FRAMED, page 19
“But hey, you know I work in IT,” Rick continued. “I’m in and out of offices all over the company, working on computers. I can keep my eyes and ears open. Maybe find something out for you.”
His offer caught her off guard, dissolving her remaining skepticism. Her tone softened. “Thanks, Rick,” she said. “I’m being followed, my phone is tapped, and someone broke into my home to steal my study data. You can see how I might be a little paranoid.”
Chapter 42
Wednesday evening, they had dinner at Jo’s favorite Mexican restaurant and discussed Rick’s apparent turnaround. Afterwards, they lounged on Tori’s couch, sipping Tia Maria from crystal cordial glasses.
“What an intense few days,” Jo said. “I needed a day off from hearing so many heartbreaking stories.”
She kicked off her heels and put her stockinged feet up on the coffee table, the couch cushions folded around her, welcoming and soft.
“I know how you feel.”
Jo said, “You mentioned you had news from Brian.”
“Yes, the private investigator discovered Van Guy works for a private security firm, and his name is James Hogarth. They are very cagey about who hired the firm—they insist on client confidentiality—so he doesn’t know yet. And the FBI is not tapping my phone, so maybe it’s the security company or whoever they hired.”
“There must be a way to determine who hired them. Maybe Brian can subpoena their records.” Jo said. She took a sip of her drink. “Has he heard anything from the FBI photo expert?”
“That’s the good news. The expert said the video and photos of the bank robber differ in subtle but significant ways from the photo of me.”
Jo sat up and hugged Tori. “Wow, that’s excellent news!”
Tori held on longer than she should have. When she pulled away, tears pricked her eyes. Since her arrest, Jo’s physical presence in her home had triggered feelings she’d long tried to suppress. Despite her genuine feelings for Jude, she still fantasized about what might have been with Jo. It was time to tell her what she couldn’t tell her years ago.
“What’s wrong?” Jo said, “That’s good news, isn’t it?”
Tori’s heart pounded in her throat. She took some deep breaths. Should I tell her? She needed relief from the weight of her feelings. To take the power from them by laying them on the table.
Am I really going to do this?
“What is it?” Jo’s brow furrowed.
She’s taken. I lost my chance years ago. I’m with Jude now. Stop.
Jo took her hand in both of hers. “Tell me. You said before that you trusted me.”
The tears spilled over. “I want to.” Her voice shook. “It’s too late. I shouldn’t. I’m not sure. . . ”
“Whatever it is, Tori, I won’t judge you. You can tell me anything.” Jo let go of her hand and reached for the napkin under her cordial glass. She dabbed at Tori’s tears, then took her hand again.
The dam broke, and Tori couldn’t stop herself, though her voice choked.
“I love you.”
Jo’s face softened. “I love you, too, Tori. You know that.”
“No . . . I mean . . . I know you do. It’s just that . . . It’s different. I’ve always loved you. Since college. The same way you loved me.”
Jo’s eyes widened. “Oh . . . I see.”
A jolt of fear shot through Tori. I shouldn’t have told her. What did I expect?
“I’ve upset you,” she said, pulling her hand away. “I’m sorry. You’re with Kate now. It’s my fault that I didn’t tell you in college. I was a coward.”
“No, no, I’m not upset,” Jo said, shaking her head. “Just surprised. I didn’t see this coming.”
“It’s just that you’re here now. I can’t stop thinking about it. Things have become clear to me in the past year.” She took out a handkerchief and blew her nose. “I’d always thought my wanting you was unique because of how close we were—and still are.”
She searched Jo’s eyes for understanding.
“And it’s not?” Jo’s voice was gentle.
“No. It’s who I am. It was at the root of my marital problems.”
“You’re sure? Women often form close emotional bonds with one another. Sexuality exists on a spectrum and . . .”
“Yes, I’m sure. I’ve had sex with a woman—well, not just sex. Jude, the industrial hygienist. And I love her, too. In the same way.” Tori took a deep breath.
