Shattered Lies

by Theresa Sederholt

  “No, this all came to light today when she sent Hage a request for full disclosure of every document pertaining to this case. I had MI6 dig into her past and that is when I found the sealed file. I had my contact get me a copy of the original file. That’s when I found out exactly who she was. After that, all the pieces fell into place. I know Jackie and I understand leaving her here is not an option. We need to figure out the safest way to proceed. Max, understand I’m on board one-hundred percent. Jackie’s safety and happiness is all I’ve ever wanted.”

  “Well, first thing I need to do is call Jax and bring him up to speed. If you wouldn’t mind giving me a few moments to talk to him in private.”

  “Of course, Max, Sam and I will step outside. Let us know when you’re ready for us.” They leave and I take a few minutes to collect my thoughts. This is not going to be an easy call to make. I close my eyes and pray that—if there is a God—he would do what he didn’t do before and protect my family.

  Jax picks up on the first ring. “Hey, Max, what’s wrong? Don’t tell me one look at you in the Kimono and she ran the other way?”

  “Very funny, Jax. Take Raven and go someplace quiet so we can talk. There’s been a development that I need to go over with both of you.”

  “Give me five.” He growls and hangs up.

  Waiting for his call affords me the time to walk around Jeff’s office. The man keeps pictures of his family everywhere. Jackie as a baby takes my breath away. All I can think of is how much I want babies with her. My phone rings, taking me out of my daydream.

  “Jax, where are you and are we on speaker?”

  “Raven and I are in a utility closet and yes you’re on speaker. What the hell is going on?”

  “Raven, did Marco ever mention a sister?”

  “No, he hardly ever talked about his family; only that they disagreed with his lifestyle. Is there a problem?”

  “Yeah, a big problem—for all of us. Her name is Amelia Jade and she is Vincent’s new attorney, and she is out for revenge against you Raven. She knows to get to you; she has to get to Jackie. When we are locked away in Scotland, we can keep the animals at bay but back in the States, that buffer is gone.”

  “What kind of case could she possibly have? Vincent already accepted a plea deal; how does that get her revenge? Max, none of this makes any sense to me.”

  “I know, Raven. I thought the same thing but then I really thought about it. The first thing she did was file a motion for full disclosure of the evidence. Her focus is on the evidence, mainly that video tape. Since it is known that I have a copy, she is going to question the validity of the tape due to the chain of evidence. She will try to say it is tainted; she only has to show reasonable doubt. If she can force a hearing, that gets us out into the open and vulnerable. Killing Jackie would give her revenge against you, Raven. She would be taking away a person that you love, like she feels you took away her brother. Vincent would go along with this sick plan to hurt me where it matters most.”

  “Max, I didn’t take away her brother, if anything, Joseph was the one who turned him into a puppet.”

  “Yeah, but Joseph is dead and no one knows where Duke is, so going after you is the next best thing. Raven, look I know it’s a sick plan but a plan nonetheless, we need to deal with this.” There is a long pause and I check to see if the call was dropped.

  “Jax, are you still there?”

  “Yeah, trying to wrap my head around all of this. What’s the plan, Max?”

  “I already tripled security, I’m not sure what other steps I want to take yet. I wanted to make you aware of what’s going on. I’m also concerned about Rose. I know she wanted to confront Vincent. This threat might push her in that direction. He can’t find out she’s alive.”

  “We might have a problem, Max—a big one. When we got here, there were a slew of media. I realized the announcement came out about Raiders. Mick took Rose around back and put a hat and glasses on her, but a reporter took a picture. Mick pulled the guy’s SD card, however, there were other reporters across the street. He can’t say one-hundred percent that no one got a picture.”

  “Fuck, Jax! I’m going to have more security put in place. I also want to put security on Junior’s doctor and nurses. I’m going to say that due to the announcement, I feel the need for additional security. Do you think they will give us a problem?”

  “Not sure, mate, but I will have a talk with them. I would much rather move everyone to Scotland, but I don’t think it’s an option. The doctor told us that while Junior is having treatment he can’t leave the state. When can we expect the additional security?”

