A/N: Thanks as always for reading, following and reviewing! It means a lot that you're still hanging in there with me on what's become a not so little tale. I've got still got plotlines buzzing around in my head so I'll be continuing for a while longer. Feel free to drop a suggestion on something you might want to see though because you never know what it might set off in my head. The last couple of chapters are the result of that. Thanks to the reviewers for planting that seed! This chapter picks up where the last one left off, and I'll just say the couple takes care of some unfinished business about midway through. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
When the music from the alarm clock sounded the next morning, the couple found themselves in the same positions they were in when they fell asleep. Marissa felt a weight on her belly. She quickly realized what it was. It was her wife. Bianca had fallen asleep talking to their little one. Marissa smiled at both the memory of the night before and of the sight before her now. Bianca always managed to take her breath away, but today, it seemed to be the case even more so.
A radiant smile graced Bianca's face as she raised her head and her gaze met Marissa's. "Good morning, beautiful."
"Good morning yourself."
"Good morning, little one." Bianca placed a gentle kiss on her wife's belly before sitting up.
Marissa sighed happily before looking at the clock and shutting off the music. They had set it to go off a little later than they normally would since they were both taking the day off. The time needed to get themselves ready for the office in addition to getting the kids ready was considerably more than the time needed to only take care of the kids. This allowed the couple to sleep a little later which was needed because they had been up late working through their disagreement. The latest development with their little one kicking for the first time was also a factor in them being up late.
"I hate to say this, but we need to get up and start getting the kids ready."
"You're right. Which would you like, the kids or breakfast?" Bianca asked.
"I'll start on breakfast. Our little one is in the mood for French toast."
"Oh really? Our little one is, huh?"
"Yep!" Marissa gave a cheeky grin.
Bianca chuckled. "Well okay then. I'll start getting the kids ready, but only after I take care of this." The brunette leaned in and captured Marissa's lips.
Marissa hummed in approval. "Much better."
"I couldn't agree more. There will be more of that later. I promise. Okay, time to get moving."
"Oh, I need to make a couple of quick calls. I have to let Ellie know I won't be in today so she can move my appointments around. I also have to call Claudia and go over something with her. I promise neither one will take long. After that, I'm all yours."
"Okay. That reminds me. I need to let Jan know that I won't be in today. I'll call her after I get the kids moving."
The couple washed up quickly and brushed their teeth before each threw on jeans and a t-shirt, no business attire would be needed today. While Bianca headed upstairs to wake up the kids and get them started on their days, Marissa headed to the kitchen to start on breakfast.
/
"Yes, I've gone over things with Mitch. He still has someone keeping an eye on both Payne and Pete and will be stopping by today with an update. I really appreciate you handling this, Claudia."
"It's not a problem. If anything major comes up, I'll leave a message. Don't worry about anything here though. We'll hold down the fort for you. Take care of yourself and the baby. I'll see you Monday."
"Thanks. Have a good weekend." Marissa disconnected the call and exhaled. It was a little hard to take a step back right now, but she needed to. The break would be good for her and Bianca, show Claudia that she trusted her and give Marissa some fresh eyes when she picked things back up on Monday. There was more to this case than what Payne and Pete were claiming. She just couldn't see it at the moment. Maybe by not thinking about it, it might reveal itself to her.
"Is everything okay?"
Marissa turned and saw Bianca entering with Gabby.
"Morning, Mommy!"
"Good morning, Monkey." Marissa kissed her youngest after scooping her up and sitting on the counter. The redhead met Bianca's gaze. "Everything's good. Claudia's more than happy to cover for me today. The other two still getting ready?"
"Yeah, they just move a little slower in the morning than Gabby. I'll be right back. I need to call Jan and tell her I won't be in today."
"Take your time."
"Mommy says we're having French toast."
"Yep, we sure are. Do you want to help?"
Gabby nodded. "Uh huh."
"Do you remember how we showed you to crack an egg?"
"Yep, I sure do." Gabby answered proudly.
"Okay then. You're in charge of doing that." Marissa pulled a chair over to the counter and had Gabby kneel on the seat. She then pulled over a large bowl and handed an egg to her daughter.
"Alright. Go for it."
Bianca returned from her short conversation with Jan in time to watch mother and daughter working together. Gabby had her tongue partially stuck out as she concentrated on the task at hand while Marissa carefully supervised and encouraged.
