Chapter 46: Chapter 46

“What in the world have you gotten yourself into now?”

Monty Verona was clearly not happy, and even though Rome knew there would be dire consequences for all that had happened, he’d never been happier to see his father, or the lawyer by his side. Franklin McNair was one of the top lawyers in all of California, probably the country. If anyone could make sure Rome wasn’t charged with anything, it was Mr. McNair.

While McNair was in talking to the detectives, Rome sat in the waiting room next to his father, not sure how much he should say and how much could wait until he got home. His mother, Lacy, would be much more understanding about the entire situation and was certain to hold up for Rome whereas Monty could be a bastard when he wanted to be. The idea that this could cloud his “good” name was far more important to him than the fact that Rome’s best friend was dead.

“I’m sorry, Father,” Rome said, his face swollen from crying. Every time he thought of Mark lying there, of Tim floating away, he got tears in his eyes. “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”

“You’re lucky so many people saw what happened. One or two might try to pin this on you, but enough people are saying that you didn't push him, that you both fell, and that it was an accident, they shouldn’t charge you. But I’ve had about enough of all of this, Rome. You’ve defied me for the last time.”

Rome knew exactly what he was talking about--not working for his father’s film company. If he hadn’t been trying to make a name for himself, if he hadn’t been making a movie with another company, his father would’ve had more control over who was involved. He could’ve protected him from Tim. None of this would’ve happened.

As angry as Monty was about the fact that Rome had been working for another company, he would be ten times more upset when he found out the truth about Ella. And at the moment, it was just a matter of time. The detectives had said they already knew about the wedding when Rome told them, so if his father didn’t know yet, he would shortly. If the detectives could get their hands on the information that quickly, so could Monty. Rome thought his father didn’t know yet, though. If he did, he wouldn’t be as calm as he was at the moment. For most people, the huffing and puffing his father was doing, the crossing and uncrossing of his arms, would’ve signaled a person was not calm at all. But for Monty Verona, this was calm.

Rome glanced up at the scowl on his father’s face. He looked much like an older version of Rome. Taller, broader in the chest, his dyed hair darker and oiled back. He had deep grooves in his cheeks from scowling all the time, too. He was muttering under his breath, still unable to believe his son had gotten himself involved in a double homicide, or a homicide/accidental death.

That wasn’t surprising, though, because Rome couldn’t believe it himself.

After an hour or so, McNair came out, followed by the detectives. “Thank you, gentlemen,” the lawyer said, shaking their hands.

“We’ll be in touch,” Det. Bassett said, glaring at Rome.

“I don’t think you will,” McNair said. “We all know this was an accident, and Rome just happened to be in the same ocean at the time of Bolt’s death. That’s not a crime.” He waved dismissively at them and then turned to his clients. “Rome, let’s go. Mr. Verona….”

His father didn’t say anything, only stood, glared at the detectives, and headed for the door. Rome dropped the blanket he’d had wrapped around himself, trying to ignore the bloodstain on his shirt, and followed his father out, praying this would all be over soon. He needed to talk to Ella. He prayed she wasn’t angry at him, but he wouldn’t blame her if she were. While Rome hadn’t killed her cousin himself, it was still his fault Tim was dead, and that might just be unforgivable.

Ella had agreed to stay at her aunt’s house. Tim’s dad was on his way home from New York City and would be there in a few hours. In the meantime, Aunt Gen had taken something pretty potent that was helping her sleep. Henry had gone back to Teresa’s house. He’d promised to let her family know what had gone on so she wouldn’t have to call any of them. Her dad had still called, but Ella didn’t have much to say to him. She was numb.

One of Aunt Gen’s butlers announced she had a visitor; Ella blinked a few times and looked up at the doorway, not sure who she might see. She still hadn’t spoken to Rome. She wondered if his phone had been ruined. And she hadn’t bothered to try to call Bart back in the last few hours. What was she going to say to him?