  “I will have everything in place within the hour. I’m pulling Sammy in on this; we need more people, people we can trust. Are you okay with that?”

  “Yeah, I agree we need more help. Send me the files on the changes and I will update the hospital staff. What time is the wedding?”

  “Tomorrow afternoon, but I need to get this handled first. I will send you everything and I will also send everything to Mick. Raven, hang in there. I promise you I would lay down my life to protect Jackie.”

  “Thank you,” It’s barely a whisper but I hear her. I’m barely off the phone and Jeff is back with Sammy. “I brought Jax and Raven up to speed on everything. I need to send copies of all the changes to him and Mick. Sammy, we might have another problem. With the announcement about Raiders today, there was paparazzi at the hospital. Mick brought Rose around back, one guy got a picture but he pulled his SD card. If it gets out that she is alive, all hell will break loose. On top of that, she wants to confront Vincent! Jax and I have talked her out of it for now, but I’m not sure how long that will last.” I realize Jeff might not know Rose’s true identity. “Jeff, have you been brought up to speed on who Rose really is?” He walks up to the window and quietly stares out, before turning his attention back to me.

  “Yes, the chief filled me in—not Sam.”

  Sammy clears his throat, bringing our attention back to him. “So, you don’t think Rose will consent to go back to Scotland?”

  “Never. Look, we also need to add security on Junior’s doctor and the nurses that are taking care of him. I’m leaving nothing to chance.”

  “I already ordered the additional security. I will send everything to Jax and Mick.”

  Jeff picks up one of the many pictures of Jackie that he has on his credenza. “Max, is there any way Michael’s treatment can be done here in Switzerland? We have some of the finest medical facilities here; the University Children’s Hospital Zurich has cutting edge research and could possibly have the treatment that young Michael needs.”

  “I’m not really sure. Everything happened so fast. Get me the research on what they have to offer and I will talk with the family about it. In the meantime, we have a wedding to get ready for.”

  “JAX, I’M SCARED. DO you think these people could get to Michael? What about Antonia and my mom? I’m so worried about your mom. I honestly don’t think she can physically take another thing; she’s so frail.” I lean into him and begin to cry and I can’t stop. The fear is overwhelming me. His arms around me are holding me up, supporting me, and I let him.

  “I’ve got you, sweetheart, always. I think the added protection is necessary more for our own sanity. You need to pull it together, and I need to talk to the medical staff.”

  He wipes away my tears and kisses me so softly. “I’m okay; let’s get this over with.” We head out of the closet to find the staff, only to find Mick standing there, waiting.

  “HEY, MICK, DID MAX get in touch with you?”

  “Yeah, he brought me up to speed. Raven, Antonia is fussing, and there are no more bottles. Jax, I have Dr. Dave with Michael’s nurses waiting to speak with us.”

  “Okay, Raven, go take care of Antonia; I will be in shortly.” I watch my wife walk away and keep reminding myself, throughout all the madness, how lucky I am.

  “Mick, how many new guards do we have coming on board?”
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  “Max said at least six for the family and then three for the staff. He wants me to stay on Rose twenty-four seven. He’s worried she might try to confront Vincent if she finds out what’s going on. Honestly, Jax, I’m not sure anyone will be able to stop her.”

  “I spoke with her about it before we left Scotland. I explained to her the danger she would be putting Raven and Antonia in. She is a smart woman, I think she would stick to the plan.” I walk up to Dr. Dave’s office and stop, taking a deep breath before entering; preparing myself to do whatever it takes to make this work.

  MY MOM IS IN the drawing room waiting for me, staring out the window, seemingly lost in thought. “Hello, Mom,” I call out to her. When she sees me, her face warms with her beautiful smile.

  “Kon’nichiwa, Jacquelyn. I didn’t hear you come in. Happy birthday, and a blessed wedding day. Where is Maxwell?”

  “Papa needed to speak with him right away. Come sit with me and have some tea, please.”

  We sit by the fireplace for some warmth and I pour the tea. “Mom, I know that everything is happening very quickly, but Papa did explain to you why, right?”

