“I’m not paying you to tell me how it looks.”
Tom Bradbury chuckled, but only slightly. “Well then, tell me. What exactly is it you are paying me for?”
“Because I hear you’re the best. The thing is I don’t want to drag Patrick through the mud. I don’t want our divorce to turn into a spectacle, tit for tat. I’m hoping to keep this simple, especially for our children. I don’t want anything from him. He can have it all. I’m perfectly capable of supporting our children on my own if he doesn’t want to. And I’m not expecting anything from him. I just want out. He can have visitation on his terms, but I want full custody. He’s been unfaithful too, and while I don’t want to, I’m prepared to bring that up if it comes down to it. Oh, and I’ve never engaged in any form of prostitution EVER. So let’s get that straight.”
“Well, this just gets better and better.” Bradbury exclaimed, pouring himself another drink.
Addie pushed her chair back, away from the massive desk and eyed Tom. “Do you have children, Mr. Bradbury?”
The attorney hesitated. “I do.”
“Then I’m sure you can imagine wanting to do anything you could to protect them, while at the same time wanting to keep their innocence for just a little longer. They are my first priority here. I’m prepared to fight, but only if I need to. So I guess my question is this: are you willing to play by my rules here? If not . . . I’m fine with taking a referral and calling it a day.”
“If it’s all right, I have an idea,” the young man interrupted.
Addie and Bradbury’s eyes shot towards Liam as though they both only realized that he’d been sitting there the entire time.
“Oh Jesus, let’s hear it,” Tom replied as he rubbed his temples.
“What if we just feel them out? What if we file the paperwork and see what happens? Perhaps they’ll just agree to it.”
Addie smiled. She liked this kid. Tom exhaled loudly. “That is the worst fucking idea I’ve ever heard. For starters, any attorney worth his salt knows you want to be on the offensive.”
The kid continued, “Mrs. Greyer, what is the one thing you know your husband doesn’t want out there? Based on the research I’ve done, I know that affairs between colleagues, especially between higher ups and their subordinates, are forbidden within the company he works for. Isn’t it correct that he received a promotion that led to his leaving the family for the better part of last year?”
Yeah, she really liked this kid. “Yes, it is.”
“And would it be correct to assume that this affair between your husband and his boss began before this promotion?”
Addie exhaled. “If I had to guess, I’d say it did.”
“Huh. I like where this is going,” Tom Bradbury interjected.
The kid stood. “My idea is to file and let Mr. Greyer’s attorneys know up front that we intend call the mistress in—if we have to go to trial, that is.” He glared at Tom Bradbury. “I always find it interesting what people will agree to if a little pressure is applied in the right spot.”
Bradbury slapped the kid on the back. “I knew I hired you for a reason. That was exactly the approach I was gonna suggest, seeing that Mrs. Greyer kicked my legs out from under me, anyway. Usually, I’m all for playing hardball, but I really think we’re onto something here. This could definitely be a good angle. Mrs. Greyer, what do you say?”
“Patrick lives for his work. It’s the one thing he’d hate to lose more than his ‘ideal family.’ But I want it clear to all involved that I don’t want anything from him aside from a divorce and custody of the children.”
Bradbury’s phone buzzed. He picked it up and stared at the screen as he nodded. “All right, we’ll have the papers drawn up and sent over for you to sign tomorrow morning.”
Addison stood, extended her hand to Liam, and thanked him.
She walked towards the door then turned on her heel, eyeing Tom Bradbury, who was still lost in his phone. “Tom, I appreciate you agreeing to go about it this way. I know you think I’m being foolish. You see the thing is I know my husband. And I know what he responds to or what he doesn’t respond to, for that matter. Just so you know I’m prepared to play dirty. I just hope it doesn’t come to that.”
Tom looked up and met Addison’s gaze, his expression grim. “Let’s hope it doesn’t, Mrs. Greyer.”
Penny Greyer showed up with cash, a disposable phone, details as to Addison’s whereabouts, and a shared goal to mentally drive her to the brink. She made harassing that little bitch easy. Little did Penny know, Scott Hammons had so much more in store.
He was going after her instead of that varmint Hartmann, who had not only taken the business that HE’D built but who had driven his family away and sucked the life right out of him. William Hartman should’ve been smart enough to know that if you play with fire you get burned. Mess with the wrong person and eventually it will catch up with you.
His defense team had assured him that their defense strategy was foolproof. In his favor was the fact that he had no ties to Addison. He was brilliant in that way. He’d never been in any sort of trouble before because he was too much of a genius to get caught. Seeing that there were no ties to the dumb whore, it was going to be really hard to prove motive, further proving his brilliance. He hadn’t done anything wrong but was merely a client of the whore’s. He’d much rather have the world think of him as someone with no morals than a monster.
So, yes, for the time being, he was fine with this ridiculous cat-and-mouse game Penny wanted to play. But the good news was that, thanks to her dime, he’d be off of house arrest soon. Then all would be fair game. And he was finished playing. It was high time to settle the score.
