Page 32 of Conner's Choice
“No, that’s not it. Something else is going on.” Kevin unlocked his office and cocked his head. “Let’s go.”
“Where?” she asked as she followed him.
“Lexi’s apartment.”
Thirty minutes later, Kevin and Alexa let themselves into Lexi’s empty apartment. They looked around in confusion. Everything was gone, though it appeared she’d left in a hurry judging by the amount of dirt and trash littering the place.
“Wait here,” Kevin commanded. “I’m checking the bedroom to see if she left anything behind.”
In the tiny bathroom, he checked underneath the vanity top where he’d stashed the fentanyl. It was still there. Even if the landlord rented the apartment, no one would find the drug. His plan to frame Lexi for Lizzie’s death hadn’t changed, and now that she was gone, she would look guilty, especially if he pointed the police in her direction.
When he rejoined Alexa, Kevin felt calmer. “I didn’t find anything.”
“What do you think, Kevin?” Alexa asked as they exited the apartment.
“I think Lizzie fired Lexi, and she took off.”
“And now?”
Kevin glanced sideways at her. “Now I’m asking Barnes to represent me in my divorce.”
Fifty-year-old Joseph Barneswas a hard-nosed, tough negotiator in the courtroom, and Kevin trusted him. He’d tangled with Conner O’Donnell over divorce settlements in the past, and Kevin knew Barnes anticipated putting him in his proper place this time. As he and his partner waited in their conference room for O’Donnell and Elizabeth to arrive, Barnes counseled Kevin to remain calm, keep his mouth shut, and allow him to do all the talking.
“I know, I know. What do you think I tell my own clients?”
As Barnes muttered, “Don’t be a smartass,” O’Donnell and Elizabeth were shown into the conference room by the firm’s receptionist.
Kevin experienced a jolt of disbelief when his gaze fell upon his wife. Lizzie wore a sleeveless black sheath with a low-cut neckline and…the diamond necklace he’d given her for her birthday. Yes, indeed, she had saved it for a special occasion. The dramatic irony was worthy of a Shakespearean tragedy—as delightful as Gertrude drinking the poisoned cup of wine meant for her son Hamlet. In about thirty minutes Lizzie would die a horrible, tragic death right before their eyes, and by the time they figured it out, it would be too late. With malice, with sadistic anticipation, Kevin smiled at his wife.
Elizabeth returned it with a sweet one of her own. She toyed with the diamonds glittering around her neck. “Kevin,” she acknowledged him.
He smirked and did not return her greeting.
While Barnes reviewed the allegations Elizabeth made against Kevin in the divorce complaint, he barely paid attention. He kept glancing at his watch, then at his wife who looked remarkably well. Any moment now, he thought, growing impatient. He stared at her, willing the drug to work its fatal effects.
“Excuse me, Mr. Warner, but are we boring you?” Conner asked. “This is the end of your marriage. Elizabeth devoted eight years of her life to you, and you can’t be bothered to demonstrate a little interest? She claims emotional neglect, and judging by your behavior here today, it lends credence to her argument.”
Elizabeth leaned forward while twirling the diamonds around her fingers. “What’s the matter, Kevin? You look ill.”
Too much time had lapsed. Too much time. Kevin never panicked, but now he felt his heart begin to race in his chest as his stomach churned. A noose tightened around his neck. He balled his hands into fists. “I’m fine. Let’s just get this over with.”
Conner pushed a settlement agreement toward Barnes. “This is what we want.”
Both Barnes and Kevin sputtered choice expletives when they read the document. Conner had a reputation for representing women who wanted to take everything from their husbands, and due to his aggressiveness, they usually got it. This case wasn’t any different from the others. Elizabeth demanded all their personal property, their assets and investments, and ten thousand a month in alimony. Barnes had to prevent Kevin from leaping across the oval conference table to smash his fist into Conner’s smug face.
“This is outrageous, O’Donnell, even for you.” Barnes spoke over Kevin’s loud cursing. “Ten thousand a month? That’s ridiculous.”
“Is it?” Conner produced Kevin’s financial records for the past five years. “Last year Mr. Warner earned ten million. Mrs. Warner is entitled to maintain the lifestyle to which she has become accustomed. She has grounds to warrant this settlement, and we’re not accepting a dime less.”
Barnes shoved the settlement back at Conner. “We’re done here. See you in court, Counselor.”
A cold smile crossed Conner’s face. “We look forward to it.” He rose to his feet. “Let’s go, Elizabeth.”
When Kevin noted how Conner’s hand rested familiarly on the small of Lizzie’s back, a red mist blurred his vision. His revenge would be sweet.
After they leftBarnes, Warner, and Wainwright, Conner asked Elizabeth if she wanted anything for lunch. She declined. “I feel sick to my stomach. Please take me to the cottage.”
As Conner drove toward West Bend, they discussed what happened at the meeting earlier.
