10. Chapter 10

Chapter 10

ALEX

W ell, telling me you’re going to be showing up on my night out takes the relaxation out of it. What the heck is with him? He’s more into self-torture than I am. At least I’ll have plenty of pent-up frustration with him annoying me at the club, but I didn’t factor in all the strange people that I’d be worried about hurting me. Well, that’s not until tomorrow, so I can just focus on these phone calls today. First thing on the agenda is to get to the gym and get this alcohol out of my system, not to mention that irritating text from my ex.

The gym was more relaxing than I thought it would be after what I put my body through yesterday. I did some cardio on the treadmill, swam laps and soaked in the hot tub. Roman was spot on; this hot tub melted the tension right out of my muscles. I stretched my arms across the edge of the tub leaning my head back running through all my thoughts of how to get what I want out of this court hearing. I’ve gone through so many court cases online trying to figure out the reality of what he could possibly get charged with. The information relayed to me from the police and my attorneys, only solidifies in my mind he isn’t guaranteed a thing even if he is found guilty. I’ve been told I’m not a credible witness because I couldn’t identify my attacker and even thought it was someone else. Roman, to be exact. The love of my life. I’ve spent the better of the last two weeks figuring out the best way to make sure he gets what’s coming to him. I’m not learning MMA for self-control. Self-control just happens to be a byproduct of learning MMA. The plan has to be executed just right in order for it to happen and no one is going to allow me to just get in the ring with Tanner. I have to find someone to help me, willingly, make this happen. The rest of the plan revolves around getting my attorneys to set it up and that could cost me more than money.

After the gym I let his shower work its magic on me. I mean come on now, would this life really be so bad? Oh, see that, losing focus already. Get your head out of the clouds, Alex, you’ve got shit to do.

First call is to Grant. I have to get back in the office and help him. I feel so bad leaving all the things I started on his shoulders. Grant picked up right away.

“Alex, good morning honey. What can I do for you? ”

I could feel the love all the way through the phone and I missed being able to just spill my guts to him and know I was either going to get great advice or a compassionate scolding. I plopped down on the leather sofa and kicked my feet up, propping one arm behind my head as a pillow.

“Hey Grant, I think the question is what can I do for you?”

“Oh yeah, what’s going on?”

“I hear you need some help with a relocation project.”

“Well, you’d be correct. Is there anything else you think you could help with?”

I sighed, knowing I was probably needed in the office.

“As a matter of fact, I think there is. I think I’ve mourned enough and need to get back in there, but I’d like to sit down with you and Matt Stevens and get an update on what’s going on. Can we schedule that please?” I dragged myself to an upright position and pushed my hair out of my face.

“Would you like me to transfer you to your assistant and let her check your schedule?” He sounded rather cheerful. I almost forgot that I’d hired Shay to be my assistant before everything went sideways.

“Yes, I would love that. And Grant, thank you for not writing me off.” I got up and started pacing around the room.

“I could never do that. I knew you’d figure it out somehow.” I wish I could be as sure as him.

He disconnected as he transferred the call to Shay’s desk.

“Grant Johnson’s office.” Shay said bright and cheery, making me smile as always.

“How about if you start answering Alex Kennedy’s office from now on?” I had to hold the phone away from my ear as the high pitched shrill hit my ear.

“Are you serious? Why didn’t you tell me? ”

Maybe because I didn’t even know yet. Ha!

“I literally just made the decision yesterday after I heard what an asshole I’ve been for dumping everything on everyone.” I was pacing faster the madder I became at myself for what I’d done to everyone.

“Well, tomorrow night we celebrate you returning to the office.”

I could still hear the excitement in her voice. “Sounds good to me, but Roman has decided he’s going to be there.”

She screamed again. “Oh my God, you got back together?”

Wow, what? I did not say that. No.

“No, we didn’t, but he can’t seem to leave me alone and I didn’t want him just showing up unannounced. At least this way I’ll know he’s coming.” Okay this pacing is making me nervous, I need to sit back down. I found the nearest chair and sat as fast as I could and dropped my head between my knees.

She quickly added, “None of my business, but the guy’s hot. I don’t see why you don’t want him around. He’s nice too.”

