His suit looked crisp and recently pressed, definitely not the one he chased her through his office building in earlier that day. The PR woman probably brought it for him so he could appear presentable for the press. Maybe only bad guys had wrinkled suits.
He looked good. Too good, she thought. This surprised her, as though once he’d revealed his true self some kind of spell should have been broken, transforming him into some creature with warts, or horns, or scales, or something. It was only fair. After everything that had happened, the very sight of him shouldn’t have continued to stir something inside her.
But it wasn’t her fault, not really. It was the pheromones, the laws of nature. What were humans but evolved animals, still subject to nature’s bizarre reproductive whims? She had no more control over her desires than Toby could help humping everything that moved. But she was more evolved than that. She had this big brain that told her what was right and what was wrong. And Aiden was wrong.
No one had noticed Piper standing there with Addison and Zoe. Their focus was purely on the man of the hour, shouting questions and hanging on his every word, treating him as though he were the victim.
Aiden pointed to one hand waving in the back. “Yes, next question.”
“Mr. Williams has been with Caldwell and Son Investments for forty years. What will happen to him now?”
“His actions put lives in danger and he will have to answer in court for that,” Aiden said in a practiced tone, his face blank. “But as far as the company is concerned, he is no longer employed with us.”
So that was it. He’d washed his hands clean, using Old Spice as a scapegoat. Guess it was good business to have a token fall guy.
One of the girls tugged on her sleeve to go, but Piper ignored it. Slowly, so he wouldn’t notice her, she descended the stairs so she could hear the press conference better, watch his expressions from a better angle.
Aiden pointed to another hand.
“What was your reaction when you first heard the news?” Although the speaker was half-hidden among the tense horde, Piper recognized Holly Hart’s high-pitched, eager voice right away.
“I was shocked and disappointed. Mr. Williams was a representative of Caldwell and Son Investments, and he acted in the company’s best interest before that of the community that we serve. We work hard to support the people through our fund-raising and volunteer efforts. His actions opposed the very core values of the company, and his shortsighted behavior also seriously jeopardized my own plans for the much-loved local rescue center.”
At that moment, his gaze roamed over the press, past the blinding lights. As they landed on Piper, he did a double take, squinting past the camera flashes.
Their eyes locked, and a jolt ran through Piper’s body, but she kept herself steady. She met his stare square on. He blanched at the sight of her, his confident, corporate certainty replaced with a sort of pitiful helplessness.
Waving a dismissive hand, Aiden said, “That will be all for questions.”
Not moving his eyes away from Piper’s, he began to descend the stairs. She took an automatic step back. Not because she was afraid of him, not outside the cop shop, standing there with all those witnesses, with Colin and her two girls at her back. She was afraid of herself, of that scolded puppy look in his eyes, of hearing a single word of his bullshit in case it confused her more. He’d worked out a cover story to protect himself and his company. He no doubt had polished up a little speech for her too.
But when he moved, the crowd of cameras and reporters moved with him, jostling microphones knocking him on the head and camera lights blinding him. He stumbled, nearly falling down the steps. During the shuffle, Holly took the opportunity to squeeze her way to the front, until she was practically pressing up against his body, berating him with more questions.
Piper had never been happier to see her.
Zoe looped an arm through Piper’s, dragging her attention away from the scene. “Let’s get out of here.”
Addison popped open the box of chocolates and offered an emergency hit of delicious comfort. Colin licked Piper’s cheek in support. She felt much loved.
They turned to head for her MINI in the parking lot, but Piper couldn’t help but glance back. Aiden watched her go and looked like he might follow her, but the grim PR woman yanked on his jacket sleeve and hissed something into his ear.
His jaw clenched while he listened. He gave a brief nod. With one last lingering look at Piper, he turned back to the press, and she turned to look ahead, to graduation on the weekend, to her exam, to her upcoming job at the veterinary hospital, to her future. A future without Aiden.
