Evil Intent (22 page)

Chapter 30

L
auren stood speechless staring at Kathryn abruptly lacing into Richard and storming out of the office with a look of despair upon her face. Lauren, still in shock and barely able to speak, turned and looked into Richard’s eyes.

“My God Richard, what was that all about?” She asked confused over what possibly could have just happened to make Kathryn so upset.

“I don’t know, Lauren,” Richard said refusing to mention what he suspected even though, he too, was devastated over what had happened.

He did however, recognize the jealousy and hurt in Kathryn’s eyes. He felt terrible for Kathryn, especially knowing she had little justification for feeling jealous of Lauren. Richard knew how Lauren’s little flirting bothered Kathryn at the Wednesday card games, but didn’t think it really was that big of a deal since there was nothing going on between Lauren and Richard.

He also felt horrible because he knew there was only one reason Kathryn would have been sitting there quietly waiting. That emotionally struck his heart. A feeling of regret suddenly consumed him, knowing he had made a big mistake. A mistake that no doubt, hurt the woman he loved.

“I’m so sorry, Richard, but I haven’t a clue what just happened. I think you really need to go after that girl, or call her, or something. And, I think I better leave now. I’ll see you or call you soon,” Lauren said, still baffled by the mysterious incident.

“Goodbye Lauren.”

As soon as Lauren walked away, Richard called Kathryn, but as expected she didn’t answer. He then thought to call the offices of Rockne Pharmaceuticals.

“Hello, can you connect me with Suki Nikimora?”

“Can I tell her who is calling?”

“Doctor Richard Marks.”

Moments later Suki picked up. “Richard?”

“Suki, I apologize for bothering you at the office, but I really need your help. Do you have a few minutes?”

“Of course, Richard. What’s the matter?”

“It’s Kathryn, well, she...”

“Is Kathryn alright? Did something happen to her?”

“Oh, no, I’m sorry, she’s fine, nothing is wrong. It’s actually about me and Kathryn - our relationship. I’m sure you know a few things that have been happening lately.”

“I know you’re not taking her calls and refuse to speak with her, if that’s what you mean.”

“Yes. This is very awkward. Is there any way we could meet somewhere? Could I perhaps buy you a drink or a cup of coffee? I really could use your help.”

“It’s getting pretty late in the day. I suppose I could leave the office early. Where are you right now?”

“I’m at my office. We’re located at....”

“I know where it is. Let me think. What if I meet you at the Plaza Hotel, in the bar, in 45 minutes? Is that ok?”

“Perfect, it’s quiet. I’ll see you there.”

When Suki walked up to the bar, Richard was already seated with a drink in his hands. He immediately stood up and took her hand.

“Thank you so much for coming, Suki. I think I blew it, big time, and I think Kathryn has left me.”

“If there is any way I can help get you and Kathryn together again, it’s worth it.”

He ordered a glass of Chardonnay for her, picked up his drink and they walked over to a small table.

“I was wrong Suki to ignore her calls. The police are making a grave mistake and apparently think Kathryn and I had something to do with those murders. When they came to talk to me, they revealed some of Kathryn’s past that I’m sure I took the wrong way. It upset me a great deal, not that I’m trying to justify my behavior - I said I was wrong and mean it. I’m in love with Kathryn, Suki, and I don’t want to lose her. I just did a stupid thing. Anyway, today, I think Kathryn came to my office to try and talk with me. Well, there is this woman, her name is Lauren. Kathryn and I know her from our Wednesday card games. She was in my office.”

“Is she the sexy one? The platinum blonde?

“Yes.”

“Kathryn has mentioned her to me before. I think I understand where you’re going.”

“I think Kathryn is jealous of her. Lauren is, well, she’s Lauren. She flirts with every guy she sees. I was walking out of my office with her, and Kathryn was in the lobby waiting. I didn’t know she was there. Well, Lauren hugged me and gave me a kiss....”

“Oh shit,” Suki said, interrupting him.

