Love Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy Read online

  "Oh my god. Jeni, I think we have the evidence we need to help put them where they belong."

  "I know, and we have recorded evidence as well. I can't believe Rachelle is in on it. Matthew, yes, I believe that. But Rachelle? She had me fooled."

  The doors open to the main reception area, and we walk briskly to the parking garage where Mike is waiting.

  "Mike, Mike," I yell as we both run toward him. He quickly exits the car and walks toward us. I stop at his side. I puff, out of breath, feeling lightheaded and dizzy. Mike holds on to me as I stumble in front of him.

  "Miss Taylor. Are you okay?" Mike asks, putting his hand on my back to steady me.

  I gather my breath and press play on my phone. He watches the conversation closely between Matthew and Rachelle. First there is a look of shock on his face then he smiles brightly.

  "Quick, get in the car, both of you. The first thing we need to do is take this recording to Jenson."

  ***

  We arrive at Jenson's office, park, and enter the building. I explain to Jenson how we overheard the conversation and recorded it. He watches the recording carefully.

  "This is a very serious matter, especially since Alistair's life has been threatened. Unfortunately, unless you have the permission from the recorded parties, this recording is not admissible in a court of law. However, there is enough here for me to delve further into the matter, especially considering there are two people who witnessed this conversation. I'll play this recording to the police and the Director of Public Prosecutions. This will help the police obtain search warrants and the Director of Public Prosecutions can, if he feels the evidence is compelling, prepare a motion to quash the conviction. We're still within fourteen days of the guilty verdict and sentencing so the defendant can move for a judgment of acquittal.

  There may be more evidence that we haven't found. Matthew admitted to Rachelle how he set up the Swiss bank account, so I should be able to trace this back by seizing computers and checking though phone records. This is something we were not able to do before the trial, because there was no evidence linking their involvement. Now, we know who, and placing them at the scene will help authenticate how they managed carry out the embezzlement. If you don't mind, may I please retain your cell phone? I want to take this to the police and Director of Public Prosecutions today and get started by lodging the motion and filing The Memorandum of Points and Authorities form which is a declaration of facts with the court, so we can start to clear Aiden's name."

  "Yes, please take it. Let me know if you need anything else from me."

  "Jeni, you and Brielle may or may not be called before the judge and the Director of Public Prosecutions to explain what you overheard. I'll be able to help you both with what you can and cannot say."

  "We will do whatever you need to help clear Aiden's name," I say, and Brielle nods in agreement.

  "Good. All right, leave it with me. I'll call you as soon as I know more."

  We leave Jenson's office. Mike leads us back to the car.

  "Right, first I'll drive Brielle back to the office, and then we're going to get you something to eat. I know you must be hungry. What do you feel like?"

  "Whatever, I'll eat anything," I get into the car. "Can I borrow your phone, Mike?"

  "Sure." He hands me the phone and I dial Sarah and then Callie.

  Mike pulls up at O'Connell Finance and ushers Brielle out of the car then pulls back into the traffic. He enters a drive-thru and orders something while I'm still on the phone with Callie. We drive back to the apartment, and Mike comes up with me. We walk into the living room with two large bags of food and some super-sized colas; Mike places them on the dining table and takes a seat.

  "Now eat," he says sternly.

  I take out the food from the bags. It's a feast; I look at Mike and smile.

  "Thought you might be hungry."

  I eat so quickly that I don't even realize Mike is watching me; he has a beaming smile from ear to ear.

  "You look happy."

  "I am. One, you're talking, and two, you're eating. It's a pretty good outcome all 'round."

  "Thanks, Mike, for everything," I say, suddenly feeling very full for the first time since I can remember. However, all that food is sitting badly in my stomach. I probably shouldn't have eaten so fast and so much.

  "Anytime, Miss Taylor, and if you need me at all throughout the night, please call.

  "Of course, thanks, Mike, and thanks for the food."

  He puts the rubbish in the trash, gives me a hug, walks to the elevator then turns towards me. "Good job, Miss Taylor," he says then steps into the elevator.

