Love, Lies & The D.A. (28 page)

Yes.

“You
will hear from me by Wednesday, and this time, I need your decision… no
extensions.”

“Fine.”

The
call ends.

I sigh
in what I guess you can call relief. I am so overwhelmed, I feel like my legs
are going to buckle under me.

I hear
a horn outside. I assume the FBI agents have made it here in no time, but as I
open the door, it’s Jonathan. He’s getting out of his car. I run into his
outstretched arms. I say nothing but violent tremors erupt in my body.

“Hey,
what’s wrong?”

I’m
speechless. I hear another vehicle drive in, and as I look up, it’s the FBI
agents in a civilian vehicle. The two agents step out of the car. Jonathan
looks at them, then me.

“Did
he call?”

I nod.

As the
agents approach us, they both smile brightly. I’m not sure whether it’s at me
or Jonathan.

“Jonathan
Kole.” Phillip smiles brightly.

“Phillip
Cross,” Jonathan replies and slaps his hand into Phillip’s then they embrace.
They appear to know each other very well.

“Ms.
McLean, you handled that call really well. We got a wealth of information that
can lead to more info,” Douglas says.

I look
at him, but I don’t really respond. At this point, I’m still sick to my stomach,
and I’m standing outside talking to these men in a bathrobe—a short one at
that. I finally feel able to talk.

“You
all are welcome to come inside, but I need to go change,” I say softly.

They
all look at me and nod their heads. Jonathan’s eyes don’t leave mine until I
turn around and walk away.

I
close myself in the bathroom, step into the jetted shower, and switch on the
steaming hot water. Every one of the jets pounds against my body while the rain
shower pours over my head and shoulders. I want this water to beat the nerves
out of me. I need to pull myself together.

During
the call, at times, it felt like another business negotiation. But I was also
aware that the unsavory character that was at the other end of the line is very
dangerous. For now, he sounds understanding. However, at certain points during
that conversation, I could feel that man’s potential to become very nasty.

I take
a deep breath. I guess I should tend to my guests outside. I step outside the
shower and quickly towel dry my hair. My hair falls in ringlets above my
shoulders. I keep it back with a thin headband and slip into a white long sleeve
maxi dress.

When I
enter the great room, the men are sitting around the kitchen island drinking
coffee and laughing. Maggie and Micky lie by Jonathan’s feet.

“You
all know each other?” I ask, sneaking up behind them.

“Phillip
and I are great friends, we were roommates at Stanford. And I’ve met Douglas
several times,” Jonathan replies, framing my body in front of his.

“Nice…
so what’s the verdict?”

“I don’t
think I could have handled that call better myself. We got a big clue. We now
know he has an account in the Cayman Islands. This narrows things down. That’s
huge.”

“Cayman
Islands must offer some great banking. My ex was stealing money from me and
putting it in an account there.”

Everyone
stills at my comment.

“He
was?” Douglas asks.

“Yes.”

“Cooper
sent us an email a second ago; the account number might be in that file he
sent,” Douglas says.

Phillip
pulls out his laptop then they look up the information.

“This
may be a long shot, but I wonder if these situations are related…” Phillip
continues.

“Why?”
I gasp.

“Just
a hunch. That account is in the name Clip Holdings,” he says.

“The
investigators were having issues getting the signatories on the account,” I say
to them.

“Well,
that’s a problem we agents won’t have. We’ll get to work on that first thing
Monday. They’re on central time over there. They’re closed,” Douglas replies.

“I can’t
believe this. So whoever this is might have been working with Richard?”

“It
may be so… that’s not confirmed, though,” Douglas responds.

“So
how do we move forward?” I ask.

“The
work is on our end for now. We’ll check the phone records to see if the same phone
was used. If not, we’ll see if we can match the number to a name, get the
location, that sort of thing. But the biggest things that we have to wait for are
the signatories and information from that account. Once we find that out, the
complexity of this case will change,” Phillip explains.

Douglas
continues. “You get to enjoy your weekend. We’ll be up at the house with the
rest of the team working on this. Unless there’s a problem, you won’t hear from
us till Monday.”

