Bar None (Aeon Book 3)

by Wendy Smith

  Twenty-Four

  Miranda

  Mark is all smiles as he enters the room. My stomach aches at the thought of what I’m about to say to him.

  But I have to do it. I have to let him know we’ve found the leak.

  “Ready for that coffee?” he asks.

  “I just had one. There’s something else we need to talk about. I have some news to share with you.”

  “What’s up?” he asks, sitting beside me on the sofa.

  “The leak’s been identified.” Somehow, I keep my gaze locked with his. But I don’t miss the color draining from his cheeks. “Why, Mark?”

  He gulps. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”

  “I think you do. The FBI are here, and they want to talk to you.”

  Mark blinks a bunch of times. His innocent act doesn’t fool me for a second. We’ve got all the evidence we need. He’s not as good as he thinks he is at covering his tracks. All it took was a push in the right direction.

  “You took advantage of her. Of all of us.”

  Mark just looks at me.

  “Aren’t you going to say something?”

  “I found out about your little profit-share scheme. Just for you and Tom. Oh, Molly knows how to look after the people she really cares about, doesn’t she?” His bitter tone tells me everything I needed to know.

  “You did this for the money?”

  “Darryn Phillips paid really well.” He shrugs.

  I’ve known this guy for years, and pain rips through me at his lack of emotion. We’ve been together every day at work, gone for drinks and partied after hours. We’ve been like family.

  Tom.

  Mark and Tom have been thick as thieves for years. I can’t even begin to imagine what he’s going through right now. Molly will surely tell him.

  I stand and make my way to the door. Opening it, I step back as Agent Reilly and his partner walk through. “We’ll take it from here, Ms. Clarke.”

  I nod. There’s a lump in my throat so big now that I’m not sure I could stomach hearing any more.

  “I hope you know how much you’ve hurt everyone, Mark. Molly would have done anything for you and this is how you’ve repaid her? What about Tom?”

  At the mention of Tom, he finally cracks a little. Pain flickers across his face.

  I look back at the agent. “He’s all yours.”

  I walk through the office without making eye contact with anyone. But a sea of faces turn to me, clearly knowing something’s up.

  When I reach Robert’s desk, he looks up at me and the wary smile on his face soon turns to concern.

  “Are you alright, Miranda? You’re as white as a sheet.”

  I pause. “I will be, but I need to get out of here. I’m going to Nettle Downs. I want you to take care of things while I’m away from the office.”

  His expression changes to one of surprise. I’ve never asked him to do this before, but either myself or Molly have always been available to email or call. This time, I think we’re both out for a while.

  “Sure. What’s going on?”

  I take a deep breath. “We’ve had someone leaking information to competitors. Psycom included. We just found our leak. I’ll compile an email with everything you need in it after I’ve got some fresh air.”

  He nods. “Sure. Is there anything you specifically need me to take care of today?”

  “No. I’ll email out the department heads and tell them you’re their first port of call. Call me if you need anything or Molly if I’m not . . .”

  His head turns to look in the direction of the elevators. Just like everyone else on the floor. Mark’s being escorted out, and he gives me one last look before he disappears from sight.

  “Mark?” Robert asks.

  I nod.

  “Shit. Miranda, I’m sorry. I know you’re friends.”

  I bite down on my lip to try stop the tears that prick my eyes. “Were.”

  “Go. Do what you need to do. I’ve got this.”

  “Thanks.”

  I head down in the next elevator, hoping against all hope that Mark is long gone. There’s no sign of him or Agent Reilly in the foyer.

  “Kelly, I’m out for the rest of the day. Can you please cancel any meetings and if anyone wants me, tell them to contact Robert Miller.”

  I don’t miss her concerned expression. She would have had full view of Mark being marched out. I just need to get out of here.

  It’s not until I reach my car that I let myself break down.

