Dead Presidents (An Aria Raymond Thriller Book 3) by Thomas Ransom (that summer book txt) 📕

Chapter 8: Thin Ice

Diaz returned home from the celebration dinner. There was indeed plenty to celebrate after she was able to secure an outstanding negotiation deal with Aria’s case. Aria was thrilled beyond reason. She wasn’t expecting the lawsuit to be over so quickly and that too, with amazing results.

Diaz, however, had a fairly good idea. Aria’s case had already received so much hype in the media. People were outraged at how unfairly she was treated. Aria already had the sympathy of the masses, which is why Diaz knew that once they sued the authorities, they would never want the case to go to trial. She knew that they would immediately give them a good settlement offer. Even though the first settlement offer was good enough to get Aria comfortably set for years to come, Diaz demanded more.

“Damn! This is enough for both of us to live comfortably for life,” Aria had whispered when they were discussing the offer and deciding what to do about it. “We can invest it in our business too.”

Diaz smiled. She was glad Aria was moving on, getting excited about her future and business opportunity. Aria wanted to split the money between them, but Diaz refused. She only agreed to take the usual percentage from the clients. Aria insisted that it would be good for their business, but Diaz was firm about her decision. In the end, Aria agreed.

Diaz knew Aria deserved to be compensated for whatever she had been through. Diaz felt that even this was not enough for the pain and suffering Aria had to endure. But Aria was content. She was happy to close the case and start her life afresh. Moreover, Diaz was getting more than enough money from the settlement as the lawyer fee to invest in her business and even save some for a rainy day. With this case wrapped up successfully, Diaz could now focus on her main case. She was going to find who was behind the Coons and Ellen murders. She was going to get justice for the guy who had helped her escape and lost his life in the process. She was going to get justice for herself, and God knows how many others, who had suffered and were still doing so because of this group of evil individuals.

She was scheduled to meet with Jake and Sanjay this week to begin their investigation. However, they had been extremely busy with some cases. Diaz was going to start on her own for now. Today, she was all about their success. She went out for dinner and drinks with Aria and Tanya. They later went to a dance club to blow off some steam. Even though Diaz wanted to start working on the next case, she figured she deserved one night off.

When she arrived back home, Mark was standing outside her apartment. Diaz stopped abruptly and shook her head. She was rather tipsy, from having a few drinks. This was probably not a good idea. What is he doing here? She thought. He did look amazing in the dimmed light, though. She giggled. Mark turned to her, looking concerned. “Nicole! Where have you been? I was worried. Is everything okay?”

Nicole nodded, “I was out.”

Mark smiled, “I can see that. I have been trying to reach you for hours. I got concerned. Your phone was switched off. I was worried sick!”

“But why?” Nicole asked as she walked towards him.

“Because…”

Nicole raised her eyebrow, “We didn’t have any plans for today. In fact, you said you would give me space to think things through.”

“That was more than a month ago. I … I am still giving you space… I didn’t come to ask you about your decision.” Mark sighed. “Nicole. I was missing you, which is why I was trying to call you. Just to hear your voice and see how you are doing. But when I couldn’t reach out to you. I got worried…”

“How very sweet of you,” Nicole batted her eyes at him and started giggling.

Mark shook his head, “You had fun tonight, huh? A little too much to drink?”

“I have every right to drink however much I want to drink. You know why?” Nicole swayed a little. “I was celebrating. I won a case… a big one. After all that had happened in the past year or so, we … I deserved a win.”

Mark looked at her lovingly, “Of course, you do!”

“Don’t!”

“What?”

“Don’t look at me like that!”

“Like what?”

“Like you … like you actually care.”

“But I do, Nicole. You know that. I have apologized. I have changed. You know I love you. I want to give you everything you ever wanted.”

“I do that myself. Thank you very much.”

She started to sway again, and Mark grabbed her hand, “Easy. Of course, Nicole. You have always been determined and independent. That is what I admire about you.”

“Yeah?” Nicole was distracted by his touch. She shook her head, “Is that why you left for years?”

“I am sorry. I regret doing that, and I would do anything to be with you again.”

“Anything, huh?” She smiled playfully.

“Whatever you want.”

Nicole felt that instant pull towards him. It was stronger than ever before. Before she could stop herself, she leaned forward to kiss him. Mark instantly backed away.

“Seriously?” Nicole frowned.

“Not like this.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“You are drunk, Nicole. I don’t want you to make an impulse decision, only to regret it later.”

“Who cares? I am in a good mood. I was out celebrating my win, and my future looks bright. I want you right now. You said you would do anything for me.”

Mark sighed, “Yeah. When you are sober. Right now, you need to sleep it off. I know you, Nicole. You will regret it and then blame