Indigo- The Complete Series, page 58
part #1 of Indigo Series
“So what’s happening at the meeting today?” Max asked as he maneuvered through heavy London traffic.
“Paul has a CCTV video that will show who attacked Rachel. He’s confident that after this meeting, she’ll drop all charges against me.”
“That would be bloody marvelous,” Max said with a tight grin.
During the drive, Justin pulled out his phone again to check if Lucy had replied. Frustrated, he decided to send her another message:
Off to Paul’s office for the meeting. Where are you? Getting a little worried. Jxo
“How is Lucy?” Max asked as he maneuvered through heavy London traffic.
“She’s got her own legal troubles to navigate. I feel like something’s up. She’s not answered any of my texts for a day,” he said as he checked his other messages and then returned his phone to his pocket again.
“Maybe her phone is dead.”
“What the fuck does that mean?”
“Relax,” Max replied gruffly. “I didn’t say your girlfriend was dead. I said maybe her phone is dead. Why are you so agitated?” Max looked over at him as he drove.
“I’m just tired, I guess,” he said with a large exhale. “Look, I’m sorry. You’ve been a good friend to Lucy and me. That wasn’t fair.”
“That’s okay. This is a stressful time for you.” Max focused again on his driving.
Lucy was safe, but he had an increasing need to speak to her to make sure she was all right. He hadn’t even arrived at the meeting, and he couldn’t wait for it to be over.
“Want me to wait here?” Max asked as he parked in front of the Heron Tower.
“I don’t know how long this will take. I can always catch a cab when the meeting’s over.” Justin unbuckled the seatbelt and adjusted his tie one last time.
“I’ll wait. You might want to have a pint afterward,” Max said, with a nod. “Good luck, mate.” Max slapped him on the shoulder.
“Thanks.” Justin got out of the car and shut the door. Luckily, there was no press around, and he took a deep breath as he enjoyed the moment of anonymity in public.
He gave his name at the security desk and waited while they called Paul’s office for clearance.
“They’re expecting you, Mr. Hamilton,” mumbled the security guard. “Mr. Trask’s office is on the fortieth floor.”
“Thank you.” On his way to the bank of elevators, Justin marveled at the massive fish tank filled with enough tropical fish to replenish the Great Barrier Reef. But this was Heron Tower, one of the most prestigious office buildings in London.
The elevator doors opened, and he got on with a few other men. He pushed the button for the fortieth floor, and waited, trying to convince himself nothing was wrong with Lucy. He took his phone out and sighed with relief at Lucy’s message:
Hi Justin. I've been busy with meetings with my solicitor. Talk soon.
His brow furrowed as he re-read the message. Lucy was usually loving and playful in her texts. And she always signed off with hugs and kisses. He slipped his phone into his pocket and tried to concentrate on the present moment: getting free of the assault charge. Then, he could focus on finding Lucy. He rode with the other passengers in the tense silence. Person after person left the elevator when they reached their floor.
When the elevator stopped at the fortieth floor, he walked to Paul's office in quick strides. The receptionist glanced up from her computer, giving him a brief smile, and announced his arrival through her headset. “He's just arrived, Mr. Trask. Yes, sir.”
“Good morning, Mr. Hamilton,” greeted the petite brunette. “Mr. Trask is waiting for you in the conference room. Right this way.” She gestured down a long hallway with marble floors, and a series of mahogany doors with the names of each solicitor etched on a glass window beside their office door.
As he entered the conference room, Paul and Gordon had their heads together as they huddled around Gordon's laptop. “Good morning, Justin,” Paul greeted.
“Hello,” Gordon said over his shoulder, returning his attention to the computer.
“Would you like a coffee or tea?” Paul asked as he refilled his cup with coffee.
Ignoring the offer, he asked, “When will Rachel be here?”
“Any moment, now. Is there something you want to discuss before she arrives?” Paul asked with a raised brow.
