Leah's Story Finding Jake Read online

  “Mr Steel, I am currently involved with Mr Bosic’s barrister, will that not cause a conflict of interest?”

  “Not at all, he I am sure will be glad of you trying to find any positive spin on his client. It would be a different situation had you been dating the prosecutor. So no I don’t see a problem” I left his office determined to put my all into this. Adam thought the man was guilty but I won’t prejudge anyone without full disclosure. I would do my research and come up with my own conclusions.

  I grabbed myself a coffee and sat at my desk the files were huge, dating back to the eighties, surely I didn’t have to go that far back. The hearing was set for three weeks’ time so I would organise myself and plough through them in consecutive order, lots of note taking I think.

  The fastest way of learning about a person with Victors history was good old Wikipedia

  Victor Bosic born 1961 in Ukhta moved to Moscow at 18, first job working for an oil product manufacturing company. Quickly moved up the ladder but sacked for selling the products illegally on the side. Company didn’t prosecute?

  At 21 he set up an investment company and by age 24 he was a millionaire, he moved onto buying companies at low value then selling them on for huge profits. Allegations of share dilution, fraud, bribery and blackmail. Amazingly not one of the allegations became a prosecution.

  Victor married the daughter of a leading politician her name Alexandra Resnov married 1986 they moved over to London the same year.

  Had a son in 1990 Dimitri, star student and gifted footballer currently signed to Stretford United, Victor was currently trying to purchase a football club in The States, plans to move the family over there possibly?

  My eyes were tired I needed lunch. I wandered down the street to costa then checked my phone for messages. I had missed 6 calls from Adam so I dialled him walking along

  “Hey baby I was getting worried, how was your first day back?” I filled him in on my promotion news and the new case I was working on. He reacted better than I thought

  “Leah that would work well, victor likes to wine, dine and impress, he will be delighted for you to tag along. As far as positive representation goes, I could really do with some of that for him.” I told him I was thinking of heading down the route of loving family man, focusing on his son’s football dreams etc Adam agreed a good way to go.

  “What are you doing now? Fancy a quick bite to eat? I am about to walk into Costa” Adam was in his car heading back to his office but did a quick U turn and would be with me in five. I found a table in the corner and waited for him before ordering anything. I was happily minding my own business when I was suddenly doused in iced coffee. I looked up into the face of my old friend Natalie unluckily for her Adam had seen the whole thing; the expression on his face would have frozen a volcano

  “Oh Adam hi I was just saying hello to Leah when I tripped such a shame I hope your top isn’t ruined Leah” for God’s sake did she think he was stupid

  “Natalie I saw the whole thing, grow up will you and move on I love Leah and no amount of attention seeking will have me looking in your direction, now excuse us I need to help my girl clean-up” He took my hand, I tried my best to leave with dignity and attempt not to squeal as lumps of ice were slithering inside my clothes. Nice Natalie disappeared quickly replaced by the bunny boiler version, she shouted across the café at us as we reached the exit

  “Bitch that was in return for the red wine, you still look like a whore and by the way he is no good in bed anyway so you are welcome to him” We got outside and Adam directed me into a side alley. Immediately I untucked my blouse shaking out the ice and jumping up and down to dislodge the bits stuck in my bra.

  “Allow me to assist,” Adam placed his hands under the silk slid them over my breasts and lifted the cups upwards to free any remains smoothing them back down he accidently on purpose grazed my nipples making me shudder. His mouth was on mine in a flash, hands still massaging my breasts making me arch my back to push them against him. He groaned into my ear

  “Christ this is not the time or place, ring Gordon tell him you have a meeting with Victor and you will see him in the morning” I hesitated “Do it now Leah or heaven help me this alley way better not have CCTV. I trembled as I spoke to Gordon not even sure I made any sense. I was dragged to the car made it back to the empty flat in record time. I was then flung over his shoulder and thrown roughly on to the bed.

