Fabian expels a heavy sigh from his lungs. “You’re right. I can’t call Nathan. I guess I’m just scared about what Sloane is going to say.”
Claire consoles Fabian by rubbing his back. “Whatever she says, honey, it’s going to help us get our lives back to normal. That’s the most important thing, right?”
“Right.”
Chapter 2
Claire suppresses her jittery nerves as she heads for the table where she sees Sloane sitting near the back. One whole wall of tables inside the Beach Cove sits against large bay windows. Customers can enjoy a great view of the ocean while dining. Claire isn’t surprised that Sloane secured one of these spots for their little dinner chat. Claire has arrived ten minutes before eight, just to be sure she could locate their table and be on time.
“Hello again, Sloane.”
“Hey, there Claire. You’re on time. I like that.”
“I hate being late. I may be at the beach, but I’m still following New York etiquette.”
Claire notices that Sloane has changed into casual pants and appears relaxed. Whatever she’s going to say, it’s not troubling her one bit.
Sloane sighs softly. “Am I crazy for missing New York? I mean here I am living in paradise on earth, yet, I find myself missing all the action in the city.”
“I don’t think that’s crazy. This is a big change from city life.”
“Yeah. It was great being here for the first week. As people I met here started leaving for home, I realized that my life here is pretty damn lonely. These days I mostly keep to myself.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. Guess I’m still getting used to being Laura Fagen, rich divorcee. There’s not much to do here, except tourist type things. It’s hard getting attached to people when you know it’s just for a very short time.”
“I can understand how that would be difficult. I was wondering what it would be like to live here as a local. Now I see that it may not be as ideal as I thought.”
A waitress arrives with two menus. “Welcome to the Beach Cove. Would you ladies like to start out with a drink?”
“Dinner is on me, Claire. Order whatever you like.”
“That’s kind of you. I’ll start with a glass of white wine and a shrimp cocktail appetizer.”
“I’ll have a tequila sunrise, heavy on the tequila. I’ll also have a shrimp cocktail. Thanks.”
“Why don’t we go ahead and order dinner now, so we don’t have to be interrupted later,” Claire suggests.
“Sure,” Sloane agrees as she picks up her menu. “Give us a minute,” she says to the waitress.
“Okay, I’ll be back with your drinks and appetizers.”
Claire uses this opportunity to slip her hand inside of her small purse and press the ON button on the digital recorder. She silently prays it will pick up the conversation clearly.
“I’m leaning towards the swordfish with baked potato and grilled vegetables,” Sloane says.
“Hmm. There’s so many good choices,” Claire says while browsing the selection. “I think I’m going to order the island chicken with seasoned rice.”
The waitress brings their drinks and appetizers. The ladies place their dinner order.
“At least the food here is as good as it is back home,” Sloane says. “Still, I miss going out to eat with my girlfriends. Claire, I’m desperate to go back to New York City, but it’s impossible right now, as you know.”
“Hang in there. I’m sure your exile will be worth it.”
“Yes, it will.” Sloane lifts her drink. “I’ll drink to that.”
The ladies sip their drinks.
“You have to admit, Sloane, that if you’re going to hide out somewhere, Cabo is the place to be.”
“Yeah, I’ll say. Cabo definitely is one of my top three vacation spot choices. I was planning to head to Hawaii, but it’s too crowded. It’s easier to be Laura Fagen here without creating any suspicion.”
“How’d you come up with that name?”
“I didn’t. Nathan paid someone to create the identity. I don’t know who and I don’t care. I’ve always liked the name Laura, so it worked out.”
Claire is eager to talk about the plan, but knows she needs to be patient. Idle chitchat is loosening Sloane up. She needs to continue buttering her up and playing it cool to show she can be trusted. Claire and Sloane chat casually about minor topics while they warm up to each other over drinks.
“I have to say that you have an amazing tan. I wish I could tan like that.”
Sloane responds to this ego-stroking compliment. “Thanks. I got this at the tanning salon here. You can’t even tell it’s not natural.”
“It makes you look so fit and healthy. I bet you attract a lot of guys.”
“I get some nice looks from the men around here. I simply smile and go about my business. I’m not here to fool around. Besides, most of them couldn’t afford me, anyway.”
“But, Nathan can, right?”
Dinner arrives before Sloane can answer. Claire observes that the food looks and smells delicious. Both plates have ample portions. The wine has calmed her nerves and she’s ready to chow down. She might even order dessert.
“Can you bring me another tequila sunrise, honey?”
“Sure.”
Claire makes a mental note that Sloane likes to drink. She wonders how much alcohol Sloane can hold before getting totally sloshed.
“You were hinting something about Nathan being able to afford me?”
“Well, I was just wondering how he makes the cut. He’s successful, but not rich.”
“It’s all about potential, Claire. You need to learn how to judge a man on how well he will do in the future.”
“And, Nathan is someone you think is going to be rich?”
“Not think. I know he’s going to be very rich.”
“As a matter of fact, Nathan is the one who came up with this whole idea. It sprung out of a discussion we were having about our relationship. I mentioned that I would only marry a man who could provide me with the lifestyle I’m accustomed to.”
