Scandalous (19 page)

I
n the weeks since Simone had contacted her, Melissa Overton had been working diligently on her case. She'd checked every record, every detail. She'd taken a trip to Atlanta to visit the small town that Simone had grown up in. She'd asked questions. She'd gone to the foster care agency that had placed her. She'd reviewed newspaper clips and collected them all. The most curious of her discoveries was that the woman she'd met at the foster care agency had remembered distinctly a strange request that had been made. Whoever took in Simone was never to adopt her and she was to retain the last name of Rivers. Someone had done an incredible job of covering his tracks. Melissa knew from experience that people with money and power were capable of hiding anything. Whoever had given up Simone had money and power. That obviously limited the possibilities. How many black women living in the south had enough money and clout to cover their
tracks for nearly nineteen years? Or had family money or influential friends done it?

A stack of reports and notes sat on her desk. She had a strong sensation that everything was finally coming together. This was going to be one of those cases that could be solved. With the information she'd been given by Simone about the mysterious bank account, she'd put a trace on the origins. It kept coming back to Virginia. In fact, all the information she'd been able to piece together pointed to Virginia. That's where the answers lay. She fed all the information into the computer. She did a search of all the black families in politics or business living in the Virginia area at the time of Simone's birth and fed that into the computer as well.

“Melissa,” Elaine said, stepping into her office. Melissa looked up from her work and smiled inquiringly. “Yes?”

Elaine pulled up a chair. “I'm sorry to interrupt, but I just received a call from Mr. Montgomery.” She cleared her throat. “He wants us to do some investigation into Simone Rivers's background.”

Melissa's eyes widened.

“He seems to feel that she may be his daughter.”

This time Melissa's mouth dropped open. “You're kidding? You're not kidding.”

“I didn't tell him that Simone has already requested that we try to locate her natural parents, since each case is confidential.” Melissa nodded. “I want to impress upon you the importance of handling his request with the utmost efficiency. I realize that you feel some affinity to Simone. But we have to remember that Mr. Montgomery is our benefactor. Without him we wouldn't be here.”

Melissa straightened. “Mr. Montgomery never came across as someone who throws his weight around.”

Elaine stood up. “Nevertheless. His request takes
priority, and I want an update on your progress.” She turned and left without another word.

Melissa slumped down in her chair. She wasn't going to back off Simone's case, no matter what Elaine said. If there was one thing she was certain of, Justin Montgomery was not Simone's father. The pieces didn't fit. She was sure it was someone else.

 

Vaughn and Crystal sat in her office going over the plans for the day. “I contacted Stone's office and told them we want the twenty-fifth for the air date. You start with Imani at the end of the week.”

“Good. I'm going to be going away for a few days next week. I have to go to Georgia.”

“This isn't a good time, Vaughn. There's too much happening.”

“I have to,” she said definitively.

Crystal took a deep breath. “Are you going to Atlanta?” she questioned softly. For as long as Vaughn and Crystal had been friends, Vaughn had disappeared to Atlanta without explanation. She would never tell her why, or how she could be reached; she'd just gone. It had always bothered Crystal, but she'd never really pressed the issue. Vaughn nodded.

“What is it in Atlanta that compels you to make this pilgrimage every year?”

“It's not something I want to discuss, Chris, you know that.”

“How long will you be gone?” she asked in frustration.

“At least two days. You can handle things until then.”

Crystal got up. “I still don't think it's a good idea,” she added, gathering up her notes.

Vaughn didn't respond.

“I'll talk with you later. Don't forget your appointment at city hall.”

“I won't,” Vaughn answered quietly.

Crystal slipped out, leaving Vaughn to her musings. The old feelings of melancholy crept through her. She knew what she was doing was masochistic, but it was her only way of making atonement. It was what would get her through the next 365 days. It was her secret promise to Brian.

Her phone rang, startling her out of her ruminating.

“Vaughn Hamilton,” she answered succinctly.

“Vaughn, it's Paul.”

Her eyebrows rose. “More cloak-and-dagger news?” she said, trying to still the sudden anxiety that settled over her.

“Call it what you want. But there are rumors flying that there's some potentially scandalous information that someone is planning to use against you.”

Her pulse quickened “Do you know someone named David Cain?” Paul asked.

A stab of familiarity poked at her subconscience. “I knew someone named David Cain when I had my first law job,” she answered hesitantly. “Why?”

“It seems he knows you very well, and he's working for Stone. And,” he added, “he's been seen with your chief of staff, Crystal Porter.”