“You know what?” she told the girls. “I think I could use some of that ice cream now.”
36
Call Off the Dogs
Piper crammed the last box of belongings into the trunk of her car and rubbed her aching back. Colin supervised while she jimmied items into place so she could close the door. It was like putting together a puzzle, but once she’d figured out which pieces fit where she managed to slam the trunk closed. Mr. Wiggles’ face was squished up against the back window, but it worked.
The fact that everything she owned in the whole world fit into the back of a VW Bug screamed pathetic, but after she and Addison had spent the morning picking through the wreckage of her apartment it was all that they could salvage. The rest ended up in the Dumpster—which was fitting since that’s where most of her life belonged.
But she was getting things back on track. School had finished. All she had to do was show up for commencement and take her licensing exam. She’d worked out a plan with Zoe to stay at her place until she got her first official paycheck from the hospital.
Her life was moving forward into a new chapter. And it felt good. Except for that one spot … that spot in the middle and a little to the left. The place where it ached like someone had taken a scalpel and excised a vital piece of her. But it was okay because it only hurt when she was alone, and it was quiet, or she thought about the dog rescue center. Or breathed. But that was hardly ever, right?
Colin sat by her side and stared at the pathetic collection of belongings. His barrel chest seemed deflated. He swung his head toward her as if asking, Can’t we go back to Sophie and Aiden’s house? I liked it there.
“No. Sorry, buddy. We’re going to live with Aunt Zoe.”
He rubbed a paw over his face. But I miss them.
“I know.” She sighed. “So do I.”
And out of some sick, masochistic urge, she went to the passenger side of the car and dug through her purse to see if Aiden had texted or called to beg for forgiveness. But then she remembered that the cops had kept it as evidence. Which was just as well, because she didn’t care if he called, or texted, or if he fell off the face of the earth altogether.
Addison slammed the lid closed on the Dumpster and headed over, staring at her hands in dismay. Piper pulled out some hand sanitizer and gave her a squirt.
“Well, looks like that’s the last of it,” she said.
“Thanks for your help today, Addy. I really appreciate it. I couldn’t have done it without you.” It was getting easier, the admitting she needed help thing. She didn’t always have to be fine.
“No problem. It was either that or spend the morning getting humped by Toby. But Zoe drew the short stick, so here I am.” She spread her arms to indicate her thereness. “Do you think Marilyn’s been to the center yet?”
Piper frowned, imagining Marilyn’s reaction to seeing her beloved rescue center. “I don’t know. I haven’t heard from her since she left on her cruise. I don’t get it.” Or maybe Zoe had filled her in already and she never wanted to speak to Piper again.
Piper had wanted to be at the center first thing that morning when Marilyn arrived to, well, she didn’t know what. Explain? Beg for forgiveness? But she didn’t put it past Steve to call the cops if she didn’t move out by her three-day deadline. And as sorry as she felt, Marilyn took a backseat to jail time.
Addison’s phone chimed and she pulled it out of her pocket. She glanced at the screen, her nose wrinkling in confusion.
“What is it?” Piper asked.
“An address.” She typed a response and hit send. “It’s from Zoe. She wants us to meet her there.”
“What for?”
Addison’s phone chimed again. She shook her head. “She says it’s a surprise. And to hurry the hell up.”
“I think I’ve had enough surprises for one week.”
“Well, let’s hope it’s a good one.”
Piper read the address. “I’ve delivered pizzas around there. I know where that is. You can follow me.”
With one last glance at her old apartment building, she loaded Colin up and pulled out of the parking lot to head across town. When she got closer to the address, she began checking street numbers. It was a quiet neighborhood. A mix of business and residential. She slowed as she approached a large property surrounded by a cute white picket fence. The lot itself was obscured by a row of thick acacia trees. She checked the swirly numbers on the fence—this was the place.
Two ornate metal gates were swung wide, allowing Piper to pull onto a newly paved driveway, the scent of asphalt still fresh in the air. Addison followed behind in her MINI, winding up the long driveway beneath the tendrils of pepper trees lining either side.
