Conned by You Read online

  “Hey, how’s dad?” asked Justin, entering the living room.

  Ava greeted him with her brows knitted together. “You’re home early.” She closed her laptop and cleared a space on the sofa.

  “A meeting canceled at the last minute. So, I left to check on you guys.” He sat beside her.

  “Your dad is still napping. I made him lunch, and he fell asleep watching television.”

  “Did you remember to give him his medication?”

  “Yes, I gave him his blood thinner and his cholesterol medication he will take after dinner.”

  “How are you? I still haven’t heard from anyone at the DA’s office.”

  She expelled a heavy breath. “I know it wasn’t Brandon. I’ve taken several steps to ensure he wouldn’t find me.”

  “He’s the reason we didn’t provide our home address or either of our personal numbers with the district attorney’s office. The one number they have is my business line.”

  “Brandon still has connections with people in the court system who are loyal to him. However, it would be near impossible for him to find me.”

  “I agree. What do you believe caused you to think you saw him?”

  Ava shrugged. “A combination of stress and old fears rising to the surface. It’s up to me to be strong during another trying time in my life.”

  He stroked her hand. “What brought on this shift?”

  “Your dad,” she smiled. “He and I talked. He reminded me to rely on my inner strength.”

  “It’s still hard to believe where we were as a family a year ago.”

  “I know. Anyway, when Terry or whoever returns your call tell them you called for a case update. I would hate to give them the impression their key witness has fallen apart.”

  “It won’t be much longer. We’ll get through this.” He brought her hand to his lips. “What time are you meeting with Lindsey?”

  “I asked her to come over at five. I timed it when I knew you would be out with Chris at his aquatic therapy session.”

  “Good. Have you decided if we’re partnering with her?”

  “I’ll admit, I’m torn. There’s a vast part of myself that doesn’t trust her. However, I’ve seen her online portfolio, and she’s extremely talented. I like her out-the-box designs. She mixes colors and patterns together that you wouldn’t think work. Lindsey possesses the creative eye that could benefit our future hotels.”

  “It sounds like you need more time to decide.”

  “I know you want to move on this right away.”

  He shook his head. “I’m following your lead. This deal doesn’t happen unless you’re on board. On paper, the collaboration makes excellent business sense, but the personal side is complicated.”

  She eyed him strangely. “What happened to I must learn to separate business from my personal feelings?”

  “I was wrong. After that spewed from my mouth, I thought about it from your point of view. I wouldn’t like it if I felt forced to work alongside someone who you were once involved with.”

  She eyed him with a smirk. “I’m glad you now understand my initial reluctance, but I haven’t made a final decision yet. I’ll see how our next meeting goes and proceeded from there.”

  “Is there something else on your mind?” he asked.

  “No, why?”

  He stroked her face between her eyebrows. “Your lines are prominent. You know, the telltale sign something is weighing on you. So, what is it?”

  “Something Nina said about Lindsey I can’t get out of my head.”

  “Nina?”

  “Remember the night we had dinner with her and Dale?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, while we were in the ladies’ room, she mentioned she’d heard Lindsey is out for blood because of your father. She’s pissed about how he treated her.”

  “And this came from Nina?” He gave her a doubtful look.

  “I know,” she sighed. “If the source was anyone but Nina, it would be credible.”

  “She is known to be an exaggerator. Besides, when did you ever listen to her?”

  “That’s why I didn’t mention it to you.”

  “What about Lindsey? Did you tell her what you heard?”

  Ava nodded. “I did. She said she can’t forgive Chris, and I can understand why. I mean, she had to grieve their unborn baby alone. However, Nina’s warning still nags at me.”

  “Don’t give what Nina said another thought because it’s nonsense.”

  “In the same breath, she wished us well. She said she loved you like a brother and wanted nothing more than for you to be happy. Should I also ignore that?”

  “No, she actually meant that part.” He laughed.

  Ava smiled. “I believe so, too. She sounded sincere, and I think it’s because of the intense conversation you had with her.”

  “You mean the one where I told her there’s only one woman for me.” He placed a kiss on her cheek.

  “Yes, that one.”

  “She’s always been like a sister, and I’ll never see her in any other way.”

  Chapter Twelve

  “Are we alone?” asked Lindsey. She followed Ava into the formal living area. The decor was a contemporary design with a tone-on-tone color palette that consisted of white, cream, and chrome-accented furniture. She sat on a linen fabric chair facing Ava, who opted for the upholstered couch.

  “Justin took his father to a therapy session.”

  “How is he?” asked Lindsey.

  The corner of Ava’s lips curled upward as if it surprised her she asked about him. “More questions about Chris.”

  “We may have ended on an unpleasant note, but I cared for him once.”

  “He’s improving every day with the aid of therapy and medication.”

  “Medication?”

  “Blood thinners. It prevents another blood clot from forming.”

  Lindsey nodded and filed the information away. “Let’s get started, shall we?” She retrieved her laptop from her bag. “I have a program that displays a virtual rendition of what your room will look like after the redesign.”

  “Really?” asked Ava, leaning forward. Her eyes studied the computer screen.

