|
POWERS
OF ATTORNEY |
•
A selection of the Literary Guild, Mystery Guild and Doubleday Book Clubs * "A terrific thriller ripe with romance, intrigue, and legal convolutions. Latt makes her mark among the recent pack of lawyers turned novelists with this juicy read." Publishers Weekly "Latt shows a natural flair for drama. Her behind-the-scenes details of the legal system are fascinating." Chicago Tribune "It is a perfect novel if you like steamy, romantic stories . . ." Washington Times "Greed and lust among
the rich and famous . . . combine Danielle Steel and John Grisham and you've got POWERS OF
ATTORNEY." Jonathan Kellerman EXCERPT CHAPTER ONE Kate
Alexander heard the murmur of voices and the peel of self-conscious laughter as she
approached the entry way of the lavish ballroom which sprawled at the rear of the stately
Bel Air mansion. Poised on the threshold, she
surveyed the carved oak walls and the shimmering crystal chandelier blazing from the high
ceiling while the aroma of fresh-cut flowers and sumptuous food wafted over her. Formally clad waiters passed through the throng
carrying large silver trays arrayed with beautifully tempting hors d'oeuvres, while the
strains of music played by a live band wafted in through the French doors opening onto the
patio. She
caught her breath in anticipation, her gaze sweeping over the men in black tie and the
women in long, glittering gowns, her eyes seeking out that someone in particular. Not seeing him, she sighed, squared her shoulders,
and plunged with resolve into the crowd where tonight the elite of the Democratic Party
mingled with the cream of Los Angeles society. "Kate!"
There
he was. Charles Rieman, his silver-laced
black hair framing a handsome face, approached her in purposeful strides. As he made his way through the packed room he
nodded to several people, flashing his usual confident smile. "You look gorgeous!" he exclaimed, his black eyes lighting up with admiration. Gently touching the bare flesh of her upper arm, he leaned forward and brushed his lips against her ear. "Charles
. . ." she cautioned, coloring slightly. She
glanced around quickly, then looked back at him, puzzled. One
corner of his mouth turned up in amusement. "If
you're looking for Ann, she's not here." Then,
his tone eager, he added, "Come, I want you to meet someone." "Who?" "Our
host, James D'Arcy." "Give
me a moment," Kate said, grasping his arm, restraining him. "I'm nervous. A
lot is riding on tonight." She raised
her hand to her chest. "He'll
love you." He tucked a firm hand under
her elbow and propelled her forward. She
prayed she would remember all the information she had crammed into her head until the wee
hours of the morning. As
they neared a group of people, she recognized the distinguished
man surrounded by several important legislators. James
D'Arcy was the scion of the famed D'Arcy family which had made its billions in everything
from oil to California real estate. He was a
tall man, solidly built, with thinning brown hair which made him look older than his
forty-seven years. There is definitely an
aura of power about this man, Kate thought.
"James,
I want you to meet Kate Alexander," said Charles. "She
heads Manning & Anderson's criminal defense department." James
D'Arcy reached for Kate's hand while his unwavering brown eyes scrutinized her. "Charles has been raving about you," he
said in a deep, vibrant voice. "He
thinks you could go all the way to the governor's mansion." Kate
smiled, aware she was shaking the hand of one of the most important men in the Democratic
Party. "I'll try not to disappoint
either of you, Mr. D'Arcy." "Call
me James." He made a slight bow then
spoke to the men standing with him. "Kate
wants to be our next district attorney," he told them, "and from what I hear
she'd be dynamite." She
was pleased. According to Charles, D'Arcy's
backing was critical to her political success. If
he didn't like her, her career could be over before it started. "I'd certainly give it my best," she
assured him. "Kate
was a prosecutor for four years before Charles snatched her away to his law firm high atop
Century City," said James. "You make it sound like a kidnapping," joked Charles. "But
this time," Kate interrupted, laughing, "the captors paid the victim the
ransom." James
threw his head back and roared. "I like
a woman with a sense of humor." He
whisked out his handkerchief and wiped his forehead. He
was sweating profusely. "So, how do you
like being on the defense side?" "Well,
it's quite different, of course. I miss the
excitement of the D.A.'s office," she admitted, "but the change has given me a
chance to see both sides." James
told the others. "Our D.A.'s office is
the largest prosecuting agency in the world." His
next words were directed at Kate. "How
would you improve it?" "I'd
start by making it more cost-effective and responsive to the taxpayers without sacrificing