  I feel better, better than I have in days. I place a movie into the DVD player then make my way to the sofa and spend the rest of the day relaxing.

  ***

  The room shifts to darkness as Aiden rolls over on his tattered mattress, shivering uncontrollably. I watch him through the bars as a single tear rolls down my cheek. A glimmer of something dark stands in the background while he tries to sleep. His eyes are closed as the figure floats toward him; dark, endless, black nothingness fills the room. Aiden opens his eyes. He rolls over to see the blackness drifting toward him; he sits up on the bed, his back to the wall. His face is full of fear then the darkness surges, lifting him from the mattress by the neck, strangling him. Suddenly a ray of light shines in from a hidden window, disabling the darkness, turning it to a pure beam of white light. A harmonious glow engulfs the room as the darkness is submerged into nothingness. The light gently lifts Aiden, laying him back down on his bed. A smile crosses his face when I reach out to him. His hand touches mine, and the feelings of hope and love flood the room. He rests his head down, his hand in mine, and he closes his eyes as calm washes over him. He finally feels free.

  I cuddle into Mr. Snuggles. The nightmare has changed, and it's not so frightening anymore. Sitting up in our bed, I push off and make my way to the en-suite to fix my hair and brush my teeth. I walk to the closet and choose a nice, flowing pink dress; I slip it over my head and smooth it down my hips.

  A few weeks have passed, and Jenson's been keeping me updated with all the latest information. Once the hearing is over, and if it goes in Aiden's favor, the judge will file a motion for an after jury verdict or discharge. The judge will then set aside the verdict and enter an acquittal. Jenson has found a lot of discrepancies and feels that with the Director of Public Prosecution's help the hearing will go in Aiden's favor. He's educated me on what to say in the judge's chamber today when I'm called. I feel ready to help free Aiden, although I'm very nervous.

  I enter the light-filled kitchen and put on some toast and coffee. I move to the sofa to eat my breakfast while watching TV. I hear the chime of the elevator as Sarah and Chris walk in.

  "Hey, Jeni, Mike was in the parking garage and swiped us in," Chris says.

  "You look radiant today, Jen Pen," Sarah says, using her usual nickname for me.

  "I feel radiant." I swirl around, making my dress balloon out as I turn.

  "This is a good change, so glad to see you happy again." Chris grins at me as he puts his arm around Sarah.

  I put on my low black heels and walk to the elevator, taking it to the parking garage, where Mike is waiting for us. He has a smile on his face, which brightens when he sees me.

  "Wow. Miss Taylor, you look much better today."

  "Thanks, Mike. Thanks for everything." I get into the car, and he shuts the door.

  ***

  We arrive at the judge's chamber and make our way to the front where Aiden's support crew is waiting.

  "I'm so grateful that you overheard them talking. We owe you a great deal," Callie says kindly.

  "I'm happy that Matthew and Rachelle might finally get what's coming to them. I'm really glad that Brielle was there too. I just hope I can say everything right in the front of the judge today. I'm a little nervous because I've been told that it's highly unusual for the judge to speak with witnesses when making a deci
sion regarding a motion to acquit. The Director of Public Prosecutions has requested our presence in front of the judge today."

  "My dear, I have every faith in you," Callie says.

  Aiden's support crew, including Brielle, sit outside the judge's chamber. I'm ushered in with Jenson, as I am the first to talk with the judge.

  Firstly, I'm introduced to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Jackson who brought this matter to the judge's attention, and why the matter is being heard as a matter of priority in the judge's chamber today. He's been instrumental in ensuring that the matter has been dealt with quickly and efficiently, especially seeing as an innocent man is currently incarcerated and the guilty perpetrators are still at large.

  "Mr. Munroe, can you please give me a brief rundown regarding the incident at O'Connell Finance, where it's alleged that two people were overheard admitting their guilt to the crime that the defendant was incarcerated for?"