We say
our goodbyes, and while Jonathan parks his car in the garage, I pull dinner out
of the oven. I’m having problems being present. I try to figure out what
Richard got me involved in. I’m tense, nervous, and the wonderful evening I had
been looking forward to seems to be a figment of my imagination.

The
sun has set, but a gorgeous afterglow blasts through the skies. In the distance,
though, I can see a grey patch looming. It looks like it will rain later.

I go
through the motions setting the table and preparing for dinner, but my mind is
hundreds of miles away. I am pulling some food from the warming drawers when I
feel Jonathan’s hands on my shoulders.

“Did
you look around while I was in the shower?” I ask.

“No. I
was waiting for you to give me the grand tour.”

“It’s
not that grand… there are just two bedrooms in this house. Come. I’ll show
you.”

I give
him a quick tour of the inside and then the exquisite outdoor pool area along
with the intimate gardens that lead down to the private beach.

Once
done, I leave him alone while he showers, and I continue with dinner
preparations.

A
while later, we’re eating, but mostly in silence. I need to snap out of this
mood. I’m not being a very gracious host. Perhaps I need to indulge in some
sort of conversation.

“I
wasn’t sure what you like to eat…”

“I’m
not picky. I eat almost anything.”

“What
do you prefer to drink?”

“Mostly
wine.”

“Red
or white?”

“Either…
Instead of asking things that are inconsequential, maybe you should tell me
what’s bothering you.”

“They’re
not inconsequential. I realized this afternoon that there’s a lot about you
that I don’t know.”

“Maybe
we can talk about those later. But for now, tell me what’s on your mind.”

I
hesitate. “I know dealing with shady people, criminals, and crime may be part
of your everyday life, but it’s not something that I’m used to or comfortable
with… no matter what I’ve been through these last few months.”

“You’re
worried about the offshore bank account.”

“I’m
worried about my judgment. What did this man get me into? How could I have been
so oblivious to whatever illicit activity he was involved in? The more I find
out, the more I feel like a complete idiot.”

I push
away my barely touched plate.

“Jada,
his actions and behavior are by no means a reflection on you.”

“You
sure? Do you have any idea how humiliating this has been?”

“I’m
sure it has, but I think what you’ve been through is more likely to evoke
empathy… not criticism.”

“I
think you’re judging everyone else based on your standards.”

“Where’s
the feisty woman I met four months ago?”

“What
do you mean?”

“Back
then, you didn’t seem to give a damn about what anyone thought
…
”

“Back
then, I had no clue how my life was about to change. You might think I’m being
silly, but this has made me question everything—even my own sanity. How could I
be so stupid? How does a woman who managed to start and run a successful
business on her own become so ignorant of all the things that were going
horribly wrong in her own personal life?”

“Is
that why you’re questioning what is going on with us?”

His
question stuns me. “I… I question things with you because I don’t understand
them. I don’t think I can remember a point in my life where I felt so
insecure.”

I can’t
believe I admitted that to him.

“What
don’t you understand?”

I
stare at him, almost afraid to respond.

“Tell
me,” he says, holding my hand.

“Do
you know, I don’t miss him? I don’t understand how I could have been so in love
one second and
not
the next. I don’t understand why I have these feelings for you that I never had
for
him—
he was the man I was supposed to
marry. I don’t trust myself anymore. I’m sort of afraid to move forward because
I don’t want to end up hurting you.”

“I don’t
think that’s it at all,” he says. “I think you realized that you never really
loved him… at least not the way you thought you did. And I think, because he’s
dead, that makes you feel guilty. More guilty than you would ordinarily have
felt had he not been killed.”

My
eyes well up with tears. I look up and take a deep breath so they don’t fall.
This is too much. What if he’s right?

“If
you’re right, then how can I even trust what I think I feel for you? How do I
know it’s real?”

“Maybe
you should listen to your heart and stop trying to always rationalize
everything.”

“You
trust me way more than I trust myself.”

