Scandalous (9 page)

Vaughn nodded and picked up the receiver. “Vaughn Hamilton,” she said.

“Vaughn, I was hoping to catch you.”

Vaughn's breath caught somewhere in her throat. “Paul.”

“I just called to congratulate you. I saw the article in the
Post.
It looks like you're on your way.”

“Thank you,” she replied in a monotone. “I'm really swamped, Paul…”

“I know how busy you must be,” he said. “I was hoping we could meet for lunch later on today.”

“Excuse me?” She couldn't believe his audacity.

“Lunch. You know…eating…midday. People do that, you know.”

“Yes. But you and I don't.”

Paul laughed heartily. “You still haven't lost your charm, I see.”

“Paul, I can't begin to imagine what you and I could possibly have to say to each other. Everything was all said and done two years ago. Remember?”

“Can't we put the past behind us?”

“And let history repeat itself? I don't think so. If there's nothing else, Paul, I really have to go.”

“I think it would be in your best interests to meet me, Vaughn,” he stated, his tone shifting from cajoling to blatantly serious.

The alarms went off in Vaughn's head “Why? What could I possibly do for your career now? Are you angling for a seat on the Supreme Court? How can I be of assistance this time?” she lashed out.

Paul exhaled heavily. “This has nothing to do with me, Vaughn, and everything to do with you.”

“Then maybe you should just spit it out, because I have no intention of meeting you—now or any other time.”

Paul quickly explored his options. “Have it your way. Watch yourself, Vaughn. There are big rumors running through town that Lucus Stone will do whatever is necessary to defeat you, even if it takes fabricating information. He's
ruthless, and this endorsement from the
Post
will only fuel his fire.”

Vaughn swallowed. “What brought on this wave of concern?”

“I owe you. I know I was a real bastard. I know I used you and your connections. I know I hurt you.” He took a deep breath. “You didn't deserve it.”

Vaughn was stunned into silence.

“Maybe this is my way of saying how sorry I am. I meant it that night when I said if there was anything I could do, I would.”

“I…I don't know what to say.”

“You don't have to say anything. Just take heed. Stone has some pretty unscrupulous people working for him. They'll do anything he says. Anything. Stone has no intention of losing to you.”

“I'm prepared for whatever he throws at me.”

“You'd better be. He plays for keeps.”

She chose her words carefully. “I appreciate this, Paul. Really.”

“Like I said, anything that I can do. Goodbye, and don't forget what I said. Watch your back.”

Slowly Vaughn hung up the phone. Worry and an unnamed fear wiggled its way beneath her skin. Was Lucus Stone that desperate to retain his seat? Or was Paul trying to frighten her? She spun in her chair to face the window. The city of Richmond fanned out before her. Her heart pumped. Would Stone somehow uncover the truth to the past? But her father had promised that it was hidden forever. He swore that he took care of it. There was no way anyone would know. Even she never knew the whole truth. She squeezed her eyes shut and visions of the most painful day in her life bloomed before her…

Her father stood before her as she lay in bed. She had the covers pulled up to her chin, wishing that she could bury herself forever beneath the heavy quilts and never have to face the accusing, disappointed look in her father's eyes again. And then he told her. He gave her the news unemotionally. Then he simply turned and walked away. Her mother squeezed her hand and Vaughn broke out into wrenching sobs. She buried her face against her mother's breasts and cried for all she was worth. Her mother's only words to her were: “It's for the best, sweetheart. You may not believe that now, but it is. In time, you'll forget.”

They never spoke of it again. But Vaughn never forgot, not for a minute.

The ringing of her intercom made her jump, effectively snapping her out of her disturbing thoughts.

“Ms. Hamilton, your ten o'clock meeting is in fifteen minutes. Should I call a car service?” Tess asked.

“Thanks, Tess—I brought my car. I'll be leaving in a moment,” she added, collecting her thoughts. At the same time she hung up, Crystal knocked on the door and came in.

“Ready?” she asked.

“Just about.” Vaughn quickly scanned her desk and snatched up the folder with her notes.

“I'll meet you out front,” Crystal said.

“Be there in a minute.”

