Chapter 38
"You two need to sit down and discuss your financial portfolios. Both of you are worth quite a bit of money," Arthur said. "Do you even know what the each of you have?"
Looking at each other, "no not really," they both said.
"Well who pays the mortgage on the loft?"
"No one dad, the loft is paid for."
"Okay who pays the utilities?"
"We both do, we have a joint bank account and pay the bills together."
"And that's all you two know about each other's financial situation? You only know about the income you receive from you employment?"
"Yes," they both said grinning.
"You know nothing about any other bank accounts that each of you might have or stocks or retirement plans?" They shook their heads negatively. "Sit down tonight and go over your finances before you start," clearing his throat… "sexing each other up," he mumbled then laughed as he walked back into his office closing the door.
Spencer and Ashley both blushed as they continued to listen to Arthur's laughing.
"Umm," Spencer and Ashley both said in unison. "It never occurred to me to talk to you about our finances since I knew I would be taking care of you for the rest of our lives. Unlike Tony everything is in both our names, except for the money I took out of my name and put in your name," Spencer said.
"Well… I guess we really do need to talk," Ashley said. "It's just I was never concerned about the money. You were working and I was working, I figured that was all we needed to know right now. So with the twenty-five million you transferred over to me I'm really worth twenty-eight million dollars."
"Twenty-eight million, Ashley where did three extra million dollars come from?" Spencer asked.
"From my investments, you're not the only one who dabbled in the stock market. I never had to spend money on clothes, cars or trips because Tony paid for all that and the bills while we were together. So I invested what I earned. I played the market when the market was worth investing in. With my savings and a smart investment broker I made three million dollars which Tony never knew I had. So why did you put your money in my name, Spencer?"
"It was suggested by a certain attorney, that I take my money out of my name and transfer it to someone I trusted while my divorce was pending, otherwise I would have had to split all of it with Franklin. So I switched it over to your name. I didn't want to give Franklin any more than what he got and he didn't deserve that."
"But didn't you and Franklin combine your monies to invest, which would make him entitled to some of that money?"
"No, Franklin was never interested in investments. As long as he had a roof over his head and money in his pocket, he didn't concern himself about things such as 401K's or mutual funds. He was a performer, an artist."
"He probably thought you were going to take care of him for the rest of his life," Ashley said.
"I suppose he did, anyway, I also have a will, we need to talk about that too. So tonight we talk about our finances then get to the real talk… the sex talk… right?" Spencer said wiggling her eyebrows, suggestively.
"Absolutely Spencer," Ashley said with her own suggestive look.
"But first I want to celebrate my newfound freedom with you. I've made reservations for dinner at eight tonight at Armando's. Mmm, I can taste that lasagna now. So will you have dinner with me Ms. Davies?" Spencer asked.
"Yes I would love to have dinner with you Ms. Carlin." I know she's thinking about the lasagna Armando's serves.
///
"So what's going on with your sister Kyla," Carmen asked. "We need to start moving on this. I want Arthur Carlin in prison."
"Carmen I know what you want. I am still thinking of a plan okay?"
"You know your promotion was based on me getting information. If I don't get the information you may have to go back to Baltimore."
Don't threaten me Carmen, you have fucked up so many times with so many people, just don't push me."
"Fine Kyla I'll leave you alone but you better get moving on your sister, I need that information and soon. I need to give my boss a progress report."
"Fine Carmen, now please leave my office."
///
"Armando it's good to see you," Spencer said as she and Ashley arrive at Armando's for their eight o'clock dinner reservation.
"Mrs. Pierce, Ms. Davies it's a pleasure to see you."
"Good evening Armando," Ashley said displaying her familiar crinkle nose smile.
"Armando we're here to celebrate my divorce from that man I called my husband and my name is no longer Mrs. Pierce. I'm using my maiden name now."
"Well congratulations Ms. Carlin. I'll make sure I inform the staff to call you by your maiden name."
"Thank you Armando, that would be greatly appreciated," Spencer said happily.
"Now please follow me, we have your table ready."
Ashley and Spencer followed Armando to their table. Along the way Spencer sees Glen sitting at one of the tables located in a dark corner of the restaurant. "Glen what a surprise to see you here. Why are you sitting in such a secluded part of the restaurant?"
"I have a date and she's not exactly unattached. And you? Hey, Ashley."
"Hello Glen," Ashley said.
"We are celebrating my divorce from Franklin."
