There it was.

The gauntlet.

Rachel leveled her eyes on him. "Go on. What's in it for your mummy?"

"You owe me. You owe Joseph. What have you ever done for either of us?"

Rachel shook her head. "Not going to work with me, Cain. You know better than that."

"What can I give you, Mom?"

"Not you, sweet boy, your father in-law. The b.a.s.t.a.r.d was supposed to free me four years ago. It's time."

"He can't."

Rachel laughed. She came back to her seat, flopping down. "He got me off a murder rap. You telling me he can't get me released?"

"Then he won't."

"Then you will have to make the choice for him." Rachel studied him for a long moment. "Untie me."

"Why?"

"Can't teach my boy how to play chess with my hands tied behind my back," she smiled.

"If you help me, then I'll help you, Mom. There's one more thing. You get out of here and we're done. You leave for good. I don't want to ever see you again."

She nodded slowly. "Your choice. I'll respect it."

Cain sighed.

Rachel licked her bottom lip. "So who are the players?"

"His name is Keith Livingston. I'm in love with his wife. He works for Andrew, my boss."

Rachel laughed. "Now this ought to be fun. What about your wife? We keep her? Or get rid of her?"

The question hit him hard. He hadn't thought of his marriage, and how he'd handle Maryanne. "Don't worry about that. I'll take care of it."

Rachel arched a brow. "Really? You'll take care of it?"

"I need to know how to have Andrew and Keith cut each other's throats. Get them both out of the way."

"I like this game already," Rachel laughed.

After a deep intake of breath, Simone pressed the b.u.t.ton again. She was beginning to think no one was home. And then the door opened. "Simone? Is that you? George, Simone's here! Come in! Come in!"

"Hi, Mother Livingston, how are you?"

Simone was shocked that Meredith, the family maid, didn't answer. Simone walked inside. The place always felt so sterile to her. It was more like a museum and a monument to the Livingston's legacy than a house. Keith's behavior always changed when he crossed the threshold too. He became so rigid and void of humor. She had to wonder what growing up with these parents did to him. She swallowed back the nauseating smell of geraniums that were stuffed in every pot and vase.

"George, Simone's here."

She looked into the parlor. The judge smoked on his pipe while reading a paper. His eyes lifted and locked with hers. They dropped in disinterest.

"Oh never mind him. I'm so glad you came. You could have called, darling. Keith said you were dealing with a lot. Come out on the terrace with me. I was just sitting down to my lemonade." She hurried along. Her name was Alice, a woman of short stature. She was in her mid-sixties but didn't look a day over 55. Dressed in a pink dress and neutral heels, she looked as if she were going out. Simone guessed she wasn't. Alice played lady of the Livingston manor well, better than she, and Simone was constantly reminded of that fact through the years. "I spoke to Keith this morning, before he got on the plane. He said that you were here to see your sister. She's sick? He said he'd be coming as soon as he can. I'm sure you miss him terribly."

Simone forced a smile while following. They stepped out on the terrace. The noonday sun added to the humidity. She removed her suit jacket and sat down. She could feel her mother in-law's eyes on her. She knew that Keith spoke to her daily, especially when things were tense between them. There was a chance that she knew more.

"Meredith, bring Simone a gla.s.s of lemonade, dear!"

"I would have called, but I was out shopping and visiting friends. I just couldn't go back to Kim's without stopping by."

"Of course. How are her sons?"

"Fine. They are all fine."

"And Castle Rock?"

"It's nice, a beautiful place. Keith is really busy and I started a garden."

"Ah, now that is promising." Her mother in-law said, wagging a finger. "I told you to get a hobby."

Simone accepted the lemonade from the maid. Meredith gave her a knowing smile. Usually when visiting, Simone would slip off to sit and chat with her instead of her in-laws. The maid left and Simone met Mother Livingston's unwavering stare. "Has Keith told you?"

"Told me what, dear? That you've been having trouble adjusting?"

Simone frowned. "Is that how he put it?"

