Chris was reading a report the head of his security team has brought to him. It confirmed what he had suspected for a while. He sent the man an email then logged out. Dan came into his office. “Got a minute Dad?” “Yeah what is it?” “I want you to take a look at something.” “Sure. By the way, how was your dinner date?” Chris asked grinning. “Not bad,” he said reluctantly. “It would have been better if I wasn’t forced.” “I didn’t force you you wanted to go. I just helped you make up your mind.” “Lucky me.” Dan said bitterly “You like her son so what is the problem? Why are you holding back?” “I don’t know Dad. Yes I like her a lot but-“ “Are you still thinking she wants to ruin the company?” “No. I have to admit I don’t. And I don’t think the listening device is her’s either.” “So what is it? Don’t tell me you are still holding on to what happened between you and Candice?” Dan flinched but didn’t say anything. “That was in the past. You nee
“I wanted to tell you when you were all together. Since that happens to be now listen up. I had a PI look into the listening device.” Chris said. “Why?” Zoey asked. “To know where they came from so I could trace the buyer.” Zoey tried not to react. “We already know that. It is Adele.” She said. “No it isn’t.” “Who is it?” Dan asked. “I don’t know yet. But the listening device came from a batch we bought some months ago. They are part of the ones we supplied to the security company.” “Meaning?” Craig asked. “Someone stole one. It can’t be Adele, she won't have had access to them. Only a long time employee would.” Chris explained. “So who is?” Dan asked. “I don’t know. But believe me I will get to the bottom of it. In the meantime you all stop acting crazy. Craig leave town. You have overstayed your welcome.” “No Dad. Nobody is driving me out of town till I am ready to leave.” He said stubbornly. “Then behave yourself while you are here before you g
Adele's Pov I managed to get to my office without seeing anyone. I hurriedly washed my face in the bathroom then sat behind my desk. Dan could go to hell! I had made a mistake and apologized, why couldn’t he let it go? It wasn’t as if he hadn’t done the same thing before and the ass hadn't even apologized. I began thinking he was looking for a reason to break up with me. For some reason he seemed scared of having a normal relationship. I wondered why. I wished he would let me in so I could help him. I would melt his ice heart and teach him how to love. I sighed. I looked at my computer screen. I was in no mood for work but I had to. I was on a deadline. I tried to concentrate but my mind kept wandering. I was happy when my ringing phone distracted me. I looked at caller ID then groaned. My dad. I was in no mood to talk to him. I would end up yelling at him. Then it rang again and I was pleased to see it was Rachel “Rachel, so sorry for not keeping in touch.” I said.
Adele's Pov It was Chris. “Hey Adele.” He grinned. “You are the one putting flowers on my mom’s grave?” I asked very surprised. “Yeah. I come here often to visit. It is very peaceful.” I nodded. “Very. Sometimes it is almost like I can hear her talking to me.” “You have experienced it too?” He asked surprised. “Yes. I was afraid I was crazy.” “No you are not. I know what you are talking about. It happens to me too.” We stood looking down at the grave. “You knew her well?” I asked. “Very. I had a crush on her in highschool. She was as beautiful as you. I would admire her from a distance too scared to tell her how I felt until it was too late.” He bent down and touched the grave. “ I still miss her. No woman has ever been able to replace her.” I didn’t know what to say to ease his sadness. It suddenly occurred to me why he really liked me. I reminded him of the woman he loved. “I miss her too. I sometimes wonder how different my life would have been
Dan sat staring after Adele as she left his office. He was angry, upset and embarrassed. How had she found out about Candice? Had his Dad told her? Or that asshole Craig. The mention of that name brought a lot of painful memories he had managed to push down. Now they were coming up again. His mind went back in time. it was a week to his wedding to Candice, the blonde beauty he had met in college. He wanted to take her to dinner but she had phoned to cancel at the last minute saying she was ill so he decided to go and see how she was. He could still see himself walking into Candice’s house, he had the key to her house like she had the key to his. Standing in the hallway he could hear the moans coming from the bedroom. He knew from the moans what was happening in the bedroom but he couldn’t believe it. Candice would never do that to him. He had to see for himself. So he had entered the bedroom and saw his brother on top of his fiancée. He was so shocked he hadn’t realized when he h
Adele arrived in less than five minutes. She had been lucky to quickly get a cab. Dan was sitting in his car. The street was quiet, and clouds were gathering in the sky. It was going to rain. “What is going on?” She asked looking at the damage. “How did this happen?” “I will explain later but you have to help me. The cops will be here soon and I will be in big trouble.” “Why? Have you been drinking?” She demanded. “A little.” He said weakly. “Dan! I have warned you about drinking and driving.” “I am sorry. What do we do now? If the cops arrest me I'll do time.” They could hear police sirens in the distance. “Shit!” Dan said. “Give me the keys. I will say I drove.” “What? No!” “Give it to me and stop arguing.” She said impatiently. “No. The cops won’t believe you.” “Do you have a better idea?” “No, but-“ “Then give it to me. Let’s get out of this mess and worry later.” He reluctantly handed her the keys just before the cops pulled up to