I laughed and whipped my head back up and mumbled out, “Damn, everyone is Team Roman. It’s fine, I have my reasons and that’s all there is right now.”

She let out a sigh. No one really knew what happened that night and why this thing with me and Roman is so hard.

“Ok, I won’t ask again. I’m just glad he’s coming so I can ogle him.”

“Oh my God Shay. What would Owen think?” It’s kind of hard not to stare at this beautiful specimen of a man though.

“What? I can admire a fine piece of art without touching it.” We both laughed.

“I’ll see you tomorrow night. Are we meeting at my place? ”

She hesitated for a moment. “We’re going to have dinner at seven and then head over,” she said with a bit of reservation to her tone. I guess she was worried I would get mad since they didn’t invite me.

“I’ll just meet you at the club then. I have training from 5:00-6:30 and then I’ll have to go home, shower and change. I won’t have time to meet you for dinner. I can Uber over after I get ready.” Not a big deal.

“Can’t wait.” She seemed relieved.

“Now for the business. I called for a reason. I need you to check my schedule and Grant’s and see if we can meet with Matt Stevens next week for an hour.”

We said goodbye then I called Roman to set up an interview time for next week with Darius. I’ve got to keep this professional, so I’m going to set it up through Amelia.

“Roman King’s office.”

“Hi, it’s Alex.”

“Hi Alex. What can I help you with?”

“Does Roman have any time next week to do an interview?”

“With you?” she questioned. I laughed.

Why does everyone think I need a job? Or that I would ask Roman of all people?

“No, with Darius Jackson to learn construction stuff.”

“I just sent out an email to create a board to put together a training facility, but it won’t be ready for months.”

“Hmmm… do you have any ideas where Darius could get started in the company?” I have a really good feeling about this young man, and I want to get him something sooner than later so that he doesn’t end up getting in trouble in that neighborhood.

“Let me talk to Roman. We could at least get him in here and show him what we do and get him familiar with all the divisions until the training is up and running. You know, see if it’s something he’s truly interested in.”

“That would be great. Thanks Amelia.” I laid the phone down and continued getting all these meetings and phone calls logged. I still needed to call Matt and Darius when the elevator door opened and Roman appeared.

“I couldn’t wait for you to come to the lobby, I needed to see you and make sure you were still here.”

Control freak much?

“I’m still here. I’ve been busy. I’ve got two more phone calls to make and some searching to do over in Matt’s district. I may take a ride over there next week and do some scoping out.” It was nice to have something productive and helpful to focus on again.

“You seem pretty excited about doing this, I’m happy for you.” He leaned on the counter next to me and smiled as he reached over and brushed his knuckles over my shoulder, lightly.

“Yeah, I do feel kind of bad how I left things with everyone.” I shifted slightly so his hand was out of reach and I watched his eyebrows rise and fall as he pulled his hand back shoving it in his pocket.

“Even me?” He said standing up shifting his body slightly so it was a bit further away.

A light bulb went off in my head when he said that. I jumped up to get a bottle of water from the fridge.

“That reminds me, I need to call your mother and schedule a session,” I announced as I whipped my head around to make eye contact.

He laughed and said, “Damn, talking about me reminds you that you need therapy. I love it.” He turned and walked toward the fridge, and I grabbed another water, handing one to him. He accepted with a smile and a brush of his fingers over mine .

“Where do you want to go for lunch?” I ignored his previous comment, so we didn’t get into an argument and pretended I didn’t just get turned on by one touch of his hand.

“Can we get Mexican food?” That’s literally the first thing that popped into my head and I blurted it out to move on.

He said, with a bit of irritation, “Sure, anything you want.” I guess he was mad I didn’t comment or because he thought I needed therapy because of him. I’m sure I just need therapy because of me.

“Thanks for the water.” He pecked my cheek with his lips the way you’d kiss a relative.

“Let’s go to lunch, then you can finish your calls. Amelia said you spoke to her about scheduling an interview for Darius.”

He’s good at fixing awkward moments, I’ll give him that; even if he is the one making it awkward.

“Yes, but I’m thinking more about what he can do right now, I guess. Amelia said you haven’t put that division together yet.”

“No, we haven’t, but maybe you can use him to scope out the areas and as soon as we get that training division started he can get into it. I’ll even put him on my payroll to help you.”

