The Opium Room (19 page)

Fox cocked an eyebrow. “Hmm. I wonder what she has, Roman. What do you think it is?”

No reply.

With his gun on his target, Fox walked backward to the door and opened it up. “Quickly,” he said, to a wide–eyed Jill as she moved past him. He closed the door and locked it back.

“Go ahead, Jill, tell Roman what you know.”

“Well…” Jill was having trouble keeping her eye off the gun. Fox felt just as awkward holding it, pretending to be some gangster, but he loved the panic it arose in Roman.

“It seems that Earl saved Frances’s ashes for a day just like today.”

Roman had no reaction to Jill’s words; he kept his eyes glued on the gun in Fox’s hands.

“According to Earl—I paid him a visit today—Roman paid him twenty–thousand dollars to dispose of Frances’s body and keep quiet about it. I guess it never occurred to Roman to request her ashes after the deed was done. So, right now, Earl Branson is still in possession of Frances’s ashes.”

“That’s outrageous,” Roman finally said. “Why would Earl just divulge that information to you? You’re nobody.”

“Aren’t I, Daddy? I mean, you’ve paid me hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep my identity a secret. And you should know that money talks.”

Roman’s lips parted as if he was trying to speak but his mouth had dried up with the words he’d meant to come out of it. Then there was a hard knock at the door. One that sounded like an object banging against the door, not a fist.

Fox backed up to the door, keeping an eye on Roman. “Who’s there?”

“Atlanta P.D.”

Fox put his weapon away and let the two uniformed police officers inside. “You’re probably looking for him,” Fox said, pointing them to Roman.

“Roman Kemp?” said one burly cop who more closely resembled a bodybuilder.

Roman didn’t answer, so Fox did for him. “Yep, that’s your guy.”

The burly cop and his thin, but muscular, counterpart each pulled Roman from his chair by one arm. “Roman Kemp, you’re under arrest. You have the right to an attorney. Anything you say can and will be held against you in a court of law…”

As the officer read Roman his rights, Fox stood off to the side, smiling, happy this was all over. But what had Roman been arrested for? Had Jill already supplied the authorities with physical evidence? If she had, he owed her a huge apology for underestimating her.

As Roman was leaving his lavish suite in the custody of the police, Fox said, “Better enjoy the daylight when you go down, Roman. Probably won’t see it again for a very long time.”

For once in his miserable life, Roman was speechless.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

—Lea

Fox and Lea were sitting on a plush, leather bench waiting for a table at the swankiest restaurant in Atlanta, Seventy–Two Queen. They were celebrating a Kemp family victory. Erickson, Karrigan, and Jill would all be joining them tonight.

“I still can’t believe your dad boons waggled two Atlanta Braves infielders to invest into a fake company,” Lea said.

“I can,” Fox said. “That’s Roman Kemp for you.”

It’d been three weeks since Roman had been arrested. Lea still couldn’t believe all the dirt Fox had dug up on Roman. But it turns out the authorities had been investigating Roman for months, and they’d finally gotten enough evidence to make an arrest. Now she could forget about what he’d done to her father, or at least, put it behind her.

“At least I got my answer as to how Roman could afford to give Jill so much money,” Fox said. “It wasn’t his to begin with. That, combined with Jill’s findings, means Roman will probably never see the light of day again.”

Lea laced her fingers with Fox. “I can’t believe I’m about to have dinner with Jill. Not long ago, I thought she was my arch nemesis.”

“I did too. Crazy to think that she’s my half–sister.”

“I know. And pretty soon, my sister–in–law.” Lea flashed her three–carat, princess–cut diamond ring at Fox. I still can’t stop looking at it. It’s so beautiful.”

“But not as beautiful as you,” Fox said, and tightened his grip on her hand.

It was getting cramped in the waiting area of the restaurant. Couples were huddled in corners stiffening their shoulders as to not touch the stranger standing next to them. The door swung open and Fox and Lea scooted over to make room on the bench for the couple walking in. Fox didn’t look up; Lea did.

Not because of the handsome brunette wearing the Navy suit, but because of the woman on his arm. It was Bianca, in a strapless dress the same shade of red Lea had seen her in before.

Bianca’s lips parted when her gaze landed on Lea’s. A tiny smile formed on her lips. Bianca’s date walked ahead to put their name on the list. Bianca gestured with her head for Lea to come here. Lea poked Fox in the side. “Look who’s here.”

