Chapter 23

23

H olden got into the car after Finley, his fingers seeking hers. They had gone for bagels this morning, and he had forced half of one down. The coffee he'd drunk now sat sour in his stomach. They rode in silence to Rutherford Baxter's office, where Evan would be meeting them.

When they arrived, the driver opened the door. Holden escorted Finley inside the high rise.

"Maybe I shouldn't be in the conference room today," she said, her voice small. "Especially after what happened last night."

"I'm not going to let Madison Parmalee chase you away," he said firmly. "She's not going to dictate whether or not you're in that room, Finley." He gazed deeply into her eyes. I need you there with me."

She nodded. "I'm always in your corner, Holden." She gave him a sweet smile.

Once again, they were met and taken to a smaller conference room this time, where Leo Turner awaited them. The copyright attorney said their meeting with Dr. Ingram had gone well and only bolstered their claim that Holden had written Inside Threat and not Madison.

"Tell him," Finley urged quietly.

"Tell us what?" Baxter asked, entering the room.

"There was a confrontation last night," Holden began. "At the restaurant where we were having dinner. Madison approached us."

The graying attorney frowned. "What did you say to her?"

"Not a word," he replied. "It's what she did."

Holden filled in the pair how Madison had come to their table and tossed drinks in their faces.

"We didn't say anything to her, but it was obvious she had an inkling about what would happen at today's meeting."

"We can help you file assault charges with the police," Leo told them. "I'm sure there are witnesses who would come forward and confirm your version of the events."

"I don't want to do that," Holden said flatly. "I'm hoping after today, I never have to see or think about Madison Parmalee again."

The lawyers asked if they had any questions and left them in the conference room, saying someone would return for them shortly before ten. Leo also returned Holden's laptop to him.

At a quarter till ten, Baxter's assistant appeared and escorted them to the same conference room they had met in on Wednesday. She remained in the room, setting up to take notes. Evan McGill joined them, and the three of them sat on one side of the conference table, with the attorneys at both heads of the table.

"Do not speak to Miss Parmalee," Baxter cautioned. "The less you say, Holden, the better. That's what you're paying me for. To do your talking for you."

Holden said, "I've met Vincent Winston before. If I hadn't signed with my current publisher, he was my next choice."

"In fact, Winston Press was going to be one of the houses I approached with Inside Threat ," Evan shared. "Holden previously had a two-book deal, so we're open to bidding once we establish that we hold the rights to Threat ."

Baxter nodded. "Good to know. Although I'm certain you'll be asking far more than what they're paying Miss Parmalee. Stay seated when they arrive," he added. "This isn't a social gathering."

Moments later, the door opened. Vincent Winston entered, wearing a custom suit of navy, looking powerful and confident. Holden fought the urge to rise and greet him.

Winston's eyes went straight to Rutherford Baxter. "I'm not used to being summoned to a meeting," he said crisply. "Knowing your specialty, Rutherford, I have to say I'm grateful you've kept this quiet."

Winston's gaze flicked to him. "Holden. I'm sorry we're meeting again under such circumstances. I had no idea you would be the author involved."

He gave the publisher a tight smile but didn't reply.

Amanda Sommers breezed into the room, followed by another man and Madison.

The man looked to Baxter and nodded curtly and then glanced at Holden. "I'm Morton Felderman. Attorney for Winston Press."

Amanda Sommers, a cool blond, said, "I'm with SGR and represent Madison Parmalee."

He couldn't help but turn his gaze upon Madison. Her eyes glittered with hate. She looked as if she wanted to pounce upon him or at least verbally lash out at him, but Holden assumed she'd been issued the same warning he had.

"Have a seat," invited Leo Turner.

The four took chairs on the opposite side of the table.

Rutherford Baxter took the lead. "I've asked you here today to straighten out the claim that Madison Parmalee wrote the manuscript you announced you had purchased from her. Assassination Games ." The attorney paused. "When, in fact, Miss Parmalee committed literary theft in claiming the work as her own. Assassination Games might be what she's calling it, but the manuscript is the sole work written by my client, Holden Scott."

Holden listened as his lawyer walked through everything which had been shared with him. Baxter explained how Holden had created blurbs, character sketches, and outline for Inside Threat . As he spoke, the administrative assistant placed copies of each of these in front of the publisher, his lawyer, and Madison's agent. She did not provide one to Madison herself.