After successfully cracking the last egg, Gabby glanced up and beamed at her brunette mother. "I did it, Mommy!"
"You sure did, Sweetie! Good job!"
"She's a great helper. Thank you, Monkey." Marissa kissed the top of her daughter's head and helped her off the chair. "Go ahead and have a seat at the table, and I'll finish this up."
While Gabby took a seat, Bianca got her something to drink.
"How'd it go with Jan?"
"It went good. She said she would handle things for me today. I'm all yours too."
Marissa smiled. "I love how that sounds."
"Me too." Bianca responded with a quick kiss.
The kitchen door opened and AJ and Miranda joined the rest of the family.
"Good morning, AJ. Good morning, Miranda."
"Morning, Ma."
As the family ate, Miranda turned to her mothers. "What time are we going out tonight?"
"What's tonight?" Bianca asked. "Is there something happening tonight, Rissa?"
All three children looked at her in disbelief with their mouths hanging open.
Marissa saw the mischievous glint in her wife's eyes and played along. "Not that I can think of."
The three Tasker-Montgomery children gaped at their redheaded mother now. How was it possible that both of their mothers could forget that tonight was Halloween? This was a kid's second best holiday next to Christmas. They got to dress up in great costumes and get candy. What was there not to love about that?
"It's Halloween. We're going trick-or-treating tonight." Miranda answered still finding this all hard to believe.
AJ nodded. "I'm gonna be Captain America. Miranda's gonna be Hermione from Harry Potter, and Gabby's gonna be a minion. Remember?"
"We're goin' to the zoo too." Gabby added with panic starting to set in. She had been looking forward to the event at the zoo all week.
"Oh, that's right, B. Today's Halloween."
"I can't believe we forgot."
Miranda was the first one to catch on. Their mothers were teasing them. She huffed in pure Kane style. "Not funny. Not funny at all."
AJ rolled his eyes when he saw their moms starting to laugh. "Not cool."
Gabby looked at her brother and sister. "What?"
"They know, Gabs. They're just teasing us." Miranda informed her little sister.
The youngest family member breathed a huge sigh of relief. "So, we're still going to the zoo?"
"Yes, Monkey, we're still going to the zoo."
Bianca chuckled. "We're leaving here at 4:30 to go to the zoo. Then, we'll go out trick-or-treating. Your Ma and I were thinking of picking up pizza at Pasquales on our way home. Do you all think you might be up for that?"
Three heads bobbed up and down excitedly. "Yeah!"
"Talk about a no-brainer." Marissa smirked. "Okay, it's almost time to go, minions. Go get your backpacks."
The kids headed off without any of their usual grumbling due to their excitement for that evening.
Looks of concern were exchanged between the couple when they heard someone at the front door. It was entirely too early to be expecting anyone.
"I'll go check it out." Bianca volunteered.
Marissa nodded. "I'll let Max out."
/
"Kendall? What are you doing here? Is everything okay?"
"Good morning to you too, Binx." Kendall grinned.
"Sorry. Good morning. Come on in. We just finished breakfast and will be heading out soon. Is everything alright?"
"Relax. Everything's fine."
"Okay. Would you like some coffee?"
"I would love some coffee."
Bianca poured her sister a cup of coffee once they entered the kitchen.
"How are things with you and Marissa today?"
There it was, the real reason her sister had stopped by. She wanted to check on her and Marissa.
"Better, much better. We talked and got a lot of things out in the open last night. It felt really good and was definitely something we needed to do."
"I'm glad to hear that."
"Morning, Kendall." Marissa opened the back door with Max trotting in behind her and greeted her sister-in-law.
"Morning, Red." Kendall grinned and addressed Marissa's belly. "Morning, Sparky."
Bianca raised an eyebrow while Marissa just laughed.
"Who's Sparky, Aunt K?" AJ asked as he and the girls returned with their backpacks.
"Aunt K!" Gabby rushed over to her aunt.
"Morning, Aunt K."
"Morning, gang! Sparky is my nickname for the baby."
The response had the kids cracking up and loving the nickname.
Bianca rolled her eyes. "Really? Do I want to know why?"
"I kind of see this baby being a bit of a spark plug, like Red."
"Mom's going to love that."
"I like it, Aunt K." Miranda smiled.
AJ nodded. "Me too."
"Me three!" Gabby giggled.
