“Not today, maybe tomorrow. I have to drive, so it’ll take some time to get to you. Are you being a good boy for Dad and Anna?”
“Yes, Mommy. I played football today. Did Bobby fix his tattoo?”
“No, honey. Bobby passed away suddenly. We won't be seeing him again. I'm driving by myself. I'll leave as soon as another little friend is taken care of properly. Okay, Chris?”
“Okay, Mommy. I hope your friend is better.”
“Well... Chris, you know Mommy loves you, don't you? I always have and I always will. Okay?”
“Yes. I love you, too. I miss you, Mommy.”
“I miss you too, Chris, I always will. Your dad and Anna will take such good care of you until we see each other again. Always be a good boy for them, okay, honey?”
Parker's alert goes off on his laptop and he reads something on it. His eyes narrow and a soft 'fuck' comes out of his mouth.
“Ross spoke to Captain Green and that's how Adina linked with Flores. He was tracking Mrs. Cannon, at Ms. Elliott's behest, on belief that she was tracking her background for her brother, who was thinking of proposing to her.”
This just gets sicker as it goes on and still no idea on Mariah's whereabouts. It's already five in the evening; she has been gone for at least fourteen hours.
“Chris, I need to speak to your father,” Adina weeps. “Can you give the phone to him? I know I told you not to let him see it, but it's important that I speak to him.”
“Okay, Mommy.”
“Go back to practice, Chris.”
A car door slams then Wexler says, “Adina? What's going on?”
“Will... I did something fucked up and I can never make it right. I never should’ve slept with you and I never thought I’d get pregnant. Chris shouldn’t have been your son.”
“What are you saying, Adina? What did you do?”
“Aren't you listening? I fucked you when I should've been attempting to get Marcus back. I pushed that insipid girl back to him and moved to New York and I've been miserable ever since. You fell for her, too... what was it about her, Will? Why didn't I deserve love, from either of you?”
“I can't answer that, Adina. Please, don't do anything foolish; your son needs you.”
“He doesn't. He has you, Anna and the baby as well as any other children you have together. I have no one but Chris and he doesn't need me. At least neither of you will have Mariah. I can rest peacefully knowing I made that happen.”
Is she saying she killed Mariah? I grip my desk. The whole room goes black as I try to focus on the phone.
“Adina! What did you do? Where's Mariah,” Wexler shouts.
“You should've seen that baby, Will. Isn't it ironic Marcus could've saved it? So tiny. It's not that baby's fault its mother was a whore and its father is an asshole that couldn't keep me interested. You should thank your lucky stars, Will. You could've been a widower today. Maybe you can share Marcus' next wife with him. Maybe you can share Anna, since her and Mariah basically had the same faces. Marcus would love that.”
Nathan moves to a corner, gripping a chair. Joshua puts an arm around him. Tom has fallen to his knees, shaking. Matthew pales, tears rolling down his cheeks.
I watch them, my heart pounding as I try to maintain my sanity. I refuse to be drugged again.
“Adina, you have to tell me what you've done. I cannot believe you took Mariah's life. You are a doctor and not capable of something so heinous. Please tell me where you are, Adina; what did you do to Mariah?”
“Loving her to the end, huh, Will?” Adina sneers, “Does your wife know she’s a settle? Second best because that woman didn’t want you? Jesus... what was it about her? God, even her kids are beautiful. Especially the little girl with all that pretty black hair.”
Parker’s head snaps up. “She has all the Cannon and Harvey addresses. No one has seen her?”
“No one has said to me they have,” I whisper.
“I've never met her, so I can't say,” Nathan croaks.
“Quiet,” Matthew yells then his, Parker and Richards' cells go off, nearly simultaneously.
“… so at least they can rest together while her other children are raised by that stupid looking nanny and Marcus. I should pop her off right now.”
“Adina, are you in California? Are you armed,” Wexler demands.
“Maybe... maybe not.”
“Wound and disarm,” Matthew yells into his phone then runs out of the room, Parker and Richards’ stunned faces follow close behind.
“Adina, please. You have to tell me where you are; we need to get you some help.”
“Too late, Will. I’ve already helped myself. My, little Lila looks so adorable in blue.”
