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This story is un-beta'd. All mistakes are mine.
Chapter 13
Talia
"You've got five minutes," Emily, the guard spat, as she unlocked my cell door. I'd been begging to make a call for the past two days but some of the other male security guards wanted me to do them a favor. Ain't that some shit. I'm locked up for the very thing they wanted me to do for them.
She cuffed my hands before she allowed me to exit the place that had been my new home for a few months now. "Let's go, Campbell," she yanked me forward, slamming the door making me jump.
Emily had to be six feet tall, with black hair that stayed in a tight bun. She had beautiful skin, without makeup. She could be a bit rough, but she was one of the few that seemed to treat me like a person in this horrible place.
As we strolled down the dreary, beige block, where my neighbors were being held, the normal nasty remarks were yelled out. But Emily seemed to always have this cold, blank expression on her face, as if she was unfazed by anything. I guess working in a place like this you'd have to be.
Every day was a fuckin nightmare that I hoped to wake up from but I never did. Wearing this ugly orange jumpsuit reminded me that I was stuck here and had no way out.
During my arraignment Judge Turner didn't blink when he denied me bail because that wasn't my first time in his courtroom. He told me the next time he wouldn't be as lenient, and the old bastard kept his word. I had to sit it out until my trial date that was two months away.
Emily nodded at the short, fat, bald security guard, who looked me up and down like I was his next meal before he unlocked the door.
"Thanks," Emily exhaled, shook her head and rolled her eyes.
If she only knew what a slimy asshole he was.
"Make it quick, Campbell," She barked as we entered the room and she uncuffed me.
"Okay." I rushed to the phone in the corner to try and have some type of privacy since she was still in the room.
I quickly dialed the only number I thought would help me out of this mess. The phone rang three times before she picked up. "Hello?"
"Dani!" I yelled, gripping the phone.
"Hey!" Emily's stern tone made me turn and look at her.
"Sorry," I shrugged.
"Talia?" Dani questioned.
"Yeah, it's me."
"This isn't your regular number. Where are you calling from?"
"Hotel California." I deadpanned.
"Jail?" Her tone rose. "Why are you there?"
"Well, that scumbag Smith left me here."
"What do you mean left you there?" Her tone was clipped.
"That no good motherfucker," my face twisted with disgust. "He left me here to rot. I'd been calling him for weeks before he even picked up the damn phone. When he finally did, he told me not to call him anymore. I swear to God I've never hated someone as much as I hate that man. He's a heartless sonofabitch and as soon as I get out, I'm going to make sure he pays for what he's done to me." I hissed.
"Wait a minute, hold on. Start from the beginning and tell me everything that happened." Dani requested.
"I can't." I ran my finger through my greasy hair. "I'm sure the guard will be telling me to hang up in the next few seconds."
"Okay, so what can you tell me?" Dani sounded desperate.
"A raid took place at that motel. Some of us went to jail and stayed and some didn't. I need your help. My court date is set two months from now. I can't stay here that long without getting hurt by one of these guards." I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Please get me out of here as soon as possible. I won't survive much longer in this place." I pleaded.
"O-okay, I'll do everything I can. I'm so, so sorry for this. If I hadn't asked you to go for me, you wouldn't be in this mess. Sweetie, I don't know what else to say but I'm so sorry." She rambled.
I never blamed Dani for what happened. It could've been her wearing orange instead of me.
"You have nothing to be sorry for. Maybe if Aaron was half the man he claims to be, I wouldn't still be in this hell hole." I seethed.
"Campbell!" Emily yelled from across the room, making my hands tremble.
"I've gotta go. Please do whatever you can." I begged before hanging up the phone.
Daniella (Dani)
Shit, shit, shit.
I paced back and forth.
I felt bad. If I hadn't been sick, I wouldn't've asked Talia to go in the first place. It would have been better if it was me. She's new to this. I know people she doesn't know. I have too much dirt on people for them to allow something like that to happen to me. I could mess up the perfect little worlds they've built.
