Unavailable - Chapter 19
Title: Unavailable
Authors: aussie and bugs
Genre: AU, Romance, Drama
Rating:T
Word Count: 3,300
Summary: As everyone watches in shock, the Adams marriage ends.
Chapter 19:
Standing on the courthouse steps, hands on her hips, Laura looked down her nose at Bill. "I'm well rid of you, Bill Adams!" she sneered, glaring through her hat's black veil. "Get back down to the docks where I found you!"
The crowd on the sidewalk all stared. The throng of pressmen who'd been loitering by their cars hurried over, setting up cameras. Billy Keikeya, still trying to fight his way back from the society column to the crime beat, took the lead in the baying pack and whipped out his notepad and pencil.
Bill pushed his hat up so he could look her over contemptuously. "Gladly, lady!" he growled. "I've been your little lapdog long enough!"
"Little is right!" Laura focused on the spot below his jacket's hem.
Carolanne, clutching Bill's arm, gasped.
Bill wasn't intimidated. "Yeah, nothin's ever enough for you, is it?"
"You were fun for a time," she said airily, "but just aren't up to the job anymore--" Her haughty gaze settled on his groin area again.
His features twisted into an ugly mask. "I know how to do my job! There's not a man alive who could satisfy you. When I saw you walkin' the docks that first time, I thought you lookin' for some lowdown action and I guessed right. They've got a name for women like you--"
Before he could say it, Laura hauled off and slapped his cheek, hard. Flashbulbs exploded; Carolanne screamed, and Elosha moved forward to lead her charge away from the scene.
Bill hustled his last remaining wife to a cab.
"Oh Bill," Carolanne sobbed, leaning against his chest. "That was simply horrible. What a scene. Do you think we'll be in the newspapers?" she asked, quickly touching her hair to check it.
"We'll be on the front page," he assured her grimly. "That woman is news, every day."
"What a...So common," Carolanne said, her breasts heaving. Her grip tightened on Bill's arm.
He gave her a quick smile.
Their cab darted through traffic. He glanced out the back window. "Lose 'em, bud," he ordered the cabbie. A couple of newsmen were in pursuit.
"Sure, buddy," responded the driver, accelerating the wheezing old car up a hill.
Bill leaned back on the cushion, putting his arm around Carolanne's shoulders. "Free at last," he said with satisfaction. "That dame was too high maintenance."
He looked down at her, beaming. "While you're just a doll. My little doll."
Carolanne smirked and cuddled closer.
~*~
In her own automobile, Laura removed her glove and blew on her red palm. "That hurt a great deal," she said with wonder. "I've never struck another person before. How do the boxers do that?"
Elosha wiped her eyes with a red satin handkerchief. "Oh, Miss Laura," she sniffled.
"As I said, well rid of him," Laura said briskly. "Now Billy--"
She'd demanded that Billy join them as her maid was leading her away from the scene.
The young man, whose eyes were suspiciously bright too, gulped and asked, "Yes, Mrs--Miss Roslin?"
"Do you want a good story?" she said with a smile.
"Uh...Yes?" he replied.
"Excellent," Laura said. "We'll go back to my house and have a nice chat, shall we?"
"Yes, Miss Roslin," the young man said with trepidation.
~*~
Her interview done and Billy sent on his way, Laura hung up the telephone with a defiant clank. It was yet another call from one of the shareholders. After a brief knock, Old Jaffee entered the room.
“Miss Roslin,” he murmured with a nod. “You have visitors. I’ve placed them in Mr Adams’ office,” he said in such a hushed tone that she had to lean forward to catch the words.
“Just show them--” she started, but then paused when her faithful butler cleared his throat noisily and let his serious gaze flicker in Emily’s direction.
She raised her eyebrows.
“It’s Master Adams, Miss,” he added.
This piece of information made Laura frown. Why couldn’t Emily know she was meeting with Lee or Zak? But Jaffee had said visitors... Mr Laird? Emily hadn’t mentioned him for a couple of days, but surely she’d know if the newly widowed detective had completely broken Emily’s heart. She had been wrapped up in her own problems though. She and Bill... Bill? He couldn’t be visiting her after their scene on the courthouse steps?
