“That was pretty low, even for you.” Jackson intoned as he fought a valiant fight to keep his tone modulated.
“It worked though, didn’t it? Don’t ever take me for a fool, Jackson. What I did today didn’t even take much planning. It was so very, very easy. Imagine what I could accomplish if I had time to actually plan.”
“Your message has been heard and understood, Diana hence this call. Everyone will be gone by 6:00 pm tomorrow. You will then be free to move back to the house any time after that. I hope that meets with your approval?”
“Where will they all be going?” She probed.
Anticipating the question, Jackson was prepared to tell her what she wanted to know. “In the first instance they will all be staying at the penthouse apartment. I’m sure your spies will be watching to confirm the truth of what I say.”
“You know me, darling, I leave nothing to chance. I’m glad you now see things my way, and I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with you. You have a lot to make up for; I haven’t forgotten the way I was treated the last time I was in that house. That incident is going to cost you some very expensive diamonds,” Diana purred.
By now the sound of her voice was sending tendrils of loathing along Jackson’s spine. Knowing he needed to get off the phone before he said something that could ruin their plans, he ended the call as delicately as his revulsion for her would allow.
“Your turn,” Jackson said with a nod in the direction of his youngest son.
Shortly after, Josh too had completed his call. “Everything is good to go.”
**********
“Isn’t this plan a little elaborate?” MacKenzie asked Aviva the next day.
“Honey, you heard Jake’s story. You and I both know that was only a small part of what he and Josh went through while they lived with their mother.”
“What makes someone behave that way, Aviva?” MacKenzie asked, looking baffled by Diana’s actions.
“I don’t know and I don’t want to know. I just want her out of our lives for good, and you should too. Would you ever be able to relax with Diana running around somewhere? Would you feel safe... would you feel that Noelle was safe?”
“I guess not,” MacKenzie agreed sounding tired. “Some of these rich people are as weird as hell!”
“I honestly don’t think it has anything to do with her being rich. Diana is crazy, and I’m using the word literally. She may look completely normal, but if you knew all the things she’s done...” Aviva trailed off with a faraway look in her eyes.
“What else did she do, Vee?”
“It’s not my story to tell, but I’m going to be a very happy woman when she’s no longer a part of our lives!”
Accepting her unwillingness to elaborate, MacKenzie changed the subject. “Are you packed?
“Yes, you?
MacKenzie nodded. “Packed and ready to go, but I gotta tell ya, all this waiting around is getting to me.”
**********
At precisely 6:00 pm, everyone minus Jackson made a big show of leaving the property. Two hours later, Diana swept in loaded down with very expensive luggage. Jackson stood in the hallway as Ronson opened the door.
“Oh, good grief, don’t tell me you’re still here!” Diana shot over her shoulder as she passed Ronson.
“Welcome, witch,” Ronson mumbled under his breath.
Spinning around, Diana scowled at the butler. “What did you just say to me?”
“I said, welcome Miss.”
Diana gave Ronson a dirty look, and Jackson only just managed to smother his laughter behind a cough. Seeing that Diana was about to respond to the butler, Jackson intervened. “Ronson, why don’t you organize Miss Diana’s bags.” Without waiting for a reply, Jackson moved towards Diana.
“Good idea, put them in Jackson’s room,” Diana said giving Ronson and Jackson a meaningful look that said she hoped her words would wipe the smiles off their faces.
“Thank you, Ronson, you know what to do,” Jackson said by way of dismissal. “Diana, this way, please.” He indicated with a sweep of his arm.
“Jackson I know the way. I have to say, since I am going to be living here, this place needs a complete remodel. All at your expense of course.” Try as she might, Diana was unable to wipe the smile off Jackson’s face, which angered her.
Then it hit her, and Diana was unsure why it hadn’t occurred to her before, Jackson was pleased to see her. He looked happy; she had thought that by insisting his sons left, he would be angry with her. Not that she would have been concerned if that were the case. She was a master at getting what she wanted, and she intended for it to continue for as long as she desired. That Jackson looked so relaxed made her happy.