That would work but…

“What would he do for me?” I don’t want to put the responsibility of paying Darius on Roman when he’d be working for me. I don’t want to feel like I owe him, either. We’ll definitely be discussing this.

“Just get him familiar with real estate. See what kind of ideas he’s got for finding his new neighborhood. You said he’s got leadership skills, let’s see where he can lead you.”

Yes, perfect.

I smiled and said, “I think that’s a great idea. I’ll email Amelia and set that up for next week.”

** *

ROMAN

Amelia came in to go over my schedule for the day. I guess I could start by asking her to go to that club tomorrow.

“Amelia, I have a favor to ask of you and Harrison tomorrow night.”

“Ok, what’s that?” She looked up from her computer and tipped her head to listen. How do I ask this without sounding like a stalker? Hmmm, guess I don’t.

“Alex is going to a club tomorrow night and I’d really like to keep an eye on her. I wish she’d just go with me, but she's still being stubborn and I feel like she’ll get herself in trouble in a place like that.”

“So you don’t want her to meet any guys?” Of course not. That was a stupid question.

“That’s besides the point, I don’t know what else to do. She’s making me completely irrational.” Amelia laughed, but it’s not funny to me. She’s literally making me nuts.

“Well, the day she saw you at Benita’s, I made a comment that I was glad you were eating– she freaked out. Wanted to know why you weren’t eating.” Sounds like she’s as worried about me as I am about her. Wish I knew what her deal was then. Am I cleared in her head yet or not?

“Yeah, I don’t get it, but she’s gonna start seeing my mom again. That seemed to help. If she wanted to break things off completely she wouldn’t see my mother for therapy or be in my penthouse right now, right?”

“What?” Her eyes flew open and her mouth hit the floor.

“She spent the night last night? Is she spending the night again tonight?” She looked really concerned. “Do you think that’s a good idea? I mean you’re both torturing each other like this.” You got that right.

“I know it feels like some S&M mind fucking. Sorry.” I couldn’t help but laugh.

“No, you’re completely right. You’re both going to need therapy.” I kept laughing as the door opened.

Harrison came in and dropped down in the chair in front of my desk next to Amelia, “This doesn’t sound like work in here, what did I miss?”

“Roman would like us to go clubbing with him tomorrow night.” As Amelia explained, Harrison’s eyes got wide with excitement.

He exclaimed, “Uh Hell Yes! Which one?” Does it matter? They all suck.

“DejaVu.” I said without an ounce of enthusiasm because I really didn’t want to go.

“I love that one. That’s the first club I took Amelia to.” I looked at her questioningly.

“You like clubs?” She smiled and nodded. Learn something new everyday.

“That’s why I’ve never had to worry about running into you, out. We don’t frequent any of the same places.” That’s for damn sure.

“Yeah, would’ve never thought you were a club girl.” I mean, I can’t say I’ve really ever thought anything about her. She’s been a bit of a mystery to me and kept quiet mostly. Until she started dating Harrison that is.

Harrison asked, “Wait, why are you going clubbing?” Good question.

Amelia snorted, “He’s babysitting Alex, but she doesn’t want him there. ”

Harrison said, “Oh this should be fun. What are you going to do when she’s grinding on some dude?” Amelia shook her head at him. He threw his hands up.

“What? I need to know if I’m going to have to break up a fight. My brother’s a hot head, I’m trying to be proactive here.” He wasn’t wrong.

“Actually, my plan was to bring you to keep that from happening.”

“Ok, I’m cool with that but I’d prefer you ignored her and had your own fun. We know she doesn’t want to see you with another girl. She thinks she’s got some kind of control over you. Turn the tables on her. Clearly you’re both fucked up so you might as well have fun with it.” My little brother is such a bad influence, but he sure is fun.

Amelia was shaking her head in disgust. “Wow, you’re all kinda fucked up if you think this is a good idea.” I winked at her and smiled. She didn’t know what she was getting herself into dating one of the King boys.

“Ok, time to get to it, so get out, I gotta get to work.”

Amelia said, “Well, have fun at lunch with Alex in the penthouse.” She rolled her eyes and nodded at Harrison.

“I’ll just go talk to Amelia out here.” Harrison said as he pointed to the reception area. I’m sure he was going to grill her on why Alex was in my penthouse.

