Unchained Memories (13 page)

Simple questions boiled down to bare bones. He didn’t think he was selfish. He gave his time and energy to others on a daily basis. And he didn’t think he was afraid of giving a part of himself to someone else. Whatever that meant. “I guess I haven’t met the right woman.” It was the only choice left, according to Becky.

But even while he acknowledged it, a picture of Charley played across his mind. Her crystal blue eyes and beautiful smile imprinted on his heart. Yet, she was the polar opposite of the right woman. They’d barely had a date before the swords were out.

“What about me? Maybe I’m the right woman.”

His gaze shot up to meet hers. The twinkle in her eyes gave her away, although she tried valiantly to keep a solemn face. So, he played along. “Maybe you are.” He wiggled his eyebrows and the glee she’d tried to hide came pouring out in a contagious laugh.

Even though she was clearly kidding, she continued on her thread. “I’m tired of dating and not finding Mr. Right. I know you. You know me. We genuinely like each other. We may be perfect for each other.”

“That sounds like a romance made in heaven. What about the ‘L’ word? Don’t you care about that?”

She smiled. “Funny coming from you. Love is overrated. Besides, I love you.”

“Yeah. And I love you. But you know what I mean. All women want that heart-pounding, earth-shattering feeling when her knight in shining armor arrives on the scene.”

“You think you know so much about women. But you don’t have a clue. That heart-pounding stuff doesn’t last and we know it. When it’s gone, we want security, companionship.” She twisted her watch around her wrist. “You have to admit we get along great. Have some laughs, some heated discussions, but when it’s all said and done, we understand each other. We’re both workaholics who will always put our patients before our social lives. We have everything in common.” Confusion played across her face as if she couldn’t believe she had just come to that conclusion.

He swallowed and averted his gaze, feeling the discomfort of the conversation straight down to his toes. “Becky, I realize you’re talking off the cuff. And thank you for thinking I’d add security and companionship to a relationship.” Combing his fingers through his hair, he searched for the right words. He didn’t want to sound presumptuous or flippant. “But I’m guessing there needs to be a little more than that, maybe some chemistry?”

Becky’s lips twitched. “Why do guys always make it about sex?”

“I didn’t say one word about sex.”

“You didn’t have to. You’re a guy. I’ve been around enough of your species to understand the code. Besides, who am I kidding? I want that too. I want it all.”

Clay chuckled. “Me too.” Did he really just admit that out loud? How did this conversation get so personal? Becky’s introspection was unmistakably wearing off on him. “I know it may seem like I run in the opposite direction from anyone who even insinuates they’re looking for a relationship. But I’m not getting any younger. And I appreciate you pointing out my aversion to relationships in the past.” He met her eyes. “My two sisters will be graduating soon and I’ll no longer have their tuitions to worry about. I probably should try to be more open to a relationship now.” Again, Charley stood before him front and center, aiming her arrow straight for his heart.

“So, I take it you’re rejecting my suggestion?”

At least a lopsided smile followed her question.

He nodded. “Sorry. You’re my friend. I like it that way.”

He thought he saw her eyes glisten, but she lowered her lids. “You’re all wrong for me anyway.” She turned her lips down in a pout. “You can’t commit to anyone.”

He didn’t like the sound of that.

Becky stood. “Please don’t let my crazy idea ruin what you think of me. I’m probably just going through a phase.”

Clay grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “Probably.”

She took her tray and left him alone at the table. The noise had died down significantly, and only a handful of people remained in the dining area. Clay exhaled and pushed his plate away. Now that his face had been rubbed in his shortcomings, he should try to address them.

Or he’d be alone forever.

Chapter Twelve

“Gina, how are you today?” Charlotte sat at a conference table next to her client while Mr. and Mrs. Belton sat across from them.

“I’m doing okay.” A hesitant smile graced the face of this pretty young woman who’d lost the life she’d had when she’d become a quadriplegic due to a medical mistake.

“That’s good.” Charlotte tried to muster some optimism, hoping to pass it on to her client. “Have you decided whether to go back to school?”

