Embezzled Love (33 page)

Chapter Forty-Two

Cassie embraced Gloria at the airport later that evening. Her older sister planned to stay as long as needed. Earlier in the day, Detective Green had dropped by with more distressing news. Evan had previously been arrested for beating his wife and oldest daughter. The announcement mortified Cassie. How long would it have been before he did the same to her? Maybe discovering his secrets and lies were a blessing in disguise.

Bryan, as he insisted she call him, was a godsend. His determination to get enough evidence for a warrant impressed her. He expressed his anger, not just for Cassie, but himself. His exact words buzzed through her memory bank. "Guys like that make it hard for those of us who think honesty is an important virtue and the foundation of any good relationship."

Upon leaving, he'd squeezed Cassie's hand and assured her everything would be fine. Somehow, when he said it, she wanted to believe him, but then she'd believed everything Evan said. She needed to trust again…someday. Could she find a way?

After breaking for lunch, Alaine returned to photocopying records, while Gloria called each credit card company. Frazzled, Cassie found it difficult to concentrate on anything for very long. The help she offered was minimal, at best.

Gloria paused between phone calls. "Cassie, how about if I ask each company to send you a copy of their application? We could use them to prove you never signed for the account. If this becomes a court case, the copies might come in handy."

"What a wonderful idea. I foresee things aren't going to be easily resolved because of too many loose ends. Lord, what am I going to do about the unfinished landscaping?"

"Not to worry," Alaine chimed in. "I have things covered. This morning while you were at the bank, I finished reconciling the accounts and determined just how much money is actually in each one. If we don't pay any of the credit cards at this point, and use what Evan was kind enough to leave, we can make payroll for one week. That gives us time to finish the small pending jobs before you lay off the workers.

I also took the liberty of calling Stan Carter, the man whose license Evan used to operate, and explained the whole situation to him. He was quite shocked, but even more worried about the repercussions of unfinished jobs under his licensure. He's agreed to step in and finish the work as long as you pay for the supplies. I'm pretty sure we can do that."

"Oh, Lainie, I love you so much." Cassie knuckled away a tear. "But what about the credit cards? They're going to want their money."

"Once Gloria is through notifying them of possible fraudulent charges and requesting copies of the applications, we may be able to get some of the charges removed. Credit Card companies don't usually hold the card owner responsible for unauthorized use. The ones that are legit, like Home Depot, may be willing to work with you. If they think there's a chance you may file bankruptcy because of your failing business, they might settle for pennies on the dollar. Everything depends on the company and their viewpoint. Getting something is better than nothing.

"I hate that idea. It sounds so unfair to the debtor." Cassie wrung her hands.

"I know, but it happens every day. I doubt you're even a candidate for bankruptcy because you probably have too much equity in your home. The courts would definitely want that extra money applied to the business debts. We'll just do the best we can." Alaine paused and turned to Gloria. "Are any of those accounts in Evan's name?"

Gloria scanned the stack of statements and shuffled through the cards themselves. "No, they're either in the business' name or Cassie's."

Evan's words resonated in Cassie's mind. "I'm putting everything in your name. If anything should ever happen, I walk away with nothing."

Her blood pressure soared. "He made sure to leave me holding the proverbial bag. Everything is in my name…even all the vehicles. He had me so convinced he was being noble and doing what was in my best interest. That son-of-a-bitch! I'm so mad at myself. How could I have been so dumb?"

"Cassie Ann!" Gloria flashed a reproachful look. "Didn't we agree you are a smart person and this was just an unfortunate happenstance? I don't want to hear you call yourself dumb or stupid again. Got it?"

Cassie's lips trembled. "It's just so hard not to label myself. This is my fault. I should have kept up with the paperwork. If only—"

"Stop, Cassie," Alaine scolded. "You can't go back and change anything. You did the best you could, so give yourself a break. We'll get through this…together."

Blinking back more unshed tears, Cassie managed a smile. How wonderful the love of her sisters and their positive attitudes. Crying wasn't helping. She wiped the wetness from her face and squared her shoulders. "What can I do?"

"Get us some coffee," came a duet of voices.

* * *

After several days, Alaine had gathered the signed statements from customers who wrote checks directly to Evan, and copies of the actual checks from the bank. Cassie delivered the info to the clerk at the police department and was informed of the time lapse involved in issuing a warrant. The wheels of justice definitely did turn slowly, and knowing Evan was a savvy kind of guy, he'd most likely be long gone before anyone acted on his crime.

Since everything was as final as possible until all credit card applications were received, Gloria returned home. Cassie walked into an empty house. Mom was out shopping, and Alaine had left a note about the job interview she'd gone to. At least asking her younger sister to move in, alleviated some of the guilt Cass felt for Alaine finding herself without wages.

Cassie had returned to work early, seeking escape from dwelling on her problems. Her new office was half the size of her old one, and the new supervisor had taken over. After only one week, he and Cassie had established a good working rapport, and he'd already given her a merit increase to level her earnings with her male peers. Mr. Bowen understood everything Cass was going through and insisted she work from home for the time being.

Taking a break from her reinsurance reports, Cassie refilled her coffee cup and gazed around the beautiful office Evan had built. At least something he did increased the value of her home and gave her a comfortable place to work. She carried her coffee outside and surveyed the pond. Viewing the only other positive deed resulting from their relationship left a bitter taste in her mouth. She took a sip and washed it away.

Beautiful weather replaced the usual smoggy haze, and white clouds floated lazily in the sky. Cassie stepped on the bridge and leaned on the rail, gazing at the school of colorful Koi below. As usual, their mouths moved in unison, searching for food. Memories of Evan intruded, bringing with them a haunting pain. Cassie's eyes blurred with tears, turning the fish into one big blob of color.

