Fallen Too Far (29 page)

“And to you.” He tucked in a little closer, but not too close. “I want to thank you again.”

Annik laughed. This was about the tenth time in the last two years that Craig had thanked her. “You know, Craig, you’re starting to sound like a broken record.”

“So be it. You saved us, you know.”

“All I really did was tell a smart guy he was being dumb.” She took Craig by the face. “I love her too, you know. Jessica’s wonderful.” She glanced over to see Jessica and Tom chatting on the side of the dance floor.

“Yeah, I know.” He looked away. “But if you didn’t step in, I wouldn’t have had the guts to stick it out.” He looked back at Annik. “I would have let it die a’borning.”

She nodded.

“And instead of being so happy right now, I’d be hollow.” He embraced her. “Thank you for saving our us, and for saving me, Annik.” He stepped back and cradled her face. “I can never repay you…”

“Sure you can.”

“How?”

“Love her. Love Jessica with everything you got Craig.” She put her hands over his. “And when you run out of love, she’ll show you where there’s more.” Annik looked over to where her dearest friend stood, then back to Craig. “She’s like that.”

Craig grinned. “I’ve heard that before.”

“Not from me—that’s an Annik Dandridge Original.”

“No, not from you. And it’s a good thing to be reminded of.” He turned his head to where his Jessica was standing. “Let’s go. She’s got something to tell you.” They wandered over to Tom and Jessica.

When they rejoined them, Annik’s hand was grabbed. “Ladies room trip, gentlemen,” Jessica said. Pulling Annik’s arm she strutted towards the washrooms.

“Hey! I don’t have to go.”

“Me neither. I just wanted some privacy.”

“Oh. Then let’s go here.” Annik peeled them away from the washroom line up. She was going to have to fix that. She guided them to a door under the main staircase that led into a meeting room.

“We can talk in the parlor,” she said, opening the door that had ‘Private’ painted on it. She flicked on a couple of the lights and turned to Jessica. “What’s going on?”

Jessica held out her left hand. It was the biggest diamond Annik had ever seen.

“We’re not moving in, Annik. We’re getting married.”

For the second time Annik squealed with joy. She hugged Jessica and admired the ring. They chatted about weddings and receptions and so forth for about twenty minutes. She was so thrilled for her friend.

When they started to run out of steam, Jessica took Annik’s hand.

“I wanted you to be the first to know. I’ll be calling my parents tomorrow, and the office will know in a couple of days. When Craig slipped this on me, the first person I wanted to share this with was you.”

Annik took Jessica’s hand and again admired the ring.

“Annik.”

She looked up. Jessica’s eyes weren’t wet. They were too happy for tears. “I want you to know something.” She took both of Annik’s hands in her own.

“Annik Dandridge, I have been, and always shall be… your friend.”

Chapter 24

It had been a long day for Paul. Since eight o’clock that night he had been parked on the street near Pandora’s. Dressed in Aortic wear he was in the trees watching. Finally, she appeared. A stretch limousine pulled up to the front door, the driver got out and opened it and there she was. She was with Tom. With his arm around her they ascended the steps and went inside.

A limo?

This bitch had done very well for herself in just a couple of years. From the seedy motel where they had met, now a mansion and limousines? Check that—
mansions
. The workman he had spoken to in the driveway said Annik was the owner of Pandora’s.

Oh, this was going to be even sweeter to take her.

Just as this whore had made it, he was going to end her. Her rich guy would be dead, her mansions and limousines wouldn’t matter a damn as he filled in her grave watching her.

He smiled. Maybe he’d take off her gag so she could scream and babble as he shoveled in the dirt. That would make this project that much more special.

The limo and its driver added a wrinkle to the original plan. Not a huge deal—instead of killing that Tom guy, he’d have to take out both of them. Too bad he didn’t own a gun. They wouldn’t be any problem though; surprise would be on his side, and he was quick.

In any case, she was there. He returned to his truck. He’d get warm, have something to eat and bide his time for the rest of the evening.

Chapter 25

Just about all of the guests had departed. Annik was at the front door with the Major helping the last of them into their coats. The last people to leave were her friends, and they were all going back to Tom’s home for a little after party get together. They were going to leave their cars at Pandora’s go in the limo.

“We really can’t stay too long, Annik,” Diana said as Danny held her coat for her. “I’m pretty beat as it is.”

“Just one drink, Diana Girl, and we’ll head home,” Danny said. “It will only be my second time in a limo, and this time I’m not paying for it.” He gave Diana a hug after slipping her coat on.

