Laws of Motion – Book 3
Written by: Ms. Maggs/Edited by: KJT
Chapter 18
Monday – October 3, 2005
BPAC
11:25 am
"Sorry, the trash must have been picked up right after I chucked the TV box in there." Becca hopped up on the conference table. "Find any prints?" she asked Gil, who was dusting ceiling tiles.
Looking up at the woman who, in her three-inch designer heels, was two inches taller than him, he replied, "Only on the camera, but since Drew grabbed it with his bare hands, that's hardly a surprise."
"Ugh, speaking of surprise. Can you believe someone planted that camera in here and caught that kiss on tape?"
Gil despondently replied, "What I can't believe is that the kiss happened at all." He couldn't imagine Greg being anything but devastated upon seeing that footage.
"Being cheated on sucks," Becca stated as she popped a truffle into her mouth. "I caught my husband porking our maid on our living room couch. What about you? Ever been cheated on?"
Gil bristled, "We're strangers, and if we weren't, you'd know I'm not much of a sharer."
Flipping her dark wavy hair, she chuckled, "That's a yes."
Gil's eyebrow arched as the enticing scent of Becca's conditioner filled his nose. "Mango?"
Becca sniffed her hair. "Yep. It's my shine spray. Tony loves it too." She smirked, "I think you're attracted to me."
Gil blurted, "You're a beautiful woman with a maniacal undercurrent." He immediately thought of Lady Heather. "Not attracted one bit."
"You know what I manically did after I caught the cheating scumbags? I sliced the couch into tiny pieces with a chain saw while fantasizing they were still on it." Becca chuckled, "Pretend murder is very therapeutic."
"Do you have something else you could be doing?"
"You mean other than getting on your nerves?" she laughed. "Nope." Unwrapping a second truffle she said, "It's totally creepy that someone has been sneaking in and out of here and rolling tape twenty-four seven."
"Actually," Gil pointed at the equipment, "the camera is motion sensitive, so it only records and transmits when there is action, not twenty-four seven. This particular one is the most expensive of its type on the market. Even in total darkness, you can receive a clear picture. Setting it up and activating it is a snap and it's then controlled remotely by computer or a multi-media cellphone."
"So, whoever put it in here could have been in and out in minutes and they'd never have to come back?"
"That's correct." Gil returned the camera to the table. "They watch from home while munching popcorn, or when bored sitting in their car at a red light. Technology has made the business of spying very convenient."
Tapping her well-manicured fingernails on the table, she asked, "How are we going to nail Bev?"
"I have no proof that Bev Sanders is responsible." Gil studied Mrs. Vartann's diamond wedding band and equally gorgeous jeweled bracelet as she continued to grate on his nerves by tapping. Those weren't bought on a cop's salary. "Stop that."
Rolling her eyes at the perfectionist, Becca groaned, "Who cares about proof, Bev's a bitch. Nail her anyway."
"That's not my style…not your husband's either." Wishing the woman would leave, Gil chided her with his tone. "We like to nail the ones who actually commit crimes."
"Has anyone every told you you're a wet blanket?"
"Yes."
"My husband may be into the whole 'innocent until proven guilty thing', but at least he'll help a girl steal penguins for a good cause."
Gil eyed the strange woman suspiciously. "I'll assume you mean that metaphorically and leave it at that." Moving on to the other evidence he asked, "Who touched the envelope?"
"Uh…the delivery guy, Drew and me," she answered. "What kind of charges will Bev get nailed with exactly?" When Becca felt the heat of the Criminalist's glare, she rephrased the question. "Since I'm a corporate lawyer from LA and unfamiliar with criminal law here, what will the guilty party be charged with specifically?"
"Since permission to access this office and install a camera wasn't given by BPAC Management, breaking and entering is a distinct possibility."
"Just in case it is Bev…is that death penalty eligible?"
Dr. Myers's Office
11:31 am
"Nicky'll kill me if he sees that tape without the proper context," Drew assured his doctor, who was poised behind her desk looking down at him. "Actually, the context probably won't matter to him…or Lissa."
"What about Lissa?" the disappointed therapist prodded. "We just had a Couples Session last week and you were completely focused on your marriage. You sat in that same chair and told me you loved your wife. I believed you when you said you were giving one hundred and ten percent. I like to think I'm not easily snowed, but I'm starting to wonder if I'm slipping with age."