 In just a few days, she'd turn fifty years old. This wasn't how she expected things to be. She recalled the first email she received from Evan, her cowboy from Texas who called her 'purdy lady' and made her laugh. He had her so convinced they would be together forever. Now, here she stood, alone and starting over again, but not nearly as financially stable as she had been.

Funny though…emotionally, she felt stronger. Evan's betrayal had shown her she could withstand almost anything. A long journey to recovery still lay ahead, but she had lots of support. Mom hadn't been judgmental, and her loving attitude made things easier, especially when she admitted to caring about Evan, too.

Cassie's thoughts were interrupted by someone clearing their throat. She jerked around, panicked at the deep sound, and saw Bryan standing at the end of the driveway, so handsome in khaki slacks and a colored polo shirt that hugged his massive shoulders. She smiled.

"Hi, am I intruding?"

Cassie swiped at her eyes. "No, I was just reflecting. That's part of the healing process, you know."

"May I join you?"

"Of course." How could she deny him after all his help? She'd liked him ever since their first meeting. His eyes exuded warmth, plus he was the one person who understood Evan's criminal mind. Maybe Bryan could explain it to her.

He came and stood next to her, peering over the rail at the mass of hungry mouths clamoring to be fed. "Looks like it's time for lunch."

"Oh," Cassie gave a dismissing wave. "They're always hungry even though Mom feeds them ten times a day. This is her haven. She's always loved fish, so I guess Evan did something right while he was here."

She lifted her chin and looked up at Bryan. "Did you come by for a reason?"

"I tried to think of one, but couldn't. There's nothing new on Evan's whereabouts, but he has another warrant against him. The law is bound to catch up with him eventually. I just wanted to stop in and see how you're doing."

She shrugged. "I'll survive, but I sure didn't expect to start my fiftieth year in such a mess." Admitting her true age sent a flush creeping up her neck.

"You aren't fifty," he argued.

"Well, not yet, but I will be in two days."

He shook his head. "I never would have guessed."

"How old are you?" she asked.

"Forty-seven going on twenty-one?"

Cassie stood back and gave him a quick once-over. "I would have thought forty-two at the most." His cologne wafted in the gentle breeze. "And you smell wonderful."

"Thanks, it's Stetson."

Cassie grimaced at him as visions of a big black hat drifted through her mind. "Do me a favor. Don't mention anything that has to do with cowboys."

"Sorry, I didn't even equate that with him. I'll try to be more sensitive…perhaps find a new cologne."

"That's not necessary." She laughed, staring into Bryan's eyes. "I like the smell. It's the name I hate."

She inhaled and released a sigh. "You know, it's funny. I was remembering the first time we met. I was so certain Alaine's husband had stolen Carson's watch, I purposely didn't tell you Evan was in the house. I had no idea then what kind of man I'd hooked up with. I could buy a whole lot of Rolexes with the money Evan stole from me, and I'd gladly pay every penny of it if I could just get back my dignity and trust."

Bryan's eyebrows rose. "You shouldn't feel ashamed because you believed in someone. In my line of work, I see lots of dishonesty, cheating, and betrayal, but I don't let it dampen my spirits. I know there are still more good people out there than bad. I've known you're one of the white hat types ever since I laid eyes on you."

She elbowed him in the side and smiled. "There you go with that cowboy stuff again. Knock it off."

He cowered as though she really scared him. "Sorry."

Her mood turned somber, she stared straight ahead. "How do you do it…keep trusting people, I mean? I'm scared to let myself believe in anything anymore. The woman I used to be disappeared in the shadows, overcome by desperation to have someone in her life." She locked gazes with him. "I want to get back to being myself. I don't want to depend on a man…or anyone for that matter. How do I do that?"

"Take baby steps…one day at a time. You'll get back to where you want to be."

His chocolate eyes held a look of sincerity much different than what she'd seen in Evan's. She liked Bryan's positive approach, and she liked him.

"Ah, I-I'm not sure if this is appropriate or not." Bryan sounded nervous. "I realize we barely know one another, but I'd like to take those baby steps with you, if you don't mind. No strings, no obligations, no pressure. I'd just like an opportunity to prove to you there are honest men left in the world."

Cassie widened her eyes and struggled to find the right words. "I'm not sure I'm ready for dating yet. I do like you, Bryan, but my heart has been through a lot. I think it has a giant hole in it. Does that make sense?"

"Of course. Like I said, I'll just pop in now and then, and when you're ready to spend some time together doing fun things, you let me know. I'm a very patient person."

They stood side-by-side at the bridge rail, quietly listening to the melodic waterfall. A soft mid-day breeze ruffled Cassie's hair and rippled the pond.

 "What are you doing on Tuesday?" She broke the silence.

"Nothing, why?"

"How would you like to take an old lady out to celebrate her birthday?"

Bryan beamed. He inched his hand nearer and covered her fingers with his, then peered into her eyes. "As long as we take baby steps."

His answer was just the one Cassie hoped to hear.

THE END

Author's Note

You've just finished a romantic fiction based on a true-life story. Names have been changed to protect the innocent (I've always wanted to say that), and I created a fictional hero to step up to the plate so the story had a happy ending. Most of the circumstances in this book are true. If you found some of them hard to believe, just know the real-life heroine, my sister, actually lived this nightmare. The story barely touches the surface of the damage done.

You probably wonder why Evan wasn't given a point of view. I found writing from his perspective impossible since he had a hidden agenda from the beginning, and I have no idea what his thoughts really were.