Come Together by Marie Force

Chapter Twenty-One

“I wish I were a little girl again because skinned

knees are easier to fix than a broken heart.”

—Julia Roberts

After the nightmare Rem had put her through, Brianna shouldn’t have cared that he was dead. Hell, she ought to be relieved and happy that he was out of her life forever. But the part of her that’d once loved him with all her heart refused to be ignored. “Wh-what happened?”

“He was found in the Boston Public Garden. He’d been stabbed multiple times.”

Noah squeezed her shoulder, letting her know he was there.

Brianna leaned into him as she processed what the officer was telling her. She refused to cry over the man who’d put her through hell. She would not cry. “Ha-have his parents been told?”

“Yes, ma’am. They told us where we could find you. They asked that you call them when you’re able to.”

Brianna processed that information along with the fact that Rem was dead. Someone had murdered him. She knew she ought to be surprised, but she wasn’t. Not like she should’ve been. When you treated people the way he’d treated her—and no doubt others—eventually, it caught up to you.

“The Mass State Police are interested in speaking with you. They’ve asked us to transport you to the Massachusetts state line, where they’ll meet you.”

“Why do they want to speak with me? I haven’t seen or talked to him in more than a year.”

“I’m not privy to the why, ma’am. I only have the request to transport you.”

“Is she a suspect?” Noah asked.

“I’m sorry that I don’t have that information.”

“We’d like to know more about what they want with her before she goes anywhere,” Noah said. “And her attorney will want to be there.”

Thank God he had his wits about him, because her brain wasn’t functioning after hearing the news that Rem was dead. That he’d been murdered.

“Let me call them,” the officer said.

“We’re going inside to wait for her attorney to get here. She’d be happy to talk to them from here with her attorney present.”

“Are you a lawyer?” the officer asked.

“No, but my brother is, and I know just enough about how these things work to know that she’s not going anywhere with you or talking to the police until he’s here. We’ll be inside.” He put his hand around her arm and directed her toward the back door. “Come on, Bri. Let’s go in and call Gray.” Outside the door, he said, “Keys?”

She handed him her keys. “What is happening, Noah?”

“I don’t know, but we’re going to figure it out. Don’t worry.”

Don’t worry. Right. Hysteria bubbled up inside Brianna, threatening to spill out at any second. When they were inside, Noah went straight to the phone on the counter and called his brother. She could hear him saying words, but none of them registered with her. She was thankful for his ability to function while she was too shocked to do anything more than sit on the sofa and try not to be sick.

The minute she’d learned the full extent of Rem’s deception, the love she’d once felt for him had died a quick but painful death. Love had turned to hatred in three surreal days in which all the hopes and dreams she’d had tied up in him had disappeared in a haze of grief and disbelief that she’d only recently started to emerge from.

But hearing he was dead, that he’d been murdered…

She was going to be sick. Bolting for the bathroom, she made it just in time to lean over the toilet and throw up as she broke down into sobs that shook her entire body.

Noah suddenly materialized to hold back her hair. “It’s okay, sweetheart. You’re okay.”

No.Brianna shook her head. She’d never be okay again if she felt actual heartbreak at hearing the man who’d ruined her life was dead. What the hell was wrong with her that he could still do this to her?

“Yes.” After wiping her face with a towel, Noah sat with her on the bathroom floor, keeping his arms around her as she cried it out. “You’re going to be just fine. I promise.”

Brianna had no idea how long they were there before she heard Grayson come in and call for them.

Noah kissed the top of her head and got up. “Come out when you’re ready.”

“Noah…”

“I’m here, Brianna, and I’m not going anywhere.”

He’d never know what his steady presence meant to her at that moment. “Thank you.”

* * *

Noah leftthe bathroom and went to meet Gray, rattled by her reaction to the news of her ex-husband’s death. He hated to see her so upset.

“Thanks for coming,” he said to Grayson.

“No problem. Is she okay?”

“Not at all, and we have no clue what the Mass State Police want with her.”

“Let’s find out, shall we?” Grayson went to the door and signaled for the state trooper to come in. “I’m Grayson Coleman.”

The officer shook hands with Gray. “Officer Brinkman. I’ve spoken with Mass State Police, and they’re willing to talk to her on the phone but reserve the right to request that she come in for a formal interview.”

