"I spent the night at my mother's house," I explain. "Now I'm heading back to William's. That's why I flew out here. I was helping out at the office. William hasn't been able to work. As you know, he's been ill. But he's feeling much better now."
"Did they diagnose what's wrong with him?" Albert asks.
"Yes. It turns out his blood pressure was too low." I look at Phillip for his reaction. His expression doesn't change, but his body is tense as he uses all his energy to hide his guilt.
"You'd think with all the hours he works his blood pressure would be high, not low," Albert comments.
I keep my eyes on Phillip. "You certainly would, wouldn't you?"
Phillip lets out an annoyed sigh. "Pearce, if you'll excuse us, Albert and I don't have time to chat. We're in the middle of a match."
"Actually, we just finished." Albert smiles. "I won."
"You always were a fine athlete," I tell him, making him smile even more. "Perhaps you could join me on the golf course some time."
"Yes, we should do that."
Phillip is now fuming, his lips pursed, his neck muscles tight. He doesn't want me here. He doesn't know why I am, and the uncertainty is nearly killing him. He knows I'm not here to play golf.
"Would you gentlemen like some water?" I pull two bottles from my golf bag.
"Thank you," Albert says, taking one of the bottles.
I offer one to Phillip. "Would you like some?"
"I already have water." He looks back at the bench and sees it's gone. "What happened to it? Did someone take our water?"
"I believe the attendant did," I say. "He was cleaning up. He probably saw you over here and thought you were done."
"We're not done!" Phillip exclaims. "How dare he take it without asking!"
"Here, have this one." I hand him the bottle and as he takes a drink I say, "It's fresh spring water. I took it from the cooler in William's office."
Phillip spits out the water, spewing it all over the ground and on Albert's shoe.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Albert says, stepping back. "You spit all over me!"
"I'm very sorry," Phillip says, wiping his mouth. He notices the bottle in Albert's hand. Half the water is gone. Phillip grabs it from him. "Don't drink that!"
Albert looks at Phillip like he's lost his mind. "Are you insane? Give it back. Right now!"
"I can't!" He frantically pours it out. "You can't drink this."
"Phillip, you better tell me what the hell is going on here. My patience is wearing thin."
"It's...it's not drinkable," Phillip says, tossing the empty bottle aside.
"Why the hell not?" Albert sets his hands on the sides of his waist.
"Yes, Phillip," I say. "Tell us why."
He scowls at me but says nothing.
"Phillip!" Albert scolds. "If you don't start talking I will—"
"The water is contaminated!" he shouts.
Albert turns to me, his face turning red. "You gave me contaminated water?"
"No," I say calmly. "Yours came from the pro shop. It's perfectly fine. The bottle I gave Phillip was filled with water from the cooler in William's office."
"You did something to William's water?" Albert asks Phillip.
"No! Of course not!"
"Then why did you spit it out?"
"Because...." He struggles to find an excuse. "Because I knew..."
"Because you knew it was contaminated!" Albert shouts. "Why the hell would you put something in William's water?"
"Perhaps I should explain." William walks up to us, stopping in front of Albert. "Hello, Albert." He smiles and shakes his hand. "It's good to see you again."
"And you as well," Albert says, appearing calmer now. William has that effect on people. He always has. "Pearce said you're feeling better?"
"Yes. Much."
Albert eyes him up and down. "You're still thin as a rail."
William chuckles. "I'll remedy that when my appetite returns. That was one of the side effects of the drug. Loss of appetite. Fatigue. Dizziness. Pearce felt the same way when drinking that water."
"What was causing it?"
"We recently discovered it contained a drug that kept my blood pressure so low that I felt symptoms of hypotension, and no matter what I did, I couldn't get my blood pressure up. But now the drug is mostly out of my system and I'm feeling more like my old self. I expect to be at the next council meeting."
"Good. We've missed having you there." Albert turns to Phillip. "As for you, go. Get out of here!"
"Albert, you can't...you can't possibly believe them," he stutters.
"Don't lie to me, Phillip," Albert says. "It was clear from your reaction that you were the one who did it."
"Why would I do such a thing? I have no reason to. I barely know William."
"But you'd like to have his position. Everyone knows you want a place at the top. But after this little stunt, we'll make sure you're never even considered. Do you know how many decisions we've had to table until William's return? It's cost us time and money, not to mention the harm you caused to William. The man hasn't even been able to run his damn company, a company that we rely on quite heavily, which you already know." He waves his hand in front of Phillip. "Now get out of here. The ruling council will be in touch regarding your punishment."
Phillip storms off, leaving his tennis racket behind.
"I'm very sorry about this," Albert says to William.
"No need to apologize. This was all Phillip's doing. As long as he's adequately punished, I think we can all move on from this. I just need some assurance that he won't seek revenge on Pearce or me or our families."
Albert smiles at me. "I doubt we need to worry about Pearce. Phillip has feared him for as long as I can remember. But yes, we'll keep a close eye on Phillip to make sure he stays in line."
"Thank you, Albert," I say.
"Pearce and I should be going," William says, "but we'll see you at the next meeting."