"I'm not a quitter," he answered. "We said we were gonna make it work for the sake of the kids, and that's what I've been doin'. I've been bendin' over backwards, because there's no way in hell I'm gonna fail, not after the family freeze I received the last time. Until the kiss, I was a model husband, and I've been doin' a ton of stuff with the kids. In the past few days alone, I volunteered at Cassie's school, coached Matt's soccer team, and took them both to the water park on Sunday. I wasn't snowin' you, Doc, I've been givin' it one hundred and ten percent, just like I promised. Liss and I have had some really great times, hell, for a while there, it felt like when we first met. Then, on Saturday night…"
When he clammed up, she prompted, "Please…we're on borrowed time, remember? What happened on Saturday night?"
"I took Lissa to Le Cirque for a romantic dinner. When we got home, she surprised me with a BJ. As we've discussed, that's not her thing."
"Right, I remember you saying that."
"I go to reciprocate, and she says no thanks and races off to brush her teeth. That's fine, so she's not in the mood, or maybe she has her period, I don't think anything of it. Then, while she's in the bathroom, she casually asks if I thought a giant mirror would look nice in the entryway. I say 'yeah, that would look really nice. I'm thinkin' maybe antique or wood. What about you, Honey?' The next thing I know she's showin' me a photo of the seven thousand dollar one she has on hold at the store and askin' me if we could buy it after church tomorrow."
The irritated doctor quickly jotted a note to pointedly ask Lissa why she was contining to do what she had implored her to stop doing above anything else…using sex as currency in her marriage. "We've discussed this in your couples session with Lissa, and I explained how that particular behavior was exceedingly unhealthy in a marriage." She referenced her notes, "Drew, you directly expressed the need for sexual encounters to be genuine displays of affection, not trickery. How did you handle the situation? Did you remind her of the agreement?"
"Yeah, I jogged her memory by sayin', 'Sure thing, Honey, that BJ was definitely worth spendin' seven grand'. Then I walked into the bathroom, pecked her cheek and said 'If you want anything over ten, I'll expect you to swallow'. When I hit the doorway I added, 'and when you drink it down, you better pretend you like it as much as that three hundred dollar Cristal you moaned over tonight." Drew shrugged. "I thought a clear pricing structure would be helpful and avoid her doing more than was required, but she didn't see it that way and flung a blow dryer at my head. I spent the night in the guest room. It was just like old times except the new guestroom has blue sheets, not beige."
"Did she buy the mirror after church the next day?"
"No, Ma'am." He shook his head. "She skipped church to buy it as soon as the store opened. I took Cassie and Matt to services without her, because the Sunday School kids were scheduled to sing and Cassie woulda been crushed if she missed it…she even had a special new dress. When we got home from the water park later that day, I told Lissa that Cassie suspected somethin' was up. She apologized for throwin' the blow dryer and the manipulative BJ. For the sake of the kids, I pretended to forgive her, then she pretended to be into the make-up sex."
God, I hate Mondays, the doctor silently lamented, believing Saturday and Sunday were the days that caused the most relationship havoc. "Let's…hmm…Let's refocus on this morning," Sylvia suggested now that she had a hunch why the kiss had been so passionate. "Close your eyes and put yourself back in the moment right before the kiss."
"Uh…okay."
"I'm going to ask you some questions and I don't want you to sweet talk me, Cowboy, because I only have time for the truth."
"Yes, Ma'am." The sight of Tawny standing before him in his favorite red dress warmed Drew's mind and body. "Ready."
"Finish the sentence, she looks…"
"Sexier than ever."
"Give me details."
"Her dress is tight, barely holdin' in that gorgeous chest of hers. She's obviously been sunbathin' over the weekend, because her skin is glowin'. Her smile is huge and those big red lips of hers look ripe…I want those lips explorin' every inch of my body. She's tryin' to be sly about checkin' me out, but I see that she is. Since she's lookin', I puff out my chest and move a little closer. After that, she looks…" he paused, not wanting to get Tawny in trouble.
"She'll never know what you say."
A smile erupted on Drew's face. "She looks really turned on."
"What was your reaction to that realization?"
"I'm stunned. I mean, yeah we had both been flirty a bit recently, but I never got the vibe that she was thinkin' about kissin' me or makin' love, but today she is. You would have had a field day watchin' us, Doc. There we were agreein' not to flirt anymore while flirtin'. It was ridiculously hot. I knew, just like me, she was thinkin' about old times. Suddenly, no matter how sinfully wrong it is to covet another man's wife and no matter how tacky it is to kiss a woman who's carryin' someone else's babies…that's all I'm doin'…covetin' her while dyin' for a kiss."
"Let's go back a little further. It's June…you're in Vegas to see Tawny, and you just opened the door to the suite where she's waiting for you." To gauge his current level of desire, she wanted to see, how fondly or not, he the past, "Tell me what happens…with as much detail as you remember."
