Eviscerating the Snake - The Complete Trilogy

by Ashley Fontainne

  That brought out a full-fledged laugh. “That’s why I’m marrying you. You’re armed and dangerous,” I said, then reached over and felt the bulge in his pants. “And I just thought you were glad to see me.”

  He leaned his head back and laughed—a hearty, throaty sound that made my heart melt.

  “Oh, I’m always glad to see you, my love. But that really is a knife in my pocket. Old Boy Scout habit, I’m afraid. It was the one and only gift my old man ever gave, and I have never let it leave my pocket. I live in the country, you know. Never know when it will come in handy.”

  I rubbed my hand harder over his bulge and leaned over in the seat. “Oh, a Boy Scout. I hear they are always prepared.”

  The sadness of the day was broken then, and we carried on like silly teenagers until we pulled up to the gate at my parents’ house. I told him the code and the gate slid open, and we made our way up the long driveway.

  My house was lovely, but my parents’ home wasn’t a home. It was an estate—one of the perks of being a highly sought after surgeon—and they spared no expense when they designed the place. When Steve parked the car in front of the ornate doorway, he let out a low whistle.

  “Well, that dowry will be too big. Guess you will have to find another suitor…one that just robbed Fort Knox or something.”

  I rolled my eyes at him and we exited the car together. I grabbed his hand when he came around to my side and said, “It’s just a bunch of brick, mortar, and lots of expensive landscaping. Don’t worry. I won’t leave you alone inside. You might get lost.”

  Steve eyed the two large marble statues of lions that adorned the entrance.

  “Why do I have the feeling that I am Daniel, about to enter the lion’s den?”

  “Don’t worry. I know how to tame them,” I said as we made our way up the terra cotta steps to the front door. I reached out to knock on the door, but it opened before I could rap on it.

  “Miss Audra! Oh honey, it is so good to see you!”

  My parents’ housekeeper (and my surrogate mother for years), Corinne, grinned and hugged me closely. Her heavy arms gripped my neck with ferocity that a woman her age shouldn’t possess. Her strong Native American heritage was apparent in that there was not one strand of gray amidst her heavy black mane of hair she had tied back in a long ponytail and cascaded down her back. I was just as excited to see her but cringed at her tight grip, my wound immediately throbbing.

  “How are you feeling, baby girl?” Corinne said, releasing her arms as she swung the door open wide. “And who’s this?”

  Steve stuck out his hand. “I’m Steve Ronson.”

  “Steve is my, um, boyfriend, Corinne. I guess Mom and Dad haven’t kept you up to speed on things. And I’m fine, just sore still and missing a few days. No worse for the wear.”

  Inside the foyer, Corinne shut the massive doors behind us and motioned for us to follow her after giving Steve’s arm a workout from her hearty shake.

  “Oh, you’re the one that Martina keeps talking about! I’ve heard a lot of things about you.”

  Steve blushed, and I couldn’t stop the laughter from escaping.

  “Your mom and dad are in the dining room already. I fixed your favorite—chicken and dumplings. You two go have a seat and visit. You just remember, like old times, I expect a visit in the kitchen afterward when I’m cleaning up. I want to hear everything from your lips about your new man.” She winked at Steve then she disappeared into the kitchen.

  We made our way into the dining room, greeted by the sounds of Vivaldi playing softly overhead. My mother had always felt the need to create the atmosphere of elegance when dining. Dad sat in his usual spot at the end of the long table and didn’t move as we approached. Mom, on the other hand, practically leapt out of her seat and made a beeline for us.

  “Baby! You look absolutely exhausted. Would you like to go freshen up before we dine?” She released me from her arms and then they encircled Steve’s neck. Even in high heels, she had to stretch to reach his cheek for a quick kiss. “Welcome to our humble abode, Steve. Hope you like chicken and dumplings. It’s not our favorite, but what can a mother do? Audra has always had simple tastes.”

  I was about to respond to her thinly veiled jab at my appearance when Steve responded.