“They’re going to need to give us grounds for that.”

“They’re aware of that.”

“Let me see if she’s up for talking.” Noah returned to the bathroom to find Brianna right where he’d left her. Her new hiking boots reminded him how quickly their plans had gone to shit. “Gray is here. Are you up for talking to the police, sweetheart?”

“I don’t get what they want with me. I don’t know anything.”

“You just need to tell them that.” He helped her up and kept his hands on her hips while she brushed her teeth and hair.

“Sorry to be such a mess.”

“Don’t be. It’s a shock to hear that kind of news.”

“I don’t get why I’m so upset. After everything he did…”

“At one time, you loved him. That’s why you’re upset. Despite what he did, you still care.”

“I don’t, though. I don’t care about him.”

“Not like you once did, but anyone would be upset after hearing about the murder of someone they once loved.”

“It’s all very confusing.”

“I know, honey, but let’s talk to the cops and get rid of them. We can talk about all of it when they’re gone.”

“Okay.”

Noah took her by the hand and led her to the living room.

Gray and the officer were seated in chairs, leaving the sofa for them.

“I’ve got Detective Mercer with the Mass State Police on the phone,” Brinkman said. “He’s working with Boston Police on this case. Detective Mercer, Brianna Esposito is here along with her attorney, Grayson Coleman, and his brother Noah, who’s a friend of hers.”

“Grayson Coleman. Why do I know that name?”

“Our paths crossed a few times when I worked in Boston.”

“Ah, right. Well, thanks for getting on a call with us. Ms. Esposito, I’m sorry for your loss.”

“It’s not my loss. I split with him more than a year ago.”

“When was the last time you saw or talked to him?”

“Last Christmas Eve, when I confronted him about being involved with multiple other women and how he’d stolen from our joint bank account. Since then, I’ve only spoken to him through lawyers.”

“And seen him?”

“Also that day. Not since then.”

“Not even in court?”

“We haven’t been to court because he refuses to engage in the divorce proceeding.” Brianna caught herself when she remembered he was dead. “I guess I should say he refused. Past tense.” She was no longer married, and under any other circumstances, that would be cause for celebration. But under these circumstances, she didn’t feel much like celebrating.

“I’m going to be honest with you, Ms. Esposito. Your ex-husband told several people that if anything happened to him, they needed to tell the police to speak to you.”

After everything she’d learned about the man she’d married, Brianna knew she shouldn’t be shocked to hear such a thing. But she was shocked speechless. It took a full minute for her to recover her senses enough to realize they expected her to reply.

“Ms. Esposito? Do you know why he might’ve said that?”

“Because he wanted to hurt me,” she said softly.

“Are you aware that Mr. Denning had antisocial personality disorder?” Grayson asked.

“I wasn’t,” the detective said. “He had an actual diagnosis?”

“I can’t say that for certain,” Brianna said, “because I wasn’t privy to his medical or mental health records. But I can tell you that his behavior and actions are indicative of a textbook case. His parents would tell you that. I can put you in touch with the therapist I saw in Boston until recently and give her the authority to tell you anything you want to know about what I endured with him.”

“That would help,” the detective said.

“Let me get my phone so I can give you her number.” Brianna got up and walked into the bedroom, her legs unsteady beneath her. Rem had been murdered, and he’d set her up to take the fall. Would the nightmare ever end? She got the phone off the charger and returned to the living room, scrolling through her contacts until she found the one she needed. “You can tell her I gave you her number, and I’ll text her to let her know she’ll hear from you.”

“Thank you. Can you tell me where you’ve been for the last forty-eight hours?”

“Right here with me,” Noah said. “Around the clock.”

He never hesitated, even if that meant telling his brother they were sleeping together.

“We work together,” Noah added. “And we’re together outside of work.” He reached for her hand and held on tight, the heat of his hand making her realize how cold hers was. “She hasn’t left Vermont in more than two months.”

“That’s helpful information,” the detective said. “Do you have any idea why your ex-husband would’ve told people to look at you if anything happened to him?”

“Because he’s a psycho! It would take me twelve hours to tell you the full extent of the nightmare he put me through. He just served me with a lawsuit yesterday, and now this.”

“What was the lawsuit about?”