With ease he transported himself back to the Mirage, "I say 'I'm here, Babygirl!'. Tawny comes runnin' and I drop my stuff, kickin' the door closed with my foot. She's standin' there lookin' cute as hell in one of my t-shirts she musta swiped from me last time. She doesn't say a word, she just beams…happy that I'm there for her like I promised. I grab her face and pull her mouth to mine, kissin' her with everything I've got." In a whimsical voice he continued, "Within a minute I have her back to the wall and the kiss breaks. She says 'welcome back, Cowboy', then reaches into my suit jacket pocket for the condom she knows I have waitin' there for her. While she tears open the wrapper, I'm busy undoin' my pants…we're both frustrated this part can't go any faster." Gripping the arms of the chair, he cleared his throat. "It's been a week, so I'm pent up, and I gasp when she touches me. Hell, I almost lose it right there in her hand, but I breathe deep and focus on takin' off my jacket and shirt. As soon as Tawny finishes protectin' us, she grips my bare shoulders and I groan from the feel of her nails diggin' in a little…I love that. One more kiss and I'm done with foreplay, because I can tell she's ready…more than ready." In a voice an octave deeper, he shared, "There's nothin' sweet about the way I take her, and she yelps just right to make the moment hotter still. As difficult as it is, I resist the urge to finish right there, because the last thing I want to be with this generous woman is selfish. I make sure she gets exactly what she needs to go over the edge, and when she does, I'm right there with her…it's perfect, we're perfect together." After gulping hard, he continued, "A minute later, we catch our breath, burst into satisfied smiles and as our foreheads touch she says in the sweetest voice…'I missed you too'."
Suddenly, Dr. Myers had a very clear understanding why Lissa's half-assed BJ given because she desired a pricey mirror, not her husband, paled in comparison to the bliss Drew had experienced with easy-to-please Tawny. The fact that he recalled the scene with vivid detail told her it had never left the forefront of his mind and was most likely something he fantasized about regularly. "What was the best part?"
Opening his eyes, Drew replied, "Knowing her words and moans were for real."
When Sylvia saw her patient's eyes were glassy, she softened her voice. "I want you to give me one word here. How does Tawny make you feel?"
"Appreciated." He affirmed without missing a beat. "For everything, even the little things…especially for things that don't cost money. Back then and now too."
"Examples."
"For takin' the time to explain how the stock market works simple enough for her to understand it…for settin' up her Tivo…for peelin' the wrapper off her chocolate chip muffin…or for tellin' a jerk by the pool to stop leerin' at her."
"How does Lissa make you feel?" she asked, hoping to catch him off guard. "Give me three."
"A wallet with legs…a fool…replaceable."
"Replaceable." Cocking her head, Sylvia prodded, "How so?"
In a distant voice he explained, "Nicky was flat broke until he received an injury settlement recently. We were talkin' the other day and he told me about a fight he and his fiancée had over money. She was spendin' way beyond what he felt was reasonable and during the course of the argument, he reminded her that they only had the money for a Versace dress because he almost died. He asked her what she was plannin' on doin' when the money ran out…ask him to almost die again, or find a new man?" Drew glanced up at the doctor. "On Saturday night, basking in the afterglow of my seven thousand dollar BJ, I realized that I was jealous as hell of my kid brother. If I went broke today, Lissa would be out lookin' for someone new ASAP. You know, all her concern over preservin' the marriage for the sake of the kids wouldn't be quite as important if Daddy could only afford a double-wide and his family wasn't a big deal in Dallas. But hey…I knew that goin' in, and you reap what you sow, right?" He shoved his emotions down to his toes. "Anyway, enough whinin' about that, let's get back to the matter at hand. I screwed up. Goin' forward, I'm gonna give my marriage a hundred and twenty percent. This kind of thing will never happen again. No, Ma'am. I will be that perfect husband just like my old man. I…"
For the first time ever, the Doctor's heart ached for the usually cocky and confident man, "Drew…"
"You don't believe me," he broke out laughing. "I can see it in your eyes…you think I'm snowin' you again, don't ya? I'm not. I'm serious. So serious, that I'll sign a contract for voluntary castration if I screw up again. Will that work? I'll have my sister draw it up!" he declared as he flew from his chair to pace the room. "You heard it here first, Doc! Mark my words, I'm gonna be nominated for husband of the year Oh yeah, and to celebrate, I'll buy my wife the biggest damn mirror she's ever seen! Hell, I'll have all seven thousand square fucking feet of that castle I just bought her, mirrored up! That ought to make her happy for at least a week. Do you know what it takes to make Tawny happy?" Grinning he said, "A two dollar chocolate chip muffin! That's it!" Without warning he snapped to rage, "Do you have any idea how many chocolate chip muffins I can afford!Chuckles didn't think to buy her even one this morning and she has two of his babies in her belly! He has no idea how lucky he is! That man is takin' her for granted! I know what that feels like! It sucks! If those babies were mine, I would…"
"I want you to calm down." Dr. Myers stood and moved to the water cooler, so she could offer a glass of cool water or throw it in her patient's face to stun him since tackling the quarterback was out of the question.
