CHAPTER 42

He went ahead to grill the meat while focusing on the other meal. He poured the rice he had washed in hot water earlier and poured that in boiling water. As the rice cooked, he faced the chicken. Occasionally, she passed him a bowl of ingredients to use. But he didn't let her stress herself. He did the majority of the work. Finally, he was done.

Evangeline yawned as Jason took his time dishing the meal. He was so serious about it. His face was stern as he carefully placed the fried chicken on the fried rice, something he did so methodically she didn't know rice could be fried that way. The rice was so green she couldn't wait to start eating. "Mr. Chef, can we eat here please? I could faint before we get to the dining."

"I figured we should too." He passed her the food tray where he had dished a plate of fried rice with chicken. Beside it was the barbecue. He handed her the cutlery and dished his food too. Before sitting, he opened the bottle of champagne but got Evan bottled water and juice. "Sorry." He apologized. "I promise to stop buying wine except for the nonalcoholic ones."

"It's fine. I want juice anyway." She waved off the apology as she dug into the meal. She was chewing excitedly, "Hmmmn. It's really good." She said.

"I know, right." He smiled.

Sampling the barbecue, she said, "It tastes different. What's the secret ingredient?"

He laughed. "I noticed that you didn't pay attention when I added my secret ingredient. So, no ma. Not telling."

"I'll figure it out, you know." She teased as she ate with such enthusiasm that Jason laughed.

"I love a lady that eats well." He told her as he started eating too. "The baby doing that to you?"

"I eat well naturally." She smiled, looking down at herself. "You saw how curvy I was then, even now, I'm not showing yet. So this is still all me. Although, I do have stronger urges now. I eat more too."

"You're showing already." He told her. 'Just look at the mirror when next. Scrutinize yourself well."

She smiled and sighed. She had just finished her meal. She smiled at the grilled barbecue for just a second, and she dug into it. "It's well sauced, and I love the mild taste of the honey."

"We aim to please." He joked, picking a line from the famous book Fifty shades.

"You read the book?"

"Of course. I skimmed through a couple of pages..."

"Men and books." She rubbed her head. When she started to cough, Jason looked at her, worried. He passed her the water. "I'm fine." She opened the water and drank slowly, smiling as he looked at her, still worried. "I'm okay."

"No more of that." He moved her hand away from the barbecue, but she quickly grabbed a big chunk and ran out of the kitchen. It was in her mouth before he could leave.

"Just sit down and enjoy your meal in one piece." He said, backing off. "And please don't choke on the meat."

"Yes, boss." She said, sitting down.

******

Sam and his team, who had been on a stakeout for the two men in the grey Camry, waited in the car all day. They had been on the lookout now for two days, and the car seems to have disappeared just as suddenly as it had appeared in Miami. It's been close to 12hours that he and his team had been waiting now without any success, and his team members were getting impatient. So, as the leader, he pulled a call through to his boss. James picked instantly.

"Any news?" James asked.

"Nothing from this end. Anything from the guy digging into their records?" Sam asked.

"No. He's yet to call. Though the man is insisting the said pilot was on the Smiths' payroll. So far, there's no concrete evidence. I need proof."

"I may have a way of getting that. I just got a contact that has solid dig into the Smiths. He can be a double agent, though."

"We can use him. Or her?"

"Him." Sam confirmed.

"Let me figure something out. There's an old colleague of my dad at DSS, and I'm meeting with him soon. The outcome will determine if we can still work your contact."

"Okay then."

"In the meantime, I still want you on the stakeout. The men are still here. I'm sure of that. They're probably just lying low for now. That only means they know they've been spotted." He warned. "Be careful."

"Sure, man."

***********

About that time, Jason and Evangeline had just finished their meal. After the dinner, Jason cleared the table while Evan insisted on washing the dishes. He stayed until she was done, and they both left the kitchen. She excused herself for a quick shower. When she got back, he had his suit in hand and was ready to go. "You're leaving?" She noted, somewhat disappointed

"Yes. I've got an early appointment tomorrow." He explained then offered, "Want to come down to Miami with me?"