"You'll be attending, Pearce?" Albert asks.
I glance at William, who looks regretful for saying 'we' instead of only referring to himself. "I'm not sure yet. But we can certainly still schedule that round of golf."
"Yes, well, you gentlemen enjoy the rest of your day."
As we walk away, William says, "I'm very sorry. I shouldn't have spoken for you regarding the meeting. I certainly didn't mean to."
"It's fine. Don't worry about it." I pat his shoulder. "Should we have some lunch? Put all this behind us?"
"I would enjoy that. I've missed your company, Pearce. We need to get together more often."
"We could if you'd stop working so much," I kid.
He chuckles. "Now you sound like Meredith."
"She's right, you know," I say, now being serious. "You put in too many hours, William. It's not good for you."
"It's what the job requires."
"Your father never worked that much. Hell, even I didn't work that much."
He smiles. "I'll consider cutting back."
"I could fill in for you again if you need it. If you'd like to take some time off, perhaps visit your mother and niece. Or just take a vacation."
"You'd really do that?"
"Of course. I'd be happy to. But not for too long. I find the office setting stifling and the daily schedule far too rigid. I've become accustomed to my flexible schedule and prefer the golf course to a desk."
He laughs. "You've become one of those laid-back California people."
"You should try it sometime. Maybe get a home out there."
We go to lunch at a nearby restaurant. I do enjoy spending time with William, but I purposely limit my visits to see him because of his position at the organization. I know they keep a close watch on him and I don't want to be under the same scrutiny.
After lunch, we drive back to his house and discuss the issue with Dean.
"I don't know what to tell you," William says. "He's basically already approved so his son is going to be a member
no matter what. At this point, I think your only option is to make sure Lilly doesn't marry Reed."
"I understand that. I just wish there was another way. Is there a chance we could remove the part of the contract that includes Reed?"
"The contract can't be changed." William taps his fingers on the side table. "But if Dean never becomes a member, his son won't be either."
"Yes, but we've already concluded that Dean will be a member."
His eyes lock on mine. "Not if Dean is no longer alive."
I pause for a moment. "I suppose that's a possibility, although you know I don't do those things anymore."
"Then I'll do it. I'll arrange to have it done. You know I have the resources. I'll make sure it isn't traced back to either one of us."
"That's rather drastic, don't you think?"
"The man tried to kill your wife. And for all you know, he may try again."
"He won't. I made it very clear what would happen to him if he did."
"Maybe he thinks your threat is meaningless. Maybe he'll call your bluff."
"He has no need to. Rachel is no longer the target of his assignment."
William leans back in his chair. "Regardless, the fact remains that if Dean is no longer alive, his son goes free. Reed can continue his relationship with Lilly."
I consider the idea. It is tempting. And the old me, the younger me, would've done it without hesitation, especially after what Dean tried to do to Rachel. But now? Taking a life isn't so black and white.
"I'll think about it," I tell him.
"If you decide to go ahead with it, I could have it done within a day."
"I'll let you know."
"Don't take too long on this. It would be best to get rid of him before he's presented to the group."
"Yes. I understand."
"Enough talk about business. How about a game of chess?"
"Perhaps with a glass of scotch?"
"Absolutely," he says, getting up to go to the bar.
We don't mention Dean again for the rest of the night. William has given me an option and now I have a decision to make. It's not as though this option hadn't occurred to me before, but I was hoping it wouldn't come to that. I'm not that person anymore. I don't live in that world. But William does and would have no problem doing this for me. The question is...am I willing to take it that far?
The next day, I drive into Manhattan to see Katherine. I didn't tell anyone I was going there, not even Rachel. She'd try to talk me out of it, fearing I'll do something to Katherine. I'm not really sure what I'm going to do. Killing her is certainly an option. I know it's wrong, but if Katherine is determined to kill Rachel, then I have no choice.
It's odd, but when I think about killing Katherine, I don't feel that same hesitation I feel when thinking about killing Dean. Maybe because I don't have the same history with Dean. And because I know, deep-down, he doesn't want to hurt people. He was forced to kill that associate, just like I was forced to commit similar crimes years ago. Dean told me about hiring that man to kill Rachel because he wanted to save her. He didn't have to do that, and doing so could've gotten him killed, yet he still told me. So although I don't like Dean, killing him isn't as easy as killing Katherine.
Katherine destroyed my life for many years. She destroyed Garret's life, and Lilly's. She took Rachel from me, and then attempted to do it again. She's evil and destructive and having her gone would be good for all of us.
When I arrive at Katherine's building, the doorman lets me through without question. When Lilly was younger, I dropped her off here so many times that the doorman knows me. I haven't seen him in years but he still remembered me and was friendly as always.
I take the elevator up to Katherine's penthouse apartment and am surprised when she answers the door. Usually the maid greets me.
"Pearce." Katherine steps back, clearly shocked to see me.
"Hello, Katherine." I shove the door aside and walk in.
"What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to speak with you."
"You can't just show up here."
