by Caine, Candy
Then there was Angel’s funeral on Friday. He owed it to David, his old war buddy, to make sure his daughter was put to rest properly. He had helped bury June, David’s wife, buried David, and now he’d bury Angel, David’s stepdaughter.
* * *
Marnie wanted to talk to Scott alone, but he usually came to visit whenever Frank did. There was so much she had wanted to ask him, especially about his stepsister. Of course, in the beginning, she couldn’t keep her eyes open long enough to even think about having a lengthy conversation. Now as the days passed she could feel herself getting stronger. So she patiently waited.
One evening Scott arrived alone bringing her a bunch of magazines. He had come directly from work and was wearing a navy blue pinstriped suit that was superbly tailored to fit his tall, rugged body. He could have stepped off the cover of GQ. Marnie caught her breath, as her heart did that little skip it always did when Scott walked into the room. She had nearly forgotten how good he looked. She smiled mockingly to herself, thinking about how she’d thought she’d rid herself of all feelings towards him.
“You won’t throw me out, will you?” he asked.
“No. Not when you’ve come bearing gifts.”
He blew out his breath. “I wasn’t too sure if you’d talk to me—without Frank.”
“Not when we desperately need to talk,” Marnie said.
“About what?” Scott asked hoping for the best.
“I’m sorry about your sister. Why have you never mentioned her?”
Finally. This was the moment he’d sought so many weeks before. “If I had, we wouldn’t have had our misunderstanding.”
“What do you mean?”
“The woman you overheard in my apartment the night you called from the restaurant was my stepsister, Angel.”
Marnie’s eyes opened wide with surprise. She hadn’t sounded like a sister. “I don’t understand. The woman I heard sounded more like a lover than a sister.”
“Angel was so high on coke that she hardly knew what she was doing.”
Suddenly Marnie felt terrible—as if there might be room for more pain. “Oh, Scott, I feel so awful. I jumped to the wrong conclusion and misconstrued the entire situation. And to make things worse, I’d been unreasonable and wrong not to have given you a chance to explain. I’m so sorry.”
“I never told you about Angel because I was ashamed of her. I didn’t want you to know I had a stepsister who was so strung out on drugs, she’d sell herself for the money to buy them.”
“Did she die of an overdose?”
“No. She wasn’t that lucky.”
“How did she die, Scott?”
“She was murdered by a John. He literally beat her to death. Her features were totally unrecognizable.”
Marnie winced, closing her eyes. “How awful.”
“I begged her not to do what she was doing and to go into rehab, but she refused.”
“I’m so very sorry. I acted like a child. Can you ever forgive me?”
“Under other circumstances were you not in a hospital bed I’d milk this for all it’s worth. But to set things straight between us, let’s start again and allow me to take you to Umberto’s.
Fair enough?”
She smiled. “Yes. I’ll allow your motion, Counselor.”
Their eyes met and caught for a moment before Scott began to speak in a more serious tone. “I’ve put in a request to prosecute John Kalb. If the DA gives me the nod, I’m going to need input from you.”
“The file is still in my briefcase. Hopefully there won’t be too many holes in it.”
“It probably saved your life.”
“Too bad it couldn’t save Marishka Kalb’s, as well,” Marnie said, tears welling in her eyes.
“You couldn’t have prevented her death, honey.
“I know, but…”
The tears began to fall. Scott grabbed a tissue from the box on the counter and gently wiped her eyes. “I’ll make sure Kalb gets what’s coming to him. I promise,” he said, kissing the top of her head.
She closed her eyes and savored the feel of his lips for a moment. “I meant to ask you. Where’s Frank?”
“Allison went into labor early this morning. There was no way Louise would let him out of her sight.”
Marnie smiled. “I know. They’re what family is all about. I hope Allison’s delivery is a swift and easy one—for Frank’s sake.”
Scott chuckled. He took her hand in his. “Feeling better?” A shock of awareness sped up Marnie’s arm.
“Much. Thanks. I’m so glad you came,” she said, flashing him a smile.
For a moment Scott was so dazzled by the smile, all the words flew out of his head. “Really?” he managed.
The nurse walked in to let them know that visiting time was over.
“I’ll try to be back tomorrow. Is there anything you need?” Scott asked.
She nearly said you. “A hacksaw and a change of clothes. I’ve got to break out of this place.”
“Not so fast. You’ve got to mend first,” Scott said gently stroking her face.
Marnie smiled. Her skin prickled pleasantly at his touch. “I don’t know if I can make it. Jail is probably more stimulating.”
“Especially if you get in with the right crowd. Good night, Marnie.” He smiled and leaned over to kiss her cheek.
His lips felt soft against her cheek yet she could feel the heat of the kiss surge through her skin.
“Goodnight.”
Long after Scott was gone, Marnie thought about what they’d talked about. She’d definitely been the disagreeable one and her actions were quite unfair. Yet…Scott hadn’t written her off as a lost cause. There could only be one reason why. He cared. She smiled at that thought. Then a tiny voice in her head whispered, “Maybe he merely hates to lose.” Even so, there had to be some caring involved. And that revelation made her smile.