"Nah. I'll pass."

"Okay then." He turned and started to walk out. Evan walked him to the car. The other driver working instead of James, got down to open the door and went back to the driver's seat. "Take care of yourself. I'll come to get you over the weekend if you want that."

"Yes. The weekend is okay."

"With me. Stay the weekend with me."

She hesitated, looking away and didn't see as he reached out for a hug. She was in his arms before she could object. When he thanked her, she asked, "What for? I should be the one to thank you." And he pulled away only to give her a full-blown kiss. Evan held onto him lightly. He smelled of a sweet mixture of his aftershave and sweat and the grilled meat all in one. She returned the sweet kisses with such enthusiasm that he became carefree too. He had wanted just a chaste kiss. Now, he leaned into her and backed them to the car, using it as support. She wanted to, wanted all he offered, but then, remembering the look on his face the last time things had progressed speedily, she pulled back.

If Jason noticed any change, he said nothing. He only smiled at her. "This weekend then? It's a date."

Evangeline stood on the spot, watching the car back out of her driveway. She waved just as another vehicle pulled over almost recklessly. Yelling at the driver, she stepped away only to be surprised the maniac driver was Logan. "Logan? Are you drunk?" She looked to see if Jason had spotted him but didn't see his car. He would have come back had he seen the other man.

"Did I just see you all tangled up with your baby daddy? Jason?" Logan asked, seething. He had been worried about her and came to see if they could talk about their relationship one last time. With Mary pulling the club stunt on him, he wanted to clear the air. But Jason beat him to it yet again. And he was so angry when the man pulled his woman to himself for a kiss. But what had stopped him was that Evan had leaned into him and kissed him right back. He needed no one telling him then that somehow, those two had grown on each other, leaving him out of the equation. He forced himself to listen as Evan said something to him.

"And?" She eyed him viciously. "We're done. What stops me from having a relationship with him?" She started to walk away. But he followed her even though she hadn't extended him an invitation in.

"Is that your excuse?" He stopped her and turned her to face him. "That we're done?" She shrugged, and he ran his hand through his hair in exasperation. "It's wrong. You can't be seeing that man. He isn't who you think he is, and he just lost his wife. Doesn't that tell you anything?"

"No. Nothing." She began to walk away. He followed her.

"He's using you both ways."

Evangeline sighed in irritation. She stopped at her door. "Really? That's all you can come up with? It's a wonder." She opened the door and wanted to shut it at him, but he pushed through.

"You can't be seeing him, babe. I want you back." He admitted.

Sighing, she sat down and pointed that he sits too. "We can't be together." She told him. Then, pointing at her stomach, she added, "I'm carrying his child."

"As his surrogate." He refused to concede, "It should end there. Give him his child and move on."

She smiled. "If only it were that simple."

Logan looked at her in total shock. The expression on her face said it all. He had lost his woman. He stormed out of her apartment in anger, wondering if they were really over. As he drove off in anger, he would deliberate how a particular friend had ruined his relationship. He would count back how his life had changed in just three months. His relationship had been going smoothly. Left to him, he had thought they were headed for the aisle. Who would have thought Evan would become a surrogate? Somehow though, he couldn't help shaking off the feeling that had all been perfect between himself and Evan, she wouldn't have been a surrogate to Jason Valdez, and now, he was stealing her heart away too.

CHAPTER 43

James stood looking at the evidence that the man, his father, had asked him to speak with gave him. This couldn't be right, even though the file stated otherwise. The man had dug through their archives upon hearing the pilot's name. He was a senior DSS agent where his dad had worked too. They always had information about everyone. They couldn't trace anybody. But what he was starting at now wasn't even possible. "I still can't believe this."