“Exactly. I’d say it was problematic for sure.

“Your right. I do know that Kathryn is jealous of her, too.”

“Because of this morning, she probably thinks Lauren is my patient. I’m sure she believes I kept it a secret on purpose, which, to her, would only make things worse. The truth is, Lauren is not my patient. Her boyfriend, Carl, is my patient. She only came over today to deliver something to me from Carl. That’s the only reason she was there.”

“Oh boy, Kate has got to be having another meltdown over all this.”

“Is there any way you can get to her for me?” He asked.

“I think so. Let’s hope she went home and not sitting in some bar right now. Are you going to be home this evening?”

“Yes, I’ll make sure I’m home all evening.”

“No promises, but I’ll do what I can to get her to call you.”

“I really appreciate this, Suki.”

“No problem. Let’s hope I can get you two together again. She’s hell to get along with, when you two are not speaking to each other.”

Richard smiled at her comment. They continued to talk about all that has been happening in more detail than earlier. Soon, it felt like it was time for them to leave. Richard thanked her again, and they parted company. Suki immediately hailed a cab to take her to Kathryn’s apartment. When she arrived, she recognized George, one of the security guards at the building’s front desk.

“Hi George. By chance, did you see Kathryn Becker come in this afternoon?”

“No Miss Suki, and I’ve been at the desk since noon. I would have thought she should be at work.”

“Could you ring upstairs for me, just in case?”

The security guard did so, but no one answered. Suki decided to just sit and wait in the lobby. It must have been less than 30 minutes, before Kathryn walked through the front door.

“Suki! What are you doing here?” Kathryn asked looking concerned.

“Hi. I’m waiting for you. Thought maybe you might need your friend again, so I dropped by.”

“Don’t tell me Barbara told you I left the office and went for a walk and now you’re all worried about me again. Maybe we’ll be lucky and the company will fire both of us. Then, we could leave this city and head for the beaches. Selling Budweiser hats on a beach somewhere owning nothing but a string bikini is becoming rather attractive these days.”

“Let’s go upstairs, make a drink, and talk,” Suki said, as she turned and started walking toward the elevator. Kathryn followed.

“Yeah. A drink sounds like a great idea, “Kathryn said as the doors opened.

Once inside the apartment, they both kicked their shoes off, immediately. Suki noticed the vodka bottle sitting on the kitchen counter instead of in her cupboard where it belonged.

“I hope you’re not having vodka for breakfast these days.”

“Nope. Only supper. It’s a new diet. Olives with vodka - high carb, high fat, high memory loss!”

“The reason I came over Kate, was to see how you’re doing. I know you think it’s serious, but I really think I can help you.”

“I’m ok Suki. Things suck, but I got my head straightened out and I’ll be ok.”

“Did you feel that way after supper? Or might you be referring to after breakfast?”

“Like right this minute. The here and now. The past is gone for all of us and the future is promised to none of us. So, I’m just going to make the best of it each day, and move on.”

“That’s pure New York unadulterated bullshit, if I ever heard it. You’re telling me everything is going ok today?”

“Yeah, why shouldn’t it be?”

“Kate, I know what happened.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Nothing happened.”

“You’re just blocking it all out of your mind.”

“I am not, I’m fine.”

“I talked to Richard, Kate.”

“What?” Kate replied, frowning as she quickly turned and looked at her friend. Kate started turning a whiter shade of pale, as the song once said.

“You heard me. I spoke with Richard. I know what happened today, Kate.”

“You do? How?”

“Richard called me at the office when he couldn’t reach you. We met and he told me everything.”

“That’s big of him.”

“It’s not what you think. He loves you, Kate.”

“Yeah, and how many other woman?”

“She was dropping off some medical stuff for Carl. She’s not Richard’s patient, and nothing is going on between them. She’s just a damn little flirt and Richard doesn’t want any part of it. He’s madly in love with you.”

“He told you that?”

