Fidelity (Infidelity #5)

Detective Holden pulled the empty chair away from the table, flipped it around so he was straddling the back, and sat. “Well, it appears as though, despite your assault, Mr. Fitzgerald has graciously agreed to offer you a deal.”

“A warrant has been issued,” Mr. Owen said. “The ball’s no longer in Mr. Fitzgerald’s court.”

The detective shrugged. “True, but he can decide to drop the charges and refuse to testify on behalf of the DA. I’m sure the state of Georgia will take Mr. Fitzgerald’s recommendation very seriously. They’re a little overwhelmed at this time with other issues, as is Mr. Fitzgerald.”

Mr. Owen lifted his hand, silencing my rebuttal. “What does he propose?”

“Mr. Fitzgerald agreed not to pursue the charges of aggravated battery if you agree to honor the marriage of his daughter and accept the limitations set forth in a restraining order restricting your contact with Mrs. Spencer.”

I shook my head.

“Mr. Demetri, we should talk about this offer,” Mr. Owen said.

“Are you representing me or Mr. Fitzgerald?”

“You, sir.”

“First, someone tell me who I supposedly assaulted.”

“Mr. Fitzgerald,” Detective Holden said. “At this time we’re waiting on the video evidence; however, he does have the contusion to support his claim.” He looked at my hands resting on the table’s surface. “And I will recommend photographs of your hand.”

I looked down and shrugged. “Yard work. I work in an office. My hands are soft.”

“Mr. Demetri…” Darryl Owen began.

“No. Tell the all-powerful Alton Fitzgerald that I’ll take the charge. I’ll pay the bail and he can take his offer and shove it up his ass.” I leaned forward as my palm slapped the metal table. “Oh, and tell him that I won’t be the one contesting this marriage; his stepdaughter will. I’ll be the one standing by her side, right by her side, as she hands him his ass in front of a judge and on the front page of every newspaper.”

“Mr. Demetri?” the detective asked.

I leaned back and looked at my attorney. “He was manhandling Alexandria. He was forcing her into a car where she didn’t want to go. If you have video footage proving his accusation, you’ll also have footage of his assault. Let him know: I’ll encourage his stepdaughter to press charges.”

Though Daryl Owen seemed displeased with my outburst, Stephen’s smile grew larger.

“So you’re admitting to battery?” Holden asked.

“My client has not admitted to anything except rescuing his girlfriend.”

“The wife of another man.”

Though I was certain the vein on my forehead was ready to burst, I swallowed my retort.

“Mr. Owen, there are multiple charges,” Detective Holden continued. “It wasn’t only Mr. Fitzgerald who was assaulted tonight on the grounds of Montague Manor. Two of his guards were found unconscious. One was bound.” He turned toward me. “You wouldn’t know anything about those men, would you, Mr. Demetri?”

I shrugged. “It was a big party. I assume you’ve questioned each and every one of the guests? I saw a few who looked pretty shady.”

“What evidence do you have connecting my client to any of these charges?” Mr. Owen asked.

“He was there. He admitted that.”

“Circumstantial,” Stephen said. “So were over a hundred other people.”

“He just admitted to rescuing a woman from Mr. Fitzgerald, the CEO of Montague Corporation and the owner of the private property where he trespassed. The same Mr. Fitzgerald who was assaulted.”

“There was no admission. At the most you have circumstantial evidence for simple battery. My client can post bond and be out of here in less than an hour.”

“We’re getting the video footage from the mansion.”

Mr. Owen nodded. “Fine, and when you do, be sure to watch for the evidence that my client mentioned—that against Mr. Fitzgerald. You heard Mr. Demetri: Miss Collins could very easily follow through on her charges.”

“And let him know,” I said, “that she will also be filing forgery charges for falsifying her signature on a legal document.”

Detective Holden stood and pushed the chair back under the table.

“I’ll speak to Mr. Fitzgerald’s attorney and be back with you.”

“Mr. Demetri,” Stephen asked, “are you able to post bond tonight if necessary?”

“Yes.”

The detective stopped with his hand on the doorknob. “You were at Montague Manor all evening?”

I shrugged. “I’m not sure of the exact time.”

“Were you there by eight o’clock?”

“Detective,” Mr. Owen said, “why are you asking?”

He looked at me. “Do you know Mrs. Spencer’s mother?”

“I don’t know a Mrs. Spencer,” I replied.

“Mr. Demetri, what do you know about Mrs. Fitzgerald?”

Stephen’s gaze met mine.

“I know she’s been ill and her daughter’s been very concerned. That’s why she came back to Savannah.”

“Yet she was willing to leave Savannah with her mother in grave condition?”

“She was willing to go to our home and away from Mr. Fitzgerald.” I squared my shoulders. “Between Miss Collins and myself, we’re capable of affording her transportation to visit her mother as often as necessary.”