“Yes. I’m trying to stay positive about a career switch. Although, I’m not sure I have the energy to start all over again. I had just gotten my master’s degree in sports medicine last June and had a job lined up with the university as a trainer.” She frowned. “Unfortunately, I can’t do that anymore. But I’m meeting with a guidance counselor next week. Hopefully, she can help direct me toward a new goal.”

Charlotte inwardly applauded Gina’s motivation. Her psychological health was extraordinary given the circumstances, and it would get her through the tough times she’d experience with her physical limitations. She was one strong young lady.

For the next hour, Gina answered questions as Charlotte took notes, obtaining her history. She’d been so full of life and promise before the surgery. Before she’d become a quadriplegic.

“Tell me about your car accident.”

“I don’t remember much of what happened that night. I was in and out—unconscious—most of the time.”

Mrs. Belton spoke up. “I can answer that. We were notified by the police our daughter had been in a car accident on Route 1 in Lawrenceville. It had been raining and the roads were slick. She was taken to Nassau General. We met her in the ER. Her doctor was a young, good-looking guy. I can’t remember his name.”

Charlotte felt the blood drain from her face. “What happened in the ER?”

“They took her for x-rays, other tests. But all of a sudden, things became chaotic. Her blood pressure was falling fast. She was bleeding internally. So they sent her in for emergency surgery. She had a lacerated liver. When she came out, she was paralyzed.” Mrs. Belton’s voice broke and she dabbed at her eyes with a tissue.

Charlotte hadn’t seen the report from the ER in the file. Were other parts of the file missing as well? Maybe Brad had it. If it wasn’t in his office, she’d have to get if from the hospital. Was there any chance another young, good-looking doctor worked in the ER with Clay and Matt a year ago when Gina’s accident happened? God, she hoped so. She bit the inside of her lip so hard, the metallic taste of blood assaulted her tongue. Pressing her lips together, she gripped the edge of the table and pushed herself up. She needed to end this meeting now.

Her voice choked out a viable excuse. “Once I get the ER and police reports, I’ll be back in touch with you. We’ll pick up where we left off.”

Neither Gina nor her parents let on that they thought her behavior odd. They said their good-byes and arranged to meet with Charlotte again in a few weeks.

No sooner were they out the door when Charlotte tracked down her secretary in the photocopy room. “Can you finish that up later? Part of the Belton file is missing and I need it. Now. Check Brad’s office, as well as the file cabinet.”

Charlotte re-examined the folders in her office just in case she had overlooked something. Her search produced nothing new. Her nerves tensed while she waited. She should have just gone to look for the missing file herself, but she didn’t want to alarm Brad with her unmistakable panic.

“Here it is.” Her secretary handed her a redwell.

Charlotte grabbed it and flipped through the labeled inserts. Lawrence Township Police Report. Attorney’s Notes. Photos of Accident Site. Private Investigator’s Report.

No emergency room report.

Damn.

Why hadn’t she been given this file along with the others? Was Brad working on it, or did she just miss it when she’d picked up the others?

“I need to get Gina Belton’s authorization out to Nassau General for the ER records.”

Her secretary checked her watch. “It’s almost five. Can I get it out tomorrow?”

“No. I want it out tonight. Hand delivered. And the letter should advise the records department to call us when they’re ready so we can pick them up.” Charlotte’s unreasonableness even struck her, but she couldn’t back down. The sooner she had those documents in hand, the sooner she’d know if she had to add a third-party defendant to Gina’s lawsuit.

Her stomach bunched and she felt nauseous. How would she ever get through the next few days without going insane?

Yet, all she could do was wait.

****

The week passed in a flash with motions, settlement conferences, and new client intakes. Today was the day Charlotte had carved out of her schedule to work on an appellate brief due next Wednesday. She tapped her pen against her legal pad, and stared off into space, trying to come up with the right phrase for her argument. But her mind kept loitering on her evening with Clay.

Although it had been almost a week ago, she continually replayed the last few moments, almost feeling his fingers on her cheek, his lips on her mouth, his body pressed against hers. And every time she did, her stomach somersaulted, sending thrilling sensations to every nerve.

She closed her eyes and lifted her face, as if he were standing over her, waiting for her to respond.

“Here’s your mail.”