  “Yes. During the walkthrough, I noticed your excitement when you talked about having a reading room downstairs. I think we should begin there.”

  Ava smiled. “I can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with.”

  Lindsey opened the program, and a virtual replica of the room appeared on the screen. “You mentioned rose gold is your favorite color.”

  She nodded her head with a smile still on her face.

  “Since your reading room is away from the key living area, we can stray away from the continuity of the main floor.”

  “I hope so. I would like it to match my personality.”

  Lindsey nodded in agreement. “When I think of the color rose gold, it equates with feminine glam. Your space should be comfortable and speaks to your style. Therefore, I’ve chosen a mix of metallics, chrome, and animal print with a color palette of rose gold, white, and silver-gray. In place of wall art, I have decorative mirrors on the wall. We’ll select a built-in for your book collection. What do you think?”

  Lindsey turned towards Ava, whose smile had faded, and her eyes remained focused on the screen.

  “You can change anything you find unappealing?”

  Ava faced her with a sparkle in her eye. “I love it. I would have never come up with any of this on my own.”

  “Does that mean we’re moving forward?”

  “Are you asking about my house or the hotel?”

  “Both.”

  “One step at a time, Lindsey. Let’s see how well we work together on this project before I consider venturing into business.”

  Lindsey closed her laptop. She straightened her posture and tossed back her hair. “I am an in-demand accomplished designer with or without JTH.”

  Ava smirked. “The same designer who approached us wi
th an olive branch and the willingness to move at our pace.”

  She paused and gave Ava a subtle glare. “Fine! I’ll do the reading room, and we’ll see what comes next.”

  “Sounds like a reasonable plan.”

  “I’ll get out of your hair. Next time we meet, we can choose furnishings and paint colors.” Lindsey gathered her bags. “Do you mind if I use your bathroom? My next client is a thirty-minute drive.”

  “Sure, down the hall on the left.”

  Lindsey’s heels click-clacked against the marble floor. Halfway down the hall, she turned to see if Ava was in sight. With the coast clear, she hightailed it to the downstairs guest bedroom. She recognized Chris’ bag right away. He monogrammed all his luggage with his initials. She searched his bags for his medication and found nothing. Her eyes scanned the tops of the dresser and nightstand. Nothing belonged to him. Next, she entered the bathroom and found what she searched for. Alongside his electric toothbrush and grooming products were bottles of vitamins and a prescription pill bottle. Lindsey slid her phone from her pocket and clicked on the camera icon. She took multiple photos of the prescription label. She then placed the bottle back in its spot and left the room. Ava was none the wiser when she returned to retrieve her bags.

  “Are you free for the remainder of the week?” asked Lindsey.

  “I’m working from home for the next several days, so I’m open.”

  “Good. Is it more convenient to meet here?”

  “Yes, if you don’t mind. With Chris staying with us and Justin’s busier than normal, it’s hard to get away.”

  “That’s fine with me. Should I be concern about running into Chris?”

  “No. I’ll arrange for Justin to take him to lunch or something.”

  Lindsey smiled. “Until we meet again.” She left and made a beeline for the one person who could help her with the next phase of her plan. She had one week to pull this off, and with this person’s help, it shouldn’t be a problem. If not, she might lose her hold on Brandon.

  ∞∞∞

  Lindsey stepped through the waiting area of the Women’s Premier Health & Wellness Center and approached the check-in desk. A young woman who wore tired eyes along with an expression that screamed she was ready for her shift to end stood to greet her. “Who’s your appointment with?”

  “Dr. Calhoun.”

  “Sign in using the computer.” She pointed towards two digital screens on the wall.

  “My appointment is not in the system. Can you let her know, Lindsey Meyers, is here to see her?”

  “Ma’am, she can’t see you without an appointment.”

  Lindsey turned and scanned the waiting area. Besides herself, there were two pregnant women seated. “It’s the end of the day. I’m sure if you get her on the phone, she’ll see me.”

  The attitudinal woman sat in her chair. “I will be happy to schedule you an appointment for another day. Otherwise, I can’t help you.”

  She rolled her eyes and retrieved her phone from her purse. “I understand good help is hard to find, but this is ridiculous.” Lindsey scrolled until she reached Dr. Calhoun’s number and sent her a text. A minute later, the doctor entered the waiting area and gestured for her to follow her into the back. The two women walked down the hallway without an uttered word between them. She entered the office behind the doctor, who promptly closed the door.

  “What are you doing here?” asked Dr. Calhoun. “We’ve concluded our business.”

  Lindsey placed her Gucci purse on the chair beside her and crossed her legs. “It’s done when I say it is.”

  “I already explained why we must distance ourselves.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. After you assist me one last time.”

  “Sorry, I can’t.” She shook her head with her arms crossed. “I’ve already risked too much.”

  Lindsey opened an image on her phone and handed it to the doctor.

  Dr. Calhoun glanced at the picture. “What’s this?” she shrugged.

  “Are you familiar with that drug?”

  “Sure, it’s a blood thinner.”

  “Good. I need a bottle of those pills but twice the dosage.”

  “Why do you need a blood thinner?”