"You'd better do. Thomas is going to have a fit for sure." The man said sadly. "But that man right there was on the Smith's payroll."

"But he died. Why would he give up his life just like that?"

"It bothers me too. Something really smells funny in there. But wait, I've got an idea. There's a friend at DSS headquarters that I can speak with." He dialed the friend's number while James waited impatiently. He held his hand up for James while he placed the man on speaker. "Please, I need information about a certain Nicholas Dickson. He died in a plane crash in Miami years ago. I'll send his picture now." He sent the picture to the man on the other end. "Seen it?"

"Oh. Yeah. He's here." The man said instantly, "He's alive."

"What?" James stopped staring at the file to look at the man. "He's alive?" He whispered. The agent echoed his question to the other man on the phone.

"Yes. We've been keeping a tab on Nick because he's involved in so many shady deals here in Washington, murders too. We stumbled on his recent victim, and it's how we found him. He wasn't the man who died. According to the record, he was the pilot that day. But he didn't pilot the plane. He was out at the last minute. The public record says he died too."

James could see the 'but' coming. He stilled himself for it.

"But we dug into the case. His co-pilot took over when he got down at the last minute complaining of a heavy stomach upset. There was no time to change the record. So, everyone just assumed he died in the crash. Whereas..."

"He was never in." The man completed getting the trick Nicholas Dickson had played on everyone.

"For clarity, was there a bomb or anything to indicate foul play?" The agent asked the man on the phone.

"No. In fact, if we didn't know what to look for, we would have missed it too. It was a mechanical issue that causes the crash. But we found out the engine wire had been chipped off. It only had to roll a few times to cut off, and boom... Crash."

James released a rush of air on hearing that. He started pacing the room as the two men chatted briefly on the phone before ending the call. When he hung up, James thanked him and asked to take pictures of the file. Given the go-ahead, he snapped the photos and stood to leave. They shook hands, and the man walked James out. "You're telling your father, right?" He asked.

"Not now." James said, and the man smiled. He had been one of the men Thomas had stalked when his wife died. He had almost been shot once by the brooding man. He sighed. "This could drive him over the edge. Better to keep him in the dark a little."

"I'll take your advice. I don't want more pressure. Not now, with everything going on. I might have to send him off to his brother far off the county."

"That's better and safer for everyone. Him too." The man conceded. They were at the car parked at the entrance of the DSS office. James shook hands with the older man and took his leave.

As James drove past the heavy Miami traffic, he hurried to get to the office. He called Sam while driving into the office to leave the stakeout and meet him at the office. They needed to strategize and bring in more hands. And so, the security team for the Valdez went for a meeting to get fully armed and prepared to protect their boss.

The next evening came slowly for Adriana Swiss. She would have preferred Noah leaving without the kids being involved. But he had come up with this line that seemed sensible at the time. Now, she wasn't sure this was the best tactic to it. He had agreed to move out even though he didn't do anything his wife accused him of. To this, Adriana had scoffed and asked what he wanted.

"Nothing." he told her, "But I think we should keep the kids out of the drama."

"And how do we do that?"

"Let them see me leave. We can tell them I'm travelling and will be gone a while."

"You think that's the best for them?"

"Yes. I think so."

And here they were, the twins stood hugging their father. Ethan clutched his leg while Elizabeth was being carried off. Adriana shook her head, not enjoying the scene one bit. They were always like this whenever he travelled, and they'd cry themselves to sleep afterwards. She wished she hadn't listened to this insane plan.

"Kids." she called at them, "Come down and let daddy go. He'll be late." She just wanted him gone...for now. She was hurting, and it was a pain to even look at him.

Ethan let go of his father's leg reluctantly, but Elizabeth hugged him tighter. "You'll call?" She asked.

"I always do." He replied but looked pointedly at their mother. Adriana shrugged, not getting his unspoken question. "I'll call." He repeated so she could understand. Adriana picked, he was asking if he would be allowed to call. She agreed, of course. They had a right to that. She wouldn't deny them that, despite the pain that numbed her.

