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I needed to get on my bike and cruise around on my motorcycle just to clear my head. While that’s always worked in the past, tonight, no matter how long I rode around, I couldn’t escape my thoughts. I just kept thinking about losing Val. I don’t want to lose her. I can’t.
I get undressed and then crawl between the sheets. I look over at Val’s side of the bed that’s now empty. Dammit.
I turn my back to the empty space and then viciously punch my pillows into place.
I doubt I’ll be able to sleep a wink. My eyelids wearily close.
When I open my eyes again, it’s morning. There’s sunlight peeking through the blinds. I guess those missed hours of sleep finally caught up with me.
I push back the covers and sit up in bed. It’s Friday, and Val’s at work. That means I have all day to figure out what to say to her.
I take a long hot shower, then grab something to eat as I think over how I should go about discussing things with Val. I’m still not sure what to say.
My cell phone rings, and I see it’s Jaxson.
“Hi, Jaxson. What’s up?”
“I was calling to find out what Val decided to do about her uncle taking those kickbacks. I thought I’d call you since she’s probably at work. Are they going to press charges?”
“Jaxson, I’ve been working nights, and Val and I haven’t had a chance to talk. You found proof that her uncle was getting kickbacks from ReConstruct?”
“Yes, multiple deposits to different accounts.”
“How much?”
“Two million over the last five years.”
“Damn.”
“Yeah. Once you talk to her, let me know what she decides, okay?”
“I will. Oh, one more thing... How long has Val known?”
“She came to see me on Wednesday, right before lunch.”
“Thanks, Jaxson.”
Why wouldn’t Val have mentioned this to me? She has to be upset about this. I know I’ve been working nights, but she could have called me. We saw each other on Thursday during negotiations. Is that why she was so distant?
It doesn’t make sense. Why didn’t she let me know the minute she found out?
I keep going over things in my head as I get dressed. Then I give Carol my realtor, a call.
“Hey Carol, I need to cancel the viewing tomorrow.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. But no worries, the owners are having an open house tomorrow, regardless. Oh, and Chase, I’m sorry for the misunderstanding with Val.”
“What misunderstanding?”
“What my assistant, Jeannie, told Val.”
“What did she tell Val?”
“That only your side of the apartment was going up for sale. Jeannie didn’t know she was your wife, the title for the other apartment still shows Valentina Carlucci. My assistant was anxious to assure Val that she wouldn’t be affected by the listing.”
“What time was Jeannie here?”
“A little after one o’clock, I believe, I think she had just finished lunch. Why?”