“Emily, why don’t you see about our dinner while I meet with Bill’s son,” she suggested, quickly following the butler through the connecting door before Emily could question her more.
Once in the other office, Laura was unable to stifle her gasp at the sight of the familiar male figure sitting behind the desk.
~*~
After having an early dinner at an out of the way cafe, Carolanne complaining about the ambience the entire time, Bill escorted her home to their apartment. The press had given up, and they managed to enter the building unmolested.
Once in the apartment, Carolanne looked around nervously. "You don't suppose one of those terrible men has sneaked into our home?"
"Nope," said Bill, "Jake would have scared them off.” He smiled at his dog in his corner basket.
Shrugging in distaste, Carolanne began to roam the living room. "So it's finally over," she said stiffly. "We're man and wife again."
"Yes," said Bill, clasping his hands at his waist and watching her.
She took a deep breath and a step closer to him. Closing her eyes, she raised her face to him. "I'm ready, Bill," she said with a martyred tone. She pursed her lips in a dry moue, ready for a kiss.
He gazed down at her. Finally, he gently clasped her shoulder. "Carolanne, there's something I must explain."
Her eyes snapped open, showing fear. He pulled loose his tie, and tugged his shirt from waistband.
Her pulse thumped at her throat and she quickly licked her lips.
He eased up his undershirt, revealing the sharp red scar bisecting his belly. It disappeared under his belt buckle. "I was shot last year," he explained. "It left me..." His gaze dropped and his cheeks flushed. "Unable to perform my marital duties."
She sagged against the couch. He could see the relief wave over her face before she quickly pasted on a sad expression. "Oh, poor Bill," she crooned.
He dared to gather her in his arms. "So I can't fulfill one of my duties, but I can provide for you, Carolanne."
She peeked up at him around a curl of her hair.
"We can take the woman for every penny she has," he vowed. He could feel her heart rate quicken again. "But I'll need your help."
"What can I do?" she whined, turning away.
He tidied his clothing before continuing. "This board meeting Laura has coming up. There's a guy who's trying to take her company--and her money. If she can retain control, she'll be very happy to have me out of her life completely, and in the position to write me a big check."
Grasping Carolanne's shoulders from behind, he pulled her close again. "And I can give you the life you deserve, my dear."
He could feel her excitement. "What do I have to do?" she breathed.
~*~
Laura frowned at the young man hovering in front of Bill’s desk.
“Lee?” Her gaze flitted between him and the other, most unwelcome, guest. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”
Lee Adams stood at attention as though on review. “I just wanted to tell you that after everything that happened today between you and father, I can’t with all conscience take you up on your hospitality any longer.”
“And you have to bring Tom Zarek into my house to tell me this?” she sniped, though not looking at the chuckling man in the chair.
A nerve on Lee’s cheek twitched, but his voice was clear as he went on: “Mr Zarek’s helped me find somewhere to live. He owns several houses--”
“Yes, I’ve heard he is the man behind several houses,” Laura interrupted, finally turning to face Zarek.
Tom leaned forward and picked up a pen sitting on the desk, twirling it in his fingers before continuing. “Laura, despite you and your husband’s best efforts to publicly muddy my business ventures, no one has found any evidence of them being anything but above board. The reason being that they are legitimate.”
“He’s not her husband,” Lee pointed out.
“No, he’s not,” Laura agreed grimly.
“You married in haste,” Lee suggested, making Laura raise an eyebrow in his direction.
“Yes, we did,” she agreed carefully.
"So you can put this imprudent episode behind you," the young man said with a relieved smile. "It's over."
Hands on her hips, Laura ignored the younger man and faced Zarek, staring him down. "I want this man gone from my home, now, and if that means you go, so be it." She glanced around the room. "But Zak and Kara are more than welcome; be sure they know that."
As if on cue, the door flung open and Kara strode in, wearing a pair of dusty dungarees, work boots, a leather jacket, and a silk scarf she was unwinding from her neck. "Say, where's Zak?" she asked breezily, not noting the tension in the room.
Zarek stood, but raised his eyebrows at the lady's appearance.
"Kara, where have you been?" Lee asked. "Zak's been worried sick."