“So, Nathan masterminded this whole disappearing to Cabo thing?”
“Yep. I wish I could take credit for dreaming up our little scheme, but most of it is his idea. When an idea is this good, how can I not go along?”
Claire is secretly shocked and saddened to hear this. She too was hoping that Nathan was being duped by Sloane. Up until this moment she really liked her boss a lot. Working for him gives her a lot of clout and prestige in the office. How can she in good conscious continue being his right hand assistant after hearing what Sloane just said? If she didn’t think she was already fired, she’d quit.
“How much do you know, Claire?”
Claire shrugs nonchalantly. She’s ready for this question. “Just that Nathan said that you had some sort of nervous breakdown because of Fabian and needed to get away for a while. He said he missed you and is concerned about your mental state. He wants to protect you for as long as possible.”
Claire is impressed with how well this lie came out of her mouth.
“He’s not thinking of abandoning the plan, is he?”
“No. At least I don’t think so.”
Sloane seems relieved to hear this. “Good. Because I’ve invested way too much time and energy into this to see it go to waste. I mean I care about Gray, but some things are more important.”
“You mean money?”
Sloane smiles slyly. “Not just a few million. I’m talking huge piles of cash. Nathan and I will be stinking rich after all is said and done.”
Claire is puzzled. “That’s what I don’t get about this plan, Sloane. Why go through all this trouble when you and Nathan are taken care of in Gray’s will?”
“Nathan told you about the will? Yeah, Gray gives us both some nice parting goodies.”
“You’re both young enough to outlive him. Why not just wait until the inevitable happens naturally?”
Sloane pr
etends to be shocked. “Are you implying that Nathan and I are planning to knock off Gray? Oh no, darling. That’s not what’s going on at all.”
“Oh. Well, that’s good to know. That’s something that was making me nervous.”
“You do know that Gray has a heart condition, right?”
“Um, no I didn’t know that.”
“He had a triple bypass a few years ago. He’s supposed to be eating healthy and getting some exercise, but he drinks and smokes, and is a lazy son of a bitch,” Sloane finishes off her first drink. “He’ll probably die of natural causes one of these days. Preferably sooner than later, but taking care of Gray is Nathan’s department.”
“What do you mean?”
“Nothing. Just that Gray needs to take better care of himself if he wants to make it into his eighties.”
Sloane’s answer does nothing to ease Claire’s mind. “I don’t believe you, Sloane. I hope you’re not involving me in something terrible.”
“Don’t worry, sweet Claire. Your hands will remain perfectly clean in all this. And, so will mine, as long as you keep my whereabouts secret. You will, won’t you?”
“Of course. I love my job too much to betray you and Nathan. I want to move up the ranks into CE management. By doing this for Nathan I’m guaranteed a spot.”
“Good.”
“But…”
“But what?”
“I can’t help but feel bad for Fabian. I know he’s not the greatest guy in the world, but, why are you doing this to him?”
Sloane slices another piece of swordfish. “He’s a necessary sacrifice. Come on, Claire. The guy doesn’t really do anything useful. He hops from place to place, doing god knows what, sleeping with different women. No one will miss him if he goes to jail for several years.”
“Maybe. He did tell me that he’s in the process of changing his life for the better.”
“Yeah, and I’m sure you fell for that bull crap hook, line and sinker.”
“Why shouldn’t I believe Fabian? I don’t have any reason to think he was lying.”
“Okay, Claire, let me clue you in on the real Fabian. He’s a big disappointment to his father. Fabian hasn’t amounted to anything in spite of Gray’s efforts to send him to a prestigious college, set him up in his own business and allow him to live at Cooper Manor whenever he wishes.”
“He told me about Gray being disappointed. People grow and change you know.”
“People like Fabian don’t,” Sloane says as if that were the end of the matter. “Don’t kid yourself into believing he’s changed one bit. Fabian is probably shacking up with some woman right now.”
Claire turns beet red. Sloane certainly guessed right about that.
“Do you think the police will find him?”
“Probably. It’s only a matter of time. I saw on TV that the FBI is looking for him. They get in on the action when you cross state lines. He should have just turned himself in and gotten it over with.”
“Yeah, but obviously he’s innocent.”
“You and I know that, but everybody else thinks he’s a dangerous fugitive. The cops think he may go after some other poor, defenseless woman that falls for his charms.”
Claire is really pissed at how casually Sloane is tossing Fabian’s life in the trash. How dare she sit here and talk about how useless Fabian is when she’s the one whose only ambition in life is to live off of men with a whole lot of money. To Claire’s way of seeing things Sloane is the epitome of a useless human being.
“Fabian told me you threw yourself at him.”
“Really? Ha. Well, he lied. Why would I want him when I’m married to Gray, a man who is way more successful and wealthy than Fabian will ever be?”
“Why are you having an affair with Nathan? He’s best friends with Fabian. The two of them are alike in some ways.”
“Nathan is different. He gets me. He fulfills all of my womanly needs. You wouldn’t understand, Claire, unless you married an older guy.”
