All Things Beautiful, page 29
Maxine sighed and glanced at her watch. “I simply asked because I thought she may have finished. What’s taking her so long? She needs to go home and get ready. Framing it nicely is important, but hurrying wouldn’t hurt. If we display that painting tonight, she’ll never see it again.”
Casey’s painting difficulties must be improving if Maxine was that sure of a sale. The knowledge comforted her, even if Maxine didn’t have Stefan’s critical eye.
“Mikala said Aileen is bringing Andy tonight.” Leighton almost mentioned that Mikala had volunteered the information. “Perhaps Aileen is bringing Casey’s clothing, too.”
Maxine leafed through the RSVP list. “Maybe, but if Casey doesn’t get that painting hung in the next hour, she’s going to find me on the second floor, and she doesn’t want that.”
Leighton’s heart went out to Casey. Neither of them needed more of Maxine’s wrath these days.
Kalyssa skidded to a stop and produced Maxine’s water.
“Thank you, love.” Maxine stopped Phoenix as he passed them. “We don’t need these tablecloths and chair covers. Could you please take them to the studio?”
“Sure.” He grabbed the closest box.
Maxine answered the ringing phone. After saying hello a few times, she hung up. She pressed a series of numbers and shook her head. “Blocked.”
“Again?” Leighton shivered. She’d thought the calls had stopped. Had there been a lull, or had Maxine kept quiet about them?
“I can’t say for sure.” Maxine tossed the list on her desk. “Go get ready, and I’ll finish the candles.”
Leighton took Kalyssa’s hand. “I’ll be down as soon as I can.”
“Take your time.”
They took the stairs since Phoenix was using the elevator to transport the boxes. Midway through Kalyssa’s retelling of the ice cream story, Casey entered the stairwell from the second floor.
She stopped short.
“Casey!” Kalyssa flew at her and hugged her like she’d found her long-lost friend. “I haven’t seen you in forever.”
“Hi, I’ve missed you.” Casey rubbed Kalyssa’s back, but she looked at Leighton.
Leighton didn’t know what to do. “Hi.” She might as well have been fifteen again.
“Come here.”
To Leighton’s surprise, Casey embraced her.
“I’ve missed you, too.”
“Yes. So much.” God, she felt good. Leighton closed her eyes and tried to sear the experience of being held by Casey in her mind. It might be the last time it happened.
Kalyssa piped up. “What time is Andy coming to the party?”
Casey pulled back but didn’t let her go. “His grandma is going to bring him around six forty-five.”
“Six forty-five.” Kalyssa beamed. “I haven’t seen Andy in forever.”
“He has a new train engine he’s been wanting to show you.” She looked at Leighton, her hazel eyes aglow. “Will you meet me after the party? I have something for you.”
“Me?” Leighton’s voice cracked.
“Mm-hmm.” Casey appeared calm and collected, though her face looked thinner. Strangely, she didn’t seem as affected by their time apart or their chance meeting.
Leighton stepped back. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Maxine and other important people will be here tonight.”
Casey took her hands. “It’s all right. Maxine cleared it. May I come to your loft, or shall we meet in the gallery?”
Maxine had okay’d it? Leighton’s head spun. “My place is fine.” She had something she wanted to show Casey, and she’d been wondering if she’d ever have the chance.
“Tonight then.” Casey squeezed her hands.
She nodded, unable to find her voice amid the rush of emotions.
Casey kissed the corner of her mouth. “It’s so good to see you, but I have to give Maxine an update on my painting before she has a fit.” She smiled and gave them a little wave. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Bye, Casey.” Kalyssa waved, too.
Leighton watched her descend the stairs. She hadn’t spoken to Casey in weeks, and seeing her in good spirits reassured her. Despite not knowing what to expect, she looked forward to this evening’s event, or at least whatever came after. Her anticipation soared as she led Kalyssa upstairs to change.
