The Charlton Affair (6 page)

*****

Marita paced up and down in her Spring Hill apartment. She only lived a few suburbs away from him and it had been a week since she had spent time with Michael.
Am I losing control of him,
she wondered? She knew his wife was upset and needed comforting,
the silly woman
.
That shouldn’t have stopped him from popping out for an afternoon or an evening.
Furiously, she thought,
is he sleeping with her again?

Michael had never gone for a whole week without seeing her before, unless he was away for work. Even then, sometimes he took her with him and installed her in a nearby hotel. He had been close to leaving the stupid woman. This could be a major set back.

As she pondered what to do, she tried to think of ways to draw him back to her. She couldn’t nag him or make demands. Men were very quickly turned off by that.

Growling in frustration, she picked up a book and threw it against the wall. Now that her anger was assuaged a little, she was able to think. An idea came to her.
Yes
, she thought, smug in self-satisfaction.
I must use what the wife doesn’t have.
After going into her bedroom and emerging in the most provocative underwear she possessed, she artfully arranged herself on the lounge. The camera she had set up took several auto shots. Examining the images, she picked the one most likely to succeed and sent it to his mobile telephone.
If that doesn’t work, nothing will,
she thought smugly, setting up some nice things to eat and mood music for his arrival. Sure enough, the door buzzed within twenty minutes.

*****

Phoebe had been hard at work all morning. Taking a break for a moment, she smiled, remembering how excited Michael had been when she arrived home after work the previous evening. The roller door had been fixed but she was still parking her hire car in the driveway, preferring to come in through the front door. 

Michael had taken her hand and tenderly coaxed her into the garage, where a brand new Volvo wagon was waiting for her. He had smiled at her in triumph. She had been shocked, asking, “But, how? The assessor said it would be weeks…”

“I leaned on the insurance company until they gave up and just told me to go pick a new one for you!” Michael had said with a huge grin. She remembered how cute and boyishly pleased he looked.

“Thank you so much, honey,” she had said, throwing her arms around him. Just as they started kissing, his phone had beeped with a message tone. After reading the message his whole demeanor changed and he left, telling her a colleague needed him urgently.

She hadn’t minded, after all, he had been home for a whole week straight just to look after her. He came home a couple of hours later, showered and then cuddled her close in bed. She had felt safe in his embrace and was able to sleep soundly for the first time since she was attacked.

She reflected that as horrible as it was, at least the attack had brought them closer together. Sighing, she placed her attention back on her work. The client expected an answer to his problem by the close of business. Then she could go home and make them a lovely dinner.
Maybe I should arrange a candlelit dinner
, she thought, contentedly. An image of Charlie stole into her mind. She ruthlessly pushed it away, but it was too late. Her contentment had evaporated.

*****

“Hi Darren,” Amanda said cheerfully, recognizing his number when it came up.

“Hello, cheeky one,” Darren replied merrily, “Where’s that equally cheeky boss of yours, eh? I’ve been trying to catch her for a couple of days now.”

“She’s in a trial this week. That’s why she hasn’t been back to you. She asked me to call you, but you’ve beaten me to it.”

“Ooh, anything interesting?” Darren said, fishing for gossip as usual.

Amanda laughed, “No, just the usual. Charlie’s defending a young fellow in an assault matter. It should be over today or Monday morning at the latest. Hopefully today. She’s finished the advice for Michael Rawlins, but she wants to see you about it first.”

Darren replied, curiosity tingeing his vibrant baritone, “Is there a problem?”

Amanda tried to keep her voice neutral. Charlie wouldn’t want her to give anything away before she had a chance to speak to Darren herself.

“No problem, just something she wants to discuss. Can I schedule you in for Monday afternoon? Do you have time?”

“Sure, lovie. I have a meeting in George St Monday afternoon. I’ll swing by afterwards. It shouldn’t go any later than three.”

“Great. See you at about quarter past three, Monday,” Amanda ended the call.

*****

“Sweets, you must come tonight. And bring Michael too. It’ll be just what you need to cheer you up. A night with me and my favorite odds and sods!” Roman exclaimed from his customary position of leaning against her office doorway.

