Chapter 28
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
MAYA
Ifeel like I was blindsided at dinner last night, but I guess I can't blame Duncan for trying.
If there were a chance I could get him to DC, I'd do it.
I want to be angry. Why do I have to give up my life?
Why can't he move? I know I'm starting to care for him, but how much?
I can't put him in jeopardy by being with me. My stalkers are stepping up their game, and I won’t allow anyone else to get hurt.
I'm cursed and broken. I don't even know if I can love or care for someone other than Ana and Derek.
I haven't even told him the important things about me.
I want to, but I'm afraid. I rub my wrist and look out over London from his beautiful, enclosed deck.
The cooler air makes me shiver, but I love the view.
I have on a lightweight gray wrap sweater, a black long-sleeve shirt, and jeans and my boots again.
I've had my coffee, ran on the treadmill, and even called the solicitor to set up a few pieces of paperwork. I texted Greg this morning about meeting us for lunch. Duncan woke up early and is in his office doing some work from home before we need to leave.
As I sit out here and take in the view, I braid my hair over my shoulder in a fishtail. I like being able to wear my hair down and in elegant styles versus my tight buns and ponytails for work.
We made love off and on most of the night. I'm falling harder for him each day. He got a text from whomever he called last night that Joshua went to a pub and got trashed. I wonder if he'll back out of our lunch today.
We're on our way to pick up Ana. I have a plan and I won't take no for an answer. I need to protect her and take care of her. She is my family. The thought that Jonathon is hurting her makes me want to kill him.
We pull up to Ana and Jonathon's building and head in to get her but instead find her waiting in the lobby. She walks out wearing gray slacks, a printed blouse, a mid-length trench coat, and black high heels. She looks so prim and proper again. I want my friend, the fashionista, back.
"I'm ready." She looks frantic and her movements are stiff.
I wrap my arms around her and she flinches slightly. I lean in to whisper in her ear, "Do I need to take you home with me?"
"No, why would you ask that?" She looks scared as she pulls away.
"Never mind, let's go. I was hoping to see your flat though."
"Oh, sorry, Jonathon doesn't like me to have visitors without him here."
Really? Okay, now I know he's a controlling motherfucker. We get in the Rover and head to the solicitor's office. I had asked Greg to let me do this by myself, I didn't want him to know my plans.
"Ms. Aaron, your grandmother has properties all over the world.
It will be years before I find them all and get her estate settled.
The property here in London is only one I've found so far.
I've written the address down, I suggest you go look at it and decide what you plan to do with it. " It's only Ana and me in the office.
I asked Duncan to wait outside, I wasn't sure how I was going to react and haven't told him about my money. He's not happy about being left out.
"Thank you, Mr. Flemish, I'll go look and let you know. Do you have the other paperwork drawn up?"
"Yes, ma’am." He pulls out a stack of papers and looks at Ana and me. She has no clue I did this and Jonathon will never know either. He then pulls out the cell phone I called him about this morning and several boxes.
"What's all that, Maya?" she asks.
"Those are your Christmas gifts. Ana, I just made you and any of your children my beneficiary, but Jonathon can't touch any of it. I also bought you a special purse that has a hidden compartment. You’re going to hide a burner cell phone, enough cash to help you get to me or away, and anything else you don't want him to know about in there. "
"I don't understand what you're saying, Maya."
"Please, Mr. Flemish, will you give us a moment?"
"Yes, ma’am." He walks into the lobby where Duncan is.
"Look, Ana, don't lie and don't try to deny it.
I know he's hurting you and until you're ready to leave, you will carry this bag.
I'm here to help you. I'd take you back with me now if I knew that would help, but I think you'd go back to him.
If he's threatening any of us, you know we'd want you safe.
I've also included a second passport and ID for you.
I had my solicitor get you second copies of each in case Jonathon has yours.
I love you and I will protect you. As for the money, you know as well as I do that there's more than enough in there for all of us.
Also, at the very bottom is another special compartment with a gun, it's a small Sig with laser sights so you won't miss.
If you fly, get rid of it. It's safe. Just remember what I taught you before about guns.
If you point it, be prepared to use it."