"Congratulations sis. I know you're glad to get rid of the old ball and chain," he said chuckling. "And how is Franklin doing now that he's a free man?"
"Who the hell cares, I'm just happy to be here single, free and with the love of my life," she said as she gave Ashley a modest kiss on her lips. "Well Armando is waiting, see you later Glen."
"Both of you have a nice dinner and again congrats sis."
"Here is your table Ms. Carlin, Ms. Davies, I'll send your waiter for this evening over to take your drink order."
"Thank you Armando. Is that other matter we discussed earlier ready," Spencer asked.
"Yes Ms. Carlin it is."
"Good. So Ashley I figure we would have a nice quiet dinner, maybe go dancing for a little while then go home to discuss our finances and after we finish that discussion we can discuss what's really important to us," Spencer said seductively while playing footsies under the table.
"Mmhmm, sounds like an excellent plan," Ashley said running her fingers up and down her lover's arm.
"Good evening ladies, I am your waiter for this evening. My name is John, what would you two like to drink?"
"Bring us a bottle of champagne… Dom Perignon, slightly chilled. Please ask Armando to pick out a good year for us," Spencer said.
"Yes ma'am, I'll be back in a few minutes with your champagne," he said slyly eyeing Ashley.
"Spencer what's the matter?"
"I don't like the way John was looking at you."
"Jealous much?" Ashley said giggling at Spencer.
"Yes… very, he must be new here. If he continues with his staring game I'm going to talk to Armando about it."
"Okay ladies, here's your champagne, Armando picked out a 1993 Moet for you," John said setting a glass down in front of Spencer filling it then filling the glass in front of Ashley. Lingering a little longer serving Ashley her glass of champagne for Spencer's comfort.
"Umm, John, that's your name right?"
"Yes… Ms. Carlin," he said finally turning his attention to Spencer. "Why are you staring at my lady?"
"Uh… your lady?"
"Yes! My lady," Spencer snapped back.
"I'm sorry I didn't know she was your lady," he snapped back arrogantly.
Spencer's eyes narrowed at his flippant reply to her.
"I couldn't help it," he said still staring hard at Ashley. "You are just so breathtakingly beautiful. Your eyes are so…"
"JOHN! Enough," Spencer yelled.
"Spencer it's okay. I'm sure he meant no…"
"He meant everything and more," Spencer shouted interrupting Ashley, "he's ogling you and I don't like it."
The owner came over to see what the problem was. "Ms. Carlin is there a problem?" Armando asked worried.
"Yes Armando, John here seems to like to stare at my girlfriend. Now I don't mind him looking at Ms. Davies, she is quite beautiful." Ashley blushed. "But I do mind ogling and blatant staring after I asked him to stop. It's rude. I would like another waiter, please."
"Yes of course Ms. Carlin. John apologize to the ladies."
"But…"
"John… apologize now," Armando demanded.
'Please forgive me for staring at you," he said to Ashley.
"And," Armando said.
"And forgive me for staring at your girlfriend," John hissed at Spencer.
"Good now go, you're fired."
"What!?" John exclaimed surprised.
"Armando that isn't necessary," Spencer expressed. "I just don't want him waiting on us."
"Fine Ms. Carlin I'll send Jackie to wait on you."
"Jackie… does she still work here?"
"Yes she just came on. I'll send her right away. John you follow me."
John leaves the table following Armando but not before sending a nasty glare in Spencer's direction.
"Sorry Ashley."
"It's okay Spencer I know how you can be. Too bad John didn't," Ashley said shaking her head.
///
Back in the kitchen Armando was giving instructions. "Jackie you will be serving Ms. Carlin and Ms. Davies exclusively tonight."
"Okay Armando, I like serving them, they're nice people and very big tippers," Jackie said putting her apron on.
"I disagree," John whined. "The blonde chick has a nasty attitude."
"I beg to differ, you must have been staring at her girlfriend, I mean really staring," Jackie said. "Didn't they tell you before you started serving them not to stare too hard at the brunette?"
"Um… yeah but so what she's a beautiful woman."
"Everybody who works here knows Ms. Carlin is very protective and jealous when it comes to her girlfriend. You can look but don't linger or stare too long. She will go off."
"Which she did," Armando said. "Jackie go tend to them now. They should be ready to order dinner and for dessert you are to bring that cake over to their table. It's a surprise for Ms. Davies but talk to the chef before presenting it."