“Yes. And, he also told me he was stupid for not returning your calls. He was confused, and didn’t know if he was coming or going. Isn’t this ironic? He was acting just as bad as you have been. I’d say it’s because you two need each other.”

“I know he didn’t say that.”

“You’re right he didn’t say we. He said I need Kathryn, more than anything in the world. He told me several times how much he loves you.”

“Lauren’s a bitch!”

“Forget her. I’ll bet you, if you tell him your Budweiser bikini idea, he’d be ordering from Ron John’s and buying the plane tickets faster than shit through a goose.”

Kathryn’s eyes suddenly looked glassy and filled with tears.”

“What do I do Suki?” She said sobbing.

“You need go to him, now! He wants you desperately, but I told him to stay home. You would call.”

“He’s home?”

“Yes.”

“Suki, I need to see him. I need to go to his place. I don’t think I can talk on the phone.”

“Hallelujah! You do that, Kate. And I’ll go off, get that vodka and celebrate you two screwing like rabbits every day on some tropical beach.”

“You said you wanted to help me. Come into my bedroom. I need to put on the sexiest outfit I can find.”

“You go girl, and I know just what you need to do,” Suki said as the two of them darted into the bedroom.

“Do you remember when you told me how he reacted that day in the whole foods store?”

“What?”

“Simple! He reacted to simple. You were in your exercise clothes. He sees you all the time dressed up looking beautiful with your heels and makeup. Let the hair down, ditch the bra and you’ll have his attention. Trust me!”

In the bedroom, Suki was snooping around in the closet, and came out carrying a pale blue pair of faded, ripped, and frayed denims, the kind that sit extremely low on the hips, and a solid white, rather low cut, tight, tee shirt.”

“Where are those flat sandals of yours with the white woven leather straps? Oh, and be sure to wear those lacy white bikini panties that Detective O’Donnell had, but remember, no bra.”

“Are you serious? Really?”

“Yes, you have to trust me on this one. I want you sexy, but in a totally natural way, not as if you dressed up just for him. You need a relaxed, comfy, beat-up look with something we would only wear hanging around the house all alone, and short enough that when you bend over or reach overhead he will see your tummy! Even Richard would not normally see you this way. He needs to realize you want him really bad, so much in fact, that you raced over to be with him not even caring what you looked like. Literally, Richard was the only thing on your mind. He’ll feel like a million bucks and probably will go crazy when he sees you. Oh, and don’t forget to jump in his arms.”

“Got it, let’s do it before I chicken out,” Kate said hoping Suki was right.

“Ok, now go wash off that make up, and mess up your hair a little. No, on second thought, mess it up a lot!”

Suki stayed at the house long enough to see Kathryn’s new look!

“Wow! You look hot girl! He’s crazy if this doesn’t get to him,” Suki said. “Now, I think my role is finished and I’m going home and take a long hot bath. Call me tomorrow, so I know everything is ok with you and Richard.”

“Ok.”

When she arrived at his building the guard called the apartment and Richard told security to let her come up. She was standing facing the door, with butterflies in her stomach, when it suddenly opened.

“Oh Richard,” she cried, eyes flooding with tears.

Kathryn took two skips and jumped up into his arms, kissing him passionately stopping only to say over and over, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, please forgive me Richard, I love you.”

He caught her, grabbing her butt as she wrapped her legs around him, and holding on to her so tightly it took her breath away. “I’m sorry too, and love you more than you’ll ever know. I don’t know why I was so stupid.”

Still holding her in his arms, he kicked the door shut and carried her over to the sofa. She bent her knees as he sat down, and was now straddling him, continuing the flood of kisses. More tears raced down her cheeks as Richard’s hands, fingers spread wide apart, raced through her hair, messing up her hair even more than it was when she first arrived. The passions heated up another notch, as Kathryn, wiggled her feet to knock off her sandals, and Richard moved his hands to her waist. Kathryn leaned back staring into his eyes.