Unmerited Favor: The Compassion and Peril of Mercy ( Un missable Series Book 2)

by Jerry Summers

  “What does that say for mankind?”

  “It says we’re a resilient species, capable of dealing with tragedy while continuing to live. And Jim, that’s precisely what you’re going to do—continue to live.”

  “How am I supposed to do that?”

  Wendy sighs. “You put one foot in front of the other and take it one day at a time.”

  “If you say so. Can we set another appointment for next week?”

  “Absolutely, but I’ll be in San Francisco over the weekend and the early part of next week, so how about Thursday morning at eleven again?”

  “OK. I’ll see you next Thursday.” He starts to stand, and Wendy stands with him.

  “Jim, if you need anything at all, you have all my numbers. Please don’t hesitate to use them. Even though I’ll be in San Francisco, I can always be available by phone. I mean it—call me if you need to talk, OK?”

  “I will. Thanks again for everything, Wendy.”

  “Anytime. See you next Thursday.”

  Aside from the minor existential crisis, he’s going to be just fine, Wendy thinks as he leaves her office. Actually, probably better off since that bitch is totally out of his life.

  She uses the intercom to have Mona schedule Jim’s appointment, and then decides not to go to lunch but to keep working until her two o’clock appointment. She pokes her head out of her office. “Mona, who is coming in at two?”

  “It’s a new client. Her name is Jill Rawlins, and she’s from Los Angeles,” Mona replies, and Wendy thanks her and goes back to work.

  Jill arrives promptly at two and, after filling out all the proper paper work, meets with Wendy. Wendy looks her over, surprised at the high-end, well-tailored cream suit and giant rock on her ring finger.

  “Mrs. Rawlins, I’m Wendy Stevens. Nice to meet you. To start, may I ask why you’ve driven an hour and a half to meet with me? I’m sure there must be qualified counselors in LA who would be much more convenient.”

  Jill sighs and nods. “Yes, I’m sure there are. However, my husband is an extremely successful attorney and a city council member, and I’m afraid to share my story locally because I don’t know who is in his back pocket and who isn’t.”

  Wendy sits back in her chair. “I see. And how did you hear about me?”

  “I got your name from several sources. Nancy Davis and Kim Taylor just to name a couple. You have a great reputation for confidentiality and practical advice, and I am in desperate need of both,” Jill replies, tucking her skirt under her as she sits on the sofa.

  “Fair enough. What seems to be the issue?”

  “Well, my husband, Zachery, is an abusive cocaine addict and sexual deviant, and I’m not sure how to handle either of those situations,” Jill says bluntly.

  “Can you be more specific?”

  “The cocaine addiction is pretty straightforward, so I guess I’ll concentrate on the other part. Zach has an incredible sex drive, and it’s getting more perverted as time goes on. I’m fairly liberal and explorative in my sexual desires, so when Zach wanted to watch me have sex with another woman, I was all for it. In fact, it excited me at first. Then it just kept going. Zach wanted a threesome, and then to share me with his best friend. Both of those were fine. But then things got very twisted, and I wasn’t OK with any of it anymore.” She pauses to catch her breath and pulls out a handkerchief to dab her eyes. “When I said no, he beat the shit out of me in a cocaine rage. I forgave him until he started strangling me during sex. I told him I wasn’t OK with that, and he told me he would find someone else to please him. When I objected, he smacked me around again. I told him I would do almost anything to please him, but that I wasn’t OK with being strangled. So the next thing he wanted to do was urinate on me after he’d orgasmed. Like, what the hell?” She glances up at Wendy to see if she is still following, and Wendy nods for her to continue. “Anyway, gross. I told him that wasn’t going to happen, and that went OK, but then he asked me if I was still willing to experiment, which of course I am. He told me he wanted me to do something called ‘spiking.’”

  “I’m not sure what that is…” Wendy says hesitantly, unsure she wants to know where this is going.