Jo’s shoulders relaxed. “Oh, dear. Why did you wait so long?”
“I know. We could have been together,” she said, unable to suppress the longing in her voice.
Jo gave her a warm smile. “Yes, we could have. And it would’ve been wildly exciting at the time. You were my first love. It was the reason I came out to myself as a lesbian.” She reached for her cordial glass and swallowed the rest of her Tia Maria in one gulp.
She regarded Tori thoughtfully, “But do you think two ambitious, driven, workaholic women would make compatible partners in the long run?”
Tori sighed. “I don’t know.” But I’d have loved to have tried.
“However, we do make wonderful friends. We’re a fantastic team.” Jo said.
“We are,” she agreed. But I always wanted . . . more.
“So, Jude—the one you were to have lunch with and whose giving you environmental data—you wanted to keep her identity a secret, not only because of what she was doing at World Petrol but also because you’re romantically involved with her?”
“Well, yeah. Wouldn’t it tarnish my image for a Texas jury if they knew I was a lesbian, hanging out in bars, and hooking up with women for sex?”
Jo’s eyes widened again. “Women?”
Tori smiled. “Just one woman.”
Jo blew out her breath. “Phew. I’m not sure how I’d handle the news that you’re sleeping around.”
“I have my standards,” she said, managing to smile.
But do I really? Declaring my love for a woman who’s taken? And when I’m also in love with Jude?
“Once we started talking about my work, she began gathering environmental monitoring data, some of which is alarming. I’ve asked her to stop, though. My arrest, the guy following me, the break-in—the stakes are too high. If the company finds out, I don’t want her personally or professionally harmed.”
Jo was studying her with a curious expression.
“It’s not like I was trading sexual favors for information,” Tori said, suddenly defensive.
“No, I can’t imagine you would,” Jo said, smiling.
“I’ve done some checking since you first mentioned the possibility of getting this data. You can have her report World Petrol’s excessive toxic emissions to the Hotline at the Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General, or the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. Then, we can request that information through the Freedom of Information Act. That way, neither of us will have acquired it illegally. You can use it in your study, and I can use it to bolster our lawsuit. It remains unclear whether she will have whistleblower protection, though. We should assume she won’t.”
“I thought so. World Petrol could very well make her life miserable.”
“Right. They could,” Jo conceded. She was quiet, apparently thinking. “You say you’ve asked her to stop, but what does she say?”
“That’s the problem. She’s stubborn,” Tori said, tipping up her glass to swallow the rest of her drink.
Jo smiled. “Not unlike someone else I know.”
Chapter 43
Jo’s calm response to Tori’s confession reduced the power of her long-held fantasies. It was time to let go. Retreating to her bed, Tori allowed herself the cathartic release of tears, clutching her pillow tightly as she buried her face to stifle the sound. When her sobs finally subsided, she lay on her back, her gaze drifting upward to the ceiling. Something had shifted. Her grief over lost opportunities and years of suppressed emotions began to lift, clearing her mind and heart. She fell asleep, longing to see Jude.
*
In the guest room, Jo lay awake, her mind replaying Tori’s revelation like a persistent melody. She admired Tori’s courage in overcoming societal norms and embracing her true self. On her recent visit to Houston, Jo had caught glimpses of this new side of Tori, but she had dismissed them, remembering Tori’s past declarations of being straight and her marriage to Rick. Now, she reevaluated those subtle touches and glances—especially the kiss—realizing they’d meant more than she’d realized.
But Jo was no longer a besotted young adult. As she’d told Kate, much more experience with women had given her a better idea of what worked for her. Not intensity and drama but comfort and ease. That’s what Kate offered, and Jo, in turn, tried to give Kate the love and stability she needed.
She sighed and rolled over, her thoughts turning to her eventual reunion with Kate: the simple joys of grocery shopping, cooking, and strolling through Rock Creek Park together. They would savor intimate moments, relish excellent coffee, and read The New York Times in bed on Sunday mornings. Just what she needed to ground herself and take her mind off the suffering of others and the environmental crimes of profit-hungry petrochemical companies.
