Chapter 23 #2
He planned to describe the affair as brief and unwanted. He would use Makayla’s false expense reports and repayment agreement to argue that she was dishonest, financially desperate, and willing to invent a longer relationship for money.
“You committed fraud,” he said when Makayla protested on the recording. “Who do you think they’re going to believe, you or me?”
The recording ended with a crash. Makayla’s hand moved toward the bruise beneath her sleeve.
“That was last night,” she said as she switched off the phone. “He knocked the coffee cup out of my hand when I said I would tell the truth.”
Abby looked at the evidence spread across the table. “Where is he now?”
“I don’t know.” Makayla folded her arms around herself. “I packed his clothes while he was meeting with the consultant and left them with the building manager. The sublease is in my name, and I told the manager not to let him upstairs.”
“He’ll try to make you take him back.” Abby knew how quickly Hudson could turn anger into injury when he needed sympathy. “He’ll say he was frightened and didn’t mean any of this.”
“He already did.” Makayla gave a small, exhausted nod. “Then he said I would lose the apartment without him, even though he hasn’t paid rent in two months.”
“Do you believe him?” Abby asked as she watched her former friend. “About needing him?”
Makayla looked toward the darkened phone. “I’m afraid of what happens when I don’t have anyone to rescue me.”
“Hudson wasn’t rescuing you.” Abby kept her voice level. “You were working two jobs to rescue him.”
“I know.” Makayla wiped beneath one eye with the heel of her hand. “I finally know.”
The attorney entered after knocking on the open door. He explained that copying the messages and recordings would require Makayla’s written consent and that the evidence might be provided to the court, Evan’s attorneys, the press, or law enforcement.
“Some of it could expose you to further investigation,” he said as he placed a release form on the table. “The messages may help establish that you did not know about the company transfers, but the recordings also contain admissions about your employer’s expense claims.”
Makayla picked up the pen. “I understand.”
“You should speak with your own attorney before signing,” he continued as he placed a business card beside the form. “I can arrange for someone independent to advise you.”
“Will waiting hurt Evan’s company?” Makayla asked as she looked at Abby. “The articles are already spreading.”
“A delay may make the public response more difficult,” he said. “You still have the right to obtain advice.”
Makayla stared at the unsigned form for several seconds. “Make the copies now, but don’t release anything until I speak with the attorney.”
Abby had expected Makayla to sign immediately and turn self-sacrifice into another performance. The decision to protect herself while preserving the evidence showed more judgment than a dramatic gesture would have.
“That’s reasonable,” Abby said as she stood. “You don’t owe Evan a new disaster in your own life.”
Makayla looked up at her. “I owe both of you the truth.”
“Then tell it carefully enough that Hudson can’t discredit it.” Abby lifted her purse from the neighboring chair. “Speak to the attorney and follow the advice you’re given.”
Makayla nodded. “Are you going to call Evan?”
“His attorney will receive the evidence when yours approves it.” Abby moved toward the door, then stopped. “What happens between Evan and me isn’t something you can repair.”
“I know.” Makayla closed the laptop and rested both hands on its lid. “I’m not doing this so he’ll forgive me.”
Abby believed her. That belief did not restore affection, but it allowed Abby to leave the room without wondering what Makayla expected in return.
Evan called just before ten that night. By then, Makayla’s attorney had approved the release of the messages relating to Hudson’s petition, the consultant, and the articles.
Abby stood in the nursery beside the crib Evan had never finished assembling. The rails leaned against the wall, and the unused bracket remained on the carpet where he had left it.
“Our attorney received the files,” Evan said when she answered. “He told me you met with Makayla.”
“She found Hudson’s messages on her laptop.” Abby lowered herself into the chair near the window. “He leaked the petition and contacted people connected to your funding round.”
“I saw the messages.” Evan sounded tired, but the frantic movement she had heard during their earlier calls was gone. “The board knows the allegations were deliberately manufactured.”
“What happens now?” Abby asked as she ran her fingers along the edge of the instruction booklet. “Will they let you answer publicly?”
“They advised me to release a factual timeline through the company’s attorney.” Evan paused. “I told them I will not describe you as a friend or refuse to confirm our relationship.”
Abby closed her eyes. “Did you tell them that because of our argument?”
“I told them because hiding the truth gives Hudson control over it.” Evan’s voice remained careful. “Our argument made me understand that I was helping him do that.”
The answer eased something in her, though it did not finish the conversation between them. Abby looked at the empty place on the nursery floor where Evan usually sat.
“Makayla threw Hudson out,” she said as she turned the loose bracket between her fingers. “He planned to blame the entire affair on her if anyone examined the timeline.”
“I’m not surprised.” Evan released a slow breath. “I’m sorry she had to find out that way.”
“She gave us the evidence even though some of it could be used against her.” Abby placed the bracket in the box with the other hardware. “She spoke to her own attorney first.”
“Good.” Evan was quiet for a moment. “Are you safe tonight?”
“Sadie is staying over.” Abby glanced toward the hallway, where her sister was making tea. “Building security knows Hudson isn’t permitted inside.”
“All right.” Evan did not use the opening to ask whether he could come over. “The statement will be released in the morning. My attorney will send it to yours before it goes out.”
“Thank you.” Abby rested her hand over her stomach when the baby moved. “Evan, I’m not ready to finish our conversation over the phone.”
“Neither am I.” His answer was quiet but immediate. “But I’m here whenever you want to see me.”