  “Mrs. Tanner, we are famished after experiencing such an emotional day. The funeral was quite difficult on everyone, Audra included, but she could cry for hours and still look like an angel to me.”

  I smiled, and so did my mother, the faint blush of embarrassment seeping across her taut cheeks. My dad finally spoke.

  “Martina, leave the girl alone. She looks like she does, not because of emotional turmoil, but because of the trauma of being shot. It will take months for her to recover fully since the damage to her body…”

  I held up my hand. “Stop, please, both of you. I’m fine. I know I look my pallor is bland and I still move slow, but that will end soon. So, if you two don’t mind, let’s make our visit about anything else other than my job or my health. Agreed?”

  Uncomfortable silence settled on the room, interrupted by a small meow. I felt the soft fur and looked down into the eyes of Purr Baby. I went to crouch down and scoop him up, but Steve beat me to it.

  “Hello, hairball. I know someone that can’t wait to hold you.”

  He placed Purr Baby in my waiting arms and I cooed and snuggled like he was a baby. Corinne appeared then, carrying the massive pot of chicken and dumplings. She set it on the table and came over and gently lifted Purr Baby out of my arms.

  “Now listen, Missy, no pets at the table. I’ll make sure the little guy has a good meal in the kitchen while you all catch up. Looks like you have plenty to talk about,” she said, eyeing my ring, a mischievous grin spreading across her full lips.

  The conversation for the next hour was pleasant enough. Mom must have realized that she overstepped her parental bounds earlier and concentrated her words on light topics. Steve didn’t say much; he just listened and watched like I knew he would. When dad broached the safe subject of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Steve joined in, grateful to find a commonality that they could converse on.

  Once dinner and desert were over and the ice broken, I suggested we retire to the living room for a drink before we left. Once seated on the couch and drinks in hand, I dropped the bomb.

  “I have a few things that I would like to share with you both, and I would appreciate your support with all of them,” I said, taking a hefty sip of Riesling. “The first thing is that I am no longer managing partner at Winscott. I officially resigned not only my position but I’ve completely pulled out. I no longer am employed there.” I waited, trying not to cringe as I awaited their responses. Both of them remained silent for a moment while digesting the latest morsel of information in the craziness that had been my life for so long.

  “Well, thank God!” my mother finally broke the silence.

  Dad interjected. “Steve, is this your doing?”

  “No sir, she made the call on her own. However, I support her one hundred percent.”

  My mother rose from her spot on the couch and came over and hugged me.

  “Best decision you have made in a long time. I couldn’t bear the thought of you going back to that wretched place, but I knew you would never listen to our advice. You’re too headstrong for that,” she said as she let go of my neck. “You said you had a ‘few’ things to share, so what is the other news?”

  My dad raised his eyebrows with dark curiosity. The scowl that creased his face was how I best remembered him looking during my youth. Mom held her breath, a strange, knowing look behind her eyes. She kept looking at Steve, then back to me and finally she glanced down at my hand.

  “Oh, my God…” she said, tears springing into her eyes.

  Steve gripped my hand tighter, his eyes sparkling with anticipatory humor. I recognized the look, and let him take over. If he was going to be my husband, he may as well dive into the waters of my judgmental paren
ts all at once.

  “Dr. and Mrs. Tanner, as you well know from the time we spent at Mercy General together, Audra has become a very important part of my life. After the events of the past week, I realized that I can’t, and won’t, live without her by my side every day. I love her with all my heart and asked her to be my wife. She has accepted, and I hope that we will have both of your blessings.”

  Tears of joy raced down my mother’s face as she clapped her hands like a little girl.

  “I knew it; I knew it! I just didn’t think it would happen so fast! Oh, congratulations, baby! And Steve, as I told you at the hospital, you know you have my blessing!”

  My dad shot her a look of incredulity. “You knew about this? Why didn’t you…”

  “Oh, save it, Reginald! Can’t you see how much he loves our daughter? Have you ever seen her look at anyone the way she looks at him?” Mom dismissed his comment with the flip of her hand and turned her attention back to us.

