Heart Thief
Page 19
I join Ryker on the couch, pulling my blanket around me as though it will protect me from him. He flips on the TV and we eat our dinner in silence that’s only marred by the muffled sounds of my tears. I can’t help myself. The tears fall easily and often lately.
Ryker again pretends like he doesn’t notice. That’s okay, if he tried to comfort me, I think I’d slap him.
He cleans up our plates, rolls his sleeves back down, and dons his suit coat.
“Are you okay?” he asks.
“Do I look okay?”
“No, but I know you. You’re stronger than you think. Give it some time and you’ll eventually be okay.”
Will I? Why does everyone have so much faith in me? Why don’t I have faith in myself?
He folds his arms, his stance wide. “I’ve been wondering about something and I can’t let it go. If you don’t mind my asking, what happened to us, Mila? Where’d we go wrong? I’d really like to know.”
That’s a loaded question. “We’re different, Ryker. We’re just very different people.”
“How so?”
“I like butterflies, you like scorpions.”
He looks down at the floor while he thinks about what I said. “Was that sort of a metaphor-slash-joke?”
“Yep.”
“Clever. I’ll have to remember that one.”
“Want me to write it down on one of your business cards for you?”
“Nah. Thanks, though.”
That one went right over his head.
Ryker approaches, sitting on the coffee table in front of me. He reaches for my good hand and holds it in both of his. Oh no, here it comes. The last-ditch effort to win the competition, I mean, the girl. I will never know if he is really sincere.
“One more thing, Mila. I have to ask. And I’ll only ask once. Is there still a chance for us? Any at all?”
I study his face and realize he’s utterly serious. Huh. That surprises me. I gently slip my hand away from his. “Nope. Not in this lifetime. No reason to ask a second time.”
He stands, adjusts his suitcoat, and puts distance between us. “That’s what I thought. Can’t hurt to check, though.”
Business 101. Learn how to hide your feelings. He has that one mastered. It’s like I told him the time of day. “Can I ask you something?”
His eyes narrow. I wonder how many secrets are hidden inside that brain of his. “Sure.”
“Did we really meet by chance?”
“No.”
His answer is immediate. The truth at last. So refreshing.
“You pursued me just because your brother was obsessed with me?”
He shrugs. “It started out that way, but once I got to know you . . . the rest was easy and I found myself really liking you.”
Okay. At least, part of it was real. “Then why accuse Zane of trying to steal me from you when it was the other way around?”
“Why not?”
Why not, indeed. “Your mother taught you well, Ryker.”
“Yeah, she’s great.”
“Is she?” He can’t possibly miss my sarcasm.
“The best.” Yep, he does.
“She’s certainly loyal to her son.” That’s the only nice thing I can say about Freddy.
“Yes, she is. By the way, this, today, never happened. If you tell anyone, I’ll deny it.”
“I wouldn’t want anyone to know you did something good.”
“Exactly.”
Wow. Humor and Ryker—it’s worse than I thought.
I can tell he’s ready to make his exit. “Ryker, wait. One more question. I really need to know. Is Zane the bad guy?”
He places his hands in his pockets and cocks his head to one side. “Do you really like him?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Why?”
I splay my good hand. “Lots of reasons you wouldn’t understand.”
He breathes in and out deeply. “Okay, whatever.”
“Is he the bad guy?” I ask again.
“Of course he is. Always has been. He’s the bane of my existence.”
“But is he really the bad guy? Tell me the truth.”
His lips smirk as he mulls it over. “Yes,” he says with raised shoulders. “See you tomorrow morning.”
Without further explanation, he grants me a nod, turns and leaves.
chapter thirty-two
~
IT FEELS GOOD to be dressed. I guess I’m still human after all. I’m wearing a black pencil skirt, a white silky top, and a light sweater. I normally wear a button-up blouse with my skirt, but I couldn’t button the buttons. I tried to accessorize with a necklace, earrings, and bracelets, but I couldn’t manage the clasps. At least I tried. Yay, me. This is my attempt to join the world of the living. I have one foot in the Great Big Dark and one foot in the world. I don’t know which way I will step next. I’m teetering.
