you telling me this? Our relationship is different.”

  Lauren laughed and had a doubtful look on her face. “Nick has a knack for saying exactly what you want to hear. He’ll wine and dine you. Make you feel special and right when you think you’re the luckiest person in the world that’s when he’ll pull the rug from beneath your feet.” She picked up her purse off of Dave’s desk and made her way towards the door. She stopped right as she placed her hand on the knob. “Maybe your relationship is different, but I doubt it. Nick is incapable of change.”

  Ramona sprinted towards the door and shoved Anita’s hand off its handle. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are coming into my place of business spouting predictions of doom. You don’t have a clue of what Nick and I share. What you sound like is a tired, bitter ex-wife who regrets losing her husband! Nick told me what really happened between you two and he’s the one I feel sorry for. He spent years in a loveless, sexless, marriage with a controlling bitch who cared more about her image than her husband. You can take your relationship advice and your predictions on the many ways Nick will break my heart and get the hell out of here!”

  Lauren narrowed her eyes and sneered. “You think because he waited for you while you served time for almost killing my dear friend, that your relationship is special. It’s not. In his eyes, you were a wounded bird in need of healing. Once he gets bored with you, he’ll move on.”

  “Our relationship is nothing like yours!”

  “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  Ramona slamm
ed the door behind her. Arrgh! That bitch! Ramona threw a book across the room, hitting the wall. She was so angry she wanted to slap that smug look off of her face, but she couldn’t. She tried her breathing technique that has helped calm her nerves countless times before. This time it didn’t work. She had to call Nick. She dialed his number, no answer. She sent him a text asking him to call her right away. Before she put her phone away, she noticed that Julius had sent her message asking to meet for lunch. That was perfect. It gave her time to speak with Dave before heading downtown.

  He was in her office wrapping up a phone call.

  “I didn’t know you and Lauren had a history.” he said, placing the phone receiver down.

  “Forget Lauren. What’s happening around here?”

  “What do you mean?” he asked, with a blank stare on his face.

  “What do I mean? Dave, half the building is empty! You never told me anyone quit. I asked you to make this a smooth transition and calm everyone’s fears. Not demote Ashley to your assistant or have social visits with Nick’s ex.”

  “Calm down, Ramona. Everything is going according to our plan. I put a halt to donations because the structure of how you will conduct business will change. As far as people leaving, we can’t make them stay. In all honesty, those that left did not want to work with you. Bottom line.”

  “Just keep me in the loop.”

  “I will and about Lauren, I realize she’s Nick’s ex-wife, but I didn’t…”

  “It’s fine,” Ramona interrupted. “You couldn’t have known about our disdain of one another. Anyway, are we on schedule?”

  “Yes. I have a legal team, accountants, and the staff working towards your goal. I say give it about a month and you can have the ceremony we discussed.”

  “One month? Are you sure?”