The nurse came in to prep her for the night. Her name tag read June Reagan. She had a sweet, round, freckled face and the merriest blue eyes.
“Is that your man?”
“No, only a good friend, I guess.”
“You’re not sure?” Reagan asked, pudgy hands on her ample hips.
“We weren’t speaking for a while—at least, I wasn’t.”
“Well, if you want my advice, you should never stop talking to that one. If nothing else, he’s a hottie!”
“It’s probably the best advice I’ve gotten lately,” Marnie said.
Marnie’s last thoughts were about Scott holding her, kissing her…before, laced with sedatives, she drifted off to a dreamless sleep.
Chapter Thirteen
Marnie was going stir-crazy in the hospital. She knew she was getting better because she could feel the subtle changes in her body allowing her to do a little more each day before the onset of pain. The worst part had been the breathing. One of the bullets had shattered a rib, which in turn, had punctured her lung, collapsing it. Every time she’d taken the slightest breath, it sent a bolt of pain right through her chest as if she’d been impaled by a hot poker.
Try as she may, she couldn’t prevent her mind from straying back to the shooting and the senseless murder of Marishka Kalb. The guilt pains weren’t going away as easily as her physical ones. She couldn’t get over the hurdle of not knowing whether or not there was something else she could have done to prevent the poor woman’s death. The ironic part was that Marishka finally got her wish to be forever free of her husband, John. The sad truth, of the matter, was that she always knew he would eventually kill her. She just didn’t know when.
Marnie had been in the hospital over two weeks, but they felt like months. Many of her associates came to visit, but the only visitor she truly looked forward to seeing was Scott. Her whole being seemed to be filled with waiting for him and when he walked into her room, her entire world brightened.
When he kissed her hello, she drank in the comfort of his nearness, but when he left, he took all the light from the room l
eaving her saddened. Just hearing his voice caused her heartbeat to quicken. And when he touched her cheek or hand, warmth spread through her.
Scott had begun to invade her sleep, as well. One of her dreams was so vivid she thought it was actually happening...
A man carrying an assault rifle walked into the courtroom during a trial that Marnie was litigating. Scott came rushing into the courtroom and whisked Marnie off to safety, locking them both in a jury room. All he said was, “Sex is the best defense for fear,” and kissed her. The kiss sent a spiral of ecstasy through her. His tongue explored the dark corners of her mouth as his hands explored the curves of her back. Then she felt the heady sensation of his lips against her neck. Her eyes closed as she moaned softly, pleasure flowing slowly through her body. She wanted to feel him inside her, rocking her world.
The sounds outside the room faded away as Scott pushed her back onto a small couch. His lips began to ravish her mouth as he reached beneath her skirt. He began to rub her sex through her pantyhose and panties. Her body arched and bucked. She wanted more—no needed more.
Scott pulled down her panties and pantyhose and ran his tongue over her clit. She nearly shrieked with pleasure, but she wanted him in her and reached for the zipper on his slacks. He smiled knowingly and took his cock out. Marnie guided it into her pussy and together they pumped rapidly. Just as they both were climaxing, the gunman burst into the room. Marnie woke screaming. The nurse came rushing in.
* * *
Scott put his heart and soul into his work. He truly loved being on the side of the righteous, winning in court and getting convicted felons off the streets. Of course, he was never too certain how long they’d remain in jail, but putting them out of commission was the first step. To him it was personal. He didn’t mind working hard and putting in the extra hours necessary. The Old Man ran a tight ship and was well aware of the caliber of work Scott was doing. That’s why he granted Scott’s request to prosecute John Kalb without considering another ADA who had been on the job longer.
When a slighted ADA went to the Old Man to inquire why he had been passed over and the case given to a newbie, Edward Chalmers laughed and told the man to suck up his hurt pride and get over himself. Teamwork counted in his department more than the hurt feelings of individual prima donnas.
Scott knew there might be some resentment from the others if he was assigned the Kalb case. He just didn’t care. He wanted that case so badly that he would have done nearly anything to get it. Frank didn’t have to warn him about his anger and desire for revenge being a two-edged sword. Just as it could work for him, it could also blindside him, narrowing his insight and clouding his judgment. Even so, this was the one case he didn’t want to lose. He’d keep his emotions in check. He intended to prosecute Kalb to the maximum extent of the law.
* * *
“Here’s my list of expert witnesses,” Scott said, handing Marnie the list of names.
Marnie read the list, recognizing most of the names. She came to one she didn’t know. “Who’s this?”
“A psychiatrist out of D.C. who has had a great deal of experience with power-control freaks.”
“His practice is certainly in the right area,” Marnie said.
Scott nodded. “Between the doctor’s testimony and the documented evidence of his pedophilia, it won’t be difficult proving Kalb killed his wife with malice aforethought. When he was outed publicly, he took quite a hit to his reputation and standing in the community. Revenge was his driving force to even up the score against his wife and the attorney who assisted her.”
“I always felt I was in the presence of pure evil when Kalb was near.”
“He’s far from charming, that’s for sure. I had the pleasure of meeting him and his lawyer the other day.”