  Jill rolls her eyes and sighs. “Zach asked me to dress in something sexy and wear a pair of stilettos. I thought it could be fun, kind of like role-playing, so I did it, but when he came into the bedroom, he was holding a guinea pig. You’re not going to believe this. He wanted me to stick my heel through the damn guinea pig while he masturbated, so he could get off on its pain. I refused, because I don’t believe in animal cruelty, and the bastard beat me senseless again then dragged me into the bathroom and urinated all over me. What kind of sick motherfucker does those kinds of things? Where did he even come up with this shit?”

  Wendy is stunned. “Well. I have to admit, I’ve never heard about this type of sexual deviation, and, obviously, I’ve never worked with anyone in your situation. Are you sure you don’t want to have me help you find someone who has dealt with this type of thing before?”

  “I’m sure. I want your help,” Jill says firmly.

  “Well, to be frank, I’ll need to do some research on how to help. In the meantime, do you have a safety plan in place?”

  “Yes. He’s going to be in Florida for the next two weeks, so I’m safe at home.”

  “Good. I’m going to be in San Francisco for the weekend, but I’ll do some research while I’m there. Can you come in again next Friday?”

  “So…you are going to help me?”

  “I’m not sure I’m qualified, but let me research everything, and I’ll at least help you with the physical abuse.”

  “Please, I need your help. Don’t turn me away. I can make as many appointments as necessary. Getting here isn’t a problem at all,” Jill says, and Wendy hears desperation in her voice.

  “I promise I won’t turn you away. I just need to consult with some professionals who are more knowledgeable on these forms of deviation and abuse before I’m comfortable advising you or counseling you.”

  Jill breathes a sigh of relief. “OK, thanks. Have a good time in San Francisco. It’s a fantastic city.”

  Wendy watches Jill leave her office and thinks, How in the world do these people find me? With that, she shakes her head and gathers her things.

  “Mona, take the rest of the day off. It’s been a crazy week. Go enjoy your weekend, and I’ll be back on Tuesday,” she says on her way out the door to meet Bonnie’s pilot.

  “Thanks. See you then,” Mona replies.

  CHAPTER 19

  BEAUTY AND REVENGE

  Wendy arrives at the San Francisco airport at five thirty, and Bonnie is stunned to see her in one of Jessica’s designs with her hair done and makeup on. Bonnie makes Wendy stop for a minute while she steps back and takes a photo with her cell phone.

  “What are you doing?” Wendy asks, glancing around at the people stopping to stare.

  “I wanted proof that you can actually dress yourself well,” Bonnie replies with a grin.

  “I told you the next time you saw me I would have designer clothes on and be all made up. Now stop! People are staring…”

  “You look fabulous! You need to do this more often.”

  As Bonnie finishes her sentence, a man clearly focused on Wendy walks right into a garbage can and almost falls over.

  Bonnie chuckles. “How do you feel about that? He was so focused on looking at you that he wasn’t even looking where he was going!”

  Wendy shrugs. “I dressed up for you, not him,” she says with a wink.

  “Yeah, OK, but admit it. It feels good to see a man lose his composure because he’s focused on how gorgeous you are, doesn’t it?”

  “Well, just a little. I will admit it’s not a common occurrence with me.”

  “It will be if you continue to take time for yourself and
not dress like a ragamuffin.”

  “But I like jeans, T-shirts, and tennis shoes. They’re comfortable.”

  Bonnie gives her a look. She loops their arms together as they walk through the airport. “There is a time and place for that attire. At home, for example, or at a sporting event, but not out in public, dear.”

  “Ugh. Whatever.”

  “Oh, dear God. You’re just as stubborn as your brother was.”

  “Whatever,” Wendy says again with a grin.

  They laugh as they arrive at the car, and Wendy does a double take as Bonnie gets into the driver’s seat.

  Wendy laughs and says, “I don’t know if I should be honored or scared.”

  “What?”

  “When was the last time you actually drove a car?”

  “Today, of course, when I drove here to pick you up.”

  “And before that?”

  “Probably a little more than a year ago.”