Six
The last thing Patrick needed right now was for his boss and mistress to return to the States. In China, he could manage her. A few phone calls here and there and several emails a day were all he had to offer to keep her at bay. Michele knew Patrick needed to stay Stateside right now due to the unfortunate situation with his wife. He had explained that Addison had a long recovery ahead of her—even though that was mostly a lie—and that he couldn’t just leave now. Michele had taken it better than he’d expected, which made her return visit home all that more worrisome. Things had been going just as he’d planned. Now she’d urged him to take a weekend and go away with her just the way they once had.
At first Patrick refused, knowing not to let Michele get the best of him. She was also so good at that. It had been a little over a month since he’d returned home, and he was desperately trying to save his marriage. Patrick had been buying flowers and cards for his wife on a regular basis ever since he walked out on her at dinner that night. He’d done everything he could think of to try and win her favor, to try and change her mind. So after two weeks of trying to seduce his own wife for Christ’s sake, Patrick felt he deserved a little something.
Addie certainly wasn’t giving him any, and it didn’t appear that she was going to budge anytime soon. “A man has needs,” his father had always told him, and Patrick was no different. After the incident with the lawyer and all the talk of divorce, maybe a weekend away would do him some good. He needed to show Addison that he was secure enough that things were going to work out that he was stepping away. They both just needed a cooling off period. Just as he’d predicted, it wasn’t the cards or flowers that did the trick. It was his wife seeing that he was taking the lead. For the past few weeks, especially ever since they’d run into that asshole, William Hartman, Addie seemed indifferent and a little sad until the morning he told her he was going away for the weekend. The moment he said it she changed into the sweet, encouraging girl he’d remembered her to be. For a moment, he almost wanted to call the whole trip off, but she seemed so happy about his “fishing trip” that he considered that maybe it was all going as planned. He’d go and see Michele and end things once and for all.
Patrick packed his bag as Addie sat in the chaise lounge, pretending to read. He knew she wasn’t actually re
ading because she hadn’t turned a page in ages. Patrick couldn’t quite place the look on her face.
“Earth to Addie . . .”
Addie looked up.
“Hey, are you sure you think this is a good idea? For me to leave right now? With Scott Hammons on the loose, I really think maybe I should stay. I’m pretty sure he won’t try anything. You know . . . The more I think about it the more I wonder if everything that happened between you two wasn’t just a bad misunderstanding.”
Addie shifted, pulling her legs out from under her and glared at him. “Wow. You’re serious?”
Patrick glanced at Addie and resumed packing. “I don’t know, Addie. I was hoping we could put all of this behind us sooner rather than later. So what do you say? Should I stay? I mean I haven’t even gotten to say goodbye to the boys. I hate to call from the road. What do you think?
“You should go, Patrick. We’re fine here.” Addie replied flatly.
“Yeah, I know. But I was thinking maybe when I get back you and I could go away together and leave the boys with my mom like we used to in the old days.”
“I don’t think so, Patrick. Nothing has changed for me. I still want a divorce.”
Patrick rolled his eyes and wheeled his luggage towards the door before slowly turning back. He walked to Addie, leaned down, and kissed the top of her head. “You just need time. I think this weekend will do us both some good. Tell the boys I love them and that I’ll call them from the road, okay?”
Addie placed her book down on the chair and sat up straight. “We’re moving out, Patrick.”
Patrick halted abruptly just inside the doorframe. “Addison, come on. Right now isn’t the time for this.”
“This isn’t about timing. I wanted to let you know.” Addie sighed.
Patrick turned and started down the stairs. “Take this weekend and think it over, all right? I think a little breather will do you some good.”
Addie shrugged. “I’m sure. Have a good time. We’ll talk when you get back.”
Patrick stopped at the front door and glanced over his shoulder at his wife. “Now, that’s the girl I know and love.” He turned the knob and hesitated just a second before walking out the front door, not quite realizing that life as they both knew it was about to drastically change.
William showed up for his second session of the week, five minutes late. Sondra knew William; she knew this wasn’t good. He stopped just inside the door of her apartment and leaned against the wall, waiting. Dressed in his usual three-piece business suit, Sondra couldn’t help but notice how worn down he looked. In the past, this would’ve been one of those times that Sondra invited him to her bedroom following their session, but this time she wasn’t so sure that even that would help. In addition, she no longer wanted to get involved with William in that way. They’d both grown beyond being each other’s lover. There was too much animosity there. He needed her for one thing and one thing only. And Sondra knew better than to turn a powerful man like William away.
William cleared his throat, knocking Sondra out of her reverie. “I apologize for being late.”
Sondra noticed the redness around his eyes and the soft lines forming across his face as he squeezed at the bridge of his nose. “Is everything all right, Mr. Hartman?”
“Yeah. Why are we standing around out here? Hey, look, no marks above the neck today. I have a business dinner following our appointment.”
Sondra frowned. “William, if it’s okay with you, I’d like to try something different today. I think you’re ready for it.” Sondra hesitated, pointing towards her living area. “What if we start out here this evening just talking?”
William rolled his eyes. “I’m not fucking here for therapy, Sondra. If therapy was what I wanted, that’s where I’d be right now. But, no, I’m here. So let’s just get to it, all right? Cut the shit, and don’t hold anything back today. I need this.
