Lexi wore the red dress that Michelle had tucked into her garment bag, and Nash wore his tux to the dinner. They walked into the hotel ballroom together, Lexi's hand resting on Nash's arm. The press had photographed them coming in, and another photographer snapped a picture of them entering the room.
People flitted around Lexi, asking a question and retreating. They wanted to talk to her, but were intimidated by her. "Is this how these things normally go?" Nash mused.
"Pretty much," Lexi smiled. "Welcome to my thrilling glamorous life, full of wild parties and hangers-on."
Harvey, dressed as a waiter, came up with a tray of champagne glasses. They each took a glass as Harvey whispered to Nash, "Nothing yet, the place is clear."
Nash nodded and Harvey moved on. He commented to Lexi about her glamorous life, "Seems kind of lonely to me."
"Sometimes," Lexi sighed, thinking of why she was at the dinner. "Sometimes it is."
Nash knew what she was talking about. He had asked her if the concert and dinner were necessary, and why she didn't consider canceling them. The charity was far too important to her, and she had told him why she wouldn't do such a thing.
Robert and Kathy entered with Joe, Michael and Michelle behind them. Michael came directly to Lexi. "Beautiful!" he called across to her. "You look stunning!"
Kissing her on each cheek he whispered, "Robert filled me in, we're all pretending that nothing is wrong."
Lexi nodded slightly, pasting a smile on her face. "Did the video have enough footage? Or will we need to reshoot?"
"Lexi," Michael still held onto her hands. "The video is number one material. It is finished. MTV may refuse to play it because it is so h-o-t hot. Michelle is giving it to the technician to debut tonight."
"Tonight? It's finished?" Lexi was startled. "Why are we debuting the video tonight? I'm singing Always with Me,' not Right Kind of Wrong'."
"Change of plans, darling," Michael continued in a soothing voice. "You are not singing. Puts you on display out in the open too much. The video will be played, all these people will feel special witnessing an unreleased Lexi video, and we'll show why you care about the American Heart Association."
"Thank you for telling me," Lexi gritted her teeth, trying not to snap at her manager.
"Lexi, sweetie," he gushed, "It was a last minute change for your safety. You'll love the video. I've got it all under control."
Michael noticed a writer from People magazine and excused himself to schmooze. Michelle had returned from dropping off the tape, and stood awkwardly on the fringe of Lexi's entourage. Robert, Joe, and Nash were discreetly discussing the change in program and how it might affect security issues. Kathy hugged Lexi, whispering in her ear, "Girl, I got to see it, the video is hot, and you'll be quite surprised at what makes it that way." She pulled back and smiled. "You look great, and so does Captain Attitude."
"But you're all right, right?" Lexi kept the smile pasted on and nodded at some people passing by.
"Fabulous," Kat purred, smiling and posing for a photographer who passed by.
The Mayor made his entrance, and made his way through the crowd to Lexi and her group. "Miss Lee," he extended his hand. "I can't tell you what a pleasure it is to have San Francisco hosting your efforts to raise funds and awareness for heart disease."
Shaking his hand, she was able to genuinely smile. "Mayor Brown, the pleasure is all mine. May I say what an honor it is to have you involved?"
"Photo for the press?" Michelle asked timidly, motioning to the photographer with her.
"Why not?" Mayor Brown gushed. "Let's get my wife and your escort in it as well."
"All right," Lexi was nervous about the idea, but looked at Nash and asked if he minded.
"Captain Bridges," Mayor Brown laughed, "Why am I not surprised? If there is a beautiful woman within five miles..."
Nash smiled and motioned towards Mrs. Brown, "Except for your beautiful wife." Kissing the back of her hand, he greeted her. She smiled politely and said hello.
"Photo?" Michelle reminded hesitantly.
"Oh, yes," Mayor Brown smiled and put his arm around his wife's waist. Nash stepped back next to Lexi and put his hand on the small of her back, sending a chill down her spine. When the photo was taken, Nash leaned in and asked her if she was all right.
Lexi turned towards him to respond, and found herself nearly pressed against him. Taking a slight step back, she gave a quick smile and nodded. "Everyone is heading into the dining room," Nash motioned, offering her his arm again.
They walked into the adjoining room and took their places at the head table. The national director of the AHA took his seat next to Lexi, with the Mayor and his wife on the other side of Nash. The state commissioner was seated on the far side of the National Director to complete the head table. Dinner was served; things were going smoothly. No signs of trouble, or a psycho stalker yet.
As the guests were finishing their desert, the director of the AHA stood up to speak. He moved to the podium and asked for everyone's attention. "I am honored to be here in San Francisco tonight, and to be able to sit next to our guest of honor. She has devoted many hours of service, large donations of money, and various messages of awareness on behalf of the American Heart Association. This crusade is one of deep meaning to her, as we will later hear. But first, I'd like to let you know of a slight change in program. Lexi Lee was going to sing her hit single, 'Always With Me,' of which she is donating her profits to the AHA, but we have all heard that song numerous times, and all of us now own a copy of it." He held up the single CD which was at everyone's seat and smiled. "Instead, we will be viewing the first video for her new album, 'Right Kind of Wrong'. We are the first people to see and hear this single of the same title, which I am sure will be a hit. For those of you who are not aware, this album is the first Lexi Lee album to be released in almost two years. The special single of 'Always With Me', released nearly a year ago, resurrected her career by staying at number one on the Billboard charts for four weeks. 'Right Kind of Wrong' has already produced a top ten single with 'Too Little Too Late' and is currently number 25 on Billboard album charts. So without further adieu, the next Lexi Lee number one video."