  “You just sit back and let me take care of the planning, honey. I will call…”

  I laughed, which was something I rarely did in the presence of my parents. Watching my mother flit about in full party planning mode was funny, but the real kicker was watching the shock and eventually resignation on my dad’s face.

  “Mom, thank you for the offer, but it’s already taken care of. We are all set for a quiet ceremony on the beaches of Tahiti, exactly three weeks from today. All you two need to do is show up.”

  Mom looked crushed. There was nothing more that she loved than planning a party.

  “How in the world did you…”

  “I’ve had plenty of time to coordinate all of it during the last two days, Mom. Don’t worry. You taught me well. It will be a beautiful ceremony with just a few close friends and family.”

  Steve just sat back and smiled, his eyes moving between my mom and dad, watching each movement and listening to every nuance in their voices. Clearly, he was pleased with himself for the snippet of excitement he caused.

  “Well, from the sound of things, it seems you broke the news. Congratulations, little one!” Corrine said. She was standing in the entryway, a grin gracing her face.

  Dad spoke first. “Corinne, did you know too? How is it that I am the last one to find out? She is, after all, my daughter.”

  “Dr. Tanner, how would I? I just pay more attention to detail than you do. First thing I noticed when I opened that front door was that ring on her finger. If you were more observant, you would have noticed too.”

  Dad huffed and took a huge gulp of cognac. His shoulders sagged in defeat, knowing he stood no shot against the three women in his life. He walked over to where Steve and I sat, his eyes never leaving Steve’s face. Once he reached us, he paused for a moment, and then he extended his hand to Steve.

  “Well, at least there will be more testosterone around now. God knows I am in need of some to balance things out. I’ve been swimming in an ocean of estrogen for years. So, welcome, Steve.”

  I smiled and stood up, and then went over and hugged my dad for the first time in years. The feeling was grand when he returned it.

  AN hour later, we were back in the car and heading to Nicole’s house, both of us in a blissful state of happiness. Our previous mood after the funeral was thankfully gone. Once the ice was broken and the initial shock of my engagement wore off, all five of us sat in the living room and talked. I was still amazed at the way Steve fit right in with everyone.

  “So, how long do you anticipate the ‘official’ document signing to take at Nicole’s?” he said, winding his way down the driveway.

  “Carl said they were all ready for my signature, so maybe ten minutes, tops. However, I do want to spend a little time talking to her. I’m hoping that maybe she can help me recall what happened that night. The doctor said that my memory could return at any moment, so maybe hearing in detail what she experienced will help me. Besides,” I said, motioning for him to turn left, “I want to thank her, face to face, for everything she did for me that night. I still can’t believe she saved my life.”

  He let go of my hand and caressed my cheek, his strong fingers sending immediate shivers down my neck. “I can’t either, but I am so glad she did. Which way?”

  “Turn right, then up six blocks, and left on Cardinal Way. Fifth house on the left.”

  “I didn’t realize how close she lived to your parents. To think, you grew up only miles away from her. Funny world, huh?”

  We chatted briefly on the rest of the short jaunt to Nicole’s, the setting sun illuminating the landscape in a sea of red and orange. No place in the world had sunsets more vibrant, at least not in my eyes. It was the perfect end to a sorrowful yet wonderful day. My parents welcomed Steve into the family fold, my goodbyes were sent to Gabby, my tenure at Winscott was almost over, save for a few signatures, and then my life would take on a whole new direction in less than three weeks as Mrs. Steve Ronson. I basked in the warmth of the feelings of happiness and peace as the regret that had so long been part of my life began to dissipate, and smiled.

  “I wish we would have…” I started, but Steve instinctively knew where I was heading and stopped me.

  “But we didn’t. Don’t live your life full of wishes for the past that can never be. Strive for the promises of the future. I know I do. I’ve also learned that one can only appreciate true love and happiness after they have experienced tremendous sorrow and pain. We’ve both had our share…now it’s our time.”

  A straggly tear dripped off of my chin and onto our hands, clasped together in my lap. I knew he was right, and I needed to start living for the future and stop reliving the past.