He
smiles but doesn’t respond.

“We
were supposed to be talking about criminal activity… How’d we end up here?”

“Maybe
you have a lot more on your mind than you realize.”

I
sigh.

“Are
you disappointed in me?”

His
hold on my hand tightens.

“No. I
think that you’ve been through a great deal and you need time.”

“I’ve
been alone for the last four months… Don’t you think that should be enough
time?”

“Don’t
be too hard on yourself… These are extenuating circumstances. Four months is
not a long time to get over something like this, especially since we still
haven’t uncovered all the details of this case. It’s not going to be easy,
Babe.”

I hear
him but choose not to respond.

“So
moving along. I made chocolate cake for dessert. You want any?”

“Sure.
You went all out. I’ll help you.”

We
clean up
together then enjoy dessert on the chaise by the pool. It’s
completely dark now, but the outdoor lights shimmer against the water’s
surface. The sound of the ocean crashing against the rocky bluff fills the air.

We’ve
been chatting for hours and a heavy shower with strong gusts blows through. We
run inside, and while I close the glass bifold doors, Jonathan heads to the
bathroom. There’s a knock on the door. The only people who know I’m here apart
from the FBI is Jonathan, and he’s here with me.

I look
through the peephole. It’s Phillip. I open the door, and he hurries in from the
rain. When I turn around, he’s taking off his wet coat. I outstretch my hand to
take it from him, but I’m stunned to see Richard in front of me.

I literally
hear and feel the palpitations that erupt in my chest, chills run down my spine,
and I feel I’m about to throw up.

“I
know how this must look, Jada.”

“You’re
supposed to be dead… What are you doing here?”

“I can
explain…”

“Explain?
Do you have any idea what you’ve put me through these last few months? Do you
know I’m being charged with your murder?”

“Yes,
I do.”

“I’m
calling the police right now.”

I turn
and head for the phone a few yards away, but I feel a sharp pain. He’s pulling
my hair. He presses the shiny blade of a sharp knife against my neck. I feel
like he’s going to slice my throat open.

“Please,
don’t kill me,” I beg. “Just tell me what you want.”

He
drags me towards the sofa.

“What
I want is ten million dollars.”

In the
background, the thunder roars and rain is pounding hard against the metal roof.
I slip and fall near the coffee table.

“Jonathan,
help me!” I scream.

As I
try to get to my feet, he grabs one of my ankles, turns me around, and pins me
down to the floor so I’m facing him.

“If
you loved me so much, then how is it that you’ve moved on to another man
already?”

A loud
explosion
blasts through the room. I wake. I realize I’ve been dreaming.
We’re on the living room sofa. I lie with my head on Jonathan’s lap. Suddenly,
I sit up. It’s pouring outside. I fell asleep while watching a movie.

“Babe
,
what’s
wrong?”

Your
words are haunting me. That’s what’s wrong.

“Nothing…
I had a nightmare.”

“Jada,
it wasn’t nothing. You’re crying.”

I
touch my face and feel the tears running down my cheeks.

“What
was it about?”

“Richard…
he came here. It seemed so real. Oh my God,” I sigh.

Jonathan
pulls me in his arms and holds me close to his chest.

“I
answered the door thinking it was Phillip. You had gone to the bathroom. When I
realized it was Richard, I was about to call the police, but he pulled me by my
hair and put a knife to my throat. He told me he wanted ten million dollars.”

“It’s
just a reflection of what’s been on your mind.”

“But
it felt so real. He said if I had really loved him, I wouldn’t have moved on to
another man already… Then the thunder woke me.”

“Jada,
all of this is because of our conversation earlier.”

“I
know,” I whisper.

“Don’t
think about it. Let’s get you into bed… Try to get some sleep. You want me to
get you some water or something?”

“No… I’m
good, thanks.”

He
dims the lights and sits beside me, his head leaning against the headboard as I
try to fall asleep. Half an hour later, I’m still awake. I can’t get Richard’s
question or Jonathan’s comment out of my head.

