~ ~ ~
Rochelle tried not to look at Zach directly, because then she wouldn’t be able to do her job and would probably break out in tears and start apologizing for not having believed him.
She’d been in a room next door with Xavier, who stood beside her now, and listened in on the whole conversation. She’d heard each and every condemning word. And if that alone hadn’t been enough, there was still the testimony of the actor who’d admitted to being Emily’s accomplice.
“It’s over, Miss Grover.”
“You’ll never be able to prove this!” Miss Grover pointed to the actor. “I’ve never seen this man before. He’s lying.” The high-pitched sound of her voice suggested that she knew well enough that she was lying.
The actor huffed and pointed to her. “She paid me.” He lifted his chin in Zach’s direction. “She claimed that it was a joke she was playing on you. I didn’t know… Will I get in trouble with the police now?”
“As I told you already, I’ll make sure you get the best attorney out there. I’ll pay for it,” Zach answered.
Rochelle nodded to the actor. “That won’t be necessary. If you turn state’s evidence, I’ll make sure you get immunity. Give me everything you have to help me convict Miss Grover, and nothing will happen to you.”
“Convict…” Resignation was evident when Emily Grover uttered the word. Finally she seemed to understand what kind of trouble she was in, and that she couldn’t fool anybody any longer.
Rochelle let her gaze sweep over her. Had she really wanted Zach so much that she’d employed any means to get him?
And herself? How far would she go to win back Zach’s affection? She felt disappointment crash over her. She’d lost. She hadn’t trusted him enough to fight against the overwhelming evidence against him. He probably hated her for that. After all, on the phone he’d said that after today he’d never bother her again. His words had a finality to them. He didn’t want to see her anymore.
Rochelle felt that she could barely keep on her feet any longer. She turned to Xavier. During the drive here she’d gotten the impression that he was a man who could be relied upon.
“Xavier, would you accompany Miss Grover and make sure she doesn’t leave town until I can get a warrant for her arrest?”
“Warrant for my arrest?” Miss Grover gasped.
Rochelle nodded. “Obstruction of justice and insider trading, since you were the one executing the trade in question. I’m sure Mr. Ivers will want to sue you in civil court, too, but that’s up to him.”
Her face turned ashen.
“It’ll be my pleasure,” Xavier answered to Rochelle’s request and nodded to Miss Grover. “Miss Grover? Where would you like to spend the last few hours of your freedom?” He gripped her elbow and led her outside.
Rochelle’s stomach fluttered when she slowly turned toward Zach. She swallowed hard, but didn’t know what to say to him. Their gazes met, but she couldn’t stand it and looked away.
“I’ll make sure that the case against you is closed with immediate effect and that your passport is returned to you.” Her throat became dry. “On behalf of the SEC, I would like to apologize to you. All evidence…” She broke off and tried again. “Everything led us to believe…” But she couldn’t do it. “I’m so sorry…”
Her tears cut off her ability to speak.
Escape was her only option.
She turned on her heel and ran outside. She thought she heard Zach call her name, but it was probably wishful thinking. She hadn’t trusted him. How could he ever forgive her?
Trust was the basis for every relationship. Without trust they had nothing but a few memories of passionate nights and heart-stopping, stolen kisses. Nothing lasting. No future.
26
Zach jumped out of the taxi that had stopped in front of the main entrance of the New York-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan, and rushed inside. At the information board, he looked for the right department and found the way to the women’s clinic.
He didn’t have to ask for any directions, when he arrived there moments later. Several of his friends already sat in the waiting room.
“Hey, Zach!” Michael called out to him and patted Wade, who sat next to him, on the arm.
Xavier stood near the vending machine, getting himself a coffee. He looked over his shoulder. “You haven’t missed anything yet.”
Hunter came marching back from the restrooms. “Hey, Zach, how’s it going?”