Tender Touch (41 page)

“Did you go over my summary of the reports
sent in by the regional managers?” Jade sat down and crossed her
legs. “I tried to include all the key points you might want to
know.”

“Yes, yes. I’ve glanced through it.” Bill
sat against the cushioned back of his chair, one elbow propped on
its arm. His gaze drifted down to her legs.

“And the reports on new beds and rate
changes?” Jade uncrossed her legs but resisted the temptation to
tug her skirt hem down.

“They look complete so far. Listen, I
thought we should talk about the current situation.” Bill shifted
in his seat. “With all these allegations being made, I want to make
sure you’re okay. I mean, a lot of unfavorable things are being
said about us.”

“True.” Jade did not trust herself to say
more.

Unfavorable was an understatement that would
have been funny if the accusations were not so serious. In recent
weeks the newspaper accounts had carefully outlined a trail through
a maze of incorporation papers and ownership disclosures; a trail
that led to several former top state government officials. Although
Bill’s name was never found on any of the documents, his
connections to those involved were exposed. The report was clever
in comparing agency decisions to the impact they had on certain
healthcare firms owned by these same politically connected former
officials. These firms had benefited to the tune of millions of
dollars in the last five years. Their top executives made
exorbitant salaries.

Worse still, Jade’s name had appeared in the
latest article. Memos with her signature authorized the increase of
rates for two nursing homes. The implication was clear. Her actions
were one example of questionable activities going on in the
department. Bill’s quoted response, that he would look into it,
angered her. Since he had initiated both memos, why should he have
to look into it? References to malfeasance charges kept popping up
with her name not far away.

“I don’t want us to get a siege mentality
around. We’ve should support each other.” He affected a solemn
expression. “Because we know the allegations are false, don’t
we?”

For a few seconds of heavy silence, they
gazed at each other. Jade wore a slight smile. She could play this
game, too. “To the best of my recollection n rules were broken”

A trace of surprise and then amusement
flashed across his face. Bill stood up. “Smart and gorgeous. We
make a good team.”

Jade stood to face him. “Thanks. Is there
anything else?”

Bill took her hand. “For the past few
months, you’ve made having this position bearable.”

“I’ve just tried to do my job, Bill. But I
appreciate the compliment.” Jade tried to move away but he still
held her hand.

“Wait. No matter how bad things seem to be,
I won’t let your career suffer. Do you understand what I’m
saying?”

He stood so close she could feel his breath
on her face. Jade stared into his light brown eyes. She read the
unspoken message. He would pretend to abandon her but make sure she
continued to have a top job in state government—a common practice.
Once the controversy died down, none but a few would know that the
players still held positions of authority, high-paying positions.
Jade resisted the urge to jerk back her hand.

“Yes, I understand exactly what you’re
saying,” Jade said in a neutral tone. She wanted to slap the sly
smile that tugged his lips up.

“We’re a magnificent team. I’m about to
separate from my wife.” He stroked the palm of her hand.

Jade was fascinated with the way the man
operated. Gone was the sincere, conscientious public servant.
“Sorry you’re going through a hard time.”

“I’ve tried to ignore her jealous outbursts,
almost to the point of violence. But I need a different kind of
relationship, a different kind of woman,” he murmured.

The door to his office swung open. Kathy
sneered as Bill jumped back from Jade. “Late meeting on vital
issues, I presume?”

“Eavesdropping is beneath you.” Bill was
quick to regain composure.

“Excuse me.” Jade started past her. She
wanted no part of a nasty scene.

Kathy came into the office and slammed the
door shut. “Don’t leave, Ms. Pellerin. I have something to tell my
husband that I want you to hear.”

“Mrs. Lang, I really don’t think—”

“No, sweetie, screwing around with my
husband means you definitely have not been thinking,” Kathy
snapped. “His used the ‘I’m leaving my wife’ line a dozen times at
least. It won’t happen, not in this life. Got it?”

“I’ve already moved out most of my things.”
Bill laughed at the look of shock in Kathy’s eyes. “That’s right. I
don’t need your money.”

“I’ll make sure those investments dry up. A
certain reporter will be very interested to hear how you’ve met
with Steve Franklin and those other crooks to feather your nest,”
Kathy shot back.