“Why
aren’t you asleep?” Jonathan suddenly asks.

“Why
aren’t you asleep?” I reply.

“I
want to be sure you’re okay before I go to bed.”

“I’ll
get over it.”

“What’s
your favorite color?” he asks.

I
smile at his attempt to distract me.

“White
and blue. What’s yours?”

“Navy
and grey.”

“Ever
so manly,” I giggle.

“Tell
me three things I should do or see before I die,” he says, kissing me on my
cheek.

“Fall in
love.”

“Done
that.”

“See the
Pitons at home, especially at sunset.”

“Never
done that. What are the Pitons?”

“A
pair of remarkable mountains.”

“Okay,
what else?”

“Bathe
in a waterfall.”

“Never
done that either.”

“Your
turn.”

“Sleep
under the stars.”

“Does
falling asleep by a pool count?”

“No.”

“Okay,
never done that.”

“See
the Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise and sunset.”

“I’ve
seen the sunset while driving but never stopped to enjoy it.”

“Help
someone.”

“Well,
I’d like to think that I do that, but I’m sure I could always do more.”

“We
all can.”

“When’s
your birthday?” I ask.

“Tomorrow.”

“Are
you serious?”

“I
am.”

“Would
you have told me if I didn’t ask?”

“Maybe.”

“How
young will you be?”

He
chuckles. “Thirty-seven.”

“We
have to do something to celebrate.”

“That’s
not necessary. But I made reservations for dinner tomorrow.”

“Where?”

“That’s
a surprise. I’d ask you when yours is, but I already know.”

“Of
course you do. How?”

“I may
not have read that evidence file on you, but I did read the basic info page…
and if I’m being honest, I checked you out the day after we first met.”

“Why
am I not surprised. Tell me something else about you that I should know.”

“You
should know I’m seriously thinking about resigning.”

“What?
Why? Not because of me, I hope?”

“No.
Things at the firm are falling apart in the two weeks Dad hasn’t been there. We’ve
lost a few of our major clients since Dad died, and one of our better attorneys
has accepted a position with another firm.”

“Do
you have any alternative?”

“I might.
We could partner or merge with another firm. Or I can find an attorney who’s
experienced enough to hold things down for the next few years till my term
ends. That would be helpful. Unfortunately, all these attorneys usually already
run their own firms or are partners at others.”

“I’m
sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

“No,
Babe,” he replies, kissing me on my forehead. “I have a few meetings set up
next week. Hopefully, some other alternative will arise out of them.”

“Thanks
for sharing this with me. Do you need money to keep things going?”

“No.
It’s not at that stage yet. Our problem right now is leadership and expertise,
not cash. If it were, we would be able to handle that for a while, though.”

“Are
you worried?”

“Concerned.
I spoke to many of our clients that left. They told me if I were still at the
firm, they’d stay, but they don’t believe we have the best team to give them
the representation they need. This is my father’s legacy. He taught me
everything I know, left me this business that he worked so hard for. I can’t
allow it to run into the ground.

At the
same time, I’m an elected official, and people who had confidence in me put me
there to serve them. I owe it to them to exhaust all avenues before I take such
a drastic step.”

“It’s
a difficult decision. I’m sorry this has been so tough for you.”

“I
have to believe it will resolve itself.”

“Please,
let me know if there is anything I can do.”

“Actually
there is… don’t fire us,” he laughs.

“You
know I wouldn’t. I have you in my corner, and I think that you being on my side
is probably my greatest asset.”

“
Awww
.
You’re so sweet,” he replies then kisses me lightly on my lips.

“Stay
here with me,” I whisper.

He
sinks into the bed next to me. I cuddle in his arms, and soon I sleep.

I wake
early
the next morning. Jonathan is still fast asleep in my bed.
That’s perfect. It’s still raining cats and dogs outside. I get out of bed,
detour to the bathroom, then head to the kitchen.

I
proceed to make him breakfast, which I will serve him in bed—b
aked
ricotta with roasted tomatoes and bacon, with a side of toasted filone slices
and a bowl of fruit. After I add some freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee
to the tray, I head to the bedroom singing my rendition of Happy Birthday.

