Love Me (The Trust Me Series Book 2) Read online

  My eyes widen with shock.

  Now he’s planning to kill Niall?

  Holy fuck!

  I stop the recording, look at Brielle, and signal with my eyes to the elevator. She nods as we both carefully slide away from the wall and walk steadily and quietly to the elevator. I press the button frantically, hoping like hell they don’t come out and see us. As soon as the doors open, we don’t hesitate to get in where I press the close-door button repeatedly, not that it actually does any good. Eventually, the doors close, and I breathe a sigh of relief as my heart pummels so hard I feel like it might burst out of my damn chest. I look over to Brielle who is also trying to steady herself.

  “Oh my God, Jeni… I think we have the evidence we need to help put them where they belong.”

  I nod, and a large smile forms for the first time in weeks. “I know, and we have recorded evidence as well. I can’t believe Rachelle’s in on it. Matthew, yes, I believe that. But Rachelle? She most definitely had me fooled.”

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

  “Mike. Mike,” I yell as we both run toward him.

  He quickly exits the car and walks toward us. “Miss Taylor. Are you okay?”

  “We need to get in the car, I have to show you something but not out here where anyone can hear.”

  Mike opens the door and we both slide in, then he runs around to the driver’s side. Upon closing his door, I gather my breath and press play on my phone. I study Mike as he watches and listens to the conversation closely between Matthew and Rachelle.

  First, his eyes widen in shock, then he grins. “The first thing we need to do is take this recording to Jenson.”

  He has the car started and in reverse before I can put my phone down. The drive to Jenson’s office is just as fast.

  With our adrenaline pushing us, we enter the building where he’s luckily available. Once inside his office, I explain to Jenson how Brielle and I overheard the conversation and how we managed to record a video of the entire incident.

  “This is a very serious matter, especially since Niall’s life has been threatened. Unfortunately, unless you have permission from the recorded parties, this recording isn’t admissible in a court of law. However, there’s enough here for me to delve further into the matter, especially considering there are two people who witnessed this conversation. I’ll play this to the police and the District Attorney’s Office. They might call you both in for discussions.”

  We both nod eagerly and continue listening.

  “This will help the police obtain search warrants, and the District Attorney 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.”

  My heart leaps into my throat, excitement bubbling under the surface.

  “There may be more evidence 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 through phone records. This is something we weren’t 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 to carry out the embezzlement. If you don’t mind, may I retain your phone? I want to take this to the police and District Attorney immediately and get started by lodging the motions, so we can clear Aiden’s name.”

  I have no idea what he wants to do, but if having the recording on my phone helps bring Aiden back to me, he can keep the damn thing. “Yes, take it. Let me know if you need anything else from me.”

  “Jeni, you and Brielle may or may not be called to explain what you overheard. I’ll be able to help you both with what you can and cannot say.”

  I nod emphatically. “I’ll do whatever you need to help,” I tell him as Brielle nods in agreement.

  “Good. All right, leave it with me. I’ll get in touch as soon as I know more. Please be aware that you should not discuss this with anyone, as it is new evidence. Nothing should get back to Matthew and Rachelle.”

  Finally, I feel good. It’s not the clear path home that we need, but at least it’s an opening to one, and that’s good enough for me. We still have hurdles to jump, probably a lot of them, but getting Aiden back seems a little closer now. The idea that there’s a bright light down this crazy damn tunnel is giving me hope—an expectation that Aiden will be back with me soon.

  We leave Jenson’s office, and Mike leads us 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?”

  For the first time in days, I genuinely smile. A feeling of hope engulfs me, and my stomach rumbles. I haven’t felt hungry in days. Now, with a little bit of good news, my appetite might just be making an appearance. “Whatever! Honestly, I’ll eat anything.” Feeling great, I get into the car. “Can I borrow your phone, Mike?”

  He nods and hands it to me. First, I dial Sarah to tell her the good news, and then I call Callie. I know Jenson told me to keep it quiet, but Sarah and Callie aren’t going to say anything. They deserve to know.

  Mike pulls up at O’Connell Finance not long later, ushers Brielle out of the car, then pulls us back into the traffic. I’m grateful for Mike, but we really should have spent some more time with Bree to discuss things. Today’s a big day, and we should be celebrating it with the people who love Aiden. But I know Mike is only doing what Aiden would want him to, and that’s taking care of me.

  Mike enters a drive-thru and orders something while I’m still on the phone with Callie.

  When we get back to the apartment, Mike joins me. Entering the living room with two large bags of food and some super-sized Cokes, he places them on the table and takes a seat.

  “Now eat,” he instructs sternly.

