by Donna Hill
“See you then.”
“Bye, Tony,” she said in the way that he remembered.
The phone clicked in his ear. Slowly he returned the receiver to the cradle, leaned back in his chair and absently massaged his chin. Two years. It was still hard for him to swallow the reality that he had failed at something. It wasn’t in his makeup to fail. Whatever he took on—from a “friendly game” of basketball to the courts of justice—he won. Decisively. It’s what he did. It’s who he was. He was driven to achieve excellence. The divorce had rocked him, unmoored his foundation and forced him to question himself. There were moments, like now, that made him feel as if the ground were slowly shifting beneath his feet.
His intercom buzzed and jerked him away from his brooding. “Yes, Valerie?”
“Mr. Blumenthal wants to see you.”
“Thanks.” He shook off the remnants of his dark thoughts and returned his focus to the task at hand, dealing with his boss, the district attorney for New York, the man whose job he would seek come fall.
Anthony took his jacket from the hook by the door, slipped it on and walked down the corridor to Harrison Blumenthal’s office. He nodded to Blumenthal’s secretary, who smiled and waved him in. Anthony knocked lightly on the partially open door and stepped inside.
“Shut the door, will you,” Harrison grumbled in his trademark no-nonsense grit-and-gravel voice.
Harrison removed his half-framed glasses and rested them next to a stack of files on his desk while Anthony unbuttoned his jacket and took a seat opposite him.
“I’ll get right to it. I don’t like the progress or should I say the lack of progress on this Warren mess.”
“His lawyers say he won’t take a deal.”
“Make them take it. We can’t win this case. You know it and I know it.”
“I don’t agree.”
Harrison’s bushy right brow rose to an arch. “I can’t afford any of your cowboy antics in court. I have no intention of tallying up any losses. Especially now.” He gave Anthony a cool green stare.
“I won’t lose. This is the type of case I’m known for winning. You know that as well as I do,” he returned with the same purposeful stare.
Something rumbled deep in Harrison’s chest before the words rolled out, like a train in the distance before pulling into the station. “There’s a first time for everything, and my point is, I cannot afford to let this case be that first time. Our conviction record is solid.”
“Thanks to me,” Anthony interjected.
Harrison pursed his lips. “It needs to stay that way. For my sake as well as yours.”
Inwardly, Anthony smiled. That was about as close to a compliment as he was going to get from Harrison Blumenthal.
“Find a way to make this case go away.” He put his glasses back on, a clear indication that the meeting was over.
Anthony pushed back from his seat and stood. He buttoned his jacket. “I’ll see what I can do...when I get back from vacation.”
“See that you do. When are you leaving?”
“Saturday afternoon. Crystal is dropping Jessie off in the morning.”
Harrison’s rocky countenance softened. “How are things...with you and Crystal?”
Harrison was one of two people who knew how hard he’d been hit by the divorce. The other was his lifelong friend Lincoln Davenport. It was Lincoln who’d convinced him that he needed some downtime to think really hard about where he wanted his life to go, and a great place to do it was Sag Harbor. He could relax, spend time with his daughter, put the job on hold and enjoy the company of his friends. It had taken a lot of convincing, but Anthony had finally given in.
He’d gone to visit a few months earlier, really liked the place, and after having lunch with Melanie Harte—who was equally as eager to find him a new love as she was finding him a place to stay—he found a great house that was on the market, priced to sell, met all of his needs and would definitely give him a sanctuary when he wanted to get out of the city. He’d gone back a couple of times on weekends to get the lay of the land, check on the repairs of the house and even stumbled onto a book signing at the local art gallery during a last-minute trip a week earlier. He was really looking forward to getting out of Manhattan and “setting up house” with his daughter—even if it was only temporary.
“Better,” he finally answered. “At least, as good as it probably will ever be.” His expression darkened.
“Hmm. It gets easier. Take it from a man who’s been through it...twice.” He held up two long fingers.
“Yeah.” The corner of his mouth curved into a half grin. “So you have reminded me.” He headed for the door.
“Try to enjoy your time away. You know, when you get back, this office will be pretty much all on your shoulders as my campaign will be in full gear.”
Anthony nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ve been trained by the best,” he said with a wry smile. “I can handle it.”
“See that you do.”
Anthony tucked in his smile and closed the door quietly behind him. He was lucky to have a man like Harrison in his corner, paving the way. Often the D.A. was a megalomaniac driven solely by ambition, political polls and winning at any cost. Sure, Harrison loved to win just as much as the next man, but it was more than that. He had a true passion for justice and doing the right thing no matter if it was politically incorrect. And he wasn’t always looking over his shoulder to see who was trying to move up the ranks to take his place. If anything, he encouraged his staff to climb the ladder, which Anthony had done and secured the position of chief assistant district attorney through the mentoring of his boss. The world of crime may have hated Harrison Blumenthal but his staff worshipped the ground he walked on. His shoes were big ones to fill, but Anthony knew he was up to the job. After all, hadn’t he sacrificed everything...including his family...to get where he was?
