Chapter Sixteen. #2
Jess clung to Mitch’s hand. She’d not known about his mother’s fake report. Mitch had just put himself on the same level as the victim’s families. He was now a victim himself, although he’d deny it until his dying breath.
“How could you have grown up in that house and been unaware of what was happening?” someone sneered.
“Easily. I knew you’d be here today, Jepson. Were you aware that your father was arrested nine times for assaulting your mother up to the age of you turning ten? No? How could you not know when you grew up in that house?” Mitch tossed the reporter’s words back at him.
Jepson subsided with a dark glower at Mitch’s trap. He’d just stumped himself.
“What do you say to the victim’s families?”
“They have my deepest sympathy. I understand the pain they’re going through, and it’s excruciating.
I urge them all to file civil lawsuits and sue the Weidemans personally.
Lord knows their fortune wasn’t earned legally.
It won’t bring back your loved ones, but it will hurt the Weidemans.
Money is all they care about, that and power. ”
“Who’s she?” someone asked, pointing at Jess.
“My fiancée, Jess Mayhew. Jess was a victim of Frederick Weideman. He threatened her to force me to obey him. Jess is stronger than Frederick will ever be and informed me immediately. We contacted the police, which helped lead to Frederick’s arrest,” Mitch said.
Jess clung to Mitch, offering silent support.
“Are you asking the public to believe you honestly were unaware?” Jepson called out.
“I’m telling them to look at my track record.
My mum died when I was a young boy. I left home at eighteen with nothing but the four jewellery stores my mum owned.
I distanced myself from the Weidemans as a teenager and have seen them only briefly since.
In order to stay apart, I changed my surname.
I’ve donated millions to women’s shelters, children’s homes, police widows and children’s funds, and free counselling services.
Believe me, if Alexander murdered my mother, I’d lobby for the return of hanging, and I’ll pull the handle to open the trapdoor.
” The venom in Mitch’s voice couldn’t be mistaken.
Jess saw the reporters start to turn to his side. Maybe this would work.
“Easy to say,” Jepson sneered.
“Words are always easy. Actions speak louder. Mitch’s tireless efforts in donating millions to charity every year.
This idea was Mitch’s, too. Your problem, Jepson, is that you are bitter and believe everyone has an ulterior motive.
That’s a sad reflection on you. Good people exist, and Mitch McQuoid is one of them,” Leon said, and the crowd faced him.
“The elusive Leon Ericks. Are you close friends with Mitch Weideman?” Jepson called out.
“How are you a reporter if you can’t get something as simple as a name correct?” Leon asked mildly.
Jess snorted and laughed, and several others did similarly. Jepson turned red, and his beady eyes targeted Jess.
“How did you meet?”
“Mitch pulled me from the loch. The boat I was on blew up, and Mitch rescued me,” Jess replied.
Several reporters began shouting questions, and Mitch raised a hand. “Jess had saved herself. She was floating on a piece of debris.”
“Is that the boat that exploded a few weeks ago? The owner was dumping toxic waste in the lake?”
“Yes, it was. The cleanup is still happening, which I’m funding,” Mitch said.
“I think Mitch has answered enough queries. If you don’t mind, these gentlemen are here to raise a load of money for charity. Good day,” Jase said.
Jess squeezed Mitch’s hand as the reporters shouted out questions, but he ignored them. Once safely within the lobby, Mitch greeted everyone. He was shocked at who’d attended at Leon’s order; there were some powerful people present.
“Let’s raise some money for beneficial causes,” Diar stated with a grin.
◆◆◆
While Mitch was inside having a meeting with the bigwigs, Jess roamed the hotel grounds.
They were quite extensive, and it was a nice day, despite the nip in the air.
As she wandered, Jess felt several pairs of eyes on her, but ignored them.
Anyone attacking her would be in for a shock.
A smile crossed Jess’s face as she stood on a terrace and stared out over the gorgeous loch her monster was named for.
Grey skies or bright sunshine, Loch Ness was always beautiful. Lost in thought and admiring the view, she was surprised when someone touched her shoulder.
