“Aiden?” I regulate my voice in an attempt to keep from screaming at him.
“Yes.” He says it low, full of shame.
“What in the world got into you? I’ve never seen you have a conversation with anyone that was the least bit personal, yet you completely spill your guts to a perfect stranger.” In trying to control myself from having an outburst, my voice reaches a lower register.
He twists his white knuckles on the steering wheel and his jaw flexes, full of tension. He’s carefully considering his words. Without warning he jerks the steering wheel hard to the right and cuts across three lanes of traffic to get to the shoulder. My entire life flashes in front of me. My heart is pounding so hard against my chest that I can hear it over the cacophony of honking horns.
“What the fuck was that?!” I yell out. When we come to a stop I’m hanging on to the ‘oh shit bar’ with both feet propped on the dashboard bracing myself for impact.
He sits holding the steering wheel, breathing with his eyes wide open, staring out the windshield. He squeezes his eyes shut before speaking. “Shay, I have spent the last year and half trying to work things out in my own head.”
“What are you talking about?” I’m incredulous.
“Listen to me.” He turns in his seat to face me, pain searing across his features. “When I left last time, I was on a flight to Costa Rica before I even knew what I was doing.” He pauses to breathe. He continues in a calm tone, but his honey brown eyes are clouded over with a storm of hurt, living in that memory. “When I got to San Jose, I immediately booked another flight. I needed to be somewhere away from everything, where there was peace.”
All I can do is sit and gape at him. I open my mouth to say something, I don’t even know what. He stops me before my voice can form the words.
“Shay, there are a few fundamental things I know and one of them is that I don’t want to live without you and I don’t want to hurt you. I spent a year and half meditating, becoming more spiritual, and contacting my inner self to find out why I run every time.” He picks up my hands. The heat from his touch runs through my fingers with an electrical impulse that Aiden hasn’t been able to make me feel in a long time. “I’m still a work in progress, but I only want to be here for you.”
“But-“ He cuts me off.
“Let me finish before I just can’t.”
I agree with a nod, holding his gaze. It seems as though he’s solved a great mystery. The least I can do is afford him five minutes to convince me. But then again, do I really want to be convinced?
“I came back before I was ready. I wanted to be absolutely complete before I came back. But there was something pulling at me, telling me that I needed to come home. That it was time for us, that you needed me.” He tightens his grip on my hands. I wonder if it’s to remind me of the electricity flowing between us, that there is an undeniable connection. “I got back to you and you don’t need me. I don’t even know if you can love me anymore.” His head hangs to hide his tortured eyes. “You’ve changed, for the better. You are stronger and I can see that you don’t need me. I see how you look at Eli and I want that back with you.”
He tilts his chin up to look at me through watery eyes. “I want to be the one you can turn to, not because you need me. Because you want me, because you want us.”
“Aiden,” I say his name low and consoling. I don’t know what else to say. At a loss for words, I pull him into a hug and whisper in his ear. “Aiden, a part of me will always love you.” Part of me always will. This new vulnerable Aiden is certainly something I’d like to explore. I’ve never seen him so honest and raw.
He tightens his grip on me and whispers in my ear, “I’m so sorry for hurting you, let me make it right.”
I’m completely overcome by something I’ve never felt with Aiden, it’s indescribable. It feels safe and sweet. It feels true—more than just the chemical pull it always has been.
My grip tightens. I want him to know I do care about him before I tell him what’s really on my mind. I take a breath to speak.
“Shay, the only thing I’m asking you for is to let me be here. Let me see this through with you. The last thing you need is me making demands. I’m not, I’m asking just let me be your friend.” He pulls back from me looking into me with the sadness of a thousand tortured lifetimes. “Let me show you what I can be for you.”
My entire being is set up side down. I’ve never had Aiden opening up to me like this. Maybe the leopard really has changed his spots. There can’t be any harm in letting him be my friend. I smile as my answer. How’s that for non-committal?