quality," she answered quickly. "That's
where it's at," agreed James, obviously satisfied with her reply. "If you public officials--"he wagged
his finger at the men standing around him--"don't make us happy, we'll stop writing
those checks that get you elected." "Well
don't stop yet," protested Charles, his eyes twinkling. "We need some rather large ones for the next
election." James
laughed. "I won't. You know Charles, you were right. Kate's a natural. I'm
going to steal her away for a short time. There
are a few people I'd like to introduce her to." He looked at Charles, his eyebrows
raised in mock seriousness. "To get
those large checks of course." "Of
course," echoed Charles as James led Kate away. * *
*
Charles
Rieman was delighted at the way James and Kate had hit it off; he prided himself on
spotting talent. The first time he had seen
the beautiful young prosecutor in action, he had been duly impressed. He
could still remember his thrill as he had listened to the way she articulated her
arguments, her eyes flashing with emotion. And
what eyes, big and almond-shaped with odd green lights. He
had also watched her willowy figure and long legs, pacing back and forth in front of the
jury. Her short, ebony hair, the black,
uptilted brows and luminous ivory skin lent Kate's oval face a hint of the exotic. He had known then he had to have her for his firm. And for himself.
Charles
smiled at the host of a popular TV game show. He
was pleased with the mix of celebrities and socialites that had come tonight. He got a kick out of the fact that he, a kid whose
parents came to this country as poor immigrants to run a mom-and- pop grocery store, was
now a partner in one of the best law firms in the city. In
political circles he had become a power to be reckoned with. People often said, "If you want something
done, call Charlie Rieman." He liked
being able to bestow favors. It made life
fun. He
especially loved the excitement of fostering someone's political career. And with Kate, it was a double pleasure, since she
was not only bright and motivated but also a dynamic fighter for the causes she believed
in. She had a bright future. He was sure of it. * *
*
Kate,
with James at her side, was busy shaking hands and fielding questions. "So,
what do you think?" James asked, guiding her off to the side of the room for a
moments rest. "It's quite an experience." Her face filled with enthusiasm. "Your friends ask very pointed questions." "Aren't you glad you did your homework?" "You noticed." "I
never miss a thing. People want a candidate
to know what he or she is talking about, and on a variety of subjects." "I
have Charles to thank," she admitted. "He's
taught me so much." "From
what I can see you were a good student. Charles
says you're ready now to begin the big race." She
smiled at his words as her intent gaze met his. "I'm
grateful for all your help tonight. I didn't
expect people to be willing to pledge funds so soon. The
primary is almost a year away." "You've
got to start early. Besides, they don't dare
refuse me." "I
can see that." She
studied him while he made some quick notes in his little black book. As Manning & Anderson's largest client, he was
extremely important to the firm. Certainly he
seemed charming, yet she sensed a certain ruthlessness beneath the polished surface. He
waved his book at her. "I always write
it down. I make sure they see me do it too. That way, later, they can't renege." He peered knowingly at her as he put the book back
into his breast pocket. "Come, let's say
hello to the governor." A
robust Governor Brandon vigorously shook Kate's hand and slapped James on the back. "Kate's
got some ideas on how to improve our justice system," said James. "Given the chance, I think she'd light some
fires under some rather stodgy behinds, if you know what I mean." He rolled his eyes. The
governor looked at Kate with interest. "I'd
like to hear them. Let's talk later?" She
smiled eagerly. "I'd like that." "Good,
good," said the governor. His attention
appeared to focus behind them. "There's
Senator Hardin," he said, "I must excuse myself." "Go
ahead," said James. He seemed distracted
for a moment as he glanced at his watch. "Kate,
would you excuse me for a few minutes? I need
to find out what's keeping my wife." "Of
course." She watched him as he made his
way to the marble foyer, then lumbered up the curved staircase. She noticed as his smile was replaced by a scowl. * *
*
"Don't
forget what this man's capable of . . . he's got more power than God," said Sandra
D'Arcy, huddled in front of the gilt mirror on her priceless Louis XIV dressing table. She could hear the noise from the party downstairs
but she didn't feel like joining James. Society
people. Politics. Yuck. Her
husband's friends were so boring. The
cigarette she held in her free hand burned brightly in the dimly lighted room elaborately
decorated in shades of seafoam green and dusty pink.
