Jason
Looking back over the past couple months, I realize I have all I want in life. Not the money and the fame—stuff I never really strived for—but the heart of the woman I love. When my lease was up, she decided I could move in with her, and I don’t think I’ve ever packed so quickly in my life.
It hasn’t been all sunshine and roses. As much as we love each other, it’s still an adjustment to live with someone else when you’ve been alone for a while. I haven’t lived with anyone else since I left the military My neat, orderly life is constantly disrupted by a messy little spitfire, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The band has decided to take a break. We’ve had several platinum albums and enough new music we haven’t released that we shouldn’t have to worry about momentum. The plan is to return to the studio after the New Year and no touring until next summer. With everything that’s happened with Brett, Derek, and the rest of us, Brian is afraid we are going to burn out. As a band, we sat down and discussed all our options. Since Brian discovered us, it seems we have been going non-stop. Between being in the studio and the almost constant touring, I can see how he would worry about that and thank God he’s not a money hungry manager with dollar bill signs in his eyes.
The guys and I continue to meet at the gym for our daily workouts and some bonding, but our previous comradery is not there. Things between Brett and Derek remain stilted. There’s no easy laughter or giving Isaac hell about his flavor of the night—not that there’s been a flavor of the night since the pool party. Mallory told me she caught Camryn leaving Isaac’s room that next morning, and whatever happened between them changed the man.
But Mallory and I are making it work. She quit working every shift offered to her so she can spend her off days with me, and I live for those days—sleeping in, snuggling, waking her up, and making love to her.
Leaving the gym, my phone dings. Pulling it out of my pocket, Mallory’s name flashes across the screen.
Mal: Are you on your way home?
Me: Just leaving the gym. Be home in a few.
Mal: Good. I need you.
Me: You okay?
Mal: No. I’ll explain when you get here.
Mal: You may want to call the lawyer I had before.
With that statement, I pause. Why the hell would she need a lawyer? Jumping in my truck, I haul ass back to the apartment.
Hustling up the stairs, I throw open the door to find a strange man sitting on the couch. Mallory is standing by the bar, wiping it down with a rag.
“Okay, what the hell is going on? Who the hell are you?” I ask, addressing the man in my living room.
As he stands, he pulls a wallet out of his pocket and flashes a badge.
“My name is Detective Rheinhard. I need to have Ms. Stephens come down to the station to answer some questions in regards to the death of Josh Anderson Buchanan.”
“I thought we cleared this up and no charges were going to be filed?”
“Apparently, after reviewing the case, DA Johnson has decided to look further into the matter.”
“What the hell? Can he do that?”
“Yes, he can. Now, just so you’re aware, I was the lead detective in Kristen Daniel’s stalking case, so I do have some history with the deceased. Ms. Stephens wanted to wait for you to arrive before she went down to the station. I advised her a lawyer would not be a bad idea either.”
“Why would you do that? I thought cops liked it when the accused doesn’t have a lawyer.”
“Because I don’t think this is all on the up and up. This was originally declared self-defense, case closed after the investigation was completed. Now, all of a sudden, Mr. Victor Buchanan blows into town throwing his weight around, and the case is reopened.”
“Victor Buchanan? Of Buchanan Enterprises?”
“That’s the one.”
“Son of a bitch.”
“Wait,” Mallory asks, confused. “Who is Victor Buchanan?”
“Babe, he’s one of the most influential men in Texas. And has more money than Bill Gates.”
“And he’s also the deceased’s father.”
Whipping my head back around to the detective, I can only imagine the look of shock on my face. “What?”
“Yes, his only child, heir to the throne, so to speak. And he’s not happy no one is going to pay for the death of his son. He wants to crucify someone, and that would be Ms. Stephens.”
“I need to call the lawyer. Can we just meet you at the station?”
“I don’t have a problem with that. Please just make it as soon as possible. It’s just questioning. Ms. Stephens, you are not under arrest. Here’s my card. Call me when you’re on the way.” He pulls a card from his pocket and hands it to me.
“Thank you.”
“For what it’s worth, Ms. Stephens, I believe you are in the right in this case. And I will do all I can to maintain that.”
Heading to the station, I glance over at Mallory and see her twisting the edge of the shirt. Reaching over, I twine my fingers with hers.