I meet up with Ryker in the law office foyer.
“Well, look at you. I knew the real Mila was buried under there somewhere,” Ryker says when he sees me. “Huge improvement.”
“Yesterday didn’t happen, remember? Therefore, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Ryker gives me a quick hug and pats my back. “Oh yeah. Forget I said anything.”
We have an odd sort of truce between us. I’m still angry with him, and yet he came to my rescue yesterday. It was sweet and weird all at the same time. I don’t know what to think of it, or of him.
“Thanks for coming today, Mila. I’m glad you’re here.”
I’m not here for Ryker, but I don’t need to say it. He knows.
“Zane hasn’t made an appearance yet. He should be here soon. Shall we go inside?”
“Okay.”
It also feels good to be out of my palace for a change. Still, my heart is heavy. Zane’s silence is weighing on me. I know he must be swamped, but doesn’t he realize what total silence is doing to me?
Zane must know how much I need him right now. Doesn’t he? I know he must need someone as he deals with grief. Plus, he needs someone who will be on his side and I’m the first person in line. With my arm raised high in the sky. We can be there for each other. We can heal each other.
And yet we’re not. We’re both alone as we deal with the cards life has dealt us.
We enter a small conference room that’s downright luxurious. My feet are sinking into deeply padded carpet. The air conditioning is locked on the keep-ice-frozen setting. Light is streaming in through the large windows, accentuating the polished cherrywood furniture. Expensive paintings dot the walls. The décor gives the impression of money, or maybe it represents someone who would love to take your money.
We’re directed to sit at a large table with cushy chairs. I sit next to Ryker, but it’s more than obvious we’re not together as a couple. He’s at least a foot away and doesn’t have his arm around me. Nor will I let him pull that stunt again.
Zane knows me. Surely, he’ll know I’m here for him. Won’t he?
He didn’t seem to know at the funeral. Maybe this is a mistake.
Debra flanks the other side of Ryker. She’s consulting with one member of the team of lawyers they have with them. Whispering constantly. Planning to do evil things with her riches, no doubt.
“Are you ready for this, Mila?” Ryker asks, a gloating tone to his voice.
“What do you mean?”
“You do realize this meeting will not go well for Zane, right?”
What?
“It’s the reading of his father’s will. Of course it will go good for him.” I assume today won’t go as well for Ryker and Debra as they think it will.
“Remember the ugly little word called embezzlement? Dad knew about it. It’s all hitting the fan today.”
Oh. That’s the real reason Ryker brought me here. He wants me to see Zane get cheated out of his inheritance. He wants me to have a front row seat to Zane’s humiliation.
I’m an idiot. I should’ve known better.
“Is that why you wanted me here?” I hiss.
“You need to see and hear this. It’ll make you see things as they really are. Your eyes need to be opened. I’m doing you a favor.”
“Don’t pretend this is about me.”
I don’t want to be here. I shouldn’t be here. I don’t belong. This was a huge mistake. I need to leave. Now.
I scoot my chair back with the intention of making a hasty exit, when a side door into the room opens.
Zane walks in, looking every inch the high-class executive. I’ve seen him in a suit twice. Once at the symphony and once at his father’s funeral.
Today is different. He’s somehow more elegant, more commanding. He’s wearing a crisp tie with a matching hanky in the pocket and silver cuff links catch the light at his wrists. He looks nothing like my man with the easy smile who loves to wear ripped-at-the-knees jeans. Today he exudes authority and confidence, like he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Of note, he’s utterly serious, but he doesn’t look nervous or scared, or like he has a reason to be.
I doubt Ryker knows what will really happen during this meeting.
