Chapter 15 - The end
Was she arrested? What of Eli? Where is he?
I have no idea
how did you find this out, even?
She pretends like she didn't hear my question and heads for the door
Hey, wait a second! Where are you going?
I'll be back soon, okay?
Why are you being so cryptic?
she turns around to face me, visibly irritated
You're relentless, aren't you?
I want to know what's going on, Hannah. You're acting weird
She sighs
I didn't want to tell you this because it's so new, and you have a lot going on right now, but... I met someone
I stared at her, shocked
As in, you're dating someone?
She gives me a strained smile
Like I said, we just met recently. Are you mad?
Mad? Are you kidding me? I'm so happy for you
it might not turn into anything. I don't want to jinx it, okay?
I understand! so....tell me more?
Hannah laughs
She's on the police force. That's how I found out about the arrest
oh, that makes sense! So, you've got a woman on the inside
I give her a playful nudge. She laughs, but it sounds off
Stay inside, Kiara, do you understand? otherwise, I'll come back and haunt you until the day you die
I promise I won't leave
Good girl
With a final parting look, she leaves the house
it's hard to believe Hannah has kept a secret from me. We used to share everything, then again...I've also kept some things a secret from her
I can't help but think about what happened a few days ago, back in my hometown. The day before we went to the amusement park, we went to buy some inconspicuous clothes... and indulged in what was probably the best sex of my life
I wouldn't be surprised if that incident was the reason he finally confessed his feelings for me. Just thinking about it now makes me feel aroused...
Now is not the time to think about this. Warren is in the hospital, and Elis is still out there... Glancing around the room, I start to notice how many dark places and windows her place has. I walk around to each window, pull the blinds securely shut, and turn on all the lights in the house
For the next two hours, I'm anything but calm. Every noise makes me jump, and every sound has my head whipping toward it to see what's there. The worst moment is when Hannah's cat decided to jump up next to me on the couch. I scream so loudly that I'm surprised the windows don't shatter
Holy shit! What's wrong
Hannah comes running into the room, wielding an umbrella. I scream again when I see her figure charging towards me
Kaiara! it's just me! stop screaming!
oh my God! You scared me! Don't do that again!
what? come into my own home?
I roll my eyes as she takes a look around
Why are all the curtains closed? And why did you turn on all the lights? I'm surprised you didn't blow a circuit
The neighbours came home, and I was worried they'd recognise me
she gasps
Kaiara, I'm so sorry! I didn't even think about that. Nothing happened, though, right?
No, but I wasn't taking any chances
She sighs and sits down on the couch beside me
How was your date?
productive
That's a weird way to explain a date, I guess. Where did she take you?
Hannah giggles
No, I meant I got some information out of her. it took a little persuading,but soon enough, she was singing like a canary
oh, persuading, huh?
I gave her a wry smile, and she blushed
Right, anyway, it's a lot worse than we thought
How can things get any worse?
Eli is telling the police that Warren is the one who killed you, while Lana is the one who attempted to murder Warren
Wait, what?! Eli is framing Warren for my death? That's insane! And what kind of angle is he playing with Lana?
Well, Eli admitted to bringing Warren as your private bodyguard. He also told them that as time went on, Warren started to get more assertive and overstepped his duties. He spuns a tale about your bodyguard, basically trying to force himself on you
My jaw drops, and I swear I see red
According to Eli, Warren went crazy after you rejected him. He killed you at a cabin in the middle of nowhere and tried to make your death look like an accident
That's... that's just...
That's not even half of it
How did Eli explain Warren winding up in his home, then?
He claims that Warren had a change of heart after murdering you. He wanted to beg Eli for forgiveness and turn himself in - but when he got to the house, he found Lana there instead
And how did Warren and Lana know each other?
He already worked on Eli's security team, so I guess that's the explanation he offered. Anyway, once Lana realized who he was, she was "scared that he would mean trouble for Eli's political career."
I scoff
Why do things always tie back to Eli's political career?
I guess it's one thing for your wife to be murdered by a manic... and completely separate issues to be the one who hired that manic in the first place
it dawns on me
of course. if people found out he was the one who hired Warren, he doesn't get sympathy votes for a dead wife anymore - he gets crowd doubting his decision- making skills
Exactly. This is why when Warren was threatening to turn himself into a police, lovestruck Lana offered him because the election was only a few days away
Did the police buy any of that?
Every single word
Are you kidding me?
Hannah shrugs
Eli came out looking like a victim, completely innocent and mourning the death of his dearly departed wife
But what evidence did they -
I freeze
The scarf. They found his assistants scarf drenched in Warren's blood, didn't they?