"And you won't stay longer than two weeks?" Elizabeth asked again.

"Hopefully." He answered. This time he didn't look at his wife. He knew the answer to that just as she did. Whatever was going on, two weeks wouldn't cover the event about to unfold. But he couldn't tell his kids that. He looked down at Ethan, who was pulling his trouser gently. "What's up, buddy?"

"The Spiderman costume you promised me. You have to get it this time."

"Okay, buddy." He said, still holding his sister, "I'll get you that and get Elizabeth a...."

"Elsa's costume too." The young girl told him cheerfully

Noah looked at his wife lost. "What's that?"

"It's her favorite character in Frozen."

"I'll look for one and send it, okay?" He said before he realized what he just said, but Elizabeth caught on

"Send? No, bring them with you when coming back. You don't intend staying longer than two weeks, do you?" She asked again.

"I'll try to get everything all wrapped up early." He replied, saying as much as he could promise

"Family hug," Ethan called. Adriana lifted him and hugged Noah with Elizabeth. Noah brushed a kiss on her forehead and the kids'. It was only then that Elizabeth came down. The three stood as he closed the boot where his luggage was, and he waved as he drove off. They watched him go before the twins ran inside and their mother followed sadly. As they ran happily inside the house to scatter their rooms, she wished she could have someone to speak with. She reached for her phone and dialed her sister.

"Why the hell aren't you in Miami?" She asked Evangeline.

"I'm coming this weekend. Need to tie up some loose ends here." Evan told her, "Hello to you too."

"I want you here, please." She pleaded, "Noah left."

CHAPTER 44

As soon as Adriana hung up, Evangeline called Jason immediately to inform him she had to leave LA the next day. Their weekend plans would have to hold or be moved to another time. Jason informed her he could have her in Miami by evening the next day. He told her to wait for him to get her. Excitedly, she woke up the following day and began to prepare for another trip with him in his private jet. The plan was to still have a good time with him in Miami. She went shopping for some new clothes. Something more complimentary and sexy. Entering the Rovers Jason had gotten her, she drove out of the compound. She saw the blue car parked across the street also going out, and for some reason, her mind registered it. Calling Zoe, she asked her to join her at the BELLS boutique downtown.

She was able to get to the boutique before Zoe. So, she made her way to the spot reserved chiefly for herself and other customers who knew this spot. BELLS was one fashion hub most celebrities and wealthy folks frequented. Their clothes and accessories were always beautiful, trendy and unbelievably expensive. The classy ladies had a spot where they sat and are served specially. Soon enough, as she waited for Zoe to come, the attendant knowing her as one of their best customers, served her some exotic wine. She could only stare at the drink. Smiling at the attendant, she told her to return it and serve her juice instead. Rubbing her stomach gently, she whispered, "See what I have to give up for months, baby?"

"Do you now?" Zoe said, walking in. They hugged and greeted so cheerfully that the lady at the cash box stopped to look at them. "Look at you!" Exclaimed Zoe.

Evangeline smiled, refusing to fall for the trick again. "Not this time." She told her friend as she pulled away, "How are you?"

"I'm good." She sat down and said, "But seriously, you're showing." The attendant brought the juice back, which she served Evan. The other wine was served to Zoe. She told them to have a good time browsing through their wears and excused herself. "How have you been?"

"I'm okay. And before you ask, I don't even feel pregnant." She raised her hands in protest seeing her friend's mocking smile. "But I've been eating like an elephant."

Zoe smiled at that and hugged her friend again, "It's been a while. I miss you."

"So do I."