"Wow, a cake shape to look like a car. Must be a surprise inside, perhaps car keys," Jackie guessed.
Armando shrugs his shoulders smiling, "Jackie they're waiting."
"Okay I'm going right now."
"Now John I have to let you go," Armando said.
"What! For staring at a beautiful woman."
"No for staring at Arthur Carlin's daughter's girlfriend."
"Arthur Carlin," John mumbled. "Arthur Carlin the…"
"Yes!"
"Damn it, you still can't fire me for that," John pleaded.
"Yes I can, this is my restaurant. I can do what I want. Ms. Carlin and Ms. Davies are special customers of mine and you were told about Ms. Carlin when I assigned you to their table and you fucked up. You come back tomorrow to pick up your paycheck. Now please leave."
///
An hour later Spencer and Ashley were still enjoying themselves at the restaurant, "Ashley I have a surprise for you," Spencer said nodding to Jackie.
Jackie wheels out the cake Spencer had the chef make special for tonight. "Spencer is that a cake?" Ashley asked.
"Yep!"
"Well it's not my birthday and it's not our anniversary. What's with the cake and why is it made into the shape of a car, specifically an Aston Martin One 77? Spencer that car is not even available yet how did you get the chef to make it?"
"Pictures of it are available," Spencer said smiling. "I know you been without a car for a few months now and I know you like to drive and I know you miss your Lambo."
"So you got me a car cake," Ashley said smiling.
"Yes, just for your eating pleasure. Jackie you can slice the cake now."
"Yes, ma'am," Jackie replied.
"Oooh! It's a chocolate cake," Ashley squealed.
"And strawberry," Spencer finished. "Give Ms. Davies a large piece Jackie." Jackie nods.
Ashley watched as Jackie cut a very large piece of cake, "that's too big Jackie. I can't eat all that," Ashley said.
"Sure you can my love," Spencer said winking her eye at her lover. "You know they say that chocolate is an aphrodisiac, so eat up."
Ashley took several bites of the chocolate and strawberry cake. "Mmmm! This cake is delicious. Chocolate and strawberry my favorite," she said eyeing Spencer seductively. Reaching in for another fork full Ashley hits something hard inside the piece of cake.
"Spencer there is something inside this cake?"
"There is… inside the cake," Spencer said amused.
Ashley shreds the cake apart with her fork and finds a set of car keys wrapped in wax paper. Ashley picks the key out of the cake. "Spencer!"
"Unwrap it," Spencer said. "What does the tag say?"
"It says owner Ashley D… Aston Martin One 77. Oh my God! Spencer you got me an Aston Martin?"
"Yes it should be sitting in the parking lot at the loft when we get home."
"Spencer!" Ashley screamed and squealed getting up and hugging Spencer's neck kissing her passionately on her lips while the patrons in the restaurant looked on.
"Oh Spencer, thank you!"
"See I told you I would replace your Lambo. I just had to wait for the Aston to become available. Hot off the assembly line."
"Spencer thank you, but it's too much, that car cost over a million dollars."
"Anything for my baby," Spencer said. "Come on let's skip the dancing and go home and see your new baby."
"I love you Spencer," Ashley said kissing her.
"I love you Ashley, you are my world and I will give you anything your heart desires."
///
Spencer paid the bill and as they were leaving she and Ashley thanked Armando and his staff. "Goodnight Ms. Carlin, Ms. Davies," Armando said.
Standing in front of the restaurant waiting for the valet attendant to bring Spencer's car, they continue to hug and kiss each other, oblivious to their surroundings. "Here is your car Ms. Carlin."
"Thank you," Spencer said as she tipped him, shooing him away so she could open the passenger door for Ashley, herself, then she went around to the driver side to get in when someone ran up behind her, pushed her against the car and fired twice into her.
BANG! BANG!
Ashley turned to look and screamed, "SPENCER!"
Spencer falls to the ground, "Ashley," she whispered.
"Oh my God," Ashley screamed. "Someone call 911," she yelled getting out of the car running to help Spencer.
Armando and Glen hearing what sounded like gunshots ran out of the restaurant to investigate. Glen was paralyzed by what he saw. "No! Spencer," he said, running over to help his sister and Ashley.
Armando yelled to his employees… "Call 911 and get some towels over here so we can stop the bleeding."
Ashley cradled Spencer's head in her lap while using her hands to try and stop the bleeding. "Spencer," she cried, "everything's going to be alright."