Speaking
into the telephone, her tone was hushed and urgent, her young face dreamy. "This isn't a fucking fairy tale. He gets away with--" The
door to her bedroom flew open and her husband strode in, slamming the door closed behind
him, rattling the expensive perfume bottles on the vanity. "What
the hell's taking you so long?" he bellowed. "The
governor's downstairs already along with Senator Hardin and half the goddamn state
legislators. My wife's expected to be
by my side."
When
he saw the telephone in her hand, his face turned ugly. "Who's
that?" "No
one." She quickly hung up without saying
goodbye. "Why
haven't you come down?" "I
told you, I don't feel well." She gave
him a bored glance and flicked her cigarette. The
ash fell onto the polished surface. He
stomped over and seized the cigarette out of her hand, crushing it in the Waterford
ashtray. Grabbing a fistful of her pale blond
hair, he twisted it, forcing her to turn toward him. Sandra
cried out in pain. "You're hurting
me!" "You'll
do as I say," he warned. "I expect
you downstairs in two minutes. Now get
dressed! And do something with your
hair." He
let her go so abruptly that she fell back against the table. Bottles of perfume crashed to the floor. She
stared up at him, her light-blue eyes glittering with hate. "Charles and the governor should see their
best friend now." "Bitch,"
he spat out. "Don't try my patience. Be downstairs in two minutes flat, dressed and by
my side. Or you'll live to regret it." A menacing look accompanied his command before he
left the room, slamming the door a second time. "You
fucking bastard," Sandra muttered under her breath, as the sickeningly sweet odor of
mingling scents assaulted her nostrils. "I
wish you were dead." * *
*
Charles
took two flutes of champagne off the silver tray and handed one to Kate. "You made quite an impression on James." She
felt her face flush pink with excitement. "Did
he say something?" "He
doesn't have to. I could tell. You're on your way, Kate." He lifted his glass in a toast. "Sounds
good! I've dreamed of helping people, of
making a difference in the world since I was twelve years old." "I
know." He winked at her then gave her a
thoughtful look. She
lowered her voice. "I really appreciate
all you've done for me." "They
don't call me a kingmaker for nothing."
The
sound of raucous laughter made Kate look across the room where she caught sight of a woman
in a magnificent black creation, surrounded by several men. "My competition seems to be having a good
time," said Kate, gesturing toward the stunning redhead. "She may be bright but she's way too pushy for my taste," Charles responded. Kate
watched as Lauren Cunningham threw her head back and laughed again, while three men,
hanging on to her every word, jockeyed for a better position next to her. As if sensing she was being looked at, Lauren
caught Kate's eye and waved her over. "Ah,"
said Charles, "the spider beckons the fly." "And
I'm the fly?" Kate asked, amused. "You
could be if you're not careful," he warned. "For
the next several months you can't let down on your billing hours one iota. Our little southern belle will stand on her head to
outshine you. And she's used to getting what
she wants." "Well,"
Kate said with a smile, "this time she's not going to." She inclined her head in Lauren's direction. "Are you coming?" "Go
ahead, I'll join you in a minute." Kate
sensed Charles' eyes on her as she crossed the room. "Kate!
