The Final Chapter: Enigma, #4

by Shandi Boyes

  Regan’s eyes drop to the prenup document for a second before she returns to my face. “You're giving her everything, Isaac. She could financially destroy you. Everything you’ve worked so hard for will be gone. Years of hard work—”

  “That could have been destroyed because of your inability to keep your mouth shut during pillow talk.”

  Regan balks, and her pupils widen as remorse floods her eyes.

  My abrupt change in topic is to reflect the focus off me, but I don’t want nor need Regan’s opinion on what I choose to do with my assets. I fought and bled for everything I have, so any decisions involving its distribution will be made solely by me. If I want to give it all away to Isabelle today, so be it—that's my choice to make. It’s not up for discussion or compromise. It’s my choice.

  “How long did you know the FBI was investigating me before I worked it out for myself?” I glare into her glistening green eyes, my anger tapering so much from her tears. “Days? Weeks? Months? Years?”

  She clutches her chest while taking a step closer to me. “Isaac… I—”

  “Answer the question, Regan.”

  “I didn’t know he was here—”

  “Answer the question.”

  Her chest thrusts up and down as she tries to maintain a cool, calm demeanor. “Five months.”

  “Five months from the start or five months before me?”

  My teeth crunching together fills the silence teeming between us. It also increases my anger.

  “Regan—”

  “Five months before you.”

  My eyes snap to hers. “And when did you share confidential client/lawyer information with him?”

  I try to simmer the harshness in my tone when she brushes a tear off her cheek. In the years I’ve known her, I’ve only seen her cry twice, and that was a long time ago. The fact she’s getting upset proves what Isabelle said is true. She cares deeply for Alex.

  After sucking in a big breath, she shakes her head. “I didn’t.”

  “Don’t lie to me, Regan.”

  Her tear welling eyes lock with mine. “I made a mistake I regret every day, but I never deceived you.”

  “What type of mistake?” My harsh tone lowers as the truthfulness in her eyes diminishes my anger.

  When a sob breaks through the tight clench of her jaw, I prop my hip on my desk next to her. Regan is my lawyer, but she is also my friend.

  When I pull a couple of tissues out from a box on my safe and hand them to her, she twists them around her fingers. “My mistake was trusting him.”

  I remain quiet, waiting for her to continue.

  Mercifully, she doesn’t leave me hanging for long. “I fought my attraction to him. You know me, Isaac. After everything I’d been through, I never let anyone get close.” She lifts her eyes to me, her lips tugging into an apprehensive smile. “Except you.”

  A small smirk etches on my mouth. It took a lot of work for me to get her walls to crumble, but I’m a fighter, and I never give up on a challenge.

  Her smile lowers into a frown when her eyes flicker like she's recalling a memory. “I have to give it to him, he was very clever. Not only did he break down my walls, but I also believe he cared for me.”

  Alex does care for Regan. I could see it in his eyes during our exchange. He had the same unbridled rage that scorches my veins when anyone challenges me regarding anything associated with Isabelle.

  “As the weeks went on, I got careless.”

  “Because you trusted him,” I interject.

  She nods. “Yes.”

  It was the same with Isabelle and me. I let my defenses down within a matter of days of making Isabelle mine, so I can comprehend Regan doing it in weeks. I thought my carelessness in being so trusting of Isabelle was my biggest downfall. It wasn’t. It was the sneaky, underhanded tactics of people who were part of my life well before Isabelle arrived in the picture that deserved my suspicion.

  “Are you certain it was him who deceived you?”

  Regan’s lips set into a firm line before she nods. “I went to take a shower one morning. When I came out, my laptop was open and turned on.” Her nervous cough bounces around the office. “It was the laptop I had Theresa’s files saved on. At first, I brushed it off thinking maybe he was checking his emails or googling movie times for a flick we were going to see, but it didn’t take long for my suspicions to increase that he had looked through my files.”

  I cross my arms in front of my chest. “What caused your wariness?”