  "Yes, Your Honor. I put before you a cellular telephone. Recorded on said phone is a video discussion held between two people, namely a Mr. Matthew Jones, who testified against my client during his trial, and Miss Rachelle Sanderson, overheard by Miss Jenifer Taylor and Miss Brielle O'Connell. The recording has been verified by police forensic investigators as original and accurate. The cell phone and recording have been with the police since I lodged it after the incident.

  "Miss Taylor, were you witness to a discussion that took place in the offices of O'Connell Finance, whereby Mr. Jones and Miss Sanderson were plotting against my client, Aiden O'Connell?"

  "Yes, I overheard them discussing both Aiden and Alistair O'Connell."

  "Miss Taylor, please tell the judge what happened on that day and what you overheard."

  "I went to O'Connell Finance as instructed by Alistair O'Connell to clean out Aiden's personnel effects. I moved out of the office to go to the bathroom. Brielle met me in the bathroom, and when we were walking back toward Aiden's office, we overheard a heated argument coming from the office of Mr. Jones. They were saying how easy it had been to set Aiden up. They talked about the Swiss bank account and how they created it using his computer and cell phone. They also talked about how they planted the original transfer receipt and with-compliments slip that they had used in his office. I also heard them threaten Alistair O'Connell's life."

  "So, to be clear, the conversation, clearly stated by Mr. Jones and Miss Sanderson, was that they were plotting against my client and also hinted toward murdering my client's father, the owner of the corporation from which they had been embezzling the money."

  "Yes."

  The judge then asks for Miss O'Connell to be brought into his chamber. She enters the chambers and takes her seat. The same questions are asked of her.

  The proceedings continue, with a discussion by an expert in police forensic voice recognition who the judge asked to be present.

  The judge states, "What has been presented here today is compelling and matches the pleading paper motion that was presented to me by Mr. Jackson the Director of Public Prosecutions. Please play the cellular telephone recording for me."

  The judge's face hardens while he watches and listens. It stops playing; and the judge rubs his chin. "In light of what has been presented before me today, I am issuing a warrant for the arrests of Mr. Matthew Jones and Miss Rachelle Sanderson, who, when in custody, will be charged with the embezzlement of funds from O'Connell Finance Incorporated.

  "Mr. Jackson, based on the information you and Mr. Munroe have brought before me, do you support the quashing of the conviction, or would you like me to order a retrial?" the judge asks.

  "Yes, I fully support the motion to quash the conviction based on the presented motion and information, a retrial is not required, Your Honor," Mr. Jackson says.

  "Do you also support that the accused sentence be set aside in the interests of justice?"

  "Yes, I support the sentence be set aside and Mr. O'Connell be released immediately, innocent of all charges."

  "I find Mr. Aiden O'Connell's original ruling of Guilty be adjusted to Not Guilty, and he will be released as soon as the paperwork is filed and finalized. Mr. O'Connell has a right to seek monetary retribution through the court system should he wish to do so. No further charges are to be recorded against Mr. O'Connell regarding this case. Thank you Mr. Jackson and Mr. Munroe."

  We leave the judge's chamber, and squeal with excitement. I'm filled with joy. He's coming home, he's finally coming home. A tear falls down my cheek when I see Aiden's support crew. They all smile and hug each other, once they realize that Aiden is to be set free. We leave the court house, and once outside, Jensen explains that it'll take a few days before Aiden can be released from the penitentiary, but he's sure the paperwork will be expedited and that he'll personally ensure that everything goes smoothly. We thank him for everything he's done to ensure Aiden's wrongful imprisonment is righted. I breathe a huge sigh of relief knowing that I'll be seeing him again very soon.

  * * *

  The day has finally come when Aiden is to be released from the penitentiary. His family, Chris, Sarah and I are all waiting at the gate for him to be released. Finally the door swings open and Aiden turns to look at me, and a shock of electricity slides down my spine, making me shiver. That look in his bright, intense blue eyes is back; he winks, making me blush. I can't help it; I run to meet him, stopping right in front of him. His eyes meet mine, and suddenly he lifts me and swirls me around. I squeal, and we laugh. The sound of his happiness is like sweet music to my ears while he holds me so tightly. He sets me down gently, and his hand makes its way to my cheek. He pulls me close to him and kisses me desperately. I melt into him as we kiss passionately, ignoring our surroundings. The whole world drifts away while we get lost in each other's arms. Finally, the world has returned to normal. Elation and hope flood through me as we embrace after so long apart.

