When the Heart Lies

Chapter 8





Before getting ready for dinner, Jackson took an hour and searched the internet. Not much luck with addresses. Wayde seemed to like PO boxes, and he appeared to be uncommonly transient up until the last ten years, when he began working and living in Orangevale. There were no name changes, previous jobs, or insurance records, and his DMV records added nothing to the investigation. After blowing out an exaggerated breath, he closed the computer and went to get ready for dinner.

He was finishing dressing when Olivia’s knock came.

“Jackson, it’s me.”

He hollered over his shoulder and continued tying his tie. “C’mon in. I left it open, and I’m not even naked.”

As she walked in, she assessed his reflection in the mirror. “Nice suit. I approve.”

“Thanks, you look nice, too.”

She wore an ivory silk dress. She usually wore black or red. The dress hung only a couple inches above the knee, long for her. He gave his tie one last adjustment and turned around to face her.

“We’d better head to the restaurant.” Olivia said. “We don’t want to keep Xavier waiting.”

As they entered Chez Armand, Jackson slipped his hand around Olivia’s waist launching their little masquerade. The restaurant was elegant and upscale. An assortment of midnight blues and grays complemented the candlelit chandeliers hanging low above the tables that were adorned with fresh floral arrangements.

“We’re with the Wentworth party,” he said.

“Right this way, please.”

The maître d’, an expressionless, stuffy, little fat man, whose chin squished down as an extension of his neck, took them into the dining room, wobbling as he walked. He led them to a table with a bay window overlooking a garden seating area with small white lights in the flowering trees. Xavier and Nick stood to greet them. Again, Xavier took Olivia’s hand and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He broke the connection quickly, and turned his attention to Jackson.

“Jackson, this is my wife, Angela, and my son, Nick.”

Xavier tilted his head toward Nick and Angela. “You’ve both met Olivia.” Angela scanned him and pulled at her earring with a distracted smile.

Jackson smiled and nodded in Angela’s direction. “Ma’am.” He and Nick shook hands. “Nice to meet you, Nick.”

The maître d’ stood holding Olivia’s chair and waited for them to sit. The waiter appeared promptly to take their drink orders and suggested the entrées of the evening. When he left, he gave a slight bow.

“Olivia, what on earth are you doing here all the way from Le Grand?” Angela said, pulling at her earring again as she shot Xavier a glare.

Olivia flashed a pert smile. “I’m doing some work here for a couple of days.”

Tight-lipped, Angela arranged her napkin as she placed it on her lap. “How nice.”

The two women resembled felines, purring at each other rather than clawing to keep things civilized.

“Yes, very nice,” Olivia said, glancing at Xavier. Angela noticed.

“So, Jackson, what do you do?” Angela asked.

From her tone, the question was obvious. What’s your status? And he found it annoying. He maintained eye contact with a challenging stare. “I’m a cop. I work in Olivia’s precinct in Le Grand.”

“Really? You and Nick have at least one thing in common … remotely.” She flipped her hand dismissively. “Nick’s a lawyer.”

Nick’s head darted up when Angela made the tactless statement. She might as well have said, “My son’s better than you are.” The eye Xavier gave her was nothing less than a warning.

“That must be a very exciting line of work,” Xavier said. “I’ve always admired police officers for their bravery.” He lifted his glass. “Heroes every day.”

“That’s for sure. I could never be a cop.” Nick’s comment followed Xavier’s offhandedly, but sounded genuine.

“He’s a terrific cop. One of the best.” Olivia gave Jackson an admiring smile.

Jackson never mentioned he’d been a prosecuting attorney in Le Grand for years, and Olivia knew him well enough to know he could care less about the conclusions people might make about him. They made small talk over dinner. Nick seemed personable, thus far, and Xavier appeared to be over his displeasure with his earlier questioning. The food was delicious, and he was able to assess the family dynamics, specifically Nick’s character. The three Wentworths looked as if they were relatively comfortable with each other, in a superficial sort of way.

“It might be fun for the three of you to go out after dinner,” Xavier said. “Nick, maybe you could show them around town.”

Nick swallowed his mouthful of steak too soon. Stretching his neck, he gulped before getting any words out. “I’d love to.”

“Great, what do you think Jackson?” Olivia said.

“Fine with me.” He draped his arm over her chair, leaned back, and continued to observe their interactions.