“Good. Bye.” I raised my voice as I waved them out the door.

All I had were phone conferences this morning before lunch, they usually end early. Harrison might actually have a point about making Alex see that she doesn’t want me to be with anyone else. Amelia might also be right that we’re already a bit fucked up and that might just be throwing gasoline on the fire. Jesus, what am I doing? Maybe I just need to let her go. If she comes back it was meant to be and if she doesn’t I can just move on. This is not helping at all. We need less of this drama, not more.

Once back at her desk, Amelia sent a call from Grant Johnson through.

“Good morning, Grant.”

“I don’t know what you did, but she’s coming back to the office and taking over the project.” Thank God she called him.

“I was just honest with her and told her you and Matt needed help.” I said as I got all the papers on the desk in order for the rest of the day.

“Well, it worked, and I know she’s going to put 100% into it.”

I chuckled. “She actually told me she was all in.” That’s great news. I’m glad she made that call.

***

“Did you go to the gym today?” I asked as I put my arm around her shoulder getting into the elevator as we left for lunch. I realized I did it without thinking but noticed she didn’t pull away this time so I didn’t flinch and just let it seem normal.

“I did and I took your advice and soaked in the hot tub after. It really did the trick. I’m a lot less sore than I was this morning.”

Damn, wish I had been there.

“Good, glad you finally listened to me.” I glanced down at her with a smirk on my face as she rolled her eyes. That annoyed the shit out of me.

“What’s with the eye rolling?” Ugh, and the irritation in my voice?

“Sorry, it’s an allergic reaction to arrogance.” Sarcasm at its finest, great. Guess I should’ve seen that coming. Sounds like she’s feeling better though .

“You know what the cure for it is?” She crossed her arms and gave me that ‘whatever’ look. I might be about to cross a line here.

“I can only imagine. What is it?” She muttered while rolling her eyes as exaggeratedly as she could.

“You over my knee and my hand connecting with that bare ass of yours.” Her laughter was usually music to my ears but this sounded like something else.

“You think that’s punishment? Do you know what I put myself through at training? I welcome a spanking. That would be like a relaxing massage.” She continued to laugh and I couldn’t help but laugh at that point.

“I don’t want to punish you, but I do enjoy smacking your ass.” I didn’t think about that damn training that left bruises all over her. The last thing I wanted to do was contribute to that– even jokingly and I didn’t know if we were really past her trauma yet.

She smiled back and licked her lips before professing, “Maybe we can do that later.” Oh shit how do I get out of the meetings for the rest of the day? And what the hell happened to her today that turned this Alex on?

“I’m gonna hold you to that.” The look in her eyes was smoldering.

“Holding me to something could be fun while you do that.” What the fuck? I was supposed to be the one controlling this conversation. This is definitely new territory for me. But that seems like a ticking time bomb or just crazy hot sex.

When the elevator opened, I grabbed her wrist and hurried up and got us in the car.

“Look, I’m going to play your fucked up head game, or whatever this is, until you’re ready to tell me what’s really going on.” I had both hands on the wheel staring out of the windshield .

“I don’t know what you mean.” Bullshit. Something is definitely going on.

“You don’t get to make up any rules either.” I could see her out of the corner of my eye sitting sideways staring at me like she was daring me to do something.

“What rules? How can there be rules in a fucked-up game. It’s kinda the point.” She was smiling but it looked almost sinister.

“So, mind games turn you on, huh?” God she’s crazy. She slumped back in the seat and stared at the ceiling.

“Right now, my head is a mess and all it wants to do is fight and be angry. I wish all this bullshit was over so I could stop obsessing about it. I worry that even when it’s over it won’t really be over. I have nightmares.” She grumbled and put her hands over her face.

I reached over to pull her hands off her face and pleaded, “Why didn’t you tell me?” She started to tear up. She slapped my hands away.

“This is why. Because I start to cry, and I feel pathetic, and it makes me feel like Tanner’s won. Like he’s broken me. That’s how you distract me, Roman. I don’t like feeling like this. When I’m angry I can focus it all on him and make sure he goes to jail. I’m afraid his brother is going to find a way to get him off,” she yelled through her tears.