“It’s going to be okay, Mal. You have to believe that.”
“I don’t think I did anything wrong. It’s just disheartening that there is someone out to get me for defending myself and saving my friend’s life.”
“Mr. Vickers is going to meet us at the station. Hopefully, we can get all of this settled quickly and put it behind us.”
Pulling into the station, I find a parking spot with relative ease. About the time I kill the truck, my phone rings.
“Hello?”
“Mr. Livingston, this is Charles Vickers. I just wanted you to know I am here and waiting for you and Ms. Stephens in the lobby.”
“We just parked and will be in there in a minute.”
“Very good.”
Hanging up, I raise her hand and kiss the back of it.
“You ready?”
“No. But let’s go anyway.”
“There’s my tough girl.”
I open her door and help her out of the truck. Hand in hand, we walk up the steps to the double doors. Holding the door open for her, I let her lead the way inside. It takes a second for my eyes to adjust from the bright sunlight outside to the darkened interior. I spot a tall lanky gentleman heading our way. The man practically screams, I’m a lawyer.
“Ms. Stephens, Mr. Livingston,” he says as he shakes our hands.”I’m Charles Vickers. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I just wish it was under different circumstances.”
“Believe me, we do too.” Drawing Mallory under my arm, I hug her to me.
“I have asked for us to be taken to a room so we can talk in private before we speak with the detective.”
A uniformed officer appears, leading us down the hall to a room. Mr. Vickers checks over the room before sitting at the table with us.
“I needed to make sure we had total confidentiality in here. Now, from what I understand, this is total bullshit. Just a daddy trying to throw his weight around.”
“Where does that leave me?” she asks nervously.
“Unfortunately, it leaves you as the scapegoat for his political gain.”
“Political gain?”
“My sources are telling me he is planning to run for senator in the next election. What better way to win the sympathy vote than to have a murdered son? The poor, grieving parents who want to make changes in the world to make a better place for other children.”
“You have got to be kidding me! All this because he wants to win fucking votes,” I explode.
“You’ve got it.”
“What’s the gameplan? How do we get her out of this?” Reaching over, I clasp Mallory’s hand in mine. It’s trembling, causing the protective instincts in me to rise.
“When I was retained after the initial incident, I had my private investigator looking into Josh Anderson Buchanan. It seems daddy’s heir has a troubled side. Your friend wasn’t the first girl he stalked, or the second. Every time he was called out on his behavior, Daddy had it swept under the rug either by bribery, coercion, or force.”
“Jesus, those poor women.” Pity colors Mallory’s voice.
“How does this help Mallory?”
Mr. Vickers steeples his hands as his elbows rest on the metal table. “Since Mr. Buchanan wants to push this issue, we’re going to push back. We have enough information on his son that it could blow his whole campaign. If this issue is dropped by the Buchanans, I will not release the information we have gathered. Pretty cut and dry.” The grin that crosses his face makes me glad he’s on our side.
“Is the information you have that damning, they’ll just give up this vendetta and leave her alone?” Gently, I squeeze her hand reassuringly. “I just want her to be left the hell alone.”
“Trust me, they will drop all of this once Mr. Buchanan sees what we have. If I turn it over, their son could be accused of murder with his father as an accomplice.”
“M-M-Murder?” Mallory stutters out, paling.
“There is no concrete evidence for that, but there is enough of a trail to two missing girls that may lead to that conclusion.” He directs his next question to Mallory.
“Ms. Stephens, do you have any questions before we meet with the detectives and the district attorney?”
“Do you want to ask about that night?”
“I’ve read the transcripts from your previous statements. Do you recall what was said?”
“I relive it nearly every night in my dreams. I know what happened,” she murmurs.
“Once I present what I have, I believe that will be the end of it. But just in case they do start to question you, stick to the original story. Try not to vary. They will have you repeat it over and over to get you to trip up. Keep calm, cool, and collected. If you are unsure of anything, defer to me.”
“I’m ready. Can Jason come in with us?”
“No, they won’t let him.”