"I can buy millions of muffins! Millions!"
"How about some water?"
"I can buy plenty of water too! I could buy an island if I wanted one. How many BJs do you think an island's worth, Doc? Huh? How many!" When the cold water splashed on his hot face, Drew gasped.
"Time out."
"Uh…" He wiped his face. "Sorry for screamin'."
"Apology accepted." Reaching out, she took her patient's trembling hand. "Look at me, because I'm going to tell you something you've never heard before. Something never uttered on that hard-ass ranch you grew up on. Here it is, ready?" When he nodded, she said, "It's okay to quit sometimes."
"What?" he asked in a daze.
"Give yourself permission to walk off the field and call it a day. You've given it your all, but it sounds to me like you're already too hurt to keep playing. If you try to tough it out, there's a strong possibility you'll end up with a career ending injury. Also, I'm afraid if you stay in the game much longer, you'll end up taking a few innocent team mates down with you…Cassie, Claire and Matthew are three who come to mind." Squeezing his hand, she whispered. "No matter how much effort you put in, it's really hard to love someone who doesn't appreciate you and keeps hurting you. Drew, you can't stay married only for the children, or because your father will be disappointed…or to avoid looking like a failure in front of your brother. I'm a doctor in the business of saving lives, and I support divorce when it's the healthy thing to do for all parties involved."
"Whoa." Drew dropped into the nearest chair. "I wasn't expecting that."
"You're a terrific father and Lissa is a good mother, but as a couple, you're toxic. In the honeymoonish blush of reconciliation you appeared fine, but…you're really not, are you? You really did have me snowed, but today, it became abundantly clear. I think you really were looking for closure this morning…with Lissa." Taking a seat next to her awakening patient she said, "I don't think you wanted just a kiss. Once you sensed Tawny would be receptive, you wanted your 'up against the wall fantasy' right there at BPAC. After Saturday night, I can understand why you were craving a woman who makes you feel like a man, not a 'wallet on legs'."
"Yeah, it's official, I'm disgusting, I wanted to have sex with another man's pregnant wife."
"Yes, but even though you did, when she asked you to stop, you did so without hesitation, which proves to me you have no trouble making good decisions when you care deeply about the person you'd be hurting. You don't love Lissa, that's why it's so easy to hurt her. I think you were hoping Becca would catch you in the act this morning, and then you'd have no choice but to admit you cheated on your wife. With a third party witness to an affair, it's a lot harder to lie to yourself about the state of your marriage."
"Wow…you're really good at this stuff. It's still all screwed up beyond belief, but I feel a lot less confused."
"Good." The doctor smiled, "I'm always glad when patients feel that way, because it makes it easier for them to pay me the fortune I charge." Walking over to the introspection room, the doctor sighed, "I'd be genuinely thrilled for you, if I weren't worried that the price of your happiness will be Greg's sanity."
Nick and Carrie's
11:52 am
"You okay in there, Bro?" Nick asked while knocking on the door of the guest bath. By the time they had made the drive home, Greg was exhibiting classic symptoms of shock. "Buddy…"
"Uh..." Greg cleared the phlegm in his throat. "Just drying off."
Fearful his once suicidal friend had slit his wrists in the tub rather than take a hot shower, Nick breathed easier. "Since your shirt got ripped when Vartann wrestled you to the ground, I tossed a few of mine on the bed. Take your pick." When the bathroom door opened, he stepped back. "You look much better."
"Appearances are deceiving," the heartbroken husband replied, "it's getting worse by the minute."
Having never experienced infidelity in his life, Nick could only imagine the pain. "You still want to go with your plan?"
Greg nodded. "The sooner the better."
"Alright." Nick squeezed his buddy's shoulder. "Get a shirt, I'll meet you living room whenever you're ready too..."
"Let's go." With a grey pullover in hand, Greg headed for the door. "The waiting is killing me."