“Ah, shit.” Nick said as is head dropped to the side. He grimaced, pinching his forehead with his fingers.

“Oh, Lord,” Angela added and looked in every direction, avoiding the sexy red head coming their way. She stopped as the woman came closer and glared at Nick. “She has some nerve. Get rid of her.” She turned to Xavier. “Xavier?”

Xavier raised his brow and opened his hands with a shrug delivering the universal ‘what the hell would you like me to do about it’ gesture. Nick appeared to be over it and smiled as she approached.

The woman flipped her phony red hair over her shoulder and sat her abundant ass on the chair between Jackson and Nick. She slung her arm casually around the back of Nick’s chair. Leaning in, she flashed him a choice view of the cleavage spilling from her sausage-tight, emerald dress. “All alone again tonight, Nick?” she said in a sultry voice. “Where’s that wife of yours been hiding?”

Nick pulled his salad fork from his mouth, leaned back into his chair and patted his lips with his napkin. “Now, Stephanie, what would be the point of her hiding, if I knew where she was? I rather like a mystery.” He dragged his finger along the neckline of her dress, smiling. “Don’t you?” The only response he got was the budding of her nipples beneath the thin fabric of her dress.

Things were getting interesting. No doubt Jackson would get the slant on Nick’s character now. He couldn’t quite place where this little interruption was going.

Red-faced, Angela shook her head and smiled. “Oh Nick, really. Of course he knows where she is. Kinsley’s in Florida visiting relatives with Max.” She toyed with her silverware keeping her eyes lowered as she spoke. “Her mother’s been ill.”

Jackson looked from Xavier to Olivia to Angela. All three straightened up and became quiet. Their eyes wandered about the table. The only one looking at anyone was Jackson, and he wasn’t going to miss the show. He hadn’t been expecting entertainment, but Nick’s initial response to seeing this gorgeous red head didn’t seem favorable, and Angela’s lying sweetened the mix. Sitting right next to them was like having a box seat.

The woman was cozying up to Nick in a big way, but it appeared she wasn’t someone who warranted an introduction. She pulled him in closer and whispered in his ear. “Take me for a ride when you finish up here.”

Nick’s expression turned dreamy, except for the sly grin paired with the light in his eyes. “I suppose I could take you for a ride,” he said, speaking in an oddly normal volume, in contrast to her whispering.

“You certainly have before,” she whispered, a little louder this time as she played her fingers in the nape of his loosely curled, collar-length hair.

Nick looked into her eyes and placed the back of his hand softly against her cheek.

The two had the entire table’s attention, except for Olivia’s. She kept knocking Jackson’s leg with her own under the table. He supposed she wanted him to stop staring. Good luck with that. He had a hunch this was going to be one of the most interesting family dinners he’d ever attended.

So, I’ll meet you later at the bar?” she said to Nick.

“I’d love to meet you.” The back of his hand slid slowly from her cheek to the curve of her neck. “Except I can’t because you just reminded me of something.”

She smiled, lifting one shoulder. A modern day Marilyn Monroe. “What’s that Nick?”

One brow rose, and he pitched his head to the side, answering in a humorless tone. “Why I married Kinsley instead of a gold digging slut like you.”

The women gasped. Jackson covered his mouth with his fist and pretended to clear his throat while attempting to hold back laughter. Not because the comment was funny, but because of the absurdity of the statement. Were Nick’s balls actually this big, or were they just the best money could buy? Witnessing this scene almost made up for having to fly to New York.

“Jesus Nick,” Xavier said, grimacing and shaking his head.

She stood and slammed her chair into the table. “I’m no more of a slut than you are, Nick, and everyone knows it.”

“You’re right, Stephanie. Only difference is, I was plowed when I screwed you. If I hadn’t been, I would’ve remembered that you don’t know how to keep your mouth shut.” The unavoidable slap in the face came fast. It was brisk, but no more than a provocation. Everyone stared at Nick as Stephanie stomped away.

Both of Nick’s hands flew into the air and his mouth opened. “What? You can’t deny she had it coming.” He glanced around the table. When no validation came, he shrugged and returned to his steak.

Angela cut in. “I have to excuse myself to go to the ladies room and freshen up.”

Once she left, Olivia turned her attention to Xavier. “Xavier, do you think I could talk to you in private for a few minutes.”

“Sure. Let’s go over to the lounge.” Xavier stood and held his hand out, signaling to Olivia to take the lead as they headed in that direction.

