Chapter 27
[Michael]
What a disaster.
Bonus
Addy is acting so strangely. First, she left me for another guy, and now she’s standing up to me, talking back, defending some little girl she doesn’t even know. She doesn’t even look like herself anymore. I hate her new haircut, and who is she kidding with those shoes? Red leather pumps and a cream–colored suit to drop someone off at school? When did she become so stylish?
And shameless, flaunting her lover like a trophy husband. Seeing how he protected her makes my skin crawl. He says he’s her employer, but I don’t buy that for a minute. I looked into him. Mr. Hunter Grant is a notorious playboy. He has a string of broken hearts, girls who dream of being the lady of the manor.
How the hell did Addy get involved with him? She hardly ever goes out. Did they run into each other at a charity auction? During a case? It’s a fucking mystery.
What does he even see in her? She’s only conventionally pretty and average in bed. He must have a reason for wanting her, but what could it be? She’s so…boring.
Except today, with her brave words and her bold actions, her bright red lipstick matching her shoes and bag, she wasn’t the boring girl I knew.
Addison was, for lack of a better word, fascinating.
Evelyn used to be fascinating. Bright and fun, she’d was always seeking danger, burning like a firecracker, hot and quick, so that when she’s done with you all that’s left is ash. Maybe it’s because she has always been weaker than everyone else that she feels
this need to make the most of every moment.
I loved that about her, how Evelyn in her frailty understood that she could be gone at any moment, and so she acted impulsively and without regrets. It was fun being with her. When she’s with you, you become her whole world, her best companion, the person she wants to share her universe with.
But holding onto Evelyn is like holding onto fire. She burned me badly in college, ditching me, and leaving me without any type of
explanation.
Which made loving Addison easy. Easy, but boring. Which was what I needed. Exciting broke my heart.
And Addy looked so much like her that sometimes, I’d squint and pretend Evelyn had never left me.
After 5 years of marriage, I had thought I was content enough with the way things were. She’s been the perfect legal assistant, a
gracious and grateful wife, and a natural mother. If anything, Addy was a bit too perfect.
And in return, I have been the best husband I can be. I’ve always been faithful, even when other women tried to catch my eye.
Except for that one, stupid night.
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Chapter 27
Bonu
It had been a long day. We had been working on a tough case but we finally had a breakthrough, and even though I was exhauste I went out with the guys to celebrate. I wasn’t expecting to bump into Evelyn at the bar. She had just gotten into town, so I invite
her to drink with us.
I’m still not sure how I got to that hotel room. I can’t remember much of that night except for firm hands helping me into a cab, and a few moments of throwing up hard enough to see stars. But the next morning, I was twisted in sheets in an unfamiliar bed.
Evelyn was crying, her body bruised and red. She was hysterical, embarrassed and ashamed. “You were so passionate. I…I should
have stopped you, I should have…but you were so strong.”
I told her it wasn’t her fault, but this was a terrible, terrible mistake. “This can never happen again, Evelyn. Addy must never
know.”
And I thought that was the end of it.
But then, the morning before the kidnapping when Addy was in the hospital after her fall in our bathroom and we learned about Addy’s pregnancy, Evelyn made a confession of her own.
“I didn’t know if I should tell you this but…I’m pregnant, Michael. It was…from that night. The baby is yours.”
Evelyn’s fragile health means she needs constant care during her pregnancy. So I got her the best fertility experts to help her
carry this baby to term. I claim responsibility for this. I should have known better than to risk her life by acting recklessly.
Somehow Addy found out. I understand why she’s mad—It was an accident, but I still betrayed her. But to want Evelyn dead? To
have her kidnapped and then try to frame her for the crime, what a shameless act.
And now, for better or worse, I am stuck between the two of them.
Evelyn was feeling terrible after the mess at school this morning. She was so emotional that her blood pressure spiked and I had
to rush her to the hospital. She’s stable, but she’s resting at home.
Which means I’m stuck here at work with Jayson.
I’ve tried calling Addison, to tell her to come and pick up her son, but her old number has been disconnected.
As much as I hate her new look, I do have to admit Addison stood out. But why was she all dressed up? Was it just for him?
No, she was dressed sensibly, court–ready. She could easily be the lead lawyer in a case dressed like that.
“She must be looking for a job,” I realize. Addy must be running out of money by now. She didn’t have much in her checking account, and she never reached out about her last paycheck. Which means she must be nearly broke.
“She already has a job,” I grumble as I pull up the job board used by all of the local firms. “She’s my paralegal. Who the heck does
she think she is?”
“DADDY!” Jayson calls from the next room. “I want something to eat!”
I tell him to go ask the secretary for another snack, and he whines about how nothing in the vending machine is gluten–free.
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Chapter 27
3on
“Are you kidding me?” I snap, irritated by the squeaky sound of his voice. “Your mom makes sure that it is full of gluten–free
snacks!”
Wait. That’s not true anymore.
His mom is gone.
She’s with him.
The front desk phone rings. Megan, my receptionist, answers it gracefully, “Stone and Associates,” her crystalline voice calls ou
“Employment verification, ah yes, for who? Oh, Addison Stone…”
Someone is calling in to check Addison’s reference. By law, we need to let anyone who calls know her employment history.
But that doesn’t stop me from giving a more personal review.
Marching across the room, I poke my head out the door, asking my secretary for the name of the law firm. It’s Madison Stiller
LLP. Very prestigious. If they hire her, she’ll be on the fast track to becoming a premier lawyer. “Transfer the call to me, Megan.
Line 1.”
“Of course, Mr. Stone,” Megan nods.
When I pick up the receiver I hear the voice of one of my old college buddies.
“Hey Steve! Can I ask you a favor…?”
This is going to be easier than I thought.
“So yeah, I just want to urge her to come home a bit sooner…yeah, that would be great. I knew I could count on you.”
As soon as she realizes she has nowhere else to go, she’ll be right back where she belongs.
With her family. With me.
Checkmate, Addison Stone. I told you it wasn’t over.