The lights dimmed and a screen counted down with the old movie reel countdown. A darkened stage appeared and lights flashed as the music started. A burst of light occurred and then a close-up of Lexi singing her intro. The video proceeded with clips of the dancers, close-ups, and much of Lexi and Nash's scenes. In living color, up on the screen, the strong underlying current of sexual attraction was shown to the world. At least until the bridge, when the tape shifted, and showed scene's of Lexi's real life: Her going to the SIU, she and Nash talking her apartment the night before, her and Kat, her ex-husbands and her, promotional footage from her career, her and Andrew, and even her at her father's funeral, and then her brothers. It showed clips of a younger Lexi partying, drinking, and smoking. It showed her being arrested and put into an LAPD squad car, and ended with a mug shot of her, with the word "murderer" scrawled across the screen.
Joe and Robert were at trying to get the technician to stop the tape, but Michael was there, hissing at them to just let it roll and stay calm. The lights came back up and Nash was holding onto Lexi who had fainted. Kat hurried to her friend's side, and Harvey went to take the tape from the technician. When Lexi finally came around, Kat and Nash helped her out to a side patio for some fresh air. Kat sat with Lexi as the men conferred as to what the next step should be.
Harvey was to take the tape, and hotel security surveillance tapes and analyze for evidence back at the SIU. Joe was going to question the technician, and get a list of everyone attending. Michael was inside doing damage control, and Robert was questioning Michelle about the tape. Once they had dispersed, Nash sat down next to Lexi, and ran his hand over his face. He exhaled loudly, and said to her, "I think we'd better get you out of here."
"No," Lexi shook her head.
"Lexi," Kat was actually in agreement with Nash.
"No," Lexi stated more forcefully. "I have to make my speech. If I leave now, this sicko has won. They've ruined the dinner, and they are trying to ruin me."
Nash touched her arm and told her, "You don't have to go back in there."
"No," she looked at him with determination. "I do have to."
She stood up and took a few deep breaths, trying to regain her composure. He stood up and offered her his arm. Lexi looked at him, before accepting and reentering the room. Kathy shook her head before following them back into the ballroom.
When Lexi walked back in and towards the podium, a hush fell over the crowd. She stepped behind the microphone and cleared her throat. "I guess that I should really be glad for all the advancements made in Cardiac care, because when I saw that video, I thought I was experiencing heart failure."
She smiled, and a light laugh passed sporadically through the room. She continued, "And not just the second half of the tape." Laughter came from more of the crowd.
"I would like to give a hand for my co-star, Captain Bridges," Lexi smiled down at Nash and clapped. The crowd tentatively echoed, wondering where this speech was going. Nash was watching her intently.
"As Mr. Whiteworth noted, the American Heart Association holds a special place in my life. It's actually the reason I haven't released an album in over two years. My brother, Andrew, was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at the age of 15. Two years ago next Friday, he lost his battle with his illness." Lexi paused, collecting herself and looking out at her audience. They were all focused intently on her. "Andrew was my rock. He believed in me when others didn't. He kept me sane when I should've lost it. He was my hero. That is why I am kicking off this 'Heart Awareness' week. In his memory. The concert caps it off, and marks the two year anniversary of Andrew's death."
Lexi stopped again, gathering her strength to go on. "Some of you out there know how it feels to lose someone, especially in a manner you can't quite comprehend. Andy never appeared ill, but we always knew he was; it was just a daily part of life. I never actually realized that this was a disease that he could actually die from. Towards the end, as his condition became more critical, he was placed on the transplant list. I watched him get worse every day, and every day I realized I was closer to losing him. He was getting worse, and he was still far down on the list."
Taking another breath, she placed her hand to her forehead, not sure whether to go on or not. Mr. Whiteworth placed a glass of water on the podium. She smiled gratefully and took a sip. Clearing her throat, she decided to go on. "Ironically, what you saw in the video is true. The arrest scene someone wanted you to see happened two years ago tonight. I was arrested in an undercover bust while attempting to purchase a heart through the basic black market."
A slight gasp cut through the crowd, and Kat looked at Lexi with tears in her eyes. How hard it was to admit this, Kat knew, she was proud and saddened at the same time. Nash and her security team sat stunned. "Thanks to money, and contacts, the story of my arrest never hit the press. I was released on bail, and trial was set on the day he died. He knew. He woke up long enough to say I forgive you.' I forgive you. He knew exactly how I was feeling, even when I wasn't sure. I felt sad, and angry, yet happy, and love. I felt love. But mostly I felt guilt. Guilt for what I had done, and guilt that I was unable to save him. What good was money and power and contacts and the ability to do something if you couldn't? If you couldn't save the life of the person who meant the most to you in the world, what were you worth? That was my reasoning. But his forgiveness was enough." She smiled at memories, and told her guests, "I still don't really know for sure if that was what he was forgiving me for. There were probably a million things I needed forgiveness for. But the fact is that he forgave me."
Lexi held the crowd in the palm of her hand; they were hanging on her every word. "I didn't do right by Andrew, so I vowed to do my best for him. That is why I wrote and recorded 'Always With Me' and why I do so much for the AHA. Maybe I felt it is my penance, but mainly I do it because I love my brother. And this way, I can still keep a bit of him with me. I owe him that much."
Not sure how to end her impromptu speech, she stood awkwardly for a moment. Mr. Whiteworth started to clap and the applause slowly worked its way through the crowd. Lexi looked down at Kat, who was crying, and then to Nash, who attempted a small smile for her. She stepped back and Mr. Whiteworth shook her hand. As she sat down, he asked everyone to please enjoy the rest of their evening and the band started to play.
