Shattered Lives (The Shattered Series Book 1) Page 2

  “I haven't,” shrugged Tami, “and I don’t plan to...not yet, anyway.”

  “More secrets?” Alexis glared.

  Tami sighed and plopped down in her chair. “Thanks, killjoy! Thanks for ruining my happy moment. All you need to know is that I have my reasons for not mentioning it.”

  “Whatever, it’s your marriage. But, I am happy for you.” Tami and Alexis said their goodbyes and agreed to meet up for dinner and have a few cocktails that night.

  She was in a state of euphoria the entire day, nothing could break her mood. Although it’ll be a few months before the transition began, she already put her team together on paper. Despite an official announcement, word had spread like wildfire. She's overheard several supervisors discussing it. Within days she imagines her peers will fight to replace her. The rest of the day was spent making calls, going over reports, and responding to emails. She was so busy she hadn’t realized most of the office had gone home for the day. Tami looked up at the clock on the wall, it was already 6:30 in the evening. With only two hours before she had to meet Alexis, she hurried home to shower and change. Tami put on her navy blue sleeveless jumpsuit with a gold link chain belt. She flat iron her long shiny black hair and was out the door to The Steak House restaurant.

  The Steak House was busy for a Thursday night, so the hostess informed them it would be a thirty-minute wait for a table. The young girl handed them a pager and said she’ll notify them when their table was ready. Tami and Alexis waited outside on a bench facing the parking lot. It was especially cool for a night in Texas with Halloween only two weeks away.

  “I should’ve worn a light sweater. I’ll turn into an ice cube while we wait,” said Tami with a slight shiver.

  “I think you’re being a bit dramatic, it’s hardly cold out here. Besides, I love this time of year. Occasional cool days to give us a break from the heat,” shared Alexis.

  “Hey, did you get an invitation to Dan's Anniversary/Halloween party?”

  “No, I didn't, but who gets married on Halloween? That's weird.”

  “Dan is weird at times. So, getting married on Halloween is right up his alley.”

  “Are you going?” asked Alexis.

  “Yes and you are too. As my plus one. Josh doesn't like going to any of my job-related functions. He always has something else to do.”

  “Talk to him first and if he says no then, I will think about it.”

  Just then, Tami spotted Nick coming out of the restaurant with a woman who was not his wife on his arm. As he walked passed Tami, they made eye contact but neither one of them said a word. Alexis must have noticed their passing glances because she asked who Nick was.

  “That’s Josh’s best friend. They work together and the woman he’s with is not his wife, Lauren.”

  “Oh, so that’s Nick. The one you’re always talking about.”

  “I do not always talk about him,” said Tami.

  “Okay, more like complain.”

  “Now, that’s true. He’s plain lazy and doesn’t help Josh at work. My husband is out of town right now covering for him because he said he had to take care of his mother.”

  “Obviously, he's taking care of something else,” laughed Alexis.

  “I sent a text to Lauren. To express my sympathy concerning her mother-in-law who’s supposedly in the hospital. I could tell she had no idea what I was talking about.”

  “Tami, you need to stop getting so worked up over things you can’t control. That guy is Josh’s and Lauren’s problem, not yours. So, let it go.”

  The women enjoyed a juicy steak dinner and cocktails when they were seated. Because Alexis had one too many drinks, Tami offered to drive her home. She lived forty-five minutes in the opposite direction, but Tami didn’t mind the drive. Long drives gave her time to think and reflect on the day. When she arrived at Alexis’ house, her mother helped her inside. Her mom, who was watching Alexis’ son, Aaron, for the night mentioned she would arrange to get her car the next day. Tami was halfway home when she received a call from the alarm company. They dispatched the police because someone triggered the house alarm. Her first thought was it had to be Josh, but he was still out of town. She sped home as quickly as she could, feeling both nervous and scared. When she arrived there were two police cars waiting outside. She immediately parked on the street and jumped out of her car.

  “Are you the homeowner?” asked the officer.

  “Yes, I'm Tami Hamilton.”

