By Appointment Only
Page 16
I accepted the snapshot relationship Chase and I created every Tuesday, but our moments together were truly blissful.
Wanda’s eyes flashed with worry, incredulous as she breathed, “Danielle, don’t tell me you’re falling in love with him?”
“No!” The denial came too quickly, my protest too shrill. “It’s just that I’ve never connected this way with anyone,” I reluctantly admitted.
At Wanda’s continued stare, my shoulders sagged and my face crumpled with defeat.
“Go ahead. Say it,” I challenged. “Tell me I’m crazy, that I’m deluded, stupid maybe. It’s not like this is a real relationship. We don’t date. We don’t go out. We don’t talk about the future—ever. Go ahead, repeat my mother’s warnings.”
“I’m not going to say any of that, but I thought this was just a fun fling for you.”
“It is—was . . . hell, I don’t know what it is! You know I’m not interested in anything serious or long term. Steven had no respect for our marriage vows. I was betrayed in the worst way. I’ve been there, done that, and it was devastating.”
Wanda gave me a skeptical look. “You’ve been with Chase for five months. That’s more long term than I’ve seen you with anyone in the last four years.”
“It’s different. Even though our arrangement is so bizarre, it is in its own way, extremely fulfilling.”
“Whatever it is, honestly, I’ve never seen you happier, or more radiant,” Wanda said sincerely. “You deserve to have some happiness. And, you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. Just be careful.”
I wrapped my arms around her, giving in to a weepy smile. The problem was my head and my heart were telling me two different things, and the voice inside my chest was louder, more insistent.
A heavy pounding on my apartment door pulled us apart. I stepped into the living room, Wanda at my heel as I passed Emmy who sat on the floor undressing and redressing her doll.
Through my peephole, I spied two burly men holding up what looked like some sort of invoice. When I pulled the door open, I gasped at what was in the hallway behind them. The shock locked my lips into a flabbergasted silence. Wanda hurried over, her brows mashed together. She stuck her head into the hall, then gaped at me, stunned.
“A piano?”
I shrugged, mirroring her bewilderment. Facing the men, I found my tongue, “There must be some mistake. I didn’t buy a piano.”
“Danielle Carmichael?”
I nodded, swallowing hard. “Yes, but I—”
The taller man shoved a small envelope at me. Fumbling it open, I pulled out one of Chase’s business cards. Not sure whether to be outraged or ecstatic, I read the words on the back:
If you give them a hard time,
you can forget about the padding and guardrails for my desk.
This is for Emily. To practice.
CR
I looked up, gawking in disbelief at Wanda. “Chase.”
Her face split open with a colossal grin as she stepped aside and motioned to the men. “Bring it on in, fellas!”
“Wait! I’m not sure I should accept this.”
My friend rolled her eyes, directing the men to a far wall. “Hell yes, you should. Listen, the only gifts my boyfriends ever gave me was stuff I needed antibiotics for. Believe me, this is sooo much better!” She plucked the card from my hand and read it. “Besides, this is for Emmy so she can practice.” Quirking a brow, she shot me a cheeky grin. “Guardrails? Padding? You freak!”
My cheeks burned hot. Ignoring her, I turned my attention to the men now assembling a shiny, black piano bench.
“How did you get that thing into the building?” I asked.
“A man let us in—your landlord, I think. Stanley?”
I groaned under my breath. The price of fixing my ceiling just tripled.
A small movement behind me drew my attention. Emmy had abandoned her doll and moved closer to watch the men position and tune the beautiful, black upright. The sleek, new instrument was grossly out of place in my shabby apartment, claiming a good portion of the already cramped space, but as I watched Emmy and saw a light flicker in her eyes, my reservations dissolved. Instead, my heart beat out a stroke for the wonderful man who’d put such a warm glow on my daughter’s face.
***
CHASE
The Flex-Steel factory was located just outside Bangkok, but my contact, Roger, the plant manager, was so paranoid and skittish, he didn’t want to meet anywhere near there. We sat inside a small coffee stall at Hua Mum Night Market, one of Bangkok’s hidden night shopping bazaars. The festive atmosphere and lively shops were active with a steady flow of local people. There were lights strung across the crowded streets where young and old alike danced to upbeat music.
I looked around, realizing there were very few foreigners. In fact, Roger and I stood out like elephants in a fish tank. Roger was American and had transferred to our Thailand plant years ago from our plant in Ohio. Los Lobos did jobs all over the world, its operatives not native to Thailand. I guess Roger figured he’d be more likely to spot a tail here.
I wouldn’t recognize anyone from the secretive organization. Robert was the only one who knew how to contact them. He’d done some time in the military and served with one of the men who now ran the organization. The ultra-secretive militia operated above the law, their covert missions often dangerous and deadly. They’d do anything if the price was right.
There was no English printing for this market, everything was in Thai. In retrospect, I wished I’d kept the guide from the hotel, but like Roger, I wanted to keep things low key. Roger looked over his shoulder before sliding the manila envelope across the table. His worried gaze jerked about behind my head and beads of sweat coated his upper lip.
I opened the envelope and perused the content before looking up.