Chapter Thirty-seven
People packed the gallery. Casey didn’t know if Maxine had expected so many attendees or if she’d granted entrance to uninvited guests. It didn’t seem her style to turn people away. The string quartet’s music floated throughout the space, and so did wonderful scents. Aromas like pine, nutmeg, or even the coconut on the crispy shrimp bites filled the air depending on the room. None of these scents could compare to Leighton’s when she’d been in Casey’s arms in the stairwell.
Casey adjusted her green scarf so her shoulders showed. The dress was the same one she’d worn to the Salmagundi Club exhibition. Her meager savings didn’t allow for a new outfit, so she’d accessorized. It looked festive, and remembering the way Leighton had looked at her while wearing it gave her confidence.
She surveyed the largest gallery until she found her. It wasn’t difficult. In her ivory gown, Leighton looked like a stunning snow queen in a winter wonderland. She admired how Leighton eschewed the silly rule of not wearing white after Labor Day. If anyone could pull it off, she could, and did. Casey sipped her champagne and watched her. Leighton laughed and touched an older woman on the arm. She hoped Leighton would get an investor or two out of the evening. The atelier could use the funds, and her stomach still roiled when she thought about the consequences of their actions.
Leighton smiled at her. Casey tried to hide hers behind the rim of her glass, but how could she? She hadn’t seen Leighton in weeks, and when she did, she looked like that. Giving Leighton the signed agreement stating their relationship was consensual was all she could think about. However, she had to wait until the party ended. Maxine had put the envelope in the top drawer of her desk for safekeeping. Their weeks of torment were almost over.
Casey moved a few feet to keep Andy and Kalyssa in sight. Leighton had been doing the same. Aileen had watched Andy most of the evening, but she’d wanted to view the art. Casey encouraged her and watched both him and Kalyssa. There were too many people to let them out of her sight. She moved closer.
Despite being in a blue dress and white tights, Kalyssa sat on the floor turning the pages of a children’s book. Andy’s head rested on her shoulder as he looked at the illustrations. Kalyssa couldn’t read yet, but it sounded like she made up a story for him. Casey waited until she turned the page.
“Are you two okay?”
“Yeah. My mom keeps asking us that, too.” Kalyssa let the book fall closed.
Andy opened it to the page he’d been looking at. “Momma bear and baby bear.”
Casey brushed her hand over his head. “Yes. You’re both being so good.” She left them to their story.
After what seemed like hours later, empty spots dotted the walls where paintings had sold. Caterers and musicians had already carted off their equipment while the students and staff cleaned up the aftermath. They moved tables and chairs back upstairs, took down decorations, and gathered trash and recycling to be taken outside. Maxine sent Leighton to the loft with the checks to lock in her safe. Andy and Kalyssa made a line of dominoes on the floor opposite the elevator.
Casey gathered the LED candles and switched them off. A cold breeze made the hair on her arms rise. A pine bough over the entrance had fallen and prevented the front door from closing, but before she could cross the room to move it, a disheveled man stumbled into the gallery. He steadied himself on the back of a chair and looked around. A bright smear of blood coated the back of his hand.
Nearby, Maxine bagged leftover cookies. Jenna exited the elevator with two rolls of paper towels. From atop the ladder, Phoenix tried to hand Devin an armful of lights, but Devin ignored him, distracted by his phone. No one seemed to notice the intruder except Casey.
And she didn’t know what to do.
Devin looked up with alarm in his eyes and yelled, “Emergency alert!”
A few others already had their phones out.
Casey recognized the man clinging to the folding chair clearly helping to keep him upright. Jeffrey. Last month, Maxine had made everyone download a special app with photos of him and a button to send an emergency alert. Unfortunately, Casey’s phone was in her jacket across the room because her dress didn’t have pockets.
No one seemed to know what to do with Jeffrey already inside the building.
He smiled at her.
How long had she been standing there? She snapped to attention and pushed the elevator’s button. Then she scooped up Andy and grabbed Kalyssa by the arm, scattering dominoes everywhere. Kalyssa cried she was hurting her, but Casey didn’t have time for an explanation or apology. She cringed to think she might dislocate Kalyssa’s shoulder, but worse might happen if she hesitated. The open elevator was halfway between her and Jeffrey, and if he was as intoxicated as he seemed, she had a chance of making it.
