Off the Grid (21 page)

“Watch it, Caleb.”

“I won’t regret a thing.”

“You’re suffering from an inflated opinion of your abilities. There’s nothing to prove. And furthermore, I’m going to see to it you lose your license to practice law.”

Caleb reached over and smoothed out the folded sheaf of papers. “You’re free to do whatever you like. After you sign these.”

“Here’s what I think of your request.” He grabbed them and ripped them in two. He tossed them back on the desk with a laugh. “Fuck
you
for being stupid.”

“Big mistake. And yet I’m not surprised.”

“Get out.”

“Well, that’s it then. Seems you’ve bested me.” Caleb prepared to leave but paused with his hand on the doorknob. He made a show of deep thought, added in a fake frown. “I haven’t seen Kristine tonight?”

Jason’s brows drew together at the sudden change in topic. “She’s feeling under the weather but she’ll put in an appearance when I make my announcement.”

“Strange. She was fine today at lunch. Maybe she heard something that didn’t agree with her.” Caleb feigned surprise. He lifted a shoulder, let it drop and allowed a small smile. “Might be wise to hold off making any kind of announcement for the foreseeable future. It would be embarrassing to have to withdraw. I’ll see you in my office Wednesday morning, 10:00 o’clock. Bring your lawyer. And your wallet.”

He closed the door behind him. Bile burned its way up his throat. A second later the door gave a slight shudder. He breathed in deep at the sound of shattering glass. He remembered the tears from lunch, the heated words, the heartbreak. Kristine’s promise to stay away tonight. No matter what he thought of Jason, his wife was a friend and she was hurting now because of him. He wondered if a wiser man would have done better. There was no lightness of being. No sense of having done the right thing. Only guilt.

****

Sophie turned at the gentle tap to her shoulder. Surprise made her clumsy and a couple of drops dribbled over from her glass onto her fingers. She switched hands, licked the spill away. All in an “Oh, shit,” kind of daze. Undoubtedly a faux pas in front of royalty. She recognized her, of course. The glossy photos of the society pages failed to do her pale perfection justice. Her gown was couture, some crepe-y blue piece complete with a black pearl choker necklace and drop down pearl earrings. The only thing missing was the tiara.

Great.

“Dr. Monroe?”

“Yes.”

“I’m Kristine Drummond.” The fabled Novo Yellow diamond engagement ring glittered from its perch on her ring finger, her outstretched hand waiting. “Caleb and I are…ah…friends. He mentioned you at lunch today.”

“Ms. Drummond.” Sophie’s eyes narrowed. What the frack? Lunch? She called up a smile and clasped Kristine’s cool fingers. “I’m sorry you were so short of topics you were reduced to discussing me.”

“Please, call me Kristine.” Her smile never wavered, but her tone held a note of pain and her absolute perfection hid an alarming pallor. Kristine Drummond broke eye contact and ran a hand over her stomach. “He seems to have left you all alone. Caleb isn’t known for his bad manners.”

What was she supposed to say? He’s busy accusing your husband of murder. She sipped from her glass of warm white wine. Her eyes strayed to the door. No sign of Caleb.

“I’m sure he’ll be back soon,” Sophie insisted.

“In the meantime let me show you around.” Despite her ashen complexion her face shimmered with a dew of sweat. She dabbed at the skin over her upper lip.

“I’m sure you have more important things to do than drag me around. I’m quite content observing, thank you for the offer.” Sophie tilted her head, her doctor instincts tingling. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” She waved off Sophie’s question and leaned in. “But I’m dying to know more about you. You’re not Caleb’s usual type.”

Sophie couldn’t have stopped her eye roll to save her life. “So everyone keeps saying.”

A smile lifted her lips but failed to reach her eyes. “You’re a vast improvement, believe me.”

Why should she? She was Jason Drummond’s wife. How much did she know? How much had she ignored? Sophie wasn’t about to trust her.

“Caleb mentioned you’re in need of donations. I insist you let me take you on the deep pockets tour.” Her fingers were a soft touch on the back of Sophie’s arm, her quiet breath warm against her ear, her tone insistent. It suggested compliance was mandatory. “We’ll likely run into Caleb as we make the rounds.”