She nods solemnly
Naturally, the scarf makes her the ideal target. Without it, Eli's arguments don't hold much ground
Exactly
How are we going to get out of this? how can we show the world who Eli really is?
I don't know....
Slowly, a plan starts to form in my head
I might have a big favour to ask of you
Hannah gives me a serious look
Anything, you know that
Good, because there's a few phone calls we have to make
A few days later....
Hello, and welcome to my talk show, Late Night with Tess Meyers! Sitting with me here is Eli Nelson. Mr Nelson has once again agreed to give us an exclusive interview about the recent events
With careful expression, she places a hand on Eli's knee
Now, Mr Nelson, are you sure you're ready to tell the audience what's really going on?
I've waited long enough, Tess. They deserve the truth
Tess smiles and nods at him
I couldn't agree more. So, please, tell us what happened on that fateful night in your home?
Well, Tess, I was out at a business conference when Lana Hale broke into my home. Ms. Hale has been my personal assistant for many years now, but I was foolish enough not to realize just how deep her admiration for me was
What exactly are you trying to say, Mr Nelson? Was your assistant harbouring feelings for you?
Unfortunately, that turned out to be the case. Ms. Hale did something unspeakable. She crossed a line that a human being should never cross by taking the life of another
Gasps echo throughout the audience
You're saying that your assistant, Lana Hale, actually killed someone?
Eli sighs
In my home, nonetheless. I couldn't believe my own ears when I heard the news, but the evidence was irrefutable
I can't imagine the burden you must be feeling , especially with the elections being only two days away
I'll be honest with you, Tess, the election has been the furthest thing I want to think about. But I know I can't forget my duties to my country. I just hope that the good people of America can look past all the chaos and vote for candidate they know will be best fit for the job
Eli turns to the camera and gives a confident wave
If you go to my website, there's more details and information on what I plan to do if I'm re-elected as a senator. One of my associates will be passing out my business cards near the exit. Please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns, as I'd love to hear your thoughts
Tess smiles
Well, I appreciate your candour, Mr. Nelson
I appreciate you having me
oh, before you go, I have a surprise for you
Eli raises an eyebrow and grins
You know how I love surprises
It is almost time for us to go on stage (Lana). Are you ready for the showtime?
Almost. I just need to put on my outfit. I feel like a winner tonight
oh, that's nice
I can see from her eyes what she's thinking
I might feel like a winner, but I don't really look like one. I'd better change it while I still have time - it's national television, after all! They say nothing is sweeter than revenge. And the right outfit will make this one so much more satisfying
I picked a long Denim skirt and a lace top ( This interesting combination of fabrics works so well)
I guess that is it then. Eli won't know what is coming for him
Great
We turned to the cameraman subtly, waving at us
They are signalling us to go
Joining us tonight are two special guests who have been dying to come on stage and share their side of the story
Their side?
Elis looks around and visibly pales as he spots us heading in his direction
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Kiara Nelson and Lana Hale!
The audience is deathly quiet, watching with bated breath
Hello, Tess
Elis face is nearly white as Tess stands up to embrace me. Lana sits down and neatly crosses her legs, studiously ignoring Eli's questioning gaze
Thank you so much for having us
of course! I'm so glad you could join us here on stage
What's going on?
Tess ignores him as well
I'm sure it was hard finding time in your busy schedule of yours. Having your husband fake your own death can certainly upset a woman
Believe me, I know it
Eli stood up and walked over to me, pointing an accusatory finger in my direction
Who is this imposter?! She's not my wife!
Shut up, Eli. We've had enough of your lies
Why are you not in jail? You attempted to murder someone! Police! Stage crew!
he frantically searches the crowd
Can someone please remove these women from the stage immediately? I won't stand for this mockery!
Tess Meyers looks directly at the camera
Yes, you have heard it there first, floks. Kiara Nelson is not dead, and no, this isn't an imported, either. Trust me, we checked her credentials
I smirked, and she laughed
When I received a phone call from someone claiming to be Kiara Nelson, I almost didn't believe it myself. I thought it was a hoax, but something told me otherwise. I agreed to meet her, and when she told me what's been going on for the past few weeks....Well, I'll let these women speak for themselves. Ladies, I'm sure the audience would agree with me that we're dying to hear your side of the story
Lana glances over at me and smiles
Would you like to do the honours? (Lana)
With pleasure
I smile back, after taking a deep breath and start talking....
I vist Warren in the hospital as soon as I could. After we exchange all the pleasantries, I turn on the TV and ignore his curious looks. I glance down at my watch every now and then while talking to him
Why do you keep looking at your watch?
No reason
Don't play that game with me
Fine. In two minutes, a very exciting program will be coming on
What exciting program?