"I think you're outnumbered, Binx." Kendall smirked.
"Whatever."
Marissa laughed. "So, what brings you here so early?"
"I thought I'd give the two of you a little break and take the kids to school." It was then that Kendall noticed how the couple was dressed. Obviously, something was up.
Bianca and Marissa glanced at each other and grinned. This would give them a little more time together.
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive, Binx. Zach is taking the boys to school this morning. So, I have an empty car. Plus, this gives me a chance to spend a little time with my awesome nieces and nephew."
"If you're sure, that would be great."
"Good! Alright, gang. Let's load up and head out."
Everyone headed outside to Kendall's car.
"I'll help you guys get settled in the car. Say goodbye to your Ma."
Marissa hugged and kissed all three children. As they were being led away by their brunette mother, AJ, Miranda and Gabby stopped and looked at each other before turning back to Marissa. "Bye, Sparky!"
The kids were cracking up as they ran back to the car with Bianca following behind shaking her head. Marissa and Kendall laughed at the kids' antics.
Kendall nudged her sister-in-law. "How are you doing, Red? Binx said the two of you talked last night."
"We did, and it was really good. It was something we really needed to do. Thank you."
"For what?"
"For being here for me last night, letting me vent. It meant a lot and helped me calm down and put things in the proper perspective so that when Bianca got home, I was ready to talk about everything with her."
"I'm glad I could be here for you then. And just so you know, I didn't have any doubts that the two of you would work things out."
"I really didn't either. Oh, give me your hand."
Kendall was confused but did as asked. Her eyes grew wide as Marissa placed her hand on her belly, and she felt the baby kick.
"Oh my gosh! Hey, Sparky. I'm your Aunt Kendall, and we are going to have so much fun when you get here. I am going to spoil you rotten, just like you brother and sisters." She glanced up at Marissa and was met with a blinding smile. "When did this start?"
"Last night. I'm just so glad that Bianca was there when it happened."
"Little one's kicking again?"
Kendall turned to her sister whose smile matched Marissa's. "Yep, Sparky's kicking for Aunt Kendall. Hey, what's with you guys and the jeans and t-shirts?"
Marissa wrapped an arm around Bianca. "We're playing hooky today."
"Good for you! Oh, Zach and I are going to watch the kids for you tomorrow night. We'd do it tonight, but with it being Halloween, we know you all have plans."
"Kendall, that's too much. You don't have to do that."
"I know we don't have to, Binx, but we want to. The two of you haven't had much time to yourselves since your honeymoon. Besides, Zach seems to think he's got a chance of beating AJ and Miranda in Mario Kart and some other new game he has. My money's on them. I'll call you later, and we'll work on the details."
"Thanks, and thank Zach for us too. We'll tell the kids to go a little easy on him." Marissa added.
"Not too easy though. Have a fun day and enjoy yourselves. I'll see the two of you later."
"Bye, Kendall, and thanks for everything." Bianca hugged her sister.
After watching Kendall and the kids drive away, Bianca looked at her wife. "So, we have some extra time. Any thoughts on what you would like to do with it?"
"I have some very definite thoughts on that. I could tell you, but I'd much rather show you." Marissa winked and headed inside.
Bianca watched as her wife walked away with a deliberate sway in her hips and groaned as she hurried after the redhead. "Yeah, I'm all for showing instead of telling. I'm a big fan, huge fan actually of the hands on approach."
/
Bianca closed and locked the front door once she was back inside, but her wife was nowhere in sight. A quick scan of the family room found the shirt Marissa had been wearing discarded and lying on the floor. Bianca grinned at the thought of her wife stripping on her way back to their bedroom. It had been a while since the couple had had the entire house to themselves and were able to do something like this. Obviously, Marissa was taking full advantage of this fact, and Bianca couldn't find a damn thing wrong with that. The brunette decided to follow her wife's lead, leaving articles of her clothing next to Marissa's en route to their bedroom. Bianca found her wife just sitting down in the middle of their bed.
Marissa's breath caught as Bianca entered the room without a stitch of clothing on.
"See something you like, Counselor?"
"No, I see something I love."
"That makes two of us. God, you are so beautiful."