When she stepped into the room, Mary’s eyes were wide, and it was obvious she’d been crying. Ella suddenly felt the air rushing into her lungs again at the sight of one of the only people she counted as a friend. She ran across the room and flung herself into the other girl’s open arms. Tears began to stream down her face as Mary stroked her hair. “Oh, Ella, I’m so sorry.”

“I can’t believe you’re here. Thank you for coming,” she said into Mary’s shoulder. Eventually, she managed to pull away. The slight woman was wearing jeans and a blouse, not the maid’s uniform she’d been wearing every other time Ella had ever seen her. “I’ve missed you so much, Little Mouse.”

“I had to come by and see you. I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”

“Come in,” Ella insisted, ushering her to the plush, white sofa she’d been sitting on in the parlor for the last few hours. “Are you still working for my father?”

“No,” Mary said, sinking down next to Ella. “I got fired a few days after you left. Teresa accused me of stealing, but it was really that she suspected I had been helping you.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ve been working at a restaurant. I hate it, but it’s okay.”

“I wish you would’ve found me earlier. I would’ve done something to help.”

Mary shrugged. “I didn’t have your new phone number, and I didn’t want to bother Tim’s family. I wasn’t sure you’d be here, under the circumstances….”

She stopped talking, and Ella understood what she was getting at—her relationship with Rome. “No one knows still, at least, I don’t think they do. I can’t tell Aunt Gen, and I can’t tell my dad, not now. I don't know what I’m going to do.”

Mary opened her mouth and then closed it. It was obvious she wanted to say something but didn’t think she should. Ella continued to stare at her friend for a moment before Mary said quietly, “I’ve heard they took Rome into custody. There’s a chance he could be charged with Tim’s murder. Perhaps… now is a good time to think about the situation.”

“The situation?” Ella raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“I mean… perhaps… your father’s right. Maybe it would be better… given the circumstances… if you were to forget about Rome. And marry Henry from Paris.”

Ella’s eyes bulged as she stared at her friend, unable to believe her ears. “Did you say…. You can’t be serious, Mary!”

“Hear me out, Ella. I know how hard it is to accept, but Rome’s life is essentially over, isn’t it? I bet you could be happy with Henry. He seems like a nice person. You have a lot in common. I think you’d be happy in Paris, too.”

“Do you mean that, Mary?”

“I do.” Her head was tipped up so that she was looking up at the ceiling, and Ella studied her for a moment, thinking there was no way she could possibly realize what she was saying.

“Well, you’ve certainly comforted me in my time of need, friend,” Ella said, sliding away from her. “Sure. Why don’t you just call my father right now and let him know I’ll marry Henry?”

“Ella….” Mary clearly picked up on her sarcasm. “I’ve seen the pictures all over the media of Rome and an unknown girl, so I know what you’ve been up to. I was just thinking about what’s best for you. I know you don’t want to anger your father. Now that Rome is in trouble with the law….”

“I don’t care, Mary! He’s my husband!” Ella’s teeth were clenched. “When I took my vows, I meant every single one of them. I’ll stay with him forever. Until I’m dead and buried in the ground! Now, you can either stick around and be my friend and help me through this or go. But don’t you dare try to talk me out of staying married to my husband!”

“Oh, Ella, I’m so sorry!” Mary dove across the sofa and wrapped her arms around Ella. “I was just trying to give you some options, to let you know, if you’ve been thinking about trying to get out of the marriage, I understand. But if you intend to see this through…”

“I do!”

“Then I’m here for you. I promise.”

Ella took a deep breath and blew it out, happy to hear her. “Good. I will need a friend now that Tim is gone, and I can’t speak to Rome, at least not at the moment. Thank you, Mary.”

“Anything that I can do,” Mary said, looking her in the eye, “I’m here for you, dear friend.”

Ella smiled at her and brushed Mary’s hair back away from her face. “Thank you, Mary.” She wanted to believe her, to trust her, but Mary would have to prove her loyalty now that she had mentioned she thought Ella should consider Henry.

At the moment, it seemed like the only person she could trust was out of reach, and if she didn’t hear from Rome soon, she’d lose her mind.