After The Storm (Chapter-29)

Paul and Carissa were both sitting together on the couch and Paul had a remote in his hand ready to begin. He didn’t want to rush things and thought he would wait till everyone was knee deep in Guacamole before he started the video. He could tell curiosity was high and the concerned glances he was getting weren’t going unnoticed. He figured they thought he was going to sell them Tupperware or something and were on high alert for a sales pitch.

There was some talking from the family and they all sat together in chairs farther away from where Paul and Carissa occupied the couch. When Paul started the video, Leah dimmed the lights for effect, at least that was what Paul thought. When the image of Paul in the crash came on every eye was glued to the screen. When the scene played, where he was removed and dragged away so that Jacob could be placed in the seat, you could hear a pin drop in the room.

When the fire was started Paul heard the gasp in the room and saw the heads turn direction. He saw the hands covering their mouth and stares of disbelief. When the video had finished, Leah turned the lights back up and Paul handed out the photos from the video that had been enhanced. He could hear the discussions in the room and everyone talking about what they witnessed.

Daniel said, “So our dad is dead. Why would they do that. I know the people there but I don’t know why they would want him dead.”

Paul stood to explain what he thought happened and why. He told them about meeting with Jacob just before his death and was going to meet him again that night of the accident. Paul told them the car that hit him was waiting for him and planned completely. He explained about the will and trust requirements. He told them that they had to have proof of death in order for the will to be executed or a judge would have to rule the death occurred.

Paul then explained that if Jacob just failed to show up and went missing, Abraham would get complete control over the corporation block of both his and Jacob’s votes.

Leah’s uncle said, “So from what we have seen and the images you have isolated from the video, we can conclude that Abraham was very much involved with the death of Jacob and getting rid of any signs of his body.”

Paul answered, “I think you have a firm grip on what happened.”

Daniel asked, “Why haven’t you taken this info to the authorities?”

Paul replied, “I went to the authorities after I found out they ruled me dead in the accident. I didn’t have the video at that time. Carissa found an SD card later in the bloody pants she took off of me when she found my body abandoned on the highway.”

Daniel responded, “So what happened to you after you were loaded into the trunk?”

Paul replied, “I don’t remember a lot of it. Carissa found my body and I was unconscious for hours before I came to and then I had no memory. It has returned in bits and pieces over time but not completely back yet.”

Leah said, “I think the important thing now is to decide what we are going to do next.”

Daniel asked, “Why was Adam not here?”

Leah said, “He is in London and Paul has already met with him and shown him the information.”

Paul said, “Adam told me that he knew your dad’s lawyer well and he could get him to be a middle man between the family and the authorities.”

Daniel said, “That won’t work.”

Paul asked, “Why won’t that work?”

Daniel replied, “I know dad’s lawyer. He is also Abraham’s lawyer and for all we know he could have been in on it.”

Leah responded, “That is good thinking. With all that has happened you can’t be too careful.”

Daniel said, “My wife’s brother is a lawyer and I have a good relationship with him. I can get him to take care of everything.”

Paul said, “I think that sounds great and if you need anything else let me know.”

With the information delivered Paul knew that it was up to Jacob’s family to take the next steps. He was excusing himself as he prepared to leave. Each person came over and personally thanked Paul for bringing to light what happened to Jacob. Paul said goodbye to everyone and led Carissa to his car to go for dinner.

Carissa suggested they go for seafood, saying they hadn’t had that since she had been there. Paul suggested a place he went to a lot and Carissa just said she would let him pick a place he knew. They arrived in the parking lot and Paul escorted Carissa into the waiting area of the restaurant. The hostess seated them and left a menu. After they placed their order they sat, sipped the wine they ordered and talked about the family’s reaction to the video.

Carissa asked, “What did you think about Adam leaving to go to London just after you showed him the video?”

Paul replied, “I don’t know what to think. I guess it depends on how long he had planned on going to London.”

Carissa replied, “Well in his defense, a trip to London, is not something you decide to do the day before, it takes plans and reservations.”

Paul said, “That is true. I guess it is hard to trust when you have been through what I have the last few weeks.”

Carissa and Paul had a nice dinner and returned home afterward. The evidence they had protected and been attacked for was now in the hands of the family that needed it and all they could do now was wait for the authorities to act on it. Paul was tired, he had been stressed over having to make the presentation and now that it was over he felt a strange emptiness. They had a nice dinner, had great conversation and Carissa knew they were getting into some uncomfortable areas in their relationship.

She didn’t know what may happen in the future but she knew Paul needed to get closure with the things that had happened. Maybe there would be a future together at some point but she had to be strong and keep some distance between them until Paul was ready. She did enjoy Paul’s company and for now that would be enough.

When they returned to Paul’s house Carissa asked Paul, “Would you like a nightcap? That might help make us sleep.”

Paul agreed and Carissa made the drinks and handed one to Paul. They continued their dinner conversations until Carissa finally said she was tired and had to work the next day. Carissa stood to carry her empty glass to the kitchen and she grabbed Paul’s glass on the way.

When she came back into the den Paul was standing and walking toward her.

He said, “I think it has been a long day and I am going to bed.”

Carissa reached in for their traditional hug but when she looked up at Paul his lips were very close to hers. He pulled her head toward him and their lips met. The kiss was short and nowhere near the lingering one she had imagined several times before. She felt the sparks and the attraction but was quick to break away and mumbled a good night.

Carissa went to bed with memories of the kiss still fresh on her mind. She was mad at herself for responding at all and she was mad for not responding more. She wasn’t sure what she wanted and she was questioning everything she had done when it came to Paul. She moved hundreds of miles to live with a man she had known for mere weeks. She didn’t know what she was thinking.

Paul was unsure if he made a mistake or not. He wanted to go for the kiss to get a point across that he might be interested in more than just friendship. He thought he would let her sleep on things and he could apologize in the morning. His mind drifted to the presentation and how shocked the family was. He hoped they would get the information to the authorities quickly and maybe put some of these questionable people away.