Phoebe laughed at his hopeful expression.

“Michael went back to work this morning. He just couldn’t put them off any longer.” Phoebe looked sad for a moment before adding, “They’ve sent him to Timor. I’ll be alone for at least a week. He said he’ll be out of phone range so I can’t even call him.”

“Sweets, are you ready to be alone in that big house?” Roman said, walking into her office, his expression concerned.

Phoebe’s brows furrowed in uncertainty, “I should be. I’ll see how it goes, I guess.”

“Well, you don’t have to be alone tonight!”

“I’ll come.” She smiled at Roman’s happy expression. She didn’t feel like a dinner party but it was better than being by herself.

Roman rubbed his hands together in glee. “Wonderful, now I have a full complement. You’ll stay over, of course. Then you can have a few champagnes without having to worry.”

*****

Charlie sat in an interview room outside the courtroom with her client and his friends and family, explaining, “We just have to wait. His Honor’s associate will let us know when the jury come back.”

“For how long?” Her client’s mother complained. It was past 6 PM and it had been a long day for everybody.

“For as long as it takes. It’s in the hands of the jury now. His Honor wants to wrap it up tonight if possible, but if they’re not back with a verdict in a couple of hours, he’ll probably send them off to deliberate at a hotel for the weekend and we’ll have to come back Monday morning.”

The client’s mother groaned. The anticipation was clearly getting to her. Charlie sympathized, knowing it had been a tough week for her, having to worry if her son would be sent to prison or not.

“I’ll let you know the moment I hear anything. Don’t go too far from here. There are a couple of places to eat nearby and you can get coffee across the road, OK?” Charlie rose to leave.

After making her way to the ground floor of the courts complex, she found a quiet spot and called Amanda.

“Hi Charlie, everything OK?”

“Yeah, just waiting for the jury to come back with a verdict. That always seems to happen on Friday nights!”

“Poor you! I though that was what was happening when you weren’t back by five thirty.”

“Any calls?”

Amanda laughed, “Lots. Nothing urgent. They can wait until Monday. Oh, I’ve set up a meeting with Darren for Monday afternoon. He’ll come to chambers at around three fifteen.”

“Great, thanks for that. Have a good weekend,” Charlie replied.

“You too, see you Monday.” Amanda hung up.

Charlie called Roman, “Guess what?”

“Hmm, it’s not a tough guess. Stuck at court, right?”

“Got it in one!” Charlie uttered with amused sarcasm.

“You legal types are all the same. Get here when you can.” Roman replied breezily.

“Might not be until after nine.”

“I’ll save some dinner for you.”

“OK. See you later.” Charlie hung up.

Her telephone rang, “Charlie Moss,” she answered.

“Ms. Moss, the jury are ready to come back,” the judge’s associate informed her.

“Coming now,” Charlie hung up. She quickly called her instructing solicitor to let her know, asking her to tell the client. She stood and straightened her robes and headed back into the courtroom.

It took about ten minutes before everybody was in place. The bailiff sang out as the judge entered the courtroom, “All rise. This honorable court has now resumed.”

Everybody stood and bowed towards the bench. Once he was seated, the judge looked at the jury foreman, and intoned, “Have the members of the jury come to a verdict, Mr. Foreman?”

The foreman of the jury nodded, saying, “Yes, Your Honor.”

“What say you, Mr. Foreman? Guilty or not guilty?”

The jury foreman remained standing. The courtroom was deathly silent, all eyes on him in intense anticipation.

“Not guilty, Your Honor.”

The courtroom broke out into excited chatter, momentarily falling silent again when His Honor thanked the jury for their deliberations and dismissed them. He told the defendant he was free to go. Everyone stood and bowed as the judge rose and made his exit.

Her client hugged his mother as she cried in relief. Charlie packed up her things. Smiling at her instructing solicitor, Charlie said, “I’ll leave the client to you, I have to head off.”

“Sure, Charlie.” The solicitor was beaming, “Fantastic job!”

