by Y. L. Stokes
Shocked, he almost stood up out of his wheelchair, which would have blown his game. Pulling out his cell, he called his guys.
“Was our little problem taken care of last night?” he asked just above a whisper. “Good, now my grandmother is leaving with the butler. I want to know where they go and who they go with.” He finished the call.
Peter watched the limo drive off and stood up, stretching his legs.
Damn, this is getting tough. I’m not sure how much longer I can take this. I think it’s time for me to make a remarkable recovery.
He headed for Trisha’s room, looking to see if he could find any other copies of the pictures that his guys had given to him last night after they took care of The Little Problem.
Alone in his room, he opened the envelope. The wind knocked right out of him. The little bitch had followed him out to Raymond’s! He couldn’t believe his eyes. Knowing what a resourceful little bitch she was, she would have more than one set, considering the guys had found only the one envelope on her person.
Now he’d have to go through her belongings to make sure that there was only one set. After practically destroying the room, he came up empty. Running his hands across his face in frustration, he let the curses fly and sat on the side of the bed. A terrifying thought struck him. What if she mailed them already? Oh, God, this can’t be happening. I knew I should have gotten rid of you long ago.
He screamed and destroyed the room completely.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Pink and white roses at the end of each pew, wrapped in white ribbons, decorated the church. Nicholas stood at the altar with his brother and the minister. He smiled at the sight of his mother sitting with his grandmother and a man he didn’t know. He raised an eyebrow, and Jack followed his line of vision.
The sight of his grandmother holding hands with the man took his mind off of his nervousness.
Nicole appeared at the end of the aisle, breathtaking in a pale pink dress. It fit her perfectly and shimmered around her.
Nicholas almost laughed at the look on Jack’s face, until he saw Ashley standing with Sean and Patrick. His heart stopped for a beat at the sound of the wedding march. Her dress, the same length as Nicole’s and almost the same color but just a little lighter accentuated her curves. She walked towards him, Sean on her left, Patrick on her right. The closer she got to him, all the fear and doubts he’d experienced earlier evaporated. Just by looking into her eyes, Nicholas could tell that this was what she wanted and where she felt that she belonged. They reached the altar. Patrick passed her hand to Nicholas’, and he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that this woman truly belonged to him and he to her.
The reception was held next door to the church. Saundra had decided not to arrange a huge meal. She’d joked earlier at how impatient her son would be and that Nicholas would only last maybe an hour before he grabbed his new wife and beautiful son and left for home.
The photographer took pictures of Nicholas and Ashley as they held each other on the dance floor to the sound of Boyz II Men’s Thank You In Advance.
Nicholas looked around the room in search of Marcus. His great grandmother bounced him up and down on her lap. After the dance, Nicholas headed for the microphone to thank everyone for attending and announced that he and his family were going home.
“Mary, I’ll ride with the two of you to Nicholas’ house so that I can show you the way,” Saundra said.
After giving her great grandson a kiss on the cheek, Mary handed him over to Saundra.
Peter had just reached his room when his cell phone rang. He listened for a few minutes, a frown on his face.
“Find out whose house it is and whose wedding she attended and get back with me.” Before he disconnected the call, he remembered something Trisha had said.
So the old bag swindled her way to the wedding.
Turning his attention back to the person on the other end, he instructed them to call when his grandmother was on her way back to the house. He still couldn’t fight the feeling that something was going to happen, something to do with that bitch Trisha. Grabbing his cell, he called his right hand man.
“Have you guys taken my nurse out yet?” he asked, his tone friendly. “Well, why don’t we take her to an old friend of ours? I think his name is Charlie Carson.”
Peter whistled a lively tune as he headed to the kitchen to fix himself something to eat. “Won’t old buddy Charlie be shocked when he finds the little surprise in his bed?” Peter said to the empty kitchen. But even the thought of Charlie’s reaction couldn’t dispel the bad feeling. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.
By the time everyone had arrived, Nicholas, Ashley, and Marcus had all changed and waited in the study. Mary walked in with the man she’d sat in church with. Ashley watched the look on her face and knew instantly that recognition had dawned.
Mary walked over to her and took her hand in hers. “My dear, I am so sorry, and I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I know I may have acted cold, and there is no excuse for my actions.”
Sincerity shone in the woman’s eyes. Knowing how much her husband wanted her to get along with his grandmother, the one true link to his father, Ashley knew that there was only one thing to do. She opened her arms to the woman standing before her. “I forgive you,” she whispered in her ear. “You had nothing to do with what was done to me.”
Tears streamed down both their faces.
“Enough of this mess. No more tears,” Nicholas said, coming up to stand near the two women. “We have a lot to talk about, but first I’d like to know who this gentleman is?” His gaze remained on the man.
Mary took Nicholas’ hand and walked over to where Phillip stood. “Nicholas, I would like for you to meet the love of my life, Phillip Hill, your grandfather.”
Nicholas’ face drained of color. “My grandfather?”
Mary nodded to him in answer.
“How can that be?” he asked, visibly stunned beyond belief.
Mary explained how she’d fallen in love with Phillip, but because her family wouldn’t accept him, she was forced to marry Theodore Remington. Unknown to her husband or her family, she was already with child from Phillip.