She shot him a irritated glare. "I left him a note." Fumbling at her jacket pocket, she pulled out a pack of cigarettes. "I told him why I was going out."
Lee gaped in exasperation.
Laura ignored their disagreement. "Kara, dear, we have wedding planning to do. Lee and his guest were just leaving."
She nodded to Young Jaffee and Herman, the large gardener who'd appeared in the doorway. "The staff will be happy to help you pack your things, Lee."
"You're moving out?" Kara asked Lee.
"Yes," he said shortly, brushing past. Zarek sauntered behind him, a smirk on his lips.
"I've made it clear that you and Zak are welcome to stay," Laura said.
"I'm not goin' anyway," Kara assured her. "We've got this show to put on."
The young woman called out to Lee in the foyer, "You're still coming to the wedding?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," he yelled back, his face red.
Standing in the doorway with her arms folded, Laura considered Lee as he gathered up his leather cases, refusing Young Jaffee's help. She'd learned that Bill had signed over his shares to his sons, fifty/fifty. Those shares in Lee's name were obviously voting for Tom Zarek at the moment.
As if reading her mind, Zarek made his way back to Laura’s side. “I’ve met this George Bell, Laura. You’ll need someone with more flair than him if you’re going to win the vote.”
“Your overconfidence will be your downfall, Tom.”
“I don’t think so, Laura. But now that you’re a single woman again, I’m sure we’ll be able to come to some sort of agreement when I have control of Roslin Industries.”
“I don’t think any kind of agreement between you and I would work, Tom,” she said blandly.
He leaned down and spoke near her ear: “Me in your boardroom, you in my bedroom. Think about it.”
For the second time today she had the urge to slap a man. Instead, she took a deep breath and forced on a considering expression.
"Tom, I can't possibly think of anything but my obligations to my shareholders," she finally said with regret.
He raised his hands. "Of course, of course. I as well."
Emily appeared at Laura's office door. She frowned at the sight of Tom Zarek.
"Tom, you should go." Laura softened her words with another smile. She dared to quickly squeeze his forearm. "But let us talk later."
Surprised, Tom returned her grin. "I look forward to your call, Laura," he said smoothly, covering her hand with his to return the touch.
Laura turned away, fighting the urge to wipe her hand. She quickly linked her arm with Emily’s and gently led her back into her office, share counts flitting through her mind.
~*~
Emily was invited to dinner, but wished she were anywhere but there. Zak Adams had seen the evening papers before coming in and his face was thunderous. Then his fiancee was evading every attempt to find out where she'd been all day, and he'd discovered his brother was gone.
"I was out doing bride stuff," Kara said before taking a big bite from her roll.
It was Laura who noticed someone else missing. "Is Mr. Tigh unwell?" she asked the new parlor maid as she put the soup bowl in front of her mistress.
"I couldn't say, ma--miss," the maid said, blushing.
"Please ask Jaffee," said Laura. "If he's simply overslept, I don't want him to miss his supper."
"I don't see what's gotten into Lee," grumbled Zak after draining his wine glass. "You told us to stay; Dad told us to stay."
"That was before Miss Roslin cut him off at the knees in front of the whole city," Kara pointed out artlessly.
Before Laura could give a proper retort, Jaffee arrived. "Yes, Miss Roslin," he said in his mournful voice.
"Is Mr. Tigh ill?" she asked with a tight smile.
The elderly butler shifted his eyes toward Kara. The young woman ducked her head. "I would say not, Miss. He left the house very early this morning."
"No message for us?" Laura asked, feeling oddly saddened by the crusty old sailor's abandonment. "Did he move out as well?"
"I don't know, Miss. He appeared dressed for travel, but did not take a bag. His things are still in his room."
The old man continued to focus on Kara Thrace. She slurped her soup. He finally moved to refill wine glasses.
"I see," Laura said uncertainly.
"Uncle Saul's probably out cattin--Uh, perhaps he decided to take a break from the city," said Zak, gamely recovering. "Gone to Reno--" Then he remembered that his father and Laura had married in Reno and pressed his lips shut.
Emily wondered if Peter Laird would ever call her again--perhaps he'd decided to cat around as well; a man had needs, after all. She sighed heavily and put down her spoon, her soup untouched.