Zane’s eyes zone in on me immediately, like I am the thief of his gaze. It’s as if nothing else matters to him, as if no one else exists. His expression softens and turns tender. He always looks at me like that and I love it.
He gives me a brief nod, and the fleeting look of tenderness is gone in an instant as his poker face returns.
I know he wasn’t expecting me to be here. I wanted to be here for him, but he certainly doesn’t look like he needs me—or anyone. He’s his own man and can handle himself.
Do I know the real Zane? I’m not so sure. I’d like to think I know the real man, and the executive in the fancy suit is his façade, his work persona. I wish I knew for certain.
Then, from the same side door he came through, two armed security guards enter the room and stand on either side of Zane.
His expression doesn’t change or show any emotion whatsoever.
Something inside of me dies at the sight. Why are they here? Will Zane soon be under arrest? What’s going on?
An older man enters the room from the same door we entered. “Edward Hanover, Mr. James Martel’s attorney,” he says, introducing himself. “Shall we begin?” He motions with his hand toward Zane. “Please, Mr. Martel, have a seat.”
Zane sits at the head of the table. The security guards step forward and stand on either side of him.
I glance at Ryker. His lips curve into a half smile and he laughs quietly. Debra has a small evil smile on her face too. They’re enjoying this.
I scoot my chair toward the table. I can’t sneak out now. Whatever happens, I’m here for the duration.
Mr. Hanover says, “Mr. James Martel asked that the following video be shown upon his death, at the reading of his last will and testament. Without further ado, we shall begin.”
He picks up a remote and blinds slowly cover the windows. He presses another button on the remote and a screen lowers at the front of the room.
I peek at Zane and find him staring at my broken hand that’s resting on the table, a deep frown on his face. Yeah, I want to say, I feel exactly the same. It sucks. Big time.
And I’m drowning without you.
I can’t think about it now. I’ll fall to my knees and break down, sobbing like a baby.
The lights in the room lower. The lawyer presses another button on his remote and James Martel appears on the screen, stealing our attention. It’s a James I never knew, since I met him after his stroke. He’s sitting at a desk, a suit covering his slim frame.
“Hello, my beloved family. If you’re watching this, it means I’m gone. Believe me, I’m as sorry to hear that as you are.” He smiles into the camera.
Light laughter trickles around the room. When I glance at Zane, I notice he doesn’t find his father’s words amusing.
James is handsome, vibrant, and authoritative in all his mannerisms. He looks and acts like a man who is used to being in charge of his domain. I wish I had known him like this, when he was lucid and coherent.
He loved Zane, and I do too. We would’ve had a lot in common because of our feelings.
“The doctors tell me it’s time to slow down and that’s not something I’ve ever done. Not sure I know how to slow down, but I suppose I’ll learn. I thought I’d start with putting my affairs in order. My blood pressure seems to enjoy going as high as it possibly can, and my cholesterol must be best friends with my blood pressure, because they like to join each other.”
Again, a few people chuckle. Now I know where Zane gets his sense of humor.
“Regardless, I’m still here and I’m taking the proper precautions to get my health under control.” He pauses as he looks down at a few pieces of paper on his desk. “My lawyer can read you my will, which is in perfect order, I assure you. But it’s a whole lotta mumbo jumbo no one can understand, but him. So, I’m here to explain in layman’s terms exactly what will happen to my estate upon my death.”
James shifts in his chair, resting his forearms on the desktop. “Before I begin, there’s a few things I’d like to say to my family. Zane, I’ll start with you. The first year of your life was a rocky one for me. Even if I could do it over, I wouldn’t change my reaction to losing your mother. It devastated me and I was a lost soul if ever there was one. I loved her like I’ve never loved anyone in my life and that’s just the way it was. No regrets. Zane, as our son, you were my only comfort. I’m guilty of loving you too much, if that’s possible. To this day, every time I look at you, I remember her, and it comforts me. You’ve been the joy in my life. Zane, I love you, son. Know that I’m with your mother and we’re watching over you. Every second, we’re cheering you on. Never doubt it. Don’t spend all your time mourning me. Move forward with your life and be happy. That’s all I ask.”