  "Uh-hum." Someone clears their throat, jolting us back to reality. Our lips part.

  "Congratulations!" Blair yells out.

  "Thank you," Aiden says as he continues to hold me close, and I cuddle into his chest.

  "Thank Jeni. She was instrumental in getting the recording, big bro," Blair announces.

  He holds me tighter and kisses me atop my head. "Thank you, baby."

  "Yeah, right now it's time to par-tay." Blair sings while he does a little dance.

  We all laugh. Benjamin stops him dancing, frowning at his behavior. Blair returns Benjamin's frown then shakes his head and rolls his eyes at his boyfriend.

  Aiden nuzzles my hair. "I love you."

  I turn my face up to his. "I love you too."

  Alistair walks up and puts his hand out for Aiden to shake. I look up at him to gauge his reaction.

  "I'm sorry I didn't believe you, son."

  He takes his father's hand and shakes it. "Father, I really wish you had more trust and faith in me. It hurts me to think that you believed a co-worker over your own flesh and blood. I can forgive but I'll never forget."

  Although it's all said civilly, I can see he's still very upset with his father. I'm quite sure he'll hold onto his father's reaction and treatment for some time. I think Alistair is going to have to work for his son's forgiveness.

  We all walk out to the curb, where everyone takes turns hugging Aiden.

  Chris slaps him on the back in his usual manner. "I never thought you were guilty, bud. Not for one minute."

  "Thanks, I appreciate it and everything you did for Jeni." They go in for a man hug, slapping each other on their backs while they embrace.

  Mike looks at Aiden with a tear in his eye. He steps forward and gives him a tight hug, "Don't scare me like that again, you hear me." He wipes a tear from his cheek.

  "Mike has been taking very good care of me while you've been ... umm ... away."

  He looks at me and winces. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, baby. Thank you, Mike. You don't know how much that means to me."

  I take my seat next to Aiden in the car; S
arah and Chris said we should have some time alone so they left to catch a cab. I can't control myself. When the door closes, I lunge into his lap and surprise him by kissing him passionately. He wraps his arms around my waist as my hands mess through his hair. I hear the car start, and we move out into the traffic. We make our way to his parents' mansion to celebrate; I know we don't have a lot of time alone together however, we make the most of what time we do have. I don't even care if Mike sees. All I want is the taste of his lips against mine. His arms hold me tight to him as our tongues explore each other's mouths. I need him, and he needs me. We don't let go of each other, leaving no room between us holding each other closely, afraid to let go in case it's all a dream.

  I feel the car pull up and turn off, indicating we've arrived. Slowly, we separate and rest our foreheads together, our breaths slowing.

  "I've really missed you, Jeni, more than you'll ever know. I'm so in love with you. What I need more than anything right now is to be inside you, but I know we have to celebrate with family and friends first."

  "I missed you too and love you so much. Every day was torture being away from you. I'm looking forward to being at our home, alone, so I can show you just how much I'm in love with you."

  Mike opens the car door. I'm still sitting in his lap. Mike smiles and stands aside. Aiden kisses me one last time, slowly and softly, before placing me on the seat and getting out of the car. He holds his hand out for me to take as I exit right behind him.

  "Mr. O'Connell, you ah ... have lipstick on your mouth." Mike looks away, smiling.

  Aiden chuckles. I move close to him and wipe it off with my thumb.

  The vehicles arrive, and we congregate on the steps of the mansion. Callie unlocks the door and proceeds inside. We all follow and make our way to the living room. Nana brings drinks and cheese and crackers. The night is cheery, and we celebrate Aiden being back with us. As the alcohol flows, everyone relaxes, and we enjoy each other's company. Even Alistair looks as though he's having a good time. I'm glad that Alistair seems happy; perhaps this has been good for him. Maybe he'll change after this experience, especially his attitude toward his son.