The Appearance of Impropriety [The Horsemen] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Skye Michaels

  “It should be interesting to see what he has to say about this when he comes in this morning. I wonder what the hell is going on.”

  When Zack arrived at Grossman’s office for the 9:30 meeting, Cindy ushered him directly into Bob’s office and closed the door. Bob did not rise and shake his hand as was his usual custom. Instead, he removed his reading glasses and, looking up at Zack with a wary expression on his face said, “What the hell do you think you’re doing? Have you lost your mind?”

  Zack was taken aback. Very few people could get away with addressing him in that manner or that tone of voice, but Bob was one of them. He sank into a chair across from Bob’s desk and said, “I guess you’ve seen the paper.”

  “Damn right. What’s going on?”

  “Believe it or not, this is probably the biggest screwup I’ve ever been involved in, and it happened strictly by chance.”

  “I believe it. You’d better tell me what’s going on…from the beginning.”

  Zack related the details of his meeting with Tori. “She introduced herself as Tori Aldrich. I had no reason to question her identity. For God’s sake, I even had Tom fly her down here for that emergency hearing two weeks ago. I didn’t know it was a hearing on the Z-Tech case. I found out she uses her married name for business over dinner the next night. I still wasn’t sure she was the V.R.A. Alvarez who signed that countersuit you sent to me. I know I should have asked her about it right then, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it…”

  “Damn right you should have. What were you thinking? Were you thinking at all, and if you were, which head were you using?”

  “Yeah, I was thinking. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since I met Tori. But the thing is, it’s too damn late to fix it. At the time, I thought of telling her we might have a conflict of interest. She has no idea that I have any involvement with Z-Tech. But I knew she’d have to do something about it if I told her.”

  “She has no idea at all? I can’t believe she hasn’t stumbled over your name on something in all that discovery we’ve provided.”

  “I introduced myself as Zack Talbot just like I always do. She must have seen the CZT logo on the ’copter. I don’t know. I just know she hasn’t made the connection yet. I haven’t taken advantage of the situation though. I cut her off as soon as she even mentions anything connected with work.”

  “So what’s stopping you from telling her now?”

  Zack ran his hand through his hair. His distraction was apparent. “I can’t. I can’t give her up, Bob. She’d have every right to be livid. I know I’ve put her in a bad position.”

  “That’s certainly true,” Bob said, shaking his head in disbelief. “If her client found out about this and chose not to believe that she didn’t know who you were, she could be sued for malpractice, sanctioned, even disbarred. If Green saw a way to use this to his advantage, we both know what decision he’d make.”

  “He’d screw her over in a New York minute. Is there anything that can be done at this point?”

  “At the very least, she’d have to stop seeing you immediately, disclose the relationship to her client, and disqualify herself from the case. Once she knows who you are, she has the obligation to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.”

  “That bad, huh?”

  “It’s that bad, Zack. Why?”

  “I love her, Bob,” he said, shaking his head in wonder. “I’ve never felt as strongly about a woman in my life. And to tell you the truth, the feeling was almost immediate. By the time I found out there was a problem, it was already too late. She’s a special lady—one who may never speak to me again when the shit hits the fan.”

  “She must be special. You’re in it up to your ass, buddy. I don’t suppose it can get any worse than it already is. Let me think about it and see if I can come up with a solution.”

  “What about a settlement? Is that a possibility?”

  “I wondered why you seemed so keen on that idea last time you were down here. I don’t know. It’s possible. Maybe, if I can dig up something more on Green, we’d have more leverage to force a settlement. He thinks he has us on the run with that ridiculous countersuit.”

  “What do you plan to do?”

  “First thing, I’m going to have my associate review the discovery material we provided opposing counsel,” he said with a grimace. “I want to see if there is any mention of your name in there. If there is, they can say she ‘should have known.’ If not, she’d be in a better position. Also, I need to find out if Chuck has sent over the User ID and passwords for the message archiver she wanted so badly. I want to look everything over very carefully again with that problem in mind and see if there’s something we missed. Then I’m going to schedule Green’s deposition. I’ve been stalling on that, but I think it’s time to have a close look at Mr. Green on our turf.”

