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Date Posted: 16:28:33 05/03/02 Fri
Author: Repost Fairy
Author Host/IP: 64.193.19.25
Subject: Chapter 61
In reply to: Genevieve 's message, "Burden of Proof - Chapter 55 onwards..." on 16:10:02 05/03/02 Fri

~*~*~*~*~

As she headed for the door, Marina looked gratefully at her immediate supervisor. “Thanks for letting me leave early, Carmen.“

The older woman waved away her thank-you. “Josh might have just turned twelve, but I remember the frantic five o’clock dash for his childcare center only too well.”

Talking to Carmen over her shoulder, Marina paused just inside the front door to retrieve her coat from the elegant wrought iron hat stand, tucked discreetly away in the corner, “Joe’s been on Molly Duty for the last few weeks, so I’ve become completely spoiled.” She shrugged into her coat and picked up her bag. “But he didn’t know how long his meeting would last, that’s why I’m picking Molly up today, just to be on the safe side.”

Carmen glanced around the deserted design department. “Well, with the rest of your team still out visiting the contractors for that new shopping complex, there isn’t much chance of your missing any brainstorming sessions this afternoon.” She gave Marina an impish smile. “Unless, of course, you want to catch up with them in the public bar of the Queen’s Arms, which is where I’m sure they already are.”

Marina grinned at the stylishly dressed woman who’d been both her boss and friend for the last four years. The best boss she’d ever had. A self-confessed workaholic, Carmen was maternally indulgent toward her staff of twelve, turning a blind eye to the occasional long lunch and even longer client meetings. In return, her people were always happy to work nights, weekends…whenever she needed them.

“I wouldn’t be surprised. But I think I’ll pass.” Marina laughed, and slung her bag over her shoulder. “See you on Monday?”

“Bright and early. But do call me over the weekend if you need to talk, hmmm?” Carmen clicked her tongue in sympathy. “I certainly hope Joe’s meeting went well.”

Marina felt the smile fade from her lips. Carmen was the only friend in whom she’d confided about Joe’s situation. “So do I.” Shaking her head, she blinked away the sudden moisture in her eyes. “Sorry. I seem to feel like blubbering at the drop of a hat these days.”

“I’m not surprised.” Carmen put aside the plans she’d been studying, and walked out from behind the waist high workbench. “Joe won’t fall apart if you actually let yourself have a little cry now and then, you know.”

“I know he won’t. But it’s been so awful for him…”

“And for you too, I should imagine,” Carmen replied briskly. She opened the door and practically shooed Marina through it. “Now pick up your darling daughter and go home to that gorgeous husband of yours. Chances are he’s already waiting for you with a bottle of champagne and a big cheque.”

Marina forced a smile. Judging from Joe’s phone call earlier that afternoon, she very much doubted it. “We’ll see.”

~*~*~*~*~

Sarah, the supervisor of Molly’s daycare centre, looked surprised, but pleased, to see her. “Marina! We’ve missed you.”

“Hello, Sarah.” Marina gave the softly spoken, dark-haired woman a distracted smile, her gaze automatically searching for her daughter within the crowded toddlers’ play area. Apparently sensing her preoccupation, Sarah touched her lightly on the elbow and gestured with a smile toward a sturdy, low-set jungle gym in the middle of the playroom. “She fell asleep in the blue tunnel again.”

Marina shook her head, grinning. No matter how many times it happened, Molly’s habit of falling asleep in the middle of a boisterous playing session always made her laugh. “Just like her father. Both of them seem able to fall asleep anywhere. It can be rather annoying when you’re the one who has to toss and turn for an hour before you drop off.”

Sarah was busily gathering up Molly’s backpack and other belongings. “Did you want to take her latest masterpiece home with you today, or leave it up on the display wall? It is rather large.” She held up a huge piece of craft paper for Marina to inspect.

Marina smiled tenderly at the brilliantly coloured mess of handprints and squiggles, then thought of her daughter’s bulging backpack and stroller, not to mention her own already overloaded briefcase and handbag. “Well, that’s certainly going to look fabulous on our refrigerator, but, could I get you to put it up on the wall until Monday? I think I’ll have my hands full as it is.”

“Not a problem.” Sarah grinned and headed toward the jungle gym, cutting a swathe through the throng of happily screaming two-year olds. “I’ll just pull your girl out of her tunnel, shall I?”

~*~*~*~*~

Dave Fanning watched the pretty redhead as she walked quickly along the street, hips swaying appetizingly, determinedly pushing a large, expensive looking stroller before her. He’d already made note of the time she picked up her kid from its fancy daycare centre, and the route they were taking home. Vachek’s instructions had been very clear.

Expensive looking piece, Fanning mused with a smirk. Can’t imagine she’ll hang around too long once the money runs out.

Even though she looked like a rich bitch, she was still plenty easy on the eyes. Dark red shoulder-length curls, pale skin, and a great little ass. She wasn’t a knockout like the Wirth chick, but she’d definitely do in a pinch.