Bianca captured Marissa's lips for a searing kiss. Tongues engaged in a loving duel as they were eagerly granted access. Marissa laid back on the bed, pulling a more than willing Bianca on top of her, their bodies melding together, causing both women to moan at the contact. Bianca's lips began to roam and soon found the one spot that she knew drove Marissa crazy causing the redhead to moan loudly. The brunette smiled as she felt Marissa's hands gripping her back pulling her closer. Bianca's lips travelled to her wife's breasts where she began to feast on one causing Marissa to arch her back, straining and urging Bianca to take more. After completely ravishing the one, Bianca eagerly paid equal attention to the other before moving downward. Marissa whimpered at the loss at first before feeling soft lips continue their loving path further along her body causing her arousal to grow by the second. Bianca kissed and caressed her wife's growing baby bump, and again smiled at the sounds she was eliciting from Marissa, and they spurred her on.
"Please, B. I … I need you. More. Please." The growing ache between her legs had Marissa urging her wife lower where she desperately needed her the most.
Bianca obliged and slid her tongue past soaked outer folds where she began her exquisite torture of Marissa in earnest. The brunette ran her tongue up the full length of Marissa's slit before taking the sensitive bundle of nerves into her mouth and sucking hard. The redhead jerked and bowed her back encouraging Bianca to take more. Bianca teased more and released the now throbbing clit before she plunged her tongue into Marissa's core. Silken locks were pulled tighter as the redhead begged for more. Fingers replaced the brunette's tongue as she returned to claim her wife's lips. Marissa moaned as she tasted herself on Bianca's tongue. Bianca began to thrust and build a rhythm as Marissa ground down on the fingers working their magic. The brunette could feel her wife getting closer to climax as inner walls began to clench. Bianca curled her fingers and thrust again finding that spot that had Marissa scream her name. A wave of ecstasy crashed over the redhead, and Bianca helped her ride out her orgasm. Marissa went limp, and her wife gave her a loving kiss before pulling her into her arms and holding her. To Bianca, Marissa never looked more beautiful than when she was coming down the high of an orgasm.
As her breathing slowed, Marissa finally managed enough strength to open her eyes and found warm chocolate orbs gazing at her. "That is definitely a bad habit you have."
Bianca chuckled. "Yeah, I'm afraid it is. I guess I'm a lost cause. I've said it before and I'll say it again. God, you're so beautiful."
"Hmmm, you make me feel that way. Is it bad that I'm glad we waited until this morning to do this? There's no way I could have made it last night. As it was, I think I almost blacked out."
Bianca grinned proudly. "It's good to know I've still got it."
Marissa laughed. "Babe, trust me, you do, and I don't ever see you losing it."
"I guess we'll just have to keep it up so we don't get rusty."
"I'm all for that."
Bianca yelped as Marissa flipped positions. "Looks like someone's recovered."
"Yes, I am! Now, it's my turn. I don't want to get rusty either. Besides, I still have to show you some of my ideas of what we can do with our extra time courtesy of my amazing sister-in-law. I also want to hear you scream my name." Marissa grinned wickedly before crashing her lips into Bianca's.
/
Three hours later, the couple lay sated with limbs entwined and blissful smiles on their faces.
"Can I just state for the record how much I love your idea to play hooky and the activities you've come up with for us so far?" Bianca sighed as she stroked her wife's back.
"Ooh, I love when you talk lawyer and your comments are noted for the record. I have to admit that this was one of my better ideas, and playing hooky with you has definitely made it even more memorable, enjoyable, pleasurable, delectable ..."
Bianca chuckled as her wife started spouting adjectives and found she couldn't disagree with any of them. The brunette silenced her momentarily with a tender kiss. "I do aim to please."
Marissa laughed. "You do way more than that."
"The same can be said for you. So, do you have any other ideas on how we can spend the rest of our day? Not that I'm complaining about how we've spent the morning so far or am adverse to continuing to stay here because trust me, I'm not. If that's what you want to do, I'm all for it." Bianca grinned.
"I'm not adverse to it either, but I was thinking we could partake in one of your other favorite activities."
"You mean something other than ravishing you and making you scream over and over again?"
Marissa playfully swatted her wife. "Someone's awfully full of themselves."
"If you've got it, flaunt it." Bianca smirked.
"Wow. Talk about cocky. I'm just glad you're able to back it up. You know, I'm glad the kids weren't home because I seem to recall you being pretty loud a few times yourself and some of the words you were shouting are definitely not ones we want them repeating."