“I only see the documents from the inspection.” I frowned, keeping my gaze trained on him. “Where’s the rest of it?”
Roger wiped a hand across his damp forehead. “Listen man, I’m lucky I’ve got that. Los Lobos is fucking dangerous. They killed that scientist, I’m sure of it. And Kraptura is equally vicious. I have to be careful.”
“Teerapat Kraptura? The official in parliament?”
His head jerked hard as though he was afraid to say the official’s name aloud. Kraptura was the man taking the bribes from Robert to keep the plant open. It was good to have the paperwork documenting the contaminated soil and water, but if I were going to force Robert to step down from Flex-Steel, I needed more.
“I thought you had proof of the bribe!” I hissed. “I’m paying you a lot of fucking money for that information.”
A shaky breath came from Roger’s lips. “I—I’m gonna try and get that for you, but you need to get me the fuck out of here. I want to relocate back to the States.”
I nodded firmly. “Done. Get me what I need.”
A group of rowdy Thai youngsters ambled by the coffee shop, their voices loud and carrying in the warm night. The sudden crowd had Roger shaking nervously, his gaze quickly darting about.
I took a sip of the thick, bitter liquid in my cup, wishing I was still in New York. I’d sent Dani something for Emily and wondered if she’d received it yet. No doubt Dani would fuss and complain about the expensive gift, but I hoped she’d accept it. I missed her like crazy. In five months we’d never missed a Tuesday appointment. I knew it was stupid, but I was falling in love with her. There was so much I wanted to give her, but some things were simply impossible. I was in way over my head, and letting myself drown.
“How long will you be in Thailand?” Roger asked, interrupting my thoughts.
“A few more days. I have to get back.”
“Sure. You’re running for mayor or something, right?”
I nodded, noticing Roger’s frown. No doubt he thought I was crazy for pursuing this when I could just easily move on from Flex-Steel. But if I didn’t, many would suffer. I’d met with some local magistrates from the towns s
urrounding the plant. They believed the astronomical rise in miscarriages, renal failure and lung disease were direct results of contaminated ground water and soil from the factory. The government, however, did nothing. I hoped the money I donated would at least pay for medical care and a new water filtration system.
Kensington wanted me back home as soon as possible. He was like a second father to me, and I knew he considered me a protégé of sorts. He was a man who strongly believed in the iron bonds of family, in unwavering loyalty. Like Robert, he was a powerful man with a lot of connections. I shook my head, looking into my murky coffee. These men could be your greatest ally, or your worst enemy.
CHAPTER TWELVE
It was late afternoon when I punched out at Le Coquille and waved goodbye to Philippe. I’d come in early to help the maître d’ set up the private room for a special luncheon. Checking my watch, I realized I only had half hour to get across town to pick up Emmy, and I hustled out to my car. My new job was farther from my apartment and the school, but I didn’t mind the extra commute.
The spring day was beautiful, swirls of warm air chasing around my bare ankles. I was just a few feet from the car when my phone rang. Fishing it from my purse, I answered the number I didn’t recognize.
“I didn’t get the job, Dani.” Steven’s accusing tone startled me, causing my steps to falter.
“What?”
“That job I needed you to give me a reference for. I didn’t get it.”
“Is there a reason you’re calling me?” I asked sharply.
“I need you to spot me some cash, especially since you cost me that job. Just until I can get on my feet.”
Anger lit my blood like gasoline. I was outraged. Agitation jumped in and out of Steven’s rushed words and I wondered if he was high. How could he have the audacity to ask me for money? I was still behind on most of my bills, trying to climb out of my debtor’s hole.
“I don’t have any money to lend you, Steven,” I informed, thinking that even if I did, I wouldn’t support his bad habits. “You have to get help. Go back to rehab.”
There was a lengthy pause on the line. I was just about to hang up when he said, “I hear you’re keeping some interesting company these days.”
His words froze the blood in my veins. I tried to stay calm, wondering if he was just baiting me.
“Am I supposed to know what you’re talking about?”
A rough chuckle sawed through the phone. “Riding around in fancy cars, buying a brand new piano. Don’t fucking lie to me. You think I’m stupid?”
I swore beneath my breath as anger plowed through me. Damn, Stanley! My life was not Steven’s concern. It had ceased being his concern when I found him screwing our neighbor. I’d gone crazy that day, so angry and hurt I’d vented my rage on him. The cops had come and I’d spent the night in jail. Thank God Emmy had been with my mother and hadn’t seen me sink to one of the lowest points in my life. Steven hadn’t been worth it.
“You sold my rings, and my mother’s fucking chain,” he yelled furiously. “Those belonged to me! You had no right!”
“Steven, you’re out of your mind! I can’t help you. Stop calling me!” I was so irritated my voice wobbled, but I refused to let him intimidate me.
“You owe me! You fucking owe me, bitch!”
“I don’t owe you a damn thing, asshole!” I hung up. Still standing on the busy street, I realized that despite the warm day, my fingers were trembling.
