Love Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy (3 page)

"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 decision 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; Sarah 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.

I make my way to the bathroom. I see Callie is walking down the hall toward me, and I notice the effects of the alcohol are starting to hit me hard.

"Oh, Jeni, I want to thank you again for saving my Aiden. You really are an angel." She hugs me and continues down the hallway. I try to steady myself on the wall. I giggle; the wall seems to be doing a good job of holding me up while I continue my way to the bathroom. On my way back, I see Aiden looking for me. I smile at him while I continue to use the wall to steady myself. He chuckles and walks briskly toward me.

"Are you drunk, Miss Taylor?" he asks as he takes hold of me.

"Drunk with love." I giggle.

"That's a yes then. I think maybe we should head home. What do you think?"

I stare into those eyes, his bright blue eyes, no longer sad and depressed. "Aiden, you big stud, take me to bed or lose me forever," I say, quoting a famous line from one of Sarah's and my favorite movies,
Top Gun
.

He looks at me strangely.

"Then you're supposed to say, 'Show me the way home, baby.'" He laughs then furrows his brows, clearly not getting it.

"Duh, it's from
Top Gun
, remember?"

"I've never seen
Top Gun
."

I'm shocked. "
What?
Take me home now, and we can watch it." I laugh as my hiccups resurface.

"You're hilarious when you're drunk." He puts his arm around me and walks us back to the living room.

"Guys, I have to get this one home."

I hiccup and start to giggle.

"Jeni, are you wasted again?" Chris asks.

Aiden nods slightly.

I slap him on the chest and laugh. "I not am. No, I am not; yeah, that's what I meant."

Brielle, Benjamin, and Blair burst out laughing as Aiden bends down and picks me up, cradling me to his chest. I squeal and wrap my arms around his neck.

"Thanks, guys. I'll see you all soon."

"I love you all," I say, waving goodbye, still in his grasp.

Sarah and Chris say their farewells following us out so they can pick up Chris' car from our apartment.

Mike opens the car door. Sarah climbs in first, and then Aiden slides me across the seat next to her while I laugh uncontrollably. Chris sits in the front, and Aiden glides in next to me. Sarah pulls my legs onto her lap, and my head lies back in his lap. I'm stretched out across my best friend and boyfriend as we drive home.

***

Once we are back at the apartment, Aiden helps me sit up. I giggle at nothing in particular. He quietly glides out of the car; I follow, stumbling toward the door, hitting my head as I try to fumble my way out.