“Fuck,” I scream, jumping up. “Adina's at Joshua's!”
A gunshot sounds in the distance, sounding like a firecracker through the phone.
July 8, 2011
“Thank you so much, Dr. Alexander. Kimmy's her old self again. And thank you for fitting Brendon in on your birthday. He really enjoyed his cupcake.”
“You're very welcome, Mrs. Grier. And no swimming yet, Kimmy. You need more time to heal, but it looks good. Make another appointment for next week and we'll see, then. All right?”
Kimmy’s brown eyes lit up. “Only a week? Cool, Dr. Alexander! Thank you!”
She grinned as she skipped off. I'd say she is a lot better since I released her two days after her emergency appendectomy. I smiled at the difference between then and now.
I finished my notes in Kimmy’s chart then glanced at my watch. Forty after, already. I had to get out of there. I hated to keep Mariah waiting, even if she insisted she didn't mind.
I felt a strong need to be inside her again; that afternoon's play was not enough for me. She actually thought I was kidding when I suggested we get together again at four. I wasn’t, by any means. I could be inside her all damn day, watching her face and feeling her cum as it slowly rolled down my cock.
Damn it! I needed to think about something else. I couldn't go out to reception with that fucking erection. Whoo, relax, you'll see her in a few minutes, I told myself. I grinned, thinking, maybe I could talk her into a quickie in the car and that possibly could tide me over until I could get her to my bed.
I had to take a trip to that lingerie store. I planned to call her mother later and find out where it was. I don't need her to wear it but it doesn't fucking hurt. I'd never had such a great time fucking in my life. Bryan was so right; I was a lucky fuck. And I still agree.
Okay, this thinking was not helping me deflate. My thoughts moved to what to do about dinner while I washed my hands. I didn't know what was in the fridge so it occurred to me to order in because once I got Mariah in the apartment, I definitely wouldn't want to go back out that evening.
I finally deflated. I took off my doctor's coat and headed to the reception desk.
“Dr. Alexander,” Ms. Thompson called as I put Kimmy’s chart on the return bin. I walked around to the front of the desk.
“Yes, Ms. Thompson? Were you able to fit Kimmy in next week?”
“Yes, Doctor. Friday at eleven. You still want the afternoon off?”
“Definitely,” I smiled. “That's my girlfriend's birthday.”
Ms. Thompson and Ms. Jones looked at one another. Ms. Thompson gave Ms. Jones a 'do it' look, Ms. Jones shook her head and gave her a 'no, you' look back while holding out an envelope.
“What is it, ladies,” I asked, irritated because they were keeping me from Mariah.
Ms. Jones sighed. “Doctor, um... while you were in with Kimmy, the pretty girl with the burn was here.”
“Mariah?” I looked over at the seats in the waiting area and they were all empty. I turned back and I’m sure I looked completely confused because I was. “Where is she?”
“She left,” Ms. Thompson answered quietly. “She was very upset and had been crying.”
I scowled. “What? Are you sure?”
Ms. Jones nodded. “Yes, Doct
or. Val asked her if she was all right and she said no, that she had to stop here before she could go.”
What was going on? Crying? I scowled deeper, wondering what's upset my baby. I knew she was with Thomas that day, but he couldn't have done anything to upset her, especially to the point of tears. I hoped Mike didn't say anything to distress her. Fucker was dead if he did.
“She left this for you, Doctor,” Ms. Jones said, nervously sliding an envelope toward me.
I picked it up; it was heavy. My heart rate quickened and I broke out in a cold sweat, knowing exactly what was in that fucking envelope. I opened it anyway, and slid the contents into my hand. It's not only the keys, but the anklet she swore would never leave her ankle. I closed my eyes and fisted them as I willed the pain in my heart to ease.
“There's a note, Doctor,” Ms. Jones said. “She put one in there.”
My cell vibrated in my pocket; I ignored it and looked in the envelope. A pink post-it was folded on the side. I pulled it out and blinked rapidly as I tried to read it. Everything had gotten fuzzy and I strained to see it. Finally, I make it out:
Dr. CANNON, please make sure “Dr. Alexander” gets his things back. M.