*
The sound of Jo stirring downstairs instantly put Tori on alert, despite the early hour. A wave of anxiety flooded over her as she remembered the previous evening. Will it be awkward between us now? The question echoed in her mind, bringing the anguish of uncertainty. Without giving herself time to overthink, she pulled on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, then hurried downstairs barefoot.
The aroma of fresh coffee greeted her before she even reached the kitchen. Jo stood there, looking completely at ease as she poured a cup and extended it toward Tori.
“Good morning,” Jo said with her usual warmth. “I was going to slip out without waking you since we had a late night.”
Tori studied Jo’s face, searching for any sign of discomfort or regret, but found none. Jo’s manner and attitude remained unchanged as if their late-night conversation had only strengthened rather than complicated their friendship. The tight knot of worry in Tori’s chest began to loosen.
“No chance I’d let you do that,” Tori replied, accepting the coffee with relief and gratitude. “I want to see you off.”
Jo leaned against the counter, her eyes reflecting concern. “You’ll have your hands full now with clinical work, writing up your study, and preparing for trial. It’s coming up so fast. Just weeks away.”
With the reminder, Tori’s shoulders sagged. “I know.” She sighed, the weight of her responsibilities suddenly pressing. “It’s overwhelming.”
Jo tilted her head. “What about your lab? Are you keeping the space?”
The question touched a raw nerve. “I don’t know. I can’t fund it on my own. Especially now.” Her voice lowered, the admission painful. “I’ll have to sell the equipment to cover my defense costs.”
Jo clicked her tongue, her expression softening. “That’s a shame.”
Not wanting to dwell on things she couldn’t change, Tori took a quick gulp of her coffee, the hot liquid burning a path down her throat. “Do you want me to fix you some eggs and toast? Oatmeal?” she offered, shifting to something practical, something she could control.
“No. Must dash. I’ll pick something up on the way to Oilton. But thank you.”
Jo paused. In the silence, her eyes sought Tori’s and held her gaze. Tori was unable to look away, even as her heart pounded against her ribs like a trapped bird.
At last, Jo said, “I’m pleased you shared what you did last night.” Her voice was gentle but firm. “I know you’ve got things to sort out within yourself and with the woman you’ve been dating. Our friendship won’t change. It’s as strong as ever.”
The simple reassurance broke something open inside Tori. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring Jo’s face. Her legs suddenly felt too weak to support her as she stepped into Jo’s open arms. Jo held her close, stroking her hair with a tenderness that made Tori wish she wouldn’t stop. Then, she let go.
“Okay, get to work. I’m off,” Jo said, her tone brisk but kind.
Tori pulled herself together, wiping her eyes and straightening her shoulders.
“When will you return?” The question came out with more vulnerability than she’d intended.
“When I finish in Oilton, I’ll fly home. I’ve tentatively booked an evening flight on Sunday.” Jo’s eyes softened again. “Depending on how things develop, I’ll return for your trial, if not before. I’m not keeping my distance—Colin be damned.”
She drained the last of her coffee, bent to give Orange Cat an affectionate pat, and headed for the door where her bag awaited.
Tori followed her, a hollowness spreading in her chest.
“Thank you, Jo. For everything.” Inadequate words to express all she wanted to say.
Jo turned, her face illuminated by a warm smile that could have melted butter.
“Of course,” she said.
And then she was gone, leaving Tori standing in the doorway. The morning suddenly seemed quieter and emptier than it had just moments before.
Chapter 44
When Jo’s flight arrived at Washington National Airport Sunday evening, Kate and Sam were waiting in the baggage claim area. Sam saw her first and nearly yanked Kate off her feet as he strained his leash to get to her. He leaped up, paws on her shoulders, to plant wet dog kisses on Jo’s upturned chin. She laughed, pushed his shoulders down, kneeled, and allowed him to snuffle her ear.