  “He mentioned numerous times his dislike of his boss. He never said what he did for a living, but he shared stories about how she was underhanded and shady, and how he’d run things differently if he were in her position.” Her eyes lift to mine. “A couple of days after my laptop was open, he arrived at my apartment, beaming with excitement because she’d been removed from her position, and he wanted to celebrate.”

  She smiles like she's recalling a fond memory. “Not very often did Alex drink. He's usually more controlled, but since we were celebrating, I encouraged him to loosen up. I soon realized why he doesn’t drink. After a few too many spiked drinks, his lips loosened up as well.” She cringes like she’s embarrassed. “With the snippets of information he shared earlier, it didn’t take long to realize what industry he was in. When he was asleep, I rifled through his belongings. I didn’t find anything concrete bar a locked cell phone, so I called Hunter.”

  My brows arch high as my jaw muscles tense, but there’s no reason for my snapped response. “Hunter didn’t know what my request pertained to. I told him I needed to hack into a guy’s phone to send his wife pictures of her cheating husband. You know how much Hunter hates cheaters.”

  I nod. Hunter won’t hesitate to ruin a man if he's found guilty of adultery. He had great pleasure in ensuring Mr. Marco, the now ex-DA of Ravenshoe, was aware of his dislike of cheaters.

  An angry scowl scours Regan’s face before she continues, “Hunter explained how I could gain access to Alex’s phone without needing the passcode. When it unlocked, not only did I find hidden emails corresponding to you and your empire, but I also found photos of Theresa’s files from my laptop.” Her gaze shifts to the window as a pained grin crosses her face. “You know the stupidest part?” Even though she asked a question, she continues without waiting for my reply. “The passcode on his phone was my birthday. That’s how good he is. He played the devoted boyfriend act very well.”

  She brushes off a stray tear rolling from her eye before returning her eyes to me. “I tried to lead him astray, but I think I made matters worse. Not only does he believe you're the man your FBI file says you are, he thinks we—”

  “Had an affair.” Her face morphs into shock, surprised I knew. “I gathered that after my run-in with him. He doesn’t hide his jealousy well. Is he the reason you moved back to Texas?”

  She nods. “Yes. I didn’t want to run the risk of running into him.” She folds her arms in front of her chest. “I wanted to tell you. I tried a few times before I left, but I was ashamed I let him play me like a fool. If I honestly thought he had anything significant that’d hurt you or your empire, I would’ve told you, Isaac, but he had nothing. He still has nothing.”

  I stay quiet, giving her time to regain her composure when her voice cracks.

  Once the glistening in her eyes dampens, I seek her eye contact. “You don’t owe me anything, Regan. Me helping you wasn’t under the stipulation that you would owe me. I did it because you’d be an asset to my empire, not to gain your moral obligation for the remainder of your life.”

  Her face scrunches up as new tears well in her eyes.

  “If he's your Achilles heel—”

  Her eyes snap to mine faster than a bullet being dislodged from a gun. “He isn’t.”

  “If he is, your loyalty the past seven years repaid any debt you think you still owe me, so don’t feel obligated to choose between your employer and the man you love.”

  She stares into my eyes, sil
ently pondering for a few seconds before whispering, “Even if I do love him, it doesn’t make a difference. He lost my trust. He can never get that back.”

  “Hugo once told me—”

  Regan chuckles. It isn’t a full-hearted laugh, but I'll accept a small chuckle over hearing her cry any day. “Why is everyone suddenly taking advice from Hugo?”

  I shrug, my smile picking up. “It was good advice.”

  She releases a big breath. “All right, hit me with it.”

  “He said, ‘Not all mistakes are unfixable. If you work hard enough, even the most broken things can be repaired.’”

  She twists her lips and nods but remains quiet.

  After what feels like hours, but is only minutes, she shifts her gaze from me to the prenup on the table. “She won’t accept it, Isaac. Isabelle will never sign that prenup when she notices the terms you have put in there.”