A hot flush spread through her. It couldn't be, she thought, as her head spun. She'd had David dismissed for sexual harassment. She hadn't seen him in years. If it was the same David, maybe that was the reason why Crystal wouldn't introduce them. No. Crystal wouldn't do that.
She
was being duped as well. She swallowed hard.

“Thank you, Paul. But I'm really not concerned,” she lied smoothly. “I'm sure Lucus has spies under every rock.”

“Like I said before, Vaughn, be careful. You don't always know who your friends are, and that includes Justin Montgomery.”

“What?” she sputtered.

“Listen, I have to go, I'm due in court. Take care, Vaughn.”

When Vaughn hung up, her heart was pounding so hard she could hardly breathe. Her eyes swept the room unseeing as she tried to figure out what to do. Crystal wouldn't betray her; she just wouldn't. But damn it, pillow talk had destroyed too many people. And what did Paul mean about Justin? She thought about it for a minute and tossed it off as Paul's jealousy. Then again, how did he know? She had to talk with Justin.

 

Paul turned and faced the man in the chair. “All right, Elliott, I made your call. My debt to you is paid,” he said angrily. “No more. I don't know what you're up to, but I don't want any part of it.” He turned and stormed out of Elliott's chambers.

 

“I'm sorry, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Montgomery is in court. The Harrison jury selection started today.”

“Oh. How could I have forgotten? Would you just tell him that I called, and that it's important that he reach me as soon as he can?”

“Of course. I'm certain when they break for lunch he'll check in for his messages. I have a stack of them building up already,” she added good-naturedly.

“I'm sure,” she said absently, as Tess placed a stack of newspapers on her desk and tiptoed out. “Thank you, Barbara.”

Barbara hung up and added Vaughn's message to the
two from Stan Waters and took them to Justin's office. She ran into Simone in the corridor.

“How are you making out today, dear?” Barbara asked.

“So far, so good. I'm making copies of these briefs for Rush.”

“Don't let him work you too hard,” she teased.

“I won't.” Simone smiled and went on her way. She was already looking forward to the end of the day. Rush had promised to take her to dinner.

 

Vaughn meticulously scanned every newspaper on her desk. Generally, this was Crystal's task, but she knew Crystal would be out of the office for the rest of the day. She reviewed all the articles Tess had circled. Then her eyes settled on one in the
Herald
and her heart skipped a beat.

There in black and white was a story of her impending makeover. The article alluded to the notion that she was attempting to soften her image, that she didn't want to come across as hard and distant.

Vaughn suddenly felt sick. She couldn't read any more. Her phone rang.

She snatched it up. “Yes?” she answered sharply.

“Have you seen today's papers?” her father boomed without any attempt at a greeting.

“Yes, I have,” she said, as calmly as she could.

“How could anyone be privy to this information? It's obvious that you have leaks in your office. Or that Montgomery is telling tales out of school.”

“Daddy, I really don't care to discuss this with you. Now, or at any other time. And as far as your innuendos about my staff and Justin—well—you're wrong. Whatever
is going on in my office or behind my bedroom doors,” she added for emphasis, “I will take care of.”

“You think you can take care of this? You should have listened to me in the beginning. Get your professional life and your personal life together before it's too late! Too much work has gone into getting you to where you are. I won't stand by and see it all go up in smoke!” He slammed down the phone before she could respond.

By the time Justin had returned her call several hours later, her nerves were raw.

“I need to see you,” she was saying, fighting to control the tremors in her voice.

“What is it, baby? What's happened?” Justin turned his back on the throng of people that walked the corridors of the courtroom. It was a madhouse. The press was everywhere, and the noise was deafening. He cupped his hand over the ear without the phone. “I can hardly hear you. It's crazy down here.”

“Things are crazy here, too. We need to talk.”

“We will. Can you meet me at my house tonight? Or do you want me to come to you when we finish up?”

“Come to my house. I'll fix a good home-cooked dinner and we'll talk.” She swallowed. “I really need you, Justin.”

“That's good to hear,” he said softly. “I just hope I can help.”

She bit her lip and nodded. “See you later.”

 

Justin tried to keep his attention focused on the jury selection, but his mind kept skipping back to Vaughn and the note of urgency in her voice. That wasn't like her. She was always too cool and controlled. Something was definitely wrong.

 

Crystal left her meeting with the camera crew and headed home. She needed to check something. She, too, had seen the papers, and she was scared. There was only one way the press could have gotten that information. It was given to them. She was the only one who had it. The twisting and turning in her stomach intensified. Her head pounded. She made her exit onto the expressway and drove out of Richmond. She'd be home in another ten minutes.