“You too,” Charlie beamed back.

Charlie shook hands with the disappointed Crown Prosecutor before leaving the court. Her step was light as she strolled back to her chambers through the gorgeous Brisbane autumn evening.

She hadn’t been looking forward to Roman’s party, but now she had something to celebrate. Glancing at her phone, she saw it was not quite seven. She should be able to get home and then to New Farm before nine.

Chapter Five

Roman looked handsomely distinguished in an understated Italian suit, sans tie. His partner, Mark, was equally dashing. As usual, Roman had hired caterers. The guests were gathered around the swimming pool for aperitifs. The privately situated pool and surrounding lush gardens were tastefully lit, like an image from an upmarket magazine. Mellow music played lightly in the background. The guests seemed to be enjoying themselves and Roman was pleased. Most of his guests were single or, like Phoebe, temporarily alone for one reason or another. He had tried to gather like-minded individuals without partners, but it had been harder than he initially thought it would be. Relieved it seemed to be working, he smiled at Mark and said, “Time to start moving them in for dinner.”

Mark returned his smile and nodded before heading inside to make sure the table was ready.

*****

Phoebe was having a pleasant evening. She was sitting next to another accountancy professional and was enjoying chatting with someone who understood her industry. Jessica was a congenial woman who had bravely struck out on her own as a consultant after a long career with a top tier firm. They debated the pros and cons of working for the larger firms, sharing stories about leading personalities in their profession.

The main course of stuffed spatchcock with couscous salad had been delicious. Phoebe couldn’t remember the last time she had enjoyed a meal so much. Roman was in his element, entertaining his friends in style. She enjoyed watching him work the room while Mark quietly organized everything. The staff cleared the plates away and Roman invited his guests to follow him to the outdoor room for cheeses and a selection of port wines. Phoebe was about to rise when, gob-smacked, she fell back into her chair. Luckily, her shock went unnoticed as all eyes turned to the late arrival.

Charlie’s lissome body was stunning in a simple black dress. She wore low heels, light make up and just one item of jewelry, a striking pair of sapphire earrings. The blue of the twin gems contrasted with her pixie-like white-blond crop, accenting her eyes. Phoebe was completely entranced.

*****

Roman introduced Charlie to everyone en masse before leading her away to the kitchen to get her a dinner plate. The guests shuffled as they left the dining room. Phoebe swallowed reflexively, feeling like a rabbit transfixed by the headlights of the vehicle about to hit her. Still in her seat, she felt a gentle hand touch her shoulder. She looked around and saw Mark offering his arm to her in his usual quiet, gentlemanly way.

Grateful for his silent warmth, she allowed him to escort her outside to join the other guests. Eschewing the cheeses, she went straight to the bar and poured her second champagne for the evening. Downing it in short order she poured a third, which was one more than she ever usually imbibed.

*****

Charlie didn’t realize how hungry she was until she tasted the spatchcock.
Delicious
, she thought. Roman was chatting away to her as she ate. Paying little attention to what he was saying, she thought,
I wish he’d told me he invited Phoebe Rawlins
.
I’ll have to be extra careful not to get too close to her.
Despite the need for caution, Charlie couldn’t help noticing again what a beautiful woman she was
.
Her delicately pale skin and large green eyes were extremely alluring.

“This food is incredible, Roman!”

“Yes, I agree,” Roman replied smugly.

“And of course your home is stunning, as always.”

“Thank you.” Roman said, not looking at all surprised by her complement.

“Looks like your guests are having a good evening. I don’t know many of them.” Charlie remarked, choosing the next piece of succulent bird to gormandize.

“You know the two lawyers, and you’ve met Phoebe that one time, but there are a couple of single ladies just in case you decide to stop feeling sorry for yourself!”

Charlie eyed him suspiciously, “You said this wasn’t a matchmaking exercise.”

“I lied,” he replied smugly.

Charlie rolled her eyes and wiped her lips delicately with the napkin he provided.

“Lead on, Macduff,” she said wryly.

