Chapter One

My conversation with Mom had been predictably emotional, and later, in bed, I tossed and turned, unable to think of anything but my court appearance and the notoriety it’s sure to bring. I woke this morning, feeling more anxious than ever.

I’m hoping Mandi and Samuel’s presence will help settle my nerves. They’re both arriving this morning; in fact, Mandi’s plane was due to land ten minutes ago, so she should be here shortly. I offered to pick her up, of course, but she insisted on taking a cab. “Use the time to get ready,” she said, and, frankly, given my current state, I’m pleased I capitulated.

She’s staying with me, and Samuel, with a friend of an ex-Marine buddy. He called yesterday to say he’d meet us at the courthouse. When Mandi arrives, we cling to each other. “It’ll be fine,” she whispers repeatedly. I wish I could believe her, but, sadly, I don’t.She hasn’t met Adam Thorne.

Later, in the kitchen, she studies me critically. “Aren’t you having anything?” she asks over the rim of her coffee cup.

“I had a slice earlier; I’ll just have tea,” I say, handing her a slice of toast with honey.

“Angel, you have to eat, you’re looking pale,” she chastises me.

“I feel a bit sick, and I don’t want to throw up.”

“We’ll get some crackers or something. I don’t want you fainting.”

There’s no point in arguing when Mandi’s made up her mind, so I let it slide. “I should get dressed,” I say, starting to clear up the kitchen. “Do you need the bathroom?”

“I’d like to brush my teeth and retouch my make-up before we go. You get ready; I’ll finish up here.” She dismisses me with a wave of her hand.

I’ve chosen to wear a simple, dark blue suit and black pumps. My hair’s pulled back into a low ponytail, and I’ve kept my makeup natural because no amount of red lipstick will give me the confidence I’m so fervently praying for today. Done, I stare at myself in the mirror and, for some reason, Adam Thorne’s warning about being photographed and having my character assassinated by the media springs to mind. I feel even sicker after that.

“You look as if you’ve seen a ghost?” Mandi walks into the bathroom.

“Just nervous,” I say, my voice sounding cracked.

“You need a shot of self-confidence. What about a brighter lipstick?”

“I don’t want to look like everyone’s stereotype of an escort,” I respond unnecessarily sharply.

“I’m glad to see you haven’t lost your spirit. Save it forthe bastard,” she grins, referring to Adam Thorne’s courtroom reputation. I can’t help but smile in return. Mandi’s irrepressible nature is just what I need right now.

“That’s better!” She leans over to hug me. “The people who love you don’t judge you, Angel. Everyone in the courtroom may have an opinion, but they don’t and shouldn’t matter. Just tell the truth and be yourself;that’s the message your Mom asked me to give you.”

Tears spill over as our eyes meet in the mirror. She tightens her arms around me. “Pretend you’re talking to Samuel and me and try to forget everyone else,” she says. “Now, fix your makeup while I’ll go and find that confidence booster.”

“Here, these are perfect,” she returns a short while later with her hand outstretched.

“You’re right,” I say with a tiny smile as I accept Mom’s earrings.

“How much longer do we have to sit here and wait?” Mandi complains and gets up to pace the small room.

An eager young man from the DA’s office, who introduced himself as Andrew, met us on arrival. He advised that I’d be called second and offered us the choice of waiting outside the courtroom or in this room. Afraid of attracting unwanted attention, I chose here.

“What’s the time?” I ask for the umpteenth time.

“Eleven-ten. It’s been nearly two hours. How much longer can they question one person?” Mandi huffs. I wish she hadn’t reminded me of what I may be in for.

“Where’s Samuel? Did he know what time you were told to be here?” she asks, and I must admit I’ve been wondering the same thing.

“Yes—I hope everything’s all right.”

“Samuel’s more capable of taking care of himself than anyone I know, Angel. He’ll be here.”

“I know he’d never let me down,” I say, more to reassure myself than in response to her statement.

“Ms. Bain?” Andrew looks apologetic as he steps into the room.

“Are they ready for me?” I ask, suddenly feeling sick again.

“No. The judge called an early lunch recess, and I suggest you take the opportunity to have something to eat. There are coffee shops and restaurants nearby, just make sure you’re back within the hour.

“That’s a brilliant idea,” Mandi announces enthusiastically.

“Has everyone left?” I ask, reluctant to leave my little sanctuary.

“The area should be clear by now,” Andrew assures me.

“Thanks,” I give him a weak smile before following Mandi.

“Should we return here?” I turn back to ask.

“It would probably be best to wait outside the courtroom. You’ll be called as soon as court’s called to order,” he says, and my stomach, predictably, twists at that information.

“Angelique!” A familiar voice calls out as we make out way out.

“Samuel!” I smile, relief flooding me. “What’s wrong?” I ask when seeing his dark expression.

“Nothing. How are you?” he says, but I can tell he’s deflecting.

“Fine,” I brush off his concern, intending to press him for answers, but Mandi intervenes. “She’s feeling sick,” she tells Samuel.

“Come on, court’s adjourned.” He bends to kiss my cheek before cupping my elbow.

“How do you know?” I ask suspiciously.

“I heard the judge make the announcement,” he replies. “I’ll tell you over lunch,” he adds at my questioning look and firmly and leads me away.

“You were in court?” I ask as soon as we’re seated in a coffee shop.

“Yes. Yesterday also.”

“But… I thought you got in this morning.”

“I’ve been here for two days, Angelique.”

“You didn’t say anything when I spoke to you before you left—wait were you already—”

“I called from the courthouse. And before you ask; I didn’t want to get into an argument about it,” he says, his voice challenging me to deny his statement.

“But why?” I ask before catching a glimpse of Mandi’ smile.

“Did you know?” I accuse her.

“No, but I wish I’d thought of it,” she grins.

“Why?” I insist, turning back to Samuel.

“I wanted to see that bastard squirm, and I wanted to warn him to stay away from you,” he says grimly.

“What have you done?” I demand, afraid when remembering his earlier expression.

“I haven’tdone anything. I just told Wade and his lawyer friend a few things that needed to be said.”

“I told you I was—”

“And I’m not stupid enough to believe you weren’t taken advantage of!” he hisses, interrupting me.

“Angel, Samuel’s right. They need to know you’re not alone. I wish you’d kicked them both in the balls,” she tells Samuel crudely, and then raises her brow, daring me to argue. I don’t; it’s not worth another long lecture from either or both of them.

Samuel insists that I have ginger ale to settle my stomach. He swears it helped Nic through her pregnancy. I also try to force down a toasted cheese sandwich to appease Mandi but end up leaving more than half uneaten. I’m quiet, preferring to listen to them talk about the happenings in their lives, thankful that they understand my need to conserve whatever strength I have.

Sooner than I’d like, Samuel announces that we should be getting back. I repress a shudder as we pass the throng of reporters gathered outside the courthouse. If Adam Thorne’s prediction becomes a reality, then this is probably the last time, for a while, that I’ll be unrecognizable.

A commotion breaks out just as we reach the top of the steps. Shouts of ‘Mr. Thorne’ and ‘Adam’ ring out, and, like a moth drawn to a flame, I turn to watch as he and his two companions are accosted. He speaks to Jodi, who immediately moves close; but it’s his action to ensure the safety of the other woman, a beautiful blonde, that holds my attention. ‘Is there no end to the stunning women in his life?’ I wonder as he wraps a protective arm around her. He ignores the shouted questions,...