The very last person Sophie wanted to spend time with was Jason Drummond’s wife. But she was beginning to worry about Caleb. Maybe a tour was a chance to check things out and ask a few questions.

They left the main room with its windows and low lighting, its crush of people. The next room was less populated. Still no Caleb. A group shifted to include them. Kristine tried to guide her past but was forced to stop and make introductions. Small talk passed back and forth from glossed lips and smiling mouths. The same line of conversation she’d engaged in all night.

“A doctor?”

“Yes.”

“What’s your specialty?”

“I’m a family physician.”

“How nice. Where do you practice?”

“The Downtown Eastside.”

“Oh. Well, good for you.”

Awkward silence and then the conversation shifted to more appropriate topics like the weather. Sophie supplied more answers to pat questions and concentrated on observing. Kristine Drummond should have been in her element, enjoying the party, anticipating her husband’s big announcement. But like day-old champagne her performance was flat.

She tested a theory. “Excuse me, I see a friend.”

Sophie stepped to the side. So did Kristine. Sophie smiled. So did Kristine. She placed a hand on Sophie’s arm. To hold her in place? A warning not to go anywhere?

Was she morphing into a suspicious wreck?

Or was Kristine Drummond stalking her. A waiter paused and offered his tray of appetizers for their perusal, a selection of tiny tarts and wild salmon skewers. Her new best friend stifled a gag. A discreet hand over pursed lips. Mere seconds of reaction. But when added to the waxiness of her skin, the dark circles showing under the carefully applied makeup? A paranoid notion formed and her tired brain kneaded it into probability.

She forced her eyes to blink, her hands to still. It was ridiculous. And none of her business. But the awful possibility plowed a furrow of alarm. She did another futile check for Caleb. How long had he been gone?

A man approached Kristine and whispered in her ear. She made excuses on their behalf. Once again Sophie’s arm was in her grasp and they were on the move.

Sophie pulled her arm out of Kristine’s hold. “I think this is where you and I part company.”

Kristine spared her a half-hearted smile but a plea lurked in her eyes. “Tonight my husband expects me to play the role of the Good Wife, despite the fact he…I don’t expect you to understand my motives but I hope you’ll recognize my need for answers.”

She was not going down this rutted, gnarly track of road with Drummond’s wife. “Feel free to talk to someone—anyone—else.”

Kristine glanced around before whispering, “Please. I know you have them to give. Help me understand.”

“I’m not that kind of doctor.” And she was out of patience.

Kristine’s fingers tightened around her arm, her nails bit into her skin. “I can get your clinic back for you.”

“Was there anything he didn’t tell you?” Sophie raised her eyebrows and glanced down at her arm.

Kristine let go at once. “As I said, we’re friends.”

“You get one shot at an explanation.”

Kristine blew out a soft breath. “Not here.”

Sophie laughed, looked away. Back again. “What makes you think I’m going to follow you anywhere?”

“You can’t expect me to discuss this in the middle of a ball.”

“Your call.” She turned to walk away.

“Perhaps I was wrong and you really are just using him. Same as all the rest.”

Her taunt hit its mark. Every muscle tensed. She turned back. “What’s that supposed to mean.”

“You seem perfectly willing to let Caleb take all the risks.”

Everything in her went cold. She ignored the insult. “If Caleb’s in trouble, so help me…”

Kristine’s chin went up. “Jason would never hurt Caleb.”

Sophie closed in. “Are you really that delusional?”

“Come with me and find out.”

One inch closer. Then two. She was close enough to count the drops of sweat dotting her hairline. “If anything happens to Caleb I will spend the rest of my life making sure you pay.”

“I’m already paying plenty.” Kristine Drummond held out her hand. “This way.”

They snaked their way through the knots of people toward a side door. It led into a smaller room, a kind of lady’s library. Lined with books, it held a small desk flanked by two sleek chairs. The same stunning view showed outside the vast window. Behind her the door closed on a soft click.

“Can I get you a drink?”

“Where’s Caleb?” Sophie demanded.

Kristine threw her hands into the air. “My guess? Off accusing Jason of God knows what.”

“We have to find him.”

Kristine gave her a look before closing her eyes and pressing at the spot in the middle of her forehead. “Now’s not the time to go looking.”