“Damn it, Alex. You should’ve talked to me about this, or at least talked to my mom. All this anger isn’t good for you.” Jesus, and here I am feeding it to her.

“Well, I’m trying to channel it, like I said. I’m a decent fighter. I don’t want to compete but it’s pretty amazing what the body is capable of when you really put your mind to it.”

At least she’s channeling it productively. Maybe .

I finally pulled out and headed to a Mexican restaurant I liked on the outskirts of town. We sat in a booth across from each other and talked about nothing important for once. We kept the conversation light. I’m glad she was letting me back in somewhat, but for whatever reason, she’s still keeping me at arms’ length. She’s built up one hell of a wall, more so than before. Who knows, maybe she needs more therapy than even my mom can give her. I don’t want to lose this girl, but what if there’s nothing I can do to stop that? I guess, like her, we’ll see what happens after the court case.

“What do you want to do tonight?” I leaned back into the booth to get a better view of her.

“I know what I don’t want to do.”

“What’s that?”

“Drink.” Yeah, that seemed to get us into trouble.

“Okay, I’m good with that. Do you want to watch a movie?” I wiggled my eyebrows at her. We had fun the last time we watched a movie.

She chuckled. “No, I don’t think so. What about if we try going on a walk again down by the river and maybe swing or ride the carousel?”

That sounds perfect. Out in the open where we won’t make a scene.

“Let me check the weather.” We both laughed. Getting caught in the rain turned out to be a lot of fun, but we never got to swing together and who knows maybe it will help get things back to normal in her head.

This was a nice relaxing lunch. I’m feeling better about things at the moment. She just needed to relax a bit. She seemed so wound up.

We finished eating and I drove back home. We rode the elevator up to my office and I kissed her on the cheek as I got off and sent her up to the penthouse .

Amelia stopped me as I was walking past her desk. “I’ve been trying to call you.” I patted my pockets but all I had were my keys and my wallet. I guess I left my phone on my desk.

“Why? What’s up?” She seemed flustered.

“The detective and the DA have been calling but now they’re waiting for you in your office.” I turned and hurried in. They were whispering back and forth when I opened the door.

“Hi Detective Lewis.” This can’t be good.

She said, “Hi Mr. King, this is DA Ralph Martin. He’s the prosecutor for Miss Kennedy’s case. We’ve been trying to get a hold of her. Her attorneys told us to check with you…Hold on she’s calling right now. Alex, we’re in Mr. King’s office…” She looked at me with a worried expression on her face. “She hung up,” Detective Lewis quickly replied.

I slumped down in my seat and looked up into nothingness. Just when things were starting to calm down.

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “My guess is she’s on her way to my office since that’s where you told her you were. Might as well wait till she gets here to kill two birds with one stone. Can’t be good news, I’m assuming.” The officer shook her head.

Alex came charging in, arms crossed over her chest looking absolutely crazed. I guess the nice, relaxed feelings she was having are officially gone.

She frantically spit out, “There’s something wrong, isn’t there? I’ve been having nightmares. I know there’s something wrong.” I got up and came around the desk and pulled up a chair for her.

She shook her head and growled, “I don’t want to sit.” I knew better than to try and calm her down right now, especially with that feral look in her eyes. The one of a trapped animal ready to attack .

The detective stood up and said, “Alex, you know I prepared you for everything that could happen.” She was nervously shaking her leg and biting her lip looking between me and Detective Lewis. Then she nodded and the detective continued. “An unfortunate thing happened. He’s out on bond until the hearing. His brother managed to pull some strings. It doesn’t mean he’s going to be able to get off.”

The DA chimed in and added, “He isn’t taking a plea deal. He claims you assaulted him first. Luckily the cameras in the room picked up on the fact he assaulted you in the room.”

“Where is he?” Alex looked deranged at this point.

What the hell is she planning to do, go hunt him down? I don’t fucking think so.

The detective calmly said, “We can’t tell you that because we don’t want you to screw up your case by going after him.” Alex’s nostrils were flaring, and her eyes were wild.

“I’m not going after him. I just need to know someone is keeping an eye on him. I know he was following me and watching me before he attacked me. I could feel it everywhere I went, even in the parking garage of this building. I thought it was my fucking ex-husband until the attack.” All prior calm is officially gone and now she’s yelling. What the hell? She never told me about this. Is this why she was upset about the messages from her ex? Why did she think he was stalking her?