“So is Peter his grandson also?”
Before Mary could respond, Phillip answered for her with an emphatic no.
“I’d had one other child from my husband, a daughter, and she was Peter’s mother,” Mary informed him.
“I was devastated when I found out that Mary had married someone else, so I left town, but when I came back, I found out that she had lost her husband and daughter. I didn’t know what had happened to my son until after I started working for Mary as her butler.” Pain filled the old man’s voice.
“So you never got a chance to meet my dad either?” Nicholas asked in a soft whisper.
Phillip didn’t appear able to speak, but Ashley knew the answer by the look on his face. Unable to take seeing the man she loved in pain, she walked up to Nicholas and wrapped her arms around his waist.
“This is a happy time. We just got married, and you’ve found out that not only do you have a grandmother but also a grandfather to boot, so now I think it’s time to celebrate.”
Nicholas stared down into his wife’s face. “My wife is right. I think we need to celebrate.”
They all headed for the kitchen where the caterer had set up the food. Once everyone had their plates and sat at the table, Nicholas called for attention. “Mary and Phillip, I have two things to ask of you. The first is, would it be all right for me to call you Grandma and Grandpa?” When they were about to respond he stopped them. “Before you answer, listen to the second part of my question. Would it be possible for you two to accept my brothers as your grandchildren also?”
Jack, Sean, and Patrick stared at him as if he’d lost his mind. But before they could protest, Phillip answered, “We would be delighted and extremely happy to have all of you as our grandchildren.”
Ch
arlie had decided that putting all of his energies into his business was exactly what he needed to get over the loss of his close friendship with Nicholas and his family—and the loss of the woman that he thought had loved him. He checked his watch—he’d worked later than he’d planned. He loved the fact that his office stood only a couple of blocks from his apartment. It would take him less than an hour to run home, grab a bite to eat, and get back to the office.
Once home, Charlie closed the door and reached for the light switch. A blinding pain bloomed at the back of his head. A noise sounded behind him, and he turned. Darkness engulfed him.
When Charlie came to, he pushed himself to his knees. As he stood, the pain in his head throbbed and his head spun. He looked around the living room. Whoever had knocked him out had also destroyed his room. He needed to call the police, but first he had to get something for the band playing in his head.
In his bedroom, his bed drew his gaze. I know I’ve had a knock to the head, but I’m sure I made up my bed earlier. With care he shuffled over to the bed and pulled back the covers further. The sight that greeted him knocked the wind right out of him; Charlie felt as if he’d been kicked in the gut. He staggered backwards, bile rising in his throat. Grabbing the phone on his nightstand, he called the first person that came to mind.
The wedding party had just finished their meal when the phone rang. Frowning, Nicholas grabbed the phone. Who would be calling this time of night?
Surprised to hear the panicked voice of Charlie, Nicholas said, “Charlie, calm down. I can’t understand what you’re saying.”
All conversation at the table ceased, and all gazes riveted on Nicholas.
“You found what?” Nicholas asked in a harsh whisper. “Okay, Charlie, listen to me. Don’t touch anything else. Go back into the living room and sit down. I’ll have Jack call his contact on the police force, and then we’ll be right over.”
As soon as he hung up the phone, everyone pounced. He forestalled the questions by holding up his hands. “Charlie came home, and someone was in his apartment and cold cocked him. When he came to, he went into the bedroom and found Trisha’s body in his bed.”
A collective gasp filled the room.
“Jack, call your buddy and have him meet us over there.”
Ashley walked over to her husband. Worry plagued her eyes, and he pulled her into his arms.
“Do you think it’s safe for you to go over there?” she asked.
“Yeah, apparently they were just there to leave her body, but I guess Charlie surprised them by coming home. I’m sure whoever they were they are long gone by now. Sean, I want you and Patrick to come along,” Nick instructed.
“I’d like to come along also, that way we can take the limo,” Phillip said as he stood.
About to protest, Nicholas noticed the look on his grandfather’s face and nodded in agreement.
He quickly gave Ashley a kiss. “I’ll be back as soon as I can,” he promised.
“No, mister, you’ll call me just as soon as you get inside his apartment and tell me that everything’s okay and that the police are there,” Ashley said and poked him in the chest.
Once on their way, Nicholas turned to Phillip. “Okay, tell us what’s on your mind?”
Phillip smiled. “I think that your cousin Peter had something to do with the young woman’s death. I’m sure he didn’t do it himself but paid some of his henchmen to see the deed done.” Phillip reached in the compartment next to him and pulled out a legal-size envelope. “Last night as I was making sure everything was locked up, I heard a loud thud from one of the upstairs rooms. I had just made it up the stairs when I saw Peter coming out of her bedroom—on foot. I knew that something was wrong, so I decided to stay up for a while. Well, just before one o’clock, Trisha slipped out of her room and went out the back door through the kitchen. I guess she must have thought everyone was asleep. I went up to her room and found this envelope under a loose floorboard in the closet.”
Nicholas took the envelope and emptied the contents in his lap. The pictures turned his stomach. “Oh my God!” Nicholas let out a loud whistle.
