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  “But nothing, Dad. I need to be there. This is what I do. I’m sorry this is hitting all too close to home. It’s kinda ironic that all of this is happening right now. Maybe it’s just meant to be. Maybe all of this was supposed to happen.” I could feel my face reddening, and the growing tension in my shoulders and neck. “I’m sorry, this isn’t your call.”

  “Jennifer, I’m just trying to make this easier on you. The Harritans aren’t always easy to deal with. I haven’t seen Jacob since he was eight, so if you’re looking for information about him I really can’t help.” Dad shook his head back and forth and rubbed his short gray hair. “I can tell you that if Jacob is tied up in this somehow, Louise and Dean won’t be far behind. They have always supported Jacob. They’re all about supporting the family.”

  I rolled my eyes at his last statement and shook my head. “Really? All about supporting the family? He supported his family by having an affair with Mom? That’s how they support each other?” I slowly opened and closed my clenched fists. I felt an anger and frustration I hadn’t felt before.

  Dad held back, his lips pursed again. “Louise runs that family. She always seemed to call the shots, it’s no wonder…” Dad’s voice trailed off, and I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

  “Are you actually making excuses for him? Are you actually justifying what happened? That Mom had an affair?” I stood up barely able to control my anger. “I tell you what, Dad. I used to believe that you and Mom had a wonderful life. I used to think you did everything for her…for us. Now I’m hearing you say things like this!” My eyes began to fill with tears and I could feel the first one slide down my cheek. I tasted the saltiness in the corner of my mouth.

  “Jennifer, please. Calm down, that’s—”

  “I will not calm down. I used to dream that I would have a relationship like you and Mom. I can tell you now that I want nothing like that.” I felt the word “hate” coming to my lips, and I knew if I let it out there would be no taking it back, ever. I pulled away from the desk and moved toward the door as Dad reached his hand out to me.

  “Jennifer, I was just saying that Louise could be controlling. I could understand how Dean would want an escape. I wasn’t justifying anything. You have no idea how much I blame myself for your mother’s death. I think about what I could have done differently, if anything, that may have saved her.”

  “Good! I’m glad you wrestle with that. You should. You drove her away! You’re the reason Mom isn’t here.” I grabbed the handle of the door with one hand and wiped my tears away with the other. Without looking back, or saying another word, I left his office. I managed to not tell him I hated him, but the feeling was there, stronger than ever.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  I wasn’t feeling up to spending the rest of the day in the office. The argument with my father, the memory of my mother, the case—it was all tearing me apart, piece by piece. I wondered when I would actually have some control over my life. I wondered when the past would actually just remain in the past.

  Cain’s house was a welcome sight as I pulled into the driveway through the iron gates. I drove up to the front of the first garage, my normal space, and popped my car into park. I sat for a moment with my head resting on the heated steering wheel. Over the last few days I had done an amazing job of walking out—frustrated and mad—on every man in my life. Cain didn’t deserve that and I knew it. I had taken my frustration out on him and I hoped he would still be there for me like he had been so far. I took a deep breath, gathered my purse and bag, and made my way into the house.

  The aroma of garlic and Italian cooking filled the large foyer and brought a temporary feeling of inner peace. I stood quietly and looked around the large entrance. I didn't know if I had ever really looked at the entrance before. Elegant artwork filled the walls on the side of the dual flanked staircases. A large round table sat in the middle of the foyer atop an exquisite rug, lit by an enormous chandelier. I imagined living in this house every day. I imagined coming home to Cain and I felt a smile creep over my face, accompanied by a small tear.

  “Jennifer? I thought I heard someone come in.” Cain stood at the center of the walkway between the two staircases on the second floor. “Are you alright?”

  “I’m perfect.” I smiled up at Cain and made my way up the stairs to join him at the top. When I reached him I dropped my bag and wrapped my arms around him, feeling his warmth and strong back.

  “What’s going on? You don’t seem perfect.” Cain wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close, comforting me.

