MarieHey guys. After Steven's birthday, can anyone guess the next party we’ll be attending?JamesNone. No more parties this year.EllenOffice Christmas party….SandraMy godson’s baby shower from all the closed door meetings.MarieWrong! We’ll be attending Sandra's funeral because you are so dead for what you've just done to me!SandraHe did not! He DID NOT!MarieListen to you! How could you tell him about Jeff? How could you lie to him that I was in debt? Debt, Sandra!SandraYou're welcome!JamesLadies, do you want to do this privately?MarieNo!SandraNo!MarieI’ve said all I wanted to say. Thank you for ALWAYS looking out for me!SandraYeah, go on and cry me a river. In fact, if I'm no help, you plan the party yourself!Marie’s nostrils flared as she clutched her cell phone in her hands. It was exactly like Sandra to turn every offense to her fault. Maybe she had overreacted a bit, but wasn't she expected to do so after what Sandra had done? Was it normal behavior for y
“Uncle Steve?” Rick asked as he climbed into bed with him. He had forgotten that he had told Rick that he could sleep with him. He sure wasn't in the mood to answer a million questions tonight.“Yes?” He answered, hoping his tone deterred Rick from pursuing whatever line of interrogation he was about to begin.“Are you fighting with Mrs King?” He asked“Why?” Steven asked, even though it would have been obvious to anyone with how curt he had been all evening.“She looked like she was sick. Like someone had punched her in the stomach. And you’ve been making scary sounds too.” Rick plowed on.“Turn out the lights, buddy. I need to sleep.” Steven said.“Okay.” Rick conceded as he turned out the lights and brought the covers to his chin. He said nothing for so long, Steven sighed in relief. As he felt himself drifting to sleep, he heard Rick say,“Uncle Steve?”He ignored him, hoping Rick would take that as a sign to mean he was asleep and let him be.“Uncle Steve?”Arghh.“What do you wa
Marie struggled to maintain a neutral facial expression as Steven shot daggers at Rick.Uh oh. Somebody was in big trouble. She hadn't intended to trick Steven into eating any of her cookies. In fact, after he had rejected them, she had been content to package it and share with people in the office. She had even begun making donuts when Rick sauntered into the kitchen, asked for some cookies and asked her if he could give Steven some.“No. He said he didn't want any.” She had responded but Rick had said,“I bet he does. Granny says Alden is a stubborn old man. I think Uncle Steve is just like him. They have the same frown and everything.”Little Rick was right. Steven was just as grumpy as his grandfather.“I bet he wanted some cookies but was too stubborn to have some because he's fighting with you.”“Very astute of you to deduce, young detective.” She had said and then smiled as he took five cookies from the tray and asked her to follow him.“Where are we going?”“I want to show you
“You're glowing, Mrs King!” Rick said, as they say at the breakfast table, eating donuts and coffee for breakfast, and hot chocolate for Rick.If Amelia could see them now, feeding her beloved grandson donuts for breakfast, she'd probably have a coronary. But some days were like that and one day wasn't going to ruin his healthy living lifestyle.He smiled as Marie's face flushed a bright shade of red. No doubt, she hadn't expected to be called out like that by an eight year old who knew too much for his own good. Although, she was indeed glowing and he knew why.“You're also blushing, uncle Steve.” Rick, the impartial observer noted as he glanced at Steven. This prompted a snort of laughter from Marie and a mock glare from him.Who was he kidding? He was absolutely, ridiculously happy this morning.“I thought you were on my side, buddy?” Steven teased.“I am. Why do you think I gave Mrs. King the idea to give you the cookies?” He questioned, his face mirroring the impatience he felt.
“Babe, he’ll be fine. Just breathe.” Marie whispered as she walked Steven King to the hanger where Alden Kings Inc.’s private jet was waiting. It galled her that her fear of flying would prevent her from being physically present to support him.“I don't understand how this happened, Marie. I don't…”“Babe, he’ll be okay. Look at me, Steven.” She said, tugging on his chin so he looked her in the eye.“He’ll be fine, Babe.” Marie said.He pulled her into his arms and clasped her back in a firm hug.“I wish you could come with me.” He mumbled into her hair, before letting out a deep sigh.Could she go with him? She had been having therapy sessions but she wasn't ready yet, and she didn't want to get aboard and create extra problems for him.“I'm sorry, babe.” She whispered and he said,“It's fine. I shouldn't ask you to. I know if you could, you would have offered to come. I love you, Marie. I’ll be back once I get a hold of things. Zed’s in charge but keep an eye on him for me, please?