“Did you miss your human? Was that other lady not good to you?”
Kate laughed. “That other lady fed him his favorite this morning. Eggs and sausage.”
“Oooh, not bad,” Jo cooed. “Bet you wish I’d go away more often.”
She stood up and took Kate in her arms. “Hello, sweetheart. It’s good to be back.”
“I missed you,” Kate said, nestling her face into Jo’s shoulder and hugging her tight.
*
Later that night, as they lay in bed, Jo continued to fill Kate in on the details of her trip, leaving out one crucial interaction. But when the discussion petered out, she decided on full disclosure.
“Tori told me she was in love with me in college and still has feelings for me.”
Kate rose on one elbow and stared at her. “What does that mean to you?”
Jo considered her answer carefully. “I love her. Always have,” she acknowledged, sensing Kate tense beside her. “But I don’t lust after her like I used to, nor do I fantasize about being with her romantically.”
The memory of those few seconds last night, when she had done exactly that, flashed through her mind, but she pushed it away.
“Why not?” Kate challenged, her gaze unflinching.
Jo turned fully toward Kate, meeting her intensity with certainty. “Because I’m in love with you,” she said, the words tumbling out for the first time. Jo realized how profoundly true they were.
A smile spread across Kate’s face.
“Good answer,” she murmured, snuggling back into Jo’s shoulder, relaxing against her.
“She’s dating a woman.”
Kate’s head popped up again. “And she’s declaring her love for you?” she asked as her hand began a deliberate journey up Jo’s inner thigh.
“I think she needed to get it off her chest and move on,” Jo said. “As I have.”
As Kate’s hand continued its teasing exploration, Jo’s thoughts drifted far from Tori to current pleasures.
*
On Monday, David and Colin were pleased to hear that Jo had signed up 45 plaintiffs, including all three wrongful death cases. The explosion and fire had added fuel to their lawsuit, but they still lacked objective evidence that World Petrol had violated national and regional air quality standards.
“We can demand they turn over any environmental monitoring data during pre-trial discovery, but we’ll never know if they’re giving us all they have,” David said.
Jo bit her lip and fidgeted, holding back details of the data Tori said Jude could provide. Until it arrived in the hands of the government regulators, it held little value for their lawsuit. The information burned inside her, making her fingers tap nervously against her thigh.
“Tori gave her talk at MD Anderson’s Grand Rounds. There may have been a petrochemical industry plant in the audience, playing down her findings. As they often do with all studies that threaten their way of doing business,” she said.
She wished Colin would leave so she could talk with David in private.
“Did you discover anything to substantiate your theory that World Petrol played a role in Dr. Nelson’s arrest and the theft of her data?” David asked.
Colin rolled his eyes.
Irritated, she turned to David, shutting Colin out of her field of vision. “Brian Kirkland, her defense attorney, hired a private investigator to try to identify the anonymous tipster and determine who was behind the theft. The probable thief works for a private security firm and is likely also tapping her phone. Brian notified the police. However, we don’t yet know who hired the security firm or the identity of who tipped off the FBI that Tori resembled the bank robber.”
David shook his head, his expression thoughtful. “Who else would be interested in spying on her and stealing Dr. Nelson’s cancer study data except those it threatened?”
“Exactly,” Jo said.
“What do the police say? Have they arrested the thief?” David asked.
“Not that they’ve said.”
“Well, I hope this private investigator uncovers tangible, hard evidence of World Petrol’s involvement. Dr. Nelson sure needs it, and so do we,” David said.
Colin snorted. “So, you’ve got nothing.”
A flush traveled from her chest to her face. Whose side are you on?
David ignored him, opened his notebook, and picked up his pen. “Let’s review your list of plaintiffs and their medical issues. We’ll have to decide whether to file a mass toxic tort or a class action. As you know, not all of them will have legal standing or have health problems we can prove are related to living near the refinery. I prefer the former. We’ll try the wrongful death cases separately.”