  I smile, taking the food out from the bags. It’s a feast. I raise my brow in question because I can’t believe he ordered so much.

  “Thought you might be hungry,” he answers my unasked question.

  “You look happy,” I murmur through a mouthful of food.

  “I am. It’s a pretty good outcome all ‘round.”

  “Thanks, Mike… for everything.” Suddenly I feel full, but all that food’s now sitting badly in my stomach. I probably shouldn’t have eaten so fast and so damn much.

  “Anytime, Miss Taylor, and if you need me at all throughout the night, please use Aiden’s phone to call.”

  “Of course. Thanks, Mike.”

  He places the rubbish in the trash, hugs me, then walks to the elevator. He turns toward me with a smile. “Good job, Miss Taylor,” he states, then steps into the elevator.

  I feel better, better than I have in days. A small glimmer of light shines in this dark and painful black tunnel I’ve been in.

  I flick on the television and turn it to Netflix to watch a movie, then spend the rest of the day relaxing on the sofa with a faint hint of a smile on my face.

  A few weeks have passed since Brielle and I overheard Matthew and Rachelle, 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 then set aside the verdict, fingers crossed. There’s a lot of legal stuff involved to get to this stage which I don’t understand, but I am leaving that all to Jenson who’s found discrepancies and feels that the hearing will go in Aiden’s favor. He’s educated me on what to say in the judge’s chambers today when I’m called. I am ready to help free Aiden, although I can’t help the nerves flowing through my entire body—I guess that’s to be expected.

  Shards of light stream in from the window, illuminating everything in their path as I enter the kitchen. Dust particles dance and make everything glisten while I make some toast and coffee. Moving to the sofa to eat my breakfast while watching television, I hea
r the chime of the elevator, and Sarah and Chris stroll in.

  “Hey, Jeni. Mike was in the parking garage and let us in,” Chris informs me.

  Sarah looks me over, and grins. “You look radiant today, Jen.”

  “I feel radiant.” Standing, I swirl around, making my dress balloon out as I spin.

  “This is a good change, so glad to see you happy again.” Chris smiles at me as he wraps his arm around Sarah.

  I put on my low black heels, and we make our way to the parking garage where Mike’s waiting for us. He has a smile on his face, which only brightens when he sees me. “Wow. Miss Taylor, you’re looking fantastic today.”

  “Thanks, Mike. Thanks for everything.” I slide into the car, and he shuts the door behind me.

  The drive takes a little while, and my leg agitates, but I know it won’t be long and everything will be over.

  We arrive at the judge’s chambers and make our way to where Aiden’s support crew is already waiting.

  Callie reaches out, taking my hand in hers. “I’m so grateful you overheard them talking. We owe you a great debt,” she states kindly.

  “I’m happy that Matthew and Rachelle were stupid enough to voice it so easy for us to overhear. Matthew loves to boast about himself, and that’s what’s gotten him here. Now, they may finally get what’s coming to them. I’m really glad Brielle was there, too. I just hope I say everything right in front of the judge today...” I exhale. “I’m a little nervous… I’ve been told that it’s highly unusual for the judge to speak with witnesses when considering a decision regarding a motion to acquit. The District Attorney has requested our presence, so I just have to hope we do okay with him.”

  Callie tightens her hand in mine. “My dear, I have every faith in you.” Her thumb strokes over the back of my hand to comfort me.

  Aiden’s support crew, including Brielle, sit outside the judge’s chambers. My stomach flips and does somersaults as I’m ushered in with Jenson. I’m the first to talk with the judge, and that, in itself, has me on edge.

  Firstly, I’m introduced to the District Attorney, Mr. Jackson, who brought this matter to the judge’s attention, and why it’s being heard as a priority in the judge’s chambers today. He’s been instrumental in ensuring that it’s been dealt with quickly and efficiently, especially seeing as an innocent man is currently incarcerated, and the guilty assholes are still at large.

  “Mr. Monroe, 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 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 phone and recording have been with the police since I lodged it after the incident.”

  My stomach swirls in apprehension as I fiddle my thumbs together nervously.

  “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 Niall O’Connell.”

  “Miss Taylor, please tell the judge what happened on that day and what you overheard.” Jenson nods at me encouragingly.

  My stomach churns as my mouth goes dry and my chest squeezes. Fuck! I don’t want to mess this up.

  “I went to O’Connell Finance as instructed by Niall O’Connell to clean out Aiden’s personal effects. I moved out of the office to go to the bathroom where Brielle met me. When we were walking back toward Aiden’s office, we overheard a heated conversation coming from the office of Mr. Jones. They talked about how easy it had been to set Aiden up. They discussed the Swiss bank account and how they created it. They also talked about how they planted the evidence in Aiden’s office. I also heard them threaten Niall O’Connell’s life.” I take in a deep breath, hoping I remembered everything.