Piper’s Bug broke through the trees, and a lovely two-story Victorian house came into view. While it was clearly old, it had been updated and renovated with add-ons to the back of the building from what she could see. Painted a soft pineapple yellow with white trim, it sat gracefully in front of half an acre of land, prime real estate in a city like San Francisco.
It wasn’t until she pulled into the large parking lot in front of the house and crawled out of the car that she saw the sign. She read it three times before she finally believed her eyes, and even then she thought it must be some joke.
San Francisco Dachshund Rescue Center.
Addison pulled in next to her, staring out her windshield in awe. “As in our Dachshund Rescue Center? But how?”
Piper didn’t answer. She was too busy rereading the sign.
A moment later, Zoe appeared on the wide, wraparound porch, waving them inside. “Come see!” she called, laughter in her voice.
Piper frowned at the house, trying to figure out what the hell was going on. Although when that painful ache, that hole in her chest, started to throb again, she had a sneaking suspicion. And she hadn’t had nearly enough of Addison’s ice cream to deal with it.
With a disbelieving laugh, Addison grabbed her by the hand. She half-dragged her up the stone stairs set into the gentle slope, past the beds of lavender, aloe, and poppies. Colin raced them up to the entrance, nails clicking on the steps, tongue lolling out of his mouth.
Daffodils and dahlias lit up the base of the house, the inviting smells welcoming Piper onto the covered porch. Hanging baskets dangled overhead at intervals, bursting with pansies. She climbed the wooden stairs and noticed the distinct lack of squeaks and groans. Instead, firm oak clacked beneath her shoes, smelling of freshly cut wood and stain.
“Isn’t it amazing?” Zoe asked.
“It’s incredible,” Addison said. “I can’t believe it.”
“Believe it,” she said. “Come on inside. There’s so much I have to show you.”
Zoe and Addison rushed through the double front doors, disappearing into the depths of the house. Piper lingered behind, hesitating, as though it were some kind of trap. Colin didn’t seem to have the same misgivings. He trotted inside, sniffing out the new territory. Following him, she drifted through the set of French doors and into an open-concept reception room. Although, since it was larger than her old apartment, she wondered if they’d be receiving the queen.
High-quality laminate flooring stretched out underfoot, the perfect effect, grain, and color of rich hardwood but hardier against sharp little dog nails. Rockwork decorated the reception desk, matching the fireplace dominating one wall of the room. Plush chairs and an antique-looking sofa gathered around the hearth, making it seem homey, rather than a place of business.
A glint of metal caught her eye and she glanced overhead. A little brass bell dangled above the entrance—no, not just any brass bell, but their old one. It was a little dented but had been bent back into shape and buffed to a shine, the clacker reattached.
Reaching up, she tapped it with a finger, relishing the happy jingle that called her home once again.
The pleasant sound filled the room, and as though by magic, Marilyn appeared, reminding Piper of the day she first walked into the center eight years ago.
“Marilyn!” Piper cried. “You’re a sight for sore eyes.” The saying suddenly made so much sense, since her eyeballs ached with so many unshed tears that had been building up for days.
“Piper!” Marilyn hurried across the room to wrap her arms around Piper.
She sank into the woman’s arms. Everything would be okay. Marilyn was finally home, and she could fix everything Piper had messed up since she left.
“I’m so sorry, dear,” she said to Piper. “This is all my fault.”
Or apparently not.
Piper pulled away to stare at Marilyn and saw a man enter the room behind her.
“Inspector Samuels!” Piper said. “What are you doing here?”
“He’s come for a visit,” Marilyn said. “For tea.” She gestured to the tea on the coffee table by the hearth as though she needed evidence. “It’s not unusual. I offer tea to all our guests.”
Piper could have sworn the Englishwoman was blushing.