Olivia’s maneuver effectively gave Jackson the time alone he’d need with Nick. Once Xavier and Olivia were out of sight, both he and Nick began to talk at the same time.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” With a nod, he signaled Nick to continue.

“No worries.” Nick said. “Just tell me to mind my own business if I’m being too forward. Are you two exclusive?”

Evidently, Nick wasn’t the type of guy who hinted around. His direct nature would make Jackson’s job a lot easier.

“No. Not at all. We’re friends—with benefits, occasionally.” He wasn’t comfortable labeling himself and Olivia that way, but he was posing as her date. Chances were he’d have to remind her of that. “Feel free to tell me to get lost, too—when I ask you what the hell just happened?”

Nick threw his glance in the direction Stephanie hightailed it to after she laid one on him and huffed away. “Like my mother said, she has some nerve. The woman nearly cost me my family. I took her out a few times. She got clingy and the entire club found out about the indiscretion within weeks. Happened nearly six years ago. I suppose she thought my wife would dump me. Kinsley’s not like that. She kept it in the family, and it blew over. We had our issues over it.” He motioned toward the lounge where Xavier and Olivia went. “You probably guessed. “That―has nothing to do with business.”

Jackson laughed. “Yeah, she told me about him ahead of time.” He wondered if Nick knew anything about what was going on with Kinsley. Xavier and Olivia stayed tight-lipped about Nick’s role when it came to Kinsley, and Nick talked about her as if she was still with him.

Nick widened his eyes briefly. “Sounds like a nice arrangement.” He lifted his chin toward the lounge. “She followed him around like a puppy dog for years.”

Unable to imagine Olivia exhibiting puppy-like behavior, he smiled. “Are you sure you don’t mean Rottweiler?”

They laughed.

“I’m sure she could be that, too,” Nick said. “Sexy woman, though. No disrespect, but I’d take a shot at her myself, if I didn’t think he might be love with her.”

The way Nick talked—infidelity was the most natural thing in the world. It didn’t appear he was trying to impress him either; clearly, this was his typical line thinking.

“Told me she couldn’t break him down in the long run, and he broke it off,” Jackson said.

“I don’t see why she couldn’t. He and my mother have been in separate bedrooms for a few years now. I guess they never recovered from the affair. The guy makes me come across like a vulture. He’s always doing the right thing, nearly a saint, other than Olivia for Christ’s sake.”

Jackson took a sip of his drink and stared at the glass he was rotating slowly in his hand. “Everyone has their secrets.” He met Nick’s eyes.

Before long, they picked up the conversation where they’d left off. When Angela came back from the ladies room, they immediately stopped talking. She glanced from one to the other. “A person would think you’re talking about them, the way you cut off conversing.” She eyeballed the empty chairs with pursed lips. “Where did Xavier and Olivia go?”

“They had some business to take care of,” Nick said.

“Don’t you mean she’s off trying to seduce my husband again? I mean, really, can’t the woman get the hint. He’ll never leave me.” She cast her eyes away and finished her after dinner cocktail. “Oh, Jackson, I’m so sorry. What was I thinking saying such a thing in front of you?”

“Smiling, Jackson leaned his forearm onto the table to rest his drink. “Don’t even think about it.” He maintained eye contact until she glanced away uncomfortably. He’d surmised early on that Angela always knew exactly what she was saying.

Xavier and Olivia returned to the table. Awkward silence hovered around them. Before anyone could speak, Xavier turned to Angela. “Well, Angela, I’ve taken care of the check. Are you about ready to leave?”

“That would be splendid. I’ve had a long day. The three of you enjoy yourselves. Call a car if you drink too much. Nice meeting you, Jackson.” She stood as she spoke, not making eye contact with him. Instead, she tilted her head toward Olivia. “Olivia.”

When Xavier and Angela left, Nick turned to them. “Well, unless you drive into the city not much is going on here. How would you feel about coming to my house? I could call my friend, Mia. Might be nicer with the four of us.”

“That sounds great,” Olivia said, glancing over at Jackson for confirmation.

“Olivia, you remember where my parents live. We’re down the road about a mile from them, 316 Sentinel Drive. We’ll meet in twenty minutes.”

~ ~ ~

After enduring a few more hours with Wayde, Savannah, and Remy, Kinsley got up from the table. If she had to spend one more minute with the three of them, she’d go batty. “I’m going to bed.”