As we head out of the room, Detective Reinhard and another man are standing outside the door. This man looks like a typical lawyer. Slicked back black hair, sharp brown eyes that miss nothing, and a gray suit that probably costs more that some people’s mortgages
“Ms. Stephens, Mr. Vickers, are you ready to answer our questions?”
“Yes, we are. Is Mr. Buchanan here in the building?”
“Yes, he is. When he heard we were bringing her in for questioning, he wanted to be present.”
“That’s unusual isn’t it, Mr. Johnson? For a parent to be allowed to be present when a person is brought in for questioning? Must be nice to have that kind of power over the DA. Oh, excuse me, Ms. Stephens, Mr. Livingston, this is District Attorney Philip Johnson. I believe you have already meet Detective Reinhard.”
“We met him this morning.” I nod in the detective’s direction.
“Enough, Vickers, lets get this show on the road,” Johnson replies impatiently.
“For a DA, you’re awfully short tempered, Johnson. Guilty conscious, perhaps?”
“I have no idea what you are talking about.” Johnson reaches up and adjusts his tie as if the lie is hard to swallow.
“Of course you don’t. Wouldn’t be seemly for you to admit Buchanan has you in his pocket. What did he promise you? A district court judgeship?”
“I’ll sue you for slander,” Johnson retorts, face reddening.
“It’s not slander when it’s the truth. And I believe I have some information Mr. Buchanan may want to know about before we go in there for questioning.”
“And what might that be?” a booming voice asks from behind us. Turning, I glare at the man trying to make my woman’s life hell. Tall, with a receding hairline, ruddy complexion and a big pot belly that hangs over the top of his pants, he stares at us with beady little eyes. Beside him is a petite blonde with perfectly coiffed hair and a pressed blue suit.
“Mr. Buchanan, I’m Charles Vickers. I believe I have some information you need to review before this goes any further.”
“You have nothing I want. This young lady needs to pay for her crime,” he says, slashing his arm through the air.
“What crime? It was already ruled self-defense. What I don’t understand it why this is brought up now? Just when you decided to run for office? What a coincidence.”
At Mr. Buchanan’s indrawn breath, I’m guessing it’s not out that he’s running. Score one for Vickers.
“Johnson, maybe I better have a word with Mr. Vickers.”
“If that’s what you want, Mr. Buchanan. The room right behind you is free. I will have Ms. Stephens taken to an interrogation room in the meantime.”
“You will not question my client without me present, counselor,” Vickers reminds him.
“Of course not. She will remain in the room alone. Her friend can wait in the lobby.”
I pull Mallory to me and give her a quick kiss. Leaning in, I whisper, “It’s going to be okay. I can feel it. I’ll be waiting right here when you get through. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Catching movement out the corner of my eye, I watch Detective Reinhard walk up to us.
“Ms. Stephens, if you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to the room.”
With a nod, he leads her away, and the knot in my stomach tightens with every step she takes away.
Blowing out a long breath, I wait until he has her in the room before I go to the lobby, impatient for her to return to me.
Pacing the floor, the lady behind the glass watches me, bracing like I’m about to go crazy. It’s been over two hours since Mallory was taken to the interrogation room and there has been no word from anyone.
Maybe she has cause to watch me. If I don’t hear anything soon, I will tear this place apart to get to her.
At my turn to face the hallway she went down, I see her walking toward the lobby with Vickers, but the girl walking toward me is not the Mallory I’ve been with lately. This is more like the Mallory from a few months ago. Head down, shoulders rounded, no eye contact with anyone.
I hurry toward her and she looks up with tears in her eyes. Wrapping her small frame in my arm seems to shake her loose, and big wrenching sobs tear free.
“What the fuck happened in there? I thought you said this would go way.”
“It has. There are no charges being presses against Ms. Stephens. On the other hand, someone is being charged with a crime against Ms. Davidson.”
“Against Kristen? Who? And for what? Josh is dead,” I ask, confused.
“His accomplice and the one who stabbed her in the parking lot. Stephanie Mitchell.”
“Derek’s ex-girlfriend? What does she have to do with any of this?”
“Maybe we should all gather at Brian’s house and discuss this since it involves more than just the two of you.”
“Sounds like a good idea to me. I’ll start making calls after I talk with Mallory.”