Chapter 4
“You still haven’t explained to me why you won’t get serious with Andrew. You said the date went fine,” Tiffany said as the two friends walked up the winding path leading to Melanie Harte’s house on the hill. The house and the front lawn sparkled with pinpoints of light, and music could be heard floating in the air.
Kai gave a light toss of her head. “Don’t get me wrong. He’s a great guy. Handsome. Funny. Smart.” She paused, blew out a breath of frustrated confusion. “He’s just not right for me. This may sound like a fairy tale or something out of a romance novel, but I want a man that makes my heart pound. Makes my skin get hot with just a look, gets my stomach to flutter when I think about him and has my vajayjay talking in tongues when I know I’m going to see him.” She sighed with a faraway look in her eyes.
“Damn, girl, well, when you find him please ask if he has a friend, a brother or a cousin just like him.”
They laughed in unison and stepped into the party that was in full swing.
“Mel sure knows how to throw ‘a little get-together,’” Tiffany said, raising her voice slightly above the hum of conversation and the live band.
Kai gazed around at the crowd, recognizing some faces from town, a few from television and the rest she wasn’t familiar with. “What I need to do is take Melanie up on her offer to find me the perfect man,” she said in a pseudo whisper.
A waiter approached with crab and shrimp appetizers balanced on a tray. They helped themselves to the delicate treats and snagged the next waiter for two glasses of champagne.
“There’s Lincoln and Desiree.” Kai waved and started to walk over when she heard her name being called. She turned. “Andrew...”
“I didn’t know you were going to be here,” he said, giving her a light kiss on the cheek.
“Kind of a last-minute thing,” she managed while wishing that the floor would open.
He studied her for a moment then turned to Tiffany. “Good to
see you again.”
“You, too.”
“I would ask if I could get you ladies a drink but you have that covered. Looks like I’ll have to catch up.”
“I’m going to say hello to Lincoln and Desi. Oh, Maurice and Layla just came in. Be right back. Good to see you, Andrew.” Tiffany darted off before the ice daggers from Kai’s eyes could land in her back.
An awkward moment of silence dropped like a final curtain between them. Kai sipped her drink and stole a glance at Andrew from beneath her lashes. This is so bad.
“Drew...I’m sorry I haven’t called you back. I—”
He held up his hand. “You don’t have to explain. Really. I’m a big boy and I can take a hint.”
“That doesn’t excuse me being rude and for that I’m sorry.”
He gave her a half smile. “True.” He paused, as if relishing her wide-eyed look. “But...apology accepted.”
She released a soft sigh of relief. “Thank you.”
“And now that we have all that out of the way...I hope that we can still be friends.”
“Of course. I’d like that.”
“Good, let’s go mingle.”
* * *
He really isn’t a bad guy, Kai thought as she watched him chat and charm everyone around him. He had a great sense of humor, was good to look at, had a solid career...but that spark wasn’t there for her no matter how hard she tried, and to lead him on would be plain wrong. Andrew was deserving of someone who gave as much as he did and wanted him as much as he wanted her. She wasn’t the one.
Kai wandered out back while Andrew regaled a small group on the antics in the E.R. when it was filled with kids and crazed parents.
“There you are! Are you enjoying yourself?” Melanie slid an arm around Kai’s waist.
“Yes, very much. You’ve outdone yourself as usual.”
“I feel it’s my duty to put a little sparkle into this sleepy little town.” She chuckled.
“Where’s Claude? I was hoping to see him.”
“Congressional hearings. He had to stay in D.C. with Senator Lawson. I hope he can get back next weekend or I may pay him a surprise visit, stir things up a little.” She flashed a mischievous smile.
“Just make sure you don’t wind up on the front page of the Washington Post with a coat over your face.”
They laughed at the image.
“It’s good to see Maurice doing so well,” Kai said, watching Maurice dance with his bride.
“Layla definitely has that special touch in more ways than one. It wasn’t Maurice’s war injury that needed the healing, it was inside.” She tapped the center of her chest. “I wish I could take credit for that arrangement,” Melanie said, “but they did it all on their own. Mostly.” She winked.
“I’m happy for them.”
“Actually—” She lowered her voice. “There was someone that I especially wanted you to meet.”
“Oh?”
“Unfortunately he couldn’t make it. Didn’t say why.” Her brow creased. “Another time. He’ll be in town for a few weeks.”
“Mel...”
“Listen, everyone needs someone. And that goes for you, too. I think he would be perfect for you. In fact, I know he would.”
Kai lowered her head for a moment. There was no debating Melanie when she decided that you were her “special project.” She wouldn’t rest until she found Mr. Right or, at least, Mr. Right Now. As CEO of the Platinum Society, Melanie Harte and her team were renowned for their matchmaking skills that found that special someone for everyone from corporate executives, actors, athletes, and politicians to the average girl and guy next door. Before there was eHarmony there was the Platinum Society.
Kai laughed lightly. “I’m sure he is.” She checked her watch. “Listen, I’m going to find Tiffany and head home.” She kissed Melanie’s cheek. “Thanks for a great evening as usual.”