In the car, I reached into the glove and pulled out a new pack of Marlboro’s. Lighting up, I inhaled deeply, closing my eyes as I tried to slowly blow away my anxiety. I needed to calm down. I shouldn’t allow Steven to rattle me, but there’d been bitter hatred in his voice. I blew out another warm cloud, knowing I hadn’t heard the last of him.
By Monday, I’d all but forgotten my altercation with my ex-husband. Listening to Emmy practice the piano all weekend induced a pleasant serenity, an internal joy that buoyed my mood. It wasn’t just the elegant notes, it was seeing Emmy, who was outwardly apathetic about most things, fully engrossed in something besides rubber bands and the repetitive dressing of her doll. She was scheduled to perform for the graduating class on Friday, and she sounded better than ever.
Chase truly surprised me with the extent of his kindness. I couldn’t look at the piano without thinking of him and how much he’d come to mean to me. Wanda had asked if I was falling in love with him. My brain issued a judicious no, but my heart kept screaming a passionate yes.
Life had cultivated a wary distrust, an expectation that people would eventually screw me over. I usually kept my guard up, predicted the worst, and was often on the defensive. Chase was showing me that the world might not be as cold and ruthless as I’d imagined.
Only one more day until our appointment.
As I gave Emmy her bath and put her to bed, I acknowledged the nervous excitement bouncing springs in my belly.
Walking into my living room, I couldn’t help but wonder about his trip. It was honorable what he was doing, but I worried about the danger. He’d described Los Lobos as hardened criminals. They wouldn’t want him interfering with the work they were doing for Flex-Steel’s CEO, and what if Robert found out Chase was plotting to have him forced out of the company? I’d be relieved to finally have Chase back.
I missed him terribly, missed our time together, his watchful gaze openly devouring me, our passionate sex. I’d made a decision to ask about his health. I wanted him to know I’d be supportive no matter what he was going through.
I’d never thought I’d feel this way about anyone. It was the way Chase watched me, the hunger in his eyes and his bold, almost reverent worship of my body. He made me feel like the most beautiful, desirable woman on earth.
Tapping an index finger to my lips, I smiled wickedly, reliving a few scorching memories. My sex throbbed and a hot blush spread over my entire body at the thought of displaying myself to him again. I’d never figured myself for an exhibitionist, but I couldn't wait to drown in those deep blue eyes that stole a little bit more of my heart each week.
I was just about to rummage through my underwear drawer in hopes of finding something risqué in my collection of practical panties when my phone rang.
Ooh child . . .
things are gonna get easier . . .
Ooh child . . .
things’ll get brighter . . .
I pumped my head to the tune, and seeing it was Wanda’s number, reached over and grabbed my cell from the coffee table.
“Danielle! Are you home?” The urgency in Wanda’s voice shocked me, sent a cold breeze climbing up each knuckle of my spine. The uplifting lyrics faded away like the last tendrils of sunlight.
“What’s wrong?”
“Are you home?” Wanda asked again, demanding an answer.
“Y—yes.”
“You have to turn on the television! Channel seven. Now!”
“What?”“Now, Danielle! Do it!”
Alarmed by Wanda’s impassioned plea, I stood and started searching for the remote, dread bubbling up inside me like the rising pressure of a volcano.
“What the hell is going on?” I asked, flinging several cushions to the floor.
“It’s Chase. He’s on the news.”
“What?” I stilled, blood roaring in my ears. Had something happened? Had something gone wrong in Thailand?
“Danielle . . . I’m so, so sorry,” Wanda groaned miserably.
“What?” I shrieked, my body trembling uncontrollably. My friend inhaled a deep breath, then followed with words that ripped me apart.
“Rutherfucker is married!”
I sat on the very edge of my couch, knee bouncing restlessly. My watery gaze hadn’t left the story unfolding on the television screen that was beyond shocking. It was achingly tragic. I’d told Wanda not to come over, insisted that I was okay and didn’t want company.
I’d been adamant.
Wanda will be ringing my doorbell any minute now.
Senator Kensington did most of the talking while Chase stood next to him, quiet, looking haggard and profoundly broken. The exhaustion and worry I’d always seen on his face I now recognized as hopeless grief.
His wife, Amy Rutherford, had suffered a drowning accident five years prior. She’d slipped into a coma and never regained consciousness. Shortly after the accident, doctors had pronounced her brain dead with no likely chance of recovery. Several experts had recommended withdrawing life support. According to reporters, the grieving family couldn’t bring themselves to consent to the withdrawal of life support, and instead, awaited a miracle.
It seemed that now, five years later, the decision was taken out of their hands. The doctors announced yesterday that Amy Rutherford’s body was ravished with sepsis, a massive blood infection. Her heart was rapidly failing. She wasn’t expected to last more than a week.
Although Chase and I had never made promises to each other, although I’d harbored no expectations of a relationship, or future, I couldn’t help my seething anger, or the feeling I’d been a victim of calculated deceit. I’d deluded myself into thinking Chase and I shared something special, that we were tethered in some inexplicable way. I knew now he was no different from Steven—a liar, a man with little scruples, a man who held no respect for marriage vows. He simply possessed more money, more charm, and more ways to blind me.