  “Do what I ask, and that’ll conclude our business.”

  “How am I supposed to get this particular brand of blood thinner? It’s not as if I have a closet full of samples.”

  “You’re resourceful. I’m sure you’ll figure it out. I mean, you falsified my medical records and manipulated testing all for the right price.”

  The doctor leaned forward in her chair. “That transaction had nothing to do with you. It was between Chris Harrington and me.”

  “The fact remains I was a party of that transaction.”

  “Okay, let’s discuss how badly you need these drugs and the amount you’re willing to pay.”

  With a tightened jaw, Lindsey glared at the reluctant doctor. “How does zero sound? Because if you insist on a payment, I’ll send an anonymous report to the medical board.”

  Dr. Calhoun pursed her lips before they evolved into a smug grin. “I don’t need you, Lindsey. You need me.”

  “Meaning?” she scoffed.

  “You should think about a certain retired heart surgeon before hurling threats concerning the medical board.”

  Lindsey continue to glare at the doctor through narrowed eyes. The slippery doctor could easily throw her father under the bus because of his prior questionable arrangement with Chris. She released a heavy sigh from losing her upper hand. She hated having to pay this bitch anything. “How much?”

  “One-thousand per pill.”

  “Are you insane? That’s extortion.”

  “I’m not budging on the price. How many do you need?”

  “Ten.” She rolled her eyes.

  “I can get them as soon as next week.”

  Lindsey rose to her feet and grabbed her handbag. “You have until Friday before noon or I’ll cut the price by half.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Miss Sinclair, I thought you were working from home today?” asked Kasey with a bright smile.

  “I am. My laptop died, and I misplaced my charger. I came in to get the hard copies of some files.”

  “What do you need? I can get it for you.”

  Ava appreciated her assistant’s eagerness to help. Even while she worked from home, Ava didn’t need to think twice if Kasey was doing her job. “Copies of our past lease agreements. Also, the spreadsheets of the yearly percentage increases.”

  She rose from her chair. “Give me fifteen minutes to put everything together.”

  “No rush. Come find me in the boss man’s office.”

  Kasey smiled and nodded before venturing off.

  As soon as Ava rounded the corner, Justin’s open office door came into view. He sat behind his desk with his eyes glued on his computer screen. She leaned against the doorway frame and admired his handsome face. His dark features complimented his ice-blue eyes. He’s attractive with or without facial hair, but she preferred the latter. She believed his beard brought his sex appeal to the next level.

  “Hey, handsome,” she said, still in the doorway.

  He turned his head towards her and beamed. “I know why you’re here.”

  “You do?” She stepped towards him.

  He reached into his briefcase and retrieved her laptop charger.

  “What was it doing in your bag?”

  He shrugged and handed it to her. “I might have grabbed it by accident.”

  “I searched the entire house for it. I only came in because I needed copies of the lease agreements.”

  “When are you meeting with Elijah?”

  “Next week. At first, he resisted. He only wanted to meet with you. I believe our landlord have a problem with women who are in a position of authority. I told him either he attends the meeting, or he’ll have another tenant to replace.”

  “Are you clear on the acceptable terms?�
��

  “Hey, I got this. I won’t agree to anything that’s not in our best interest.”

  Justin grabbed her arm and pulled her close. “I knew you would make the perfect CFO.”

  She leaned towards him and right before their lips could meet, the sound of a flushed toilet filled the room. Seconds later, Chase emerged from Justin’s private bathroom.

  “I didn’t realize you were here,” she said, stifling a laugh.

  “Just a quick visit.” He hugged her. “Good to see you.”

  “Same here. I should get going before Chris returns from his appointment.”

  “You have time,” said Justin. “I spoke with his nurse. They’re stopping for lunch.”

  “When does Corrine return from her conference?” asked Chase.

  “Tomorrow morning. She’s moving back into the family home.”

  Ava’s mouth fell open. His announcement shouldn’t come as a surprise, but it’s still shocking to hear. “Are you serious?” she asked. “I mean, it’s one thing to be someone’s caregiver, but are they reuniting?”

  Justin’s hands raised in the air. “Don’t know. I’m staying out of their business.”

  Chase turned towards Ava wearing a lopsided grin. “Did Justin share my news with you?”

  “No.” Her eyes bounced between the two. “What news?”

  “I asked Meghan to move in with me, and she said yes.” He beamed.

  Ava’s eyes bulged. “She’s moving here?”

  He nodded his head. “Yes.”

  “When?”

  “After she completes her Spring semester in school. Then she’ll transfer to San Diego State University for her final year.”

  Her smile turned into an internal giddiness. Ecstatic, she’ll soon have one of her closest friends nearby. “I’m so happy for the two of you.”

  “Thanks, I’m pretty excited about it.” He flicked his wrist and eyeballed his watch. “Time to get out of here.”

  Justin rose from his chair. “Wait here, while I walk him out.”

  She nodded and sat in his chair. As the guys exited the office, Ava thought of how much fun she and Meghan will have in sunny California. If only she could convince Tess to relocate, then everything would be perfect. She retrieved her phone and checked her text messages. She hoped she received one from Tess.