"Shall I serve the next course?" Jaffee asked, looking at three untouched soup courses and one empty bowl.
"Yes, please," said Laura, just wanting this meal done.
The somber dinner finally finished, Laura heard the phone ring as she was leaving the dining room.
"I'll get it, Jaffee," she called out to the dignified butler slowly making his way toward the foyer table which held the telephone.
"But Miss, surely it will be a press agent," he noted.
"Oh, I hope so!" she said, snatching up the receiver. "Hello?"
Her expression hardened. "Oh yes. Yes, I can speak."
She dragged the phone cord behind her into the closest parlor and shut the door on Jaffee's concerned face.
"I'm sorry," Bill and Laura said in unison.
"Oh darling," gasped Laura while Bill rumbled in discontent. "I never dreamed I could be so horrid and violent."
"Dearest, you know I didn't mean a word," interjected Bill.
She flopped into a chair, twining the cord around her wrist as if it held her lover close. "Surely you meant that bit about picking me up on the docks," she said wickedly.
He was in no mood to joke. "Damn, I wish I was there to make it all up to you."
Bolstered, she still wanted to play. "Oh yes. You would need to put a lie to my accusations about your abilities."
"Hush, woman," he grumbled, but she could tell he was slightly unbending.
"Where are you?" she asked, suddenly desperate to see him.
"In a corner phone box," he told her. "Took Jake for a walk."
She jumped up. "I'll come for you--"
"No, darling, we can't risk anything," he argued. "We're damn close to pulling this thing off."
"But I want to see you," she whined. "I'm concerned that I injured you with my slap," she added.
He chuckled. "I'm worried about your hand, Mrs. Adams."
“Well, it’s Miss Roslin now, but if you’re proposing...” She snuggled down in the chair. "You know, you never did ask me to marry you last time. You were so worried about my reputation--”
“And now I’ve gone and ruined it anyway. I can’t believe we stood in front of all those newsmen and argued in public like that.”
The catch in his voice only made her more determined. “We were believable, it seemed. Even Tom--"
Bill was immediately alert. "Tom. Have you seen him?"
"Well, yes," she confessed. "He came by today..." Best not to tell him about Lee yet. "He made me an offer--"
"I just bet," growled Bill. "So you told him to blow off--"
Laura twisted the cord more tightly.
"Laura!"
"I just think we can use him--"
"Laura," sighed Bill.
"Bill," she said.
"He’s dangerous--"
"I can handle Tom Zarek now. After all, he doesn’t know that we know.” Then, she quickly turned the tables on him. "How did things go with Carolanne?"
Bill cleared his throat. "Well, I think. She seemed to believe that I'm unable to...Fulfill my marital obligations."
Laura smirked. "Good. I thought that was a particularly good idea of mine."
"Yes," he said dryly.
"Do you think she’ll believe us about everything else?"
"She's hard to read. All I know is she'll take care of herself. As long as we keep it about her--"
"I don't care how much money it takes," Laura growled. "I want her gone."
"She can be just as dangerous as Zarek," warned Bill. "That's why I can't risk seeing you again until the board meeting."
"Oh, you're a clever man," she said, "We'll think of something."
"Laura--"
"Bill."
He fell in silent brooding. "I miss you already," he finally said.
"I miss you too," she whispered.
"Better go," he mumbled, peering out of the booth at the evening fog rolling in, feeling much as his heart did.
"Good night, Mr. Adams," she said firmly, trying to be strong for both of them.
"Good night, Mrs. Adams," he said gently, almost breaking her will. He placed the receiver back on the cradle, sighing deeply.
Stepping from the phone booth, Bill peered into the misty gloom, checking for any tails. "Here boy," he called to Jake, who was sniffing the nearest fire hydrant.
The dog rushed to his side, wriggling his whole body in joy.
Scratching his head, Bill had to agree with his pet that it felt good to get away from Carolanne's oppressive presence. "Better get back," he told Jake regretfully.
With less spring in his step, Jake fell into place at his master's heel.
After they passed a shadow-filled storefront, a man stepped out from his observation spot. Lighting a cigarette, Enzo smiled to himself.