What a nice white taffeta dress," gushed
Lauren in her soft southern drawl as Kate neared the group. Lauren gestured toward herself with bright red
fingernails. "How do ya like my little
outfit?" "It's
beautiful," Kate said. She recognized it
as a Dior-- it must have cost thousands of dollars. Kate
wondered what it would feel like to own a designer original. The black of the dress against her perpetually
tanned skin made Lauren's bluish-green eyes stand out even more than usual, and they were
highlighted by the outrageous diamonds at Lauren's ears and throat. Although
they both made good money as associates at Manning & Anderson, Kate knew that it
wasn't her salary that allowed Lauren to afford to buy designer clothes and jewels. Her father was one of the wealthiest men in Texas
and he loved to shower his only child with things she wanted. "I've
heard some people bandying your name about as a possible candidate," oozed Lauren
sweetly. "I'm
testing the waters." Kate kept her voice
even, noncommittal. Lauren
wrinkled her small, upturned nose as her eyes widened. "How
very exciting." "Yes,
it is," she responded coolly, ignoring the sarcasm in Lauren's voice, refusing to let
her colleague spoil her night. Kate
and Lauren had met in law school. They had
become friends but from the start there had been an element of rivalry in their
relationship. At first, the competition had
been for grades and class standing, the kinds of things that went on your resume. The rivalry had abated after graduation while Kate
was at the D.A.'s office, but it resurfaced when Kate was asked to join Manning &
Anderson where Lauren was already a fourth-year associate. Kate
knew Lauren thought that only someone with her family background and connections was
entitled to work at such a prestigious firm. Kate
had been a scholarship student and had worked her way through school. The conflict worsened lately since they were both
up for the same partnership within the firm. As
Charles joined them, Lauren turned her entire attention on him. Leaning forward so that her dress fell open
provocatively, she asked in a pointedly breathless voice. "Where's
Ann?" "She's
away." "Oh,"
she murmured. "Well please give her my
best when you see her. But in the meantime,
since you're alone and I'm alone, I'd really love to dance, Charles." Lauren tossed her red hair and batted her
eyelashes. Charles
tried to hide his annoyance. "Excuse us
please," he said lightly to Kate. "This
must be Lauren's song." He led Lauren
toward the marquee where the band was playing "The
Lady Is a Tramp." Kate
smiled to herself at Charles' sly dig, but she was not overly amused at Lauren's blatant
move on Charles. She couldn't let her
jealousy show, however. It definitely
wouldn't do either of their careers any good to have people know about Charles and her. Not yet, at least. *
* *
Returning
from freshening up in the powder room, Kate saw James D'Arcy pulled aside by an intense
man with a sculptured face and long hair the color of burnished copper. Although the two men were standing under the
landing of the stairway and couldn't see her, Kate could hear what they were saying. "Why
have you been avoiding me, James? I've been
trying to reach you for days." "I've
been busy. What's it this time, Theo?" "I
have a new proposal for the D'Arcy Foundation." There
was a harsh laugh. "Another one of your
hare-brained notions?" "Don't
dismiss it so lightly. I've got several
experts who support it as a way to help struggling young artists--" "My
dear brother," interrupted James, "I'm sure it's as poorly thought-out as the
rest of your ideas. As for artists," he
snickered, "who gives a fuck?" Theo
stiffened. "By rights I should get a say
in how our family's funds are spent." "Says
who?" "Father
left--" "Don't
tell me about Father. He put me in charge of
everything. He obviously didn't trust
you." "He
never meant for you to totally shut me out." "Stop
bothering me. Now get lost!" "You'll
regret this, James," threatened Theo. Kate
saw the younger man emerge, beet-red. He shot
a startled glance at her as he hurried away. She
tried to recall what Charles had told her about the two D'Arcy brothers. James had the business head and therefore ran the
D'Arcy family enterprises. Theo was more
artistic and ran a chic Beverly Hills gallery. And
then there was the D'Arcy Foundation, which was said to rival the philanthropic endeavors
of the Rockefeller and Ford Foundations. Why
had James treated his brother so despicably? Certainly
he didn't sound like the same man who had been so gracious to her just a little while ago.
She
looked up as she heard a light clicking on the stairway. A young woman descended the
stairs, her skin pale like porcelain, translucent with a faint, rosy hue which extended
into the nape of her neck where her blonde hair was pulled back into a knot. She was wearing an elaborate and obviously
expensive red gown, a trifle too flashy for this gathering, thought Kate. James,
seemingly unruffled by the nasty exchange with his brother, went over to the young woman,
kissed her on the forehead, and with her arm tucked possessively underneath his, led her
off toward his guests. The
woman is at least twenty-five years younger than James, thought Kate. Suddenly, she felt a finger run down her bare back.