  “Can I see your ID, please?”

  Tami nervously rummaged through her purse for her wallet. With her hand trembling from nerves she tried to remove her driver’s license from behind the plastic insert. After several tries, she handed the officer her entire wallet. He glanced at the picture ID with a flashlight held high before returning it to her.

  “We received an alert from your alarm company at 11:40 pm. When we arrived the back door was opened. We search the premises and found no one inside or evidence of forced entry. We need you to check for anything that seems out of place or stolen,” stated the officer.

  Tami hesitantly walked inside, relieved she was not home when this happened. She inspected each room carefully for the smallest item that may be out of place. Once upstairs in her bedroom, Tami checked her closet hoping that her hidden jewelry box was still there. She moved boxes aside on the top shelf and there it was a delicate glass jewelry box. Her father gave it to her before he died. She kept nothing of value inside but treasures it like it’s a priceless heirloom. She continued to search the house and everything appeared to be in place. Tami let the officers know everything was okay. They searched the perimeter of the home one last time and left. She immediately called Josh.

  “Josh!” Tami shouted through the phone when he picked up. He remained silent. “Josh!”

  “I'm...here,” he said drowsily, sounding as if he’d just woken from a deep slumber.

  “Josh, someone broke into the house!”

  "What? When? Are you okay?” he asked.

  “I'm fine, luckily I wasn't home. The police were here, but they didn't catch anyone. Whoever broke in was long gone by the time they arrived. The good news is nothing was taken.”

  “What do you mean nothing was taken? Who would break in and not steal a thing?” he asked.

  “I don’t know! I searched everywhere and nothing is out of place. Maybe the sound of the alarm scared them,” said Tami, trying desperately to cover the fear she felt inside.

  “I'm coming home!”

  “You don't have to do that, everything is fine.”

  “No, it's not. I can hear it in your voice that you’re scared. Make sure you lock all doors and turn on the alarm. I’ll see you in about three hours.”

  Tami hung up the phone and double checked every door and window in the house. She turned on the alarm and tried to fall asleep. But, she couldn't between jumping at every little sound and her mind racing with thoughts of who could have broken in. A glass of wine might do the trick. It had a way of calming her nerves. She crept down the stairs very slowly. The lower level of their home was well lit because she had turned on every light in the house. When she approached the bottom stair, she looked to the right which led to the study, and then the left which led to the family room. Tami held her breath as she listened for the slightest sound. When she felt brave enough, she ran to the kitchen to retrieve the wine and a glass. Next, she made a mad dash to the sofa. The plan was to drink glass after glass until she fell asleep, but it didn't happen. Tami was awake when Josh came walking through the front door. She leaped off the sofa, ran to him, and placed her arms around him holding him tight. Josh returned his wife embrace and led her to the chair in their foyer. “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “Yeah, just somewhat freaked out, that's all.”

  “I know you're scared but the police have no leads. The only thing we can do is make sure we secure the house before we leave. Maybe even have security cameras installed.”

  Later that morning Josh call
ed the security company to have several cameras installed. To her surprise, a crew arrived that evening. She doesn't know what Josh told them to get such prompt service, but she was glad he took care of it right away. They placed cameras in the front and the rear of the house overlooking the patio door area. Josh had cameras placed inside as well. Tami specifically asked for one to overlook the stairs. With a surveillance monitor placed in the study, now she felt safe.

  ◆◆◆

  It’s Halloween night and Tami was getting dressed for Dan's Halloween/Anniversary party. Everyone must come in a costume, so she‘s going as a nurse. She knew it wasn’t the most original idea, but Tami hated costume parties. It was something she never liked to do, even as a child. When her friends dressed as a princess or a superhero, she was the only oddball wearing a t-shirt and jeans to go trick or treat. Now as an adult, her feelings have not changed. So going as a nurse, dressed in scrubs is the best she can do. As expected, Josh chose not to attend, he said he needed to stay home to pass out candy to the kids. It was only an excuse, he's not big on social events.