End ~ Chapter 20
Authors: aussie and bugs
Genre: AU, Romance, Drama
Rating:T
Word Count: 3,300
Summary: As everyone watches in shock, the Adams marriage ends.
Chapter 19:
Standing on the courthouse steps, hands on her hips, Laura looked down her nose at Bill. "I'm well rid of you, Bill Adams!" she sneered, glaring through her hat's black veil. "Get back down to the docks where I found you!"
The crowd on the sidewalk all stared. The throng of pressmen who'd been loitering by their cars hurried over, setting up cameras. Billy Keikeya, still trying to fight his way back from the society column to the crime beat, took the lead in the baying pack and whipped out his notepad and pencil.
Bill pushed his hat up so he could look her over contemptuously. "Gladly, lady!" he growled. "I've been your little lapdog long enough!"
"Little is right!" Laura focused on the spot below his jacket's hem.
Carolanne, clutching Bill's arm, gasped.
Bill wasn't intimidated. "Yeah, nothin's ever enough for you, is it?"
"You were fun for a time," she said airily, "but just aren't up to the job anymore--" Her haughty gaze settled on his groin area again.
His features twisted into an ugly mask. "I know how to do my job! There's not a man alive who could satisfy you. When I saw you walkin' the docks that first time, I thought you lookin' for some lowdown action and I guessed right. They've got a name for women like you--"
Before he could say it, Laura hauled off and slapped his cheek, hard. Flashbulbs exploded; Carolanne screamed, and Elosha moved forward to lead her charge away from the scene.
Bill hustled his last remaining wife to a cab.
"Oh Bill," Carolanne sobbed, leaning against his chest. "That was simply horrible. What a scene. Do you think we'll be in the newspapers?" she asked, quickly touching her hair to check it.
"We'll be on the front page," he assured her grimly. "That woman is news, every day."
"What a...So common," Carolanne said, her breasts heaving. Her grip tightened on Bill's arm.
He gave her a quick smile.
Their cab darted through traffic. He glanced out the back window. "Lose 'em, bud," he ordered the cabbie. A couple of newsmen were in pursuit.
"Sure, buddy," responded the driver, accelerating the wheezing old car up a hill.
Bill leaned back on the cushion, putting his arm around Carolanne's shoulders. "Free at last," he said with satisfaction. "That dame was too high maintenance."
He looked down at her, beaming. "While you're just a doll. My little doll."
Carolanne smirked and cuddled closer.
~*~
In her own automobile, Laura removed her glove and blew on her red palm. "That hurt a great deal," she said with wonder. "I've never struck another person before. How do the boxers do that?"
Elosha wiped her eyes with a red satin handkerchief. "Oh, Miss Laura," she sniffled.
"As I said, well rid of him," Laura said briskly. "Now Billy--"
She'd demanded that Billy join them as her maid was leading her away from the scene.
The young man, whose eyes were suspiciously bright too, gulped and asked, "Yes, Mrs--Miss Roslin?"
"Do you want a good story?" she said with a smile.
"Uh...Yes?" he replied.
"Excellent," Laura said. "We'll go back to my house and have a nice chat, shall we?"
"Yes, Miss Roslin," the young man said with trepidation.
~*~
Her interview done and Billy sent on his way, Laura hung up the telephone with a defiant clank. It was yet another call from one of the shareholders. After a brief knock, Old Jaffee entered the room.
“Miss Roslin,” he murmured with a nod. “You have visitors. I’ve placed them in Mr Adams’ office,” he said in such a hushed tone that she had to lean forward to catch the words.
“Just show them--” she started, but then paused when her faithful butler cleared his throat noisily and let his serious gaze flicker in Emily’s direction.
She raised her eyebrows.
“It’s Master Adams, Miss,” he added.
This piece of information made Laura frown. Why couldn’t Emily know she was meeting with Lee or Zak? But Jaffee had said visitors... Mr Laird? Emily hadn’t mentioned him for a couple of days, but surely she’d know if the newly widowed detective had completely broken Emily’s heart. She had been wrapped up in her own problems though. She and Bill... Bill? He couldn’t be visiting her after their scene on the courthouse steps?
