Page 1 of Missing Marcus

1

Knight sat in the waiting room of the Law Offices of Smith and Wilkes. This was his first time seeing Gabrielle since he caught her with the other man. A knot grew in his stomach, and his jaw clenched inanger at her betrayal. His mind went over the last year as he struggled to understand where things between them started to crack.

Eighteen months ago, Commander Lee called him in for his performance review.

“Listen Knight, you and Zepher butt heads on every mission. You outrank him, you’re a damn good asset, and I don’t want to lose you. Knight, you don’t seem like part of the team anymore.”

Knight hung his head and rubbed the scruff along his jaw. “Zepher’s a loose cannon. I don’t trust him to have my back in the field.” Knight sat back in the chair.

Commander Lee grunted and raised his brow. Leaning forward, he handed a sheet of paper across the desk. “The CIA requested some assistance with a special assignment. It must be big because they seem flexible on terms. Word has it, you want out.”

Knight read the memo. “I plan to put in my time. I’ve never let the team down.”

“I didn’t say you did. What’s best for your team is what I’m concerned with,” Commander Lee said as he walked to his filing cabinet. “Maybe you need a change or a new perspective. Something tells me, with your record, you’ve got a shot at this. It’s not an order. It’s a suggestion.”

Knight nodded in understanding.

The familiar scent of Gabrielle’s perfume brought him back into the present. She waited stiffly at the desk in a pantsuit he’d never seen her wear. The color complimented her light brown skin and black hair.Probably a gift from her lover.

The receptionist instructed her to take a seat. When she turned, her gaze caught his. It felt like it did every time after a fight over the past year. She would catch his gaze and run into his arms and kiss him until he got over whatever started their petty differences. But this time, he promised never to forget it.

“Mr. and Mrs. Hutchins, if you’ll follow me, Mr. Wilkes will see you now.” The assistant waited for them to follow her.

Gabby hesitated, and he motioned for her to walk ahead of him. Her shoulders straightened, and her chin lifted slightly as she followed the woman. She wore her hair the way he loved it. It appeared longer than the last time he’s seen her four weeks ago. The suit she woreappeared expensive, and Gabby wore high heels. She preferred sandals, jeans, and T-shirts. She always complained when her feet hurt and he rubbed the ache from them before moving higher up her leg…

“You can take a seat and Mr. Wilkes will be right in,” the receptionist instructed as she motioned for them to sit.

Gabby walked to one side of the table while he sat on the other directly across from her. The door closed, leaving them alone. The tension felt like a rubber band. It stretched across the table, pulling them together before snapping back. Gabby pulled out her phone and seemed glued to the screen while he stared at her. Knight wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake her while asking why.Why?

The door opened and the lawyer walked in. Shaking hands with both of them, he sat and dug into business.

“It’s my understanding you want an uncontested divorce. By California law, you must wait the six-month and one-day waiting period for this to become final if both parties agree. I received your financial statements, and we’ll go down the list of your assets. Do you have any questions?”

“How long will it take for you to file it if we agree to everything?” Gabby asked as she avoided Knight’s gaze.

“If we can finish without any complications, we can file it within forty-eight to seventy-two hours. Shall we get started?” Mr. Wilkes asked.

Gabrielle nodded and Knight felt the wrath build at her question. She wanted out quickly? He’d make sure it cost her.

“According to my records, Mr. Hutchins purchased the property at 371 Oak Park Avenue prior to the marriage. He’ll retain ownership,” Mr. Wilkes read from the paperwork.

Gabby gasped. “I tore down walls and decorated the entire thing. You weren’t even around,” she argued.

Knight let a slow smile cross his lips. “I paid for everything. I brought the credit card receipts to prove it. Your job as a waitress amounted to the grocery and the electricity bills.”

Gabby flinched at his words, as if what he said hurt her any more than her asking how fast the process took.

“Do you want to revisit the division of the house at a later date?” the attorney asked.

Gabby raised her gaze to meet his cold stare. She bit her lip before responding. “No. He can have it.”

“Since the vehicles are registered in both your names, how do you want to divide the two of them?”

“I’ll keep my truck,” Knight volunteered before smirking. Gabby’s eyes widened. She paid his truck off before purchasing her car. He sent the next shot home. She took out the car loan and remainedresponsible for the payment with her meager salary.

Gabby didn’t respond as she glanced down at her phone.

“Mrs. Hutchins requests the bedroom furniture, the living room set and her mother’s antique chest.” The lawyer paused to see if either of them disagreed.

---