  Alexis was already outside Dan’s house when Tami arrived. At first glance she didn’t know what to think, she thought maybe she was dressed as a hooker. But Alexis corrected her and said she was a cheerleader. Dressed in a red micro miniskirt, with a white buttoned down shirt tied above her navel. It didn’t seem to bother her that her boobs were spilling out. She completed her look with white knee-high socks, red platform heels, and two long ponytails in her hair.

  "Don't you think that’s a bit much? You are attending a party thrown by our boss, remember?" Tami asked as they walked up the long winding driveway.

  “I know, but we’re not at work.”

  “Yeah, but there will be plenty of people here from our job. I know you wouldn’t want that creepy guy who works in Accounting staring down your shirt all night.”

  “Antonio? I’m not in the least bit concerned with what anyone thinks of my costume. This is all I could pull together on such short notice. You only told me two days ago Josh was not coming with you and I already had this in my closet.”

  "Why would you have that in your closet?" asked Tami, turning up her nose.

  “For role-playing. My man and I are into that.”

  Her man? She was unaware of any man Alexis was seeing. She was aware of the profile she had on a few dating sites, but she never mentioned meeting, anyone. “Your man? You never told me you were dating anyone.”

  “That's a story for another day.” Alexis smiled.

  Tami and Alexis continued their walk to the front door, taking in the ghoulish decorations on their way. Dan had automated witches lined along the path to the front door that spoke as you passed each one. The porch was lit with real pumpkins that had scary faces carved onto them. Tami found the doorbell underneath the cobwebs that covered the front door. She could hear music playing loudly from the other side. She rang the doorbell two more times with no answer. Alexis impatiently turned the doorknob to enter. They were greeted by loud and spooky Halloween music blasting throughout speakers strategically placed in the room. Every way they turned they saw an assortment of characters from Frankenstein to Hello Kitty. It was hard to recognize most underneath their costumes. Near the dining room was a table impeccably decorated with food laid buffet style. In the center was a cake to remind everyone that this was also an anniversary celebration. The cake was beautiful with white fondant icing topped with red roses with petals that appeared soft to the touch. The writing on the cake was pastel pink that simply said Happy 20th Anniversary, Dan and Julia. Tami smiled to herself as she read the cake and wondered if she and Josh would last long enough to make it to their 20th. She thought how could they, with all she was keeping from him. Because he’s been distracted by the break-in, he hasn’t mentioned her doctor and she hasn't told him about her promotion. Tami comes out of deep thought to scan the room for Dan and his wife, to congratulate them. She eventually spotted him dressed as a pirate in the kitchen, he was with a group of people huddled next to the refrigerator laughing. She turned to let Alexis know she was going over to speak with Dan but she was showing off her costume to someone dressed as Lady Gaga. As she made her way towards the kitchen, she saw a woman dressed as a cat staring at her. She wore a black catsuit, with a long black tail and leopard print belt. Tami could not fully see her face due to the top half of it was covered with a black cat mask. It was a glitter filigree design, embellished with rhinestone pointed ears, and thin white whiskers. Tami’s sure she’s never seen her before. Maybe, she would approach her later.

  “Hi Dan,” Tami said barging her way into the laughing group.

  “Tami, you made it!” he said slightly slurring his words. It was very apparent he had a few too many of his witches brew punch. “Let me guess, you're a dental assistant,” he continued sounding sure of himself.

  “No! I'm a nurse. Can't you tell?”

  “I can,” stated Julia who reached over to give her a hug. Tami has always admired Julia. She had a gracious personality accompanied with an infectious smile. When she brought Dan homemade bake goodies, she always had an extra basket for the rest of staff. If you’re having a bad day, she’s there to make sure you see the brighter side of any situation. She is truly a caring and sincere person. Julia and Tami moved over to the other side of the kitchen to speak privately when the woman dressed in the cat costume entered the kitchen. She walked over to occupy a corner and continued to watch Tami.

  “Hey Julia, do you know that woman behind me dressed as a cat?”