 

David Cain sat quietly in his car in front of Vaughn's office building. He spotted Crystal the moment she stepped out the door. A slow smile eased across his handsome face. He'd seen her before in the newspaper photographs with Vaughn. He knew she was Vaughn's right hand. She was his opening. Now he just had to wait for the right opportunity.

 

Vaughn grabbed her jacket and was on her way out the door when her private line rang again. Hesitating, she debated whether or not to answer the phone. She wasn't sure if she could handle any more unwelcome news today. Finally, she decided to answer. “Vaughn Hamilton.”

“Hi, sweetheart.”

“Justin,” she sighed in audible relief. “I was going to call you.”

“Well, as usual, we're on the same wave length. Any plans for tonight? I'd love to see you.” Maybe tonight he could tell her about his suspicions.

Vaughn grinned like a schoolgirl. “As a matter of fact, I was hoping you would do me the honor of being my escort tonight.”

“Where to, my fair lady?”

She briefly told him of the dinner being held in her honor.

“No problem. I'll pick you up at six-thirty.”

“Perfect. I'll see you then. Listen, I'd love to stay and chat, but I have a meeting in about ten minutes.”

“Go, go,” he urged. “I'll see you tonight.”

“I can't wait,” she said softly.

“Neither can I.”

 

Justin hung up the phone, a smile of anticipation lifting his full lips. Everything was going to work out, he reasoned. He was falling hard for Vaughn. He knew it. It was like falling off a building. It was mind numbing and exhilarating all at once, and most of all, it was unstoppable.

There was a light knock at his door.

“Come in.”

“I got in contact with Simone Rivers,” Chad said, as he stepped into the office.

Justin sat up straighter in his seat. “And?” he asked, trying to sound casual.

“Unfortunately, she said she can't get away for at least another week. She has finals.”

Justin nodded, swallowing hard. “Just let her know to give us a call when she's ready,” he said casually, fighting down his disappointment.

“Will do.” Chad turned to leave, closing the door behind him. As he made his way back to his office, he considered the strange look on Justin's face. It was almost a look of expectation. But expectation of what? Justin didn't even know Simone Rivers. Or did he? It did seem as though Justin was going all out for the woman just for a simple interview. After all, she was just an internship candidate, not a potential partner.

He shrugged as he walked through the doors of his office. Simone Rivers certainly had a powerful effect on people, he mused, smiling at his own mixed feelings of curiosity and subtle yearnings. She certainly did. It would be interesting to see how this all turned out.

“I
'm going to cut out early,” Crystal said to Vaughn. “I still have to pack and I want to unwind a bit.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Vaughn smiled. “I followed your advice,” she added.

“Really? That's a first,” she teased.

“I asked Justin to go with me to the dinner tonight.”

“Great. I knew you had some sense.”

“Very funny.” Vaughn leaned back in her seat. “I have a real good feeling about Justin and me, Crystal. I really do.” She sighed as she tried to formulate her thoughts into words. “It's like…he's like a breath of fresh air. He makes me feel alive again.”

“I'm happy for you, Vaughn. I can't think of anyone who deserves happiness more than you do. I mean that.”

“Thanks. I know you do.”

Crystal hesitated a moment before posing her next question. “Have you spoken to your father again?”

Tension quickly coursed through her body at the mention of her father. “No.”

Crystal nodded. “You know, you'll have to at some point.”

“I know. But I'd like the opportunity to enjoy myself for a change before letting my father burst my bubble again. That confrontation can definitely wait.”

“Hmmm. Well, anyway, I'm out of here. I'll give you a call tomorrow night when I get back in. That is, of course, if you're not otherwise engaged,” she taunted playfully, with a rise and fall of her eyebrows.

“With any luck, maybe I will be,” Vaughn tossed back good-naturedly.

“If there's any justice in this world,” Crystal said, feigning a dramatic air, “maybe I'll luck out and find myself a handsome devil deserving of my love and adoration.” She tossed her head back, pressed her hand to her chest, and let her eyes flutter closed.

Vaughn giggled. “You'll find someone. When the time is right,” she assured her.