“No. I just want this over as soon as possible.” He took a look out the huge window, the rain pounding hard against the glass. As soon as possible, he was determined to take Lucy somewhere warm and relaxing. Once again, he had a gnawing uneasiness about her well-being.
“I understand. Gordon and I believe this business will be wrapped up soon.” Paul gestured to a chair at the huge conference desk. “Why don't you take a seat, and I'll review what I plan on presenting this morning?”
Justin sat down and drummed his fingers on the table while Paul summarized the upcoming meeting, “We have video evidence we believe irrefutably implicates Yuri Azarov as Rachel’s assailant. We’ll show them the video, and then present Rachel with Mr. Rothstein's offer of protection.”
“Cooperating was never Rachel's strength.”
“It's in her best interest to cooperate. I think she’ll recognize that.” Paul’s voice was somber.
“Is Grace aware we have a video?”
“Yes,” Paul replied. “She’s aware we have it, but she hasn’t seen it.” He said, with a tilt of his head, “Grace wasn't for it at first. I think she would prefer to go to trial, but she's not stupid. Since this videotape was obtained without a warrant, it’s not admissible in a court. I’m sure Grace is well-aware of this fact; however, when Rachel sees it, I’m confident she will drop all charges against you, no matter how much Grace tries to dissuade her.”
Justin narrowed his eyes. “So, my freedom is in Rachel’s hands?”
“Yes, it appears so,” Paul said. “However, I’m confident when she hears the offer—”
“She’ll drop all charges. I heard you the first time,” Justin said, getting to his feet and walking to the window with his hands shoved in his pockets. He hated the idea of not having any control over this situation, but that was the reality of his plight. He turned back to Paul and asked, “And what happens if Rachel refuses?”
Paul sighed. “Then we will have no other option but to go to court and plead our case. If necessary, we’ll stress that Rachel has made a false claim in the past, and we’ll use that sex tape as proof. In other words, with even more publicity, it could get...”
“...messy,” Justin said.
“They’re here,” Paul said when footsteps and Grace Hopper's now-familiar, brash voice could be heard outside the conference room door.
Paul's receptionist ushered the two women into the office. Grace gave a brusque nod to both of them. “Good morning, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Trask. This meeting had better be worth my time.” She wore a double-breasted, crimson-red suit with large brass buttons. And of course, matching red cat-eye glasses.
“Coffee or tea?” Paul interrupted.
“Nothing for me.” Grace tossed her purse and briefcase onto a nearby chair.
“And for you, Ms. Craig?” Paul asked.
“No, thank you,” Rachel mumbled as she took a seat at the table, the remnants of her cuts and bruises still evident.
Justin observed her closely. Rachel, always vibrant, was a dull example of her former self, wearing a black turtleneck and black slacks. Rachel kept her head down, avoiding eye contact with anyone in the room. The only jewelry she wore was a gold cross necklace.
As everyone took their seat, Paul said, “Now, to review what we've previously discussed. You will be shown video evidence we have obtained. You will then have the option to accept or refuse an offer of assistance. And if you accept, you will both be required to sign NDAs. Is that clear?”
Grace laughed. “This meeting is a farce. You know as well as I do, no court will admit whatever is on that videotape as legal evidence.”
“Nevertheless,” Paul stated in a commanding voice, “we’re showing you the videotape. And afterward, Ms. Craig will decide what she wants to do. And Grace—if we go to trial, you should bear in mind that your client has a history of making false accusations, and perjury is an indictable offense.”
Rachel said nothing, keeping her attention on her hands.
Grace huffed and pulled a legal pad and pen from her briefcase, and glared at Paul. “Then let's get on with it.”
Paul used a remote device to lower a screen from a ceiling-recessed cabinet and to close the window shades. He nodded to Gordon to begin the presentation.
Gordon clicked a few keys, and various images of Rachel and her friends came up. These were the photos he'd seen before. Gordon provided the narrative timeline while he moved through each one. Justin looked at Rachel to note her reaction, but she continued to keep her head down. He had never seen her this subdued.