  Julia looked over Tami’s shoulder. “I don’t believe I do. She could be here with one of our invited guests.”

  “She keeps staring at me. Maybe, I should go over and speak with her.” Tami excused herself from Julia and made her way over to speak with the mystery woman, but Dan calls out after her.

  “Tami! Tami!” he shouted, as if she was as in another room, instead of less than two feet away.

  “Yes, Dan. What is it?” she asked, slightly annoyed

  because she wanted to speak with that cat lady.

  “I would like to introduce you to Tim Lansing.”

  “Oh, it's wonderful to meet you,” she said, readjusting her attitude as she shook Tim’s hand.

  “I've heard many good things about you from Dan. I was beginning to think you were a figment of his imagination because we never met. He would take me to an office he said was yours but it was always empty,” said Tim.

  They all laughed, “No, I'm quite real,” added Tami, “We should get together soon to discuss our vision for the new center.”

  “You better do it right away because we are opening in three weeks,” said Dan.

  “What happened to a few of months?” asked Tami.

  “We’re fast-tracking everything. The board decided on it yesterday, it’s necessary for us to remain competitive.”

  Out of nowhere, the woman dressed as a cat made her way between Dan and Tim. “Hi, I wanted to come over and congratulate you on your promotion.”

  The gesture caught Tami off guard and the expression on Dan’s face showed he was also. “Thank you and you are...?”

  “Tim didn’t tell you?” she asked, “I’m...”

  “This is Ramona,” interjected Tim, “She worked in my former division and I’m bringing her along to the new downtown center.”

  “In what capacity?” asked Tami.

  “Not sure. She’s an excellent employee it won’t be

  difficult to find something for her to do.” Tim glanced at Ramona, who still had on her mask.

  Tami continued to observe her in a curious manner. Why was she watching me? Maybe she was waiting for the right time to offer her congrats. There’s definitely more to the story. Before Tami could utter a word to Ramona, Tim excused himself and dragged Ramona by her arm towards the front door. The sound of Dan tapping a champagne flute with a knife moved her attention away from them and on to him. He held his glass up high as he gave a lovely toast to
his wife of twenty years. He then invited everyone to enjoy a slice of their anniversary cake. Tami caught up with Alexis and spent the rest of night laughing, dancing, and drinking plenty of witches brew.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Tim held a firm grip on Ramona Vasquez as he dragged her out of the party by her arm. “Let go of me! Who do you think you are grabbing me like a child?” she muttered.

  Tim loosened his grip on her arm. “What the hell is wrong with you? I asked you to wait and not approach them!”

  “I'm doing what you promised! Since you waited much too long with the introductions, I saw nothing wrong with taking matters into my own hands,” she said, jerking her arm out of his grasp.

  “I told you I would help you and I will. But, you can’t go around doing things on your own or this will never work,” said Tim.

  He regretted ever getting involved with her. He had met her one month ago by chance as he waited for an executive meeting to begin. Ramona was gathering files left behind from an earlier meeting. Her wine-colored dress accentuated every curve of her body. She’d worn a high ponytail in her hair and minimal make-up which made her appear younger than her age of twenty-five. During their conversation, she’d told him she worked in the Fraud Prevention division and expressed an interest in working at the new acquisition center. As she spoke, all he could think about was bending her over on the conference table and giving her something that’ll make her scream. So, he’d lied and told her he could help. There wasn't anything he could do, he had nothing to do with the hiring process. But, he’d thought he would string her along long enough to get in her pants. He had asked her to come by his office that evening. It was around five o'clock when he saw her standing at his office door. She had gotten right down to business she’d told him she wanted a position at the new center and he was the man to help her. Tim asked her what was she willing to do for him in return. She slowly walked towards him, captivating him with each seductive stride, never breaking eye contact. Ramona stood before him and gently caressed him through his pants, arousing him with her touch. She had gotten on her knees, unzip his trousers, and pleasured him unlike anyone has done before. Afterward, she stood up and said, “If you want more, get me a job downtown.”