  Two wonderful hours later we were in the shower finally cleaning up the rest of the vanilla flavoured cappuccino that Adam hadn’t managed to clean off with his tongue from various parts of my anatomy.

  “I will never drink one of those without thinking about the taste of you now” I blushed sometimes our intimacy still surprised me. After we were all dried off I wanted to go for a run, dancing was off for two weeks due to refurbishments at the club I was in.

  Adam decided to join me he ran with grace and fluidity as I expected, but as a dancer grace was built in for me we flowed well together matched perfectly pace wise but his longer legs meant I had to run faster to keep up. Exhausted but feeling fresh we bumped into Lucy as she got in from work

  “Hey you two looking hot the pair of you, fancy a takeaway pizza tonight I can’t be arsed cooking” As we had ended up skipping lunch we were both very keen to divulge in my favourite veg supreme.

  Separate showers this time I slipped on an oversized T shirt and shorts for comfort and we ordered our delivery.

  “Is Rob joining us Lucy should we order one for him?” Lucy shouted from the kitchen

  “He was working on something apparently but intended to eat with us so go ahead.” I was about to dial when the phone rang

  “Hello Leah Fellows speaking” The voice sounded urgent he wanted Lucy immediately, I was on edge straight away, Adam looked at me questioningly I shrugged to let him know I had no idea who it was. Lucy took the phone away to the kitchen we could hear her shouting so ran in to find her upset and crying

  “Lucy what is it, what’s happened” She dropped the phone her face white as a ghost

  “Rob, he is in hospital badly hurt, we need to get over there now” She was panicking so Adam took charge

  “Lucy which hospital? Lucy talk to me” she looked up trying to focus

  “Trafford General Accident and Emergency” We all ran to the car. Adam probably broke numerous traffic laws on the way but we were all desperate to see how he was. Adam dropped us at the door and went to park up, we ran to the reception to find out where he had been taken

  “Rob Lyons he was brought in earlier where can we find him?” Adam had arrived so we all waited while the receptionist messed with her screen

  “He is in theatre if you wait in the family room down the corridor on the left a doctor will come and find you as soon as they can. An officer is already there waiting so he may be able to fill you in a bit more” We thanked her and did as directed. The officer was the one who had been in my interview we said our hello’s then asked him what happened.

  “He was out on some quest or other in Burnage” I looked at Adam and we both froze “He was crossing the road to get back to his car when a large black four by four ran him over, came out of nowhere apparently. Speeding by all accounts, they think it was kids as the vehicle was found burnt out on wasteland an hour later. He has internal injuries apparently, no bones broken but lucky to be alive” Lucy had collapsed onto one of the chairs; I was still frozen on the spot. This was down to me, I had to put a stop to it, and we needed to stop looking for Jake. I would end it later make sure nobody else got hurt.

  Chapter 13

  Two long hours later the Doctor finally came to see us, Lucy jumped up anxiously and Adam stood beside her with his arm around her shoulders

  “Are you Miss Richmond?” the Doctor enquired, she nodded tearfully “Mr Lyons is asking for you, he is in recovery at the moment, we had to operate as he had some internal bleeding. We have managed to stem the bleed and otherwise he is in excellent condition. A
bump to the head a few scratches I would say he got off rather lightly. By the size of the vehicle and the speed it was travelling he really should be a lot worse. I will take you to him but don’t get him over excited he needs plenty of rest. One visitor only for now please.” Adam sat back down with me; the young officer had left to return to the station to give them all an update on Rob’s situation. I decided to have my say now the room was empty;

  “Adam please let me say something without you interrupting; I want to leave it alone now, Jake disappeared eighteen years ago, he has no idea who I am. For all we know he has a new life and is very happy. I can’t keep putting people’s life at risk for selfish reasons, this has all gotten out of control” Adam was about to protest so I touched his lips softly “For me Adam stop it all for me, there has been enough death over this. I let him go years ago he has always lived in my mind and that’s is where he will remain. Leave the past where it belongs please Adam I am serious” he acquiesced seeing how sincere I was, but I could tell he found it hard

  “Whatever you want baby but any time you change your mind I am here, you do know Rob may not let it drop now?” It had entered my mind

  “I think you will be able to persuade him to let it go, after all there is no evidence to prove he really even existed. It would be my word against no ones. We have to convince him to leave it alone, for Lucy’s sake if nothing else.” I could see him thinking, tossing it around in his head. Lucy walked back in looking far better now she had seen Rob, she had been crying by the looks of it.