“You can’t do a thing, and we both know
it.”

Kathy spun to face Jade. “He’ll let you take
all the blame if things get too hot, you know.”

“Oh really?” Jade said as she looked at
Bill.

“Baby, she’s lying. She’ll say anything to
come between us.” Bill lifted both hands.

“Bill, please don’t do this.” Kathy’s tough
facade crumpled. “I need you, honey. I’ll do anything you want.”
She wrapped her arms around him in a tight grasp. “Listen, I didn’t
tell those reporters about Senator Ortego. What they have so far
won’t seriously hurt you unless they find out about that.”

Jade was appalled. The poor woman would go
to any lengths to hold on to a cold, self-centered man who cared
only for himself. Kathy only wanted him to love her, but she’d
settle for blackmailing him into staying. Jade turned away from the
pitiful sight of her begging him not to leave her.

“Kathy, take your hands off me.” Bill held
himself rigid, not returning her embrace.

“This is all your fault, bitch,” Kathy
screamed at Jade.

“I’ve had enough.” Jade threw the pad and
pen down on the floor. “Bill and I have never even come close to
having an affair. It’s true!” she said at the contemptuous look of
disbelief on Kathy’s face. “But I really don’t care what you
think.”

Bill gave a repellant laugh. “Tell her,
Jade.”

“You’re welcome to him.” Jade jerked a thumb
at Bill.

“Take it easy, baby.” Bill lost his amused
expression.

“And you,” Jade said as she jabbed a
forefinger at him. “I’m not stupid or blind. I’ll take care of
myself.”

Kathy stared at Jade for a few seconds with
a thoughtful expression. “Good for you.”

“Jade, what are you talking about?” Bill did
not like this turn of events. He glanced from his wife to Jade.

“Just what I said.”

“I expect an answer right now.” Bill glared
at her. “I’m still your boss.”

“I’m going to do my job as usual, Bill.
Don’t ever touch me again, or I’ll add a sexual harassment charge
to all the other problems you have. Don’t test me.” Jade marched
out of the office.

Once alone, she took a deep breath. She had
come close to the serious mistake of tipping her hand. If Bill
realized how much she knew he could still take steps to damage her
career before she could defend herself. Better to let him think she
was enraged about the clumsy advances he’d made. Jade headed out of
the building, hoping Bill would not think too hard on their
exchange. With her mind in a whirl, she went to the in-patient
clinic where Lanessa was being treated. At least tonight there
would be no emotion-packed therapy session to face. Lanessa was in
her room, sitting on the bed, when Jade arrived.

“Hello, Nessa.” Jade kissed her
forehead.

“Hi.” Lanessa twisted the hem of her shirt.
She was thinner and there were circles under her eyes. “What are
you doing here? We don’t have a session tonight.”

“I came by to visit. I can see you outside
of therapy, you know.” Jade sat next to her on the bed.

“Oh, goody, a private session. Number one
hundred and two at last count,” Lanessa said with resentment.

“No sermon, Nessa. I just wanted to see how
you’re doing,” Jade said in her most patient voice. After the scene
with Bill and more drama was the last thing she needed.

“Don’t talk to me like that!” Lanessa shot
back as she jumped to her feet. “Everybody uses that singsong voice
like I’m some nut case. I can hear you talking about me. ‘Just try
not to upset her, or we’ll have to slap the restraints back
on.’”

“Nessa, stop it.”

Jade watched her pace back and forth. She
still was not used to Lanessa’s unpredictable outbursts. The social
worker had said that sometimes issues brought out in her individual
therapy session might leave Lanessa agitated for a time.

“You don’t know what it’s like caged up in
here. I hate it.” Lanessa pulled at her hair with trembling hands.
“You waltz in and out of here like Little Miss Sunshine without a
care in the world.”

Jade felt a rise of irritation at her older
sister. Her raw nerves jangled at being attacked. “Well, at least
you’re not out getting yourself wrapped around trees in your
car.”

“Great, remind me my life is totally
screwed. Is this your idea of a cheery visit?” Lanessa hissed at
her.

“No, it’s not. But getting beat up every
time I walk in isn’t my idea of a pleasant way to pass the time,
either—especially after the day I’ve had. I’ve got folks hinting
that I’m a crook, my boss probably planning a way for me to take
the fall and an interview with Dumaine. Trust me, I’ve got
problems.”