And as for the Wirth chick, well…he’d be seeing her again, and soon. Two great pieces of ass in one day. Fanning smiled lazily as he dropped the car back into third gear, slowing to take the corner, keeping the redhead in his line of vision. He’d had worse assignments.

~*~*~*~*~

Marina was three blocks from home when she noticed the car. A dark blue sedan with tinted windows that had been, she now realised, shadowing her ever since she’d left the childcare center.

That’s absurd, she argued with herself. Who on earth would be following you? What a ridiculous notion. Nevertheless, she tightened her grip on the handlebar of Molly’s stroller and started to walk a little faster. Her heart began to pound, and she found herself wishing she’d swapped her high heels for her running shoes before she left the office.

After a few moments, she forced herself to slow her pace. This is stupid. You’re working yourself up into a lather over nothing. She swallowed hard, took a deep breath, and looked over her shoulder.

The dark blue sedan was nowhere to be seen.

Marina let out her breath in a sharp sigh, feeling slightly foolish. I never used to be this jumpy, she thought grimly. For some reason, ever since Joe had lost his job at Vachek Holdings, she found herself looking over her shoulder. Imagining things. She’d never been a fanciful person, and yet over the last few weeks, she’d felt vaguely threatened by something, a feeling of unease she couldn’t quite name.

She was very pleased to see her front gate loom up in front of her. Without looking behind her, she pushed Molly’s stroller quickly up the short, paved pathway to the two small steps leading up to the front door. Joe had obviously been anxiously awaiting her arrival, the front door swinging open before she could even put one foot on the bottom step. One look at his expression was enough to gather a notion of how the mediation had gone. She looked at him with deliberate cheerfulness. “So, I take it we’re not popping the champagne just yet?”

He gave her a half-hearted smile as he came down to stand beside her, taking the two steps in one long stride. “No. Not just yet.”

“It’ll keep.” She leaned over the top of Molly’s stroller to give him a lingering kiss. “I’m proud of you for not letting them buy you off.” She meant every word, even though the thought of next month’s mortgage repayment was enough to make her blood run cold.

Joe waved her through the doorway. “I’ll get the stroller.” As she brushed past him, Marina gave him a one-armed hug and another quick kiss.

“What was the atmosphere at the mediation?”

He carefully brought the stroller into the front hallway, and gently lifted the still sleeping Molly up, cuddling her against his chest. “It was a little tense.” They walked through the house to the kitchen. “Nikita was great, though. I wish you’d been there to see her. She gave Vachek's barrister quite a rough time.” Her husband flashed her a quick smile. "The strange thing is, I think they were actually a little bit taken with each other."

"Really?" Marina laughed as she dumped her briefcase and handbag on the kitchen table. “That must have made things quite interesting. I'm sorry I missed it now. I might have to come along for the ride next time.” She saw her husband wince, and wanted to bite back her words. She put her arm around his waist and hugged him tightly, breathing in the warm scent of his skin, mingled with the sweet, baby smell of their daughter, cradled in his arms. “I meant what I said on the phone, you silly man. Some things are more important than money.”

Joe rested his chin on the top of her head, his heavy sigh of relief going right through her. “I love you.”

She smiled into his t-shirt clad chest. “Do try to remember that I love you, whether you’re working in IT, or brushing up on your alphabet skills with Molly every day.” Marina tilted her head back so she could see his face. “You could be a mini-cab driver and I’d still love you.”

Joe laughed quietly, being careful not to wake Molly. “Well, I definitely feel much better now.”

Marina eased herself out of his embrace with a grin. She felt the need for a strong cup of tea. But in the middle of filling the copper kettle that had been a wedding gift from a distant aunt, she froze. Something she’d just said sent a chill down her spine.

Driver. Car. A car had been following her. Marina looked over to where Joe was crooning softly to Molly. Would he laugh at her? She bit her bottom lip, her voice hesitant. “This is going to sound odd, but…”

Joe looked up. “What?”

“When Molly and I were coming home just now…” Marina shrugged and reached for the tea canister. “I could have sworn there was a car following us.” She spooned a few scoops of tea leaves into the pot as she spoke. “I know it was silly of me, but I was actually quite nervous.”

When Joe didn’t reply, Marina glanced up at him curiously. He was staring at her, his normally olive complexion sallow. With a sickening jolt, she realised what was in his eyes.

Fear.

And guilt. Lots of guilt.

Her mouth went dry. Dropping the spoon on the bench top with a clatter, she took two quick steps to his side. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

Her husband suddenly looked miserable. “I don’t think you were being silly.” Keeping one arm around their daughter, he reached out and took Marina by the hand. “Come and sit down. There’s something I need to tell you.”

~*~*~*~*~

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Replies:

  • Chapter 62 - (slighty naughty thoughts) -- Repost Fairy, 16:31:33 05/03/02 Fri
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