Her mother in-law set down the gla.s.s of lemonade. She flashed that smile that Simone never trusted and spoke to her softly. "You and Keith have hit a rough patch! There, I said it." She threw her arms up. "My son is pretty torn apart over it. To be honest, I was coming out to visit you, but you know I'm not one to pry."

"Of course."

"Simone, my son is doing everything in his power to make you happy. He's given you the world, hasn't he?"

Simone held her tongue. She squeezed the cool gla.s.s of lemonade for restraint.

"He wants to start a family and well, you still aren't pregnant. We talked about this. Remember? If you were to get pregnant, it would be the ingredient that's missing for you two. These squabbles would go away."

"I agree."

"You do?"

"Yes ma'am. That's why I'm here," Simone said.

"Really."

"Can I trust you?"

"Of course!"

Simone set the gla.s.s on the coaster. A soft breeze stirred. Its gentle wind cooled her. "I want a baby. I've always wanted his baby. But, well see, the doctors say I should be pregnant by now." Her eyes lifted to her mother in-law. "My doctor wants for us both to be tested. Keith's refusing. He's not really open to the idea of strangers you know, examining us this way. Fertility that is."

"How can I help?" Alice's eyes sparkled with interest.

Simone smiled. "He mentioned before that he had a doctor, a really good private physician back in college. One he trusted. I was wondering who the doctor was? I thought maybe he could shed some light on things."

"Is that all?" her mother in-law laughed. "It's Dr. Clint Goldstein. He's still George and Keith's physician. Why wouldn't Keith tell you this? Clint has been taking care of Keith since college."

Simone shrugged. "I don't want to disappoint him. I'd rather get the medical records from his doctor to help mine without alarming him. He's under enough pressure as it is."

"True." Her mother in-law nodded in agreement.

"And I want to surprise him. That's why I need to keep it a secret."

Her mother in-law's smile brightened. "Well, Simone, no worries. I will help you. I'll give the doctor a call."

"No!" Simone reached for her hand. "Let me handle it. It's what I owe Keith, and you, Mother Livingston, for being so good to me over the years."

Alice smiled. "I'm so tickled. A baby! I can't wait!"

Simone winked sipping her lemonade. "Me either."

Cain tapped his knuckles on the door. He gave it a slight push until he could see inside. He was there, just as Cain thought he would be. Keith Livingston threw up a single finger for a pause and continued to speak in a low voice. He wore a dark suit, polished as always. Was it really that easy to hide the monster? Keith glanced up over his frames in silent response to Cain's presence and then nodded the 'ok' for him to enter.

It had been a week since he left her. For two long torturous weeks, he resisted texting, calling, or even instant messaging her. Not for him. He did so for her. She was healing, changing, and though he wanted to be a part of that change he knew this journey had nothing to do with him. His part, the only part he could commit to, was seeing it through, staying focused. Today marked the turn, game, set, and match. It was on.

"There he is, at last!" Keith exclaimed, slamming the phone down on the cradle.

Cain looked on, masking his disdain, barely.

"The mask, boy. If they're wearing masks, make sure to wear yours!" Rachel chuckled.

Keith approached with his hand extended. "You, my man, are the real deal. Sit. Let me bring you up to speed. You must think me a madman the way I'm rambling on." Keith gestured to the chair, smoothed down his three hundred dollar tie, and then walked to the door. He called out to his secretary to be sure they were not disturbed.

"Flew back this morning. Wife is going to have my a.s.s in a sling for staying away so long." Keith chuckled, briskly walking back around his desk. "I've been on the phone with New York, buying us more time. This is it. Thanks to you, we can nail Andrew Hollingsworth's b.a.l.l.s to the wall. I've already scheduled to be heard before the board at the end of the month. Got the partners drooling after the taste of blood I tossed their way. Just let them know that I'm in. I'm one of Andrew's boys."

"Slow down," Cain chuckled. "I'm not sure what it is I did?"