  “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’d been embezzling money,” Jenson clarifies.

  “Yes,” I reply emphatically.

  The judge then asks for Brielle to be brought into his chamber. She enters and takes her seat. I sit patiently as the same questions are asked of her.

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

  “What has been presented here today is compelling and matches the pleading paper motion that was presented to me by Mr. Jackson, the District Attorney. Please play the cellular telephone recording for me,” the judge directs.

  Jenson presses ‘play’ on the phone, and the judge’s face hardens while he watches and listens. My stomach twists and turns at hearing Matthew and Rachelle saying that shit all over again. It plays in my mind endlessly, but to hear it again is making me so damn angry.

  It stops playing, and the judge rubs his chin. “In light of what has been presented before me today, I’m 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.”

  My eyes widen as my chest squeezes in delight. I want to scream at the top of my lungs, but I hold myself together as my knee bobs up and down frantically in excitement.

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

  I hold my breath in anticipation, my body shuddering with adrenalin.

  “Yes, I fully support the motion to quash the conviction based on the presented motion and information. A retrial isn’t required, Your Honor,” Mr. Jackson relays.

  I bite my bottom lip so hard that it hurts as I hold my breath.

  “Do you also support that the accused’s sentence be set aside in the interests of justice?”

  Holy shit!

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

  My heart thuds inside my chest wall so hard, my eyes flood with tears as I try to keep myself together.

  “I find Mr. Aiden O’Connell’s original ruling of guilty be adjusted to not guilty, and he’ll 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. Monroe.”

  My heart leaps into my throat as I internally squeal with excitement, but we have to keep up appearances in the judge’s chambers.

  I can’t believe it!

  Aiden’s going to be a free man.

  He’ll be home and in my arms so soon I can hardly wait.

  Brielle and I rush to leave the judge’s chambers.

  He’s coming home.

  My Aiden’s finally coming home.

  A tear slides down my cheek when I see Aiden’s support crew. They take one look at Brielle and me as Jenson strides out alongside us.

  “He’s been acquitted, and the sentence has been set aside,” Jenson calls out.

  Loud cheering erupts as they all smile, hugging each other while I rush for Callie. “He’s coming home, Callie.”

  She sniffles, holding onto me tightly. “I knew you could do it, darling. I just knew it.”

  Jenson strides up to Mike with a loud exhale. “It’ll take a few days before Aiden can be released from the prison, but I’m sure the paperwork will be expedit
ed, and I’ll personally ensure everything goes smoothly.”

  I step forward, so much emotion running through me right now. “Thank you. Thanks for everything you’ve done. We couldn’t have done this without you.”

  Jenson shakes his head. “A wrongful imprisonment was righted. Aiden didn’t deserve what was handed to him. I’m glad I was able to eventually help get the right outcome.”

  I breathe a huge sigh of relief knowing I’ll be seeing Aiden very soon. And that thought makes me beyond ecstatic. Who knows what he was facing in prison. I hate knowing he was all alone in there. The thought makes it all the more exciting for him to be coming home to me and being well away from that terrible place.

  The day has finally come when Aiden’s to be released from the prison. His family, Chris, Sarah, and I are all anxiously waiting at the gate. Finally, the door swings open, and Aiden’s gorgeous face turns to look at me. A shock of electricity slides down my spine making me shiver. That look in his bright, intense blue eyes is back. He winks at me, letting me know his inner spark hasn’t diminished while inside. I’m filled with an excitement I can’t contain.

  My feet don’t fail me, and I run to meet him. Pulling to a stop right in front of Aiden, feeling breathless and not from running, but because he’s right here in front of me, his eyes meet mine. With no hesitation, he lifts me, swirling me around. I squeal in delight as we both laugh, the sound of his happiness is like sweet music to my ears while he holds me so tightly.

  Feeling him wrapped around me brings new meaning to the word ‘pleasure.’ I could stay here all day encased in his arms. Aiden sets me down gently as his hand makes its way to my cheek. He pulls me close to him and leans down kissing me desperately. The second his lips meet mine, that spark, those fireworks, the popping candy and TNT explosiveness are all there again, simultaneously bursting as I melt into him. We kiss passionately, ignoring our surroundings, mouths and tongues crashing together. It doesn’t matter who’s watching, I need him, and I know he needs me too. The whole world drifts away while we get lost in each other’s embrace.