  Of all the people in the office, it had to be the one Tom holds most dear. Sure, we were all close, but Mark and Tom were joined at the hip. And of the three of us that were there at the start, Tom’s the most sensitive.

  I should call Molly, but I dial Tom first.

  He answers so quickly, the phone barely rings.

  He knows. “Miranda?” His voice quivers just saying my name.

  “Hey. I wanted to check up on you.” I sniff, tears welling in my eyes.

  “I can’t believe it. Molly told me and I’m on my way home with Bridget. I don’t know what to do. Have you spoken to him?”

  I close my eyes, a tear escaping and rolling down my right cheek. “I just did. The FBI are speaking with him now. Oh God, Tom, he found out about our profit share. The whole thing was motivated by money.”

  “I never thought . . . are you okay, Miranda?”

  “I will be soon. Just take care of yourself. I know Bridget will make sure you’re alright, but just know I’m here if you want to talk.”

  “Sure thing. I hope you have someone to lean on.”

  At that, I smile. For the first time in a long time, I do. While I’ve always had Molly, it’s not the same as having a special someone who I want to share my life with.

  “I do. I’ll be okay. I think we all just need to get over the shock of this. At least it’s out of our hands when it comes to dealing with the legal aspects.”

  “True. Let me know if you want to talk.”

  I end the call without telling him that I’m about to end up in Nettle Downs.

  There’s only one place I can be right now.

  After making another call to check if I can use the leased jet, I drive home, pack a bag, ask Mrs. Creedy to feed Mr. Snuggles, and head to the airport. Despite being someone who’s always been so anal about not using business assets for personal benefit, I abandon my principles for my own needs.

  I know Molly will be behind me all the way.

  I need Jackson. Molly and Tom being nearby will be a bonus.

  Pulling into the long-term parking at the airport, I come to a stop and dial Jackson.

  “Hey.”

  At the sound of his voice, I burst into tears.

  “Miranda? Are you okay? Where are you? Do you need me to come?” His worried tone just makes me cry harder.

  “I’ll be okay. I just really needed to hear your voice.”

  “Oh, darlin’. I’ll be there in a heartbeat.”

  “I love you, Jackson.”

  “I know you do. Now, do I get my ass to you, or are you coming here?”

  I laugh through my tears. “I’m parked at the airport.”

  “You crazy woman. What time will you get here?”

  “I’m taking the jet. I haven’t told Molly. She’ll get notified anyway because that thing is like her baby. I guess . . .” I look at the time on my car clock. “Around two.”

  “I’ll be at the airport to meet you. And it’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission. If Molly doesn’t like it, she can talk to me.”

  “Trust me, she won’t care. I just need to be with you.” I sniff again, plucking a tissue from the glovebox and wiping my face.

  “My arms are waiting. Get your ass on that plane.”

  I love him. No matter how sad I am, he never fails to make me smile. No matter how down I am on myself, he makes me feel like the most important woman on the planet.

  I’m not sure I can live away from Jackson
anymore.

  Grabbing my bag from the back, I climb out of the car and walk toward the terminal.

  The crew is waiting at the gate for me, and I take one last look back at the airport before I walk up the stairs.

  This doesn’t really feel like home anymore.

  Home is wherever Jackson is.

  It’s time to go home.

  Twenty-Five

  Jackson

  When I reach the airport, Molly’s already there. She’s leaning against her car, and she gives me a small smile when I pull in.

  “Jackson.”

  “I’m guessing you’re here for the same reason I am.”

  She nods. “I got word Miranda was on her way.”

  “I told her I’d be here to pick her up.”

  Molly sighs. “I thought you might. She was a bit of a mess by the time we ended our call. So was I, truth be told. I wanted to be here too.” Her expression straightens. “She’s going to really need you today.”

  “What’s going on? She didn’t tell me, but she sounded upset.”

  Molly lets out a sigh. “We had a leak at Mollab. The investigation’s been going on a while, but we finally found out who it was. It was someone we trusted.”