As couples got up to dance, he approached Lexi again and shook her hand. "Miss Lee, while I may not approve of your actions, I can certainly understand your motive. I want to thank you for your dedication to our organization."
Lexi smiled with relief, and whispered. "Thank you."
Nash approached the two, and placed a hand protectively on Lexi's back. "If you don't mind Mr. Whiteworth, I think I should be getting Miss Lee home."
He nodded his agreement and let go of her hand, bidding her a good night. Nash's hand remained on her back as he propelled her through he crowd, stopping occasionally for well-wishers and brief commentaries. The ride back to his apartment was filled with silence.
On the way up to his apartment, Nash commented that his father was probably asleep. Lexi nodded; she had met Nick earlier. He seemed sweet, and was very nice to her. Nash thought it was because she reminded Nick of someone he once knew. He had explained about Nick, and that he had Alzheimer's. After being removed from numerous nursing homes for various indiscretions, Nash had moved his father in with him. It was sometimes awkward, but things generally went well, and Lexi could tell he genuinely cared for his father.
As they exited the elevator, Nash asked her if she was tired. She didn't speak, just walked down the steps in front of him and nodded. He wasn't tired, but she obviously didn't want to talk about that night's events. While she headed to Cassidy's old room, he wandered into the kitchen. Inside the room she was using, Lexi mentally cursed Michelle as she went through the bag her assistant had packed. The problem with having an assistant who knows you is that sometimes they know you too well. Embarrassed, she stepped out and saw Nash heading for his room. "Um," she hesitated. Nash looked over towards her; she was still in her evening gown. "Yes?" he tried not to smile.
"This is actually kind of embarrassing," she blushed as she walked towards him. "Could I possibly borrow a t-shirt?"
Nash had to smile, he knew where she was coming from. "Did your assistant not pack you a nightgown, Miss Lee?" he asked a little too politely.
"Actually, the problem is she packed what I normally wear to bed," Lexi smiled slyly as she wasn't about to let him get the best of her. "But I don't believe that nothing would be appropriate attire in this situation."
"I see," Nash nodded, pretending to be serious "Let me see what I can find for you."
While she waited for him to return, she perched on a barstool in his kitchen and removed her shoes. Rubbing her foot, the slit on her dress fell open, exposing her leg almost completely up her thigh. When Nash came out in sweats and a henley shirt, carrying a shirt and shorts for her, she was leaning over and he stopped, admiring the view. "Problem with the shoes?" he asked.
Either totally unaware of the PG-13 peep show she was giving Nash, or else completely secure with it, she looked up at him. "I never thought I would miss platform shoes."
When Nash didn't move, Lexi slid off the stool and sauntered over to him. "Too bad I didn't bring my foot massager," she practically purred, sliding the clothing he had brought her out of his hands. She strode away, fully aware he was watching her retreat. "That could be arranged," Nash grinned as she closed the door behind her.
Quickly slipping out of the dress, she found she wasn't so tired anymore. She heard Nash moving around the living room, and slipped into the borrowed t-shirt. Purposely leaving the shorts on the bed, she walked back out carrying a bottle of lotion. He was in the kitchen, but heard the door close. "Would you like a drink?" he asked her, not turning around. "Sure," she replied, settling into his sofa, and stretching her legs onto his coffee table.
Nash turned, holding two Corona's, and stopped again when he saw her. God, she looks beautiful, he thought. "Hope you like beer," he said stepping over her legs and handing her a bottle. "Beer's fine," she replied and took a swig.
"So," he settled into the opposite end of the couch, "Should we talk about what happened tonight?"
"Ah," she smiled at him. "So, you want instant trust, huh? I don't know, it takes time to get enough trust built up to hear all the sordid details of my life."
"Sister, we don't have a whole lot of time," Nash tried to be serious, but found his gaze wandering to her bare legs.
Lexi bit her lip, trying to appear deep in thought. "Well, we could try the express path to trust," with that she moved her feet onto his lap. He looked down and she wiggled her toes at him. "I seem to recall a brief discussion on foot massages," she smiled at him. Arching an eyebrow at her, he took a swig of his beer. "You rub my feet, I feel compelled to talk," she batted her eyelashes at him, quite over dramatically.
Setting down his beer, he flexed his fingers and went to work rubbing her feet. "Okay, let's see, last night we covered the basics, so tonight I'm guessing you want details. I left home at 15 when I got a chance to be in Angel Dolls. Andrew was 18 at the time, so he came with me, and acted as my guardian. We went to Los Angeles, I sang, and he worked odd jobs to help pay the rent."
"And your parents..." Nash asked.
"Oh yeah," Lexi sipped her beer. "My mom died when I was 13....it was an accident. My dad was still at home with Allie, our younger sister. I sent some of the money I made back to Texas, trying to help them. When the group started taking off, it was so amazing. I felt like the princess in a fairy tale. I was no longer Alexandra Abernathy, I was Lexi Lee. Anything we wanted, we could have. But stardom comes with a price. Everything you do is watched. The press follows your every move, and the fans hang on everything you say."
Lexi leaned over and handed the lotion bottle to Nash. "Simon Russell was my first actual stalker. Before him, it was just overzealous fans hiding in bushes or wackos in prison obsessing over a photo. Russell was plotting for years they believed. He'd built a shrine to me in his house. His letters had started as fan mail."