"I was in town. I didn't have a chance to call first." I go over to the long beige couch and sit down. The whole apartment is beige and white, just like our old house. She refuses to decorate with any other color. My home in California is full of color. I find it warm and soothing. The white is cold and stark, but fitting for Katherine.
"Have a seat," I say.
"You're not staying." She plants her hands on her hips, her bony arms sticking out on both sides. She's wearing a fitted white dress and I can see her hip bones sticking out. Being that thin can't possibly be healthy.
"I will be staying until we're finished talking. So have a seat, unless you'd prefer to stand." She doesn't move. "Fine. We'll stand." I rise up from the couch and walk over to her. "I know what you did."
She can't stop her lips from creeping up. "I don't know what you mean."
"Your attempt to kill my wife."
She laughs. "I did no such thing."
"I've already spoken with Phillip. And even before I did, I knew you were behind it."
"Why would I bother?" she asks. "I have better things to do with my time."
"Don't pretend you didn't do this. We both know you did. But it ends now. Your obsession to get back at me and your jealousy of Rachel needs to stop."
"I am NOT jealous of that woman. Why on earth would I be jealous of that low class piece of trash?"
"Because she's my wife and you're not. And because she's raising our daughter and doing a far better job than you ever did."
"How dare you! She is not Lilly's mother and never will be!"
"You've been jealous of Rachel since the day you met her. Your jealousy is what led your father to try to kill her. You wanted what Rachel had, and for all those years she was away, you had it. You got exactly what you wanted. Me as your husband. Your dream house. All the money you could ever desire. And yet you still weren't happy. Nothing will make you happy, Katherine. Killing my wife will not bring you happiness. You and I will never get back together. Rachel is the only woman I'll ever love. And as for Lilly, you've destroyed your relationship with her. Even if Rachel wasn't around, Lilly still wouldn't want to see you."
"Because you've turned her against me. And as for you, Pearce, I have no desire to be back with you. The very idea is ludicrous and egotistical on your part."
"And yet you're introducing yourself as a Kensington."
Her eyes wander to the side. "I was simply identifying myself for those who know me by my former name. It had nothing to do with me wanting to be your wife again."
"I'm not here to debate your reasoning for going after Rachel. I'm here to tell you that if you attempt something like that again, you will not live to see another day."
She rolls her eyes. "So you're here to threaten me, like you always do. Another one of your many attempts to get me to cower to your demands."
"This is more than a demand. It's an ultimatum. If you attempt to harm Rachel again, that's it. No more second chances. I will show you no mercy. It will be the end for you, Katherine."
She laughs. "You're so dramatic, Pearce."
I reach under my suit jacket and pull out my gun and point it at her. "I'm serious, Katherine."
She gasps and stumbles back on her heels. "Put it away!"
"Maybe I should just do this. End this before you try again."
"Pearce, stop it! This isn't funny."
"It wasn't funny to attempt to kill Rachel either and yet you found it to be rather humorous, didn't you?" I step up to her, the gun aimed at her chest.
Her gaze moves to the gun. "You wouldn't do it. I know you wouldn't."
"Why wouldn't I? You know what I've done. You know what I'm capable of."
"You'd be punished. They wouldn't let you get away with it."
"Who? The organization? They don't care what I do to you. You're no longer protected by them. But I am. They'd cover up whatever happens here today. Clean u
p the mess. The police would never know. We'd make up a story about you being bored with your Manhattan life, running off to Europe with your lover. No one would even question it, except maybe your sister, but I doubt she'd care what happened to you after she finds out you've been sleeping with her husband for years."
"You can't prove that, and without proof, Caroline would never believe you."
"Who says I don't have proof? Of that, and all the other secrets between you and Phillip?"
"What other secrets?"
"Your knowledge of Phillip's vasectomy, for one. Encouraging your sister to get fertility treatments, knowing they wouldn't help? If Caroline found out, she'd never forgive you."
"How did you...?" Her voice trails off.
"I know everything you did when we were married. None of it was a secret. So blackmailing Phillip is pointless. If he doesn't tell your secrets, I will, that is if you're still alive."
A smug grin appears on her face. "You wouldn't pull the trigger."
I cock the gun. "You want to test that theory?"
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Pearce
Katherine's breath catches and her eyes zero in on the gun.
"Now you know how Rachel felt," I say. "Having a gun pointed at her, knowing she might die at any second. Were you aware that Lilly was with her?"
Katherine's eyes shoot up to mine. "Lilly was there?"
"Yes. Our daughter was there when that man tried to kill Rachel. He was going to kill them both."
She looks to the side. "But that...that wasn't the plan."
"And what exactly was the plan, Katherine?"
She realizes what she said and quickly shakes her head. "No. That's not what I meant. There was no plan."
"Stop lying. It won't do you any good."
"Pearce, please don't do this."
I've never heard her like this. Begging. Pleading. She's truly scared for her life, as she should be. I could shoot her right now. End this. Never have to worry about her again.
"You haven't assured me that Rachel is safe," I tell her.
"She is. I promise you. I'll leave her alone."
"Your promises are worthless."
"Then what do you want from me?"
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