Charlotte’s eyes flew open and she pulled her pad closer as her secretary entered her office.

“Anything good?”

“Nassau General’s ER records on the Belton case. I had a messenger pick them up as soon as I got the call they were ready.”

Charlotte’s heart pumped as she grabbed the folder with the opened mail. “Thanks.”

All at once lightheaded and dizzy, she tried to breathe, but found it difficult as she shuffled through the contents with trembling hands. She located the records halfway through the pile.

“I’ll be at my desk if you need anything.” Her secretary gave her a worried look, but left to pick up the ringing phone.

Charlotte slid forward in her chair and flipped through the first record, hardly caring what it said. All she needed to know was one thing: who signed the report?

And there is was. Bold strokes forming the name Dr. Matthew Branson. She exhaled in partial relief. It wasn’t Clay. But the tightening in her chest refused to subside.

She then read the report more carefully and silently cursed. Now what? Icy needles of trepidation pricked at her conscience.

Finally, she stood and woodenly walked to Annie’s office.

“What’s wrong with you?” Annie put down her phone mid-dial. “You look like a ghost.”

Charlotte closed the door and sat down.

“You’re scaring me,” admitted Annie. “Speak.”

Her voice came out in a croak. “I have to add Clay’s best friend as a defendant in Gina Belton’s law suit.”

“Oh.” Annie stood and came around her desk to sit beside Charlotte.

But her nearness did nothing to untie the knots in Charlotte’s neck. Nor her chest, which was another matter.

“I’m sick about this.” Charlotte put her head in her hands and tried to rub away the pounding headache with little success. “Clay’s friend, Dr. Branson, was one of my tutors ten years ago when I was in the hospital.”

Annie patted Charlotte’s back awkwardly, an attempt at support, which did little to alleviate Charlotte’s angst.

“I can’t believe I practically begged for this case. Well, maybe not this specific case, but a big one. I was so grateful to Brad when he said I could work on it. Now what?”

“What do you mean, ‘Now what?’ You have to continue. Join that doctor in the lawsuit.”

“I know. I know.” Charlotte leaned her head back and closed her eyes, combing her brain for a different solution. “Maybe you can take over the case.” She looked at Annie, pleading with her eyes.

“You know I can’t do that. Brad gave the case to you. It’s not like there’s a conflict. Just because this doctor is a friend of a friend means nothing. And it means less than nothing that he tutored you ten years ago. Besides, you can’t appear weak in Brad’s eyes. He’ll fire you on the spot.”

“Maybe he’ll understand.” Charlotte knew she was grasping at straws.

“You’ve got to be kidding. Mr. Coldheart? If he knows you don’t want to do something, he’ll take great pleasure in watching you suffer after he demands that you do it.”

A groan escaped Charlotte’s mouth. If Annie said it, it had to be true. Annie had connected with Charlotte from the beginning. She’d guided her through the politics of the firm, including lessons on how to deal with certain persons. Brad Carlton being lesson number one.

“Why did I ever think I could work here?”

Annie reached over and took her hand. “Because your parents worked here. Because you’re a great addition to the firm. And because you love us. Well, most of us.”

She was right. Even though Charlotte had only been here since January, she really had found a temporary home. Or so she’d thought. Many of the partners had been colleagues of her parents, and the respect they’d had for them was slowly transferring to her. She couldn’t blow it.

And amazingly, she felt closer to her parents. Walking down the same halls or sitting at the same conference room table had miraculously displaced sad memories with good ones.

An involuntary smile insinuated itself into her gloom. “I do like working here. I’ve always liked it here. As a child I’d come to work with my parents on Saturdays, popping in and out of unoccupied offices until I found one I liked. Then I’d sit at the desk and pretend to talk to a client, all the while scribbling notes on a yellow legal pad. When I tired of that, I’d move my fingers over the computer keyboard as if I were typing a memo or brief. Just like my parents did.” Such a bittersweet memory.

“See? You were meant to be here. So don’t blow it.”

“The doctor who signed the ER report, Matt, used to tease me, saying he knew I’d rather work with Clay than him.” She bit her lower lip, trying to purge the playful image, which made the situation all that much worse.