Gordon transitioned to the grainy video he had seen before of Yuri gripping Rachel by the arm and taking her away off camera. Gordon stopped the video and asked, “Any questions, so far?”
“No,” Grace replied, keeping an eye Rachel. “Let's keep going.”
Paul said, “Azarov owns a penthouse in the same building as his club. This next video was taken in a hallway that leads to his private elevator.”
Without another word, Gordon tapped on the computer and continued the video. Yuri dragged a stumbling Rachel behind him. Even without sound, it was obvious that Rachel was putting up resistance.
Yuri shook Rachel like a rag doll as she tried to push him away. She was shouting something at him. Grace gasped when Yuri slapped Rachel so hard she fell. She remained motionless until Yuri wrenched her to her feet. Rachel's back was to the camera, but it was clear that Yuri pulled up her dress and based on Rachel's jerking physical reaction, he was probably grabbing her crotch. His face twisted into rage as he shouted something at her. Rachel moved her head back and forth, and then Yuri slapped her a second time. When it seemed as if Rachel was about to fall again, he held her by the hair, hitting her in the face before letting her fall to the ground.
Justin glanced again at Rachel, who kept her face averted from the screen. It was no surprise she didn't want to watch this. Rachel’s hand toyed with her necklace. He watched as she twirled and rubbed the small, gold cross. He was captivated by how the gold sparkled from the light of the projector.
“Turn it off!” Grace said, turning away. “We’ve seen enough.”
Gordon stopped the video, and Paul opened the window shades. Rachel shielded her eyes from the glare of the light.
Grace turned to Rachel, touched her hand and asked, “Are you okay?”
Rachel nodded absently and looked up at Justin with tear-filled eyes. “I'm so sorry. I never wanted it to get this far. Yuri’s always been a tough guy, but I never thought he would hurt me.”
“Why did you tell the police I attacked you?” He had been angry at Rachel for creating these lies, but now he understood she did it because she was more afraid of her Russian boyfriend.
“You’re not her solicitor,” Grace barked at Justin.
Ignoring Grace, Rachel told her story. “I first met him about a year ago at a party. He was charming, a real gentleman. I'd never met anyone like him before. When I came back to London a few weeks ago, we ran into each other at another party, and we clicked. He bought me clothes, jewelry, and even a car. He was possessive, but I didn't mind. It made me feel special. When he overheard one of my girlfriends gossiping about you and me, he was furious. That was the first time he hit me, but not the last time. I knew I had to get away, but I didn't know how.”
Rachel’s brow furrowed. “And then I saw you that night at Remington House in Marylebone, and I thought you could help me. I know I've been horrible to you.” She paused before adding, “Especially Lucy. I’m so sorry for everything I’ve done to both of you.” She sobbed, her green eyes shimmering with tears. “You’ve always been an honorable man. I was hoping you would help me.”
“Why did you stay with him?”
Grace interrupted. “You don’t have to answer that question.”
Rachel glared at Grace and snapped, “Stop talking.”
Grace opened her mouth to speak, but shut it again, glaring at Justin in contemptuous silence.
“Ms. Craig,” Paul said in his smooth upper-crust voice.
Rachel blinked up at him, wiping her eyes.
“After looking at the video, it’s obvious to everyone in this room that Yuri Azarov is responsible for your injuries. After consulting with Mr. Hamilton, we are prepared to make you an offer.”
“I don’t like the sound of this,” Grace snarled.
Rachel turned her attention to Paul, asking, “What kind of offer?”
“You have a benefactor, Ms. Craig,” Paul said with kindness. “Someone who has arranged to take you from London to a safe place where Mr. Azarov cannot hurt you. It is secure, I assure you. You will be safe and protected.” After a sideways glance at Grace, he continued, “The benefactor will also cover all legal expenses. And knowing who your solicitor is, I’m assuming your expenses are considerable, indeed,” he added drily.