I massaged my temples trying to think of what to do first.
Aaron!
I went through the contacts in my phone and clicked on his name. By the fourth ring I knew the fucker wasn't going to pick up. I never had to leave messages before because he always answered my calls. I tried to get him a few more times before I threw the phone down on the couch and headed to my bedroom.
Raid? Why the hell hadn't Aaron told me about this? I guess this is why he hasn't reached out to me lately.
I thought maybe since he'd gotten married to Bella, he had a change of heart. Who the hell am I trying to fool, he doesn't have one of those.
The only reason I've dealt with him this long is because of the good pay. The overbearing asshole pays better than some politicians. But I would too if I had the secrets he had.
When I saw their wedding announcement in the newspaper, I thought she was too good for him. Aaron only looks the part but once you get to really know him… yeah, looks can be deceiving as hell.
I walked into my closet scanning what I would wear as I mentally prepared for my next move.
Talia was in this mess because of me and there was no way in hell I was going to let her sit in there for another two months.
TWP
My four-inch heels clacked against the marble floors as I stepped with purpose toward the brunette sitting at the desk.
I dressed the part as most of these fake ass people do at their day jobs. I wore my black Ralph Lauren Tuxedo jacket with the matching pencil skirt. My hair was pulled up into a loose bun on the top of my head with my fiery red lipstick to match my blouse.
"Excuse me," the too-skinny brunette looked me up and down. "Can I help you, miss?"
I ignored that because she's irrelevant. "Yes, I need to see Aaron Smith, now."
"Is he expecting you?" Her smile was tight.
I lied. "Yes."
"Really?" She arched her eyebrow. "Why? What type of business would he have with you? What is your name?" She crossed her arms across her chest.
I looked down at her nameplate sitting on her desk. "Angela is it?" I stepped closer to her desk. "I'm here to see Aaron. Who I am and what my business is with him is not your business? Do your little low-paying receptionist job and fetch him for me." I waved dismissively.
"Low-paying, fetch–excuse you?" She stumbled out.
This little low-budget wanna be was not ready for me.
"Did I stutter? You're sitting behind this desk judging me the moment you saw me walk in and my suit cost more than a month's worth of your paychecks. Now be a dear and let him know that Ms. Medina is here to see him." My laugh had an edge to it. "He'll know exactly why I'm here."
"Ma'am," she looked me up and down. "I'm positive Mr. Smith doesn't have any business with you. I'll let him know you stopped by." She smirked, dismissing me, looking down at her computer screen.
I wanted to smack the cheap, pasty makeup off her face but opted not to. The first thing she'd do is call the police, then I'd have to call in a favor. I needed to reserve all the favors I had for Talia. I had no idea what I would be faced with trying to get her out.
"Angela!" Anger stirred in me as I raised my voice. "If you don't get your ass out of that seat and go get Aaron, I will open every door on this floor until I find him. I am not going to stand here and play these little petty games with you little girl." I said with balled fists at my sides.
Three doors immediately flew open and three older gentlemen stepped out with concern written across their faces. The one with the dirty blonde hair started down the hall before the other two.
As Dirty Blonde approached me there was a certain arrogant, intimidating air about him. That is if you are intimidated easily. Men like him never scared me.
"Excuse me, miss," he cleared his throat, briefly looking at Angela. "What seems to be the problem?" The other two men Distinguished, and Silver Fox flanked Blondie.
I puffed out my chest with pride. "I have business with Aaron Smith."
"What kind of business?" Distinguished asked.
"It's personal." I replied.
"Well, if it's personal, why come into his place of work, yelling no less?" Silver Fox replied.
He'd made a good point. I hadn't thought my plan out completely. I panicked and only thought of Talia.
"Miss…" Blondie trailed off waiting for me to give my name.
"Dani," I offered.