Wayde grabbed her wrist. “Wait for me, darlin’. I’m comin’ in a minute.”

She yanked her arm away. “I’m sleeping with Max.”

Wayde glared at Kinsley and then shifted his cold eyes toward Remy and Savannah, letting her know she’d better shut her mouth.

Remy sneered at her. “You handle your problem, Wayde. I’m taking my woman to bed. She wouldn’t think of givin’ me any trouble. Would ya, baby?”

“Why would I want to?” Savannah corkscrewed her neck and upper body, batting her lashes for effect, and headed to her room, dragging Remy along by the hand.

When the door to Savannah’s room closed, Wayde said, “Don’t you go embarrassing me in front of my friends. You better cut your shit. Go get in bed.” Motioning her off with a whip-like movement of his head, he opened and began to pack a fresh box of Marlboros, pounding the box hard against the palm of his hand several times.

“I said I’m sleeping with Max.”

He got up fast, tipping the chair over; it fell to the floor with a thud. Both stood silent not breaking their stare. He stalked toward her slowly, grabbed her by the throat, and maintained a brutal grip. She couldn’t get a breath out. She tried to move away, but he seized her around the waist, pulling her closer.

Squashing his cheek against hers, he whispered into her ear. “You git your ass into bed, and if you make a goddamn sound to embarrass me, I’ll be beat the shit out of you right in front of them.” Then he looked at her. His eyes were menacing as he spoke through gritted teeth. “And I’ll make sure it’s a good show.” When he nodded toward the bedroom, she headed in.

Wayde closed the door behind him when he entered and took a seat on the side of the bed. He remained quiet while removing his shoes and socks and then turned the radio on. Too loud for nighttime. She continued to stand facing the dresser and pulled out a nightgown. This was her life now.

“I need to wash my face and brush my teeth,” she said.

“Hurry up and get back here.”

She brushed her teeth, but couldn’t take her eyes off the mirror; she didn’t recognize the woman standing in front of her. How had she gotten here? It wasn’t so long ago the woman she saw stood at an altar with a man who promised her forever. Every fairytale story had guaranteed life would be happily ever after. Her throat tightened, and her eyes tingled threatening tears. She blinked, flicked the light off, and stopped in the doorway. The living room was directly in front of her, and she looked in. Amazed that Max could sleep through all the music, she went to check on him. Her hand glided over his soft, still baby-like hair as she leaned closer inhaling his scent and resting her lips on his head. Feeling helpless to protect him, a stabbing pain ripped through to her soul. Spiritlessly, she headed back to the bedroom.

When she closed the door behind her, she stood holding the knob. Wayde had already gotten into bed. She entered and climbed from the bottom of the bed onto the side by the wall, trying without success to hug it. The mattress sagged as he turned toward her. Inside, she was screaming. He reached around her, grabbing her breast. Milking a cow. She tried to move away, but he jerked her closer.

“I’m tired.”

“Too bad, you’re always tired. I ain’t listening to that shit no more.”

“I’m sick from the alcohol like I might throw up.” It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the alcohol.

“Don’t gimme lip. Play with me.”

“No.”

The bed rocked as he tugged at himself. The motion, along with the thought of what he was doing, was making her sick.

“Shit. I drank too much anyway. Looks like you’re out of luck.”

Her breaths skipped as she exhaled slow, trying to conceal her relief. Thank God he was impotent most of the time. She pulled away toward the wall. This time he let her go. The music in both rooms was loud and mingled into a mess of sound. “Why do they have to play loud music every time they’re in there? And why do we have music on? Max is sleeping.”

“They don’t want us listening to her howl. Ours is on so they think you are. Go to sleep.”

~ ~ ~

The houses on Sentinel were enormous, and the streets were lined with beautiful oaks, birches, and even a few Weeping Willow trees. Jackson thought the environment suited Kinsley. “I wonder what their house is like. Let’s work the advantage of getting inside. Ask for a tour. Women always do that annoying shit.” He smiled.

Olivia shook her head and grinned. “Jackson … really, sometimes … you realize if you weren’t so impossibly sexy, you’d never get away with those kinds of comments, joking or not.”

“What? You’re all a little trying at times; you can’t deny it.”

“And men aren’t? Shit, I missed 316. I have to back up.” She craned her neck around, backed up just beyond the circular driveway that sloped up a hill to the big colonial style home, and pulled in. The landscaping was perfect with topiaries lighting each side of the center entrance.