“Yes, and you’ll have to keep your hands to yourself this time.”

“Only till we get back home; I don’t care how tired you are.”

“Oh, you kids,” chimed in Bonnie. “We got ten years on you if a day, and we could go all night.” She still had that look on her face. She was holding hands with Anthony, their fingers rubbing constantly.

“Well, I don’t know about anyone else, but Craig and I are planning on staying up till sunrise,” said Jessica.

“Speak for yourself. A nightcap will be great though,” Craig said.

“The Major and I will be right behind you,” Annik said. “We just have to close out the bar receipts and lock up.” She looked over to the bar where the Major had the cash sheet laid out and the money counted up already. He’d drop her off and continue home. His partner Roy was waiting for him.

“Hey Angel, call me when you’re leaving, alright?” Tom said.

“Not a problem.”

The group headed out the door and got in the car.

Annik turned the lock on the front door and headed into the bar.

“Would you like to stop for a visit, Major?” she asked as he pushed the paperwork and cash over to her.

“Thanks lass, but no. I have something to ask Roy when I get home. All the engagements and such that’s happened here tonight has got me thinking…”

She looked up from the paperwork. “You too? Oh Don.” She dropped her pen and reached across the bar and kissed him.

“Yes, lassie, me too. I’m going to ask him to be my husband.” He shook his head. “I love him dearly, and want to grow old with him.” He looked back up to Annik. “Some night, eh?”

They finished the paperwork and climbed to the third floor put the cash into the safe in her office. The Major had gone through the building already, ensuring they were the only two people in it and that it was secure.

She descended the stairs and continued strolling through the building. The dream of owning Pandora’s had changed her whole life. If she hadn’t met Tom at Chez Louis’ that night when her hopes of raising the money had failed, would they have ever got together? Would she have ever come up with the money on her own or would she still be in the life? With the criminal record erased, that life faded in reality. She’d be married to Tom next year and they’d be starting a family. The thought of returning to school to complete her degree was almost too much to contemplate. She had more choices than ever, each one better than the next. She knew where she would start though; family first.

“Pandora, when you opened that box, the only thing that remained was hope. And that’s what you’ve given me old girl- hope, when all had seemed lost.” She whispered.

One thing was certain; she’d never say goodbye to this wonderful place.

“I’ll get the lights in the ballroom and dining room if you’d like to get our coats, lass.” She watched him stride quickly away before she went behind the counter of the coat check.

“When did Roy leave? I didn’t get a chance to talk to him all night.” She slid her arms into the sleeves of her fur coat that the Major held for her.

“Just after midnight.” He slipped a leather coat on, leaving the buttons open as he held the door for her.

She stood on the steps as the Major locked the door. She pulled her cell phone and hit Tom’s programmed number. “I told him I’d call when I was on my way.” She answered The Major’s puzzled look.

Chapter 26

Paul’s thin lips pulled outward when he saw her emerge from the door. Who was that with her? His head jutted forward, eyes squinted. Some old guy. What the hell was he doing with her? They were walking over to a four by four vehicle in the parking area.

Time to go to work. He pulled the hunting knife from the leather holder on his waist.

The bitch was on the phone and close to the vehicle. He stepped out from behind the evergreen, holding the knife in one hand, his metal flashlight in the other. Her eyes flew open and she started to scream when she saw him. He smashed her on the side of her head and she went down like a stone.

The old guy’s hands were open, poised in the air almost at his shoulders as he crouch walked to the side. Who the hell did the old fart think he was? Bruce Lee?

Paul jabbed the knife upward at the guy’s hand while his feet moved fast in the opposite direction. The guy’s hand pulled back and it was too late. Paul whacked him on the head with the light while his other arm swung up to slide the knife deep into the old guy’s gut. His eyes bulged wide with surprise. They looked at each other.

“When you see St. Peter, tell him Paul Lester sent you.” He grinned at the old guy who was sliding to the ground, almost in slow motion. He bashed him twice more in the head as he went down. He opened his bloody hand to release the knife.

He squatted down and pushed the old guy under the black truck parked next to him. They might have a night watchman who patrolled the grounds. No sense leaving evidence for them to get a better head start. He kicked snow around to cover the blood.

His head jerked to the side. The bitch was coming to. He lunged at her, grabbing a fistful of hair and yanking her to her feet. He slapped his bloody hand over her mouth to shut her up.

“Happy New Year, whore.” he hissed in her ear.