***
Once we approach the nothingness of rural I-4 the loud and rather embarrassing growl of my stomach reminds me we haven’t eaten. I am so hungry I could eat Aiden’s boots. “Can we stop for some coffee and something quick to eat?”
“Oh yeah. Sorry, I forgot about breakfast.” Aiden scans for food signs.
We pull off the road in the tiny town of Dover. I opt for using the restroom while Aiden grabs an intestinal superstorm wrapped in a tinfoil pouch.
Aiden pulls his phone from his pocket. “I’m going to let Eli know we’re on the way.”
When I emerge from the restroom, not necessarily refreshed but having definitely added to my skill points in hovering, I ask, “What did Eli have to say?”
“Meet him at the office.” Aiden smiles at me, holding up the tinfoil abomination. “Breakfast is served!”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Off the Hook
Shay
There are two high-rise office buildings in Melbourne, if you can really count eight floors as a high-rise. But it’s the best the city has to offer, and of course being the very best it boasts both Indian River lagoon and river views and is where the law firm is located. Emblazoned on three sides, “Roth, Carmichael, Eddins & Brunner,” it can be seen from miles around. We enter through the secured parking deck without incident and head up to the eighth floor.
Genie jumps up from the reception desk, sporting her signature floral dress, beige pumps, and chunky jewelry that looks like it was made just for that dress. Her lips spread across her face in a motherly smile that says she really misses me. She throws her arms around me. “Oh Shay it’s so wonderful to see you!” She steps back, still holding my shoulders and looking me up and down with concern. “When was the last time I saw you?” she asks. Her deep Southern accent warms the room.
“My mom’s funeral.” I dig a sad smile into my cheek.
She pulls me into another hug. “Oh honey, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s fine Genie, it’s good to see you.” I wriggle out of her embrace. “Although I wish we were at one of those awesome barbecues you guys have!”
“Me too, sweetheart.” She tries to mask the remorse in her expression.
“Is Eli here yet?” Aiden asks.
“Come here, you!” She pulls Aiden into a hug and he winces as she squeezes him. I guess he’s still feeling the pain of the beating Eli gave him.
He gently twists away from her. “Is he here?”
“He’s not here yet.” She scoffs, swatting at his chest. “When did you become all business?
“I’m sorry Genie, it’s been a rough couple of days.” He looks at her, recoiling slightly from being scolded.
“I’ll say. What happened to you? Looks like somebody got you good.” She cups his face in her hands noting his black eye, bruises and scratches courtesy of Eli and yours truly.
“Eli.” He says it low, with his head drooping, but his eyes looking up at her as though he was telling on Eli.
“Hmm, you boys are too old to still be scrapping like that.” She examines him more closely and smiles. “He whooped ya good.”
Aiden steps away from her, full of bravado. “Yeah, well, he got lucky.”
The phone rings, drawing Genie’s attention. “Why don’t you two head down to the Peregrine room. I’ll have Jason meet you in there.”
“Thanks Genie,” I
say, heading down the hallway to the grand conference room.
I stand in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the river. I can see the park and the dock across the river—our dock. Aiden sits in one of the leather chairs and pours himself a glass of water from the carafe.
The energy level in the oversized conference room ticks up three notches when Jason and Bob enter. “Hey guys. Thanks for stopping by.” Jason instinctively takes the head of the table. Bob sits to his right. “We’ve got some great news.”
“Really?” I’m shocked, it’s been so long since I’ve gotten any kind of good news I barely know how to respond.
“Yes, Eli’s called from the parking deck; he’ll be up in a minute. Since he’s the one that worked this magic I’d like to let him give you the details. But the long and short of it is for now, you are off the hook.” Jason smiles, waiting for my reaction.
My mouth hangs open in disbelief. Aiden had to speak up. “Seriously, it’s over?” Was that a hint of sadness in his voice?
“Well, unless they find some new evidence, you’re in the clear.” A laugh rattles through Bob as he raises his eyebrows. “Shay, you can breathe now.”