  The radio was on but turned down low on our ride, but suddenly, Steve’s attention focused on it and he turned it up. I started to ask why, but my question was answered by the newscaster’s voice.

  “Repeating. The body of Phoenix attorney, Nicholas Rancliff, was discovered earlier today at the corner of Section Line Road and Main Street, the apparent victim of a gunshot wound. Police aren’t releasing any information just yet, but sources tell KWPR that his body was found nearby the home of Ethan Kemper, son of Olin Kemper, former managing partner at Winscott & Associate. Mr. Rancliff had been part of the legal team representing Olin Kemper and was just released from the hospital a few days ago after suffering wounds sustained during the car accident and attack that killed Mr. Kemper. Police are still searching for the vehicle that caused that accident, as well as the two masked men that Mr. Rancliff reported seeing before he was attacked and brutally beaten.

  Sources close to the investigation told KWPR that it was unclear why Mr. Rancliff was in the vicinity of Ethan Kemper’s residence, and when police went to question him, he too was found dead from an apparent overdose….”

  Steve never said a word. He just stared out the window, lost in deep thought. I was in the same state, quite shocked by the report. What a horrible tragedy on both accounts. My heart went out to Ethan’s mother at the loss of her son. A mother’s heart didn’t grieve any less at the loss of her child, regardless of the circumstances surrounding how they died. Poor woman.

  Neither of us commented about the news report. What was there to say anyway? Random acts of violence happen every day, but sadly, we don’t seem to pay any attention to them unless it happens to someone we know.

  Steve rebounded from his silence, his face softening. “Is this it?” he said, stopping at the large driveway, big enough for two cars to traverse at the same time.

  I glanced at the directions that Nicole gave me earlier. “Yep, it is. Okay, so I’ll call you as soon as we finish.”

  “I don’t know why Corinne insisted upon giving Purr Baby a bath tonight. I could have done it when we got back home.” He laughed, easing the Jeep up the drive.

  “Have you ever given a cat a bath?” I said, laughing as we topped the drive. He shook his head no. “It’s tricky, even with a good natured feline. And with all that hair Purr Baby has, if he isn’t bathed twi
ce a month, his coat becomes unmanageable. And since I am rather handicapped, you should be thanking Corinne that your arms aren’t going to be shredded to pieces.”

  “Oh, believe me, giving a bath to a fanged creature that has blades attached to its feet doesn’t interest me one iota. At least he will smell good on the ride home, and hopefully, be flea-free.” He laughed, parking the car by the front door.

  “Since when did Nicole start driving an SUV?” Steve said, glancing at the white vehicle parked by the front door. “I thought she drove a Mercedes?”

  “Purr Baby does not have fleas! And I imagine that is Eric’s rental. He just came back to town. He and Nicole are officially out in the open since he left his wife. I thought I told you that. She said he was staying with her, at least temporarily. Guess he hasn’t been to his house yet to pick up his car.”

  “I don’t remember you telling me that, but then again, there has been a lot to think about these last few days. Interesting turn of events…that’s for sure. Guess I’m not the only guy that realized how close he came to losing the woman he loves.”

  I smiled, knowing he was right. Thank goodness all that was behind us. Although I didn’t relish the idea of running into Eric again since the last time I saw him was the day he resigned, I hoped our interactions would be brief. After all, he should be thrilled that I was officially going to be out of the picture and no longer a partner.

  I put on my best smile and winked at Steve. “Stop complaining and go back and make nice with my dad. He was all eager for you to return so he could talk sports again.”

  “Yeah, I’m in because I know sports. Hmm, you could have told me it was going to be that easy.” He laughed while he exited the Jeep. I shifted my weight in the seat so I could climb down without his aid—determined to show him I wasn’t a wimp—and opened the door myself and stepped out.

  “You aren’t playing the damsel in distress card very well…you know that, right?” He smiled as he shut the door behind me. “How am I supposed to be your Knight in Shining Armor if you don’t need rescuing?”