  “Wow, I’m proud of you, stooping to drive yourself. How does it feel to go slumming with your sister-in-law?” Wendy asks with a giggle.

  “Shut up! I just felt like I needed to keep up on some basic skills, like driving and grocery shopping. It’s been a long time since I did those things for myself. The staff freaked when I did. I think they were afraid I was going to start letting them go, but I assured them I’ll only shop and drive occasionally.”

  “Then I guess I’m honored.”

  “You should be. Driving in the city is a real bitch.”

  “You got this,” Wendy says reassuringly.

  Bonnie shoots her a look. “Of course I do. I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.”

  “And you’re so humble about it, too.”

  They both laugh as Bonnie negotiates the ramps out of the airport terminal and onto the freeway. Once on the freeway, Bonnie asks, “How are you doing after such a horrendous week?”

  She sighs. “I’m fine, and weeks like this last one don’t come around that often, so it’s not so bad. When they do, they’re exhausting, though, so coming to San Francisco for the weekend and hanging by the pool with friends and family will revitalize me for the next couple of weeks. I’m hoping things will mellow out, but it doesn’t look promising.”

  “Well, you are more than welcome to come north for a breather anytime. I’d love to see you more often,” Bonnie reiterates.

  Wendy nods. “You know, the next time you come to San Diego you should bring clothes to leave at the condo. Then it’ll be easier for you to come south for the weekend as well.”

  Bonnie laughs. “Or I could just buy a separate wardrobe for when I’m in San Diego and leave it there.”

  Wendy shakes her head, then says, “There’s plenty of closet space in your room. So when are we going to make all this happen?”

  “Soon, I promise.”

  “I’m going to hold you to it.”

  “Please do. Jessica and Sean are going to meet us at this French restaurant in the city that I absolutely love. Do you mind eating before going to Marin?”

  Wendy shakes her head. “It’s fine with me. I’m actually hungry, and I’d love a glass of really good wine.”

  “Well, this is the place for that, and Sean offered to pay anyway, so enjoy the evening.”

  When they walk in, Jessica beams at seeing Wendy look so good, especially in her designs.

  Sean leans over to Jess and asks, “Is that Wendy?” Jessica nods, and Sean continues, “Wow she cleans up well. And of course your designs look wonderful on her.”

  Jess smiles at him. “Thank you. They do, don’t they?”

  He smiles back and greets both Bonnie and Wendy with a hug. As Jess hugs and fusses over Wendy, he motions for the server to come take their drink order.

  “What do you recommend?” Wendy asks, and Jessica offers the wine she is drinking for Wendy to taste. Wendy is impressed and decides to join her, and Bonnie agrees, so Sean orders another bottle for them. Bonnie clears her throat.

  “I had a personal visit today from the FBI. David Hill drove from San Francisco to meet with me at home and have a phone conference with Dominic Hughes, from the Boise office. Apparently, the DEA arrested Jesus Rodriguez in Colombia on drug smuggling and weapons charges. Mr. Rodriguez decided to make a cooperative deal with our government for immunity and leniency on those charges. The immunity deal involved disclosure of two murder-for-hire cases…one completed in the United States and one in Brazil that never happened. Mr. Rodriguez disclosed he was part of an elite special operations team with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, along with Ricardo Montes and three others. As a sign of solidarity, each member of the team got tattoos of the viper like the one we saw in that picture of Ricardo, because they were the team designed to always strike fear into the hearts of their enemies. Anyway, three of the members were killed during the bloody coup of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez in 2002. Jesus Rodriguez was the team’s sniper assisting Chavez in regaining power after the coup.” Bonnie pauses as registration of where this is leading dawns on the faces of her companions.

  She continues, “He killed a US Army sniper, then retrieved his rifle and scope and used it to kill Mark. He said he’d been hired by Ricardo to kill Mark first, and then Hugo, for environmental atrocities committed because of their mining practices in Brazil. When Ricardo died in San Francisco, Jesus looked at the money already received as payment in full for Mark’s murder and decided not to go through with the other.