“Ready to meet the real Kinsley, Jackson?”

“I guess I’ll have to be, won’t I.”

You could tell a lot about a woman from the way she decorated her home. There were also multitudes of secrets hidden inside. He hoped some of those secrets might enlighten him on the other issues Xavier and Kinsley had been so vague about. Those issues, he was sure, had something to do with why Kinsley left home in the first place.

He looked over at Olivia. “Take my lead.”

They headed up the long stone path leading to the house and exchanged a glance before ringing the doorbell. Before his hand reached the bell, the heavy wooden door burst open with Nick in mid-sentence.

“Hey, Jackson. Olivia. Right on time. I called Mia. She should be over soon. C’mon in.”

As they entered the foyer, Jackson stopped in his tracks—deer in the headlights stopped. Directly before him, framed by the winding staircase and lit by a crystal chandelier, hung a nearly life-sized, black-and-white portrait of Kinsley. She was lying on her side in clouds of white linen, gazing down at Max in her arms. He was covering her nakedness. Nick lay behind Kinsley with his hand on her shoulder, similarly covered by her. He was gazing down upon the two of them.

Olivia, still staring at the portrait said, “Holy crap, it’s fabulous.” She turned to Jackson.

His neck craned back for a better view. Open-mouthed and gawking, he stood entranced. Seeing Kinsley like that with Nick and her son shook him into reality. Kinsley was a married woman, a mother, and in a mess he had no business being in. Xavier’s voice chided—“It isn’t a good idea.” He needed to get this case over with and move on.

Olivia nudged him. “What the hell’s wrong with you?” she whispered.

His facial expression fell flat as he gulped before speaking. “Yeah, remarkable.”

Nick laughed. “We’ve gotten similar reactions before. Not always sure whether they’re good or bad. My mother thinks the portrait is vulgar. What can I get you two?”

“Tequila’s good,” Olivia said. “This place is great Nick. I’ll have to talk you into a tour.” She covertly popped her tongue out at Jackson.

He grinned and took a look around. “I’ll take a beer.” The expansive informal living room and bar was a mixture of traditional and contemporary. The room didn’t send the message of tremendous wealth. Instead, the home rendered more of a cozy family atmosphere.

“Import or domestic, Jackson?”

“Either.”

Nick handed him a Sam Adams, and Olivia her tequila. “Let me show you the house. If Kinsley were here, she’d start in the kitchen, her second favorite room. She’s a phenomenal cook, and we entertain a lot, so we decided to go gourmet.

The Tuscan colors gave the room a warm and cozy atmosphere, and the windows looking out onto the deck stretched around the entire back of the house. A few boats were on the docks. They must have a huge yard because the water appeared to be quite far away.

Nick escorted them from the kitchen and they toured around the main floor. Jackson took a second glance when Nick led them past the back stairway leading up to the bedrooms. A tour was just what he needed.

Nick then led them up the main staircase, walking backward and talking as he went. Still backward, he showed them a couple of guest rooms. They were nice, but nothing out of the ordinary. They moved on to Max’s room. It had storybook themes, white furniture, and as expected, was filled with stuffed animals, toys, and books.

Olivia tapped the little rocking horse. “Aw, sweet.”

Nick motioned them into the study. He laughed and braced his hands against the sides of the doorframe accentuating the importance of the room. “This is her study. She gives me a very small area over in the corner if I have to do something important. Otherwise, I’m not allowed in here. She likes to think of herself as a writer.” He laughed again.

Jackson eyed the room wondering what Kinsley had ever seen in a guy like Nick. Finally, they moved on to the master bedroom; it would give him more information than any other room. People kept their secrets in the bedroom. Nick opened the door and led them in. In front of them was a king-size brass canopy bed with gathered gauze draped perfectly in each corner. White shutters covered the bottom half of the large windows facing the water, and an assortment of pale blues and subdued browns gave the room a seaside feel.

Olivia called out from the bathroom, “Jackson, you’ve got to see this.”

Similar to the bedroom, the bath brought to mind an ocean retreat. A large Jacuzzi soaking tub sat in the middle of the room under a glass dome filtering in moonlight, and the glassed in shower beyond the tub could easily accommodate four. He scanned the room and nodded as he imagined Kinsley lying against his chest, nipple deep in hot soapy water and sipping wine beneath the moonlight. “Nice. Very nice.” A chuckle slipped out when the thought of what a girl he was being entered his head.