  “Cain, I’m sorry for this weekend and for everything I said. The way I’ve been acting toward you... I have a lot going on, and I wouldn’t want to do anything to push you away or hurt us.” My tears stained Cain’s white silk shirt as he kissed the top of my head.

  “Jennifer, I completely understand. This has been a very difficult year. I know you miss you mother—”

  “It’s not just that, it’s everything. Today, for the first time in my life, I realized what I wanted and what I don’t want.” I slowly pulled back from him and kissed him gently on the lips. “I need a drink.” I smiled and wiped my tear stained face. “I’m sorry about your shirt.”

  “Anything for you.” Cain smiled back. “Come with me, let’s get a drink. Cecilia is just wrapping up dinner. Are you hungry?”

  My growling stomach answered before I could. With all of the drama, meetings and arguing, I hadn’t had anything other than a cup of coffee. “I am.”

  Cecilia had a sixth sense, or was extremely good at eavesdropping, because the table had already been set for two, and candles burned alongside the vase of white lilies. “Good evening, Miss Jennifer.” Cecilia smiled and gave me a hug. “I made Chicken Scallopini, I hope you like it.” Cecilia motioned toward the table as Cain grabbed a bottle of red wine.

  “I’m sure it’s delightful. Thank you so much.” I inhaled the aroma that filled the kitchen and felt my stomach twinge from hunger as I moved toward the table, admiring the perfect setting.

  Cain deftly slid out the chair for me, holding the two red wine glasses and the bottle of wine in his left hand, the chair in the other. “Cecilia hasn’t made this in such a long time, it’s truly amazing. One of my favorites.” Cain slid in my chair, poured the wine, and joined me at the table. “Cheers!” Cain raised his glass and met mine. Our glasses clinked and I quickly took a long sip, barely taking in the oaky taste.

  “Mmm. Better.” I smiled at Cain and was met by his surprised, yet playful look.

  “Talk to me, Jen. What’s going on with you? What is it you’ve realized you want, or don’t want?”

  “Us.” I smiled and quickly corrected myself. “I mean, I want us.” I reached across the table and held Cain’s hand. “This last week, with everything going on. I’ve seen all of this hurt and desire around me. Aimee chasing after Brice. My client trying to protect his girlfriend. Her ex-boyfriend still obsessed with her. Then there’s my father, the affair, my mother. Don’t relationships exist like they used to? In the movies?”

  Cain’s eyes met mine and he smiled. “They do, but only when those people are meant to be together. Those types of romances are effortless. They just happen. They happen when the couple doesn’t fight their feelings.” He placed his other hand on top of mine and then gently lifted it to his lips and kissed it. “Like us. When we stop fighting our feelings and letting everything outside of us control us…that’s exactly what we will have.”

  “That’s what I want, Cain. That’s what I want for us. Forever.” I fought back the tears and felt the lump in my throat, the sadness and fear. I was afraid it was something I would never have.

  “That’s what I want for us too…and that’s exactly what we will have.” Cain gently placed my hand back on the table and we lost ourselves in the moment.

  We spent the rest of dinner talking about everything other than work and my father. Cain managed to make me laugh harder than I had laughed in a long time and it f
elt good. It was almost better than sex. I felt safe.

  Cain’s phone set off a single vibration on the kitchen counter, breaking the moment. “Ah, and here we are.” Cain smiled. “Are you ready for some dessert? I believe Cecilia made something special for us.” Cain cleared the plates and glanced at his phone as he walked by. “I could use your help with something.”

  “Sure, you want me to grab the dessert?” I stood and moved into the kitchen.

  Cain chuckled. “No, I’ll get that…but I do need some pointers from you. I have a big meeting later this week, that’s what that reminder was. I’m looking to buy this company, and I need to really understand what this group is thinking during their negotiations.” Cain smiled. “You know, I need some of your secret body language tips.”

  “Really, Cain? I thought we had something good going on for a moment, not talking about work.” I smiled back at him and poked him playfully in the side almost making him drop the two mini desserts in his hand.