“Oh, Lord. I’m sorry for what I’ve done to
you.” Lanessa sobbed into her hands. “I’m so sorry.”

“Come on now, it’s all right.” Jade left the
bed and put her arms around Lanessa. “I’m sorry, too. I know how
rough it is. I shouldn’t have dumped my troubles on you.”

“It’s my fault,” Lanessa said in a muffled
voice. Her face was pressed against Jade’s shoulder.

“Don’t be silly. I was in a lousy mood when
I got here.”

“No, Jade. It is my fault those stories are
in the newspaper.” Lanessa pulled away from her. She turned her
back on Jade to stare out the window that faced the clinic parking
lot.

“What are you saying?”

“You remember Glenn Curtis? The little jerk
was in grade school with me.” Lanessa seemed to sag inside her
skin. She walked back and sat on the edge of the bed.

“You mean the stumpy guy who hung around the
popular crowd telling dirty jokes.” Jade frowned. She had a vague
memory of a young man with a shifty expression permanently stamped
on his boxy face.

“That’s him. He’s a reporter. The worst
kind.” Lanessa twisted the hem of her blouse again with jerky
motions. “One night I was drunk—” she snorted “—like that was
unusual. Anyway, I was rambling on, telling him how you had moved
up and had so much authority. I resented your success, Jade, but I
swear, I didn’t mean to give him damaging information to use
against you. By the time I realized he was pumping me for a story,
it was too late. Another reason I deserve a spot in the Hall of
Shame.”

“Oh, Lanessa.” Jade shook her head
slowly.

Lanessa sobbed harder, unable to face her.
“It’s not enough I’ve ruined my life, I had to ruin yours,
too.”

“Listen to me,” Jade said.

“I don’t blame you for hating me.” Lanessa
rocked back and forth.

“I said stop and listen to me.” Jade sat
next to her and put an arm around her shoulders. “What little I
told you about my job is public record. Any reporter worth two
cents would have found out what’s been in the papers. They were
already digging for damaging information.”

“But I gave him a lead on where to look.
Glenn said so.” Lanessa wiped her nose with a wad of tissues.

“Believe me, Nessa; Savoie didn’t need Glenn
to point the way. He’s one of the sharpest investigative reporters
in the South. He knew exactly what to look for. This isn’t his
first time tracking down scandals in state government.”

“Seriously?” Lanessa gripped Jade’s arm with
a look of hope. “I didn’t hurt you after all?”

“No, you didn’t.” Jade brushed a wisp of her
hair away from her eyes.

“Thank God. Not that I didn’t do enough
damage on purpose.” Lanessa looked grim and hollow- eyed. Her
shoulders drooped with self-recrimination.

“Lanessa, you’ve made mistakes. But you’re
still the bestest big sister in the world.” Jade hugged her.

“Oh, please. I’m just grateful you never
used me as a role model. Instead of setting an example for you,
I’ve done everything wrong.” Lanessa waved a hand in the air. “Mama
didn’t call you the smart one for nothing.”

“The only reason I know anything about style
is because of you. Remember those times you spotted me going out
the door dressed in some strange getup?” Jade wanted to coax her
back from despair.

“Those green checked pants you bought one
weekend...” Lanessa gave a comical shudder.

“You’d drag me back inside and say ‘Girl,
you are not representing me out in public dressed like that!’ I
still think my pants were cute.” Jade giggled when Lanessa gave a
shriek of dismay.

Lanessa grabbed her by the shoulders. “Tell
me you’re not wearing those things, please!”

“Come on now. I learned a lot from you.”
Jade gazed at her sister with affection. “There were times when I
felt down on myself. Then I’d think, ‘Now Lanessa wouldn’t let them
mess with her’ or ‘Lanessa would handle it this way.’ You were a
great role model when it came to being assertive and commanding
respect.”

“Jade-girl, you’re beautiful inside and
out.” Lanessa kissed Jade’s cheek.

“So are you,” Jade said.

“No, I’m—” Lanessa shook her head.

“Yes, you are,” Jade cut her off firmly. She
held Lanessa for the rest of their visit, willing her to believe
it.