  Her eyes are so sad. This was someone close to her, and by no doubt, someone close to Miranda too. My girl will be hurt, and I just want her here with me.

  “How long until the plane lands?” I ask.

  “It’s coming in now.” She sighs again. “I should have been there, Jackson. She wanted to take care of it herself because she takes her role seriously. And I respect that so much. But this will have hit her hard.”

  A lump forms in my throat. She needs me. I’ll give it all up if that’s what it takes. If Miranda needs me in San Jose to support her, I’m there. “I’ll take good care of her.”

  She nods. “I know you will.”

  “I love her very much.”

  A smile creeps across her face. “Good. I’m so happy for both of you. She’s the best, and you’re not so bad either.”

  “I’m glad you think so.”

  Her smile grows. “I don’t think she could have found anyone better.”

  “Thanks, Molly.”

  “You’ll tick all the boxes for her family too.”

  I chuckle. “Her family are definitely something.”

  “You’ve met them?”

  “I was her date for Leia’s wedding.”

  From the expression on Molly’s face, she’s piecing together any gaps she had.

  “That makes sense. Usually when she visits her family, she ends up crying with me. I just thought things had changed a little with her being in San Jose and me being here.” Her eyes turn sad. “It’s definitely made things between us a little more distant. I miss her a lot. She was my rock when I needed her to be, and I hope I’ve been that for her.”

  I nod. “From what she’s told me, you have. And I know she misses you too.”

  “Then we both have to do what we can to convince her to stay.”

  We watch in silence as the plane touches down. And when Miranda appears at the door, I hold my breath.

  The devastation’s clear on her face. She’s shattered, and it tears at my soul. I want to howl at how unfair it is. I want to rip apart the person who made her feel this way.

  “Go to her,” Molly says.

  I walk forward as Miranda steps down off the plane. She pulls her wheeled bag along behind her, and a faint smile appears on her lips when she lays eyes on me.

  I’m not supposed to cross the line and enter the tarmac, but to hell with the rules right now.

  Halfway to me, she drops her bag and runs. It takes her moments to be in my arms, and I cradle my weeping woman as her tears flood my shirt.

  “I’ve got you,” I whisper. I cup the back of her head, caressing her hair with my fingers. “I’m gonna take you home, darlin’, and everything is gonna be alright.”

  “Today was the worst day ever.”

  “Molly told me.”

  She leans back to look at me through teary eyes. “Molly told you?”

  “Did you not even see her?”

  Molly smiles as Miranda turns her head. She’s collected Miranda’s bag and is standing right behind us.

  “Sorry, Molly.” She sniffs and let me go to wipe her tears away with her sleeve. “I didn’t see you there.”

  “It’s okay. I know how fucked up today is.” Molly’s eyes well with tears.

  I press a kiss to Miranda’s hair. “Do you want to spend some time with Molly before going back to my place? I don’t mind.”

  Miranda shifts her gaze back to me. “It’s good of you to ask, but no.”

  “I’m not offended.” Molly laughs. “You go and do what you need to do and we’ll catch up when you’re feeling ready.”

  Miranda snuggles into my side. “Thanks, Molly.”

  “You must be the best boss ever,” I say.

  Molly shrugs. “I try.” She hands me Miranda’s bag. “Just take good care of my friend, mister.”

  “Always.”

  Miranda reaches for Molly, wrapping her arms around her neck and hugging her tight. Molly hugs her back. “Go with Jackson and call me when you’re ready.”

  “Is Tom okay?”

  Molly chews on her bottom lip, but gives her a short nod. “He will be. He’s got Bridget, and she’ll take care of him.”

  “I’m just devastated.” Tears roll down Miranda’s cheeks. I ache for her. I’m going to take her home and wrap my arms around her and just hold her for however long it takes. I’m going to tell her just how much I love her.

  “We all are. Once you’re ready, we’ll visit Tom together too. I think we all need to lean on each other.”