“Hello, Piper.” Inspector Samuels chuckled. “Zoe said I could find you here today. I came to give you your phone back.” Pulling it out of his pocket, he handed it to her. “We didn’t find much else but an insane amount of photos of your dog.” He smirked.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Marilyn’s forehead creased with concern and she began to wring her hands. “The girls and the inspector filled me in on everything that happened while I was away. What a mess I’ve caused.”
“You caused? Marilyn, what on Earth is happening? What is all this?” She gestured with her arms to the house in general.
“It’s a gift,” Marilyn said. “From Mr. Caldwell.”
She stared at Marilyn, uncomprehending. The seconds ticked by, and Piper wondered how long her brain could go without oxygen. She took a deep, shaky breath. That ache in her chest. Oh, the pain. Maybe it was a heart attack.
Her brain scrambled for an answer. “You mean Aiden built it after what happened with the fire? Was it some kind of plea bargain?” But that didn’t make sense, either. The house couldn’t have been renovated in a matter of days.
“Certainly not,” Marilyn said. “It’s been under construction for months.”
Piper’s mouth fell open. “Months? No, that can’t be right.”
“Maybe I can clear a few things up,” Inspector Samuels said in his no-nonsense way.
Piper turned to him. Facts. Yes, she could handle straight facts. Facts made sense in their factliness, she reasoned numbly.
“Mr. Caldwell made a deal with Marilyn right after his company bought the property. If she agreed to move so he could build his apartment complex on the property, he’d build her a new state-of-the-art dog rescue center in return.”
Her forehead creased like she was doing a complicated math equation. “That doesn’t seem like a fair trade.”
“It wasn’t,” he said, an amused smirk under his mustache. “That’s why it’s called charity.”
“It was more of a blessing,” Marilyn said. “He used all his own money. Nothing to do with his company.” Her cheer faded. “I saw Zoe at the old center this morning. She explained everything that had happened.” She began wringing her hands again. “And, oh, I just felt so terrible for keeping you girls in the dark about my deal with Mr. Caldwell. It’s just … I thought it would be a nice surprise, you see. I never imag
ined how turned around things could get. And of course there was the poor timing of my vacation, and it all went a bit pear-shaped.…”
Pieces were beginning to fit together in Piper’s brain, calming the chaos erupting inside. “No, Marilyn. You can’t blame yourself. It was just a misunderstanding. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Piper coaxed her into one of the plush chairs, hoping some tea would calm her nerves, but mostly because she needed to sit herself. Her legs felt like two elastic bands at the moment. Colin whined, curiosity nagging at him to explore this new place further. But he sensed that Piper needed his emotional support more. With an impatient huff, he spun in two circles and settled onto the rug next to her chair.
Piper ran her fingers through his fur distractedly. “I tried to get ahold of you so many times,” she told Marilyn. “I left a hundred messages on your voice mail and with the cruise ship too. Did you not get them?”
“Not until we docked in Los Angeles late last night. I was terribly ill the entire time I was away, you see. I’d swear it was food poisoning, and of course the seasickness didn’t help. I spent the entire cruise locked in my room or in the infirmary.”
“Oh no. I’m sorry to hear that, Marilyn.”
“The second I heard all of your messages, I tried to call you right away.”
“Inspector Samuels had my phone for evidence.” She turned to him. Her brain had finally kicked in, questions coursing through her. “But Aiden … He might have built us this new center, but he still … I mean, the vandalism, and the fire, and the hit-and-run, and…”
Inspector Samuels sat down across from her. He was already shaking his head before she finished. “It seems he had no part in any of it.”
“But the recording. He said–”
“Yes, it sounded that way at first, but it all comes down to perspective. You see, he’d been planning to build this place all along, only he neglected to let his Chief Operations Officer in on his plans.” He turned his hands over like “What do you do?” “Since he was building the new center as a personal charity, he had Larry Williams do the bargaining on behalf of the company. Said he didn’t want to mix business with pleasure.”
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