Everything went black then the keys and anklet fell from my hands. I felt nauseated. My hands gripped the reception desk and I murmured, 'What happened,' over and over.
“Doctor! She just left, only a few minutes ago. You may be able to catch her,” Ms. Thompson yelled. I took off running.
“Please still be here,” I muttered repeatedly as I yanked open the door of the stairwell. I flew down the stairs at break neck speed and burst through the lobby door.
SHIT! She wasn’t there. I ran outside and still no Mariah. Going back in the building, I saw my sister coming out of her office.
“Evelyn! Did you see Mariah, just now?”
“Yes, I did, Marcus. I was just calling your cell. She's gone. What did you do to her?”
“What do you mean?”
“She was crying, Marcus. You did something to hurt that lovely girl. What did you do?”
“Why didn't you stop her? Damn it!”
“She was walking so fast and determined, I didn't have a chance. What did you do?”
I didn’t answer. Evelyn grabbed my arm and led me into her office. She pushed me to a chair and pressed a glass of water in my hand.
“Drink it, Marcus! You look like a damn ghost!”
“I didn't tell her I was a Cannon,” I mumbled, trying to calm.
“Jesus, Marcus! You know how she feels about lying.”
“It wasn't a lie; it was an omission.”
“It was a lie,” she yelled at me. “Aren't I proof enough of what lies can do?”
“Evelyn—”
“No, Marcus! You fucked up big time on this one. That girl loves you!”
I started thinking, wondering how this happened. One more day and she would have known everything. I had planned to meet her at the engagement party and explain everything but something… someone… beat me to it. Who?
“Jesus... what did I do? Who did this?”
Unable to piece it together, as well as becoming angrier by the second, I squeeze my fists and the glass broke in my hand, water spills all over my thigh and the floor.
Evelyn slammed a tissue box on the desk in front of me and picked up the phone. “How close are you now,” she snapped. “Oh, good. Yeah, he’s with me. See you in two.”
“Did you Rockford,” I asked.
“When I saw her? Damn right, I did. Luckily, they were already in the area.”
“You didn't have to do that,” I murmured, still frozen, staring at the phone on the desk. “I just need a minute to think this through.”
“You need more than a fucking minute, Marcus. You need your ass beaten. I never want to see her that upset again! Broke my heart to see her all… destroyed!”
I felt a sting on my hand and tried to look at it, but Evelyn already had my hand, dabbing disinfectant on it.
“You won't need stitches, but it'll scar.”
“Are you a fucking doctor now, Evelyn?”
She looked at me, her eyes glittering. “You fucked this up, Marcus! Don’t take it out on me!”
I winced as the pain in my chest becomes twice as hard. “Shit... I did.”
“Yeah, you did, I just cannot understand why!”
Evelyn placed a small bandage on my palm then walked out of the room. When she returned, Joshua entered behind her, immediately followed by Matthew. They were all scowling.
“Cramp, Cramp, Cramp! After all you went through to get that beautiful girl, how could you fuck it up over something so stupid,” Matthew yelled as Joshua paced and counted.
“Watch your tone,” I snarled. “How do you know what she looks like?”
“I will not watch my fucking tone,” Matthew yelled louder. “You fucked up, brother. How hard is it to say, 'By the way, Mariah, I'm a Cannon,' and get that shit over with? And don't forget I'm a private investigator. Took me all of two minutes to find her but my referring to her as beautiful has nothing to do with her looks!”
I pulled out my phone, turn the ringer back on then called Mariah. Straight to voicemail.
“Mariah, baby, please call me so I can explain.” I glared at Matthew as I ended the call. “When, Matthew?”
“Before we went to Tokyo,” Matthew snarled.
“You let me sit on not knowing who she was all that fucking time and you knew,” I shouted.
“I did,” he shouted back. “I felt like shit for doing it, but right now, I'm fucking glad I did!”
“So am I,” Joshua yelled. “You have to be the stupidest fucker on the planet, Marcus!”
“Why the fuck is everyone yelling at me? I feel bad enough as it is,” I roared, standing. I see Wexler walking out of the elevator. I point his way, scowling. “What's he doing here?”
“Isn't that Wexler,” Matthew asked.