Fox looked up, and Bianca did a tiny wave at him. “She gestured for me to come over. Would you be offended if I left you alone for a minute?”

Fox grinned, big time. “By all means. It’s not like we’re doing anything but waiting. And as packed as this place is, I bet we have to wait for a loonnnggg time.” He winked.

“Be back in a minute,” Lea said. She heard Fox call after her, “Take your time.”

Bianca excused herself from her date, and took Lea by the hand, leading her to ladies’ room.

“Who’s your date?” Lea asked.

“Eh, just some guy I met online,” Bianca said. “He’s cute though, isn’t he?” She did her cute, girly laugh.

“Yeah, but that’s risky, you know. He could be a serial murderer.”

“Well, tonight’s our first date, and at least it’s in public.” Bianca pushed open the door to the oversized ladies’ room. Wonderfully, there was no one else inside.

Lea checked herself in the mirror. “He looks decent; you’re probably safe. But if it doesn’t work out with him, you should stick with dating someone you know—offline.”

Bianca stood behind Lea, spread her fingers through Lea’s hair, pushing it off her neck. She rested her chin on Lea’s shoulder and looked at her in the mirror. “Like who? You?”

Lea grinned. “You know what I mean. You need a good man. Like Fox.”

Bianca crossed her arms and leaned against the edge of the granite sink. “Good luck with that. There aren’t a lot of single guys like him.”

“I know one.”

Bianca raised a brow. “Who?”

“Erickson.”

“Please. Erickson stays super busy with the restaurants. I’d never see him, and I work in the same building. Besides he’s quite a bit younger than me.”

“No he’s not. There’s only like three years difference in your ages.”

“All right, Ms. Match Maker. That’s enough. You might as well get the idea of Erickson and me out your mind right now. Ain’t gonna happen.” A pause. “So things are going well for you and Fox I take it.”

“Couldn’t be better.” Lea smiled, and their eyes met for an extended glance. She remembered their kiss, Bianca’s soft lips. Even with Fox’s permission, she felt guilty for wishing Bianca would kiss her again. “Well I better get back out there.”

Bianca grabbed her by the wrist as Lea turned to leave. “Hey?”

Lea spun around. Bianca touched the cottony fabric of Lea’s dress, traced her hand along Lea’s side. “I like your dress. It hugs your body, and really accentuates your beautiful curves.”

“Thank you.” Lea couldn’t understand why Bianca’s compliments meant so much to her. She guessed it was the validation that she wasn’t so homely looking after all. Bianca had nothing to gain by saying those things, because obviously, Lea wasn’t leaving there tonight with anyone but Fox.

“Remember what I said before about if things didn’t work out between you two,” Bianca said.

“I will.” Lea so wanted to kiss her one more time.

Bianca put her hand on Lea’s neck, and pulled her face next to her own. She peppered her cheek with tender kisses. Lea smelled Bianca’s fresh facial moisturizer, and the feel of her soft, baby–like skin against hers set her nerves aflame. Lea closed her eyes and waited as Bianca’s lips finally found Lea’s. Lea parted her lips and Bianca slipped her tongue inside, kissing her slowly. It didn’t last long, but it was enough to keep that fantastic memory alive a while longer. She’d almost forgotten how exciting, erotic, a woman’s kiss was.

“That was nice,” Lea said.

Bianca smiled, pleased. “If you ever need me, I’m only a phone call away.”

“Thanks. Better not keep Fox waiting.” As Lea walked out, her lips still wet with Bianca’s saliva, she thought to herself, Fox was the only person—man or woman—she ever wanted to make love to again.

Fox was standing waiting for Lea. He led her to the table where everyone was seated. “I want details later,” he said out the corner of his mouth.

“As you wish,” Lea said, giving him a nudge with her elbow.

Fox and Lea sat across the table from the siblings. “Hi everyone,” Lea said. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Karrigan had dressed nicely for the occasion. She had on a very appropriate black dress with a sweetheart neckline. Her hair was sectioned and pinned up in the back. It was beautiful with baby’s breath at the top of each section.

Karrigan was seated next to Jill who looking… well, like Jill. Jessica Rabbit in the flesh. Some things never changed. And Erickson was looking handsome tonight wearing a crisp black suit.