She started to tremble at the thought of Russell, and Nash moved his massage strokes up to her ankles and lower calves, trying to relax her. "He'd tell me how pretty he thought I was, and how talented and smart I was. He called himself my number one fan, and said how much he loved me. At first, it was flattering, like most fan mail, I thought nothing of it. Then I met David. He was a hockey player, and I thought he was, ya know like so cool." She giggled at her valley girl impersonation. "I was 17, and when it got serious, Simon's letters got darker. It was obvious he was obsessed with me. When the press announced my break up with David, Simon wrote me letters about how I was too good for David and I was better off without him. Apparently Simon had come to Angel Dolls events, and later my events. I never recalled meeting him, but he sent me copies of pictures from different places. I mean I met so many people and fans, I barely remember any. When I married Chip, Simon flipped out. He actually camped out across from our house."
Nash moved his hands back to the soles of her feet, and applied more pressure. Without meaning to she let out a soft moan in response, which caused a stirring in his lower abdomen. "Chip and I had been married three months, he was on location in Mexico. I had just returned from the European leg of what would become Angel Dolls last real tour. Chip and I had reported Simon, and the police were handling it, or so they said. He had actually broken into our house and was waiting for me. When I feel asleep he chloroformed me, and took me to his place. I must've been there two weeks before LAPD found me. The public defender actually tried to pin it on me for not warning the police of the seriousness of my complaint, and for provoking the attack. He was found guilty on charges of harassment, kidnapping, attempted murder, breaking and entering, assaulting an officer, and possession of illegal weapons, along with some other minor charges." Shaking her head and shivering, Nash stopped her.
"You don't have to continue with that," Nash told her, running his hand up the side of her calve.
"Are you trying to get out of that foot massage so soon," she attempted to tease, but her voice was distant.
"No," he whispered, focusing on her other foot.
"Chip and I divorced six months later. We'd started having problems soon after the...incident. Andrew helped me pick up the pieces of my life. By that time, Angel Dolls were in the past, and a label offered me a solo contract. I was really scared though, and it went nowhere. They dropped me after the second album. Andy helped me to stabilize my finances, and invest wisely, in case I never got another chance. I had no idea when or if I'd be on top of it again. My professional life seemed over, my personal life was in shambles, and I felt like I was just really screwed up. I was starting to get things under control when I started dating Steven. Andy warned me, he said I needed to be sure I was ready to fall in love. I wanted to believe that I was. Steven wasn't though, but we were an item for two years, and married. I moved in with him four months before we eloped. Three months later I moved back out, and eight months later we finalized the divorce. A year later, Andy died."
"And the black market heart buying?" Nash wanted to know about it, and in an effort to reassure her, his hands were taking long strokes from her heels to her knees.
"I was desperate. I know it's not much of an excuse, but it's the god honest truth. I'd had everything in the palm of my hand, but I couldn't help the person who had been there for me. I'd heard rumors of buying your way up the list or getting organs donated for a specific person. I had the money and I had the desperation. I had to try. I believe to this day it was a set-up. I got caught and I paid a very generous donation to the LAPD retirement fund. The case stayed out of the media and charges were dropped. The case had been thrown out of court due to insufficient evidence. I agreed to grief counseling, which I did for a year, and then I moved here to San Francisco." She drank the last of her beer and looked at Nash. "And that brings me to here."
"To here," Nash looked at her.
"So, have you written me off as a head case yet?" She flexed her foot against his leg, brushing his crotch with her toes.
"No, not yet." His hand slid past her knee. "I just think you haven't found the right guy yet."
"I've actually given up on looking," she slid her legs across his lap, inching closer, Nash's hand now stroking her thigh.
"I hear that's the best time to find someone," Nash moved closer to her, his hand running under the hem of the shirt she was wearing.
"Maybe," Lexi whispered, pressing her bottom against his thigh. His hand moved over her hip and he leaned into her. Eyes locked, their lips met, softly at first, timid and questioning, then growing more intense and explorative. Nash pressed Lexi back into the couch cushions, his hands exploring her body. She ran her hands under his shirt and pressed him to her.
His hand slid under the band of her silk thong as she tugged on his shirt. He broke their embrace long enough for her to remove his shirt and toss it to the floor. He explored her face and neck, his breath warm against her skin. As Nash was sliding her panties downward, the door to his father's bedroom opened. Nash and Lexi froze, and looked at each other. Nash placed a finger to her lips, silently asking her to be still. Nick passed by them on the way to the bathroom, not noticing. When he was in the other room, Nash pulled Lexi up and walked the short distance to her door.
Lexi stopped in the doorway, pushing it open and turning to face Nash. "Good night," she whispered. He leaned in for another kiss, hoping to continue what was started, when she stepped back and closed the door on him. He returned to the couch and picked up the empty beer bottles. Carrying them to the kitchen, he stopped in the shadows when Nick passed back through. "Good night, Son," Nick said as he closed the door to his room.
Lexi climbed into bed thinking of what she had just done. Robert was doing a full background check on the SIU, and his preliminary on Nash had shown her first opinion to be true. He was noted for his intense work ethic, frequent indiscretions, and frequent romantic indiscretions. She had figured if she could get him attracted to her, then he would solve the case, while letting her call the shots. She had too much to lose if he uncovered the truth about her past. But she couldn't shake what she was thinking. A strange feeling was in her stomach, she felt the usual sexual attraction, but something else was there, too. Something slightly more intimate, more solid. She shook her head, and tried to fall asleep, but the thoughts of Nash continued to push their way into her dreams.
Nash turned off the kitchen light, and stood staring at Cassidy's door for a moment. Lexi was in there, on the other side of that door, he thought. The feelings that were stirring inside him made him uncomfortable, and nervous. This case was turning out to be more than he had bargained for, but he couldn't tell if that was good or bad. Now that he'd had a taste of her, he knew he would want more, but she was under his protective custody. Even if it meant protecting her from his growing attraction to her, he needed to put this case first. Nash needed to find out who was after her, before she was seriously hurt. He smiled into the dark: he hadn't felt like this in quite awhile.