Dan felt dumb sitting in a cab. He hadn’t taken a cab in years. He preferred to drive and was used to driving. This was like a new experience for him. Karen had been calling him since yesterday but he had refused to answered. Did she really think he was dumb enough not to guess what she had done? Trying to hookup with her had been a mistake that he wasn’t going to continue. He hoped he could talk to his dad in private without his brother or sister interrupting. But Chris wasn’t home. The house keeper told him he had gone to the office. He wasn’t surprised, his dad sometimes worked on Sunday. He headed to the office and met his dad concentrating on some files spread out on his desk. “You aren’t going to the club today Dad?” He asked. “No this is important. That’s why I was calling you last night. How are you doing? Hope the little accident didn’t spoil your romantic night?” He asked. Dan sensed he was mocking him. Did he know? He always knew everything. “Not so good
Adele’s Pov Rachel must have been sitting at the window waiting for us because she opened the door and came out as we approached her driveway. I smiled a little as Jay threw himself into her arms. “I missed you Rachel!” He said happily. “Me too honey. How have you been?” She asked. “Fine. Mommy has a job.” “Are you okay?” Rachel asked me. “Sure. Great.” I said. The tone of my voice said otherwise. She frowned but didn’t say anything. We went into the house. “Lunch is almost ready, how about a little snack while you wait?” Rachel asked Jay. “Yay!” He exclaimed. I tried to protest, but Rachel ignored me and gave him a snack. She put on a cartoon channel to distract him then dragged me into the kitchen. “Okay out with it.” She said putting a beer in front of me as I sat at the kitchen counter. “When you called me yesterday night to say you were coming to visit I knew something was wrong. What happened?” “Why did’t you think I just wanted to see how you were?” I
They turned. Adele was standing at the door. “What do I have to be told?” She asked looking from Chris to Rachel. “That i got the DNA result changed to confuse the cops.” Chris said quickly. Adele knew instantly she was being lied to. “Is that so?” She asked. “Yeah,” Chris said, “well now you know I better get going. Bye.” “Are you going to tell me what that was really about?” Adele asked Rachel after Chris walked out. “Chris told you already.” “Rachel, what is going on?” “Nothing. Come on let's not keep Jay waiting.” Still frowning suspiciously, Adele followed her to the living room. ** Dan was getting back into his car when Chris pulled into the car park. “Dad! I've been to the house Zoey told me you were here; I'm just coming from your office. Your secretary said you hadn't come in yet.” “Yeah, I stopped at your house. I was about to call you. I wanted to see you.” They rode the elevator to his office. “What's going on with Craig? Why was he arrested for Hal's mur
Chris was still in his office trying to make sense of his discovery, when his thoughts where interrupted by his ringing cell phone. He frowned when he saw Zoey was the one calling. “Hello? Slow down Zoey I can’t understand you, Craig has what? Arrested? Why?” He sighed. “I am on my way.” He called his lawyer and asked him to go to the police station, then went to join them. He first spoke to the cops, before he was taking to see Craig. “Dad! Tell this your dumbass lawyer to get me the fuck out of here.” Craig said angrily. “I haven't done anything wrong.” The lawyer rolled his eyes. Chris asked to speak to Craig alone and the room was emptied. “Get me the fuck out of here dad! Now!” “The cops said you were seen a few times, going to Hal Daniel’s room.” Chris said ignoring him. “What is the big deal? He is my friend. We have known each other from college.” “Before or after you dropped out and started being a pain in my ass?” Chris snapped. “Dad!” “If he is your
“Dad, do you have something to do with this?” Dan asked Chris when the detective had left. “Me? Of course not.” Chris said. “Really? Because I noticed you didn't show any surprise when the result was read.” Rachel said suspiciously. “Because I knew in my heart Adele was innocent.” “Really? Or is it because you did something like forging the result.” “Stop it Rachel. I didn't do anything. I swear.” “But this doesn't make any sense.” Adele said confused, “Hal is Jay’s father. I am sure of it.” Chris shrugged. “Well maybe there was a mistake with the DNA. Anyway, forget it. You are off the hook. The cops can look elsewhere for their suspect.” He stood up. “I have to go, see you guys later and don't worry about anything, I have it handled.” “Sure you do,” Rachel sneered. Chris left grinning. “He changed the results,” Rachel said, “I know him too well.” “Why won’t he admit it?” Adele asked. “Because he wants to keep you in the dark. So you don't get into trouble if he gets caug