  “I know.”

  Regan’s brows scrunch. She appears utterly confused.

  “I have persuasive techniques I can use to my advantage.”

  She gags and rolls her eyes.

  After snickering at her response, I seek her gaze. “Stop trying to reflect the topic back to me. Do I need to look for a new lawyer?” I keep my tone low and non-threatening, leaving the decision up to her.

  “You'll never find anyone as good as me,” she remarks with a hint of pompousness since sparks of her usual demeanor emerge.

  “I know.” I stroke her ego a little more to help her usual attitude return.

  As she straightens her shoulders, her professional kick-ass lawyer transformation emerges before my eyes. “Regan Myers has never officially worked for the Isaac Holt. I don’t see why that will change any time in the future.” Her eyes lock on mine. “If I’m still wanted?”

  “Are you sure this is what you want? Because while Alex is investigating me, you can’t have a relationship with him.” I want to make sure she's acutely aware of what she's giving up.

  She nods. “I understand.”

  My lips tug higher. She’s a damn good lawyer, so her loss to my empire would have been immense, but I would have taken the hit if that was what she wanted.

  “All right, then let’s get down to business.” I take a seat in my leather chair before raising my eyes to hers. “How long does it take to get a marriage license issued?”

  Chapter 24

  Isabelle

  From: Alex Rogers, FBI Division Officer — Ravenshoe

  To: Isabelle Brahn

  Re: Resignation from the position of Field Officer

  -----------------------------------------------------

  Dear Agent Brahn,

  * * *

  Any resignations to my department will need to be made in person.

  * * *

  You know where to find me.

  * * *

  Alex Rogers

  FBI Division Officer — Ravenshoe

  -----------------------------------------------------

  * * *

  Shit! I should’ve known Alex would never accept a resignation via email. He hammered me when I requested a transfer to another department, asserting I signed a contract and that I was required to follow through on my obligations until the contract agreement ceased, but there are extenuating circumstances this time around. Not only am I sleeping with the target his department is investigating, I'm also engaged to him.

  My eyes shoot up to the clock in the microwave oven, noting it’s 3:43 p.m. Isaac is in an important meeting with Regan for the rest of the afternoon, so I may as well get the inevitable over and done with.

  Not wanting to disturb Isaac, I leave a note for him on the kitchen counter.

  I’ll be back in an hour.

  Calm down, I took Roger with me.

  I love you.

  Izzy xx

  * * *

  After gathering my trench coat from the coatroom, I call Roger and request for him to bring Isaac’s town car around the front.

  “Yes, Ms. Brahn.”

  In under a minute, Isaac’s town car pulls into the front stairs of his private residence. I lift the collar of my jacket before dashing to the car, trying to avoid the sprinkling of rain that started falling early this morning.

  When I climb into the backseat, Roger greets me in his familiar flat tone. “Ms. Brahn.”

  I feel ridiculous sitting in the back, but Roger is a stickler for protocol. “Good afternoon, Roger. Can you please take me to 134 Chelsea Road?”

  He curtly nods before beginning our journey. Roger would easily be in his sixties. His hair is silver with a scattering of black strands, and a thick silver mustache covers his top lip. From what I’ve heard, he’s worked for Isaac since Isaac started his empire. Although he lacks personality, he has above par security skills, often quoting that he doesn’t interact while on the job as it distracts him from performing his duties to the best of his ability. I can’t really fault him for that, especially when his sole client is Isaac.

  Since Roger isn’t the talkative type, I keep my gaze on the scenery outside. Ravenshoe has so much of Isaac embedded in it. It’s a strong community that’s growing into a thriving city. With its growth overseen by Isaac, new housing and business developments are constantly under construction. It’s large in size but not overly huge like big, overdeveloped cities.

  Silly butterflies in my stomach take off in flight when Roger pulls in front of the office building I used to work at. “I’ll only be a few minutes.”