DA's Office – Vegas
12:17 pm
"How long?" Carrie despondently asked her ex-boss.
"A week? Maybe two?" Steve answered after sipping his coffee. "If there was anything I could do…"
"I know." Her stomach twisting in to a firm knot, she stared at the copy of Mike's paperwork. "Thanks for sneaking me a copy."
"Anything for you," he winked. "I thought maybe if I did you a favor, you'd ask for your old job back."
"If it meant I could nail this psycho…you bet."
"Sorry, the best I can offer you is long hours, heartbreaking cases, and a free frozen turkey at Christmas." His smile fading, Steve said, "Hey…I…I heard about the baby."
"That was fast." This had been the first morning she hadn't burst into tears.
Sighing, he walked alongside his ex co-worker. "I heard it from Alyssa this morning. I'm really sorry."
Drew's Hummer
1:20 pm
"No matter what the explanation, he's not going to instantly forgive me when he sees that kiss," Tawny sadly replied in answer to Drew's question 'What did Dr. M say about Greg?' "She said the only thing he'll be able to see is that I'm enjoying it. Having the before and after parts would help, but it won't change the fact that I wanted you to kiss me at that moment in time…and that I kissed you back. If I can get him to do some sessions with me and we explore the underlying issues, she thinks maybe…" Staring out the window she sniffled, "…but she said it will take time and that I shouldn't push it...that I need to respect whatever he needs to do to cope."
"If he asks you to move out," Drew sweetly said, "don't worry about payin' for a place, okay? I'll put you up somewhere nice, in a safe neighborhood…absolutely no strings attached. I'll never step foot in the place, I swear…unless you ask me over to help you…like to set up your Tivo or somethin'." He fought the urge to offer her a life with him.
"Thanks," she somberly replied, as the vision of packing her bags scared her to death. "But I think it would be impossible for Greg to believe I'm not attracted you, if you were paying my rent, especially if you really go through with asking Lissa for a divorce." Glancing over, she sniffled, "Are you?"
Gripping the steering wheel tighter, he sighed, "I don't know."
BPAC
1:52 pm
"He knows! How!" Becca shrieked when Nick informed her that Greg knew Tawny and Drew got it on in the office that morning. "Oh my God, is he okay!"
Nick glared at the panicked woman. "I think you know the answer to that stupid question." Holding up Greg's cell phone, he snipped, "Here's how he found out." Watching it for the fourth time, he became even more disgusted. "I feel sicker every time I see it."
"That's even worse than the DVD that was sent here." Becca's hands covered her heart. "Where is he? How could you leave him alone!"
"His dad returned from San Marino an hour ago."
The Townhouse
1:58 pm
"All done." Scott Sanders walked into his bedroom holding a tall glass of ice water. "Greg?"
"Over here."
When he saw his son sitting in the corner of the room with his arms wound tightly around his knees, Scott quietly approached. "Do you want to take the edge off, or do you want to sleep?"
"Sleep," Greg confirmed as he wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. "Definitely sleep." His mind and body were exhausted.
"Okay." Numb from the shock, the heartbroken father held out a hand. "You don't want to fall asleep on the floor." Upon helping him to his feet, Scott handed over the glass. "I wrote the script for 2mg. I'll give you two." He pulled the bottle from his pocket. "I'll hang on to them, so…"
"Not necessary, but I certainly understand why you'd be paranoid." Greg held out his hand. "I've got kids on the way, that's still plenty to live for. I just need to not deal for a few hours while…"
"Fair enough." Dropping the valium into his son's palm, Scott smiled. "The babies are exactly what you need to focus on."
Greg set the half empty glass on his father's nightstand and stared at the bed. "When I woke up in her arms this morning, I never thought it would be the last time."
"Try not to torture yourself, Son." Tucking the pill bottle in his pants pocket, Scott lowered his head, "I'll go start…"
"Could you wait until…"
"You bet." Biting back his tears, Scott climbed into bed and sat with his back against the oak headboard. "I'm so sorry this happened to you."
Greg laid his head on one of the fluffy pillows. "It will feel weird sleeping alone after…"
"You get used to it," the divorcee vacantly confirmed.
"It's just you and me now, Dad." Greg desperately wanted a hug, but fought off the childish craving.
"Come here, I need one too." Scott offered a loving embrace and when his son collapsed into it sobbing, what was left of his hearted shattered. "We'll be okay. We're exactly where we should have been seventeen years ago…on our own and ready to rebuild our lives. We'll prove we could have made it." He held him tighter, wondering if Becca knew what had gone on at the office, or if she had been clueless all along too.