Slamming the door to her car, she ran up the steps to her townhouse. Once inside, she went straight to her computer and clicked it on. She scanned the data stored in the system. Everything seemed to be in place. She checked her latest entry, which included Vaughn's agenda and the strategic plans. The date was right, but the time of the last adjustment was wrong. She knew she'd worked on the computer until nine. The file information said 11:30 P.M.

A sinking sensation overtook her. She felt dizzy. David had accessed her files; there was no other explanation. Suddenly, everything Vaughn had said came rushing back in nauseating waves. What had she done? Who was David Hart?

On shaky legs she stood up, crossed the room, and reached for the phone. She dialed the number David had given her. The phone rang twice and then the recorded message came on to inform her that the number had been disconnected. No further information was available.

J
ustin, Sean, and Khendra returned to the office after the late-afternoon session. Everyone was exhausted.

“You were brilliant today, Justin, with the questioning of the potential jurors,” Khendra congratulated him.

“Getting the right combination for the jury is crucial,” he stated casually. His mind was really on Vaughn. “We still have plenty of work ahead of us,” he added automatically.

“Speaking of which,” Sean said, “I have a stack of work to plow through before I get out of here tonight.”

Khendra put her arm around his shoulder “We'll go through it together. Two heads are faster than one.” Sean grinned and pecked her on her cheek.

Khendra slanted a look at Justin and asked coyly, “So how's Vaughn doing these days?”

He wished he knew. “Doing well, so far as I know.”

Khendra grinned. “Tell her I said hello, next time you see her.”

“I'll do that,” he replied, and veered off down the corridor to his office.

He gave a cursory glance to the pile of reports on his desk. The stack of yellow squares were a quick reminder that he had dozens of calls to return. He looked up. Four o'clock. He could still catch a few people at the office.

He sat down behind his desk and skimmed through the messages.
Stan Waters.
He'd avoided returning the man's calls long enough. Now it was bordering on rude. That was not how he was accustomed to doing business and he didn't want to be characterized as one who didn't return calls. But this Stan Waters just rubbed him the wrong way, and he couldn't begin to imagine what they could possibly have to say to each other.

He stared at the paper, then dialed the D.C. exchange. The phone was picked up on the second ring.

“Mr. Waters' line. May I help you?”

“This is Justin Montgomery. I'm returning Mr. Waters' call. Is he available?”

“Yes, he is, Mr. Montgomery. He's been trying to reach you. Please hold.”

Justin expelled a breath through his teeth as he waited. The wait wasn't long.

“Mr. Montgomery,” Stan intoned. “You're a hard man to catch up with.”

“I've been busy,” Justin said shortly. “I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. Now, what can I do for you?”

“Actually, Mr. Montgomery—may I call you Justin?”

Justin sighed silently. “Feel free.”

“It's more what I can do for you, Justin.”

“Please do us both a favor—
Stan
—don't be cryptic.”

“This really isn't something that can be discussed over
the phone. It's of great importance and it has to do with Assemblywoman Hamilton and her bid for Congress.”

“What are you talking about?” His guard went up. “And what could you possibly have to discuss with me about Hamilton that would be of any concern to me?”

“I think it would be best if we met. There's a proposition that we'd like to offer. It would be in Ms. Hamilton's best interest if you took it.”

Justin fought to control his boiling anger and the feeling of unease that spread through him.

“Why should I be interested?” he asked cautiously.

“We think that you are. We'd like to set up a meeting as soon as possible.”

“Who is ‘we'?” Justin asked, growing annoyed.

“You'll meet everyone at the meeting.”

“I didn't say I'd be there.”

“Let's put it this way, Justin. We have it from very reliable sources that you and Ms. Hamilton are—how shall I say?—involved. We also have information that could ruin her, permanently, in politics. You're the only one who can stop that. Now, are you interested in meeting with us?”

“When and where?”

 

Vaughn kept her mind off her problems by immersing herself in preparing dinner. She'd decided on smothered chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, and string beans, and she'd purchased a pint of butter pecan ice cream on the way home. For tonight she'd put aside her diet concerns and just enjoy. She definitely needed it.

She still couldn't believe that Crystal would deliberately have given David any information. Somehow he must have found a way to get it.

A tremor ran through her. How many years had it been since she'd seen David? Was it possible for anyone to carry
a grudge that long? Was that even his reason for skulking back into her life and trying to destroy it?

Images of David Cain as he sat in the hearing room that last day flashed through her head. The look he'd given her when he was found guilty of the charges and dismissed from the firm had chilled her. The memory chilled her now. Yes. He was capable of carrying a grudge.

She shook her head to dispel the thoughts. Looking up at the kitchen clock, she saw that it was nearly seven. Hopefully, Justin would arrive soon. In the meantime, dinner was simmering and she wanted to change.