I interrupted, “Alex, why didn’t you say something? I have cameras in there. I’ll have security check and see if we can go that far back.” I didn’t think we could, because once they are checked each day they’re erased, but I could at least look into it. I’ll talk to her about her ex in private .

“I felt paranoid. I never actually saw anyone, and the police won't help you if you just have a feeling. Besides, you know how I was feeling toward the police prior to this.” Tears were streaming down her face.

Detective Lewis tried to assure her with more information. “I’ll make sure he has a detail, plus there’s a protective order that he can’t come within 500 feet of you. Your attorneys went to get that immediately after they heard.”

This is just fucking great. Two steps forward and ten steps back. Now she’s really going to be a headcase, but with good cause.

***

ALEX

No mushy love shit, I thought as I rode the elevator up to the penthouse after lunch. As much as I loved the feeling of pure peace and love we’d once shared on the plane, I can’t use that right now. Maybe after all this court crap is over things will be different, but for right now I need brutal fucked up head games. I doubt Roman is really into that, but he seems to be playing along nicely, and this is all I’ve got for him right now, unfortunately.

Oh crap, where’s my phone? I thought as I patted my pockets after flipping through my purse. Did I leave it at the restaurant? Did I bring it to the restaurant? Damn, the fucking mind games might be a problem. As the doors opened, I could see my phone on the kitchen island. It had messages galore and missed calls. Several were from Detective Lewis saying she needs to talk to me right away. I called her without checking the voicemail in a panic.

“What? What’s wrong?” As soon as she said she was in Roman’s office I dropped the phone and got back in the elevator. I didn’t even look at Amelia sitting at her desk, I just barged right into the office. My adrenaline was pumping. I knew there was something wrong. Why else would I be having these nightmares?

I was tapping my foot, and my leg was shaking so bad. I had to cross my arms tightly because I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest. I think I could taste blood from where I just bit my lip waiting for them to give me the bad news. I listened to Detective Lewis tell me everything and felt like I might crumble.

Get a hold of yourself, this is why you’re going to training. You need to calm down so you can think.

I reached for the chair Roman had pulled over and sat. I put my head down to clear my thoughts and took a few deep breaths. When I picked my head up, I could still feel the blood rushing through it, but I focused the emotion to the move, which in this case was the question I was about to ask. I moved my hands to the arms of the chair because I felt like I needed some kind of physical action to concentrate on and ground me somehow. I took one last deep breath then wiped the tears from my face and got my composure back. I felt the snap of my composed anger taking over. It was the part of me bound and determined to put Tanner where he belonged.

“What does this really mean? Is he free to go wherever he’d like, then?” The three of them looked at each other and Roman just smiled as the detective and the DA looked a little confused by my sudden mood swing.

I know, it’s a gift, let’s move on please.

Detective Lewis said, “Yes, he can move about freely. His passport was confiscated and like I said, he can’t come within 500 ft of you, or he goes to jail. If, however, he does, you’re not to engage him. You call me immediately. ”

Don’t engage him? I’ll kill him if he comes near me. That’s what I fear most– these intense feelings.

“What do I do now? Look over my shoulder? Be paranoid 24/7? Not sleep? Keep the lights on? I mean this is bullshit.”

“Alex, I know this isn’t what we had hoped for, but you knew it was a possibility. The best thing you can do is stay somewhere safe where you’re not alone. Maybe with your dad or a friend.”

Roman was staring right at me the whole time the officer was talking.

“She can stay with me.”

Here we go. Almost as if he planned this. Total manipulation.

“Of course I can, but this was the shit I was trying to avoid. Why am I the one who has to hide and lock themselves away? He’s the predator. I’m sure I’m not his first target or his last. I hate that you all want me to be a victim. I was unlucky once, but I’m not now and never will be a victim again, so please stop looking at me like that.” I was wringing my hands together because they were shaking so bad but at least my mind felt strong.

The DA said, “Alex, we’re sorry this happened, we just want to make sure you’re safe and that he goes away for what he did. We know you didn’t assault him that night.” I laughed and threw my head back, taking a deep breath. Not that night, I didn’t. I sat back in the chair but couldn’t seem to get comfortable as I twisted my body from side to side before crossing my legs for a little stability.

