462 Making Arrangements
(Jayden)
It's been hours since I walked in on that horror scene, but my mind is still running on adrenaline. The detectives have been and gone, ruling it a straightforward case of murder-suicide.
I'm not sure what to feel about that-relief that it's simple enough to close quickly, or anger that they've already written off Lance's actions and the death of my mother with such cold efficiency.
I push those thoughts aside. There are practical things to handle, and that's where I focus. Emotions can wait.
I sit at the desk in my suite, surrounded by a chaos of papers and my phone. Viktor is dealing with much of it and I know he's going to contact Gus. Cass sits on the arm of the couch, her arms crossed, watching me like a hawk.
I dial my lawyer, leaning back in the chair as I press the phone to my ear. The familiar voice on the other end picks up after a few rings. I know this will have hits all the media outlets by now but I refuse to watch any of it. "Jayden, how can I help?"
I keep my tone calm, detached. "I'm assuming you've seen the news?"
""Yes."
"I need you to contact Mother's lawyer and Lance Collins' lawyer. See if they both have wills. And I need to know what red tape I have to get through to get both the bodies home." Saying that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. "Whatever paperwork is required, I want it expedited."
"Of course. I'll get on it immediately. I'll keep you updated."
"Good," I say simply, hanging up.
"You're calm," Cass observes.
"Staying busy helps," I reply, glancing at her briefly before turning my attention back to the papers in front of me. "There's a lot to organize."
Cass doesn't buy it. "Don't let that fool you, Jayden. You're just stacking everything away for later. When it hits, it's still going to hit hard."
I grit my teeth, not wanting to have this conversation. "No time right now. There are things that need to be done. Doing them helps me feel in control."
"I get it," she says, her voice softer now. "Look, I'm going to go grab us some food and don't argue. We have to eat and I can use the fresh air."
"Okay. And thank Cass, you being here really helped."
She nods, grabs her bag and heads out the door.
Viktor walks over, his expression as serious as ever. "Gus knows. He said he'll provide any support needed. He'll call later tonight."
"Good," I say, nodding. Another thing dealt with.
Viktor hesitates for a moment, then continues, "The detective came back to me earlier. He mentioned that while they've ruled it as straightforward, there's still a formality that might help to the release of the bodies. Something like a note, a recording-anything that can confirm intent."
Viktor's words hang in the air, and I feel the blood drain from my face.
The USB.
I glance at the small device sitting on the desk, its presence suddenly unbearable. "If he left something, it's on that USB."
"You can give it to the police, they can see what's on it."
"No," I say firmly, grabbing the USB. "I'm not giving this to a stranger to watch first. I'll deal with it soon."
"No problem."
"Cass has gone for food, I think we all need to eat something and then decide what's happening. I'm okay here for now." "Not an option." Viktor says firmly.
"What?"
"I'm not leaving you. So if Cass goes, she goes alone. I can assign someone I trust to her if you are still worried."
I run my hand through my hair. "I doubt I can get her to go anyway, but we can discuss. Has Winona called back?" "No. Should I call her?"
"No. I will check in, see how they are
going over there. After this is all settled I need to check in on the finalization of the London office. have Grayson nailed down and- there'sno one else that was doing the wrong thing, so we can relaunch Nexus London under another banner. Assure our investors that all is well."
"Maybe that can wait."
"No, those people have been displaced from their jobs for long enough. I'm not letting my personal life interfere with getting theirs back on track."
"Very well."
I walk over to the TV, my fingers trembling slightly as I plug the USB into the port.
Then I walk away from it again. Not yet. Soon.
A call comes from my lawyer, I take it.
"Jayden. Both have wills. Also, you are named as executor in both."
"Right. Look, As soon as I get them home, I can come and deal with those."
"I'll get on it. Anything you can do on that end might be helpful."NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.
I look at the USB in the tv. "I'll get on it."
I disconnect the call and Cass is back with sandwiches. "Try and eat some, Jayden."
I nod. "I
missiout first I need to see from Lance, that cal
what's
that USB. If it's some
move faster."
"Shit, okay. Good. Do you want me to leave?"
"No. No, you can stay. I mean, it could be nothing. Damn spreadsheets or something." I say knowing that it is not spreadsheets.
"He did love them."
"Spreadsheets were his life." I allow myself that small reflection on a man that saved me more than once. "Let's do this." I get the remote control and turn the television on.