"Dani, do you have a last name?" Distinguished probed.
"It's just Dani for now." I somewhat acquiesced. I was quite ready to disclose my full identity yet. I had to see what they were willing to do for me or should I say Talia.
"Okay, Dani," Silver Fox stepped forward. "Since you've interrupted this entire office, tell us what business you have with Aaron. We're his managers and if this is an urgent matter, we definitely need to be made aware of it." He smiled lopsided.
Damn I wanted to lick Silver's chiseled jawline. He was laying the charm on me with that dazzling smile and those perfect white teeth. I'm sure he was a heartbreaker in his younger days.
Focus Dani. You're not here for that.
I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I'd prefer to speak directly to Aaron."
"Aww, come on now," Blondie squinted his dark blue eyes. "Don't get all shy on us now."
"Miss Dani," Distinguished gestured with his hand. "Please join us in the conference room so we can discuss this."
This wasn't exactly how I saw things playing out, but something told me to talk to these men anyway.
"All right," I nodded.
"Angela?" Distinguished hissed. "Hold all calls and visitors. Do not interrupt us."
"Yes, sir," her cheeks were on fire.
"Alright, Dani, follow me." Distinguished led the way, as we all followed him down the brightly lit hallway.
As I continued walking, that is when I noticed how beautiful the office really was. There was luxury art on the walls that accented the gray and white marble floor beautifully. The ceiling to floor windows gave the office the perfect natural lighting.
We eventually passed a door that had Aaron's name on it. I spoke up just as we passed it. "If that was Aaron's office, how come we didn't go in?"
Why did it seem like these men were doing their best not to let me speak with him?
"We'll explain once we get where we're going." Blondie said.
I simply nodded, knowing he couldn't see me since he was walking ahead of me.
Distinguished finally stopped at the end of the corridor, in front of two large wooden doors. He stepped inside and we followed.
This room had the same ceiling to floor windows as the rest of the building with an expensive customized wood table and chairs.
"Have a seat, please." Silver Fox said.
I went for the chair in the middle, sitting up straight with one leg crossed over the other.
The three of them sat on the opposite side as me, next to each other.
"All right," Blondie folded his finger in front of him, leaning forward. "We're going to try this again. Who are you and what business do you have with Aaron?"
I laughed without humor. "Why should I give you my full name when I don't know yours?"
"Our names are on the outside of the building," Blondie cocked his head. "Now what's yours?"
The Distinguished one cleared his throat. "James, let me handle this. I'm Myles, this is Carlisle," he pointed to Silver Fox. "And you just heard me say his name, James." He pointed to Blondie.
Myles and Carlisle seemed to be more diplomatic while James was rude and offensive.
"My name is Daniella Medina. I need to speak with Aaron as soon as possible. This is an urgent matter."
I was hoping one of them would get up and go bring Aaron in here so we could finally talk.
"I'm sorry but he isn't available right now." Carlisle looked apologetic. "Can we help you with something? Do you work at one of the companies he represents?"
I thought about lying but that wouldn't help anything. So, I went with some truth. "No, I do not. Aaron is my client." I looked them directly in their eyes.
"Client?" James cocked his head. "What kind of client?"
They all looked at me curiously.
"Just as you gentlemen practice client confidentiality, I do the same." I smiled.
"Oh," Myles' pitch raised. "I see."
Carlisle's eyebrows flew to his hairline. "Are you saying what we think you're saying, Miss Medina?"
"I have no idea what you're saying because you haven't said anything, and neither will I. But we're all adults here, right?" My grin was wide.
I'd been in the business for years because I kept my mouth closed and my clients paid me enough to keep it closed.
The way Aaron did Talia, that was a totally different story. So, it depends on what they offer me if I give them any information. If they were offering to help Talia out of the mess he put her in then all bets were off.
Myles shook his head. "Wait a minute, so let me get this straight, Miss Medina. You're saying Aaron pays you?"
