Lizzy lifted her head. “I don’t feel very smart. I should have figured out what was happening before I married him.”
Adam shook his head. “Men like Brian James are skilled liars and brilliant manipulators.” He paused. “I did some digging. There were rumors that Douglas James had refused to hand over the reins of the company until Brian settled down. I think he decided you fit the bill, so to speak. He went out of his way to get you and mould you into what he deemed appropriate. I don’t think you stood a chance once he decided you were it.”
Lizzy shook her head, her brow furrowed in confusion. “But he still didn’t give him the company. Even after we were married. He constantly dangled the company in front of Brian and how he could take it all away from him.”
Adam looked at her. “Settled down and produced an heir.”
Lizzy shuddered. “That wasn’t likely given our … sleeping arrangements.”
I tightened my hold on her hand in silent support. She hadn’t talked about that much except to say they had separate rooms, and he never came near her after the first couple weeks.
Adam shrugged. “As I said, they were just rumors my people picked up. Could be nothing.”
“What do you suggest, Adam?” Trevor asked.
Adam looked at us. “I draw up the divorce papers. I’ll go to James and his lawyer privately with them. I will also have this,” his hand picked up the bag with the blouse, “tested for DNA evidence. And have the pills analyzed. I’ll show them what we have and tell them you want a fast, quiet divorce.”
“What will you cite as cause?” I asked.
“Publicly; irreconcilable differences. It’s vague enough. He and his lawyer will know the truth.” He turned to Lizzy, hopeful. “Unless I can convince you to let me hit hard and fast?”
She shook her head. “No. I just … want him out of my life. I don’t want to ever see him again. You can use the evidence to threaten him, but not to prosecute him. Unless it’s necessary.”
He sighed. “And, you want no settlement for yourself? None? You deserve one, Lizzy.”
She shook her head. “No. I want nothing monetary or material from him. I want my books. And the boxes of my parent’s belongings. As well as one other thing.”
I looked down at her. She hadn’t mentioned anything else.
“I want it in writing that he will never come after me or any of the people who helped me get away. Especially Joshua. If he ever does, or I even suspect he does, then you release the evidence.” She drew in a deep breath. “If he refuses, then you go public right away. I’ll go to trial to protect Joshua, to protect them, if I have to. I want them safe. Use what I have to stop him from ever doing this again, Adam. Let him know he will be monitored.” She leaned forward, her voice earnest. “Joshua told me he no longer had the power here, Adam. Make sure he knows that. That he’ll never have that power again; over anyone. I want that taken away for good.”
Adam’s smile was wide. Leaning over, he took her hand. “You have yourself a lawyer. One way or another, he is out of your life, Lizzy. I’ll do my damnedest to make sure he never comes near you again.”
Lizzy sighed shakily and leaned into me heavily. I spoke quietly into her ear. “I think you need a break, Rabbit. Please?” Her tired nod was all I needed.
I stood up, taking her with me. “Excuse us,” I murmured and walked to the bedroom with her tucked under my arm. Instantly, Bear was up following us. I helped Rabbit onto the bed and threw a blanket over her. Immediately, Bear jumped up, wrapping himself around her curled form. I patted his head. Then I leaned down and kissed her tenderly.
“I can’t just lay here, Joshua,” she whispered although her eyes never opened.
“Yes, you can. Frank and Daniel are on their way. Daniel will come in and see you when he gets here. I’ll look after lunch. Please, Rabbit. You did so well, but now you need to rest, sweetheart,” I praised her, softly nuzzling her cheek again.
“You’re not angry with me?” she asked, and I could hear the vulnerability in her voice.
I leaned down and stroked her hair.
“No.” I assured her. “This is your decision. If you are sure about this, then I will support you fully.” I grimaced. “I would like the chance to beat the shit out of him, though. Maybe pay him a little visit as a surprise, give him a taste of his own medicine,” I mused.
Rabbit’s eyes flew open and she sat up. “No, Joshua! Promise me. He could hurt you. Please,” she pleaded shakily.
I stared at her, instantly regretting my flippant words.
“Violence begets violence, Joshua. I’ve had enough. Please. Promise me you won’t go after him. Promise me!” Her voice shook in terror.
I gathered her into my arms and rocked her. “I’m sorry, Rabbit,” I apologized, my voice sincere. I soothed the hair back off her head and kissed her forehead. “I didn’t mean it. I was just shooting my mouth off. I won’t go after him. I promise.”