“Yes. Why is he here? Shit! I bet he's the one that told Mariah!”
I got to the door but they stopped me before I could go through it. Joshua pushed me to a chair as Matthew went to talk to Wexler. It gets heated quickly and Thomas got between them. Wexler angrily walked out the door; Thomas and Matthew entered Evelyn’s office.
“Evelyn,” Thomas grunted with a sharp nod. “Marcus, what the hell were you thinking? She's called Lisa and Rachel, completely broken by this. You know what happens when she's stressed. And now, no one knows where she's gone. I pray she took her medicine this morning!”
“What happens to her, Cramp,” Joshua asked.
“She has debilitating migraines,” I answered quietly.
“Shit, I forgot about that! Damn it, Marcus,” Matthew scolded as he pulls out his cell. “Evelyn, did you see what cab company picked her up?”
“Yellow.”
I snorted. Talk about ironic. I repeatedly called Mariah, to no avail. It went straight to voicemail.
“Salim? Matthew Cannon. I'm calling in one ... Okay, but it's gonna cost you five ... No a day, fucker ... I have a staff to pay, you cheap bastard ... Fine, send the info. Who responded to a call to the Harvey-Reed clinic this afternoon? ... Annette Wilbur? ... Is she still on? ... Good. Put me through to her.”
Matthew rapidly snaps his fingers at Evelyn then pointed to the desk. She rolled her eyes at him, handed him a pen and notepad then smacked his head like my mother does. He chuckled.
“Love you, Evie ... Yes, Ms. Wilbur? ... Sorry, Mrs. Wilbur. I’m Matthew Cannon, P.I. I understand you picked up a young woman at Harvey-Reed this afternoon, is that correct?” He scowled at me. “Yes, a young woman in tears. Can you tell me where you dropped her?” He writes furiously and passed it to me. “Thank you, Mrs. Wilbur, you've been very helpful.”
I looked and shook my head. “I don't know this address.” I passed it back to Matthew and he showed it to the others. Thomas looked and immediately, relief crossed his face. He pulled out his cell.
“Is Cookie with you
? ... I don't care ... Technically, I called you ... Her mother and I are worried that she's stressed and distraught ... Damn it! ... Is she having any pain? ... What plan? … Oh, good ... How long? ... One of you call me after dinner and let me know ... Fine ... All right, as you're leaving, understand? ... No, I'll be there. Rachel will want to see her ... Fine ... Just keep her relaxed. I'll see you later.”
I looked at Thomas anxiously. His expression was full of doubt.
“Thomas, I won't crowd her, I swear. I just need to see that she's okay.”
He took a deep breath. “She's with Ethan. He's taking her out with some friends, as well as Tom and Monica. He says she was crying uncontrollably when she finally made it to him, but he got her calmed and talking. Monica's bringing her some clothes and they will have dinner, then go to some bar. He promises not to leave her side and I'm sure Tom won't either.”
“Where? What bar?”
“I don't know, Marcus. Someone will call after she has something to eat.”
I stood. “I want to know, Thomas. I have to see her.”
“I don't know...”
“I'll go with him, Thomas,” Evelyn offered, then looked at Joshua and Matthew. “No, we have that business meeting for Katherine tonight. I'll see if Russ will go.” She picked up the desk phone and dialed. “Hi, Russ. Did you finish your paperwork? ... Good. I need you to go somewhere with Marcus tonight. He fucked up with his girlfriend and he's going to attempt to fix it ... No, it's a bar ... We’re not sure yet, he's waiting on a call ... Yes, that's fine. Thank you, babe ... I love you, too.” She slammed the phone down. “He'll be at your place at seven and sit around with you while you wait for the call.”
“Fine, I'll call you after I know. Do whatever she asks you, Marcus... if she even talks to you,” Thomas ordered.
“I'll be at Mother's after the meeting,” Matthew said, glaring. “You better not be.”
I scowled at him. I went back upstairs to get my things, as well as Mariah's keys and anklet, wanting to put it back where it belonged, always.
11:57 p.m.
I got to Mother's in record time. Thank God Russ and I took separate cars. We needed to. That fucker lit into me for my stupidity, just like the rest of the family.
Marcus: The M Series, Book Three Page 10