“He’s seeking damages for me telling people he’s a sociopath, which he is.” Brianna needed to change the is to was, but hadn’t fully processed that he was dead. “No doubt there were a lot of people who wanted him dead. He lied and cheated and schemed and had zero remorse toward the people he hurt. His parents can tell you how he was. They know.”

“We have detectives interviewing them later today. I think we have what we need from you. Since you have an alibi, we won’t take any more of your time, but we ask that you stay available in case we need more information.”

“Th-that’s fine,” Brianna said, her nerves shredded.

“Can you think of anyone else we should talk to, any close friends or business associates?”

Brianna named a few people. “But that was more than a year ago. He tended to go through friends once they figured out his racket. I have no idea if any of them are still in his life. I’ve spoken with his parents a few times, but other than that, I’ve had no contact with anyone else in his group.”

“That’s helpful. Thank you.”

“I want to clarify that my client is not, in any way, a suspect in this case,” Grayson said.

“She’s not a suspect at this time,” the detective replied. “We reserve the right to interview her again, should the need arise.”

“Understood,” Grayson said.

“Thank you again for your time, Ms. Esposito.”

Officer Brinkman ended the call and put the portable phone on the coffee table. “We appreciate your cooperation. I won’t take any more of your time.”

Grayson got up to walk him out and returned a minute later, taking the seat across from them. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about, Brianna. That was a formality so they could rule you out.”

Noah kept his arm around her, infusing her with his heat and support. “What can we do for you, Bri?”

“I don’t know. I just don’t know what to think of this or how to feel or anything.”

“No matter how things ended with him or the hell you’ve been through at his hands, it’s still a shock to hear he was murdered,” Grayson said.

“Yes, it is,” she said with a sigh. “Even if it solves a lot of problems for me.” She glanced at Noah. “At least one of us isn’t married anymore, not that I’d want it to happen this way. As much as I hated him for what he did to me, I didn’t want him to die.”

“We know that, sweetheart,” Noah said. “Of course you didn’t.”

“Is it okay to speak freely about your situation in front of Brianna?” Grayson asked.

“Yes,” Noah said.

“My guy thinks he’s located her outside of Burlington. He’s going there tomorrow to check it out.”

“That was fast,” Noah said.

“He’s good. That’s why I use him. I’ll let you know when I hear from him, and I’ll get the paperwork started in the meantime.”

“Thanks, Gray, and thanks for coming when I called you.”

“No problem.”

“Yes, thank you, Grayson,” Brianna said. “I appreciate you being here and having my back.”

“We’ve got you covered,” Gray said. “I know it’s easy for me to say, but try not to worry. You’ve got the truth on your side.”

“The truth…” Brianna shook her head, filled with dismay. “It’s amazing how people manipulate the truth. Rem was a master at that. He could make you believe you were losing it when he’d rewrite history or say something didn’t happen the way you know it did. I used to think people were essentially good. He showed me otherwise.”

“The deficiency was on him, Brianna, not you,” Grayson said. “All you did was love the guy. I’m going to get out of your hair so you can get some rest. Call me if there’s anything else I can do.”

“You’re the best,” Brianna said. “Thanks again.”

“Happy to do what I can to help.”

Noah got up to walk him out, and the two men embraced. She’d enjoyed watching the bond that Noah shared with his siblings, despite his professed loner tendencies.

That was when she remembered his sisters had invited them to dinner. “You should call to let your sisters know why we’re not there for dinner.”

“Oh crap. I’d forgotten. I’ll do that now. Is it okay to tell them what happened?”

“Sure.”

Noah reached for the phone on the table and placed the call to his house.

Brianna could hear loud music in the background when one of them answered the phone.

“Hey, it’s me,” Noah said. “Brianna just found out that her ex-husband was murdered in Boston. We had to deal with cops and stuff, so we’re not going to make it over there.”

She couldn’t hear the other side of the conversation.

“No, I don’t think she’d be up for that tonight.”

“Up for what?” Brianna asked.

“They want to bring dinner over here.”

“It’s fine. They can.”

“Are you sure?”

Brianna nodded. “I could use the distraction.”

“All right, then. Bri says to come on over, but don’t come in hot, you hear me?” Noah gave the address to Brianna’s house and ended the call. “I apologize in advance for the chaos they’re going to bring.”

“I’m looking forward to it. They’re fun, and it’ll help to be surrounded by friends tonight.”