  When I place my hand on Roger’s shoulder, his dark eyes peer at me in the rearview mirror. “Yes, Ms. Brahn.”

  While gliding out of my seat, I exhale a shaky breath. I swear I wasn’t this nervous the first day of my placement. A grin curls my lips from the hum of activity projecting from the small space when I stroll into the bustling office. Alex’s team is small, but it’s always been a hive of activity. There was never a dull moment—well, except when I was scanning my uncle’s records into the FBI database with an outdated copy machine. That was as boring and tedious as it comes.

  After hanging my wet trench coat on the coatrack near the glass door, I make a beeline to my old desk. An uprising of emotions hits me hard in the chest when I discover it remains untouched. It still has the scrunched-up business card Isaac left for me at Harlow’s bakery in the top drawer and a packet of Tic-Tac’s sitting next to the keyboard.

  Snubbing the tears pricking my eyes, my gaze strays to Alex’s glass office. My breath snags in my throat when I catch his infuriating glare. His backside is propped on the edge of his desk, and his arms are crossed in front of his broad chest. I warily smile. He doesn’t smile back.

  I snatch Isaac’s business card out of the drawer, shove it into my pocket, then hesitantly pace toward Alex’s office. When I enter, he gestures for me to close the door. Nerves quiver in my stomach when the glass turns frosted. He only ever does that when I’m in trouble.

  After releasing a handful of the butterflies in my stomach with a big exhale, I pivot around to face him. His eyes roam over my face before gliding down my body. I unclench my fists when his gaze stops at my balled hands.

  While removing the sweat from my slicked palms onto my jeans, I take a seat in the chair across from him. Once I’m seated, he pushes off the desk and moves to sit in his chair in silence. My heart crazily palpitates when his stern blue eyes lock on mine. He waits for me to commence our conversation. It’s an extremely long ten seconds.

  “I'm here to advise of my resignation—”

  “Shut up, Isabelle.” My eyes bulge, shell-shocked at his bluntness. “For once, shut up and listen.”

  His anger quells my shakes by replacing it with unbridled fury, but before I can announce that, he continues, “Your resignation from my department has been declined. You signed a contract, and you'll fulfill your obligation as stated in that contract.”

  I attempt to refute his statement, but my words entomb in my throat from the furious glare he directs at me. He’s burning
up everything because he just noticed the diamond on my ring finger. I thought he was angry before, but it has nothing on his fury now.

  “You'll remain on unpaid leave until you've had time to properly evaluate the situation. Once you have all the facts and the chance to accurately formulate a decision on your position without Isaac influencing you, I'll consider accepting your resignation.”

  I cover my engagement ring with my right hand, protecting it from his bitter words. “Isaac isn’t influencing my decisions. I made my own informed choice, and since I’ve agreed to become his wife, I can’t ethically work for the department investigating him. It would be highly immoral for me to do.”

  “If you're worried about being immoral, then I highly recommend you remove the blinders you’re wearing and take a step back. You're letting your feelings for Isaac blind your judgment. Lust and love are two very different things—”

  “Like you’d know the difference.”

  His top lip twitches, advising that he heard my brash statement. “I'm not the enemy, Isabelle.” He crosses his arms in front of his chest, then sinks low in his chair. “The man you're sleeping with is.”

  “You don’t know him, so your opinion doesn’t count.”

  “And you don’t know him either.”

  “I know him.” I know him better than anyone.

  “Prove it,” Alex taunts, his tone condescending.

  My mind spirals. How can I prove I know Isaac without breaking his trust? Everything he’s shared with me has been done in confidence, so I will not break his trust just to prove a point.

  “I’m not falling into your trap. I’m not going to unwittingly incriminate Isaac.”

  Alex twists his lips. “So you’re admitting he undertakes in criminal activities.”

  “I didn’t say that.” My angry voice bounces off the whitewashed walls.

  “You didn’t need to. The truth is all over your face. You know he’s a criminal just as well as I do.”