Although the gathering was pegged as a simple get-together with friends, Mel never got people together for a reason as benign as that. She firmly believed that if you put the right people in the room together they would find each other. She was usually right. As Kai wound her way around the guests and through the rooms of the sprawling house in search of Tiffany, she could already see the results of Melanie’s plan at work as many of the guests who’d walked around unattached earlier in the evening were now a twosome.
Kai stepped out into the backyard and spotted Tiffany leaning casually against a towering maple tree in deep conversation with a really good-looking guy. She waved to get Tiffany’s attention and when she did, she mouthed that she was going home and that she’d call tomorrow.
The waning evening was absolutely exquisite, Kai mused, as she drew her oversize teal-colored silk scarf around her bare shoulders. The sky was a lush blanket of deep blue with brilliant splashes of light that flickered and danced against it. The most gentle of breezes blew in off the ocean, capturing the scents of the sand, sea and budding jasmine bushes and other flora. The sounds of light laughter and music hovered around her then grew more distant as she descended the winding walkway leading to the main road. A perfect night for a walk...with someone you care about, a distant voice mocked.
She glanced briefly over her shoulder as the house grew smaller in the distance. Andrew really wasn’t a bad guy. Actually, he was a great catch. There was no doubt about it. Maybe if she allowed herself she could care about him as more than a colleague.
She turned down the street that led to her house. The truth...she didn’t want to care about him as more than a colleague.
* * *
The one great thing about being self-employed was that you could call your own shots and make your own hours, which was precisely what Kai planned for her Saturday. Unfortunately, she couldn’t turn off her internal clock. She woke at precisely 6:00 a.m. just as she did when she had her shift in the E.R. Some habits die hard, but one habit that she was glad she’d never broken was turning on the timer for the coffee machine at night. The heady aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through her home would give Starbucks a run for their money. After showering quickly and donning her supercomfy sweatpants and hooded sweatshirt, she made a beeline for her kitchen, where she was eagerly greeted by Jasper, her Yorkshire terrier, who was frantically scratching at the door and yipping around the kitchen.
“Take it easy. Take it easy.” She bent down and scratched him behind his ears. “I’m glad to see you, too. I’ll let you out in one minute.” She went to the kitchen window and pulled the curtain aside. Sometime during the night, it had rained and the air felt and smelled crisp and clean like freshly washed laundry. The grass and tree leaves still glistened with beads of water and morning dew. A great day to take some pictures. After she let Jasper out back and had her coffee, she would get her equipment.
“Jasper, what is wrong with you today?” He was jumping up and down on the door again and yapping like crazy. “All right, all right.” Kai opened the side door and Jasper raced out like a shot. She stood in the doorway for a moment, shook her head at her eccentric pooch, then went to the counter to finally pour her first cup of coffee. Just as she lifted the carafe and was ready to pour, Jasper went completely crazy outside. He was barking and whining in that high-pitched squeak that only little dogs can make.
Kai went to the door and opened it. She stepped out onto the porch. “What in the world is wrong with you? You’re going to wake up the entire neighborhood.”
Jasper continued to bark and whine and run in and out from under the house.
“Jasper! Come in here right now.”
Jasper planted himself in front of the porch with his tail banging rapidly against the wet grass.
“So what are you now, a television dog? You trying to tell me something? It better not be a raccoon. I’m warning you, Jasper,” she said as she c
limbed down the three porch steps. “What is it, boy?” That’s when she heard whimpering and the hairs on her arms rose.
She bent down from the waist and caught a glimpse of pink fabric and a little slippered foot. “Oh my God.” She scrambled down on her hands and knees and peered under the stairs. Tucked under her house was a little girl, curled into a tight ball. The full realization that a child was huddled under her stairs knocked her back on her haunches as if she’d been pushed. For a full minute, she couldn’t think. A million crazy thoughts raced through her head, none of which stayed put long enough for her to make any sense out of it.
Jasper ran under the house and tugged at the pink slipper. The little girl began to cry in earnest.
“What in the...” She lay flat on her stomach so that she could get a better look. “Sweetie, you need to come out, okay?”
The little girl briskly shook her head. Her thick ponytails, covered in leaves and twigs, flapped back and forth.
“Can you tell me your name?”
Silence.
“My name is Kai. And this is Jasper. Say hello, Jasper.”
Jasper barked uproariously and ran in a circle before settling down.
“I think you must be really cold...and wet. Do you want a blanket? Would that help?”
The little girl nodded her head.
“I’ll be right back. I’m going to get you a blanket so you can warm up.”
Kai scrambled to her feet and ran inside, doing a pretty bad imitation of Jasper as she spun around in circles trying to think—she’d suddenly forgotten where she kept the extra blankets. Her heart kicked against her chest. Maybe she should call the police. No. Not yet. Her medical instincts kicked in. The first thing she needed to do was to make sure that the little girl wasn’t injured. Right. Blanket. She darted down the hall to the linen closet. She pulled out a light quilt, bunched it up in her arms and hurried back outside.
Jasper was standing guard. Kai got back down on her hands and knees and peered beneath the house. Bright, frightened brown eyes stared back at her.