  “He wants to talk to you Adam,” He left the room, I really hoped he would put things to bed as I asked, surely Rob would listen to him

  “Oh Leah I am so relieved, he is rather battered but he should be able to go home at the end of the week. Rob wants to go and visit his parents in Spain, he has asked me to go out there with him, would you mind Leah being left so soon after all this has been churned up again?” I gave her a hug

  “Lucy I think time away to recuperate is just what Rob needs at the moment. Stay as long as you can, Adam will look after me” Getting my best friend out of the country where she would be safe was the best news I had heard today. Lucy started talking to me about what new clothes she would need, Spain was hot in May, and do you think his parents have a pool? Lucy was back and I was thrilled.

  Adam wasn’t very long with Rob, so Lucy popped back to say goodnight to him. We waited for her in the car. I was dying to ask him what they had talked about but Adam was silent, brooding was a better description. Back at the flat Lucy took herself off to bed leaving us having a well-earned glass of wine. Adam was tense pacing the floor, then he marched over to me with a familiar glint in his eyes;

  “Let’s take this to bed Leah, I want to forget about today and lose myself in you,” I took his hand and he led me to the bedroom, shutting ourselves in our little haven we stripped off and climbed into bed wrapping our bodies together enjoying the feeling of bare flesh entwined.

  “Can we talk later?” I mumbled into his taught chest, he silenced me with a kiss and soon I was lost. Tangled in his limbs, he entered me so we merged into one. We were a perfect balance of giving and receiving. Adam thrust into me torturously slowly, reaching deep inside me, long strokes of flames licking me internally until he pushed so deep my body cried out in rapture.

  “Come for me baby give yourself to me” he dragged his cock agonisingly slowly out of me pausing for so long I opened my eyes catching his gaze hot and heavy as he rammed himself home, shooting me into my orgasm. With his mouth on mine he swallowed my moans and we lay shuddering savouring the connection, Adam firmly planted right where he belonged inside of me.

  I woke some time later, I had no idea how long I had slept. Reaching across the bed I realised Adam was missing. Siting up I looked around peering into the darkness, Adam was sitting on the chair by the window watching me.

  “Adam what is it, why can’t you sleep?” he put his glass down and came over climbing back under the covers pulling me to him

  “I’m scared Leah, loving you has brought back fears I had overcome” He was thinking of his mum I winced sharing his pain. “I can’t ever lose you Leah it would mean the end for me” I pulled his face to mine

  “Why you are scared is it because of Rob’s accident?” he closed his eyes in pain “Adam talk to me I can’t help you if you don’t”

  “Rob was warned off today, he got a text as he was crossing the road, just before he was hit. It said drop it now or die. That was it, he thinks they could have killed him but preferred a warning this time. Perhaps because he is a copper it was too risky. He has taken leave and is spending some time with his parents, Lucy is going too.” I was taking it all in text threats and warnings; it was the right choice to drop it all. Why though what were they hiding for. I stopped myself, it didn’t matter now time to let go remember.

