Chapter Four

After the disastrous meeting with Steven, Christina arranged an urgent conference with her client, Gwen Fraser. She anticipated Gwen would be devastated by the news of a custody battle over the children, so Christina spent an hour trying to calm her client.

“I agreed to joint custody. He’s their father and I want the kids to spend time with him,” Gwen sobbed, dabbing at her cheeks with a tissue. “Why is Brent doing this? They need me. I’m their mother! Please tell me you can make this go away.”

“I assured your husband’s lawyer we intend to fight. In most cases, the judge grants custody to the mother. However, your husband has chosen a lawyer who is merciless.” Christina didn’t want to give Gwen false hope. No point sugar-coating an impending fight. “I know from experience how ruthless Mr. Mitchell can be. But I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you don’t lose your children. I will not let them win.”

Based on the curious stare she got from Gwen, Christina shouldn’t have announced that declaration to her client. Unfortunately, this case meant more to Christina than just a custody battle. Steven had made it personal, and she wouldn’t let history repeat itself. Her heart wasn’t invested this time, and her resentment toward him would fuel the fire to win.

****

Christina stepped off the elevator and spotted Vince lounging in a chair.

He sat slouched, his long legs crossed at the ankle, listening to Jill chatter on about something. He stood as Christina approached and followed her into her office. “By the look on your face, I assume it didn’t go well.”

“Awful. Right from the beginning.” She tossed her briefcase on the desk with a thud. “Are you hungry? I have to write up the plaintiff’s complaint and prepare a rebuttal, but I’m running on empty. I need food before I can think straight.”

Vince lectured her on her terrible eating habits, until she waved him off. He threw a disapproving glare over his shoulder as he left the office and headed to the café across the street.

Christina started the docket. She had it completed when he returned with their food. She stacked the papers neatly together and placed them in a folder, before popping a crouton in her mouth. In a brief description, she updated Vince on the proceedings.

“Mitchell is quite a snake.” Vince bit hard onto his cold-cut sandwich.

She’d already told him how Steven single-handedly had her fired from Carvers Firm, but he didn’t know about her personal history with the charismatic lawyer.

“I’ve never met anyone as…oh, what’s the point. I’m sure he gets great satisfaction causing me grief. As if he hasn’t done enough already.” Christina shoved a forkful of parmesan-topped romaine lettuce from her Caesar salad into her mouth. She held up her fork, chewed, and swallowed. “Can we not talk about Steven anymore? I just want to get on a plane and escape from this horrible day.”

“If it’s any consolation, I’ll miss you.” With the flick of his wrist, Vince tossed his sandwich wrapper toward the garbage can. He missed, picked it up, and tried again. Another loss. By the fourth time, the crinkled paper hit the rim and fell inside the hoop.

Christina laughed. “I wish I could bottle you up and take you along. You always cheer me up, even when that’s the last thing on my mind. Are you sure you can’t get away?”

“I’d love to, but I’m working this weekend. I have tons of digging to do on one of Joseph’s criminal cases. It’s pretty trashy…you know, the kind I thrive on.” Eyebrows waggling, Vince chuckled.

“Basketball might not be your thing, but you’d make an illustrious spy.” Christina tossed her empty container toward the trashcan, smirking at Vince when the plastic tumbled in on the first try.

Jill poked her head around the corner of the open doorway. “They just rang me from the airport. The company jet is ready when you are. Shall I call a taxi?”

“Yes, thank you.” Christina handed Jill the Fraser folder. “Can you make copies for Stan?”

Jill nodded and left the room.

Vince joined Christina by the window. They stared down to the street below. The busy rush of traffic made her crave this weekend even more.

He put his arm around her shoulders, squeezing gently. “A few days with your sister are just what the doctor ordered.”

The guy said the nicest things. Christina leaned her head on his chest. “I sure hope so.”

Jill returned with the file and placed it in Christina’s briefcase. “Copies made and the taxi is on its way.” She fetched Christina’s upright carry-on from the closet, snapping the handle in place.

Vince wrapped his arms around Christina in a tight embrace. “Relax and have some fun.”

“I’ll try.” She stepped back and smiled warmly, flicking his scruffy blond bangs from his forehead with her finger.

“Promise me you’ll enjoy yourself?”

“I second that,” Jill added from the doorway.

Smiling, Christina shook her head. “What am I to do with the two of you?”

Jill pulled Christina’s coat from the door hook and held it out. “The question is, what would you do without us?”

“Amen.” Vince chuckled. “And don’t give this case another thought. I’ll help you kick Mitchell’s butt when you return.”

Christina nodded, glancing between her co-worker and assistant. She knew her two friends well enough to spot their concerned looks. Their frowning brows and tight pressed lips told her they could see behind her façade. Her tired eyes and forced smile didn’t go unnoticed by these two.

“I promise to have fun. Don’t worry, I’m not leaving town for good.” Christina grabbed the handle of her carry-on. “I want you to head out early today,” she said to Jill, and then pointed at Vince. “Don’t forget to come up for air. I know how you get when you’re deep into research.”