Olivia gave him a queer expression. “What are you laughing at?”

“Nothing. Let’s get out of here.” He pushed past her into the bedroom. He needed air.

The doorbell rang, and they headed downstairs. Nick took the steps fast and hollered as he hurried toward the back of the house. “C’mon in Mia. We’re in the family room.” He went to her, pulled her close, and kissed her cheek. “Olivia, Jackson, this is Mia.”

They exchanged pleasantries and made themselves comfortable.

“The usual, Mia?” Nick asked.

“Usual’s good.” She smiled at Jackson, taking no notice of Olivia.

“Xavier roped Nick into entertaining us,” Jackson said, flashing a striking smile in return.

“Not at all. Don’t listen to him, Mia. I’m enjoying myself.” Nick headed to the bar, prepared Mia’s martini, and put some ice in a bucket. He threw a couple of beers into the bucket, grabbed the bottles of Scotch and tequila, and returned, in effect bringing the bar to them. “Jackson, Olivia, ready for refills?”

They talked a few more minutes, welcoming Mia and becoming acquainted. Eventually, the conversations divided between him and Nick and Olivia and Mia. The drinks flowed rapidly. He and Nick handled their booze like pros, but the girls were getting a little loud and laughing at everything they had to say to each other.

After about an hour, he got Nick alone. “Hey, Nick, why don’t you show me that great deck?”

“Sure, great night to be outside.” Nick headed toward the French style deck doors. Mia and Olivia danced to some classic rock, and as he hoped, Nick didn’t bother asking them to join in.

Not only did the porch stretch the length of the house, it was quite deep. Jackson leaned his forearms onto the railing with clasped hands and scanned the view. A light breeze blew, lifting the jagged wisps of hair that fell just above his eyes. “This is remarkable.”

“Yeah, this place is fantastic,” Nick said as he surveyed the property.

“You said earlier Kinsley left. Will she be back?”

Nick’s facial expression tensed as he turned from him and looked out onto the water. “I wasn’t thinking. We’re separated.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”

Nick leaned back and held the railing to keep from falling backward. “She’s been gone a few months. Took off to Florida to live with a guy she barely knows.” His eyes lowered. It was a while before he looked out onto the lake, silent again. “She’ll be back.”

Not if I have any say in the matter. “What’s she like?”

“She’s great. A little needy though—the family thing; she’s always wanting more of me. There’s a certain aspect to this lifestyle she just doesn’t get. You follow?”

“I’m not sure I do.”

“I made a few slip-ups here and there. One nighters mostly. None meant anything. Mia on the other hand. Now that’s a sticky situation. If Kinsley found out about her? I love Kinsley. I do. But her running off the way she did doesn’t go over well with me.”

“I bet.” He had to say something, or his mouth would have hung in awe.

“The situation is starting to get embarrassing. Stuff like this doesn’t happen in our circle, and it’s getting hard to cover for her. I’d like things to work out. Who wants their family separated? But I’ve had about enough of her childish behavior.”

“Ever thought of going after her?”

Nick’s brows drew together and his jaw set. He leaned forward propping one foot on the railing, as his stiff arms distanced his body from it. “Sure, but going after her wouldn’t work. She wanted me to come back before she left. When I didn’t, she took off. I thought she’d be more patient. I should’ve come back. She hasn’t contacted anyone here in three months. I was just being selfish, and I wanted to teach her a lesson. A woman doesn’t ask her husband to leave. She did. So now, she needs to come back on her own. Otherwise, she’ll be the one calling the shots, and that isn’t going to happen.” He stayed quiet a few minutes. “We’ve had issues, but





they usually pass. Well, at least I thought they did. I thought that once before, too, though. Big mistake—she took a bottle of pills right in front of me. I couldn’t believe she’d do that to me.”

Jackson didn’t say anything, but his mouth did hang open a bit this time. Did Nick really just say she did it to him?

“I didn’t talk to her for months. I forgave her though. She’s a good mother and wife. Until she decided to leave. Not to mention, she’s a great—well.” He smirked, his head slanting, and eyes following along to meet Jackson’s. His smirk faded to a reminiscent smile. “A man doesn’t just throw that away. Just like a women doesn’t give up millions by not looking the other way, if you get what I mean. She has everything she wants with me.”