People flitted around Lexi, asking a question and retreating. They wanted to talk to her, but were intimidated by her. "Is this how these things normally go?" Nash mused.
"Pretty much," Lexi smiled. "Welcome to my thrilling glamorous life, full of wild parties and hangers-on."
Harvey, dressed as a waiter, came up with a tray of champagne glasses. They each took a glass as Harvey whispered to Nash, "Nothing yet, the place is clear."
Nash nodded and Harvey moved on. He commented to Lexi about her glamorous life, "Seems kind of lonely to me."
"Sometimes," Lexi sighed, thinking of why she was at the dinner. "Sometimes it is."
Nash knew what she was talking about. He had asked her if the concert and dinner were necessary, and why she didn't consider canceling them. The charity was far too important to her, and she had told him why she wouldn't do such a thing.
Robert and Kathy entered with Joe, Michael and Michelle behind them. Michael came directly to Lexi. "Beautiful!" he called across to her. "You look stunning!"
Kissing her on each cheek he whispered, "Robert filled me in, we're all pretending that nothing is wrong."
Lexi nodded slightly, pasting a smile on her face. "Did the video have enough footage? Or will we need to reshoot?"
"Lexi," Michael still held onto her hands. "The video is number one material. It is finished. MTV may refuse to play it because it is so h-o-t hot. Michelle is giving it to the technician to debut tonight."
"Tonight? It's finished?" Lexi was startled. "Why are we debuting the video tonight? I'm singing Always with Me,' not Right Kind of Wrong'."
"Change of plans, darling," Michael continued in a soothing voice. "You are not singing. Puts you on display out in the open too much. The video will be played, all these people will feel special witnessing an unreleased Lexi video, and we'll show why you care about the American Heart Association."
"Thank you for telling me," Lexi gritted her teeth, trying not to snap at her manager.
"Lexi, sweetie," he gushed, "It was a last minute change for your safety. You'll love the video. I've got it all under control."
Michael noticed a writer from People magazine and excused himself to schmooze. Michelle had returned from dropping off the tape, and stood awkwardly on the fringe of Lexi's entourage. Robert, Joe, and Nash were discreetly discussing the change in program and how it might affect security issues. Kathy hugged Lexi, whispering in her ear, "Girl, I got to see it, the video is hot, and you'll be quite surprised at what makes it that way." She pulled back and smiled. "You look great, and so does Captain Attitude."
"But you're all right, right?" Lexi kept the smile pasted on and nodded at some people passing by.
"Fabulous," Kat purred, smiling and posing for a photographer who passed by.
The Mayor made his entrance, and made his way through the crowd to Lexi and her group. "Miss Lee," he extended his hand. "I can't tell you what a pleasure it is to have San Francisco hosting your efforts to raise funds and awareness for heart disease."
Shaking his hand, she was able to genuinely smile. "Mayor Brown, the pleasure is all mine. May I say what an honor it is to have you involved?"
"Photo for the press?" Michelle asked timidly, motioning to the photographer with her.
"Why not?" Mayor Brown gushed. "Let's get my wife and your escort in it as well."
"All right," Lexi was nervous about the idea, but looked at Nash and asked if he minded.
"Captain Bridges," Mayor Brown laughed, "Why am I not surprised? If there is a beautiful woman within five miles..."
Nash smiled and motioned towards Mrs. Brown, "Except for your beautiful wife." Kissing the back of her hand, he greeted her. She smiled politely and said hello.
"Photo?" Michelle reminded hesitantly.
"Oh, yes," Mayor Brown smiled and put his arm around his wife's waist. Nash stepped back next to Lexi and put his hand on the small of her back, sending a chill down her spine. When the photo was taken, Nash leaned in and asked her if she was all right.
Lexi turned towards him to respond, and found herself nearly pressed against him. Taking a slight step back, she gave a quick smile and nodded. "Everyone is heading into the dining room," Nash motioned, offering her his arm again.
They walked into the adjoining room and took their places at the head table. The national director of the AHA took his seat next to Lexi, with the Mayor and his wife on the other side of Nash. The state commissioner was seated on the far side of the National Director to complete the head table. Dinner was served; things were going smoothly. No signs of trouble, or a psycho stalker yet.
As the guests were finishing their desert, the director of the AHA stood up to speak. He moved to the podium and asked for everyone's attention. "I am honored to be here in San Francisco tonight, and to be able to sit next to our guest of honor. She has devoted many hours of service, large donations of money, and various messages of awareness on behalf of the American Heart Association. This crusade is one of deep meaning to her, as we will later hear. But first, I'd like to let you know of a slight change in program. Lexi Lee was going to sing her hit single, 'Always With Me,' of which she is donating her profits to the AHA, but we have all heard that song numerous times, and all of us now own a copy of it." He held up the single CD which was at everyone's seat and smiled. "Instead, we will be viewing the first video for her new album, 'Right Kind of Wrong'. We are the first people to see and hear this single of the same title, which I am sure will be a hit. For those of you who are not aware, this album is the first Lexi Lee album to be released in almost two years. The special single of 'Always With Me', released nearly a year ago, resurrected her career by staying at number one on the Billboard charts for four weeks. 'Right Kind of Wrong' has already produced a top ten single with 'Too Little Too Late' and is currently number 25 on Billboard album charts. So without further adieu, the next Lexi Lee number one video."