Time for a different approach. Sondra perched herself on the edge of her sofa. “Have you heard from Addison?”
William looked surprised. “No. Why do you ask?”
Sondra patted the sofa. “Mr. Hartman, please, sit.”
“What is this about, Sondra? I haven’t got time for any BS today,” William replied without budging.
“Have I ever bullshitted you, William? Now, look. You’re in my home, and it’s my understanding that you’re here for a session. So from this moment forward, I expect you to show me some goddamned respect or get out. Do we have an understanding?”
William ran his fingers through his jet-black hair, which was a little longer than he usually kept it. All signs pointed to the fact that William Hartman was falling apart. Most of the time men like William could function in the real world. Many of them were successful, powerful even. But under extreme stress and without proper care, they quickly unraveled, which was exactly what had been happening with William when he’d found Sondra and they’d begun working together.
William eyed the sofa and sat down. “Yes. I’m sorry.”
“Tell me what’s going on, William.” Sondra asked, studying his face.
“It’s just been a rough week. We’ve had issue upon issue, trying to close on a few deals.”
Sondra cocked her head to the side. “Is that all? Are you having flashbacks? Have the nightmares returned?”
William sighed. “Why are you asking all of this?”
“It’s my job. I need to know if what we’re doing in our sessions is working. Judging by the looks of you, it isn’t.” Sondra replied.
“Yeah. All of it. I’m not sleeping. I can’t concentrate. She’s all I think about, and I just don’t know what to fucking do about any of it. I thought if I just got her back to the office that I could win her back, but it’s not working. Sure, I could resort to my usual tactics, but you know what? With her, it’s different. I don’t want to hurt her. She asked for space, so I’ve given it to her, even though it’s killing me. She’s leaving him, and yet she still doesn’t want me.”
“What is it about her that’s different, William?”
William stood and walked to the window. “Everything. She cares. She’s not like me, Sondra. Hell, she’s not even like you. She really fucking cares about people. She’s leaving him, but she won’t let me help her. God, why can’t she see that I just want to help? I want to make her life better.”
“Would you respect her if she came running to you? Or is part of what makes her different the fact that she’s never asked you for anything?”
“Yes. Maybe? I don’t know.”
Sondra lowered her voice. “What makes you think that people like you and I don’t care?”
“Because we don’t. We do whatever it is we need to do to get what we want. It’s as simple as that. But Addison, she wants to do the right thing or at least whatever it is that she thinks is the right thing.”
“Do you think it is? The right thing?”
William turned and stared Sondra dead in the eye. “The right thing for whom?”
“For you?”
“It’s complicated. That’s what I think. And it’s selfish of me to want her. I mean . . . Look at me. I can barely take care of myself. Until I get my shit straight, how can I possibly take care of anyone else?”
“I don’t think you really believe that though, do you, William?”
William squared his jaw. “No. Not really. Hell, I don’t even know what I really believe. Is that what you want to hear? What is it you want from me, anyway? What are we doing here?”
“We’re talking.” Sondra said as she stood and walked into the kitchen, returning with a glass and a bottle of whiskey. “Make me a drink, William. Then get on your knees.”
Williams’s demeanor changed as he did as he was told.
Sondra ran her fingers through his hair, grabbing a handful. “Do you have anything against talking, William? Tell me why such a simple concept is so hard for you to understand.”
William glared at the floor. Finally, he shook his head.
“Now, we’re going to play a little game. Do you understand? You’re used to getting your way. But guess what, pretty boy? Not here and not now. I’m going to ask the questions, and you’re going to answer. Is that fair?”
Sondra tugged on his tie, cutting off his air supply. “Are we clear?”
“Yes, Mistress.” William choked out.
Sondra pulled his hair tighter as she whispered in his ear. “Good. So you love this girl. Is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“And what do you think she would say if she saw you like this? Do you think she would care then?”
William grinned through the pain. “Yes.”
Sondra loosened her grip on his hair and tugged his tie tighter. “That’s it. Now we’re getting somewhere. You see, Mr. Hartman. You’re smarter than you give yourself credit for.” Sondra backhanded William as hard as she could.
William brought his hand to his face and wiped the blood from his nose. “What the fuck, Sondra? I told you nothing above the neck.”
“Oh, please, stop being such a pansy. For heaven’s sake, do you really think the girl would be ripping apart her family if she weren’t in love with you? I mean seriously, William, where are your balls? Quit having a fucking one-person pity party and do something!”
William stood up. “I’m done here.”
“Hang on. Let me get you an ice pack to go.”
William eyed his swelling eye in the hallway mirror. “Motherfucker! I thought I made it clear I have a meeting.”
Sondra tossed the icepack, and William caught it mid-air. “Let me make something clear to you. Get your shit together, William. It’s time to man up. While you’ve been busy licking your wounds, Scott Hammons has been harassing your girl. He’s made contact with her, William. And if I had to guess, I’d say she hasn’t told you a thing about it.”
Breaking Bedrock (Book Two) Page 4