“So you say. Just because you've landed the greatest catch this side of the Chesapeake Bay doesn't mean I'll be so lucky.” She pointed an authoritative finger at Vaughn. “You just have a great time tonight.”

“I intend to. And tell your mom I said hello.”

“Will do,” Crystal said with a wave. “And remember,” she tossed over her shoulder, “I want details, girl, details!” She breezed out the door leaving Vaughn with a broad smile on her face.

 

Crystal stepped out into the balmy spring air. Momentarily she stood on the steps of the building. David Cain watched patiently. Crystal thought about her options. She could go home and get an early start on her packing,
or she could go over to Jade and relax for a good hour. She suddenly realized that the last thing she wanted to do right then was go home to an empty apartment. She opted for Jade. The local bar and restaurant was a favorite after-work spot for the Virginian politicos. Since it was still two hours before quitting time, she could have a relaxing meal without being sucked into any political forays. She headed for Jade, three blocks away.

Unnoticed, David made a U-turn and followed Crystal.

 

Justin, Sean, Khendra, and Chad sat around the conference table, painstakingly going over the documents they'd collected on the Harrison murder case.

“I can't believe that this is actually going to trial,” Khendra moaned. “The evidence is ludicrous.”

“He had motive. He had opportunity. And the whole world has heard about him beating the hell out of her two weeks before the murder,” Justin stated. He looked up from the sheaf of papers in front of him, his eyes boring through those at the table. “Don't think for one minute that just because the evidence is flimsy the prosecution can't win this thing. All the world looks for a scapegoat. And Harrison can make the perfect example.”

Khendra nodded, albeit reluctantly. “I know I sometimes let my arrogance get the better of me. But I know in my gut that we can beat this.”

Justin smiled. “That's why you and that hotshot husband of yours are on this case. To win.”

Sean leaned back, his dark eyes sliding toward his wife. They both grinned.

“I'm feeling left out,” Chad complained good-naturedly. “Where do I fit into all this?”

“You, along with your hand-picked assistant, will
be fully responsible for investigating every angle and following every lead on this case,” Justin said.

“That's more like it.”

“You'll have plenty to do, Rush,” Sean added. “So forget about a social life for a while.”

Chad thought momentarily about the possibility of working with Simone and the long days and nights ahead that might well be something to look forward to.

“That's about it, folks,” Justin said, standing up. “I'll be expecting a weekly briefing on your progress before we go to trial.”

The trio stood in unison and began to file out.

Sean stopped at the door and turned toward Justin. “How ‘bout grabbing a beer, buddy? My treat.”

Justin grinned “I wish I could.” He shoved his papers into his briefcase. “But, my good friend, I have a date tonight.”

Sean's eyebrows widened in speculation. “Anyone we know?”

Justin's grin expanded into a full-blown smile. “Actually, she is. But for now, I'd rather keep her under wraps.” He threw his arm around Sean's shoulder as they walked out. “But I would like us all to get together soon—for dinner. Maybe my place.”

“Sounds good,” Sean said, as his late night conversation with Khendra replayed in his head. She was right again.

 

The dinner sponsored by One Hundred Black Women was an extraordinary affair. Every notable African-American female from across the country was in attendance and Vaughn was the honoree. Yet all she could think about for the entire evening was being alone with Justin. Every time she stole a glance in his gorgeous direction, her insides did a somersault. The evening seemed to drag on
forever, until finally the last thank-you and goodnight had been said.

Justin had taken the liberty of hiring a chauffeur for the evening. As the black Lincoln Town Car cruised through the streets of downtown Richmond, Vaughn and Justin had the luxury of relaxing in each other's arms.

Vaughn leaned her head against Justin's shoulder. “I'm glad you came with me tonight. I don't know how I would have gotten through the evening without you there.”

“And why is that?” he asked, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

She angled her head and looked up into his eyes. “Because all I would have been able to think about was seeing and being with you,” she said softly.

He cupped her chin in his palm. “Is that right?” he asked in a rough voice. “Funny how we seem to be thinking more and more alike.” His eyes glided over her face and she felt her body ignite.

“Your place or mine?” she asked in a throaty whisper.

“Mine.”