The lights dimmed and a screen counted down with the old movie reel countdown. A darkened stage appeared and lights flashed as the music started. A burst of light occurred and then a close-up of Lexi singing her intro. The video proceeded with clips of the dancers, close-ups, and much of Lexi and Nash's scenes. In living color, up on the screen, the strong underlying current of sexual attraction was shown to the world. At least until the bridge, when the tape shifted, and showed scene's of Lexi's real life: Her going to the SIU, she and Nash talking her apartment the night before, her and Kat, her ex-husbands and her, promotional footage from her career, her and Andrew, and even her at her father's funeral, and then her brothers. It showed clips of a younger Lexi partying, drinking, and smoking. It showed her being arrested and put into an LAPD squad car, and ended with a mug shot of her, with the word "murderer" scrawled across the screen.
Joe and Robert were at trying to get the technician to stop the tape, but Michael was there, hissing at them to just let it roll and stay calm. The lights came back up and Nash was holding onto Lexi who had fainted. Kat hurried to her friend's side, and Harvey went to take the tape from the technician. When Lexi finally came around, Kat and Nash helped her out to a side patio for some fresh air. Kat sat with Lexi as the men conferred as to what the next step should be.
Harvey was to take the tape, and hotel security surveillance tapes and analyze for evidence back at the SIU. Joe was going to question the technician, and get a list of everyone attending. Michael was inside doing damage control, and Robert was questioning Michelle about the tape. Once they had dispersed, Nash sat down next to Lexi, and ran his hand over his face. He exhaled loudly, and said to her, "I think we'd better get you out of here."
"No," Lexi shook her head.
"Lexi," Kat was actually in agreement with Nash.
"No," Lexi stated more forcefully. "I have to make my speech. If I leave now, this sicko has won. They've ruined the dinner, and they are trying to ruin me."
Nash touched her arm and told her, "You don't have to go back in there."
"No," she looked at him with determination. "I do have to."
She stood up and took a few deep breaths, trying to regain her composure. He stood up and offered her his arm. Lexi looked at him, before accepting and reentering the room. Kathy shook her head before following them back into the ballroom.
When Lexi walked back in and towards the podium, a hush fell over the crowd. She stepped behind the microphone and cleared her throat. "I guess that I should really be glad for all the advancements made in Cardiac care, because when I saw that video, I thought I was experiencing heart failure."
She smiled, and a light laugh passed sporadically through the room. She continued, "And not just the second half of the tape." Laughter came from more of the crowd.
"I would like to give a hand for my co-star, Captain Bridges," Lexi smiled down at Nash and clapped. The crowd tentatively echoed, wondering where this speech was going. Nash was watching her intently.
"As Mr. Whiteworth noted, the American Heart Association holds a special place in my life. It's actually the reason I haven't released an album in over two years. My brother, Andrew, was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at the age of 15. Two years ago next Friday, he lost his battle with his illness." Lexi paused, collecting herself and looking out at her audience. They were all focused intently on her. "Andrew was my rock. He believed in me when others didn't. He kept me sane when I should've lost it. He was my hero. That is why I am kicking off this 'Heart Awareness' week. In his memory. The concert caps it off, and marks the two year anniversary of Andrew's death."
Lexi stopped again, gathering her strength to go on. "Some of you out there know how it feels to lose someone, especially in a manner you can't quite comprehend. Andy never appeared ill, but we always knew he was; it was just a daily part of life. I never actually realized that this was a disease that he could actually die from. Towards the end, as his condition became more critical, he was placed on the transplant list. I watched him get worse every day, and every day I realized I was closer to losing him. He was getting worse, and he was still far down on the list."
Taking another breath, she placed her hand to her forehead, not sure whether to go on or not. Mr. Whiteworth placed a glass of water on the podium. She smiled gratefully and took a sip. Clearing her throat, she decided to go on. "Ironically, what you saw in the video is true. The arrest scene someone wanted you to see happened two years ago tonight. I was arrested in an undercover bust while attempting to purchase a heart through the basic black market."
A slight gasp cut through the crowd, and Kat looked at Lexi with tears in her eyes. How hard it was to admit this, Kat knew, she was proud and saddened at the same time. Nash and her security team sat stunned. "Thanks to money, and contacts, the story of my arrest never hit the press. I was released on bail, and trial was set on the day he died. He knew. He woke up long enough to say I forgive you.' I forgive you. He knew exactly how I was feeling, even when I wasn't sure. I felt sad, and angry, yet happy, and love. I felt love. But mostly I felt guilt. Guilt for what I had done, and guilt that I was unable to save him. What good was money and power and contacts and the ability to do something if you couldn't? If you couldn't save the life of the person who meant the most to you in the world, what were you worth? That was my reasoning. But his forgiveness was enough." She smiled at memories, and told her guests, "I still don't really know for sure if that was what he was forgiving me for. There were probably a million things I needed forgiveness for. But the fact is that he forgave me."
Lexi held the crowd in the palm of her hand; they were hanging on her every word. "I didn't do right by Andrew, so I vowed to do my best for him. That is why I wrote and recorded 'Always With Me' and why I do so much for the AHA. Maybe I felt it is my penance, but mainly I do it because I love my brother. And this way, I can still keep a bit of him with me. I owe him that much."
Not sure how to end her impromptu speech, she stood awkwardly for a moment. Mr. Whiteworth started to clap and the applause slowly worked its way through the crowd. Lexi looked down at Kat, who was crying, and then to Nash, who attempted a small smile for her. She stepped back and Mr. Whiteworth shook her hand. As she sat down, he asked everyone to please enjoy the rest of their evening and the band started to play.
As couples got up to dance, he approached Lexi again and shook her hand. "Miss Lee, while I may not approve of your actions, I can certainly understand your motive. I want to thank you for your dedication to our organization."