"Ashley, I love you," Spencer said her voice already weakening, she closed her eyes.
"Spencer, WHERE IS THAT AMBULANCE?" Glen yelled. "It's going to be alright sis."
"Mr. Carlin the police are here," Armando said.
"The police… how the hell did the police get here before the damn paramedics," Glen said.
"They want to ask you some questions."
"Not now Armando, they'll have to wait," Glen said, "I see the paramedics have finally arrived. I'll talk to them as soon as Spencer is on her way to the hospital. Ashley stand back and let the paramedics work on Spencer."
"Oh God, Glen she can't die," Ashley said crying. "I want to ride with her," she shouted.
"We can't allow that Miss," the paramedic said.
"Look this is her girlfriend, please let her ride. I'm Glen Carlin her brother, I'll take full responsibility."
"Carlin…" the paramedic said. "Fine, come on Miss let's go."
"Ashley I'll meet you at the hospital," Glen said. The ambulance sped away towards the hospital.
"Mr. Carlin we know you want to get to the hospital but we need to ask you some questions," the police said.
"Okay but hurry please."
"I'm Officer Walker and this is Officer Brown, what happened here?"
"I don't know, I heard two gunshots and went outside to see what was going on."
"Do you usually go running to see what's going on when you hear gunshots?"
"No, but I had seen my sister and her girlfriend leave the restaurant around the same time the gunshots were heard. I knew they were outside waiting for the valet attendant to bring their car around. I wanted to make sure they were alright. That's when I saw… Oh God."
"Take your time Mr. Carlin," the police officer said.
"That's when I saw my sister laying on the ground in a pool of blood. So much blood… please I need to get to the hospital can we finish this later?"
'Yes sir, of course."
///
Finally arriving at the hospital, the paramedics rushed Spencer into the ER. Arthur and Paula were already there having been alerted by phone about the shooting from Armando.
"You have to stay out here Miss," the paramedics instructed.
"Ashley come over here and sit down, "Arthur said holding her.
"Arthur," she said sobbing heavily into his chest.
Glen finally arrived at the hospital. Arthur gets up to talk to him. "Glen, what the hell happened?"
"I don't know dad, I heard gunshots and ran out of the restaurant to see what was going on because I knew Spencer and Ashley had just left the restaurant. That's when I saw her on the ground." Ashley continued to sob.
"Ashley pull yourself together and tell me what happened," Arthur said.
"We… we were standing outside the restaurant waiting for the valet attendant to bring Spencer's car around. She opened the door for me, I got in, she walked around to her side to get in. Next thing I hear…"
"Take your time Ashley," Arthur's face grim.
"I heard gunshots and Spencer falling to the ground."
"Did you see the shooter?"
"No only Spencer falling. Whoever did it was gone by the time I got around to the other side of the car."
"Ashley we need to clean you up," Paula said, noticing Ashley had blood covering her hands… her daughter's blood.
"I'm not leaving here until I know Spencer is okay," Ashley said. Arthur gets up again to talk to Glen who was standing in the corner of the waiting room. Clay and Chelsea arrived to begin the waiting process. Clay walked over to where his father and brother were standing.
"Glen, Clay we need to find out why someone would want to shoot Spencer," Arthur said.
"Could it be some rival family," Clay asked.
"No Clay we are not warring with anyone. This action seems personal towards Spencer," Arthur said.
"You know there was a small confrontation at the restaurant with Spencer and a waiter from what I could hear. I think Armando fired him."
"Hmm? Okay so Glen I want you to go back to the restaurant and question everybody. I'm not waiting for the police to do their investigation. We'll do our own investigation."
"Okay dad I'll go as soon as the doctor tells us how Spencer is."
"Of course Glen."
Arthur goes to sit next to Ashley putting his arms around her, "Ashley I know you're worried and upset about Spencer, we all are but we need to find out who did this and quickly before the trail gets cold. So please think, did anything happen during your dinner?"
"Yes, a waiter looked at me harder then he should have infuriating Spencer. So she asked for another waiter. Armando fired him because of it. Spencer told him that was not necessary but he fired him anyway."
"You think he could have shot her?" Arthur asked.
"I don't know, maybe, he was pretty angry when Armando fired him but he still continued to stare at me. It's like he was challenging Spencer, taunting her or something. I don't know he was acting strange."
"Excuse me… Carlin family."