  “Bob, if we can’t find some way to control Green, I want this case settled before all this blows up in Tori’s face. No matter what it costs me, I can’t let this hurt her professionally. I know damn well it’s going to hurt her personally. This is my fault, not hers.”

  “I understand. Let me see what I can find out. In the meantime, try to stay out of the papers.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Although they chatted on the phone regularly, Tori and Marissa Hartley made it a point to have lunch at least once a month regardless of the pressures of business. If Tori was in trial and couldn’t spare the time for lunch, they would get together to eat a hot dog on the courthouse steps if necessary. They had been friends since high school and college roommates.

  Over the years, there was nothing they hadn’t shared and nothing they couldn’t tell each other. Marissa, a perky redhead who barely topped five feet, had been a rock during Tori’s divorce from Alberto Alvarez, and Tori had seen Marissa through a disastrous affair with her college professor and music mentor, an older, married man who had taken advantage of an impressionable young woman. Marissa was a full professor at the University of Miami and the Director of the Chamber Music Ensemble.

  On Wednesday, they met for a leisurely lunch at a trendy waterfront restaurant in Coconut Grove, the artsy, bohemian section of Miami. For once, Tori was not pressed for time, and they relaxed over glasses of wine and huge salads on a deck overlooking the Dinner Key Marina.

  As they launched into their salads with gusto, Marissa said, “You’re looking fabulous, Tori. You must be in love.”

  “You must have dusted off your crystal ball or else you’re psychic.”

  “Actually I was just being hopeful, but I couldn’t be happier to hear it. Tell me.”

  “I met him a little over two weeks ago. I got a flat tire on my way to Wellington, and he stopped to help me out. I know it sounds unbelievable. It happened so fast. I guess there really is such a thing as ‘love at first sight.’ Marissa, Zack is wonderful. After my disastrous experience with Alberto, I never expected to fall in love again, to trust someone else with my emotional well-being. It’s kind of scary. I feel like a teenager. You know, that excited, jumpy stomach feeling. It’s a little early to be sure it’s ‘love,’ but it sure seems to be headed that way.”

  “Well, when the chemistry is right, the length of time has no bearing on the situation. So, how’s the sex?” Marissa asked with her customary candor as she took a sip of wine.

  “Marissa!” Tori hissed, a becoming blush coloring her expressive face.

  “I thought so!” Marissa crowed in triumph. “You just have that look. You know, the one that says ‘I’m getting it and it’s great.’”

  “I do not. I look the same as I always look. You are impossible. If you’re going to be so…”

  “The word you’re looking for is ‘realistic.’ And you do not look the same. But I’ll be good. Now give.”

  “Actually, the sex is terrific.” Tori giggled. “But it’s so much more than that. I feel so safe and protected with Zack. I’m not afraid to be vulnerable with him. I can let down my guard.
He’s such an open, giving person. To tell you the truth, I didn’t think I had it in me. It’s like getting a second chance.”

  “What does he look like? What does he do?”

  “He plays polo. He’s semiretired and just supervises his business interests.”

  “Retired? Sounds too old for you.”

  “No way. He’s forty-something and gorgeous. He’s got a fabulous body, thick black hair with just a touch of silver at the temples, the most incredible icy-blue eyes, and a killer smile.”

  “Sounds good so far. What’s the rub? Married? Secretly gay? A bank robber? Terrorist? What?”

  “That’s what has me scared. There doesn’t seem to be one single thing wrong with him.”

  “Unfortunately, you’re right. That’s when you have to be careful. Just like anything else. When men seem too good to be true, they usually are.”

  “Oh, I hope not. I’m already in pretty deep. Anyway, what’s new with you? Anyone new on the horizon?”