  “I know, but this is a really big deal. I can’t let this one slip away.”

  “I can try, but to be honest, Cain, it’s more than just knowing a few things to look for…it’s everything. It’s the way people sit, the way their nose crinkles when you say something to them—” I gave Cain my best nose-crinkling demonstration, “—it’s all of that together. I don’t know much I can teach you in just a few days.”

  “Well, I have a better idea. Come with me to the meeting. It’s on Friday afternoon, in San Diego. I was going to fly out early Friday morning and come back late that night, but I was thinking…if you could take some time out of the office…we could have a little mini vacation.”

  “I don’t know, Cain. I’m supposed to move this weekend and work is just crazy.”

  “It’s one day…and we can push that move back a week. It will give us time for us. An escape.” Cain put the desserts on the table and pulled me in close. “Don’t make me beg, Jen, please?” Cain kissed me gently on the lips. “What do you say?”

  “I say I’d like to see you beg a little.” I smiled and kissed him back. “Ok, let’s do it. I could use some time away from everything.”

  “Perfect.” Cain grabbed my hand and led me away from the table and out of the kitchen.

  “Where are going?”

  “To have dessert.” Cain smiled as I looked back at the chocolate mousse sitting on the table. I liked his idea of dessert better.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  I kissed Cain and managed to climb out of bed. I disliked winter, but loved the feeling of being wrapped up in a warm down comforter in the arms of my lover on a cold winter morning. I knew my day would be busier than I’d initially planned, with my new commitment to take Friday off and head to the west coast with Cain. The sacrifice of sleep and a few extra hours of work each day was definitely going to be worth it. I was looking forward to not only the time away with him, but also the much warmer southern California weather.

  My trip back to the office was much more pleasant than it had been leaving yesterday afternoon. I arrived before everyone, started the coffee, and headed to my office to check my schedule for the rest of the week. A few small meetings, which could be easily pushed to the following week, were all that stood in the way of me and warm, sunny San Diego. I had just enough time before my meeting with Brice to answer a few emails and then head over to his Main Street office. This case was more of a favor, but still paid. I contemplated bringing Aimee so she could help but quickly decided against it. I didn’t want Brice to be distracted.

  Brice’s office overlooked the Federal building and Governor’s Square. It was in the heart of the city, which also made parking a nightmare. I always dreaded going anywhere near that area during business hours, although it was absolutely beautiful. Brice was one of the stronger, more prominent attorneys in his firm, a competitor of DDC. Over the years, Brice had made a name for himself as being ruthless, sometimes shady and always arrogant. Some of that arrogance came from his striking, spoiled brat good looks; some from his ability to get the job done and keep otherwise guilty people out of jail. I never understood the choice to be a defense attorney, but it was something that both Brice and my father had in common.

  “Hey, Jennifer! Oh my god! It’s been forever!” Leslie Sheldon was the receptionist at Riley, Ford and Bondurant, Brice’s firm, and we had gone to high school together. The moment I stepped into the lobby I knew who she was. Her bleach-blonde hair and permanently tanned face hadn’t changed much.

  “Wow, Leslie, you look, great!” I quickly looked around the lobby to see who may be listening in to our conversation. Leslie and I had never been the best of friends in high school, and she had a reputation of making her rounds with plenty of the boys. Had I not known that, I would have still made the same guess based on what she was currently wearing. Her tight black mini-dress barely covered any of her assets and was likely the talk of many of the clientele and partners in the firm alike.

  “Ya know, I saw that name on Brice’s calendar and I wondered if that was the same Jenny Dunning from high school.” Leslie chomped on her gum. “He’s a darling isn’t he?” Leslie leaned closer to me but didn’t lower her voice. “Super hot stud, don’t ya think? You guys aren’t…”

  “Oh, God no!” I instantaneously responded without even considering how my reply sounded. “I mean, no. Just business. I’m involved with someone. I’m here for a case.” I looked around the lobby and decided to take a seat in the far corner. “Would you mind letting Brice know I’m here?”