Claire wants to tell Sloane that she’s dead wrong about Fabian and her own knowledge of men and womanly needs, but she has to stay focused on why she’s here.
“So, what happens next in this plan?”
“I continue hiding out here a while longer until it’s time to put on my act.”
“Act?”
“Yeah. The second part of the plan is for me to show up suddenly in the States looking like I’ve been through hell. I stagger over to someone’s home and ask for help. That’s when the real fun begins.”
“That doesn’t sound like fun to me.”
“Don’t worry. It’s all going to work out okay. When the police arrive I tell them that Fabian raped me, beat me and tied me up. He left me to rot in some dumpy hole in the wall building. By the grace of god I managed to get free and go for help.”
Claire realizes she’s hit pay dirt. Hopefully, the recorder is picking up Sloane’s every word clearly.
“Sorry, Sloane, but this whole thing sounds crazy to me. I still don’t get the purpose of this ruse.”
“Don’t you see? This is a brilliant way to get Fabian out of the picture entirely. Upon my triumphant return to civilization, Nathan and I will cause Fabian to be disinherited and banished from his father’s life for good.”
“And then what?”
“Nathan makes sure that Gray changes his will as soon as possible. The plan is for me to get Cooper Manor, all the valuable artwork and other private properties. As of now, Fabian is getting that. Nathan will get the lion’s share of Fabian’s financial inheritance. Gray will do this because he has absolute trust in Nathan’s judgment. That old man trusts him with his life, you know.”
“He thinks of Nathan like a son.”
“Too bad Nathan isn’t his real son. If he was, we wouldn’t have to go through all of this elaborate effort to accomplish our ultimate goal.”
“Which is?”
Sloane laughs, finding this question funny for some reason. “We’ll make sure your hands stay clean, Claire, as long as you keep your mouth shut and don’t breathe a word of anything I’ve just said to anybody. Got it?”
“Yes. I understand everything now. You guys can trust me to remain quiet. Fabian isn’t more important to me than my career ambitions.”
Sloane throws her dinner napkin in her almost empty plate. “It’s time for me to go back to cabana number four and hop in the Jacuzzi. I love how it relaxes me before bedtime. Anyway, Claire, this has been fun. I actually enjoyed your company.”
“Yeah, I’m glad we were able to touch base.”
Sloane gets up from the table and prepares to leave. “Oh, one more thing, Claire.”
“Yes?”
“When you get back to New York I want you to reassure Nathan that I’m doing just fine. And, tell him I can handle things on my end without a babysitter.”
“I’ll let him know.”
*****
“When the police arrive I tell them that Fabian raped me, beat me and tied me up. He left me to rot in some dumpy hole in the wall building. By the grace of god I managed to get free and go for help.”
Fabian shuts off the recorder. This is the third time he’s listened to Sloane utter those awful words. Even if he listened again and again he would still be filled with this sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.
Fabian downs another shot of whisky from a miniature bottle he got from the mini bar in his cabana. It’s 4 a.m. and he’s sitting here in the living room by himself as Claire sleeps soundly in the bedroom. He didn’t want to wake her just so she could watch him feel bad for himself. Yeah, he’s in the middle of a woe is me pity party. What he heard on that recording has gotten him so riled up inside that he’s tempted to get stinking drunk just so his mind can forget about how deeply hurt he is over being betrayed—no, stabbed in the back, front and sides by Nathan.
The wound is pretty deep, that’s for sure. He’s had some falling out with friends before, but never anything like this. What Nathan has do
ne is the granddaddy of all screw jobs. He wishes he could just make it all go away. The worse part about it is that Nathan had been smiling in his face, telling him how supportive he was, making him feel like they were still the best of friends, close like brothers…and the whole time his best buddy was planning to destroy his reputation and his life with this little scheme he cooked up with Sloane.
Fabian opens another miniature liquor bottle, vodka this time. He starts to pour it into his shot glass, but hesitates. “Ugh. I can’t. I want to but I can’t let myself be defeated by this.” He puts the bottle and glass down on the coffee table. To relieve the pent up tension inside of him he punches his fist into a decorative couch pillow.
“Damnit!”
Punching the pillow feels good. He does it again, and again. In his mind he’s punching Nathan. A guy he thought he knew. A guy he can no longer call his friend.
“Nathan, you son of a bitch. You threw away everything for that conniving bitch. I’ll never be able to forgive you,” he says through clenched teeth.
Fabian grabs the pillow and presses its softness up hard against his chest. He rocks back and forth, allowing his thoughts to flow and his anger to dissipate. He can’t fall to pieces now. Claire is expecting him to come up with a plan to stop Sloane before she can activate the second part of their scheme. He must stay clear-headed and absolutely committed to clearing his name. His life is on the line, and Gray’s may be too.
“It doesn’t matter if Gray thinks I’m guilty of hurting Sloane.”
He doesn’t care about all the years he tried so hard to earn his father’s love and respect, but always coming up short. He has to try and let all the old resentments go.
“The only thing that matters right now is that I do the right thing for me, Gray and the Cooper family reputation.”
Fugitive Millionaire Revenge (Fabian Cooper Book Two) Page 4