  She’s quiet for a bit but then she takes my hand, turns it over, and runs her delicate fingers up and down the lines of my palm.

  “Of course he did, but I do have some questions for you.” She usually never questions me. What she does do is make me think things through, look at all sides of a situation.

  “How is Michael handling all of this?” She always thinks of others first.

  “He started his treatments today. He was afraid, but we are all there for him and always will be. This family has been through so much, yet their strength is amazing to me.”

  “How is Raven holding up? Did you bring me pictures of Antonia?” I take out my phone and begin to show her the tons of pictures I have been taking of my beautiful niece.

  “Mom, are you okay with me getting married on my birthday—”

  “Stop, Jacquelyn, it will always been a double edge sword for me. I will always be sad that I lost a child. The grief is with me every day of my life, however, I will always be blessed that I have wonderful children. You and Dylan have exceeded all my dreams for you. Why don’t you tell me what else is bothering you?”

  How does she do it? I don’t have to say a word, yet she always knows. “I love him and that’s never been a question, but can I be all that he needs? He has experienced such great loss. He recently found out that his father was friends with the man behind that loss. Now Michael is fighting for his life and the threats against everyone have not gone away. Jax’s mom had a heart attack. What if what happened to you happens to me? I don’t know that he can survive any more. I’m scared mom, really scared for him, for all of us. I can’t let him see my fear or he will lose it.” I finally let it all go, I can’t stop my tears and I really don’t want to. I want my mom to hold me and keep me safe. I want her strength and support. She pulls me into her arms and holds me tightly.

  “Oh, my sweet child, you are so brave and so very strong. A lot stronger then you ever give yourself credit for. Your father told me all about Maxwell’s past. He has survived so much, don’t doubt him now. He will always have your strength to draw upon. If you are blessed with children, you will love them and survive whatever God has in store for you. You love each other and you need to draw upon that. We don’t always walk side by side; sometimes one must carry the other. That is what love is all about: compromise, compassion, and putting someone else before yourself.”

  I hear Max coming and I quickly wipe away my tears. I can’t let him see me this upset or he will lose it. “Mom, let me introduce you to Max.”

  She gets up and embraces him. “Maxwell, welcome to our family. I hope Jeffery hasn’t been to overbearing.”

  “No, ma’am, he has been giving me a tour of your lovely home.”

  “Thank you. I’m going to get ready for the wedding. Jacquelyn, I will meet you in your room shortly to help you.”

  My dad takes her hand, “Emi, I will go with you. Max, when it's time, I will be up to help you. Hopefully you won’t need too much help getting into your Kimono.” He chuckles as he heads out with my mom.

  “OKAY, JACKIE, WHAT’S WRONG? Don’t say nothing and don’t tell me not to worry.”

  “I saw my mom and everything just hit me, hard. So much has happened in such a short time. Lately, there are never any carefree happy times. It’s always so intense, and I’m worried all the time. Now I see your face, and I know something else has happened. I’m scared to even ask what’s going on now.”

  My heart is breaking for all that she has had to endure. “I know you have been overwhelmed by everything, but you have to know that I will do whatever it takes for you to be safe. I won’t give up—ever. There has been another credible threat. I’m bringing Sammy in on your protection. I have ordered more security on everyone, including the doctor and nursing staff. I won’t hide anything from you, Jackie, ever.”

  “What kind of threat, Max?”

  I update her on all of the info I had just received. “We are very well insulated, babe, and I won’t let anyone get near any of us.”

  “You talked to Jax, how is Michael?” Of course she is worried about Junior, she is a giver and will always be.

  “Jax said he is doing good, and the doctor is great. Now, I want you to put all that aside. We have a wedding tomorrow to prepare for, and apparently, your dad is going to help me get into my Kimono.”

  She laughs and it warms my heart. “Just the thought of you in the Kimono is funny, let alone Papa helping you.” She gets up and extends her hand toward me. “Let’s go. The sooner I become Mrs. Maxwell Fleming, the sooner I can have my way with you.”

  “Wow, you have plans for me, babe?”

  “Big plans, Max.” She leans in and whispers in my ear a little bit of what her plans are.

