Scandalous (22 page)

He was nearly beside himself with frustration. His head pounded, his stomach was twisted into a knot, and he couldn't get his thoughts to focus. But he had to. He had to figure things out. He had to get to Vaughn and explain the situation to her before the entire bizarre episode exploded in her face. No matter what she'd done, she didn't deserve to find out on the eleven o'clock news. If he only knew where she went in Atlanta and when she'd be back…he could at least warn her. He'd already tried her office, but everyone had left for the weekend. Crystal Porter was his
next hope but her number was unlisted. He'd already left three urgent messages on Vaughn's answering machine. There was nothing else he could do.

Finally, mentally and physically washed out, he collapsed in the loveseat. He rested his head against the back cushion and closed his eyes. Instantly, bursts of light reminiscent of the camera flashes popped before his eyes. Adrenaline charged through his veins and he pushed himself up out of his seat. Just as he began pacing again the phone rang.

He snatched up the cordless phone. “Yes,” he barked.

“Listen, man, I don't know what the hell is going on,” Sean stated, “but you'd better turn on the T.V. Now!”

In quick strides Justin crossed the room, grabbed the remote, and pushed the “on” button.

“…In a surprise announcement today, businessman and criminal attorney Justin Montgomery threw his hat into the ring for the Democratic nomination for the congressional seat, just making the deadline…”

He didn't need to hear any more. All he could imagine was Vaughn's horror at finding out this way.

“Sean…are you still there?”

“Yeah. What's going on?”

“We need to talk.”

“No kiddin'.”

“Can you come here?”

“See you in twenty minutes.”

 

Elliott watched the broadcast in the privacy of his study. Maybe now Vaughn would trust his judgment and listen to his plans for her success. It was obvious that Justin Montgomery meant her no good. Wasn't it? He'd be there waiting to comfort her when she came to him and admitted that he'd been right all along.

In the upstairs bedroom, Sheila's heart was breaking for her child. When would she ever find happiness? Could it be possible that Justin Montgomery had been using Vaughn all along? Was it he who'd leaked the information about Vaughn's plans to the press? As much as the evidence pointed an accusing finger at Justin Montgomery, a dark corner of her heart believed that he was just as much a victim as Vaughn. But to give voice to her suspicions would crumble the world as she knew it.

 

Instead of going to her hotel as she'd originally planned, Vaughn instructed the driver to take her back to the airport. There was no reason for her to remain in Atlanta. She'd done what she came to do. Now it was time to go back and begin to make things right between her and Justin. Her love for him could be all encompassing now, free from the ghosts of her past. She could love him as thoroughly as her heart allowed—as he allowed.

When she reached the airport she made a quick call to Crystal, but got her machine instead. She left her flight number and a message that she was on her way back. On the flight home she felt as if a weight had been lifted from her soul. Now she could tell Justin everything—about her pregnancy, her baby's untimely death, and her years of bending to her father's wishes. Each individual was in control of their own destiny, she reasoned. And now she would finally take control of hers.

She exited the plane. Her heart beat with anticipation. She couldn't wait to get home and call Justin. Maybe she'd just call him from inside of the terminal. The thought of hearing his voice made her smile. As she hurried across the runway and into the terminal, she saw Crystal running in her direction.

Something was wrong. Her pulse began to quicken as Crystal's anxiety-strained face came closer into view.

“Vaughn,” Crystal said breathlessly, “I'm so glad you were on this flight. I got your message.”

“Crystal, you're scaring me. What is it?”

“Let's get out of here.” She looked quickly over her shoulder as she ushered Vaughn toward the baggage claim area.

“I don't even know how to tell you this, but I didn't want you to see it on T.V. or hear it on the radio.”

“Hear what? See what?” she demanded.

“There she is!” The shout rang out through the terminal. Almost instantly, Vaughn and Crystal were surrounded by a small group of men and women.

Vaughn threw Crystal a look just as a flashbulb went off in her face. “It's Justin,” Crystal tried to say, but was drowned out by the reporters' questions.

“Ms. Hamilton. Ms. Hamilton,” shouted a woman from the
Herald.
“What are your feelings about Justin Montgomery entering the congressional election?”

Whatever she thought the question was going to be, nothing could have prepared her for this.

“Ms. Hamilton, is it true that you and Mr. Montgomery had a relationship and he used that relationship to further his political objectives?”

Vaughn felt as if the floor were giving way beneath her feet. Crystal was grabbing her arm and trying to steer her past the growing crowd.