Another attendant brought out two hangers of clothes for them to check. "Good day, madams." Zoe and Evan nodded at the greeting. "These were just delivered yesterday. They are the latest." she bowed and went back to her duty. Zoe stood up to check them out. "We could have these delivered home. Why did you drag us here so early?" She asked

"Well, I wanted a ride in my new car. I haven't been in it more than once since I'm always in Miami these days. Jason had it delivered last week." She said.

"That reminds me. We had a deal, right?" She smiled mischievously, "Let me drive it for how many weeks again?"

"That can be arranged. Speaking of, I'm travelling again." Rolling her eyes, "Today matter of fact. Ad needs me."

Her friend sat down again with this wicked look, "Or you can...."

Cutting her short, Evan warned, "Don't you dare say it?"

"Loan me for the time you won't be in Miami." Zoe said anyway, ignoring the threat. She stood up too when Evan stood. But her friend was distracted by something else and not their conversation. She was looking at a pink dress. Her friend laughed in amazement. She had always loved pink as a girl. Well, most girls loved pink. But then they outgrow it. And she was supposed to outgrow it as a woman like every other girl but not Evan. She still loved pink. "So, this won't let you loan me the car?" She teased, snatching the dress from her. The way Evan went after the dress was hilarious. Zoe had to let go.

"I love this." she said, turning it sideways and backwards. It was a short pink gown with a lacey front. The dress was smoked with elastic, making it super stretchy and clingy at the same time. It would be perfect for her figure, even when she starts to show.

"Please." Zoe said, showing her a lovely short gown, similar to what she held but blue. "Want this?"

"No, I have the pink already. I don't want two of the same style."

She shook her head and dropped the gown for herself. "I'm picking that." Suddenly, she remembered Mary. "Did I tell you I ran into Mary at the club?" Evan shook her head, "It was in the most embarrassing circumstance." She told her friend.

"How do you mean?"

"I was on my way into the club when Logan stumbled out with this weird smile. He didn't even see me."

"Logan?" Evan asked, remembering her last encounter with him. "Go on."

"I went in nonetheless and was surprised when a few minutes later Mary walked out of a room somewhere. She didn't look happy, and this guy I knew was all over me, I couldn't get to her on time. She drove off angrily. So, when I came back, the guy asked what I wanted with Mary" she smiled, "The way he asked, I knew he had something juicy thing to say." Her sarcastic smile said her response

Evan got the hint, "You lied; you didn't know her."

Zoe shrugged, "Did what I had to do." She continued, "He told me Mary had lured Logan to this red room they have and the waiter who had been eavesdropping said he didn't fall for it. It must have hurt her pride."

"Wow." Evan said, looking a bit angry, "Why won't he just give in to her advances instead of following me around." She murmured.

"Am I missing something here? I think the guy is insisting on not having anything to do with her because she's your friend." Confused, she added, "It's the moral thing to do."

"Well, we are no longer together. He should be with her if that's what he wants."

"Who exactly are we talking about here? Mary or Logan?"

"I don't know what you mean."

"You are obviously upset. But I think your anger is misdirected. Mary is the annoying brat here, not Logan."

"From where I stand, Logan needs to move on. She ruined us already, and we aren't getting back."

Zoe let go of the blue dress and reached for another. "For one, I will never forgive him if moving on lands him in our friend's clutches. It's insane." She found a suede skirt which she held up for Evan to check. Evan shook her head, not interested in the skirt. She pointed at another instead. Zoe brought it out so they could inspect it. It wasn't anything fancy. It was beachwear. Something to wear around the house when the weather was hot. Evan picked it, knowing how hot she gets these days.

"I don't understand why Mary is all over him. She could get anyone." Evan scoffed angrily, "He should give in too." When Zoe said nothing to that, she added quietly, "Logan saw me kissing Jason."

"Now, I feel bad for him" looking at Evan, she asked, "Is that why you wanted him to move on?'

"Yes. I have. He should too. He was so upset that day."

"You would too if it were the other way round" she sat back down too, smiling, "Now, tell me what happened. How was the kiss? I want all the gory details."