"At the time Mr. Scott wrote Inside Threat , he was cohabiting with Miss Parmalee. They met at the Iowa Writers' Workshop they both attended and became friends and then lived together. They were not partners in writing, however," Baxter emphasized. "They merely resided together in Brooklyn for several years, where Mr. Scott regularly shared his writing with Miss Parmalee, seeking her feedback."

Baxter continued speaking, but Holden lost the thread of it. All he could think about was how much time and effort he had put into Inside Threat and how desperate he was to get it back. He didn't want to lose his work, much less allow Madison to pretend it was hers.

"Miss Parmalee has copies of each of the drafts and the dates they were saved as she worked," Felderman stated. "It seems Mr. Scott cannot produce anything such as this from what you've shared."

"But does Miss Parmalee have all the legwork that goes into a manuscript?" Leo Turner interjected. "You have before you— dated —everything Mr. Scott prepared before he even began writing his draft of Inside Threat . Its plot. Cast of characters, with detailed character sketches. His research notes on Washington."

Felderman remained silent.

Leo went on to explain how they had analyzed previous writings done by Madison and compared them with Holden's work, concluding with, "We even have Dr. Rod Ingram here in our offices today. Mr. Scott and Miss Parmalee were in classes Dr. Ingram taught in Iowa, and he was Miss Parmalee's thesis adviser, so he has a deep knowledge of her talent and writing style. After studying Mr. Scott's manuscript, which Miss Parmalee has tried to pass off as her own work, Dr. Ingram felt it impossible that Miss Parmalee could have written it."

"Dr. Ingram— and no one here at your office —has seen the manuscript which Winston Press has purchased from Miss Parmalee," Felderman said. "How can you say with such certainty that Miss Parmelee did not write Assassination Games ?"

Baxter stared stonily at the attorney. "Be glad I haven't hit your boss with a cease-and-desist order. I have asked him and the interested parties here today in order to avoid that very public action. It is a courtesy I was willing to extend, Mr. Felderman, because of Mr. Winston's reputation and that of his publishing house. There has been misconduct on Miss Parmalee's part, and I am placing the ball in your court to handle the matter. Unless you want me to go the legal route."

The attorney shook his head. "I don't need to preach to you about copyright protection. Mr. Felderman. Besides, the fact that everything Miss Parmalee has written up to this point could be classified as women's fiction and that none of her work has been published?" Baxter asked. "You merely have to read a chapter of Capitol Crimes and read a chapter of what Winston Press bought from Miss Parmalee. It is obvious that she has falsely claimed to have written that manuscript. We can follow up?—"

"Enough!" Vincent Winston interjected. "I'm not going to be drawn into a lengthy court battle and endanger the sterling reputation of my family's publishing house. Mr. Baxter is being more than generous in giving me a heads up about this manuscript and the damage it could cause if I continue on the course to publish it."

Vincent glanced down the table, focusing on his newly-signed author. "I checked the date you submitted your manuscript to us. Even if you changed a few lines here and there, you've obviously stolen Holden Scott's work. Have you no integrity, Miss Parmalee?"

The publisher's accusation broke the dam, causing Madison to leap to her feet.

"You don't know what it's like, trying day after day to put words on the page and nothing comes. Or what you do write is paltry prose, nothing that anyone would ever buy. A piece of me died every day I lived with Holden. He constantly rubbed in my face that he was such a huge success. And then when he became too big a name, he decided he didn't need me anymore."

She turned, glaring at him. "I made you! I read everything word you wrote and gave you suggestions on how to improve it. And you accepted my input. You needed me. You still need me, or you'll fall on your face."

He had been angry with her, but now only pity filled him. He shook his head sadly, refusing to engage with her.

"You hurt me, Holden," Madison continued. "Every day we were together. Then without warning, you walked out on me. Abandoned me. I wanted to hurt you back. I wanted to have a bestseller and receive the accolades. Do the book tour. Go on the talk shows and be charming and funny and win over America."

Holden glanced to Baxter, who seemed to be silently communicating with Vincent Winston.

"No charges will be filed," Baxter announced. "Though you are guilty of literary theft and violating U.S. copyright laws, Miss Parmalee. As a favor to Mr. Winston, the matter will be dropped since he obviously will no longer be publishing something which never belonged to you in the first place."

