“You’re lying,” I said, the words escaping before I could stop them.
His expression hardened for a split second before smoothing back into concern. “I understand you’re upset, puppy. I am too. I know how much you love that cat.”
“The court order specifically included the return of all pets,” Damian interjected. “Are you stating under oath that you no longer have possession of the cat?”
“Regrettably, yes,” Marcus said, his eyes never leaving my face. “Though I’m certain he’ll turn up. Cats are clever creatures, aren’t they, Alex? They always find their way home.”
The threat was clear. Home meant with Marcus. Buster would “turn up” when I returned.
“What have you brought?” Damian asked, gesturing to a large suitcase a security guard had wheeled in behind them.
“Just the essentials,” Marcus said smoothly. “Clothes, personal items, Alex’s medications.”
I hadn’t been on medication since I’d left Marcus. Marcus had convinced me I needed anxiety pills, sleeping pills, mood stabilizers—all prescribed by doctors who were his golf buddies. I’d stopped taking them after fleeing the hospital, and the fog I’d lived in had finally begun to lift.
Edward Blackwood stepped forward, placing his briefcase on the table. “We’ve prepared an itemized list of all contents,” he said, extracting a document. “If Mr. Lajeunesse would verify that these are indeed his possessions, we can proceed.”
I looked at the list. Clothes I recognized. Books. My old phone, which I knew would be wiped clean of any incriminating texts or photos. But no sketchbooks. No artwork. Nothing that truly mattered.
“My portfolio,” I said. “My sketchbooks. They’re not listed.”
“I don’t recall seeing any sketchbooks,” Marcus said innocently. “Perhaps you left them at the gallery?”
The gallery where I’d worked—where Marcus had gotten mefired after I left him. Another lie.
“Those items were specifically included in the court order,” Damian said, his tone hardening. “Mr. Delaney, failure to comply with a court order has serious consequences.”
Marcus spread his hands in a gesture of helplessness. “I’ve brought everything of Alex’s that I could find. If there are specific items missing, perhaps Alex could provide a more detailed list, and I can check again.”
“I think that would be best,” Blackwood interjected smoothly. “We want to ensure full compliance, of course.”
I knew what they were doing. Dragging this out, forcing more meetings, more chances for Marcus to get to me.
“In the meantime,” Marcus continued, “I’m more than happy to provide financial support while Alex gets back on his feet. I understand he’s been… struggling.” His eyes flicked over my worn clothing, lingering on the frayed cuffs of my jacket.
“My client has no interest in your financial assistance,” Damian said firmly. “And I remind you again to address me, not Mr. Lajeunesse directly.”
Marcus smiled that cold smile again. “Of course. Old habits.”
I felt my chest tightening, the familiar sensation of panic closing in. Marcus was doing what he always did—appearing reasonable, concerned, while thoroughly stripping away everything that mattered to me. And he was enjoying it.
“I need some air,” I managed to say, standing abruptly.
Damian nodded. “We’ll take a brief recess. Mr. Delaney, Mr. Blackwood, please remain here.”
He followed me out into the hallway, closing the door behind us. Once we were alone, I leaned against the wall, trying to breathe.
“He’s lying about Buster,” I said when I could speak. “He’s using him as bait.”
“I know,” Damian said quietly. “We’ll file a motion for specificcompliance regarding the cat. If he’s found in contempt—”
“That won’t help Buster,” I interrupted. “Marcus will hurt him if he thinks he’s losing control. You don’t understand what he’s capable of.”
Damian’s expression darkened. “Actually, I think I’m beginning to.”
Damian
I STRAIGHTENEDmy tie as I approached Courtroom 302, where Judge Patterson awaited. The preliminary hearing had been scheduled with remarkable speed—Marcus Delaney’s influence at work, no doubt. I’d spent the night preparing, fuelled by equal parts coffee and indignation after witnessing Marcus’s performance in my office.