"I'm not confirming or denying." I shrugged.
If they thought I was going to give up information that easily they're crazy as hell.
"How long has he been your client?" James demanded.
I tsked. "Now gentlemen, you know that's not how this works. You give a little and I'll give a little."
Carlisle ran his fingers through his hair. "Okay, Miss Medina, what do you need Aaron to do for you?"
"It's about time somebody finally asked the right question." I smirked. "He needs to help my friend get out of jail where he left her."
The men had an expression of confusion on their faces.
"I'm sorry if I'm being a little slow but why would your friend be in jail because of Aaron?" Myles asked.
From my understanding Aaron had been working for this firm for a while now. It was one of the main things the jerk bragged about. But it appeared he hid his personal life from them well. If they only knew how shady and low-down he was.
"I can't give you much because I spoke with her briefly before she had to hang up."
"Can you tell us who she is?" James inquired.
"Talia Campbell." I replied.
James' face drained of color. "Wh–what did you say her name was?"
"Talia. Campbell." I said slowly, as if he didn't understand me the first time.
"Do you know her?" Myles asked.
"Um, no. Thea called me and told me that she'd be someone of interest to speak with." James answered.
"Who is Thea?" I was curious who she was and how she knew about Talia.
"Who she is doesn't concern you." James barked out.
I'd make sure to ask my connections who this person was. But I needed to get her full name first.
"How come we're just hearing about this now, James?" Carlisle arched a brow.
"I was planning on telling you all about it after I spoke with her." James shot back.
"Gentlemen, please." Myles interrupted. "For Thea to call means she knows something that she feels we need to know. Shit." He pressed his fingers against his forehead.
"Calm down Myles, we'll get to the bottom of all of this." Carlisle interjected.
"Damn right we will." James banged his fist on the table. "Myles, how in the hell did we miss this in his background check? Fuck! Whoever is responsible for not doing a thorough job is fuckin fired, immediately. He spat.
"You're right but now isn't the time for that." Carlisle started. "Miss Medina we need to speak with Talia as soon as possible."
They could get what they wanted only if I got what I wanted.
"The only way I'll let her tell you anything is you get her out first." I countered.
"How in the hell do you expect us to do that?" James sneered.
I was sick of him and his condescending attitude.
"I don't give of fuck about how you do it, just do it!" I yelled. "You goddamn lawyers that know all kinds of shit about people. Pull whatever strings you have to, to get my friend out of that fuckn place that no good motherfucker left her in." I leaned in looking each one of them in the eyes. "You get her out in the next forty-eight hours and we'll both tell you whatever you want to know about Aaron Smith."
The more I thought about what Aaron did or didn't do for Talia the angrier I got. I'd be willing to tell them every dirty little secret of his.
"Can we get that in writing?" James asked, standing up.
"I'll sigh whatever you want me to. Just help Talia."
"James and Myles," Carlisle blurted out. "This conversation does not leave this room. Edward or the other associates don't need to know about this." He focused on me. "Miss Medina, can we trust you to stay quiet about this or do we need you to sign a NDA?"
"Hold on Carlisle," Myles interjected. "Edward is a senior partner and more importantly he's your son. Doesn't he have a right to know about this?"
"No. Trust me, Myles, it's better this way." Carlisle said with certainty.
I laughed without humor. "Oh gentlemen, the things I could tell about the politicians you've voted into office and the so-called prestigious men and women that run these huge corporations. Honey, please," I waved a dismissive hand. "If it makes you feel better, I'll sign it. But you have to get Talia out first."
"Consider it done." Carlisle said with finality.
A/N: This chapter unpacked a little more insight… what are your thoughts?
RECS
Who's Afraid of Little Old Me, by iambeagle WIP
La Bellissima, by StarryBlueEyes WIP
No Measure of Time, by Anyagal WIP
The Water Bowl, by PlanetBlue WIP