She shivered and turned. "Charles. I
was just about to look for you." He inclined his head toward the departing couple. "That was Sandra D'Arcy." "So
I figured," said Kate. "She's very
pretty." "Yes,"
he agreed, "in a showy sort of way. But
she'll learn. It's a long way from
Bakersfield to the D'Arcy riches. You
know," he continued, "the President offered James a cabinet post, but he
refused. Said he didn't want to uproot his
wife and child. Personally, I think he was
worried about taking someone as young and unsophisticated as Sandra to Washington." "Hmm,
perhaps, but she must be clever." Kate's
manner suddenly became confidential. "Wasn't
it rumored she got him to marry her because she was pregnant?" He
smiled. "You heard right. Their kid is the first and only heir to the D'Arcy
fortune." "Aha,"
Kate nodded, wondering if Sandra, having snared one of the richest men in the country,
ever regretted her decision. Her eyes flicked
to Charles. "How was your dance with
Lauren?" He
laughed. "She wanted to know what I was
doing after the party." "She
did?" Kate couldn't conceal her
surprise. "What did you say?" "That
I already had a date with you." She
shook her head and gave him a mischievous smile. "What
did you really say?" "That
I was a happily married man." * *
* After
all the guests had left and the house was silent, a nervous Sandra tiptoed into her
husband's room. Good, he was snoring. She
moved quietly to the nursery to check on Jimmy. Her
heart fluttered as it always did whenever she looked at her sleeping child. He was the most wonderful thing that had ever
happened to her. Don't worry, Jimmy, she
silently promised. I'll always take care of
you, no matter what. The
young boy was lying on his side, and as she bent over to kiss his warm, soft skin, she
smelled the talcum and baby oil mixed with his sweet breath. She brushed her lips against his hair.
Still
moving quietly, she made her way down the stairs. The
house was dark except for a lamp James always left on in the library. The caterers had cleaned up and departed. Everything was back in place. Were it not for the profusion of flowers still
filling the rooms with their scent, and the marquee, ghostly white over the patio, it
would have been impossible to tell that a gala event with hundreds of people had taken
place here that night. In
the room off the kitchen, Sandra deactivated the alarm. Then
she opened the door and noiselessly slipped out. Walking
swiftly now, with her coat pulled tightly around her body, she made her way down the
driveway. It was so cold everything around
her felt damp. She shivered and hurried her
pace. "Please,
please let him be here," she whispered. At
the bottom of the hill, she took out her remote control and clicked it. The gate opened silently in the black night. She slipped through and turned to the left. Her heart leaped. There
was his car parked away from the street light. She
hurried toward it. Her
pulse raced as the car door opened and she caught sight of his lanky frame and brooding
face. He ran to meet her. "Oh Tommy, you came," she whispered as she fell into his welcoming arms." He
kissed her quickly and then eagerly brought her back to the darkened car. Once inside, he grabbed her and buried his head in
the smooth silk of her hair, kissing her cool neck and tiny ears. Sandra
made little mewing sounds as she felt his strong arms around her and his young body,
hardened with arousal, pressing against her. He
pulled back and gazed at her. His adoring
expression changed to one of shock. "Your
eye!" he cried. "What
happened?" She
looked away, her hand moving quickly to her face. "Nothing."
He
pulled her hand down and gently traced his fingers over the swollen skin above the
delicate cheekbone. "Did he do
this?" She shrugged and turned her head away. She didn't want to talk about it. Tommy
became enraged. "God damn him! Leave him. I
love you. I'll take care of you, I
promise." "I
can't." "Why?
The damn money?" "No,
it's not that. It's Jimmy." "You're
his mother. Any judge would give you
custody." "Not
when the great man helped get you elected." "There
must be someone he couldn't get to." "He
knows every judge." "This
is a free country." She
shook her head stubbornly. "His money
makes it different. If I divorce him, he'll
take my baby away from me." "I
could kill that fucking bastard!" Tommy
exclaimed, lowering his head into his trembling hands.