“Hey!” He stumbled toward Casey and the children.
Casey hurled herself toward the elevator, dumped the kids on the floor, and entered her code, selecting Leighton’s loft. With a few punches to the Close Door button, she jumped out. Her body was the only thing that separated Jeffrey and the closing doors. She trembled but held up her hands.
“Get out of the way.”
The alcohol on his breath stung her eyes. She refrained from gagging and tried to conceal her fear. At least she could hear the elevator ascending. Jeffrey had beaten Leighton, bruised her, and could have injured Kalyssa. Casey focused on the emotions those memories conjured within her. It would provide her with plenty of courage.
He’d get to Leighton over her dead body.
* * *
As Leighton made her way up the stairs, she ruminated on the success of the evening. Tonight’s event had put last year’s to shame. Leighton had sold two of her paintings and three of Casey’s. A jubilant Maxine had informed her they’d sold twelve works in all.
Pride filled her. Her students had donned their best attire and mixed and mingled with collectors and other art professionals throughout the evening. They represented the atelier well. She caught sight of Casey a few times, but the crowded gallery made it hard to track her, and Leighton had needed to touch base with as many guests as possible while making sure Kalyssa was safe.
A few times, she’d glimpsed Casey talking with someone in front of the painting she’d framed minutes before the event. Casey had chosen the same dress she’d worn to the Salmagundi Club, but she’d added a scarf. It made her look older, elegant, and showed off her gorgeous neck and shoulders. The sight flooded Leighton with memories.
While Leighton had been talking with Kevin, who’d brought delicious shortbread cookies he’d made, Casey passed behind her and touched the small of her back. Leighton almost ended the party on the spot. She turned, but Maxine had pulled Casey into a conversation with a collector who owned two of Leighton’s paintings. Unwilling to risk her losing a sale, Leighton didn’t interrupt. She’d talk to Casey tonight. Patience had never been her greatest virtue, and she’d bit back a sigh.
After the guests had trickled out, Maxine handed Leighton an envelope with almost six figures’ worth of checks to secure in the safe until they could make a deposit. It amazed her people still used them, but payments of any kind pleased her. Later, she’d see how many credit card transactions had gone through.
They’d made money, and a sense of relief washed over her, and not only for what it’d do for her finances. The collectors and New York’s art circle as a whole hadn’t shunned her like a pariah, as they had every right to do.
Kalyssa and Andy still seemed content, and all the guests had left. Leighton would lock up the checks and be back before Kalyssa noticed she’d gone.
She punched in her code to release the stairwell door and entered the loft. Across the room, Erica and Mikala unstacked the chairs they’d borrowed for the party.
“Thanks for putting those away.” Leighton headed for her bedroom and the safe.
Mikala extended her hand. “Here’s your access card.”
Erica waved her phone and grabbed Mikala’s arm. “Emergency Alert. He’s here. You got her?” She sprinted toward the stairwell.
“Affirmative.” Mikala stepped behind Leighton, trapping her in the hallway.
“Who’s here? What’s happening? I don’t have my phone.” She tried to follow Erica, but Mikala held out her well-defined arms. With her closely shaved hair and muscular physique, Leighton bet she intimidated more than a few National Guard members of both sexes.
“It’s being taken care of.” She wouldn’t allow Leighton past her.
“Let me by. My daughter is down there.” Leighton didn’t want to get into a physical altercation with one of her students, but if Mikala didn’t step aside, she would. He’s here only meant one thing. Jeffrey.
“I can’t do that. I have orders.” The tendons stood out in Mikala’s neck.
Maxine had to be behind this. Of course, she’d assigned the one person to Leighton who understood a directive and could probably protect her best when she’d instituted the app.
Fear seized her. Were Kalyssa, Casey, and Andy in harm’s way? Leighton attempted to dart past her, but Mikala subdued her from behind with ease.
“Then let me look at the cameras.” She squirmed, trying to break free.