No, there was absolutely no way Cadence was right.“I know it's a lot to take in but the pictures don't lie.” Cadence said in a whisper.“There's no way he's your mole, Cadence. I know this man.”“Marie. Dump your sentiments and think for a minute. Why's he meeting a brand manager in another agency at that time of the night? In his car too?”She didn't know the answer but she was pretty sure it wasn't because he was the one responsible for leaking all the campaigns.“Did you speak with him at least?” She asked. The man Cadence was alleging committed the crime was one of the most senior partners in Alden Kings Inc. Theodore Stamp was a lovely old man with kind eyes and a brilliant mind that had managed to stay agile and ahead of his contemporaries. Even Steven had come to appreciate his astute wisdom and rely on his wisdom. There was no way he was the one responsible for the leaks. She knew it because she read people fairly well, and she just didn't think Cadence was right.“Alright. A
“I don't think Theodore is your guy, James. It just rubs me the wrong way.”“I hear you, Marie but appearances can be deceiving. Very. I can't tell you how many times I've seen the guy everyone thinks is the bad guy end up as the good guy and the so-called good guy turns out to be the bad one.”“I know but still...” She said, pouring orange juice into James’s glass and then hers. After dinner, Rick had gone to bed and she was in the living room with James, going over the papers Cadence had given her.“Alright. But can you do me a favor? Before confronting Theodore with this, can you look into it on your own?”“Are you convinced about this guy?” James asked after regarding her shrewdly for a while. Because of how chummy James often was, sometimes she forgot the guy was actually a cop.“I'm not certain. I just feel Theodore wouldn't do this.”“Okay Marie, I'd look into it.” He said to which Marie let out an excited squeal.“Now, I need your advice on this matter James because it's eati
“Hey, babe. What's wrong?” Marie's warm voice settled in his chest like the balm he needed to get through this nightmare.“I…I need a drink.” He said, standing abruptly and heading to the kitchen to pour himself one. James hovered around in the doorway, his eyebrows lined with concern.They both looked beside themselves with worry for him. He looked away from them and ran a hand through his hair. He wasn't ready to talk about it yet. Right now, he just craved the warm comfort of his bed.He downed his glass in one gulp and headed towards the elevator with Marie hot on his trail.Once she got off the elevator, she turned to glare at him, her arms crossed over her chest.“What?” He asked in a more gruffer tone than intended.“What do you mean ‘what’?” She said, waving her arms around her.“I’ve been worried sick about you. I nearly lost my mind when you didn't call. Is William okay?” She added the last part in a much softer tone, her eyes searching his face for any sign of trouble.Oh M
“What?” Steven asked in a voice so phony that everyone turned to stare at him.“Is that blood, uncle Steve? It is. There's blood on your shirt.”“Shhhhh, buddy. Don't make a big deal about it. I cut myself.”“You did? Cool! Let me see.” Rick exclaimed, as though he was being given front row tickets to a fun show.“Richard! Get back to class!”“But granny…”“Now!” Amelia boomed as a disgruntled Rick turned in his heel and headed towards the stairs, waving to Steven as he went.“You may want to get that cleaned up before leaving.” Alden said to him as he wheeled himself into his room.“Hand it to me.” Amelia said.“Oh? I didn't actually cut myself.”“I know. I’m not stupid. Alden keeps sneaking off in his wheelchair and I've seen some funny looking characters hanging around. I don't want to know what all this is about but I hope you're both not being stupid. And he's finally getting the exercise ”“Ah.” Steven replied as he took off his shirt and handed it to Amelia. He walked with Stev
Maybe it was the fact that the guy was a psychopath who had put his wife in a coma or the fact that he had such a punchable face but Steven didn't stop until Smith stopped laughing and started to cough.“Oh, I could go on for hours. I'm only just getting started.”“Kill me, please. I’d love to see how you get the answers you want.” Smith saidSteven snarled as he shook his knuckles.“Oh, make no mistake, Smith. You are going to die. You're going to pay for what you did to Cadence. I’ll make sure about that even if it's the last thing I do.”“I keep telling your stupid old man. I didn't kill Cadence Steele.”“The same way you didn't run my wife over?”“Exactly. I mean I know about it, make no mistake. But I neither authorized nor did it.”“You know what Smith, you're full of crap and I'm tired of doing this with you, so start talking. There's no use stalling too because you're not getting out of this till I'm satisfied.”“Look, I know you think I'm the one you’re looking for but I'm no
“What do you mean?”“I mean I've never seen you so affected by anything, Alden. Not even when your own son got into an accident.”Alden’s eyes hardened as he grunted.“That wasn't an accident. It was a stupid decision made by someone who should have known better.”Steven fought the urge to roll his eyes. Of course Alden would say that about his father. Alden had never cut him any slack.“Right, but you're deflecting the question. Why do you act like she means so much to you? What's this about?”“The only person that can give you the answers you want us is your wife, Steven.”What did that mean? Was there something about Alden and Marie he didn't know?“I don't understand what you mean, Alden.”“Are you ready to leave now?” Alden asked, pushing his chair backwards as he averted his eyes from Steven. Steven sighed and walked ahead of his grandfather. It was funny that Alden would rather die than let Steven touch his wheelchair while he allowed Amelia to help him all the time. He also kn