"Well, I have to admit that it's pretty hard not to be with that magical tongue of yours, Skippy."
"Skippy?! Where the hell did that come from?"
Bianca giggled. "I have no idea. Maybe it's from when I blacked out because said tongue. I really love the things you do with it."
Marissa laughed. She loved the goofy side of Bianca. "If you play your cards right, I'll do some of those things again later."
"Yay me! So, what's this other idea of yours?"
"Shopping."
"Ooh, I do love shopping!" Bianca's eyes lit up. "Are we looking for anything in particular or just shopping in general?"
"I've noticed some of my clothes are getting a little tighter thanks to Sparky."
"Seriously? You're on the Sparky bandwagon?"
"Yep! I have to say I really like it!"
Bianca sighed. She knew as soon as she'd heard Kendall call their little one by that name that it would stick. "So, clothes for you then. By the way, you are by no means big. You're just right, and I love your baby bump."
"I do too, but I am getting a little uncomfortable in some of them. It's not just because of the baby bump either. My chest is getting bigger too."
"Hmmm, I've noticed and am not complaining about that either."
"Sex fiend."
"Don't you know it and love it."
Marissa chuckled. "True, on both counts. We also need to look for dresses for the firm's celebration."
"Oh, that's right. It's just around the corner, and you know my Mom. She will not be happy if we show up in something we've worn before especially on your big night where the paparazzi will be out in force."
"Exactly my thoughts. So you're on board?"
"Hell yes. I'm a Kane woman after all! We can go shopping and then stop by the bistro for lunch."
"That sounds perfect. So, am I forgiven for being bitchy?"
"Yes, but I didn't think you were bitchy. I more than understand. Remember how I was when I had my appendix out and couldn't work or really do anything else for a couple of weeks? Neither of us likes not having some control, not that we're control freaks mind you, over the decisions being made in our lives. We just need to not lose sight of that fact. Am I forgiven for how I acted?"
"Definitely. Like I said, you weren't trying to control me, just protect me. I love you for that. I am a grown woman though and fully capable."
"I know, and I'll do better, promise. Might I say that I am fully aware and thankful of the fact that you are a grown woman?" Bianca waggled her eyebrows.
Marissa chuckled and gave her wife a quick kiss as she untangled herself and got up. "Time for a shower. Want to help me conserve some water?"
Bianca grinned and happily followed the redhead into the bathroom. They never conserved water when they showered together, and neither would ever complain about that fact. "You are full of all kinds of great ideas today!"
/
After a successful shopping spree and leisurely lunch, the couple arrived home with enough time to put away their purchases, clean up the kitchen and get the kids' costumes out and ready for them to put on when they got home from school. Susan dropped the kids off, and once everyone was dressed and pictures were taken, the family headed to the car. The kids were practically vibrating with excitement as they got inside and buckled themselves in. "First stop, Pine Valley Zoo!"
/
The family returned home a few hours later with trick-or-treat bags overflowing with candy as well as takeout from their favorite pizza place. After eating dinner with only a minimal amount of fussing because they really wanted their candy, AJ, Miranda and Gabby got down to the serious business of checking out their Halloween loot, after it had been inspected by Bianca and Marissa first of course. Marissa let Max out while the kids spread their candy out on the family room floor to avoid the possibility of the dog getting into any chocolate. Judging by their candy haul, it had been a very successful night for the Tasker-Montgomery children. The hardest part was convincing them that they didn't have to eat it all that night and to accept the limit on the amount they were allowed to have without arguing too much.
Marissa put the remaining candy up while Bianca let Max back inside. The kids put on their pajamas and settled in for a story from their redheaded mother. An original story had been requested by AJ, and after thinking about it for a few moments, Marissa came up with an exciting Halloween tale that featured all three children.
With the kids tucked in, the couple settled on the sofa in the family room to watch the black and white version of Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho'. Watching a suspenseful movie, their first Halloween movie had been 'Silence of the Lambs', was something they had started doing a few years prior when they were still just friends, and it was a tradition they continued after things changed between them.
"What's this?" Marissa asked as she looked at the candy bar Bianca handed her before the movie started.
"What's it look like?"
"It looks like you pilfered candy from our children."
"And?"
"And nothing. Good job and thanks. I wasn't able to sneak one earlier. Sparky's been jonesing for a Reese Cup all night." Marissa grinned.