Grace snorted. “In exchange for what may I ask? And who is this benefactor?” she asked sarcastically.
Paul ignored Grace, focusing his attention on Rachel.
“What do I have to do?” Rachel asked.
“First, you must drop all charges against Mr. Hamilton,” Paul said, pulling out the prepared paperwork. “Second, you and Ms. Hopper will be required to sign non-disclosure agreements that will forbid you from ever discussing the terms of this case.”
“Rachel, we should talk about this,” Grace said. “In private,” she growled, with a scathing stare at Paul.
“That’s not possible, I’m afraid,” Paul said solicitously. “The arrangements that have been made for Ms. Craig are extensive and complex, and therefore, she must decide now.”
“Rachel, don’t be too impulsive,” Grace said. “You should take some time to think this through.”
Rachel stood and walked to the window. Justin noticed she kept her hand on the cross as she considered her options.
She spun around and announced, “I accept.” She walked back to the table, grabbed the pen Paul handed her, and signed all the documents.
“Rachel, please think about this—” Grace urged.
“Shut up, Grace!” Rachel shouted, her face red with anger. “It’s finished. These false accusations were wrong from the beginning. You’re the only one benefitting from this circus, not me.”
Grace’s eyes widened, her mouth opened in stunned silence.
In a patient voice, Paul made the offer that would close the deal. “Ms. Hopper, Ms. Craig’s benefactor is prepared to provide you with a substantial bonus if you sign the NDA. Your fee and bonus will be wired to your bank within the hour as soon as you sign and provide us with your account information.”
“Fine,” Grace said, snatching Paul’s pen and scratching her signature on the document. Grace picked up her things, and, without another look at Rachel, left the room.
Gordon closed his laptop and slid it back into its case. “I should be leaving as well, then. Best of luck, Ms. Craig,” he murmured. “Paul, I’ll call you tomorrow. Nice to see you again, Justin.”
Justin shook Gordon’s hand. “Thank you for all you’ve done.”
“You’re welcome,” Gordon replied before leaving the room.
“Do you have any questions, Ms. Craig?” Paul asked.
“Can you tell me who my benefactor is?”
“Of course, I can. But don’t forget you’ve signed an NDA.”
“Yes, but I want to know who is doing this for me?” Rachel asked.
“Phil Rothstein,” Paul said gently. “He’s very concerned about what happened to you.”
“Of course, it’s Phil,” she said with a nod, her lips curling into a small smile. “I should have guessed that.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to make a few calls to expedite the next steps of the process. Mr. Rothstein wanted me to call him as soon as you accepted his offer.” He moved to a corner of the office and made his calls.
When they were alone, Rachel whispered, “I thought he loved me.”
“What?”
“You asked me why I stayed with Yuri.” She ran both hands through her short hair and laughed a little. “I always enjoyed the attention from the media, but the night I ran into you at the restaurant, was when everything changed.”
“What happened?”
“Yuri was angry when he saw those pictures of you and me outside the restaurant,” she said with a grimace. “But he went ballistic when he saw the video someone took of us. Remember?”
“Not really. I was just trying to get away from you and the photographers.”
“One of them asked if we were back together and I answered something like ‘What do you think?’”
“Yeah, I do remember that.”
“Yuri is a jealous man. When we were at his club, and that guy put his hands on me, he flew into a rage.”
“He dragged you from the club,” Justin said, recalling the video.
Rachel said through tears, “He had seen the photos of you and I at the restaurant and was waiting to confront me about it.” She grabbed a tissue from the box on the table, wiping her eyes. “I tried to tell Yuri I wasn’t serious when I said you and I were a couple again, but he didn’t care. He told me I belonged to him because he paid for me. He told me I was no better than a whore,” she said through her tears. “I tried so hard to get away from him, and that only made him angrier.”
“I’m sorry he hurt you,” Justin said with compassion. “But why did you blame me? You could have gone to the police. They would have helped you.”