BPAC
2:01 pm
Becca implored Nick, "I know it looks like they're screwing each other's brains out, but…"
"We're back!" Drew announced as he and Tawny walked down the hall.
"Oh! Oh my God!" Remembering the story of the big Stoke Brothers Brawl, Becca panicked. "I'm calling Tony."
"Relax! I'm not laying a finger on my brother." Nick pointed at Becca. "Just keep those loose lips of yours sealed and play along."
"But they really only kissed," she frantically whispered. "It was a goodbye kiss."
"If that was Vartann on that tape kissin' his ex Amy goodbye like that, would you be okay with it?" When she winced, Nick snipped, "Exactly."
"We stopped for…" Much to Drew's surprise, he found his brother standing in the conference room with Becca, who looked freaked. "Nicky…?" he heard Tawny release a small gasp. "Damn, did we have a lunch meeting that I forgot about?" He checked his watch and played it cool. "I have a one-thirty, but can squeeze in ten minutes before I..."
"Great." Nick smiled at Tawny, who appeared to be hiding behind Drew. "Let's meet right here…everybody." He gestured to the conference room table. "Hey, who brought in a TV?"
While Drew and Tawny remained silent, Becca answered, "Me. I'm addicted to Oprah and her show isn't exactly what Tony likes to watch on Tivo." Devoid of Xanax, her anxiety drove her into an overtalking frenzy. "He likes cooking shows and crime dramas. I asked him 'don't you get enough cop shit at work, Honey?' He said he likes laughing at the inaccuracies." A nervous laugh tumbling from her lips she said, "I totally have him hooked on Grey's Anatomy though. He loves Bailey, and it's really cute watching him yell at the TV any time McDreamy is on because he calls him McCheat…uhh…" When Nick stuffed a truffle in her mouth, she mumbled, "Thanks, I needed that."
"You're welcome." Nick sat back in his chair. "That's mighty thoughtful of you, Becca…takin' your husband's feelings into account and sparin' him from Oprah." Then he casually glanced over at Tawny, who was jittering in her chair. "Speaking of husband's feelings, what's up, Tawny? Chuckles is waitin' on you to call him back. What's kept you so busy?" He pointed at Becca. "Mrs. Vartann has managed to check in with her husband twice."
"It's my fault," Drew announced, causing Becca to choke on her truffle. "I took her with me to a meeting."
Even though Gil had promised discretion, Tawny felt in her gut that he had betrayed her and told Nick what had happened.
His voice getting colder, Nick asked, "What kind of meeting, Andy?"
"Personal, Nicky." Drew's paranoid mind was certain Gil had told him about the kissing incident even though he swore he wouldn't even tell his wife, until Tawny broke the news to Greg. "I asked Tawny to accompany me to my therapy session with Dr. Myers, because I had some issues to work through that related to our history and I knew it would help to have her there." Squeezing Tawny's hand under the table he said, "Just cut to the chase, Bro. 'Cause I'm done playin' games."
"Really?" Nick opened Greg's cell and set it on the table facing the cheaters. "Because from the looks of the video sent to Greg's phone this morning, it seems you're still playin' 'em."
"He already saw!" Tawny exclaimed as her breathing kept getting faster. The wording on Greg's version ripped her apart. "No…no."
"Damn you!" Drew blasted his brother, "Are you trying to kill the babies!" He began smoothing his hand over Tawny's back and ordering her to slow her breathing. "She's gonna hyperventilate."
To encourage Nick to back off, Becca explained, "She passed out seeing it the first time and had to go to the ER. They said she needed to stay calm the rest of the day." She couldn't imagine how the frantic, guilt-ridden woman would be able to pull it off. "Make her calm down!" Becca screamed.
"Her pulse is skyrocketing," Drew snarled upon feeling it throb against his fingertips. "Nicky, would ya turn off that damn video already! Becca! Get that paper bag from the café out of the trash! C'mon, Tawny…you gotta slow that breathing down." He stood, pulled her to her feet, then guided her to sit on the floor with him. "Slower, Honey, slower."
Snapping the phone shut, Nick coolly said, "How long has this been goin' on?" He watched tears popping out of Tawny's clamped eyes as she gulped air. "I don't understand." His gaze moved to his brother's hands tenderly stroking his lover's hair. "Were you two talkin' to her while she was on her honeymoon?"
