Graham flew down to Miami to hire the best attorney in the state to represent me. Sean and Harrison trailed after him on the first flight the following morning.
Two days later, I was out on bail and headed back to New York City with a cloud hanging over my head that has yet to leave.
I give him a hearty pat on the back. “Congratulations, Locke.”
Graham is on track toward the future he’s always desired, and I’ve taken the first step to escape the past I’ve never wanted.
This is a night we’ll both remember.
Chapter Sixteen
Juliet
I rush into the lobby of the building that houses Marks Creative’s offices.
It’s currently just past six p.m. on Saturday.
I was about to sit down for dinner with my sister at her favorite restaurant when I received a call from Mr. Marks.
My hands shook as I answered.
Margot was practically bouncing in her heels.
I haven’t explained my newest assignment to her because legally I can’t, and also, I don’t want to worry her.
If I tell her that I’m going to be spending a few days next week interviewing one of the most notorious accused murderers in the country, she’ll insist I take a job with her.
She’s been trying to get me on staff for more than a year.
First, she wanted me to work as her assistant. That would have been an epic fail since I have zero experience in that capacity.
Her second offer was to write all the website copy for Arten Lorey. I explained that my journalism degree didn’t afford me the insight I would need to make gingham napkins sound irresistible to her clientele.
The pay and perks were tempting, but journalism is where I want to make my mark.
I jab a finger into the elevator call button three times.
Mr. Marks sounded serious during our call. He requested a meeting as soon as possible. He didn’t need to tell me what it pertains to. I assume he wants an update on how my initial meeting with Kavan Bane went.
Fortunately, the NDA I signed at Mr. Bane’s office allows me to speak to Mr. Marks about my article.
I jump onto the elevator the moment the doors slide open. Pushing a finger against the button for the top floor, I take a breath.
This is what I’ve always wanted, yet, after spending most of today reading a book titled The Bad Bane, I feel a knot of anxiety deep inside.
That book, written by a reporter based in Miami, portrays Kavan as a heartless killer with no regard for anyone.
That doesn’t match with the man who saved me in the alley from the mugger.
That man showed compassion and concern.
He also said something to the mugger that convinced him to tell the police that I was the one who restrained him. I imagine Mr. Bane did that to keep his name out of it.
I understand why.
Even though the charges against him were dropped, he’s still an accused murderer in everyone’s eyes.
I have to wonder if that’s who he is to me.
I shake off those thoughts and turn to look at one of the mirrored walls in the elevator car. I’m wearing an off-the-shoulder black and white fitted dress and a pair of red-soled heels my sister bought me last year. I don’t consider this look professional, but there was no time for me to race home from the restaurant to change into something else.
Mr. Marks didn’t summon me here for a fashion show. He brought me here because of the assignment he trusted me with. That assignment is about to change my life forever.
“Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice.”
I glance across the desk at Mr. Marks. Apparently, Saturdays aren’t casual days for him. He’s dressed as he always is in a dark blue suit complete with a bowtie.
“Of course, sir.”
He nods. “Were you able to meet with Mr. Bane last night?”
Crossing my legs, I lean back in the chair. “Yes, it was brief, but we met.”
“Good,” he says as he studies my face. “I’m wondering about something, Juliet.”
“What’s that?”
“What’s your connection to Kavan Bane?” His eyes narrow. “There must be a reason why he chose you to handle this assignment.”
I could confess that Kavan saved me from a mugger a few weeks ago, but I want Mr. Marks to focus on my talents as a journalist, not on some random encounter in an alley.
“He didn’t say,” I answer honestly.
Mr. Marks drums his fingers over the top of his desk. “When Mr. Rothe contacted me, he insisted that the article focus on the future of Bane Enterprises and Kavan’s vision to turn the company around. I want to make my wishes clear to you, Juliet.”
I perk up in my seat. My back goes ramrod straight. “What are your wishes, sir?”
He leans forward. “Kavan Bane killed his father five years ago, and every journalist in this country has been on the hunt for an exclusive with the man.”
Tension grips my shoulders because I know where this discussion is headed.
Mr. Marks locks his eyes on mine. “I believe that you have the skill to shift the focus from Bane Enterprises to Kavan’s story.”
I hold up a hand in objection. “Sir, Mr. Bane made it very clear that the subject of his father’s death is off-limits.”
“You have been given an opportunity that people with decades more experience than you have been fighting for,” he explains in an even tone. “It’s your job to push the envelope, Juliet. Get him to open up. Convince him that this is his opportunity to set the record straight.”
“I don’t believe he wants to set the record straight.”
“He does,” he says with conviction as if he has access to Mr. Bane’s private thoughts. “Anyone in that man’s position would want that.”
Feeling cornered, I struggle to find the right words. “Sir…Mr. Marks… I’m not sure that Mr. Bane will allow me to continue the interview process if I push him on anything personal. He was steadfast when he told me that the circumstances surrounding his father’s death are off-limits.”
“Juliet, this is your chance to prove that you are worthy of a senior position.” He glances past me to the open door of his office.
Even though it’s Saturday evening, many people are in the building, including on this floor. The news never stops.
“I understand that,” I assure him.
“Keep this to yourself, but I’ve promoted Courtney Cooper to a position with our London bureau. She’ll make the move six weeks from now.”
I try to hide the surprise that I’m feeling.
Courtney Cooper has been the face and voice of the morning news on Rise and Shine for more than two years. It’s the most popular national morning news program.
“That’s incredible for her,” I say, wondering why he’s telling me the new direction Courtney’s career is taking.
“And for you,” he whispers.
“For me?” I ask with skepticism. “How so?”
“If you nail this interview, Juliet, and get an exclusive on the night Ares Bane died, you are first in line to fill Courtney’s chair when we start looking for a replacement.”
This feels like a gift and a bribe all wrapped up in a not-so-tidy little bow.