There must be some sort of mistake, she kept thinking as she tried to form the words to answer the barrage of questions. But turning and seeing the look of regret on Crystal's face told her it was no mistake. Yes, she could easily walk away with the standard “No comment,” but when she'd left her daughter's grave site, less than four
hours earlier, she vowed to take charge of her destiny. It would have to start somewhere.

Vaughn halted her forward stride so suddenly that Crystal nearly fell over her own feet. Vaughn turned and faced the pursuing crowd. She took a steadying breath and assumed her public face. She smiled. “I look forward to a run-off with Mr. Montgomery. I'm sure he has his reasons for coming into the race so late. I can't imagine what those reasons are,” she said cynically. “My office will be scheduling a press conference to respond to the questions.” She started to walk off.

“Wait, Ms. Hamilton. What about the rumors of a relationship with Mr. Montgomery? What's the story?”

Her stomach dipped as she turned to face her inquisitors.

“That is absurd. I know Mr. Montgomery professionally and that's all. There's never been anything between us,” she stated firmly. As she said the words, she knew that they were painfully true.

C
rystal was trying to tell her on the ride home about the news release earlier in the day, but Vaughn couldn't hear her. Her sense of betrayal ran so deep it had carved out a canyon in her soul. She was totally devoid of feelings. Her brain was no longer able to process the information that Crystal kept pouring into it.

The cab pulled up in front of Vaughn's townhouse. “Are you all right, Vaughn?” Crystal clasped her shoulder. “Do you want me to come up for a while?”

Vaughn looked at her, but didn't really see her. “No thanks.” Her smile was in place. “You go on home. I'll see you Monday.” Vaughn pushed the lock and started to open the door.

“Vaughn, you don't have to act like everything is alright. We both know that it isn't. Remember, I've been there too.” For the first time since Vaughn had heard the news, Crystal thought she saw a flicker in her dark eyes. But just
as quickly, her look became veiled and unreadable.
The Iron Maiden,
Crystal thought, suddenly overcome with sadness. “I'll be home if you need to talk,” she said, as Vaughn stepped out of the cab.

“Thanks.” She walked down the path to her door. She felt as if her feet had been weighted down in cement. If she could just make it to the other side of her door, she silently prayed. Once inside, she closed the door quietly behind her. And in that instant, all of the agony she'd withheld since her return washed over her in a nauseating wave. All of her anguish and loss over the years seemed to magnify one-hundredfold. “This couldn't be happening again. Not again,” she cried. Instinctively she wrapped her arms around her body in a futile attempt to shield herself from the onslaught of pain that pummeled her mercilessly. Slowly, she slid down the surface of the door. Resting her head on her knees, she finally gave in to the wracking sobs that fought for release.

 

“What could they possibly have on her?” Sean asked.

“Trust me, if released her chances for this election or any other are zero.”

Justin stretched out his legs and let his eyes slide shut. “I just need to talk to her. She's got to know from me what this is all about, and then I want her to explain.”

Sean used the remote control to turn on the television.

“…This just in,” the newscaster was saying. “Congressional candidate Vaughn Hamilton was met at Dulles Airport this evening and questioned…”

Justin sprang up in his seat. His eyes were riveted to Vaughn's face on the screen, and what he saw made his gut twist. “Oh, no,” he breathed. He got up and grabbed his coat. “I've got to go to her.”

Sean was instantly on his feet. “Bad move, buddy. The
press will probably be all over you. We don't need any more publicity. I'm telling you, stay put and hope that she calls you.”

Justin heaved a sigh. “I know Vaughn. She won't call.” He began to pace as the interview continued.

“There was never anything between us,” he heard her say. And the moment he heard her utter the words, he knew that she meant it.

 

Vaughn spent her weekend expending her pent-up energy and frustration. She jogged, and played tennis until she fell into bed at night exhausted. Too tired to dream. Too tired to think about Justin. In one fell swoop he'd erased all of the joy of their relationship. He'd made her doubt herself and her ability to judge character. He'd made her feel unworthy, undeserving of true love. All of the insecurities she'd harbored about her womanhood he rekindled as expertly as he'd stoked the fires of her heart.

She'd refused to answer her phone or respond to the countless messages that flashed on her answering machine. Her father had called, feigning indignation. But the tone of his voice seemed to say, “I told you so.” Her mother was beside herself with worry. But Vaughn called neither of them.