If Zane’s not going to burst into tears after that, I am. But when I glance at him, he’s still stone-faced.
James continues. “At any rate, lucky for me I met someone new. A beautiful young lady named Debra. She charmed me from the get-go and saved me from the depths of despair. I’ll always be thankful to her for that. She’s stood by my side all these years and supported me every step of the way. We’ve had some strife here and there, but she’s always been my biggest champion. I love you, sweetheart.”
Debra flutters and wipes at her non-existent tears.
Strife? Yikes. I’ll never understand why James stayed with Debra. He was certainly loyal.
“Debra also blessed me with another son, making me feel like the luckiest man in the world. Two boys to carry on my name and follow in my footsteps. I couldn’t have been happier. Ryker, I love you, son.”
Wait, that’s all Ryker gets. I see where the problems arise. I don’t think James even realizes what he just did. He said so much more to Zane than he did to Ryker. Unwittingly, perhaps, but I don’t doubt that Ryker noticed. Of course he did. I’m sure he’s noticed all of his life. It smacks of rejection, because everything James said told him that his father loves Zane more.
However, if Debra clearly doted on Ryker and wanted nothing to do with Zane, it makes sense that James felt he had to make up for Zane’s lack of love from his mother figure.
It’s like the age-old riddle. Which came first? The chicken or the egg?
Which came first? James’ preference for Zane or Debra’s obvious dislike of Zane? I don’t know.
Regardless, what a mess. Everything wrong in this family could’ve been resolved with love.
Love is the answer. It almost always is. It solves so many problems.
chapter thirty-three
~
JAMES GOES ON. “That being said, the love I have for my family is what makes the readi
ng of my will so incredibly difficult.”
“Yes, it does,” Debra says aloud.
All my talk about love comes back to bite me, because I’d like to smack her in the face.
“It came to my attention not too long ago that Martel Investments was coming up short financially. The numbers weren’t adding up. After an in-depth investigation, we realized someone was skimming money from the business. We knew it had to be someone on the inside, someone who I trusted, who had access to my personal accounts.”
James pauses for effect.
“Imagine my shock when I realized who it was, and that it was someone close to me. It was enough to destroy my faith in the human race.”
“That’s right,” Debra says as though her husband is really here and she’s having a conversation with him.
“Let me say right now and let me be very clear, my will reflects the aforementioned situation. The person responsible will not be happy with their inheritance. It grieves me to do this, but it must be done. I will not, nor will I ever, tolerate dishonesty.”
I close my eyes. I can’t stand seeing Debra and Ryker gloating in my peripheral vision.
So, Zane is guilty. That’s why he’s not speaking to me. He doesn’t want to fess up. It doesn’t seem possible. The man I knew would never do such a thing. I hang my head.
“All right, let’s get on with it,” James says next. “Ryker, I’m going to start with you. You’ve been vice-president of Martel Investments for quite some time and you’ve done an excellent job. I’m very pleased with your efforts. It is my wish that you remain in that position. The new president will have a say in this decision, but that’s my wish. I hope it will be honored. Forty percent of my estate belongs to you. Use it wisely, son.”
Debra inhales loudly. “Vice president?”
And I think really? Vice president and forty percent of the estate is not enough for her son? If the estate is going to be divided three ways, does this mean it’s not going to be divided equally?
Thankfully, James can’t hear her objection. “As you know, due to my health, I stepped down from being president of Martel Investments not too long ago. I publicly named the board of investors as the acting president until a new president could be named. Prepare yourselves, this will come as a surprise, but they have been my front men, so to speak, my smokescreen. My son, Zane Martel, has been the acting president and will remain as the president of Martel Investments upon my death, which, unfortunately, has happened since all of you are watching this video.”