Aiden pulls me in the by the waist and I can’t help but throw my arms around him in victory. I exhale the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “Oh my God, I can’t believe it. Thank you so much!”
“Thank Eli, it was all him.” Jason ticks his head at the door.
Eli stands in the doorway staring at Aiden and me. He has the nerve to look hurt by our embrace. His dark hair brushes down over his tortured eyes instead of his signature slicked-back attorney look. It suits him with the split lip. The rest of him is sharp as ever. Perfectly pressed and creased black suit, and a shocking blue tie that pales in comparison to those intense blue eyes. I feel like I’ve just been caught with my hand in the cookie jar.
“Eli, thank you!” I so want to run to him and wrap my arms around him. He saved me, he really saved me. But at what cost? His expression is heavy with worry.
“It’s no problem, Shay. Honestly, I was just doing my job,” he says with an edge to his voice, sliding his briefcase on the heavy wooden table. “The DA’s office isn’t in the business of convicting innocent people. Speaking of,” he looks straight at me, “Did you get my note?”
I break away from Aiden’s arm still around my waist. Eli has a way of making the most harmless thing seem caustic. “Yeah.” I didn’t read it. I wasn’t in the mood for a blow by blow of his carnal endeavors with Taffy. I have to force myself to look away from him.
The entire room becomes a pregnant pause and we are all suspended in discomfort. Aiden has the good sense to break the silence. “What’s the deal?”
“There was absolutely no physical evidence linking Shay to the crime scene. They knew there wouldn’t be a snowball’s chance in Hell the grand jury would indict.” He pulls a stack of papers from his briefcase.
“There was a little more to it than that, Eli’s being modest,” Jason chimes in, full of pride, like Eli was his progeny.
“This wouldn’t have happened without him.” Bob pours his own glass of water and leans back in the leather chair.
Eli’s face flares with color but the pride is apparent, yet his response is serious and curt. “It’s not a big deal. The case against you isn’t prosecutable.”
“So there are a few formalities, like your official statement, which I have here,” Jason slides the papers across the table, “and unless they find something that can connect you to the crime, you’re done.”
Bob pulls another few sheets of paper from a folder. “Read these over and then sign.”
The phone in the middle of the conference table chimes followed by Genie’s voice, “DA Preston and Detective Glass are here, did you want me to escort them back?” Jason look to Eli, he nods.
“Give us a few minutes; I’ll let you know when we’re ready,” Jason instructs as he leans back in the chair. “Eli, you can go to my office, we’ll let you know when they’re gone.”
“Thanks Jason.” Eli turns to me. “This will all be over soon.” A sad soft smile crests Eli’s lips. “We are going talk when this is done.” He slices Aiden a look that could draw blood. Aiden stretches his arm around my waist and I look away from Eli, burying my face in Aiden’s chest.
“You should go,” Jason reminds him in a calm tone. “I’ll send her to my office when we’re done, you can talk in there.”
Eli’s eyes fall deeper into sadness, watching Aiden hold me as he leaves the room. I don’t like the idea of Jason stepping in like this and I’m sure Aiden isn’t thrilled either. I have no intention of talking to Eli. It’s best if I don’t, if I want to maintain this euphoria of being a free woman. Aiden will make sure I make a quick exit.
DA Preston, Detective Glass, and a court reporter enter the room. Jason and Bob stand to shake their hands. “Hey guys, thanks for coming down. It goes a long way with us not having to deal with the media circus created by all the false allegations.” I like Jason and the way he cuts an amalgamation of an insult, threat, and smile into his cheek all at once.
The court reporter starts setting up and DA Preston pulls some papers from his briefcase. “There are just a few formalities. We’re going to take your official statement and then we’re done here.”
“Best news I’ve heard all day, let’s get this done.” I let the relief sink in slowly so I can savor it. What an incredible feeling, no longer being accused of murdering people I care about. I’m just a signature away from self-imposed solitude rather than the kind that comes with tangling with Big Bertha in the jail yard.