“Emily, why don’t you see about our dinner while I meet with Bill’s son,” she suggested, quickly following the butler through the connecting door before Emily could question her more.
Once in the other office, Laura was unable to stifle her gasp at the sight of the familiar male figure sitting behind the desk.
~*~
After having an early dinner at an out of the way cafe, Carolanne complaining about the ambience the entire time, Bill escorted her home to their apartment. The press had given up, and they managed to enter the building unmolested.
Once in the apartment, Carolanne looked around nervously. "You don't suppose one of those terrible men has sneaked into our home?"
"Nope," said Bill, "Jake would have scared them off.” He smiled at his dog in his corner basket.
Shrugging in distaste, Carolanne began to roam the living room. "So it's finally over," she said stiffly. "We're man and wife again."
"Yes," said Bill, clasping his hands at his waist and watching her.
She took a deep breath and a step closer to him. Closing her eyes, she raised her face to him. "I'm ready, Bill," she said with a martyred tone. She pursed her lips in a dry moue, ready for a kiss.
He gazed down at her. Finally, he gently clasped her shoulder. "Carolanne, there's something I must explain."
Her eyes snapped open, showing fear. He pulled loose his tie, and tugged his shirt from waistband.
Her pulse thumped at her throat and she quickly licked her lips.
He eased up his undershirt, revealing the sharp red scar bisecting his belly. It disappeared under his belt buckle. "I was shot last year," he explained. "It left me..." His gaze dropped and his cheeks flushed. "Unable to perform my marital duties."
She sagged against the couch. He could see the relief wave over her face before she quickly pasted on a sad expression. "Oh, poor Bill," she crooned.
He dared to gather her in his arms. "So I can't fulfill one of my duties, but I can provide for you, Carolanne."
She peeked up at him around a curl of her hair.
"We can take the woman for every penny she has," he vowed. He could feel her heart rate quicken again. "But I'll need your help."
"What can I do?" she whined, turning away.
He tidied his clothing before continuing. "This board meeting Laura has coming up. There's a guy who's trying to take her company--and her money. If she can retain control, she'll be very happy to have me out of her life completely, and in the position to write me a big check."
Grasping Carolanne's shoulders from behind, he pulled her close again. "And I can give you the life you deserve, my dear."
He could feel her excitement. "What do I have to do?" she breathed.
~*~
Laura frowned at the young man hovering in front of Bill’s desk.
“Lee?” Her gaze flitted between him and the other, most unwelcome, guest. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”
Lee Adams stood at attention as though on review. “I just wanted to tell you that after everything that happened today between you and father, I can’t with all conscience take you up on your hospitality any longer.”
“And you have to bring Tom Zarek into my house to tell me this?” she sniped, though not looking at the chuckling man in the chair.
A nerve on Lee’s cheek twitched, but his voice was clear as he went on: “Mr Zarek’s helped me find somewhere to live. He owns several houses--”
“Yes, I’ve heard he is the man behind several houses,” Laura interrupted, finally turning to face Zarek.
Tom leaned forward and picked up a pen sitting on the desk, twirling it in his fingers before continuing. “Laura, despite you and your husband’s best efforts to publicly muddy my business ventures, no one has found any evidence of them being anything but above board. The reason being that they are legitimate.”
“He’s not her husband,” Lee pointed out.
“No, he’s not,” Laura agreed grimly.
“You married in haste,” Lee suggested, making Laura raise an eyebrow in his direction.
“Yes, we did,” she agreed carefully.
"So you can put this imprudent episode behind you," the young man said with a relieved smile. "It's over."
Hands on her hips, Laura ignored the younger man and faced Zarek, staring him down. "I want this man gone from my home, now, and if that means you go, so be it." She glanced around the room. "But Zak and Kara are more than welcome; be sure they know that."
As if on cue, the door flung open and Kara strode in, wearing a pair of dusty dungarees, work boots, a leather jacket, and a silk scarf she was unwinding from her neck. "Say, where's Zak?" she asked breezily, not noting the tension in the room.
Zarek stood, but raised his eyebrows at the lady's appearance.
"Kara, where have you been?" Lee asked. "Zak's been worried sick."