More times than she'd dared to count, she was tempted to answer Justin's phone calls. But what could he possibly say to explain his treachery?

Her father had been right all along and that reality made her ill. Even Paul had tried to warn her. But more than anything, once the shock had worn off, she became angry. She wanted to hurt him, to humiliate him as he'd hurt and humiliated her. His betrayal fueled her desire to win—at any cost—and she would. She would control her destiny.

When she arrived at her office on Monday morning, the office was a flurry of activity. Phones were ringing incessantly. Staff members were racing up and down the hallway and, as usual, Crystal was in her spot in the alcove behind Vaughn's door. As soon as Vaughn walked in, Crystal jumped up.

“Where the devil have you been? I've been worried sick. Every newspaper in the state has been calling.”

Vaughn gave her a cool smile. “That's exactly what we need,” she said calmly. “Did you set up the press conference?”

“Tomorrow at 3 P.M.,” Crystal said haltingly, completely taken aback by Vaughn's icy demeanor.

“If Justin Montgomery wants a fight, then he's got one on his hands. I'm in this thing to win,” she said, a hard edge to her voice.

“He's called from the courthouse several times already this morning.”

“Good. Let him keep calling. You talk to him the next time he calls and tell him we'll see him at the run-off election and not a minute before.”

“Vaughn.” Crystal stepped closer. “What's happening to you? This isn't like you. Why won't you at least listen to what he has to say? Maybe there's an explanation.”

Vaughn rounded on Crystal so quickly, Crystal's next comment stuck in her throat. “Listen, let's clear this up now. He called this war and I'm not in it just for the skirmish.” Her voice rose. “He used me, damn it! Just like Paul, just like…Brian. I'm not interested in his reasons why,” she spat.

Crystal blinked back her shock, then nodded. “You're right. I just thought…”

“Let's get prepared for this press conference. I have my
text prepared.” She unsnapped the lock on her briefcase and pulled out several sheets of typed paper. She handed them to Crystal. “I need you to take a look at this and see if it needs revising.”

Crystal took the papers and stared at Vaughn's rigid form, at the hard eyes and the mouth tight around the edges. She took a cautious step forward. “I'm sorry, Vaughn, about everything,” she said quietly.

“Don't be. This is just what I needed. I'd begun to take this whole campaign thing too lightly. This is for real. It's like my father said, I'm going to have to be tougher. And I will be, Crystal.” She looked at her with determination burning in her eyes. “Justin Montgomery taught me some valuable lessons. Trust is something that doesn't exist. Love is for fools. And no one is above deceit.” She swallowed. “Even those who profess to love you.” She turned away and blinked back the tears that scorched her eyes. “I need that speech back as soon as possible,” she said softly.

 

“What does all of this mean for the law firm?” Simone asked Chad over her cup of tea.

Chad shook his head slowly. “I don't really know. I'm still in shock. Justin said he was having a staff meeting this afternoon.” He shook his head again. “I mean, I know Justin has all of the qualifications to run for office, and he'd make a damned good candidate. I just never knew he was interested in politics—at least not to this extent.” He took a swallow of his Pepsi.

Simone leaned slightly forward across the table and spoke in a hushed voice. “Actually, I kind of got the impression that Mr. Montgomery and Ms. Hamilton…” She let her thought hang in the air.

Chad smiled crookedly. “I had the same impression. I guess we were both wrong.”

 

Melissa Overton had worked throughout the weekend on Simone's case. She knew she was close. In her work she'd discovered the name of the woman who had placed children in and around Atlanta during the time that Simone was born. She hoped that the woman would be willing to talk with her. What Melissa didn't know was that her boss, Elaine, was also working on the case on Justin's behalf.

Elaine's heart thundered in her chest as she read the report she'd accessed from Melissa's computer. Although the circumstances allowed for the remote possibility that Justin was Simone's father, the facts before her showed otherwise.

Elaine sighed. The information was rather curious. Everything pointed to Atlanta and a midwife. She put more names into the computer, using Simone's last name in the hope that Simone's mother had used that name at some point. The computer hummed and buzzed. Moments later, it produced a massive list of women whose last name was Rivers.

Meanwhile, Melissa had the same idea. She scanned her list, compared all the other variables: race, age, place of birth, proximity to Atlanta. She narrowed down the list to forty names. She knew she was on the threshold of discovery. Her palms began to sweat. Her fingers flew over the keys as she entered the commands: profession, married or single, deceased. She was certain that whoever Simone's mother was, she had had money and connections even nineteen years ago.