“Where are you?”“Hello to you too, Alden.” Steven said as he honked at the driver in front of him. Did people drive with their brains turned off these days?“I'm at your house and Dr. Terence tells me you’re not here.” The accusation in his tone spoke volumes but Steven chose to ignore it.“If you’d let me know you were coming over, perhaps I may have been ready to receive you.” Steven answered in a cool tone.“When you asked for this leave, you did say it was so you could remain at your wife's side, not gallivant around town.”“What do you want, Alden?”“No, listen to me young man. You're the one who’ll get down here fast if you want to hear what I have to say.” He answered before hanging up the phone. Steven exhaled as he massaged his temple. The last thing he wanted was Alden sticking his nose into how he was caring for Marie. Twenty minutes later, he pulled into the house and headed to the room where Marie was. Alden was in conversation with Dr. Terrence and didn't notice at firs
Dr. Terrence met him outside Marie's room and was about to say something but Steven held up his hand to forestall any comment.“I need everyone to leave for a few moments.”“Okay, Mr.King but if I may…”“Now, please.” Steven repeated as frazzled nurses began filing out of the room. He wasn't sure if he could stomach any more bad news so whatever Dr. Terrence had to say would have to wait.Dr. Terrence nodded and exited the room. Steven looked down at Marie and smiled at her. Even in a coma, her beauty took his breath away.He let out a long sigh and sat beside her bed before taking her hand in his.“You know, for the past few weeks, Marie. I’ve been mad at myself. Thinking about where I went wrong and how I could have failed you so much.”He squeezed her hand and checked to see if there was any reaction on her face. Her eyes remained blank and unfocused as they had been.“I’ve been mad at myself for letting you go through so much pain. For the fact that you're stuck somewhere between
Steven's mind whirled with thoughts as he heard the sound of Zed Norton's car backing out of his driveway.He ran a hand through his hair as he thought about what had transpired between Sandra and him. How on earth was he going to explain this to Marie when she came out of the coma? He could just imagine the look on his face.“You know when you were stuck in a coma fighting for your life? Yeah well, I slept with your best friend. And I don't even remember doing it.”He let out another curse and Sarah tossed him a concerned glance. He let out a sigh and plunked into the chair.“Any special orders for lunch, Sir? The chef wants to know…” She askedThe thought of having any food right now made him want to puke. Whenever he closed his eyes, all he could see was Cadence lying in a pool of her own blood.“I'm not hungry, Sarah. I’ll head out and probably eat something.”“Okay, Sir. Do I make any provisions for Ms.Rakes?”“No, Ms. Rakes wouldn't be returning anymore.” Steven replied as she
“What are you doing?” Steven whispered as he jerked away from Sandra. His head was reeling from pain. Had she really kissed him?“Sorry. I don't know what happened…You looked so sad and I wasn't thinking.” She said as she abruptly got on her feet and cleared her plate. She grabbed the glass and was about to take the bottle of wine with her when Steven dragged it from her.“You can't drink the whole bottle, Steven.” She said in a quiet voice.“Get out.” He said, in a voice harsher than he intended. She glared at him for some seconds before wilting and walking out of the room.He took a swig of the bottle and sighed. Did she deserve such hostility from him for a mistake? She had only been trying to help him after all. It seemed all he was capable of these days was messing up on a grand scale. His actions kept hurting the people he called friends and family even when he didn't intend for them too. Tomorrow, he'd apologize for being bitchy to her. For now, he had only one thing on his min
“Thank you for calling me. I’ll drive him home. The last couple of weeks have been very hard with his wife being in a coma, you know.”Steven could hear Sandra talking to someone. He tried to remember calling her. Had he done that himself or had Tony called her? What time was it? She was looking at him now with something akin to disappointment on her face. Well, he didn't bloody care.“Come on, let's get you home.” She said, as she tried to help him to his feet. Steven chuckled as the both fell back on the leather seat. What was she thinking? That her tiny body could support his weight?“Is something funny, Steven King? You should be ashamed of yourself. You’re drunk. No one's been able to reach you all afternoon. James and Joanna left after breakfast and have been trying to get across to you. Your cell was switched off. And then I get a call that you're wasted in a bar!”“Arghhh. Stop talking in my face.” He mumbled. Her voice was beginning to give him a headache. He wasn't that drun
After Steven got off the call with the 911 operator, he thought about what to do next. He couldn't go home to Marie in this state, knowing that her suffering was caused by him. Nor was he in the mood to face either James or Joanna. He couldn't go to Alden's as that meant endless lectures he wasn't ready for. He knew the only thing likely to get him through the next couple of hours. He turned off his cell phone and drove off. Thirty minutes later, he parked outside Ziggler’s. The tiny, nondescript bar was exactly as he remembered it. He hesitated for a minute before heading in. He had promised James that he wasn't ever coming back here and for over ten years he had kept that promise. But there was no turning back now. A woman was dead because of him, another was in a coma fighting for her life. He needed this, if only for a few minutes. He opened the door, alighted and walked in before he could lose courage. Inside the tiny bar was exactly as he remembered it. How long since he had sat