Except a husband who loves her. More than ever, he wanted to love her and tell her whatever she thought she needed from Nick, he could give her. But at this particular moment, all he desired to do was wipe the smirk off the face of this man who called himself her husband. “Everything she wants, huh.” He clamped his mouth shut before he said something he’d regret.

The music increased in volume. Olivia came out onto the deck and Mia followed. They seemed to be making fast friends. Jackson was leaning against the railing when Olivia came up against him like lightning. He had to steady himself. She was loaded by this point. Mia, who was standing in front of Nick and peering up at him seductively while sliding her hand up and down the buttons of his shirt, didn’t seem to be far behind. What the hell kind of corner was Kinsley in that would make her want to come back to this?

A slow song came on, and Olivia tugged him away from the railing wobbling slightly as she did. “Dance with me.”

He seized her around the waist and pulled her back into his arms to steady her. They started to dance. Casually, he leaned in pretending to kiss her and whispered into her ear. “Get any information?”

“Lots, the girl’s a spiller.”

“Him, too. What’d ya get?”

“Aw Jackson, later. Don’t make this all about work. Besides, it was girl talk. Nothing important.”

She slid her hand up his chest and around the back of his neck, pulling his lips to hers. He hesitated, but kissed her closed mouth for show. The music moved on to a faster beat. All of them seemed ready to move on.

With his arm still draped over Mia’s shoulder, Nick turned to Jackson and Olivia. “Jackson, it’s getting late, almost two. Kinda crazy to go back to the hotel now. Stay here. We have plenty of room.”

Things played out perfectly for him and Olivia. “Thanks, that’d be great.” He looked at Olivia. “Okay with you, Olivia?”

Smiling, she bounced on her toes a bit appearing more than pleased. “Sure.”

The three of them traipsed up the stairs behind Nick.

“Mia, you can take the second guest bedroom. Jackson, Olivia, go ahead and take this one. Kinsley keeps some extra toothbrushes and anything you might need in the bathrooms.”

“Thanks,” Jackson said, feeling a little odd he was being all but tucked in by Kinsley’s husband and sharing a room in her home with Olivia. Everything about the night was strange. How would Kinsley react when she found out he’d been here, poking into her life and riffling through her things?

Olivia grabbed his hand, hauling him in the direction of the bedroom as he spoke. The door closed behind them, and she pushed him back against it, kissing him while working on stripping him bare. When her hands landed on his fly, he grabbed her shoulders and turned, reversing their position. In an instant, he seized her wrists with one hand and lifted them above her head, pressing them and her against the door with his body. He maintained the pressure that held her while looking at her intently.

“Knock this shit off Olivia; I’m not interested. I’ll take the floor.” He released her with a little more force than he’d meant to. Angrily, he snatched a pillow and a small throw from the bottom of the bed and tossed them onto the plush carpet.

She began to protest. When her open mouth clamped shut, he was relieved, and settled himself on the floor as comfortably as he could. She did the same on the bed, passing out within minutes. He waited about an hour before venturing out to scour around.

Darkness and silence met him when he peered around the doorway. He turned on the small flashlight he brought along. Noticing the master bedroom door was open, he headed in. The room was empty. The whole house had the appearance that Kinsley still lived there. Jewelry on the dressing table, cosmetics in the bathroom. He picked up a bottle of perfume and sucked in an extended breath, taking note of the fragrance: Estée Lauder’s Beautiful. When he opened the walk-in closet, her clothes were still hanging, along with shoes, handbags, and some decorative boxes. He took one down. There was nothing in the box but some memorabilia. The same with the others. In the bureau drawers, he came across some nice lingerie and slid the fabric between his fingers, sizing it up. In a hurry, he stopped short of imagining her wearing the slinky black teddy he caressed and closed the drawer to get it out of sight.

Bedside tables. There’s always something telling in those. He saved them for last. Nothing of consequence in the first one, the drawer contained only a couple of novels, a book light, and a few hair bands. Apparently, Kinsley slept there, on the right. He smiled. He was a left side sleeper. Nothing much in Nick’s side table either, but after examining the drawer for a minute, he noticed the inside didn’t seem as deep as the outside. He sat on the bed beside the table, bent down, and felt underneath. Sure enough, he located a release button with no lock for easy access. Most likely, they kept a gun inside the compartment for an emergency. Sure enough, there was a gun, but the big revelation was an unexpected pile of letters. There must’ve been close to sixty of them, all to Kinsley, and all marked ‘Return to Sender.’