“Did you know I assaulted him on a different night? Does he know Roman’s the one who broke his nose?” And I would do it again. Just thinking about that makes my blood boil. I realized I had a death grip on the arm of the chair thinking about what I would do if I had them around Tanner’s neck .

The detective said, “Yes, we’re aware and he’s aware of who did what that night. The only thing we don’t have from the first night is a witness to what he did to you.”

I squinted my eyes and asked, “So, what you’re saying is everyone witnessed what I did but not what he did?” Who are his witnesses?

The DA said, “Just to be clear, no one has come forward to testify on his behalf about what you did. It would seem you’re pretty well liked in that place.” I thought about what the people in there really thought of me and I doubt it was very good, considering Tanner was heard saying I’d been with every guy in there. I fucking hate the rumor mill.

“Then how does anyone know who did what?” This is so frustrating.

“There were cameras in the bar.” The DA pointed out. “His attorney subpoenaed them. They couldn’t see what he did to you. You handed your purse to a girl next to you before you turned around. Does she know what happened?” I put my head down and slowly shook it from side to side. Why is this happening?

“I’m going to put everyone through hell, aren’t I?”

Roman put his hand on my shoulder and assured me, “Alex, anyone who testifies for you is doing it because they care about you. I’ll happily take whatever comes my way for my part in this if it means that piece of shit goes to jail.” I don’t want anyone to have to do any of this for me.

“Can we just call Shay right now and do this over the phone? I don’t want her to get a subpoena or anything,” I pleaded.

The detective said, “Does she have time?”

“Yes, she’s my assistant at the Realtor’s office.”

She gets to assist me with all kinds of bullshit. How nice for her .

When Shay picked up the phone she said, “Alex Kennedy’s office.” I blew out an exaggerated sigh.

“Hi Shay, are you busy right now?”

“Not for you, boss. What’s up?” I wish it were something better. I wish I were a better boss.

“I’m here at Roman’s office with Detective Lewis and District Attorney Martin about my case. It seems Tanner is out and about, saying I assaulted him first a couple weeks prior to that night. Some things were caught on video and some things weren’t. They saw you on video and would like to ask you some questions.”

She said a little too enthusiastically for my taste, “Oh hell yes! I remember that night like it was yesterday.” That made me feel horrible. I wanted her to forget it ever happened.

The DA said, “Miss?”

I added, “Pierce, Shay Pierce.”

He continued, “Miss. Pierce. Can you tell me what you witnessed that night?”

I closed my eyes and rubbed my hands over my face before staring blankly into space, getting ready to listen to this nightmare event.

Shay started recounting the events of the night. “We got in line to get a drink and Alex turned and said, and I quote, “That better be your hand on my ass.” I showed her both of my hands to let her know that it clearly wasn’t me then she handed me my drink and downed hers. She handed me her purse and told me what she was about to do might get her kicked out of the bar. She didn’t tell me what she was going to do. I told her I would gladly get kicked out with her. She asked the guy if he grabbed her ass and he said he did, and that he looked forward to grabbing other parts of her later. That’s when she squeezed his parts and asked him how he liked it. Then she told him to keep his hands to himself. ”

Oh my God. I’d never repeated what I said to anyone except the detectives and my attorneys. I had no idea she heard me. I had to concentrate not to clench my jaw.

The detective asked, “Did Alex tell you what she said, or did you hear it?”

“I was standing close in case she needed my help. I heard every word, especially him calling her a bitch and a prude because she didn’t appreciate him touching her. Oh yeah, and the pathetic screaming right before he called her a psycho bitch.” Shay sounded like she was getting all kinds of fired up right now.

I almost smiled until the DA said, “Miss Pierce, will you testify to that in court?” I put my hands back over my face as the tears started to fall again.

Shay said, “Absolutely, he belongs in jail for what he did. She’s not just my boss, she’s my friend. I know what kind of a person Alex is and I know she’d never do anything like that for no reason.” After that the DA said he was putting her on the witness list, we hung up and they left.

This is spinning out of control. There’s just twelve days left before this trial starts and with shit like this happening, I don’t know how I’m going to get my head straight. I’d better call Roman’s mom right now.