“Jess, you need to come back inside. We’ve had some disturbing reports,” Leon said.
“What?” Jess demanded, panic rising.
“An idiot, no doubt in Alexander’s pay, bailed Frederick and he's on the loose,” Leon explained.
“Huh?” Jess exclaimed. “How the hell did that happen?”
“Frederick was freed before the news was released concerning the Weidemans. The judge has been suspended due to an investigation, but Frederick has disappeared,” Leon elaborated.
“The most dangerous Weideman is loose?” Jess gasped, her hand going to her chest.
“Yes. And we believe he’s coming for you and Mitch. He wants to take Mitch out for ruining the Weideman reputation, and he’s just got a hard-on for you,” Leon stated.
“If Frederick comes for me, it’ll be a mistake,” Jess said.
“Yes, but you’re both in danger until we find him. There’s a warrant out for Frederick’s arrest because he’s skipped a court appearance.”
“Leon, he believes he’s above the law. It was clear in his eyes when he confronted me. Frederick thinks he’s superior, and that makes him unstable and hard to predict.”
“That’s why I want you and Mitch back home. It’s safer once we’ve caught Frederick, then Mitch can return to the public eye.”
“Does Mitch know yet?”
“No. Lunch is soon, and Jase will inform him then. For now, I’m taking you to your room and staying by your side. Don’t argue, Jess,” Leon ordered.
“Wasn’t planning to.” Jess sent one last look over her loch and allowed Leon to walk her back inside.
Mitch
Today was progressing well. We were figuring out who wanted to be on the donation list for the charities. Once done, they’d discuss the recipients. Mitch missed Jess terribly and wondered if she’d like to sit in on the afternoon’s session. She might have some ideas that they’d overlooked.
“I’m hitting the john,” Mitch muttered to Jase, who’d stuck at his side for the meeting. About twenty minutes ago, Leon took a call, which caused him to leave. Mitch wasn’t overly alarmed. He knew that unexpected calls would happen and interrupt the day.
“I’ll come with you; we’re not to go anywhere alone,” Jase said with a nod.
“Think I can piss by myself,” Mitch laughed, and Jase frowned.
“We’ve had an update. I can’t go into details, but I’ll explain later. Just understand nobody goes anywhere unaccompanied.”
Mitch wanted to demand an answer, but knew Jase was right. They had to act as if everything were okay. On guard but unsure why, Mitch headed to the men’s room. He entered first and glanced down as something hit him in the chest. A brightly coloured dart stuck out of his suit.
Mitch felt himself going down and registered a muffled exclamation as he guessed Jase had also been darted. Crap, had he led the Sealgair Uilebheist to them? Mitch struggled to keep his eyes open, but he was engaged in a useless battle.
Jess/Loch Ness Monster
Jess heard the alarm at the same moment as Leon, and they both straightened.
“Attack! Hunter!” Jase shouted through mind-speak.
At the same time, she could feel Mitch’s panic through the bond. Then… nothing.
Jess was moving before Leon, as she focused on Jase’s whereabouts. She could sense him fighting and headed for the stairs. She raced down them, Leon on her heels. Jess burst into the lobby and caught Diar’s gaze. His smile turned into a frown as Leon skidded to a halt. Jase was close, but where?
“What’s happened?” a guy shouted.
“Mitch’s crazy ass cousin is here,” Leon called out. “Has anyone seen Mitch or Jase?”
“They headed for the toilets,” the guest replied.
They hurried over, and Leon kicked the door open. Jase was lying on the floor, shaking his head groggily as he tried to get to his feet.
“Stay with him!” Leon ordered Diar after seeing no sign of Mitch. Jess released a cry of distress and rushed out of the bathroom, looking frantically around.
“Someone just shoved Mitch McQuoid into the back of a car!” a woman yelled, running in. Jess took to her heels as everyone ran outside.
A black luxury car sped off, and Jess screamed. She realised she couldn’t feel Mitch responding through the mate bond. He was present but unconscious. Jess had no idea what to do.