Nick had been trying to reach her. What a screwed up contradiction that was. He must’ve written to her nearly every day. He stood and dropped to one knee, taking a look under the bed. Something on Kinsley’s side caught his attention. A thick photo album. He retrieved the album and sat on the edge of the bed. It was locked. Seemed a little odd, but all couples had their playtime. He sighed and slid it back under the bed. After surveying the room one more time, he got up to leave and headed toward the study.

The study, jam-packed with law and writing books, held his interest. He examined the degrees hanging on the wall. Pinned onto the bulletin board were a few rejection letters from publishers and one asking her to make revisions and resubmit a book entitled, Broken. He was able to learn a lot about her in the study. She collected strange pens, cluttered her desk with artsy knickknacks, and posted inspirational quotes on the wall in front of her desk. She also kept a pair of fluffy, pink, elephant slippers tucked under the chair. But he found nothing related to the case that gave any indication of why she left.

As he headed down the back staircase, he heard a door creak open. Pressed against the wall, he slipped around the corner. Whoever it was might be on the way to the kitchen, so he ran defense and turned back toward the bathroom.

Nick was coming from the master bedroom, walking with his head down. He startled when he looked up and saw him. “Jackson.”

“I had to run down to the kitchen to get a glass of water. I hope I didn’t wake you.”

“No, no, you didn’t. Nick lifted his hand displaying a condom, confirming Jackson hadn’t been the disturbance. “Well, I’m going back to bed. If you need anything, help yourself.” He headed toward the guest room.

Jackson couldn’t resist and asked as he pointed to the master bedroom, “Isn’t that your room?”

Nick hesitated and glanced in the direction of his and Kinsley’s bedroom. With as close to a sincere loving thought of Kinsley as Jackson had heard from him so far, he said, “I don’t bring other women into our bedroom.”

Jackson sighed, supposing that that was at least one redeeming quality.

The next morning, they all had coffee, saying how glad they were they had gotten together, and that they hoped they’d see each other again. And like the night before, it was awkward for him.

Once he and Olivia were in the car, she turned to him. “We have to swing by Xavier’s office before we pick up our things at the hotel and tell him what went on last night.”

“When’s our flight?”

“One.”

“Damn, Olivia, could you have slept any longer?”

Jackson and Olivia arrived at Xavier’s office with little time to spare for the meeting if they were going to make their flight. They waited impatiently for a few minutes before they were finally taken in to his office.

“Mr. Wentworth can meet with you now. Would you like me to bring in some coffee?” the receptionist asked.

Both he and Olivia shook their heads no. They thanked her for asking, and she led them into Xavier’s office. The room was large, contemporary, and functional. All business. Xavier came from behind his desk and motioned them toward the sofa and chairs, which provided a comfortable conversation area.

“Good morning, have a seat.”

They sat, and he joined them.

He addressed Jackson. “So, how did things go last night?”

“The evening went well. We ended up staying the night. I was able to look around and talk to Nick.”

“Good. What did he have to say?”

“He said he still loves her and wants her back. But the way he talked, love isn’t what he feels for her.” He looked at Xavier and shrugged. “My opinion.” He also said she had to come back on his terms, or he didn't think things would work out.”

Xavier frowned. “I’m sure he did.”

“The best insight I got was in his bedside table. There must’ve been sixty letters marked ‘Return to Sender,’ and all addressed to Kinsley. However, when I talked to her she told me he hadn’t tried to reach her.”

A puzzled expression crossed Xavier’s face. “Do you think the returned letters are a matter of this guy, Wayde, being jealous and not wanting to give them to her?”

“Maybe. Still, she never goes anywhere except to that café, and occasionally to her friends place down the road from Wayde’s. Those types of behaviors are often red flags. He drops her off and picks her up when she goes to the café. The café has no Internet. Who knows if she’s able to make a call? Doesn’t appear she has a cell phone, and pay phones are hard to find these days.”

“No telling why she hasn’t called,” Xavier said. We have the audio in as of this morning; Olivia had some undercover men pose as telephone repairmen. It should give us more insight.”

“What if she’s being threatened?”

“We’ll have to help. If she doesn’t want any, I’ll have to get Max home.”

“What about Kinsley?”

“If she’s in physical danger, do whatever you can to help her, but ultimately, leaving is her choice.”