She took a quick shower and changed into a short silk top in mint green with matching pants that floated over her skin. She'd just finished dressing when the bell rang.

Vaughn leaped into Justin's arms when she opened the door.

“What did I do to rate a greeting like that?” he asked roughly kissing her on the mouth. For several long moments they embraced each other.

“Just being you—being here when I need you.” She snaked her arms around his waist as they walked into the living room.

Justin took off his trenchcoat and then his suit jacket. He loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top button of his shirt. With a heavy sigh he sat down on the couch, then smiled wearily up at Vaughn. He patted the empty spot next to him and she eagerly sat down. He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.

“Do you want to talk first or eat?”

“I know you must be starved. I can't imagine the kind of day you had with the trial starting.”

He let out a breath. “It was rough, but I'm more concerned with you at the moment.”

She smiled. “Let's do both. I'll talk while we eat.”

 

Justin would have lost his appetite if he hadn't already been finished by the time Vaughn concluded her story. Flashes of his conversation with Stan Waters echoed in his head. Now his subtle innuendos about Vaughn took on a dangerous note. Vaughn was in serious trouble. Someone had no intention of letting her win this election. The prime suspect, of course, was Lucus Stone. And it was obvious that David Cain was on his payroll. How far Crystal was involved remained to be seen. Justin's jaw clenched. He sensed that it went further; how much further, he didn't know. As much as he wanted to tell her about his conversation with Waters, he decided against it. At least for now. The last thing she needed at this point was something else to worry about.

“First you need to talk with Crystal. I'm sure she's seen the papers by now. She has to know. What about your father? Do you think he would be any help?”

Vaughn laughed derisively. “He's already in a rage about the article. The last person I'd go to is him. I'll find a way to work through it. I'll deal with Crystal. I'm sure there's an explanation.”

“In the meantime, I think you need to clamp down on everything that goes in and out of your office,” he advised. “We need to keep a low profile as well,” he added reluctantly, recalling Waters' implications. “There's no reason to stir up any more trouble or any more rumors.”

“I know you're right but I just hate the thought that I can't trust the people around me, and most of all,” she looked deeply into his eyes, “that we have to sneak around like two teenagers who have been grounded.”

Justin motioned to her. She got up and went to sit on his lap. She rested her head on his shoulder. “Then my plans
will be right on time. We'll be away from everyone and everything for two glorious days.”

She sat up straight. Her eyes sparkled “What? Tell me.”

“I've made plans for us to go to Nassau next weekend.”

“Next weekend?” she stuttered.

“Yes.” He gathered her close and nuzzled her neck. “I'll have you all to myself.”

“I…I can't go, Justin.”

He leaned back. His eyes squinted. “Why? I know you can get away for a weekend, Vaughn. You can't work seven days a week.”

She pushed herself up and walked across the room. “I can't go,” she repeated. “Not next weekend.”

He, too, got up and crossed the room until he stood behind her. He took her arm and turned her around. “Look at me and tell me why.”

Vaughn took a fortifying breath. “I can't talk about it.” She turned her head away, but Justin grabbed her chin and turned her to face him.

“More secrets? When do they ever end with you, Vaughn?”

Her nostrils flared. “This has nothing to do with you, Justin. It's something that I have to take care of. And I don't want to talk about it.”

He let her go and turned away. “Would you mind telling me where you're going?” he asked in a low voice. “Or is that asking too much?”

“To Atlanta.”

Justin nodded without commenting.

A tense silence filled the air. Vaughn busied herself with straightening the kitchen.

“I guess I'd better get going,” he said finally. She turned
and he was standing in the doorway of the kitchen. Her heart lurched.

“Don't…go,” she said in a halting voice, afraid of his response.

“Why not?”

She swallowed, then dried her hands on the striped towel. Slowly she walked over to him. She gazed up into his eyes. “I want you to stay,” she said softly.

“You want a lot of things, Vaughn,” he said shortly. “You want me, but just so much. You want to tell me things, but not too much. You want me in your life, but not too close. You can't have everything both ways. It doesn't work like that.”

“I know that,” she retorted in a tight voice. “If I could tell you, I would. And I will, in good time. Now is not the time.”

“And who decides when it's a good time?”

She spun away and crossed her arms beneath her breasts. “Maybe it is best if you leave. Especially if the rest of the evening is going to go like this.”

“Maybe we just shouldn't see each other for a while, Vaughn, until you figure out what kind of relationship you want.”

Vaughn was stunned into silence. Without another word, Justin collected his things and quietly closed the door behind him.