“Have a good weekend,” they called as she headed toward the elevator.

****

Once in flight, Christina closed her eyes and rested her head against the back of the seat. She was anxious to visit with her sister and hoped to get lost in the wedding plans. Anything to forget about that horrible confrontation in the boardroom.

Of all the lawyers in town, why had Steven been her opposition? She could handle anyone else. His timing couldn’t have been worse, the thought of her dateless social life twisting the knife in her back even more. If she had a husband and family, she’d rub his nose in her overall success, but all she had was her standing at the firm. Her personal life was a bust, no thanks to him. Learning from the pain Steven caused, she dated cautiously, never truly exposing her heart.

Her thoughts wandered throughout the rest of the flight. She banished Steven from her mind, but couldn’t shake the sinking feeling more was behind his return than this case.

By the time the seatbelt light went out, she had a pounding headache. Christina collected her carry-on and disembarked the plane, faking a smile. She spied her sister at the opposite end of the terminal, frantically waving her arms in the air.

Tanya pushed through the crowd toward Christina and gathered her in a tight embrace. “You’re late.” Her lips were firmly set together.

“I’m happy to see you, too.” Christina kissed her sister’s cheek. She enjoyed throwing jabs at her sister, but was genuinely happy to spend time with family.

“How did your meeting go?”

“No work-talk.” She squeezed Tanya’s hand. “I want to hear all about the wedding plans.”

Tanya squealed with delight. She described her dress, barely taking a breath until they reached the parking lot.

Brian rested his tall, thin frame against a black sedan. He smiled and straightened as they approached. The gentle summer breeze ruffled his dark brown hair, and two deep dimples dented his cheeks. Brian embraced Christina in a warm hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. Your sister claims she’s having a breakdown. She worries about everything.”

“That’s not true.” Tanya went up on her tiptoes and planted a playful kiss on his cheek. “I just want our day to be perfect.”

Christina smiled when Brian’s hands lingered around Tanya’s waist, while she wiped the pink lipstick smear off his face. They were so happy, and totally meant for each other. Brian’s calm personality balanced her sister’s energetic temperament. They met at a gala in New York. Brian had a position as a judge in the city and Tanya was meeting with a prospective buyer for her fashion line. Love at first sight struck them both that night, and Brian told Tanya she would one day be his wife.

For almost a year, they continued a long-distance romance, until the travelling grew weary and they couldn’t stand to be apart. Brian moved back to Ottawa, accepted a job with his father in the Supreme Court, bought a house, and convinced Tanya to join him. A month later, he asked her to marry him. Their love story would make a perfect weepy chick-flick.

A stab of envy pierced Christina’s chest. “Find a room you two. Can we get out of this humidity?” The thickness of the air pulsated through her temples.

“It takes some getting used to.” Tanya took a deep breath. “There’s no East Coast ocean breeze to lower the temperature here. The heat I can take, but I can’t stand the humid air.”

Brian packed Christina’s carry-on in the trunk of his car, and then opened the back door. “Hop in. The air conditioning is heaven on days like this.”

She slipped in the backseat and leaned against the headrest, relaxing in the cool vehicle.

Tanya slid in the front passenger seat and Brian shifted the gear into drive.

Tanya glanced over her shoulder. “Outside of the city, the humidity and smog lessens. The countryside is breathtaking. You’ll love the scenery.”

Her sister was right. The scenery was exceptional. Lush greens everywhere, with hills and valleys that spread like a canvas in a painter’s backdrop. She wanted to close her eyes and rest her tired head, but rallied against missing a single moment of the stunning landscape.

They drove about forty-five minutes, and Tanya chattered the entire time.

Christina missed her sister’s non-stop babbling. Living alone in the quiet townhouse, she welcomed any noise…other than the steady pounding in her head. She cursed herself for packing the pain relievers in her carry-on bag instead of her purse.

Brian turned onto an exit off the highway and drove another fifteen minutes. The newly developed areas screamed of money. High-priced homes sat on acres of land. Some backed onto lakefront, while others enjoyed a backyard of thick, green forest.

Tanya bounced in her seat as they passed their new property. She and Brian had sold their small home in town and bought the five-acre countryside land. Until the house was completed, they were staying with his parents.

He slowed the car so they could admire the Cape Cod design.

“Once the plumbing and electrical are done, our furniture is set to arrive. We should be able to move in right after the honeymoon.” Tanya beamed a huge smile.

“It’s beautiful.” Christina gazed at the lush green lawn and newly planted maple trees, which would one day provide a sanctuary from the summer sun.

Ten minutes further down the road another lot, recently cleared, buzzed with construction. Wood chippers droned and cement trucks rumbled, laying a foundation.

“My brother’s property.” Brian glanced at Christina in the rear view mirror. “The spot was already spoken for, but he pulled some strings and paid a fortune to get it. He’s tired of the big city, wants to start a family, and plant roots.”