Fox put his arm around Lea’s shoulder and she scooted into his embrace. He flashed her a sexy smile that spelled out his favorable opinion on her short time away from him. Lea blushed. She couldn’t help it. She’d been a naughty girl; her mother would need the paddles to shock the life back into her if she ever found out.

For the next hour, over more than a few glasses of wine, the five of them chatted and laughed like they’d been a family for years. It was so perfect, Lea thought. She couldn’t wait for her mother to meet every single one of them, especially Fox. Early this morning her mother had called and asked if Lea and Fox could make it down today. It was a Saturday, she’d stressed, and reminded Lea that Augusta was just a short drive away.

She told her mom she couldn’t, but promised she’d bring him next weekend. Her mother was going to have to adjust to the distance, Lea thought. The next time she went home, she planned to clean out her apartment and relinquish the lease. She was moving in with Fox, and together they would plan their upcoming wedding.

Karrigan tapped on her glass and stood. I have an announcement to make. This is my last night of drinking. She looked at Fox. I hope that makes you happy, big bro.”

Fox smiled. “It does, very much so.”

“In fact, I haven’t done any type of substance for the last three weekends. I’m cleaning up my act and going to law school.”

Erickson stood, picked up his glass, and touched it to Karrigan’s. “Congrats, baby sis.”

“Baby my behind,” Karrigan said. “I was born two minutes after you.”

“Still, I’m older than you,” Erickson advised.

Karrigan put her palm up to Erickson’s face. “Whatevs.”

Lea laughed beneath her breath. She could see Karrigan using invented language in front of the witness stand. She wondered if Karrigan planned to wear her Converse pumps beneath her business suit. Lea got up from her seat, walked to the other side of the table and gave Karrigan a hug. “I’m so happy for you. I know you’ll go far in whatever you do. You’re truly a star.”

“Thank you. And I’m happy to you have you in my family,” Karrigan said, still embracing Lea. She gasped and went rigid beneath Lea’s grip. Lea let go. “What’s the matter?”

Looking in the distance past Lea, Karrigan said, “Who is that handsome devil walking this way?”

Lea turned and put her hands to her mouth as he approached arms wide open. Oh, how he’d grown. She hadn’t seen him in months, and his shoulders had filled out, and he’d grown another inch or two. He was as tall as Fox—not a
little
brother anymore by any stretch. “Oh my God, what are you doing here?”

“Mom said you’d be here tonight, so I drove up. Didn’t have anything else to do.”

“Oh, wow.” Everyone, this is my brother, Galen.

“Oh wow is right,” Karrigan said, keeping her eyes locked on Galen, as she slowly sat. Lea couldn’t help but notice the swirling bulls eye in Jill’s gaze too. Suddenly she felt very territorial. Karrigan and her brother might work, but Jill… eh; Lea still wasn’t too sure what she thought of her. In time, she assumed, she’d learn to like her.

Lea took Galen by the arm to join her and Fox on the opposite side of the table. Fox extended a hand. “Very nice to meet you. Lea’s told me all about you.”

Galen shook his hand, smiling. “Only good things, I hope.”

“Only the best.”

Lea gestured across the table. “This is Fox’s sister, Karrigan,” she moved her arm a little to the right, “this is his other sister, Jill,” she moved her arm again, “and this is his brother Erickson.”

“Nice to meet you all,” Galen said.

Jill and Karrigan said, “My pleasure,” simultaneously and the tone of their voices matched. Lea had never realized how much they sounded alike. That was a good thing; the bad things was, they then turned and looked at each other with their eyes narrowed and lips curled, and Lea imagined Karrigan saying,
I saw him first.
She hoped she wouldn’t have to break up a catfight that her brother had caused.

When he was finished with his plate, Erickson pushed it away and politely excused himself from the table.

After everyone else was done with their grilled rib eye, the waiter cleared the table and brought a special delivery. A very
large
special delivery. As he set it down on the table, Lea leaned up to see what was in the box. It was a cake, she was pretty sure, but why was it in the shape of Florida? She took a closer look, and her eyes bulged. It was
not
Florida.

“Karrigan,” Fox sputtered. “Tell me you did not order something from the Get It While It’s Hot Bake Shop, and have it delivered to a five–star restaurant.”

“What?” Karrigan said innocently. “We’re celebrating aren’t we?” She paused, looked closer inside the box. “Yep, they made it just like I wanted it.” She pointed. “Take a closer look, bro.”

Lea lifted the top, and she and Fox peered in. Fox started cracking up.