Roman complied, extremely satisfied with himself.

*****

Phoebe was halfway through her third glass of champagne when Charlie joined the other guests in the outdoor room. The wind gently rustled the palms by the pool. Highlighted by the up-lights, they formed the perfect backdrop to the gathering. Phoebe didn’t care about the scenery. Focusing on Charlie, being escorted by Roman directly over to an attractive thirty-something across the room, she could think of nothing else.

Jessica stood near Phoebe and noticed the direction of her stare.

She remarked, “Gorgeous little thing, isn’t she?”

Jolted out of her observation of Charlie, Phoebe blushed and replied, “That dress suits her perfectly.”

Phoebe gulped down more champagne, beginning to feel a little light-headed. They watched as Charlie eventually drifted away from the attractive woman and headed over to peruse the cheeses.

Phoebe’s reaction to Charlie was not lost on Jessica. Leaning over, she said softly, “Go on. Go and speak to her.”

Nodding mutely, Phoebe clutched her glass nervously. Her feet moved of their own volition as almost involuntarily, she headed over to where Charlie was standing. She hoped the alcohol would turn her into the vivacious creature she was not, someone with the courage to speak confidently and with charm.

*****

Charlie escaped from Roman’s idea of her perfect partner as soon as possible. Roman had introduced her to a lovely and engaging woman but Charlie stubbornly preferred to make her own choices.

As she examined the cheeses with interest, she spotted Phoebe Rawlins heading toward her. Phoebe was about five feet five in heels. Her perfectly proportioned frame was dynamite in the pale green dress she wore. Even though, her dress was a flyaway style, it hugged her figure in all the right spots.

Charlie moved to go, but then something stopped her. Phoebe’s grace and reserved beauty had gotten to her. However inappropriate, she would take the chance to get to know this lovely woman a little better. Just this once. Most of all, she wanted to solve the mystery of Phoebe’s extreme nervousness around her. Phoebe had already started to blush, and they hadn’t even spoken yet.

“Nice to see you again,” Charlie said warmly when Phoebe approached.

Phoebe looked as though she was about to faint, but somehow managed to stammer, “You too…. You look great! Amazing dress.”

Charlie couldn’t believe how nervous Phoebe was.
What can I do to make this easier for her?
Smiling, she thought,
I hope it’s not contagious!

“Thanks. I was just thinking the same thing about yours. That color is perfect for you.” Nodding toward at the cheese display, she added, “Roman and Mark have outdone themselves. These cheeses are amazing.”

Phoebe’s blush was not subsiding. If anything, it was spreading. A stray wisp of auburn hair fell across her pale cheek. Charlie fought off the urge to reach up and gently tuck it back behind Phoebe’s ear.

Phoebe replied, smiling shyly, her voice a little more confident now, “Yes, Roman just lives for these parties. He’s been filling me in on all the planning over the last week.”

Looking at Phoebe’s lovely face, she couldn’t help noticing what a captivating smile she had. All of a sudden, she found herself staring into Phoebe’s eyes. At that moment, Phoebe’s nervousness became contagious. The two women stood, lost in each other’s gaze.

Finally collecting herself, Charlie broke the stare and looked away awkwardly. As she struggled to come up with something to say, Charlie was consumed by an urge to take Phoebe into her arms and kiss her passionately. She had to speak, if only to distract herself from her inappropriate thoughts. She reminded herself that it was definitely against the Bar Association ethics to seduce your clients’ wives. 

Phoebe beat her to it.

She was clearly trying to sound casual, but it didn’t come out that way when she said “Roman talks about you sometimes. He’d love to set you up with some of the girls he knows.”

“I don’t like being set up. I prefer to choose the women I spend time with.” Charlie replied, trying not to sound as annoyed as she felt about the issue.

“Do you choose…many?” Phoebe asked, clearly embarrassed but with a determined look on her face.

Charlie let out a small self-deprecating laugh before replying, “No. Too busy I guess. I don’t seem to have much luck with women anyway. They never stay around for very long.”