"Maya, why would you do this? A gun? Why?" She doesn't deny what I hinted at, so I know it's true.
"Because you're my family. Why can't you leave him now?"
"I can't leave," she says as she drops her eyes. She won't look at me and I know she'll have to come to me.
"Okay, when you're ready, you have the means to.
" I don't push her any further. I grab the paperwork and show her the evidence.
I then grab the paper with Savta's London address on it.
I lead her out to the lobby where Duncan and the solicitor wait.
Ana and I made sure to put the purse together so no one knows what it is and Jonathon won't get suspicious.
"Ready, beautiful ladies," he says to us, his eyes searching mine. I smile at him and take his hand. I know he'll be asking me later about what was discussed in there. And I know I'll lie to him. I can't tell him yet.
"Here is the address we need to check out. I'm ready. How about you, Ana?" She still looks dumbstruck. I made her promise not to tell Duncan about any of it. She agreed.
We decide to head to Harrods to do some shopping before we go to the property.
I ask Duncan to leave us alone for a bit so I can look for his Christmas gift.
I'd already decided to get him a leather bomber jacket.
I think he'll look so hot in it. Ana helps me pick out two dresses, one of which is for the formal Christmas Eve party at the consulate that James goes to regularly.
He invited Duncan and me to go with him when we called him this morning.
I also settle on a sexy dress for the New Year's Eve party.
Of course, I bought formal evening wear, so I need shoes and accessories to go with them.
I talk Ana into a beautiful red dress for the party.
I told her it was another gift from me. She's starting to get some color in her cheeks and is actually smiling more.
I miss her so much. She brings out the girl in me.
Harrods will deliver my purchases to Duncan's flat.
"So, why are you not going to the consulate Christmas Gala?" I ask her as I try on shoes.
"Jonathon didn't get invited and I'm tired of him using Daddy's influence," she says bitterly.
"Does he use James's influence a lot?"
"Yes, to a point. He had Daddy introduce him to some dignitaries from Tel Aviv and the Philippines." I notice she's not trying on any shoes.
"Don't you want some sexy red high heels to go with that new dress?" I ask her.
"I already have some perfect silver ones I'll wear. I'm good." She smiles shyly and drops her eyes.
We're walking through a gift section, where I'm looking for some cigars for Greg, when Duncan walks up.
"Alright, ladies, I'm done making myself scarce. What did you buy? I don't see any bags."
"They're delivering them." I smile at him as he pulls me close for a kiss. He kisses me until my toes curl, laying his claim on me publicly.
We head to the area of London where the home is that Savta owned.
I'm floored. It’s not a flat, it's a huge Victorian house with five bedrooms. There's a terrace and sunroom with a small garden out the back.
The property has been empty for a couple of years.
Mr. Flemish said there were renters in it for a while.
He thinks I should sell the property, but it will need a thorough cleaning and some minor maintenance before it can go up for sale.
I could stay here instead of a hotel when I come to London.
The area is a Jewish community, so I'd be able to feel close to Savta and Abba here.
"Your grandmother left you a house?" Duncan asks.
"Among other valuables. She was always worried the Nazis would come to power again, so she had properties all over.
Mr. Flemish said it's going to take some time to find all the resources.
He believes there are at least two more properties here in London.
Please don't freak, Duncan, but I inherited it all. "
"Why would I freak, baby?" He looks at me perplexed.
"I'll explain soon, but for now, just trust me. Please?"
"Baby, for you, anything." He leans over the console of the Rover to kiss me, then brushes his hands down my braid and pulls it slightly. I instantly feel the need for him.
We get out and walk around the property. I'm going to have to tell him the truth soon, but right now I like not having to worry he's with me for the money. In the past, others only dated me because of the money.
"Ana, if you could work with Mr. Flemish to hire someone to fix this place up so I can sell it, I'd like that. Also, if you want to practice your interior design, go right ahead. Before I leave, I'll give you power of attorney. That way you can access my accounts here to pay any bills."
"Maya, you don't need to do that." She tries to fight me.
"Yes, I do. I want you to be able to fix anything without me around. Okay?"
"Fine." She huffs. But I can see her excitement in transforming the property.