CHAPTER TWO "Charles
still here?" she asked the night receptionist. He's
talking politics for a change, Kate thought wryly, overhearing snatches of the
conversation. As she glanced around his
office, her eyes focused on the pictures on the wall behind his sofa: Charles standing head-to-head with Teddy Kennedy;
Charles in between the President of the U.S. and First Lady; Charles flanked by
California's Governor Ned Brandon and Senator Buz Hardin; and, her favorite, Charles and a
smiling Sally Field, arm in arm, posing for the press.
Charles,
as if reading her mind, put his hand over the receiver. "It's
not your fault," he whispered. "It was never a happy marriage." Kate
smiled, marveling at his quick intuitiveness. As
he resumed his conversation, she watched his strong hand scribble on a pad, remembering
how that same hand had felt on her body last night. The
memory caused a shiver of pleasure to travel down her spine. "Oh,
Charles, that's great!" She
nodded, a wave of irritation causing her to shiver. How
did she ever get into this position? The
Other Woman. She had resisted Charles'
advances in the beginning in spite of the strong attraction between them. In the end, however, it had been impossible to
ignore what they felt for one another. "Immediately.
Right after the partners vote on who takes
Franklin's place, Dickson or myself." "Yep.
He hates everything I do. He's just jealous. Don't
let him get to you." He smiled. "Let's be positive. I think I have the support of the other major
partners as well as the clients who matter, such as James D'Arcy. It's going to be fine. You'll see." everywhere . . . the car . .
." "Need
help?" asked Kate. With
a toss of her red hair, she forced a smile to her face. It
would take all of her southern charm to get her father to help her. "Daddy, hi, it's me." "Franklin
Manning announced his retirement, effective as soon as the new senior partner is
picked." "I
am calm, Daddy. But you've got to help me. My boss, Arnold, hates me just because you helped
me get this job. You've got to use your
friendship with Franklin. It's the only
way." "Lauren
baby--" "Could
be too late. Call Franklin now, Daddy,
please!" "There's
James' car." Charles pointed to a gray
Mercedes, its doors ajar, sitting in front of the open gates to the curving driveway. It was surrounded by police. "Must have been an accident." "Any
I.D.?" "Certainly."
Charles handed over his wallet. "Can you tell me what's happened?" At
the door, Charles rang the bell but then rushed in without waiting for someone to answer. Kate followed him through the marble foyer and into
a small sitting room where two men stood talking. Her
heart skipped a beat as she recognized a homicide detective she had known during her days
as a prosecutor. Next to the two men, in a
stiff-backed chair, sat Sandra D'Arcy. Her
pale blond hair was disheveled and her blue eyes looked wild. Charles
turned white. "Oh God," he said, as
his hand came up to his mouth. Kate
felt her stomach drop. James D'Arcy was dead?
It couldn't be. She had just met him last night. Her eyes focused on the young widow. How dreadful. The
doorbell rang. Kate saw Dickson Manning, son
of the senior partner, ushered in by Donaldson. At
the sight of Charles, Dickson seemed to stiffen. Ignoring
his brother-in-law, Dickson introduced himself to the police. Then he introduced James D'Arcy's brother. "What's going on?" When
Theo regained his composure he gazed around. "Where's
Jimmy?" "I
asked her to come with me," retorted Charles, rushing to Kate's defense. "I'll
come too," said Charles. "Fine,"
said Bower. Theo
took the tissue Charles handed him and wiped his eyes. "Has
anybody notified my mother or sister?" he asked.
"Yes.
A gold Rolex and a diamond ring."
Sandra
came back into the room and Theo
spoke to her. "Did you call Abigail or
Victoria?" "Jimmy."
"Hi,
Jimmy. I like your red truck. Do you have other trucks in your room?" "That's
Theo's job," Dickson said pointedly. "He's
now the eldest son." "The
way he was shot." Bower nodded. "Those people in there? Something else. All
that goddamned money. Corrupts 'em. Time'll tell. Let's
go see what else the boys came up with." |
|