 

“The press is arriving,” Crystal said as she stepped into Vaughn's office and closed the door.

“Did you set them up in the formal conference room?” Crystal nodded. “Let them simmer for a few minutes and
I'll be in. I want them eager and hungry. Any word from David?” she asked, not looking at Crystal as she gathered her notes.

“No,” Crystal mumbled, the word sticking in her throat. “I don't expect to hear from him again. I'm sure he knows that we realize what he's done,” she said quietly, her humiliation renewed.

“You're probably right,” she laughed mirthlessly, “but bad pennies always seem to keep turning up in one form or another.” She took a breath and looked up, the emptiness that swam in her eyes jolted Crystal. A chill raced through her body. “Well, lets go,” Vaughn said, “I have plenty to say.”

 

David Cain stood over Lucus Stone like a brewing volcano ready to erupt. David's large, muscular body shook with rage.

“Take it or leave it,” Lucus said, unmoved by David's display of temper.

“The deal was fifty grand.” He slammed the envelope on the table. “Not fifteen!” He pressed his palms on the desk and leaned dangerously forward, so close he could smell the coffee on Lucus's breath. “I want the rest of my money, you slimy scum.”

Lucus leaned back and chuckled. “Or what?” he asked calmly. “Your information was mediocre at best. I wanted more and you didn't deliver.” He pushed the envelope toward David. “All your information is worth is in that envelope.”

David straightened. “If you think you're gonna screw me outta what's mine,” he smiled menacingly, “then you've finally tangled with the wrong guy.”

Lucus leaned forward. His blue eyes darkened. “Don't ever threaten me, Cain. You don't have what it takes.
Now, if you'd been able to pull off a coup like Justin Montgomery, you might be worth the other thirty-five thousand.” He chuckled and shook his head. “This is rich. I wish I could've thought of it. Now things are really going to get interesting. I'm anxious to see what she has to say at her press conference today.” He chuckled again.

David's anger slowly dissipated and was replace by incredulity. He was sure that Lucus was in some way responsible for Montgomery entering the race. If he wasn't, then who was?

“Take the money,” Lucus said in his most patronizing tone. “We used your information and now our association is over. I'm sure that there's plenty you can do with fifteen thousand dollars.”

David mindlessly retrieved the envelope. His thoughts tumbled over one another.

“Now, if you'll excuse me,” Lucus said, interrupting David's thoughts, “its almost time for the press conference.”

 

Court was recessed for the day at the noon break. Justin, Sean, and Khendra stepped out into the corridor and were immediately set upon by the press.

“Mr. Montgomery, what do you think Assemblywoman Hamilton will say at her conference today? Do you intend to face her in a formal debate? Why enter now? Are the rumors true about you and Assembly-woman Hamilton? What about the Harrison case?”

Sean and Khendra cut each other a glance. Justin held up his hands to stave off any further questions. “First, I'm in this race…because it was the right thing for me to do. As for Assemblywoman Hamilton's press conference, I have no idea what she'll be talking about. My entering the race has no bearing on this trial. Mr. Michaels and
Ms. Phillips are more than competent. My participation at this point is strictly as an observer and advisor. Now, if you'll excuse us.” He smiled magnanimously. “We'd like to catch the press conference also.”

The trio shouldered their way through the reporters and camera crews and sprinted toward their waiting car.

“I sure as hell hope you know what you're doing,” Sean said, taking his seat.

Justin stared out of the window as the car sped away. All he could hope for was that it would all be worth it. He loved her enough to sacrifice himself for her. If his actions could protect her from ruin, then he'd deal with the consequences. She had to know deep in her heart that he would never betray her. Everything would work out in the end.

 

“…Are you saying that Mr. Montgomery is responsible for the leaks to the press about your campaign?”

“I would never say that,” she replied calmly, her meaning clear. “But nothing is beyond speculation at this point.”

Justin watched the cold, calculated way she answered the questions, and he was chilled. “How could she? She knows perfectly well that I had nothing to do with those leaks.”

“The race is on, as they say. I stand behind my record. It's rather obvious that Mr. Montgomery sought me out in order to glean information for his own benefit…”

Justin sat alone in his office, watching the broadcast in silent disbelief. His hurt and shock slowly transformed into anger. He'd put himself on the line for her. He'd been patient. He'd loved her. And now, without ever giving him the benefit of the doubt—the chance to explain—she discarded him like an old pair of shoes.