  “I’m still dating that violinist from the Miami Symphony. Itzhak Perlman he’s not…but… then he doesn’t look like him either, so that’s all to the good.” Marissa laughed delightedly.

  “Anything serious? What a ridiculous question. Forget I asked.”

  “Don’t be a smart-ass, Ms. ‘I think I’m in love.’” Marissa grinned. “I just might surprise you in the ‘serious department’ one of these days. And the sex is great. Have you heard from ‘Sneaky Snake’ lately?”

  “No, Alberto hasn’t called in a few months. I don’t know why he continues to call me every so often. I really wish he would just forget about me. I’m eternally grateful, though, that his mother has stopped calling me from Argentina and begging me to take him back. Now that was really painful. I think he finally realizes that he screwed up big time.”

  “Don’t bet on it. That slimy creep would do it to you all over again if he got the chance. I never did like that guy. He’s not good enough to shine your shoes.”

  “I don’t suppose that has anything to do with the fact that you’re my best friend…and you always preferred blonds anyway. Don’t worry. Hell will freeze over before he gets that chance, Mari. You can bet on that. Speaking of bets, you won’t believe this one!” Tori was grinning from ear to ear. “Zack met John Damien this weekend. You would have loved it. John was being a little bitchy and possessive. You know how he can get, and Zack was more than a little jealous. Somehow, he and Zack got involved in a bet over horse training methods, and Zack invited John and his ‘wife’ out to his place on a wager. Only he didn’t realize John was gay.”

  “You have to be kidding. How could he not know? That’s the biggest waste of a beautiful man I ever saw.”

  “I don’t know. John’s not really a ‘flamer.’ I think it just didn’t occur to Zack. I went along with it and let him have enough rope to hang himself. Anyway, John showed up with Jacques. You should have seen Zack’s face. It was all I could do not to laugh when I introduced them. I have to hand it to him though. After a few seconds of looking dumbfounded, he recovered and handled it very well. It was the best joke I’ve pulled off since we were in school.”

  “Was he mad? That you didn’t tell him, I mean.”

  “No. He has a great sense of humor, even when the joke is on him. They ended up actually liking each other, and Zack invited them to a tailgate party and a polo match next weekend. It should be fun. I haven’t been to a match since I was married, and then Alberto always managed to keep me busy with his horses.”

  “Of course. That prince of a guy you married wanted to keep you hidden so no one else would see you—not other men and definitely not the bimbo du jour.”

  “Well, Zack’s not that way. I dragged him to the opera last weekend. He was a good sport about it although it was painfully obvious that opera is not his thing. We met the Samuelsons there, and it turns out that Rhonda Samuelson knows Zack’s mom. She thinks the world of her, apparently. They’ve done charity work together for years.”

  “How did the new music work out at the show?”

  “Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. We placed third with the new piece. I still need to work on my timing a bit, but it’s coming along beautifully. However, brace yourself. We got a second place behind Ricardo Stevens with the old music. I was beside myself.”

  “Congratulations! Even I know who Ricardo Stevens is. That’s terrific. Give old Rocky Raccoon a carrot for me. Are you showing next weekend? I think I may bring a couple of my students up to watch the next time you do the routine.”

  “Next Saturday I have a lesson with John, and Sunday is the polo match, so I won’t be showing until the following weekend at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby at White Fences. You can come up for that. I’d really like you to meet Zack. If you can’t make that, there’s something at Wellington the following weekend.”

  “I can’t wait. That sounds good.”

  Tori and Marissa relaxed over coffee and dessert, chatting and catching up on all the rest of the news. “I hate to break this up, but I really should get back to the office.”

  “Me, too. I have a rehearsal this afternoon, and I’m seeing the violinist tonight. Call me next week and let me know how the polo weekend went. That really does sound like fun. I’m so happy for you.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Early Saturday morning found Tori at the stables for her lesson with John Damien. Upon arrival, she spent time grooming both Rocky and Rosebud, who were delighted to see her. She could have called ahead and had one of the grooms do the honors, but she missed her two guys and wanted the satisfaction of caring for them herself. To Tori, the greatest pleasure of owning Rocky and Rosebud was the hands-on personal care she took of them. They were like children to her, and their care was her joy, not just a chore to be foisted off on someone else. Necessity and their well-being sometimes forced her to make other arrangements, but when she could, she brushed and bathed and picked and pulled herself.