  “You seem to be holding it together.” Miranda sniffs.

  Molly shakes her head. “Not really. Brad’s not at work today; he was so worried about me. It took everything to talk him into letting me come out here.” Her lips twitch. “Not that I needed to be. I’m just glad you have Jackson, and I can go home to Brad.”

  Miranda blinks like she’s holding back more tears. “I can’t believe it.”

  “Neither can I, but it is what it is. At least the authorities will take it from here.”

  I reach for Miranda, enfolding her back in my embrace where she belongs.

  She’ll be lucky if I ever let her go again.

  She lets out a sigh of relief as we step into my place.

  I drop her bag on the floor, and pull her into my arms again. She looks at me with haunted eyes that I hope I never have to see again.

  “Hope you know now I’ve got you, I might not ever let you leave.” I press a kiss to her forehead.

  “I wouldn’t complain.”

  “What happened?”

  She swallows hard, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “Did you meet Mark at Molly’s wedding?”

  I nod. “Briefly, I think. Tom’s friend?”

  “He’s the one who sold us out.”

  “Oh, darlin’.” I hug her tight. “I’m so sorry.”

  “It was all for money, Jackson. All those years of friendship. Tom’ll be devastated. It’s hard enough for Molly and me.”

  I link my fingers in hers. “Come on. Let’s sit down.”

  “Can we please lie down? I’m exhausted from crying.”

  “Of course.”

  She breathes a sigh of relief when we reach the bedroom, and I watch as she lies down on her side of the bed and seems to take a big breath of my pillow.

  “I’m right here.” I climb on beside her, and offer her my arms.

  She wriggles over and I hold her tight again. “I’m so glad to be here. It was the only place I could be.”

  My heart swells at her words. The longer we’re together, the better.

  It’s time to make this permanent.

  It doesn’t take long for Miranda to fall asleep, and I lie there for a while watching her. She looks so peaceful now, but I can still see the tracks
of her tears on her face.

  I’m so angry at this Mark guy who hurt her so much. My anger grows at the thought of Molly and Tom going through this too.

  I trace a finger down her cheek.

  Maybe it’s time to make the big decision and follow her wherever she needs to be. It’s what my heart’s telling me to do. No more running cross-country to grab moments together. No more phone calls, hearing the distress in her voice when she needs me.

  I need to be there for her.

  She stirs in her sleep, and I pull away.

  For the longest time, I stare at the ceiling, just listening to her breathing beside me. My whole life, I thought I knew what my dream was, but maybe I found something more important. Someone.

  I skipped lunch, I was so worried about her, and my stomach grumbles as if to remind me. Miranda’s safe, so I’ll go and get something from the bar kitchen and bring it back. No doubt she’ll be hungry when she wakes up.

  “Jackson.” Billy smiles when I walk into the kitchen. “I thought you weren’t working.”

  “I’m not. But could I get a plate of nachos?”

  “Sure thing.”

  While I’m waiting, I head out to the bar to see how things are going. It looks steady, but nothing Kayley can’t manage with the staff. Once again, I’m so grateful for her presence.

  “Hey.” Amy waves at me as she walks toward the bar. “I’m glad I caught you here. Congratulations.”

  What?

  Oh.

  “Uhh thanks.”

  She frowns. “Is everything okay? I thought you’d be over the moon to get what you wanted.”

  I nod. “I’m fine. Still processing the news I guess.”

  Amy cocks her head, setting down her purse on the bar. “While I’m here, can I get some nachos? They were amazing last time.”

  “Sure.”

  I head out back and call to Billy to add another plate of nachos to my order. When I return, Amy’s sitting with a big smile on her face.

  “Maybe we could celebrate?”

  I shake my head. “It can wait until tomorrow.”

  “If you’re talking to Miranda, tell her thanks. I don’t know what she said to get Doug to change his mind, but whatever it was, it worked.”