I read my statement, which takes all of five minutes. The court reporter took longer to set up than the reading itself. Glass continuously glares at me the whole time. He’s convinced that I’m the killer. Preston seems indifferent to me.
Genie comes in to make copies of the paperwork for everyone’s records. Offering snacks and drinks, she’s really sweet, but honestly I wish she didn’t feel the need to make an ice cream social out of everything. I just want to get out of here.
We all stand, shaking hands and making small talk. Glass turns away from them and approaches me. He has a look on his face as though he smells something bad. Leaning in close to me he says in a low tone, “Ms. Baynes, you may think we’re done, but mark my words I’m going to nail you for this.” He holds out his hand and speaks in a normal tone, “Thank you for your cooperation. Take care.”
I pull him closer, our hands still locked in a handshake, my gaze steely with promise. “Thanks for all you’ve done. Perhaps in appreciation you’ll find yourself the star in my next comic.”
Glass staggers two steps back with his mouth hanging open when in unison DA Preston and Detective Glass’s phones begin to chirp. They check their phones and DA Preston announces they have to go. Bob stands and offers to see them out.
“Miss Baynes, thank you again for your assistance. I’m glad we were able to clear things up. I’m sure your dad will be happy too. Maybe he’ll return my phone calls now. I’d like to hit the back nine with him again soon.” DA Preston still seems tense, but at least he’s trying to extend an olive branch. I hadn’t thought of what all of this must have done to him and my dad’s friendship. They’ve been golf and fishing buddies for years.
After they leave Eli hurries in, stopping when he sees the court reporter. He dismisses her presence and comes straight to me, pleading, with his eyes bluer than the ocean in the distance over his shoulder, “Shay, I have to go, but I want to talk to you. I will call you later. Please pick up.”
I’m so riled up over Glass’s vendetta I can barely process the softness in his tone. “I suppose you want to talk about Taffy? No thanks.” Her name oozes out of my mouth.
“Yeah I want to tell you that she’s-” Eli is cut off by his phone ringing again. He looks at the number and shakes his head in frustration.
“I have to go, please just give me five minutes, I’m sure
once you hear me out you’ll see Taffy’s not a problem anymore, just read the note. I’ll call you,” he says, walking through the door, aggravation and remorse clouding his expression.
I shake my head in frustration. He knows I didn’t read the note. Whatever, Eli can do what or who he wants. It’s none of my business. He broke it off with me and I have no claims on him. It doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt like hell. Aiden appears at my side. “You okay?”
I nod, still lost in thought, trying desperately not to picture Eli motor-boating in Taffy’s cleavage. “Yeah, I just...it’s that…never mind.”
“Shay, you should go easy on him. Hear him out. All of this was because of him.” Jason holds up the paperwork that represents my freedom. “I’m certain he hasn’t slept in days; he found things our researchers may have never found. He put his ass on the line for you. He’s been put on review and will likely lose his job.”
“I’m sure he did a lot and I’m very thankful to you and everyone that’s been helping me. I really am.” I want to recapture that feeling of elation when Jason first told me about this being over, but Eli sucked it out the room when he entered. Now hearing that he could lose his job makes everything so much worse. “There’s something personal that I don’t think I’ll be able to get past.”
Jason looks at Aiden, considering his words. There’s slight hint of apprehension in his gaze as he just lays it out for everyone to hear. “Eli loves you. He’s a good guy. You should at least hear him out.”
Aiden stiffens and interlaces our hands together. “Well, there are some things she may not be willing to get over.”
“I’m hoping she has the good sense to get over all of it.” Jason challenges Aiden.
“Jason, that whole situation is dead and buried.” I dismiss his advice, as painful as it is. “Is there anything else I need to do or can I go home?” I need to get out of here, the tension is strangling me. Although I’m quite impressed with the way that Jason just threw his dick on the table like that and had no problem throwing Aiden under the Eli Express.
INK: Fine Lines (Book 1) Page 19