Lexi smiled with relief, and whispered. "Thank you."
Nash approached the two, and placed a hand protectively on Lexi's back. "If you don't mind Mr. Whiteworth, I think I should be getting Miss Lee home."
He nodded his agreement and let go of her hand, bidding her a good night. Nash's hand remained on her back as he propelled her through he crowd, stopping occasionally for well-wishers and brief commentaries. The ride back to his apartment was filled with silence.
On the way up to his apartment, Nash commented that his father was probably asleep. Lexi nodded; she had met Nick earlier. He seemed sweet, and was very nice to her. Nash thought it was because she reminded Nick of someone he once knew. He had explained about Nick, and that he had Alzheimer's. After being removed from numerous nursing homes for various indiscretions, Nash had moved his father in with him. It was sometimes awkward, but things generally went well, and Lexi could tell he genuinely cared for his father.
As they exited the elevator, Nash asked her if she was tired. She didn't speak, just walked down the steps in front of him and nodded. He wasn't tired, but she obviously didn't want to talk about that night's events. While she headed to Cassidy's old room, he wandered into the kitchen. Inside the room she was using, Lexi mentally cursed Michelle as she went through the bag her assistant had packed. The problem with having an assistant who knows you is that sometimes they know you too well. Embarrassed, she stepped out and saw Nash heading for his room. "Um," she hesitated. Nash looked over towards her; she was still in her evening gown. "Yes?" he tried not to smile.
"This is actually kind of embarrassing," she blushed as she walked towards him. "Could I possibly borrow a t-shirt?"
Nash had to smile, he knew where she was coming from. "Did your assistant not pack you a nightgown, Miss Lee?" he asked a little too politely.
"Actually, the problem is she packed what I normally wear to bed," Lexi smiled slyly as she wasn't about to let him get the best of her. "But I don't believe that nothing would be appropriate attire in this situation."
"I see," Nash nodded, pretending to be serious "Let me see what I can find for you."
While she waited for him to return, she perched on a barstool in his kitchen and removed her shoes. Rubbing her foot, the slit on her dress fell open, exposing her leg almost completely up her thigh. When Nash came out in sweats and a henley shirt, carrying a shirt and shorts for her, she was leaning over and he stopped, admiring the view. "Problem with the shoes?" he asked.
Either totally unaware of the PG-13 peep show she was giving Nash, or else completely secure with it, she looked up at him. "I never thought I would miss platform shoes."
When Nash didn't move, Lexi slid off the stool and sauntered over to him. "Too bad I didn't bring my foot massager," she practically purred, sliding the clothing he had brought her out of his hands. She strode away, fully aware he was watching her retreat. "That could be arranged," Nash grinned as she closed the door behind her.
Quickly slipping out of the dress, she found she wasn't so tired anymore. She heard Nash moving around the living room, and slipped into the borrowed t-shirt. Purposely leaving the shorts on the bed, she walked back out carrying a bottle of lotion. He was in the kitchen, but heard the door close. "Would you like a drink?" he asked her, not turning around. "Sure," she replied, settling into his sofa, and stretching her legs onto his coffee table.
Nash turned, holding two Corona's, and stopped again when he saw her. God, she looks beautiful, he thought. "Hope you like beer," he said stepping over her legs and handing her a bottle. "Beer's fine," she replied and took a swig.
"So," he settled into the opposite end of the couch, "Should we talk about what happened tonight?"
"Ah," she smiled at him. "So, you want instant trust, huh? I don't know, it takes time to get enough trust built up to hear all the sordid details of my life."
"Sister, we don't have a whole lot of time," Nash tried to be serious, but found his gaze wandering to her bare legs.
Lexi bit her lip, trying to appear deep in thought. "Well, we could try the express path to trust," with that she moved her feet onto his lap. He looked down and she wiggled her toes at him. "I seem to recall a brief discussion on foot massages," she smiled at him. Arching an eyebrow at her, he took a swig of his beer. "You rub my feet, I feel compelled to talk," she batted her eyelashes at him, quite over dramatically.
Setting down his beer, he flexed his fingers and went to work rubbing her feet. "Okay, let's see, last night we covered the basics, so tonight I'm guessing you want details. I left home at 15 when I got a chance to be in Angel Dolls. Andrew was 18 at the time, so he came with me, and acted as my guardian. We went to Los Angeles, I sang, and he worked odd jobs to help pay the rent."
"And your parents..." Nash asked.
"Oh yeah," Lexi sipped her beer. "My mom died when I was 13....it was an accident. My dad was still at home with Allie, our younger sister. I sent some of the money I made back to Texas, trying to help them. When the group started taking off, it was so amazing. I felt like the princess in a fairy tale. I was no longer Alexandra Abernathy, I was Lexi Lee. Anything we wanted, we could have. But stardom comes with a price. Everything you do is watched. The press follows your every move, and the fans hang on everything you say."
Lexi leaned over and handed the lotion bottle to Nash. "Simon Russell was my first actual stalker. Before him, it was just overzealous fans hiding in bushes or wackos in prison obsessing over a photo. Russell was plotting for years they believed. He'd built a shrine to me in his house. His letters had started as fan mail."
She started to tremble at the thought of Russell, and Nash moved his massage strokes up to her ankles and lower calves, trying to relax her. "He'd tell me how pretty he thought I was, and how talented and smart I was. He called himself my number one fan, and said how much he loved me. At first, it was flattering, like most fan mail, I thought nothing of it. Then I met David. He was a hockey player, and I thought he was, ya know like so cool." She giggled at her valley girl impersonation. "I was 17, and when it got serious, Simon's letters got darker. It was obvious he was obsessed with me. When the press announced my break up with David, Simon wrote me letters about how I was too good for David and I was better off without him. Apparently Simon had come to Angel Dolls events, and later my events. I never recalled meeting him, but he sent me copies of pictures from different places. I mean I met so many people and fans, I barely remember any. When I married Chip, Simon flipped out. He actually camped out across from our house."