  I feel the heat rush to my cheeks and Jackie giggles.

  “Why, Maxwell Fleming, I do believe you’re blushing.”

  “I might be blushing now, but your arse will be a lovely shade of pink later.”

  We race up the stairs. Not quite sure who is pulling who.

  SUNLIGHT FINALLY FILLS THE room, and my wait I over. Today, I will not only be her lover, friend, and protector, I will become her husband, too. After a quick shower, I attempt to figure out the Kimono. There is a knock on the door and Jeff comes in. “Hey, Jeff, I’ve got everything but this sash figured out.”

  He silently begins to tightly wrap the sash around me. “Maxwell, I know you love her, that’s never been a question, but can you protect her? She’s my life.”

  “Jeff, I love her more than life itself. When I pushed her away, it nearly killed us both. If I could keep her locked away, I would, but you know your daughter, hell would freeze over first. I promise you, I will lay down my life for her.”

  “Okay, I will give you a moment and meet you in the drawing room. Dylan is waiting for us.”

  I walk up to the window and look out over the estate. It really is very beautiful here and very lonely. I close my eyes, thinking about my first wife and silently pray. Oh, Samantha, please know I loved you so much. I would have been with you for life, but God needed angels. Jackie loves me with all her heart. She is genuine and pure; I know you will be happy for me. Watch over her and keep her safe.

  I take a deep breath and head out to begin a new life. Now, I have to meet the wanker, Dylan, and try not to snap the fucker’s neck.

  I RUN MY FINGERTIPS down my grandmother’s beautiful Kimono, the same one my mom wore on her wedding day. It’s soft and silky. The design has a thousand cranes stitched in gold thread, and when the light hits it, they sparkle like a thousand stars. I pray for my grandmother to watch over him again, just like before. Keep him safe, all of them. There’s a knock on the door, it must be my mom to help me get ready. When I open the door, I’m surprised to see Dylan. Before I can speak, he pushes me in the room.

  “I need to talk to you
alone, Jac, now.”

  “Calm down and tell me what’s wrong.” I just wish he would, for once, let me have my time without butting in.

  “You can’t marry him, Jac. There is so much danger around him. I can’t let you do this!”

  He can’t be serious. “Dylan, please just let it go. I love him and he loves me. He’s a good man and he can protect me.” He grabs my hands and tries to pull me toward the door.

  “Dylan, let go of me; you’re hurting me.”

  The door flies open and Max, along with my father, Sammy, and the guards, come racing in. Max put his hands around Dylan’s throat, lifting him off the ground. “Max, let go of him please.” My father and Sammy finally pull them apart. Max pulls me toward him.

  “Jackie, are you okay? Did he hurt you?” He’s running his hands all over me looking to see that I’m not hurt.

  “Max, I’m fine. It’s just Dylan, being his usual self.”

  He holds me tightly into his arms, his breathing is heavy. “Please calm down, Max, I promise I’m okay.” I feel his heart racing.

  My father and Dylan are yelling. I’ve never seen my father this mad before. Finally, my mom steps into the room. Dylan sees her and immediately stops yelling. My mom then asks everyone to please leave except for Dylan and me. I feel Max tense up, and I know he’s not going to leave me alone with Dylan.

  “Max, look at me please.” His eyes are locked on mine. “I promise you, I will be okay. I will keep Sammy in the room. You need to step outside, please.”

  “So help me, babe, if he touches you, all bets are off.” He steps outside the room and I know he is just on the other side of the door.

  My mom steps in-between Dylan and me, “Look at me, son. What has gotten into you?”

  “I can’t let her make the biggest mistake of her life. She might love him, but is that any reason to put her life in constant danger? He chose the life he has lived, but she has not.”

  I’m about to answer him when my mom stops me. “Let me ask you this. Would you feel the same way if you were marrying Raven, knowing all the danger that surrounds her? Would that be okay with you? You have had no problem letting your sister be friends with Raven as long as you thought there was a possibility that you might have a chance with her. Now that you realize that possibility is gone, can she no longer be friends with her, is that what you’re suggesting?”