“I’ll head to Brian’s. He’s expecting everyone to meet there. You two have a good rest of the day. And, Mallory, you did a wonderful job in there. I’m proud of you.”
Her muffled, “Thanks,” against my chest has me loosening my grip. Gazing down into her beautiful eyes, I ask, “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine, I think. It was just a lot of questions. And it brought all of these emotions to the surface. I didn't break in there, but as soon as I walked out the door, it was like I couldn’t hold it in anymore.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through all that.”
“I thought I was going to faint when the DA came back in and said there would be no charges filed. I guess what Charles had on Mr. Buchanan was rather important.”
“Then why the hell did they have to question you?”
“To keep up pretenses, more than likely. He couldn’t very well drop the charges since Buchanan said so.”
“I still don’t like that bastard.”
“I don’t either.”
Leaning down, I softly kiss her lips, then the top of her head.
“Let’s go home.”
“Lead the way.”
“Wait, wait, wait. You’re telling me my ex-girlfriend stabbed Kristen in the Walmart parking lot?”
“Yes, that’s what I’m telling you,” Vickers bites out. I’m not sure how many times Derek can ask the question. It won’t change the answer.
“I don’t think he ever fully believed it when I told him it was her. If I hadn’t seen her with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have either.” Kristen leans over and lays her head on Derek’s shoulder.
“How the hell did Stephanie become involved in all of this? She and Derek have been broken up for years. Way before he and Kristen got together.”
“From what the PI could ascertain, they had a previous relationship a few years ago. He was able to obtain phone records for both Josh and Stephanie. When Kristen dumped Josh…”
“It was one freaking date!” Kristen cries out.
“One date or not, Josh considered you his. Then you got involved in a relationship with Derek. I assume at this point Josh has been off of his meds for a while.”
“His meds?” Mallory asks.
“Yes, his psychiatrist had him on a complex regimen to keep his mind intact for lack of a better word. When he stopped taking his medications was when this happened. Not just with Ms. Daniels, but all the other woman he stalked.”
“In his mind, if he could take Derek out of the equation, you would only be with him. He wasn’t counting on Stephanie’s amount of crazy.”
“Stephanie wasn’t crazy. A cheating bitch? Yes, but not crazy”
“Crazy or not, she decided it would be easier to get Kristen out of the picture so she could get back with you, Derek. That was the plan, at least. You and Kristen would break up, see the light, and fall back in love with your exes. Derek, she had what amounted to a shrine in her apartment.”
“What are they charging Stephanie with?” I ask.
“Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.”
“Wait, wait, wait. You are telling me,” Derek points to Vickers, then himself, “my ex-girlfriend and Josh had a relationship at some point, and when Kristen and I got together, they teamed up to break us up? But Stephanie decided it wasn’t enough and tried to kill Kristen?”
“Basically, yes.”
“Who tried to break into Kris’ apartment?” Mallory asks.
“They believe it was a team effort. When the video was reviewed from the complex, there were two individuals seen. No positive ID was made on either as they had the entirety of their faces covered. Stephanie admitted she was there during questioning. One of the head coverings was also found in Josh’s truck when it was impounded.”
“What was their plan? Do they know?” Brett asks from behind us. He’s been so quiet, I almost forgot he was there.
“From what my sources tell me, Stephanie admitted they were going to break in and kidnap Kristen.” I look sharply at Derek when I hear him growl. “They were not aware the other girls were present.”
“That was stupid of them. What kind of friends would Cam and I be to leave our friend, who had just been discharged from the hospital, by herself?”
“I believe, at this point, neither party had their full faculties or they would have realized someone else was there.
“How did they get the electricity off?” Mallory asks.
“The maintenance man had left the utility room unlocked. All he had to do was go in a flip the main breaker.”
“Geez, one freaking mistake from one man. Because as soon as the electricity was cut off, so was the alarm.”
“Yes. Stephanie was unsure what happened after that. After they entered the apartment and found it empty, Josh left her there. She went out the back door, walked to a store, called a friend, and had her pick her up.”
“And with that bastard dead, we’ll never know what his end game was when he crashed into the girls.”
“At this point, we can only surmise his true intentions.”
“At least now we have some answers. That makes me feel better.” Derek wraps his arm around Kristen’s shoulder and hugs her close.