“You are surrounded by friends. I hope you know that.”

“I’m glad you’re here. Once again, you’re helping me through a very rough day just by being here and holding my hand.”

“Your hand is my favorite hand to hold.” He brought it to his lips and kissed the back of it. “You’re going to be okay. Tell me you know that.”

“I know.”

“You’ve had a terrible shock, and your feelings are understandably all over the place.”

“They are. If you told me earlier today that I could still feel anything other than disgust for him, I would’ve laughed. But when I heard what’d happened to him…”

“That’s perfectly normal, Bri. Once upon a time, you loved the guy more than anything. It’s natural to feel sad that he’s dead.”

“I feel sad to know that he probably crossed someone who wasn’t having his shit, that his condition most likely led to his death. He never had a chance because there’s no cure for antisocial personality disorder. He wasn’t going to suddenly develop the compassion for others that the rest of us take for granted. He just wasn’t capable.”

“The whole thing is sad. When they said Boston Public Garden, I thought of being there last June at my cousin Wade’s wedding. They took pictures in the garden.”

“Rem hated it there. He was allergic to everything.” And then she was sobbing again, her heart breaking for the man she’d thought he was, only to find out that man had been an illusion, a figment of her imagination, a con man of the highest order.

Noah held her close to him, rubbing her back in soothing circles.

“I have no idea why I’m crying.”

“It doesn’t matter why. Just let it out.”

“I need to call his parents,” she said ten minutes later.

“Do you want to do that now and get it out of the way?”

“I suppose so.”

Noah reached for the phone and handed it to her.

Brianna held it in her hand for a long time before she dialed the number from memory.

He stood watch over her, wishing he could spare her from the pain this news had caused her.

“Hi, it’s Brianna.” Tears rolled down her face. “I’m… I’m sorry for your loss.”

Noah could hear the muffled sound of the voice on the other end of the call, but not what they were saying.

“Yes, the police were here. I told them what I know, which isn’t much. I hadn’t seen him in a long time.”

She talked to them for a few more minutes, expressed her condolences again and then paused to listen to what they were saying as more tears fell from her eyes. “Thank you,” she said softly. “I’ll be in touch.” With a deep sigh, she said, “I need to call my parents, too, so they don’t hear this news from someone else.”

“Go ahead. Get it over with.”

After the emotional exchange with her parents, Noah took the phone from her and turned it off, placing it on the coffee table. “Are you okay?”

“I have no idea what I am. His parents were so nice. They said that no matter how it ended, they believed with all their hearts that Rem loved me as much as he possibly could.”

“That might be something to hold on to, you know? That he loved you the best way he knew how.”

“Maybe. I don’t know. It’s all so confusing. How can I feel the way I do about him most of the time, but still be crushed to hear he’s dead?”

“Because you’re a good person, and part of you still loved the person you thought he was. And believe me, I get that. It’s a fucked-up jumble of emotions that makes no sense whatsoever.”

“No, it doesn’t. My mother cried when she heard the news. That’s the dichotomy of Rem. They hate what he did to me, but a part of them still loves the person we all thought he was.”

“Strangely enough, that makes sense to me.”

“I’m glad it does to you. For me, it’s just hard to figure out what exactly I’m supposed to feel.”

“You will, honey. Just keep breathing.”

They were still huddled together on the sofa when his sisters arrived, carrying pans and trays, and one of them even had a blender. They got busy in the kitchen and left her and Noah alone until they were ready to join the group. And then each of them hugged Brianna and expressed condolences as Sarah handed her a margarita.

“Thank you, guys. This is very nice of you.”

“We’re sorry for your loss,” Nessa said.

“I feel guilty accepting condolences for someone I would’ve liked to have stabbed myself at times.”

“You’re allowed to feel crappy that someone you used to love has died this way,” Sarah said.

“Thank you. What did you guys make? It smells amazing.”

“Enchiladas,” Ally said, “including some with just grilled veggies for you.”

Brianna teared up again at their thoughtfulness. “That’s really nice of you and to relocate dinner over here.”

“Happy to,” Nessa said. “Now, have a seat and let us take care of you.”

Brianna did as she was told, sat at the table and let them take over. She’d never had sisters, but she could certainly get used to having these ladies in her life.