Nash moved his hands back to the soles of her feet, and applied more pressure. Without meaning to she let out a soft moan in response, which caused a stirring in his lower abdomen. "Chip and I had been married three months, he was on location in Mexico. I had just returned from the European leg of what would become Angel Dolls last real tour. Chip and I had reported Simon, and the police were handling it, or so they said. He had actually broken into our house and was waiting for me. When I feel asleep he chloroformed me, and took me to his place. I must've been there two weeks before LAPD found me. The public defender actually tried to pin it on me for not warning the police of the seriousness of my complaint, and for provoking the attack. He was found guilty on charges of harassment, kidnapping, attempted murder, breaking and entering, assaulting an officer, and possession of illegal weapons, along with some other minor charges." Shaking her head and shivering, Nash stopped her.
"You don't have to continue with that," Nash told her, running his hand up the side of her calve.
"Are you trying to get out of that foot massage so soon," she attempted to tease, but her voice was distant.
"No," he whispered, focusing on her other foot.
"Chip and I divorced six months later. We'd started having problems soon after the...incident. Andrew helped me pick up the pieces of my life. By that time, Angel Dolls were in the past, and a label offered me a solo contract. I was really scared though, and it went nowhere. They dropped me after the second album. Andy helped me to stabilize my finances, and invest wisely, in case I never got another chance. I had no idea when or if I'd be on top of it again. My professional life seemed over, my personal life was in shambles, and I felt like I was just really screwed up. I was starting to get things under control when I started dating Steven. Andy warned me, he said I needed to be sure I was ready to fall in love. I wanted to believe that I was. Steven wasn't though, but we were an item for two years, and married. I moved in with him four months before we eloped. Three months later I moved back out, and eight months later we finalized the divorce. A year later, Andy died."
"And the black market heart buying?" Nash wanted to know about it, and in an effort to reassure her, his hands were taking long strokes from her heels to her knees.
"I was desperate. I know it's not much of an excuse, but it's the god honest truth. I'd had everything in the palm of my hand, but I couldn't help the person who had been there for me. I'd heard rumors of buying your way up the list or getting organs donated for a specific person. I had the money and I had the desperation. I had to try. I believe to this day it was a set-up. I got caught and I paid a very generous donation to the LAPD retirement fund. The case stayed out of the media and charges were dropped. The case had been thrown out of court due to insufficient evidence. I agreed to grief counseling, which I did for a year, and then I moved here to San Francisco." She drank the last of her beer and looked at Nash. "And that brings me to here."
"To here," Nash looked at her.
"So, have you written me off as a head case yet?" She flexed her foot against his leg, brushing his crotch with her toes.
"No, not yet." His hand slid past her knee. "I just think you haven't found the right guy yet."
"I've actually given up on looking," she slid her legs across his lap, inching closer, Nash's hand now stroking her thigh.
"I hear that's the best time to find someone," Nash moved closer to her, his hand running under the hem of the shirt she was wearing.
"Maybe," Lexi whispered, pressing her bottom against his thigh. His hand moved over her hip and he leaned into her. Eyes locked, their lips met, softly at first, timid and questioning, then growing more intense and explorative. Nash pressed Lexi back into the couch cushions, his hands exploring her body. She ran her hands under his shirt and pressed him to her.
His hand slid under the band of her silk thong as she tugged on his shirt. He broke their embrace long enough for her to remove his shirt and toss it to the floor. He explored her face and neck, his breath warm against her skin. As Nash was sliding her panties downward, the door to his father's bedroom opened. Nash and Lexi froze, and looked at each other. Nash placed a finger to her lips, silently asking her to be still. Nick passed by them on the way to the bathroom, not noticing. When he was in the other room, Nash pulled Lexi up and walked the short distance to her door.
Lexi stopped in the doorway, pushing it open and turning to face Nash. "Good night," she whispered. He leaned in for another kiss, hoping to continue what was started, when she stepped back and closed the door on him. He returned to the couch and picked up the empty beer bottles. Carrying them to the kitchen, he stopped in the shadows when Nick passed back through. "Good night, Son," Nick said as he closed the door to his room.
Lexi climbed into bed thinking of what she had just done. Robert was doing a full background check on the SIU, and his preliminary on Nash had shown her first opinion to be true. He was noted for his intense work ethic, frequent indiscretions, and frequent romantic indiscretions. She had figured if she could get him attracted to her, then he would solve the case, while letting her call the shots. She had too much to lose if he uncovered the truth about her past. But she couldn't shake what she was thinking. A strange feeling was in her stomach, she felt the usual sexual attraction, but something else was there, too. Something slightly more intimate, more solid. She shook her head, and tried to fall asleep, but the thoughts of Nash continued to push their way into her dreams.
Nash turned off the kitchen light, and stood staring at Cassidy's door for a moment. Lexi was in there, on the other side of that door, he thought. The feelings that were stirring inside him made him uncomfortable, and nervous. This case was turning out to be more than he had bargained for, but he couldn't tell if that was good or bad. Now that he'd had a taste of her, he knew he would want more, but she was under his protective custody. Even if it meant protecting her from his growing attraction to her, he needed to put this case first. Nash needed to find out who was after her, before she was seriously hurt. He smiled into the dark: he hadn't felt like this in quite awhile.