“My guess is that she must have felt bold enough to confront him about his, uh, preferences, and whatever he did to her that night scared her enough to make her run.”
“Yeah, and I’m sure your dear cousin was waiting for her to leave and had his friends go after her,” Jack said and slipped the pictures back into the envelope. “I think we’d better give these to my buddy Rick.”
Police cars had drawn up at the parking garage of Charlie’s building. As soon as they climbed out of the car, Rick came over to meet them.
“Have you been up to Charlie’s apartment yet?” Jack asked.
“Yeah, and it’s not a pretty sight. You say this Charlie guy called you when he found the body?” Rick inquired.
“Yes, he called Nicholas,” Jack said.
“Can I trust that he’s telling the truth about finding her, and that he’s not the one that did this to her?”
“Yes. Rick, he wouldn’t hurt her. He loved her too much to hurt her,” Nicholas said, his voice filled with conviction. “Here, once you look at the contents of that envelope you’ll have an idea of who would have had this done.”
Rick took the envelope. “Tell me that this isn’t Peter Remington.”
No one told him differently, and he let out a loud groan.
“Do you know how hard it will be to get him charged with anything?” Rick said.
“Oh, stop your whining, man,” Jack said jokingly. “Just suck it up and move on.”
Rick glared at his friend. “They really worked the apartment over. My original guess was that they were making it look as if there was a fight, but now, with what you’ve given me, I think they were probably looking for this envelope. Where did you get this anyway?” Rick asked Jack.
Phillip was about to answer, but Nicholas stopped him. “Rick, man, you know I can’t reveal my sources.”
Rick didn’t appear satisfied with the answer but let it go. Nick walked over to where Charlie was being worked on by the paramedics in an ambulance. His cell phone rang. Without even looking at the number, he knew who it was. “Honey, we just got here. I was just about to call you,” he began, but Ashley wasn’t listening.
“Nicholas, I asked you to call me as soon as you got there.”
He shook his head. His mother yelled something in the background. “What did Mom say?” he asked.
“She said for you to bring Charlie here. She says that he can stay at her house and that there’s no way she’s going to allow him to stay in that apartment.”
Nicholas chuckled.
“What do you find so darn funny? I can’t help that I care about your butt and I don’t want anything to happen to you, but if you find that so funny then so be it.” Before he could respond to her tirade, she disconnected the call.
“What was that all about?” Patrick asked.
“Ashley’s mad because I didn’t call her when we got here. She’s worried and doesn’t handle it very well.”
“Well, I guess love will do that to you, huh?”
“Yeah I guess so.” Nicholas peeked inside the ambulance when the paramedic finished. “Hey, buddy, I’m not even going to ask if you’re okay because I know you’re not. I’m really sorry to hear about Trisha.”
Charlie sat up on the bed. “I can’t believe she’s dead, man. I can’t even believe that someone would do a woman like that.”
Seeing all of the pain and anguish on Charlie’s face, Nicholas knew that he wouldn’t let what happened in the past stop him from being the friend that Charlie needed.
“Look, bud, why don’t you grab a few things and let’s hit the road? I’m sure Mom and Ashley are probably worried out of their minds.”
Charlie gave a quick nod.
“You guys go on back. I’ll have Rick drop me off at your place,” Jack said to Nick.
“What do you want me to tell Nicole?”
&
nbsp; “Just tell her that I’ll be there as soon as I can and for her to wait, and if she tries to leave you make sure you keep her there.”
Nicholas smiled.
“I mean it, Nick, even if you have to sit on her or lock her in one of the spare bedrooms, you do it.”
Rick glanced from Jack to Nick, a questioning look on his face.
“Don’t even ask. I’ll tell you about her later,” Jack said, stopping Rick before he voiced his question.
Nicholas strode into the kitchen, Phillip and Charlie behind him. His mother spotted them and immediately came up and kissed him on the cheek.
“Where are your brothers?”
“They stayed behind to answer some questions to do with the investigation.”
After hearing his explanation, she gave her attention to Charlie. She whispered encouraging words to him and led him into the study.
Nicholas turned around and noticed he stood alone. A frown settled on his face, and he followed his mother and Charlie into the study.
“Mom, where’s Ashley and Marcus?”
She didn’t answer, so he looked to his grandmother.
“I think she said something about going to bed. She seemed a little upset.”
Nicholas immediately bounded up the stairs to their bedroom. He found it empty then walked into Marcus’ room. The boy lay in his bed asleep. Reaching down, he gently brushed his hand across the child’s cheek.
“Ashley, are you going to sit on that window seat, all hidden behind that curtain, and sulk all night, or are you going to come to bed?” he asked, a smile on his face.
She moved the curtain aside, and his smile faded. Tears streamed down her face. Nicholas moved to her side and had her in his arms in seconds.
“Honey, tell me what’s wrong.”
She tried to explain, but nothing coherent came out.
“Shhh, honey, try and calm down,” Nicholas whispered as he carried her into their bedroom and gently placed her on the bed. He closed the door leading to Marcus’ room and also their bedroom door. Once next to her, he settled her back into his arms.