"There's nothin' goin' on," Drew snapped back as he rested against the wall and eased Tawny against his chest, using a childbirth breathing position to help her steady her breathing. "It was a momentary lapse in judgment on my part because I was ticked off at Lissa and feelin' miserable about my marriage again. Yes, old feelings crept in for a few seconds, but then Tawny snapped out of it. If you could watch what happened after that kiss, you'd know that she told me to beat it because she loves Greg. I'm the bad guy here, Nicky, if you want to kill someone, pick me, not Tawny or the babies. Or do you think you'll be helping by killin' 'em, because you don't think they should be born anymore?"
"No, of course not!" Nick hurried to the water cooler, and grabbed a cup.
"Got it!" Becca raced over with the paper bag open.
Taking it in his hands, Drew positioned it over Tawny's mouth and instructed, "Breathe in and out. C'mon, Honey…slower…slower…better…good…just like that."
"Any idea who put the camera there?" Nick queried once he saw Tawny's breathing steady. Handing over the cup of ice water, he calmly said, "Becca told me Grissom was here processin' the scene."
Drew answered as he smoothed his palm over Tawny's back, "Bev, and Tawny's mom are the prime suspects. Gil wouldn't guess, but when I spoke with him, it seemed that he was leanin' toward Mike Rodgers doin' it on behalf of his wife like it was his weddin' gift to her. Tawny's told me that her mom's always been real jealous, which fits the message on the video about the princess losin' her happy ending."
"That does sound like the Marlene I've talked to." Nick looked at Tawny and remembering her history, for a split second he forgave her. Then he saw she was wrapped in his brother's arms and suddenly Greg's wails echo in his head. The anger came back with a vengeance, "Clearly it was a maniacal thing to do, but we can't blame the messenger for you two shoving your tongues down each other's throats."
AA Messenger Service
2:15 pm
Hoping to finally bust one of Mike's thugs, Grissom paced the storefront's lobby while waiting to talk to Joe Ennis, the messenger who delivered the TV to BPAC per the instructions of someone paying cash and identifying themselves as Chris Smith.
The Master Criminalist's hopes were high, because the receptionist said that Joe personally removed the TV from the customer's car. At first he riled with excitement, but he tempered the feeling quickly, because it wasn't Mike's MO to hire sloppy personnel.
"You wanted to see me?" Joe asked as he stepped into the lobby.
Glancing over at the young man dressed in a khaki delivery uniform, Grissom flashed his Crime Lab ID. "I have a few questions about a delivery you made to 55 Washington Avenue at nine-twelve this morning…a TV."
"Jesus Christ, I declared the tip!" Sweating that the cop had somehow found out he pocketed two of the three hundred the customer, Joe turned to Lexie, the receptionist. "Tell him!"
"Excuse me?" Grissom cocked his head. "I'm not interested in your tip, Sir. I'm interested in the person who gave it to you, the car the person was driving, and any other pertinent details you can give me."
"Oh." The delivery man relaxed and crossed the room. "I wasn't gettin' my hopes up because I've had rich bitches dripping in diamonds come in here and be cheapskates and stiff me."
Surprised it was a woman, Grissom stepped closer. "Diamonds?"
"Big ass rock on her left hand and a bracelet full of gems dangling above it."
The image of Becca's diamond wedding band and jeweled bracelet popped into his head. "What did she look like? Race? Height? Hair? Facial features…"
"White…long legs…stood about an inch taller than me."
"You're five-eleven?"
"Yeah."
Gil's mind flashed back to lifting his eyes two inches to meet Becca's. "Hair?"
"Long dark brown hair…smelled really good."
Gil's eyebrow arched as the enticing scent of Becca's conditioner filled his nose. "Mango?"
Becca sniffed her hair. "Yep. It's my shine spray. Tony loves it too."
"Straight? Wavy? Curly?"
"Really wavy and shiny."
"Your receptionist said you unloaded the TV out of the woman's car. What kind of car?"
Joe grumbled, "The kind I'll never be able to afford in this lifetime."
"Get a plate?"
BPAC
2:27 pm
Taking the glass of orange juice Nick was offering, Tawny lowered her eyes to the floor. "Thank you."
Drew had sent him around the corner for a carton. "I still can't believe this is happening." He took a seat at the conference table where the guilty parties were sitting. Worried about Greg, Becca had left for the townhouse. "I was the best man at your wedding and those vows you said…in my gut, I believed they were real."
"They were," she squeaked. "They still are."
"What about you?" Nick eyed Drew with contempt. "What about all that talk about reconciliation?"
"It's complicated, Nicky." Drew pulled an appointment card from Dr. Myers's office out of his jacket pocket. "This is for you. Knowin' this would all be comin' out, I arranged a family session, hopin' you'd attend with me, so we could work through things and understand…."