Zoey was on the phone as she entered the dining room. “-I am glad you are okay. Don’t worry Dad will make sure everything is okay…yeah, I read the news on the blog, don’t worry they can only talk, everything will be fine. Don’t mention it, take care.” She hung up giggling. Craig, who was at the dining table picking at his food. looked at her suspiciously. “What is going on?” He asked. “I read Adele was arrested, then I read she wasn’t but was only invite for questioning. What’s the truth?” “The first one. The second is Dad trying to do damage control.” She laughed sitting down. “Spill, what is going on?” He asked impatiently. “Adele was arrested for Hal Daniels murder.” “Why?” He asked alarmed. “The murder weapon was found hidden in her office.” “Shit! Seriously?” “Yeah. The cops want to run a DNA test on her kid. For some reason they think Hal is the dad, which may give a motive. Crazy right?” She noticed Craig looked scared. “What's wrong?” “Nothing.” “Don’t
Dan watched helplessly as Adele was taken away by the police. “What the hell is going on! A gun in the office?” Zoey asked shocked. Dan didn’t answer. He rushed out and almost ran to Chris’ office. Zoey was right behind him. Hee burst in, startling Chris. “Dad the cops have arrested Adele!” “When? Why” Chris asked standing up quickly. “Just now. They found a gun in her office! I know she is being framed. We have to call a lawyer!” “A gun?” “Yes. The one used to kill Hal Daniels. We have to do something!” Dan insisted. “Calm down, I’m on it now.” He called his lawyer and picked up his coat. “Let’s go, the lawyer will meet us there.” He told Dan. “I am coming too.” Zoey said. “No. It’s okay, you stay here.” Chris said. She watched them walk into the elevator, then when the door closed, she began laughing. Yes! It had been so easy to plant the gun. She had waited until she saw Adele leave for a meeting, then she snuck in and put the gun behind the filling cabinet, before m
Adele's PovAter Zoey left, I sat staring at the blank screen of my computer. In my mind I was going over what I would tell Dan this evening. I wanted to tell him the truth without upsetting him so much. I sat there for hours, worrying and sweating. I wondered if my dad had heard about what had happened. I didn't think so because Chris had made sure the press kept my name out of it, but even if I had been arrested and sentenced to death, I knew my dad won’t care. He was still mad at me. My phone rang and I nearly jumped out of my chair. “Calm down,” I told myself as I picked up the phone. It was Dan. “Babe I am stuck in a meeting, you’ll have to have lunch without me. Sorry about that.” He said. “It’s okay, I understand. I love you.” “Love you too, see you later.” I hung up and swallowed nervously. I knew he couldn’t wait for this evening, but i was dreading it. I was happy he couldn’t take me to lunch because I wasn’t even thinking of food. The thought of it made me ill. I was
Zoey stared at the note. There was no return address. She turned it over and saw an address written on the back. The address looked familiar but she wasn’t sure. Then she looked at the key. It was clearly a key to a storage unit. That’s it! The address was a storage unit. Was this some stupid prank? Or was it for real? Whatever the case, who was responsible? Chris? Or maybe Craig? She put the note and key back in the envelope and put them in her drawer, but she kept thinking about it. If it was for real and would put Adele in jail, and maybe even destroy Dan, why not? But she had to be careful. If Chris found out she was still plotting he would throw her out for good. She went home for lunch, hoping Craig would be at home. She wanted to ask his advice without giving too much away. She found him slumped in a chair, staring into space, biting him lower lip. He jumped startled when she called his name. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” She asked annoyed. For the past few days Cr
“Are you sure you want to come in today?” Dan asked Adele the next morning, as she stepped out of the shower. “I do. I have gotten over the shock of yesterday. I am fine.” He nodded but he wasn’t convinced. Everything wasn’t fine. In his office yesterday he had thought about Adele’s story and it didn’t make sense. If Hal wasn’t able to attend the meeting, why didn’t Adele let his company know? They could have sent someone else. Driving all the way to see him was suspicious, he remembered the way she had looked when he had come into her office, the afternoon she’d first met Hal. Dan had guessed something was wrong but she denied it. He was so worried that he went to meet his Dad. Chris was on the phone when he came in so he waited. “The news has already gone round about the murder.” Chris said when he hung up. “I’m going to make sure I keep Adele’s name out of it.” “Don’t you think it’s strange?” Dan asked. “No. It was a public place, and the victim works for a big compan
Adele's Pov. I was still sitting in the hotel lobby, when Dan rushed in with Chris behind him. “Are you okay babe? Are you alright? What happened?” He asked anxiously. I had called him five minutes ago, as soon as I'd managed to pull myself together. I had almost fainted after seeing Hal on the bed, a bullet hole in his chest. My scream had attracted a passing housekeeper who rushed in, and when she saw the body, led me to the lobby, then called the cops. I was still shaking and scared as Dan hugged me. “I am fine. Really.” I said. “What where you doing here honey?” Dan asked. “Yeah, why are you here? What is going on?” Chris asked. I stared at them, tongue tied. I hadn’t thought about what I would say when this question was asked. “I found a dead body. Hal Daniel’s body in his hotel room.” I stammered. “Yeah but why were you there?” Chris asked. “He asked me to come and talk about the contract.” I said. “In his room?” Chris asked confused. “Yeah he said he