“Is Dariah Phillips defending him?”
“No. I heard that she didn’t want any part of him after what happened.”
“So who’s the unfortunate soul who got stuck with his case?”
“Stuck is a kind word. A guy from the same firm named Marshall Greene.”
“Who could blame Dariah? She probably feared for her own life. You know, he could have shot her also that day. After all, he probably holds her for responsible for his loss in court.”
“Guess she was the lucky one,” Scott said.
Marnie sighed. “She went through her own hell having to sit next to him in court.”
“Getting back to the list, is there anyone else you would add?”
“No. I think you’ve covered all your bases. I liked Marishka and want to see justice done. I don’t want to see that man institutionalized for a few years and then come waltzing out free to go after the kids.”
“I intend to do whatever I can to convict and put him away for a very long time. You have my word on it,” Scott said, giving Marnie’s hand a gentle squeeze, but held onto her hand several more beats before finally releasing it.
“I know you will.” Her eyes froze on his lips. How she wanted to feel them on her body.
“Well, I’ve got to get going. Some of us have to work, you know.”
That elicited a raised eyebrow from Marnie, which was quickly followed by a smile. She had noticed the telltale bulge in his slacks.
Scott then leaned over to brush her lips with his. It was a struggle for him not to take the kiss deeper. “I’ll try and stop by tomorrow.”
Marnie would have loved to reach out and run her hand over his growing erection, but instead watched him leave. How she wished he’d stayed longer. Feeling so alive when he was around, she found him to be her intellectual equal and enjoyed talking with him. He wasn’t condescending like some men, or intimidated by her like others. And he made her cream in her pants—had she been wearing any.
Chapter Fourteen
Mr. and Mrs. Davis breezed in during the third week of Marnie’s stay in the hospital. Aside from the fact, it took them so long to get there, it turned out to be exactly the kind of visit she’d come to expect from her parents. She knew her father considered time money, so being with her rather than working and earning more money was rough for him.
She happened to be dozing off when she heard her name. Opening her eyes to her mother’s voice, Marnie’s stomach knotted in a Pavlovian reaction.
“You look terrible. Doesn’t she, Alfred?”
Of course I do! I’m convalescing from multiple gunshot wounds and damn lucky to be alive.
“I’ve seen her looking better,” her father replied in a monotone.
“It’s nice of you two to fly here to come and tell me that. How long are you staying?”
“Only overnight. Your father is due back at work.”
“I thought you were a lawyer, not a cop,” Alfred Davis sniped.
“It’s not a common occurrence to be shot, I assure you.”
“Always with the smart mouth,” he replied.
“I don’t want to argue with you, Dad. Actually I’m happy to be alive.”
“Why couldn’t you have been a teacher like your sister?” Emma Davis inquired.
“Don’t you read the news, Mother? More teachers get shot at today than lawyers. Or have you forgotten Columbine and Newton?”
Not caring to hear Marnie’s opinion since it differed from her own, Emma Davis made a tsk tsk sound of dismissal and pursed her lips in a disapproving look, which began the usual process of pressing her daughter’s buttons. However Marnie neither had the strength nor the desire to engage in a war of words with her, either. Instead she tried to end the conversation by saying, “At least neither of you can be blamed for the career I’ve chosen. I paid my own way through school.”
But her father had to have the last word, as usual. “That’s because you wouldn’t listen to us and take a job suited for a woman,” her father added, defiantly.
Skyrockets exploded in Marnie’s head. Her parents hadn’t been in her room for more than ten minutes and were able to push her to her emotional breaking point.
“I won’
t grace that ignorant sexist statement with a rebuttal. How was Europe?”
“The French don’t like us Americans very much,” her mother blurted out.
I wonder why. “Where else did you go?”
“England,” Mrs. Davis said. “They’re more pleasant there.”
“You spent a week in each country?”
“Yes, but I think Europe is overrated,” Mr. Davis said.
“Have you heard from your brother?” her mother asked, changing the subject abruptly.
“Mother, why would he call me?” Now we’re getting to the heart of the matter. The Prince, her favorite child.
“I wouldn’t call someone with such an attitude, either,” Emma said flatly.
The throbbing in her head had become stronger. “He only calls when he needs something. What are you looking for, Dad?”
“Your remote. I want to see what’s on TV”
“Don’t bother, Alfred. We’ve got to be going. Marnie looks simply drained.”
Marnie was perfectly happy to see them go. She wondered why they even bothered to come at all. When she was younger, Marnie would do anything in a vain attempt to win their love. However, as it turned out, nothing that she ever did seemed to please them. It was always Marty, her brother, whom they adored. And he was truly a screw-up. She would come home with all As and they wouldn’t bat an eyelash over it, while Marty got Bs and Cs and they would praise him to the nth degree.
By the time her sister Mandy was born, neither parent had the patience to care for her. Instead, they simply thrust the child on Marnie. At first she didn’t mind, but soon the novelty wore off and she began to resent it. Going away to school was the break she needed from her family. There she was finally able to see her parents as they truly were—parasites sucking the very life from her, without ever giving anything in return.