She shot him a irritated glare. "I left him a note." Fumbling at her jacket pocket, she pulled out a pack of cigarettes. "I told him why I was going out."
Lee gaped in exasperation.
Laura ignored their disagreement. "Kara, dear, we have wedding planning to do. Lee and his guest were just leaving."
She nodded to Young Jaffee and Herman, the large gardener who'd appeared in the doorway. "The staff will be happy to help you pack your things, Lee."
"You're moving out?" Kara asked Lee.
"Yes," he said shortly, brushing past. Zarek sauntered behind him, a smirk on his lips.
"I've made it clear that you and Zak are welcome to stay," Laura said.
"I'm not goin' anyway," Kara assured her. "We've got this show to put on."
The young woman called out to Lee in the foyer, "You're still coming to the wedding?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," he yelled back, his face red.
Standing in the doorway with her arms folded, Laura considered Lee as he gathered up his leather cases, refusing Young Jaffee's help. She'd learned that Bill had signed over his shares to his sons, fifty/fifty. Those shares in Lee's name were obviously voting for Tom Zarek at the moment.
As if reading her mind, Zarek made his way back to Laura’s side. “I’ve met this George Bell, Laura. You’ll need someone with more flair than him if you’re going to win the vote.”
“Your overconfidence will be your downfall, Tom.”
“I don’t think so, Laura. But now that you’re a single woman again, I’m sure we’ll be able to come to some sort of agreement when I have control of Roslin Industries.”
“I don’t think any kind of agreement between you and I would work, Tom,” she said blandly.
He leaned down and spoke near her ear: “Me in your boardroom, you in my bedroom. Think about it.”
For the second time today she had the urge to slap a man. Instead, she took a deep breath and forced on a considering expression.
"Tom, I can't possibly think of anything but my obligations to my shareholders," she finally said with regret.
He raised his hands. "Of course, of course. I as well."
Emily appeared at Laura's office door. She frowned at the sight of Tom Zarek.
"Tom, you should go." Laura softened her words with another smile. She dared to quickly squeeze his forearm. "But let us talk later."
Surprised, Tom returned her grin. "I look forward to your call, Laura," he said smoothly, covering her hand with his to return the touch.
Laura turned away, fighting the urge to wipe her hand. She quickly linked her arm with Emily’s and gently led her back into her office, share counts flitting through her mind.
~*~
Emily was invited to dinner, but wished she were anywhere but there. Zak Adams had seen the evening papers before coming in and his face was thunderous. Then his fiancee was evading every attempt to find out where she'd been all day, and he'd discovered his brother was gone.
"I was out doing bride stuff," Kara said before taking a big bite from her roll.
It was Laura who noticed someone else missing. "Is Mr. Tigh unwell?" she asked the new parlor maid as she put the soup bowl in front of her mistress.
"I couldn't say, ma--miss," the maid said, blushing.
"Please ask Jaffee," said Laura. "If he's simply overslept, I don't want him to miss his supper."
"I don't see what's gotten into Lee," grumbled Zak after draining his wine glass. "You told us to stay; Dad told us to stay."
"That was before Miss Roslin cut him off at the knees in front of the whole city," Kara pointed out artlessly.
Before Laura could give a proper retort, Jaffee arrived. "Yes, Miss Roslin," he said in his mournful voice.
"Is Mr. Tigh ill?" she asked with a tight smile.
The elderly butler shifted his eyes toward Kara. The young woman ducked her head. "I would say not, Miss. He left the house very early this morning."
"No message for us?" Laura asked, feeling oddly saddened by the crusty old sailor's abandonment. "Did he move out as well?"
"I don't know, Miss. He appeared dressed for travel, but did not take a bag. His things are still in his room."
The old man continued to focus on Kara Thrace. She slurped her soup. He finally moved to refill wine glasses.
"I see," Laura said uncertainly.
"Uncle Saul's probably out cattin--Uh, perhaps he decided to take a break from the city," said Zak, gamely recovering. "Gone to Reno--" Then he remembered that his father and Laura had married in Reno and pressed his lips shut.
Emily wondered if Peter Laird would ever call her again--perhaps he'd decided to cat around as well; a man had needs, after all. She sighed heavily and put down her spoon, her soup untouched.