"Thank you," Winston said humbly. Then to Madison, he added, "You will return every penny of your advance, Miss Parmalee. Immediately." His tone brokered no response.

Amanda Sommers finally spoke up, looking at her client. "SGR is dropping you, Miss Parmalee," she said formally. "I will make certain that no other reputable agent takes you on."

"No other publisher will ever consider a manuscript you present for submission," Winston added. "You are a pariah, Miss Parmalee."

Madison had gone white as a sheet, only two red spots of anger on her cheeks. She snatched her purse and fled the room.

Vincent Winston looked to Holden. "I read Assassination Games . I'm sorry. Inside Threat . I should have recognized your style and tremendous pacing, Holden. None of us had any idea of your previous connection with Miss Parmalee. We determined her credentials solid, having graduated from the Iowa workshop. I am giving you my deepest apologies, Holden."

He swallowed. "Apology accepted." The words were soft because his throat was thick with emotion.

Immediately, Winston looked to Evan McGill. "Would we have a chance at bidding on Inside Threat ? I know Holden's deal has expired with his current house."

The agent looked to him. Holden nodded.

"You need to destroy any copies of what is being called Assassination Games ," Evan instructed. "Also, you should make a published announcement that you have withdrawn your offer to Madison Parmalee regarding the sale of her manuscript. Holden is polishing the manuscript now. I should begin pitching it in the next week once he's finished. I'll make certain that you receive his version of the manuscript."

"May I extend my apology, as well, Mr. Scott?" Amada asked. "Your novel grabs a reader and sucks him in. I was hoping Madison Parmalee would be that one incredible author that comes along in an agent's lifetime. I'm sorry for any role that I played in this."

"It's not any of your fault," Holden assured them. "Madison was angry at me and looking for the way she could hurt me the most. Taking away the book I had worked so diligently on was the best way to punish me. I hold no ill will to anyone present. I'm merely grateful that Mr. Baxter and Mr. Turner have helped me reclaim my work."

Vincent Winston rose, and his attorney and Amanda did the same. He offered his hand to Baxter.

"Thank you again for not going on the record and filing the cease and desist and making this incident public knowledge. You saved the reputation of Winston Press. My family is in your debt."

"It's a win for all of us," Baxter replied. "My assistant will see you out."

The trio left and once the door was closed, Baxter offered his hand to Holden. The two men shook.

"I have to echo Vincent Winston. Thank you for keeping this out of the press," he said.

"The full story will never get out, but there will be speculation," the attorney told him. "First, Winston Press' withdrawal will be enough to set tongues abuzz. Miss Sommers will also spread the word. Miss Parmalee's reputation as an author will take a hard hit. Gossip will abound, but hopefully, your name will be kept out of it, and no one will ever make a connection between the two manuscripts. Will you really consider selling Inside Threat to Winston Press?"

"I liked Vincent Winston," he said. "He seems like a good guy and a knowledgeable publisher." He turned to his agent. "It'll be up to Evan to field the offers for the manuscript, though, and advise me on what to do."

Smiling, Evan said, "I'll get on it the minute I receive your final version."

"I can have it to you by mid-week," he promised.

Holden thanked the two attorneys again, claiming Finley's hand as they moved to the elevator. They stepped inside it. The moment the doors closed, he embraced her, giving her a kiss.

"Thanks for coming to New York with me," he told her. "For standing with me."

"I didn't say anything," she protested.

"But you were here. I had your support. I hope you realize I'll support you and your career in the same way."

The elevator doors opened, and they left the building, walking across the street and entering Central Park. They found a bench to sit on, and Holden draped his arm around Finley's shoulder.

"I've never felt more supported or loved than I have with you," she told him. "I can't wait to be husband and wife."

He laughed. "Part of me is tempted to take you to a courthouse now and make it official, but I want our family and friends to see us speak our vows to one another. That means waiting until school is out and getting married at the winery."

Finley rested her head against his shoulder. "I'm looking forward to becoming Finley Scott."

"What? No Finley Farrow?" he asked.

She gazed up at him. "Nope. Miss Farrow, the teacher, will becoming Mrs. Scott, full-time photographer, married to Mr. Scott, the famous novelist— and screenwriter."

Pushing to her feet, she grabbed his hand and pulled him to his. "Let's go make a few memories, Mr. Scott."

"I can't think of a better person to do that with than you, Miss Farrow."