“Here we are!” Tanya turned toward the window, eyes wide as she pointed to the large home.

Christina stepped out of the car. The warm air immediately blanketed her air-conditioned skin. She stared in awe at the Peterson’s European-inspired private estate, then winced and closed her eyes as an intense pain shot across her forehead. She fell back against the sedan.

Tanya rushed to her side. “Christina, are you okay?”

“I’m fine. It’s probably just the heat.” She regained her balance, rummaged through her purse for her sunglasses, and then stepped along the lock-stone driveway. “This place takes away my breath.”

Brian retrieved her luggage from the trunk.

“The house alone must be worth a million.” Christina shook her head.

“Two point five actually.” Brian chuckled.

She couldn’t believe her ears. Christina knew Brian’s father was a Supreme Court judge, and his mother a painter, so money obviously wasn’t an issue. Tanya had described the home, but the whitewashed stone mansion and five-car garage had to be seen to be appreciated.

“Seven bedrooms with master suites on the top level.” Tanya pointed to the windows on the upper level. “On the main floor are the media and game rooms, a library, and private study. The kitchen is in the back, and a huge dining room. They also have a ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking a spectacular garden and pool.”

“Wow.” Christina didn’t know what else to say. Simple words couldn’t describe this home with its manicured lawn and lush flowerbeds of reds and blues. Never before had she seen a house so incredible.

On the walk to the door, Christina’s head throbbed with each step she took. She should have taken something for the headache when she arrived at the airport. Now a full-blown migraine sought refuge between her ears. She stumbled up the stone pathway.

Brian grabbed her elbow, steadying her.

Tanya stopped at the doorway, a frown wrinkling her slender face. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I have a bit of a headache. I’ll take something as soon as I get settled.” Christina placed a reassuring hand on her sister’s arm. To her surprise, the door swung open before they knocked.

A man in a black suit stood inside the threshold.

Tanya had told her Brian’s parents employed a small staff for preparing meals, cleaning, and general maintenance of the property. Apparently they had a butler, too.

As she stepped through the entry, Christina put a hand to her chest. The hand-forged maple doors imitated the craftsmanship of the spiral staircase and balcony railing. A large crystal chandelier hung from the cathedral ceiling, casting a shimmering light on the framed paintings displayed on the walls. Down the hall, twin Persian carpets of intricate design adorned the hardwood floor.

“My mother insisted you stay in the east wing. It gets the morning sun and overlooks her rose garden.” Brian pointed to the bushes at the side of the yard.

The butler lifted her bag from her hand. “I’ll take this to your room, madam.”

“Thank you.” The warmth shown by Brian and his family made her feel welcomed and eased a bit of her stress.

He nodded and walked down the hallway, pressed a button on the wall, and stepped into an elevator.

“Now that’s cool.” She smiled.

“My parents are in the study waiting for us.” He held out his hand for Christina and Tanya to lead the way.

They passed by the library, and another room where a large oak billiard table sat in the middle. Christina couldn’t wait to tour the whole house with leisure.

When she entered the study, Christina admired the view from the glass patio doors overlooking a garden of multi-colored roses.

An older gentleman, dressed in black pants and a grey polo shirt, stood to greet them, while the woman with silver-grey hair sipped from a teacup.

Christina learned from Tanya during a recent telephone conversation that Brian’s mother had fallen and sprained her ankle. The flowered cotton dress she wore lay neatly over her left leg as it rested on a stool. A white bandage swathed her foot.

Brian introduced Christina to his father.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Peterson.” She shook the strong hand of a very distinguished man with salt-and-pepper wavy hair. The room went vaguely out of focus when she smiled into his dark blue eyes.

“Please, call me Carson.” He smiled back. “You’re soon to be part of our family.”

“This is my mother, Theresa.” Brian kissed the older woman’s cheek, and then joined Tanya on the settee.

Theresa smiled, wrinkles creasing the corners of her lips, and her hazel eyes sparkled. “Tanya has told us so much about you.”

“I bet she can’t say the same about us…”

Someone spoke behind Christina and her body stiffened. That voice! Damn! She knew that voice! Strong and powerful, memorized in the depths of her soul. Panic surged within her. It couldn’t be…oh no, please no.

Slowly, she turned to face the man in the doorway. She could only stare. What was Steven doing here?

In a far distance, Brian spoke. “Well, brother dear, this is a quite a surprise. We didn’t expect you until tomorrow.”

A loud drumming roared in her head. Her throat went dry and threatened to close. Her fingertips tingled and her hands shook. The light in the room dimmed as a grey cloud blocked her vision. She staggered backwards against a heavy pressure slamming in her chest.

Christina fought her body’s will to shut down. She had to confirm the identity of this man! Her legs wobbled unsteadily, as if floating in the air. Darkness swept around her. She was faintly aware of strong arms wrapping around her as she collapsed toward the floor.