You'll see
Finally, the commercial ends, and Late Night with Tess Meyers pops up on the screen. He looks at me confused
I thought you hated this show?
I shrug and sip the coffee
Things change. Just watch
Warren does as he's told and turns around to face the TV. I watch as Eli's face turns white as a sheet when Lana and I walk onto the stage
is that you?
I grin when he whips his head back to me
Just watch
He turns back to the TV and listens as Lana and I take tuns, explaining what really happened. Lana fills in the details on how Eli wrote the threat himself and stored them in his work computer. She was unable to unlock the computer for the police when they came to search his office
Eli was sending himself threats? it was him all along?
I laugh as Warren stares at the screen, stunned
it was all for life insurance money. Can you believe that? He was actually trying to kill me
Warren frowns and looks back at me
No, you have to keep watching! This is the best part!
We both watch as three police officers work on the stage and handcuff Eli after shoving him down to the floor. He curses can barely be heard over the roar of the audience. The three officers escort him off the stage, and the camera focuses back on Tess as she says goodbye to the audience
How the hell did you pull that off?
I'm just that good, obviously
Warren frowns
There were a lot of moving pieces. I really wasn't sure that it was going to work
I thought Lana Hale was in jail?
She was
So, how did she end up on the show, too?
I had Hannah make a few calls, and she was able to visit her. Once we were sure we knew her side of the story, i used some of my money to bail her out
After everything she did to you, you bailed that woman out of jail?
of course I did. Her only crime was loving Eli, and I don't think she deserved to rot in prison for that
How do you get all the proof?
Do you remember that phone number we took from Eli's home office?
Yes?
Well, I called it. The hitman who tried to murdering us answered
Warren's eyes widen
You spoke to a hitman? Are you crazy?!
Yes, I spoke to a hitman
What if he traces the phone call and finds you? I swear Kiara -
He already found me
Warren works to keep his breathing calm
He was surprisingly easy to work with once I paid him off. All I had to do was record the conversation for insurance purposes and promise not to disclose any of it to the police. it was a win-win for both of us
But he tried to kill you!
I shrug
I'm not the one to hold grudges
He chuckles
After that, everything kind of just fell into place. I contacted Tess Meyers and offered her an exclusive reveal that would send her rating through the roof. She could hardly wait to meet me
Warren shakes his head
You really are one incredible woman
I smile at him, but his face turns serious
I wanted to thank you
for what?
For saving my life
I didn't do anything special! You're the one who took a bullet in order to protect me. All I could do was call 9-1-1 and pray that they could save you
Still, your quick thinking is what saved my life. Any more time, and I might not have made it
His fingers lifted my chin so that he could look into my eyes
The doctor's said it was a pretty close call, so I would be dead if it weren't for you
You wouldn't be in this mess in the first place if it weren't for me, too
He drops his hand
I wouldn't change anything in the world
Cautiously, I look up at him for any signs of deception, but I see none
Do you mean that?
I do
So, what are your plans now? Are you going to retire from the exciting life of being a bodyguard and find something else to do?
I haven't really put much thought into it. Maybe I will become a firefighter or an EMT. I don't think I could handle a boring desk job
No, that definitely wouldn't suit you
A silence hovers between us as both of us dance around the topic we want to talk about most
Um..
yeah?
Do you....have you thought about what you want? I mean...
He swallows hard and rests his hands on his lap
Have you thought about us?
Taking a deep breath, I look up and meet his eyes
I want to give us a chance
His lips part as he watches me with disbelief while my heart pounds relentlessly in my chest
I am warning you now, I come with a lot of baggage. I have a crazy best friend with no boundaries and a big heart. I have a complicated relationship with my parents that I'm working on. and I just gout out of a horrible relationship, where my ex-husband wound up in prison
Warren, let's out a low whistle
hmm, that's a lot to consider
Did I mention I am stubborn?
No, but duly noted
it's not going to be easy, but I want this. i want to be with you, Warren. I don't know when it happened, but somewhere along the way, I fell in love with you. You make me happier than any man ever has
Warren stands up, pulling me to my feet and into his arms. I go willingly and close my eyes as I inhale his familiar scent
I love you, Kiara
Even with all my baggage?
being with you is worth it
He leans down, and his lips come crashing into mine. I kill him back with a fierce intensity that has desire coursing through my veins. A cough from behind us brings us both to a stop. I laugh
it looks like we've caught the attention of almost every nurse and patient here
Well, then we better give them one hell of a show
Bending down, Warren lifts me up and carries me bridal style towards the door
I can't wait to get you home
Before we head out, he leans down and murmurs seductively in my ear. And with that, we start our new life together