"Shall I serve the next course?" Jaffee asked, looking at three untouched soup courses and one empty bowl.
"Yes, please," said Laura, just wanting this meal done.
The somber dinner finally finished, Laura heard the phone ring as she was leaving the dining room.
"I'll get it, Jaffee," she called out to the dignified butler slowly making his way toward the foyer table which held the telephone.
"But Miss, surely it will be a press agent," he noted.
"Oh, I hope so!" she said, snatching up the receiver. "Hello?"
Her expression hardened. "Oh yes. Yes, I can speak."
She dragged the phone cord behind her into the closest parlor and shut the door on Jaffee's concerned face.
"I'm sorry," Bill and Laura said in unison.
"Oh darling," gasped Laura while Bill rumbled in discontent. "I never dreamed I could be so horrid and violent."
"Dearest, you know I didn't mean a word," interjected Bill.
She flopped into a chair, twining the cord around her wrist as if it held her lover close. "Surely you meant that bit about picking me up on the docks," she said wickedly.
He was in no mood to joke. "Damn, I wish I was there to make it all up to you."
Bolstered, she still wanted to play. "Oh yes. You would need to put a lie to my accusations about your abilities."
"Hush, woman," he grumbled, but she could tell he was slightly unbending.
"Where are you?" she asked, suddenly desperate to see him.
"In a corner phone box," he told her. "Took Jake for a walk."
She jumped up. "I'll come for you--"
"No, darling, we can't risk anything," he argued. "We're damn close to pulling this thing off."
"But I want to see you," she whined. "I'm concerned that I injured you with my slap," she added.
He chuckled. "I'm worried about your hand, Mrs. Adams."
“Well, it’s Miss Roslin now, but if you’re proposing...” She snuggled down in the chair. "You know, you never did ask me to marry you last time. You were so worried about my reputation--”
“And now I’ve gone and ruined it anyway. I can’t believe we stood in front of all those newsmen and argued in public like that.”
The catch in his voice only made her more determined. “We were believable, it seemed. Even Tom--"
Bill was immediately alert. "Tom. Have you seen him?"
"Well, yes," she confessed. "He came by today..." Best not to tell him about Lee yet. "He made me an offer--"
"I just bet," growled Bill. "So you told him to blow off--"
Laura twisted the cord more tightly.
"Laura!"
"I just think we can use him--"
"Laura," sighed Bill.
"Bill," she said.
"He’s dangerous--"
"I can handle Tom Zarek now. After all, he doesn’t know that we know.” Then, she quickly turned the tables on him. "How did things go with Carolanne?"
Bill cleared his throat. "Well, I think. She seemed to believe that I'm unable to...Fulfill my marital obligations."
Laura smirked. "Good. I thought that was a particularly good idea of mine."
"Yes," he said dryly.
"Do you think she’ll believe us about everything else?"
"She's hard to read. All I know is she'll take care of herself. As long as we keep it about her--"
"I don't care how much money it takes," Laura growled. "I want her gone."
"She can be just as dangerous as Zarek," warned Bill. "That's why I can't risk seeing you again until the board meeting."
"Oh, you're a clever man," she said, "We'll think of something."
"Laura--"
"Bill."
He fell in silent brooding. "I miss you already," he finally said.
"I miss you too," she whispered.
"Better go," he mumbled, peering out of the booth at the evening fog rolling in, feeling much as his heart did.
"Good night, Mr. Adams," she said firmly, trying to be strong for both of them.
"Good night, Mrs. Adams," he said gently, almost breaking her will. He placed the receiver back on the cradle, sighing deeply.
Stepping from the phone booth, Bill peered into the misty gloom, checking for any tails. "Here boy," he called to Jake, who was sniffing the nearest fire hydrant.
The dog rushed to his side, wriggling his whole body in joy.
Scratching his head, Bill had to agree with his pet that it felt good to get away from Carolanne's oppressive presence. "Better get back," he told Jake regretfully.
With less spring in his step, Jake fell into place at his master's heel.
After they passed a shadow-filled storefront, a man stepped out from his observation spot. Lighting a cigarette, Enzo smiled to himself.
End ~ Chapter 20