“Go.” Mikala released her.
Leighton ran to the monitor and came to a dead stop. She knew that build, that posture, that menacing expression. How had Jeffrey gotten inside?
“No.” Leighton choked on the word as she watched him tower over Casey. She scanned the other cameras. Where were the kids? She jerked around when she heard the elevator’s arrival.
The doors slid open to produce Kalyssa and a crying Andy. Even though she looked terrified, Kalyssa hugged Andy to her.
“It’s okay, darlings. Everything’s okay.” Leighton opened her arms for them to come to her and hoped her lie sounded convincing. As upset as the children were, she needed to know what was happening with Casey.
Mikala ushered them inside. “The app notified the authorities, so they’re on their way. I’ll calm the kids down, but you stay there.” She pointed her finger at Leighton. “I’m not afraid to tackle you in front of your daughter.” She turned to Kalyssa and Andy. “Look how pretty your nail polish looks with your dress. Should we see if we can find any cartoons, Andy?” Her fake cheer made the children relax almost immediately.
Leighton turned and gasped.
Jeffrey’s hands were around Casey’s throat.
At first, Casey planted both her palms on his chest to fend him off, then they flew to her neck. She pulled at his fingers and tried to break his grip.
“No!” Leighton turned up the audio loud enough to hear, and the noise from the TV helped cover the sound. How was this happening?
“Where is she? She up there?” Jeffrey removed a hand from Casey’s throat to jab at the button.
Casey tried to shake her head. Leighton wasn’t sure she could speak, anyway. She clawed at Jeffrey’s hands as she tried in vain to loosen his grasp. Surely no air could reach her vocal cords.
How was she supposed to watch and do nothing? “For fuck’s sake, kick him!” Leighton clenched her hands so hard her nails cut into her palms. Why couldn’t she hear sirens? Where were the police? Why wasn’t anyone doing anything?
Behind Jeffrey, Maxine had the phone to her ear, her eyes filled with terror. Jenna appeared frozen to the spot. Devin tried to pull him away from Casey, but Jeffrey yanked her with him. When Devin attempted to pry his fingers away, Jeffrey punched him, and he stumbled and landed a few feet away. Crimson liquid flowed onto the floor from his nose.
Casey’s eyelids drooped, then closed.
“No!” Leighton hit the desk with her fist. Where was help? Could she get past Mikala?
Jeffrey shook Casey. “Is she upstairs?”
Casey’s head fell forward, and her arms dropped to her sides. Jeffrey slammed her into the elevator doors.
“Oh, God.” Leighton glanced at Mikala, who hovered in the hall. “Look. I can stop this. If I don’t…” She didn’t want to say much in front of the kids. The events of the evening had the potential to be seared into their psyches if she wasn’t careful. “Stay with them and keep them safe.”
Mikala saw the screen and her eyes widened. “Go. I got them. Go!”
Leighton ran for the stairs, thankful Mikala had seen the severity of the situation. “Use the cameras. Don’t leave this floor.”
She ran into Stefan coming up the stairs.
“You’re supposed to stay upstairs. I got the alert while in the studio.”
Leighton flew past him. “He’s choking her!”
“Who?” His rapid footfalls echoed behind her.
“Casey!”
When Leighton pushed through the first-floor door, sirens screamed outside. She found Mark standing above Jeffrey, who appeared unconscious, blood pouring from his nose. Mark’s hands were still balled into fists at his sides, and Leighton had witnessed nothing like the rage on his face in the time she’d known him. Behind him, Casey lay crumpled on the floor, and Maxine and Erica knelt beside her.
Leighton stepped over Jeffrey and rushed to her, pushing Erica aside.
Maxine called Casey’s name and shook her shoulder. Leighton kneeled and pressed her fingers to Casey’s neck to check for a pulse. It took a few tries, and her blood boiled as she touched the dark red marks in the shape of Jeffrey’s fingers. Casey’s pulse felt weak, but it was there. Leighton lowered her head and whimpered when she felt Casey’s breath on her face.