Bianca snorted. "Well, I'm glad to help Sparky out."
The baby kicked as Marissa took a bite causing Bianca's eyes to widen in shocked amusement.
"I guess you weren't kidding."
"Told ya." Marissa smirked as she pulled Bianca into her arms and handed her a Twix.
Bianca smiled brightly. "You pilfered a Twix for me!"
"Yeah, I couldn't get mine but was able to sneak one for you. What kind of mothers are we dipping into our kids' Halloween stash?" Marissa chuckled.
"I'd say normal ones. I think it would be against the 'mom-code' if we didn't." Bianca quipped as she took a bite of her pilfered treat.
/
"Rocky, Bianca. Oh and there go your minions." Greenlee greeted the family as she answered their knock on Kendall and Zach's door.
The kids threw a quick 'hi' to her as they scampered inside.
"Greenlee, why am I not surprised to see you here?" Bianca asked as she entered the home.
"That makes two of us. I think the Dynamic Duo sprang into action again, B."
"I have no idea what the two of you are talking about."
Greenlee feigned innocence, but neither of the other women were buying it. They did, however, let the subject drop.
"How's Sparky?" Greenlee grinned.
"Sparky's doing very well. Thank you. I see Kendall told you about the nickname she came up with."
"Yes, she did. I have to say I like it. I'm a little disappointed in myself that I didn't come up with it."
"Don't feel too bad. After all, you did come up with Minx, and that's pretty damn good." Kendall smirked as she joined the others.
"True, I did, and it is pretty awesome."
"Hey, Red, Binx. Where are the two of you going tonight?"
"Dinner and a movie." Bianca answered with a smile.
"I know it sounds boring, but we both decided it's what we want to do."
"I can't tell you the last time Rissa and I went out to a movie theatre and saw something that wasn't animated or rated G."
"Yeah, we're not even sure what's out right now. We're just going to show up at the theatre and see what looks interesting."
Kendall sighed. "That actually sounds really good. Let me know what you end up seeing and if it's any good."
"Deal. Rissa and I were talking earlier. We're taking the kids off your hands next Saturday. You too Greenlee. We'll watch Emma."
"Yep, we thought the four of you deserve a night out."
"Seriously?! I love you, both of you! Binx, you are my favorite sister, and Red, you are my favorite sister-in-law!"
"Wow! Thanks! You don't need to do that, but I'll take it! I don't know the last time Ryan and I had a date."
"You're welcome."
Bianca shrugged. "We figured it's the least we could do for our fairy godmothers."
Kendall shook her head at her sister's nickname for her and Greenlee. "So, where are you going for dinner?"
"Rissa hasn't told me yet."
"I wanted to see Kendall's face when I told you. Greenlee being here makes it even better. It's a new Italian place Sofia told me about. You're going to love the name. It's called 'Casa Bianca'."
Kendall and Greenlee cracked up.
"No way! I love it!"
"Oh, it's perfect!"
Bianca looked at Marissa and saw the huge grin on her face. "You just think you're so cute sometimes."
"Maybe."
"You're lucky I love you so much. I'm sure it's going to be good."
"With a name like that, I know it's going to be awesome. How could it not be? We better go. We don't want to miss our reservation."
Bianca nodded. "See you guys later. Tell Zach and Ryan we said 'hi', and thanks again for this."
"Have a great time."
/
Carol and Sam walked down the baking aisle of the grocery store. They had decided to do some baking to take their minds off of the custody issue for a couple of days. In all honesty, they needed the break.
"What next, Grandma?"
"We need chocolate chips, walnuts, oatmeal and raisins."
As Sam walked down the aisle to retrieve the requested items, Carol's cellphone began to ring. She didn't recognize the number.
"Hello."
"Carol, hello! It's Russell Payne. How are you doing?"
"What do you want, Mr. Payne?" Carol spat out through gritted teeth. She kept her voice as low as possible not wanting to upset Sam with this unwelcomed intrusion.
"Now, you're not being very friendly."
"I have nothing to say to you."
"Uh uh, I think you might change your tune when you hear what I have to say. Meet me tomorrow in the park by that little lake at 2:00. Don't be late. Oh, don't tell anyone else, especially your lawyer. It won't be good for you or Sam if you do."
Payne disconnected the call before Carol could even respond, and she was left to wonder what he was up to and whether or not she should ignore his ominous warning and call Marissa.