FullDisclosure (32 page)

“Technically speaking,” said Ellen, “you’re still not one. You merely led him to the trough. She made him drink.” She was speaking, of course, of the ‘prostitute’ whom Cyril had hired the night prior to his death. Ellen had retained her services months earlier, and she had spent that time earning his trust and looking for a way to set up a convincing scenario for his death. She’d come and gone through back alleys and back doors, and had made sure she left no trace of herself behind. She had returned that fateful Sunday and she was the one who had coaxed Cyril into the cocaine—and ultimately the noose. He had been just high enough—and arrogant enough—to go along with it. She was a professional—just not the kind Cyril thought she was.

Taylor cradled her coffee in both hands. “Yeah well, I’m not sure a court would see it that way.”

“Hopefully we did it right, and they’ll never have to see it
any
way.” She handed Taylor a thick envelope. She had met Taylor at a company function just shortly after she’d been hired as Cyril’s assistant. Ellen had discreetly cultivated a friendship with her and had warned her about Cyril’s
tendencies
. When Cyril made his first proposition Taylor had informed Ellen immediately. His misuse and mistreatment of his assistant had sealed his fate. “It’s all there. You can count if it you like.”

Taylor smiled. “That’s all right. I trust you.” She leaned over and lavished a long, slow kiss on Ellen’s lips. Her mouth merely a breath from Ellen’s, she whispered, “I brought my SUV. I left the foam pad in the back. Are you sure you wouldn’t like to use it one last time?” Her tongue darted out to taste Ellen’s. “For old time’s sake?”

Ellen response was instant and visceral. She was tempted. Deeply tempted. Taylor was beautiful and intelligent, with a strong heart and a clever tongue. Their lovemaking had been unlike anything she’d ever shared with a man, and it had opened new and exciting doors of pleasure for her. But she was through taking risks. From now on her life was for her children, and God knew they could never accept a mother who was a lover of women. She could never ask that of them. And what of her friends? Who was she kidding? She would no longer have friends.

She returned the kiss, took a moment to caress Taylor’s perfect breast. The nipple hardened at her touch and she longed to bend her head and take that perfect point into her mouth. But she pulled away. “No. I’d love to…but no.”

Her expression filled with regret, Taylor sighed, rose from the bench and walked away, back toward the parking lot. Ellen watched her go, enjoying the gentle swing of her hips, the delicate curve of her waist and the way her jeans hugged those long, lean legs. She turned around, furious with herself for wanting something she had no right to want.

That part of Ellen’s life was definitely over. She swallowed against a lump that had formed in her throat.

It had to be.