  “Leah, are you okay, I didn’t want to tell you but I do think we should leave it as you suggested I can’t take a chance on someone getting to you, can you live with never knowing though baby?” I closed my eyes shutting out the feeling of loss that struck me in the pit of my stomach. I managed a weak smile;

  “As long as I have you I can survive. I managed before and I was alone so with you it will be twice as easy” I nestled into his chest fitting nicely into the curve of his body “I love you Adam” I felt him relax his breathing slowed and he drifted off quickly, I didn’t find it so easy to sleep. I had given up on my brother again and part of me felt like a quitter. However risking everyone I loved for someone who may not even exist anymore was just not worth it. I slipped my hand under my pillow to clasp the little woollen hat tears sliding down my face as I let him go for the second time in my life sorry Jake I’m so sorry

  At my desk the following morning I was energised ready for my new challenge, Victor Bosic. I also hoped to meet his wife the reclusive Alexandra. A woman who was rarely seen on his arm, hardly ever attended his functions but had an elusive air about her. She was still a beautiful woman in her forties. She reminded me of Honor Blackman, a film star Hollywood style.

  The case Adam was defending was straightforward. Victors investment company Investanet was worth billions. The London office was the heart of the business, Martin Sands was an accounts manager for exclusive customers only. Martin would see the potential clients on a one to one basis. Any money invested was put into shares with far greater interest rates than high street banks but also with risk. It conspired that Mr Sands was skimming, taking 10% off investors listing it in paperwork as Admin Charges. The scam had been going on for almost twenty years Martin had accrued millions of pounds, which he had squirreled away overseas.

  Once the scam was exposed, Victor obviously fired him; all the paperwork was ready to go the metropolitan police fraud squad. The officers raided Mr Sand’s home to find him hanging from his chandelier. Straightforward enough until the post-mortem discovered fingerprint bruising around his throat, meaning he had been strangled prior to the hanging. Victor had the strongest motive so of course became chief suspect; Adams defence was firstly a loose alibi given by Alexandra and Mr Sand’s list of clients who had been ripped off as having a stronger motive. Unfortunately a hair from Victor was found in the flat which placed him at the scene. Of course it was hard to prove that hair got there on that day so there was a good chance Adam could prove reasonable doubt.

  After a coffee I set out looking for angles to make a story. I began with the family, his wife and son; Alexandra was fascinating, married against her families wishes, she never spoke to her politician father after leaving Russia; it seemed she was cast out for marrying Victor. Motherhood seemed to be her life force, an adoring mother who supported all his dreams. She had watched all her sons matches from junior school to Premier League come rain or shine. She was there when he signed with Stretford United for an undisclosed fee. I was looking forward to finding the woman behind the face. They had numerous properties, currently residing in Hale Barns to be close to the cou
rts and Dimitri’s new football club. They also owned a large Victorian semi in Knightsbridge, from the google maps it was not far from the Richmond family home. Properties in LA and Barbados completed his portfolio.

  Dimitri their only child was an attractive young man eighteen years old. He was the image of his father, the same chiselled features, but where Victor had black hair and brown eyes, Dimitri was blonde with blue. He was a grade A student right through his education but chose not to attend University. Instead he followed his football dreams. This surprised me greatly, from what I knew of Victor, a merciless control freak. I was amazed he hadn’t intimidated his son into business and academia. Maybe Dimitri had the same ruthless streak as his father; perhaps Victor had met his match.

  I read through the Wikipedia again, he was worth a few billion our Victor, a number of aircraft to his name plus the most amazing Yacht. It must be nice being Mrs Bosic. Adam texted me at lunch to say we were meeting them for dinner at Heathcotes he would get ready at his hotel and pick me up at seven thirty. I worked through lunch trying to put together some ideas and lines of conversation for tonight I didn’t want to be unprepared for Mr Bosic.

  I packed all my things ready to go home. Gordon came out of his office

  “Leah scrap the Bosic case it’s been dropped” you’re kidding I was getting really interested in this one

  “How do you mean dropped?” just then the mail boy passed me an envelope

  “Just came for you Miss, in the second post” I thanked him impatiently wanting Gordon to finish his explanation;

  “A man has confessed, fellow worker, Sands was screwing his wife apparently, Victor is exonerated. Stinks like fish to me but that’s the way it rolls sometimes, I have a robbery case I can give you for tomorrow” I nodded disappointed to be back to the mundane. I felt my phone vibrate with a text from Adam.