As soon as I saw Nancy’s text, I reached for my pills, my hands shaking. I’ve just finished a meeting with one of the partners in charge of Victor’s case and am reeling from the verbal onslaught of a man who thinks we’re all imbeciles, me more than anyone.
I know my head’s not been in this case, or my heart and he pulled me apart in front of the others on my team, leaving me feeling worthless and like something the cat dragged in.
Thomas, my colleague, heads my way and smiles sympathetically. “Cheer up Jasmine, it wasn’t that bad. He’s been in a foul mood since they lost the Sullivan case and is taking it out on anybody that even breathes near him. Just be glad you can escape it when you go home at night. Imagine living with him.”
I try to smile but feel a little out of sorts. My head’s spinning and I feel as if I’m losing control. First this infernal case and now that text message. As Thomas turns to leave, I say on the spur of the moment, “Thomas, did you work on that case involving the drugs bust last November?”
“What, the one we lost because they convinced the Judge the police had planted the evidence?”
“Yes.”
“Why, what’s that got to do with this case?”
“Nothing, it’s just that I thought I saw the man they freed, Charlie Davis, the other day and he’s living around the corner from me.”
“Bad luck, I’d move if I were you.”
“Do you still have the file, I’d love to look over it, you know, set my mind at rest?”
Thomas shrugs and looks in two minds and then nods towards his office. “Why not, the case is closed after all, I can’t see any harm in it?”
I follow him to his office but feel a little groggy. It must be a combination of the pills, the stress and the ear bashing I was just subjected to.
As Thomas starts looking for the file, I take a moment to text Liam.
Jasmine: Hey, babe, bad news. Nancy’s just texted and told me Matt’s at our house, dropping my possessions on the front lawn. I can’t leave because I’m in enough trouble as it is. What shall we do?
He replies immediately.
Liam: That’s all we need. How did he find us? I don’t think I’ve given the address to anyone, have you?
I think hard but come up with nothing and dash off a quick response.
Jasmine: No, I can’t think of anyone I’ve told. What about your mum, did you tell her?
Liam: No, she said she didn’t want to know. It’s too late to worry about it now. I’ll head home and see what a mess he’s made. Don’t worry, I’ll sort it.
Jasmine: Be careful, he may be around and knowing Matt, is spoiling for a fight. Sorry to leave you to deal with it. It’s a problem though because what if he comes back?
Liam: I’ll deal with my brother. You just make sure you breathe and try not to stress about it. Remember I love you and we always knew this was a possibility. At least it’s happened now. Maybe we can all move on after this. I must go, I’ve got a conference call but don’t worry and I’ll see you later.
Feeling a little better, I take the file Thomas offers me with a grateful smile.
“Thanks, I’ll check out his profile and give it back. I’m sorry, but I just need to set my mind at rest.”
“Sure, I’d be the same. That aside, it’s likely we’ll be here well after hours, I’ll order some pizza in and we can go over this bastards’ good points one more time. If ever I need a drink, it’s now, but let’s just nail this and move it on because I’m struggling to breathe under the stench of depravity that man has surrounding him.”
Feeling weary, I head back to my office, clutching a file I have no business reading. I should be focusing all my efforts on this case and what’s happening at home, but something is niggling me about Charlie Evans. He’s up to something, I know he is and it concerns number 9. What’s going on behind that pretty pink door because whatever it is, I’m guessing it’s far from legal.
* * *
By the time I pull into my driveway, I’m at breaking point. The pills don’t seem to be working and I wonder if I should increase my dose. I know Liam hates me taking them because he’s worried they’re affecting me. I keep on telling him it’s only while I’m working on this case. I need the energy they give me allowing me to work long into the night, but I’m not eating well and drinking too much, which is making them affect me a little differently.
My eyes burn with fatigue and my heart races as I think about Matthew knowing where we live. Will he come back when we’re here? Is he watching us now and should I expect a confrontation on the doorstop one day? What would I say to him because the sight of his hurt expression has me reaching for another pill? He didn’t deserve what we did. He was always a loving husband that lacked Liam’s excitement and flair. He was quieter, safer, and dare I say it—boring. Liam is like a bolt of lightning, a spark of electricity that sets me alight. He knows how to make a woman feel sexy and desired, and I didn’t stop to think of Matthew in any of this. I wanted his brother and that’s as much as I thought about. Liam and I started a torrid affair that made me sizzle. Life was exciting and I couldn’t get enough. It still is because Liam and I are two of a kind. What we have was written in the stars and he’s my soulmate, I’m certain of it.
As I settle down to read through the file, I think I’ll just scan it and make sure I get the measure of the man who makes me feel on edge.
The more I read though, the more engrossed I get and the work I’m supposed to be doing gets forgotten as I delve into the past of a man who should be behind bars.