Charlie couldn’t believe she was revealing the most personal details of her life to a woman she barely knew. Despite knowing she was in dangerous waters, she couldn’t stop herself.

“What about you?” Charlie asked softly.

Phoebe blushed deeply, admitting, “Um, actually…I’m…married.” Phoebe looked down.

“Your husband isn’t here tonight?” Charlie probed, already knowing the answer.

“He’s gone to Timor for work for a week.” Phoebe mumbled.

“You must be lonely without him?” Charlie pressed, the question in her soft voice betraying her interest.

Looking up, Phoebe stared into Charlie’s blue-grey eyes again, “No. Not really,” she said firmly, her hands clenched in nervous tension.

Returning Phoebe’s stare, Charlie’s heart beat rapidly as she leaned a little closer and responded almost inaudibly, “I see.”

And she did see. Phoebe’s passionate interest was very plain. Charlie had no idea how Phoebe had come to be so interested in her, a person she had only met twice. She was even more puzzled by the intensity of her reciprocity. In fact, nothing at all about the situation made any sense. The only thing she knew was that it was wrong and she needed to walk away as soon as possible. The problem was she didn’t feel she could.

A partygoer attempting to access the cheeses jostled Phoebe and she spilled her half-f glass of champagne on Charlie’s little black dress.

“Shit!” Charlie exclaimed, shocked at the sudden cold splash against her upper thigh. She quickly grabbed a serviette from the table and stopped the splash from running any further down her leg.

Phoebe apologized profusely.

“Don’t worry, it wasn’t your fault. Besides, I don’t think it’ll stain.” Charlie replied, trying to make Phoebe feel better.

“It might not stain, but you’ll smell like stale champagne if you don’t rinse it out soon.” Phoebe said.

Repulsed by the thought of smelling like someone else’s stale drink for the rest of the evening, Charlie replied, “You’re right. I can’t remember where Roman’s laundry is. Do you know?”

Grabbing Charlie’s hand, Phoebe smiled and said, “It’s this way.”

Phoebe led her through the group of guests toward the kitchen.

Charlie’s hand felt perfectly natural within Phoebe’s grasp. Alive to the smoothness of Phoebe’s skin and the sensation of her gentle but firm grip, her feelings gave rise to all sorts of thoughts. Too soon, they arrived in the laundry and Charlie reluctantly let go.

Charlie watched as Phoebe found clean washcloths in a cupboard. She was graceful even when performing mundane tasks. After soaking a cloth, Phoebe knelt without hesitation and tended to Charlie’s dress and stockings. Charlie desperately tried to keep her eyes on the top of Phoebe’s head to avoid staring down her dress at her now obvious cleavage. She was not very successful.

Gently, Phoebe dampened the material and used a dry cloth to soak up the residue, her hand brushing against Charlie’s leg as she worked. The action was extremely personal and at the same time business-like in its efficiency. Charlie’s body was electrified by the touch. She struggled not to tremble. Phoebe didn’t look up. If she had, she would have seen the desire in Charlie’s expression, intensifying with each touch. Reeling from the depth of her attraction to this woman she barely knew, Charlie felt completely out of control in a way she’d never experienced.

“There! All finished.” Phoebe said proudly, straightening up and smiling at Charlie.

Unable to mitigate the intensity in her eyes, Charlie’s ardor blazed. Phoebe met her gaze and held it. She dropped the washcloth. Confused and helpless, Charlie was unable to prevent herself from reaching out and caressing Phoebe’s jawline softly. Joy flared across Phoebe’s exquisite features and Phoebe’s breath caught as the touch electrified them both. Their lips and bodies pressed together, igniting.

*****

As he glanced across the busy outdoor room, Roman was astounded to see Phoebe leading Charlie away by the hand, toward the kitchen. After excusing himself gracefully from his guests, he followed the two women, carefully eyeing their body language.
It couldn’t be
, he thought to himself, deeply shocked. His anger flared at Charlie. He fumed,
I smother her with delectable choice and she goes for the most vulnerable woman in the room. How dare she?
He saw the two women disappear into the laundry.