He
wakes all smiles. I set the tray down on the bedside table, and he swoops me in
his arms, pinning my body beneath his. I lean forward and kiss him lightly on
his lips.

“Happy
birthday.”

“Thank
you… I don’t think I’ve ever woken up to anything like this on my birthday.”

“Well,
since someone gave me late notice, I had to find a way to get creative to make
today special.”

“You
didn’t have to do any of this.”

“Of
course I did… I’m hoping the weather clears up later. We can go driving around
and see what Big Sur has to offer.”

“That
sounds perfect.”

We
enjoy breakfast and a lazy few hours watching TV in bed. By mid-morning, the
clouds disappear and make way for sunny blue skies. After feeding the dogs and
taking them out for their morning walk and beach run, we shower, change, and
take the SUV, camera in hand, and head out for an afternoon of sightseeing.

It is
unbelievably beautiful, with stunning mountain views to the left and panoramic
ocean vistas to the right. Rocky shoreline and steep cliffs are unceasing on
our drive.

As we
head south, we come across a stunning architectural gem—Bixby Creek Bridge, an
arched masterpiece that towers 280 feet above the creek below. On one side, the
mountains keep watch, on the other, the ocean crashes into the small cove and
rugged shoreline below. I didn’t even have to ask Jonathan to stop. For the
better part of half an hour, he is patient with me while I photograph the
mountains, bridge, valleys, and ocean that surround us. From a distance, I am
able to zoom into him and get some awesome shots as he looks out at the views.

We hit
the road again. My fingers entwine with his as we continue our drive through
the Cabrillo Highway. There are never-ending lookout points of panoramic ocean
vistas, and I know during the week, I’ll have to come back here on my own time
and photograph every inch of this place.

We
soon approach a sign that reads Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. It looks like
there is a waterfall somewhere near. We park and take the trail through. A
spectacular plunge waterfall spouts directly into the teal and turquoise cove
waters below. The jagged coastline frames the view, along with the beach. My
only disappointment is that the only access to the beach is by boat. I know I
would be able to take some superb shots from there. I suppose I could save that
for another day. If I know myself well, I can spend half the day in a place
like that with my camera.

The
sun starts to drop, and I’d like to stay. However, Jonathan insists that we
have to return home to get ready for our dinner reservation in an hour.

I don’t
know what he has up his sleeve, but he seems so excited, it peeks my curiosity.
It’s his birthday. I happily oblige, and soon I am getting ready at home. It’s
a bit chilly outside. I slip into a long sleeve, off-the-shoulder bandage
dress. After sliding on an exquisite pair of Oscar de le Renta gold sandals and
some jewelry, I’m ready to leave the house.

Fifteen
minutes later, we arrive at a beautiful resort with panoramic Big Sur vistas.
It’s sunset and I am starting to understand why Jonathan was so adamant about
getting here precisely on time. Holding my hand, he leads the way to the
restaurant. Sierra Mar. Walls of glass and the ocean beyond surround us. The
views are incredible, and the sun casts a warm, orange glow over us. Because of
the architecture, it feels like we are floating over the water hundreds of feet
below. Almost like we’re suspended in midair. It’s romantic, and the corner
table we sit at adds a sense of intimacy.

“This
is remarkable… Thank you for bringing me here. It’s a pity I left my camera at home.”

“I
brought it… it’s in the backseat of the car.” He smiles.

I’m
excited. After we place our order, I leave for five minutes to get some shots
then return to our table.

“You’re
like a kid in a candy store when you have that camera.”

“I
love it. Thank you for bringing it and allowing me to get a few pics.”

“It’s
a pleasure watching you while you take photos. You’re so passionate.”

 “I am
…
I
love it… It relaxes me.” I blush. “So tell me… how did you find this awesome
place?”

“When
you told me you’d found a house here, I did some research on the area. I
instantly understood why you chose to stay here.”

“It’s
lovely here. I had a fantastic time today.”