  “Sure thing.” Leslie punched a few buttons on the phone switchboard as I sank into the corner chair and hoped that was the last of our conversation. I was saved by more incoming calls and, a few minutes later, by Brice. I had never been so happy to see him. “I’ll catch up with you later, Jenny.” Leslie waved as Brice escorted back to his office.

  “What was that about, Jenny?” Brice chuckled.

  “Don’t ask. We went to high school together. She hasn’t really changed a bit.”

  “Oh really? She was super hot back then, too?” Brice continued to laugh. “I’m kidding. She’s been trying to get with a few of the attorneys. Some of the younger guys are into that sort of thing.”

  “Not you?”

  Brice turned to face me in the hallway. “Jennifer, I may have a bit of a reputation, but I can tell you that most of it isn’t true.”

  I studied Brice’s face as he stood in front of me. His palms faced slightly upward and he stared directly into my eyes. I could tell there was some truth to his claim. “We’ll see.” I kept moving toward Brice, forcing him to continue down the hall. “So what am I here for today?”

  Brice showed me into the large conference room outfitted with the latest technologies. An enormous display panel hung at the far end of the room, prominently displaying the firm’s logo. Four chairs had been set up for the meeting with stacks of paper, notepads and bottled water at each. “I thought this was just going to be us?”

  “Oh, you were expecting a more intimate meeting? I’m sorry.” Brice laughed. “I’ve been discussing you and your firm with a few of the partners. They wanted to be involved in the meeting. I’m sorry I sprung this on you, it was last minute.”

  Two older gentlemen entered the room, as if on cue, and introduced themselves. Both were senior partners of the firm and knew my father and his partners. Charlie Lyle and Jeffrey Minton had been with Brice’s firm for the last fifteen years. Both were very good, no-nonsense defense attorneys, and had expressed an interest in using the services of Dunning and Associates in the future.

  “Jennifer, if you’re ready we can get started.” Charlie pointed to the seat closest to the display in the front of the room. “Jeffrey and I are really just here to observe, but we may have a few questions for you afterward, if you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all.” I looked over at Brice. I didn’t appreciate being blind-sided into some sort of training session, but it was too late to turn back. “Brice, can you give m
e a little background on all of this?” I held up the stack of papers in front of me.

  “As I mentioned before, this should be pretty cut and dry. Last week we had the primary witness in our case provide a deposition.”

  “Our only witness” Jeffrey piped in.

  “Yes, only witness.” Brice continued. “The paper is the transcript of the deposition. I’m going to play you the video in a minute.” Brice pointed to the huge display at the front of the room. “Sarah Dudley says she saw our client, Duncan Jones, rob the victim at gun point, push him and then shoot him. She’s the only one that has been willing to step up. Duncan has an alibi, but it’s not airtight. He had left work about fifteen minutes before the crime and was walking home by himself. He’s a good kid, good grades in school, stellar athlete, so this just seems out of character.”

  I flipped through the transcript and notes. “How did you find this witness? Did she just reach out to the police on her own?”

  “Yes. She came into the 3rd Precinct and told them she had info on the case. She gave them her statement. We contacted her and asked her to come and make a statement for us as well and she agreed.”

  “She was more than willing.” Jeffrey chimed in.

  “Ok, Go ahead and play it. Let’s see what we have here.” I spun my chair to face the large display and leaned back.

  The video was shot in a conference room similar to the one we sat in, presumably here at the firm. A conservatively dressed older woman, who appeared to be in her late sixties, entered the room and took a seat at the conference table. She was escorted by a younger, high school aged boy wearing a football jersey and jeans, who took a seat beside her.

  A disembodied voice, belonging to someone out of the camera’s view, came through the speakers.“Ms. Dudley, we won’t need your son to be here. He can wait in the lobby area until we are finished.” The young man on screen whispered something that couldn’t be heard on camera and then walked out of the shot.