THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS

"President Janice?" Shawn repeated in his mind.

That name did not sound strange to him, rather it rhymed with another that was forever embedded in his subconscious. President Janice, Doctor Janice? could they be one and the same person or was it just a coincidence.

’But how can there be such a thing?’

Before Johnson, who had also realized that she wasn’t Director Wyatt’s assistant, spoke, Shawn who had been quiet all this while beat him to it.

"When will she likely come to the office?"

A quizzical frown appeared on Johnson’s face. ’When has his boss taken the initiative to speak to a woman directly when he was there to do all the talking?’

"I doubt she will be coming in today. She had something urgent to deal with this morning," came Ariel’s reply.

"Why don’t you give her a call, Sir?" Ariel suggested.

"My phone is out of battery so I can’t get through to her. Do you mind calling her so I can speak with her?" Shawn said with a deadpan expression that made it difficult for one to question his words.

Johnson, "???"

’Who called me with his phone just a few minutes ago and threatened the hell out of me? Moreover, if he wants the contact of anyone in Baltimore, he can get it with the snap of his finger. All he had to do was order me.’

’I can bet with my life that my boss is up to something, but what is it? He has broken all his rules before I can complete the word "Jack"

He stared at his boss with a questioning look but the latter’s glare instantly caused his mouth to snap shut with countless inner apologies even without him saying a word.

Ariel brought out her phone to give her Boss a call. Shortly afterward, the phone began to ring but before the call could connect, Shawn snatched the phone from her to her utter amazement and to Johnson’s greatest shock.

****

In Cheryl’s office, Bookshelves lined the walls, housing an impressive collection of law books and reference materials.

The warm, ambient lighting casted a gentle glow on the two friends who raised their glasses of champagne, toasting to their victory in the courtroom.

"To an outstanding win, Janice! You finally have your enemies right where they belong."

"It’s all thanks to you, Cheryl," responded Kathleen with a grateful smile. "It was a tough battle, but you still nailed it."

"Nah," Cheryl dismissed with a wave of the hand. "That was one of my easiest cases. I just had to gather a few pieces of evidence here and there and the rest was a work over."

They clinked their glasses and savored the subtle notes of green apple, pear, and a hint of citrus which greeted their palates with a crisp and refreshing burst.

The champagne was chilled to perfection and offered a delightful symphony of flavors to the two friends celebrating their victory.

Cheryl, with a mischievous glint in her eye, stared at Kathleen, who had made herself comfortable in one of the chairs, and was dangling the glass of champagne in her hand with a contented smile.

"Speaking of gathering, I also happened to see a certain someone being gathered in the arms of a handsome President today in the courthouse."

A faint flush appeared on Kathleen’s face as she glared at Cheryl.

"You know exactly why it appears we were embracing. Stop taking things out of context."

"Really? But It turns out I’m not the only one who thinks that way."

"What do you mean?"

Cheryl grinned and crossed her legs, "Well, it turns out the reporters also captured a groundbreaking love scene today."

Noticing her friend’s curious look, Cheryl handed her phone to Kathleen, whose cheeks turned a deep red after seeing the picture of her and Shawn trending on social media.

Hiding her blush, she said defiantly, "I think you are misunderstanding something. He was just ..."

"Saving you from an enraged, vicious, condemned criminal who was about to rip you apart," Cheryl butted in, cutting off Kathleen’s explanation.

"Oh, come on, Janice. The chemistry between you two is undeniable."

"I’m your friend Janice, and know you like the back of my palm, you can’t deny that there is something going on between you two. Right from when he was giving the interview, I saw the way you were staring at him."

"There’s nothing going on between us and delete whatever ridiculous idea you have in that head of yours," Kathleen denied passionately

Cheryl playfully raised an eyebrow. "Alright, if you say so. But I’m still trying to process the lovestruck expression in your eyes when you were trapped in the arms of the handsome billionaire CEO who happens to also be the father of your children." she teased.

"What part of your eyes saw a lovestruck expression in my eyes? I think it’s about time you had your eyes checked and I don’t mind scheduling a free appointment in the hospital for you. Even a blind man can see the clear editing crafted by those jobless reporters.

"Hmph," snorted Cheryl. "But you still have to find a way to clarify things as everyone is rooting for your love story, which is not a bad idea if you ask me."

"Cheryl!"

Cheryl chuckled at Kathleen’s defensive attitude but decided not to push it further.

"There is nothing to clarify. Let them think whatever they want," Kathleen harrumphed.

"And as for him being the father of my children, that will soon be sorted out."

"How do you intend to do that?" Cheryl asked.

A call from Ariel interrupted their hearty conversation, gaining Kathleen’s attention.

She placed a finger over her lips to shush Cheryl, who stopped midway in her speech.

"Hello, Ariel," Kathleen answered, a lingering frown arising from the argument she had with Cheryl was still etched on her face.

"Ariel?" Kathleen called out when she didn’t hear Ariel’s normal chatter.

"Is anything the matter? Did something come up at the office?" She asked again, getting anxious as she was still met with silence.

Kathleen instantly sensed that something was not right and ended the call.

Beside her, Cheryl also had a worried expression on her face. After the precious incident where Ariel was taken away by Mr Beazell’s men, she couldn’t help but think that something might have happened again.

"Did something happen to Ariel?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Two lines appeared between Kathleen’s delicate brows, "I don’t know, yet."

"She called me but said nothing after I answered the call," Kathleen explained.

"Maybe she didn’t know she dialed your number. Why don’t you call her back?" Cheryl suggested as she patted Kathleen’s hands to reassure her.

"You are right. It happens at times." At Cheryl’s explanation, Kathleen’s worries were slightly relieved. Then she dialed Ariel’s number back, only to hear a sarcastic voice on the other end.

"President Janice Wyatt, or should I say Dr Janice or better still Ms Kathleen Crawford. Which of these groundbreaking identities should I be blessed to address my awesome wife with?" drawled Shawn.

Cheryl looked on in bewilderment as she saw the color physically drain from Kathleen’s face.