  “When the DEA questioned him further, he said Ricardo believed in what Mother Earth Cooperative was doing and felt the need to assist them in any way possible since they were running into obstacles because of money and political corruption. Apparently, Jesus also told the DEA that Ricardo felt if Mark was out of the picture, he would be able to move in on me and sweep me off my feet.” She stops abruptly, tears in her eyes, and Wendy leans over and hugs her.

  “Will this Jesus asshole be held accountable at all for Mark’s murder?” Wendy asks doubtfully.

  “No, he won’t! Because without his admissions, this crime never would have been solved, and there’s no way to confirm any of it, because Ricardo is dead.”

  “I’m so sorry, Bonnie, but karma has a way of taking care of things, and apparently that’s what happened with Ricardo. He got what he deserved!” Wendy exclaims.

  “I agree. I just don’t understand. Mark was so eco-sensitive and was revolutionizing mining practices around the world, and this group targeted him anyway.”

  “Some people are against any type of mining, and they probably never really researched who Mark was or what Global Metal Refining’s practices were,” Sean says quietly.

  “You’re right. All I know is that I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure I destroy Mother Earth Cooperative for being the reason my husband is dead. We can talk about a strategy to do so later, in your office, Sean. But now that that’s off my chest, let’s change the subject and enjoy our dinner and one another’s company for the rest of the weekend.”

  Jessica nods and offers a toast. “To friends and family who will always stick together and support one another no matter what happens next.”

  Wendy clinks her glass against Jess’ and adds, “You all are my family. Even if we’re a neurotic, narcissistic, sexually obsessed, and somewhat perverted bunch, I’ll be damned if I’ll let anyone or anything hurt any of you, and I hope you all feel the same way about me.”

  Sean smiles, puts his hand on Wendy’s shoulder, and says, “We all think you’re about a quarter of a screw turn off normal, but we love you anyway and will always be here for you as well.”

  Wendy gives Sean a sardonic smile. “You have such an elegant way with words.”

  He shrugs. “Well, it’s difficult to spin them when attempting to be sarcastic and funny at the same time.”

  “Actually I think
you succeeded at both,” Jess says, taking a generous drink of her wine.

  The server returns, and everyone orders a meal. Then Sean schedules a Grand Marnier soufflé, in honor of Mark, which of course brings tears to Bonnie’s eyes yet again.

  Jessica leans over to Sean. “What an absolutely wonderful gesture that was for Bonnie and Mark.”

  Sean smiles and kisses her gently on the cheek.

  When they’re finished with the delicious meal, Sean pays and compliments the owner on another wonderful meal, and everyone goes to Bonnie’s home. They spend the weekend relaxing by the pool and enjoying being together again. Sunday evening, Sean and Jessica head back to San Francisco, and Wendy flies back to San Diego instead of staying until Monday evening.

  Bonnie arrives at SGM Monday morning, as scheduled. Evelyn escorts her to the conference room and gets her some coffee and a fruit Danish. “Sean will be in as soon as he finishes his phone conversation,” Evelyn says and returns to her desk. Bonnie downs the coffee and picks at the Danish until Sean walks into the conference room. He gets himself some coffee, then pokes his head out of the door, and asks Evelyn to have Bradley Jenkins join them in fifteen minutes.

  As he sits at the conference table, Sean begins quietly. “Good morning, Bonnie. I’d like to start by asking if you are interested in destroying Mother Earth Cooperative or if you were just venting at dinner? I know you were hurting, and I don’t want you to rush into anything.”

  “Frankly, both. I’m angry because my husband was murdered, and the person who did it was able to cut a deal with our government and avoid prosecution. I have also never been more committed to any single cause as I am to destroying the organization that targeted him unjustly. I’ve given this a lot of thought, and I want to use one billion dollars of my personal funds to destroy them legally. Making the first donation to SERF is the best way for me to invest the fortune Mark left behind. They’re going to see the power of true wealth and influence.”