"Sure you are. Don't go modest on me. This morning I met with Andrew Hollingsworth first thing, I'm in. I don't know if you're a miracle worker or just a better liar than me, but it's done. Keemler is mine. Got the green light. Correction, I got better than the green light. I've been promoted."

Cain raised his brows. Keith let go a deep chuckle. "You heard right. I'm the new Chief Financial Officer. I'm talking about 35 million to be washed clean. I've already signed off on the project charter." Keith winked. "After Andrew did, of course."

"Then this is it," Cain smiled. "You're going in all the way?"

"No risk, no gain, Cain." Keith rocked back in his chair. "Besides, the board knows who I am. Why I'm here. I'm covered. My exposure is limited at best."

"And New York?" Cain cast a worried look.

"They just want it done. Andrew is watching. I won't tip him off. Not until I get the expense reports and bank drafts will I even raise any of it with New York." Keith leaned forward. "Make no mistake. When this goes down, it goes down big. The press will be all over it. Not since Enron and Kenneth Lay has it been this explosive. We'll be heroes."

"One thing you might not have considered."

"Go on?"

"Discretion, complete non-disclosure is critical here. At least until the board meeting, tell no one, not even the shareholders. Andrew's on edge, suspicious by nature. He plans to present his growth strategy. You, representing, Keemler is a part of that five year plan. That means he's questioning and..." Cain leaned forward, "...watching, always watching." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Something this big requires discipline, secrecy and discretion. Imagine it. Andrew before them spinning his tale with you at his side. He will be fileted in front of the world."

Keith nodded his head, greedily. Yes, greed was an awesome motivator. They both knew Keith had enough evidence and reasonable suspicion now to shut down Andrew Hollingsworth. But a board dismissal wouldn't feed Livingston's ego. He needed this to be much bigger than that.

"You're right. And he'll be arrested. Don't forget. The b.a.s.t.a.r.d is going all the way down."

"Trust me, Keith, I'm counting on it," Cain smirked.

"But the Feds, I need to bring them in. That's the only part I haven't worked out. Setting up a meeting," Keith said.

"Let me."

Keith narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

"I'm more of an a.s.set to the Feds than you. Think about it. They want the entire lot of them. Who else knows where all the skeletons are buried?"

"We can do it jointly."

"It's too risky." Cain shook his head. "Andrew doesn't trust you 100%. Not yet. He's all over you. He'll be tapping your phones soon, watching you in your sleep. He's just that paranoid. Use me. Think about it. I'm his son-in-law. He's already given me the key to his secrets."

Cain watched Keith digest the plan and the risk. He made the deal a bit sweeter as his mother had coached him. "After I go in to the Feds, I'll tell them who you are. Why you came to town. What you uncovered on your own. Total credit goes to you. I'll tell them that you just want to expose the corruption to the shareholders, avoid a scandal and get rid of Andrew. I'll tell them that you can be convinced to work with them instead. You're unsure what to do. That protects you and makes you their 'inside guy'. The world will know that it was you that brought down one of the richest men in the country."

"Why would you do this? Help me like this?" Keith questioned.

"You've seen my life, Keith. Marrying a Hollingsworth has all but castrated me."

Keith slowly smiled. He extended his hand across the desk. "Then you have a deal."

Cain locked in on the offer of partnership. He shook Keith's hand and then forced a smile. "Deal."

Two Weeks Later - Danny screamed.

Simone sighed.

She picked the crying toddler up from the middle of the floor and questioned again why she opted out of Anne's help. "It's okay, sweetie. Don't cry, hey, hey, Danny, look at me. Want a cookie?"

Danny glared at his brother. He plugged his two middle fingers in his mouth and dropped his head on her shoulder. Truth was, the boys were growing crankier by the day. Both missed their mother. Neither were able to verbalize their confusion over her absence, and it had only been a few weeks. The last few nights, Danny had started having nightmares, waking, crying and screaming in bed, calling for Kim. She wondered if Kim suffered the same way.