And didn’t those words scare the crap out of her. “I disagree.”

“Why don’t we both sit down?”

“I don’t believe I will.”

“Please,” Kristine asked, a hitch in her breathing. Once again her hand went to her stomach as she closed her eyes for a second.

Against her will Sophie’s concern spiked. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

“Never better.” Kristine sank into one of the chairs at the desk.

Concerned Sophie crossed the small room. “How far along are you?”

Kristine shrugged then reached for the pitcher and a glass from a mirrored tray. “Exactly twelve weeks.”

“Any complications?” Sophie confiscated both items and poured her a glass of water. Handed it to her.

Kristine’s laugh was low and mocking. “Are you seriously asking me that question?”

“I mean, physically?”

She took a cautious sip of water. “Morning sickness, nothing out of the ordinary.”

“Have you eaten today?”

“Well, I was looking forward to lunch with a friend, but over the course of our conversation I lost my appetite.”

“Nothing since then?” She picked up the other woman’s hand, turned it over, placed her first two fingers on the outside of Kristine’s wrist. She counted, took note of her respirations.

“No.” Kristine shook her head.

Sophie needed to find Caleb. “I’ll go find you something to eat and have it sent back here for you. I want you to eat as much as you possibly can. Tomorrow you need to go see your doctor.”

“There’s no need for you to go to any trouble.” She picked up the phone from the desk and placed an order. Wealth did have its privileges. “Besides, you were about to tell me what’s going on.”

She hedged. “Perhaps you need to talk to your husband.”

“As I’m currently not speaking to him, it might prove difficult.”

“I’m not the one you should be asking.”

“You promised me answers.”

“And as a doctor, I’m prescribing rest. Not more stress.”

“Did you know I’m worth millions?” She set her glass down. Folded her hands in her lap.

“Is there anyone who doesn’t?” Sophie perched on the edge of the seat across from her.

“It’s why I can get your clinic back for you.”

Sophie shifted in her chair. She didn’t want to hear it. She didn’t want to sympathize with a woman who hadn’t walked out the minute she’d heard her husband was a monster.

Kristine started drawing little circles on the polished desk. “I love my husband. I thought he loved me. Turns out he loves my money more. We’ve been married for five years and right from the start I wanted a child. But Jason always had an excuse for waiting. I filled my life with the things that mattered to him. That didn’t mean I wasn’t happy. I was. Then six months ago he changed his mind. I was overjoyed.”

Sophie didn’t know what to say and worse she couldn’t predict how much Caleb had told her and what he had left out.

“Finally, a baby. And today I find out he’s already fathered a child.” She stopped, bit her lip, composed herself.

“This isn’t doing you any good. Why don’t we find you a place to stay for the night? You shouldn’t stay here. This whole situation is too upsetting. You need your rest. See your doctor tomorrow. Your health is the most important thing right now.”

Kristine ignored her. “And the mother is an eighteen year old girl he bought and paid for with my money.” Her fist hit the desk.

Sophie jumped. Okay, she knew a bit more than Sophie expected.

“I come from self-made money. You’ve heard of Lincoln Lumber? Of course you have. Everyone knows my granddaddy is as proud of his humble beginnings as he is of his millions. My people are hardworking, upstanding citizens still waiting for their first Order of Canada, first lieutenant governor posting, and first appointment to a useless Senate. Unlike my husband’s family who hold claim to all those achievements. Unfortunately for them you still need money to pull off their kind of private land deals. And it’s Lincoln money that makes them possible.”

Sophie didn’t know what to say. Staying with someone who doesn’t love you, who’s incapable of loving you…

It’s not other’s decisions that matter, it’s your own.

She almost smiled. Maybe life with Marnie had managed to teach her something after all.

“What are you going to do?” asked Sophie.

Kristine dipped her head. “I have no idea beyond the obvious. I know I have to leave. But at a time of my choosing. First and foremost I’ll protect my family’s interests. I need more information.”

“What makes you think I’ll tell you anything new?” Sophie held up a hand. “For clarity’s sake, I want to make it clear I’m not interested in your money or any other incentive plan you might dream up.”

“All right. An appeal woman to woman. What kind of monster am I married to?”

“Are you asking because you’re interested in damage control? Or are you worried for your safety?”