  “What do you think of Zack, Rocky? I sure think he’s terrific. I think I’m in love. Pretty unexpected, huh?” As always, Rocky was an excellent listener and nickered as Tori scratched his withers and rubbed behind his ears. “Is that a yea or neigh? Sorry, buddy. My jokes are getting so bad even you won’t laugh. I must be losing it.”

  John arrived in the barn just as Tori was about to mount. He greeted her with his usual kiss and hug.

  “Did you and Jacques manage to get home Sunday night, or did you have to wait for sun up to find your way out of Zack’s place?” she asked with a grin.

  “No, actually, it wasn’t that bad. After I resigned myself to the fact that the car would never be the same again, we managed to find our way back to civilization in about a half an hour with only one or two wrong turns.”

  “Zack will be happy to hear it. I’m glad you two managed to resolve your differences. You had me a little worried there for a while.”

  “Nothing to it. Between us, it cost a grand…but what’s money where male egos are concerned.”

  “Oh, stop your crying. It went to a good cause, and besides, you both deserved it. I don’t know which one of you was worse. You both acted like spoiled brats.”

  “True enough. I have to admit that masculine aura of his got my back up, but it turned out to be a nice evening. It was nice of Zack to invite us to the polo match. Jacques is beside himself. To tell the truth, I’m looking forward to it myself.”

  “It should be fun,” she said as she led Rocky over to the mounting block and eased onto his back. She adjusted her hands on the reins and settled her seat in the saddle.

  The lesson went well, and without an audience, John was somewhat easier to deal with. Tori felt she and Rocky were really coming together on the new routine. She could feel the improvement in their timing and rhythm. The difference in their performance was impressive, and she was pleased.

  After the lesson was over, Tori cooled Rocky out, hosed him down, and hand-grazed him in the sun until he was dry. Rosebud, of course, was gr
azing nose-to-nose with his big buddy when out of nowhere a barking, ball of white fluff tumbled to a stop between Rocky’s front feet. Tori’s heart was pounding as she gazed in horror at Jacques’s six-pound miniature poodle, Muffin, nipping at Rocky’s fetlocks. She wondered how Muffin had escaped the safety of the enclosed patio which she ruled in queen-like splendor. Before Tori could mobilize herself to yank the yapping dog out of harm’s way, Rocky reached down and picked Muffin up by her top knot and held her gently but firmly just high enough off the ground to make her howl. All the while her stubby legs peddled the air indignantly. After a moment, Rocky put Muffin down and gently nudged her out of the way as she scampered away, barking furiously. Tori heaved a sigh of relief.

  “Good boy, Rocky!” She definitely did not want to be the one to have to tell Jacques that his precious Muffin had been trampled by a 1,600 pound Warmblood!

  After her heartbeat had returned to normal, Tori pulled off her high riding boots, changed into driving moccasins, and prepared to leave amid much scratching, patting, and carrot munching. It was always hard to leave them.

  Tori drove directly to the ranch. When she arrived, she spotted Zack and his teammates having a practice scrimmage out on the south polo field. Mallets were flying. Horses were charging. If the way they were going at it was any indication, Sunday’s match promised to be exciting. As she watched, they took turns practicing various difficult strokes, the most daring of which were the near side shots under the pony’s neck and tail in which the rider had to lean across and down the opposite side of the horse to reach the ball.

  Tori noticed that the riders’ position was generally very forward in the saddle, on the balls of their feet with short stirrups for balance. Zack was easy to spot. Tori’s eyes were drawn directly to his fluid grace and superb control in the saddle. He did everything with that same grace and power. She blushed at the memory as heat crept up her throat to her cheeks.