Nick laughed, "Your therapist is gonna convince me that you cheatin' on your wife with my best friend's wife is an okay idea?"
"No, that's not how therapy works."
"Well, I wouldn't know 'cause I've never been." He ignored the card. "No, thank you. I have no interest in doin' anything with you…including workin' together. You'll need to find another job. I'd toss your lyin' ass out right now if it wouldn't hurt my nieces and nephew. You have two weeks."
"Please tell me how Greg is," Tawny pleaded for a third time. "It will help if I know he's safe somewhere."
"He's with his dad." Nick coolly answered. "They sent me here to deal with you."
"Deal with me?" she jittered.
"As you know, y'all were expected to move out of Grissom's townhouse tomorrow. The plan was to start packin' this evening, right?" Pulling an envelope from his pocket, Nick said, "Scott expedited the timeline. Your belongings are on their way to a storage unit and an apartment has been rented for you as well." Looking away as Tawny's tears returned, he said, "You'll find the apartment and storage information, along with keys for both in that envelope. Scott's lawyers are drawin' up a separation agreement. There's a meeting scheduled for tomorrow afternoon to review the terms and see if they're mutually agreeable….that is unless you plan to run off with my brother and would prefer a divorce."
Tawny shook her head as Drew grabbed his. "I only want Greg."
Nick continued, "Because he wants to ensure the babies are cared for, your rent, insurance, and expenses will be paid for the duration of the pregnancy. After that…it's way too soon to tell."
Snatching the envelope Drew optimistically said, "Separation is a good sign. Remember what Dr. Myers said…he'll need time and space. That's all this is, it's not a declaration things are over." Like he intended for his marriage. "It's a chance."
"For who, Andy? You?" Nick snipped before moving on, "Greg didn't want her to be without medical insurance, so divorce wasn't an option." Looking at Tawny, he quietly said, "As of right now, due to inappropriate conduct in the workplace, you're no longer an employee of BPAC, and let's face it, it's for the best, not to have the two of you workin' together…not that my brother will be workin' here much longer either. As for moving your stuff out of here…I'm sure SuperStud will gladly take off his shirt and load your things into your car for you. He grabbed that envelope with your apartment keys in it so fast it was a blur." Moving his eyes to his brother, he sarcastically said, "I think someone can't wait to swoop in and conveniently pick up the pieces of a person's broken heart."
The Townhouse
2:38 pm
"How's Hoj?" Becca asked Scott as soon as he opened the door. "I know what happened and I'm worried sick."
The mentally exhausted father motioned for her to enter. "His mind was racing, so I gave him some Valium to relax and sleep. He's in the guest room."
"Can I see him? I'll feel better if I see him."
"Sure." With a hand on her back, Scott led the way. "Now that you're here, I can go out and handle a few details about our new house. Greg says I have nothing to worry about, that I can trust he won't do anything rash, but…"
"Go ahead," she sadly replied upon seeing Greg curled up on the bed. "I promise I won't leave his side."
"Thank you." Scott gave her shoulders a squeeze. "I'll call with an ETA."
"Bye." Stepping out of her Manolos, Becca padded across the darkened room. "Don't worry, Hoj." She slipped into bed to spoon him tight.
"Mmm…Da…"
"No, it's Becca," she whispered into his ear as he mumbled incoherently in a Valium haze. "I'm right here if you need me, okay?"
"She…did you…"
"Shhh…I know, Sweetie, I know." Becca stroked his mussed hair. "Sleep, okay. We'll talk later." Holding him tighter she murmured, "I'm not going anywhere. You know that." After a tender kiss to the cheek she whispered, "I love you, Hoj."
Author's Notes:
Becca...hmmm
I hope you enjoyed the session between Dr. M and Drew. I know it might have been a bit raw for some readers, but it felt like Drew's voice so I went with it. Dr. M wasn't ruffled at all, but methinks she'll be having and extra big glass of wine with her husband tonight. Drew...hmmm
I appreciate you hanging on for ride!
Thanks to:
KJT editing with when she had a nasty toothache!
My husband very making sure 'the male voice' has been accurate enough in these chapters.
Michelle, Maeve, Emily, Michael, Chelsea, Anni, Deb, mandy, guineverekay, ErinCamille, Reonyea, Heidi, DaydreamBear, and ttfn for comments, emails, and/or a Fic Rec on Y! I hope no one minds, but I'm churning the chapters faster than I can keep up with the guestbook, but it's all that feedback that's making me write much faster, so don't stop ! LOL
Next Chapter: The plot thickens Posting: Wednesay night 9/13
Maggs