She turned the bottle to show the label, “You always know!” It was a game they played, and he could almost always tell what vineyard the wine was from, just from a sip or two. At least they'd never had trouble talking to each other, Maura noticed with relief. When the subject moved to Nicholas, she shook her head ruefully. "I know he betrayed us - all of us, really - but I still miss him sometimes. But shooting you? I'm not sorry I killed him. I'm not sorry he's gone."
James finished a bite of lobster, chewing reflectively. "I don't think Nicholas ever knew what side he was on, who he was loyal to. I suspect he just wanted to please everyone and just couldn't stop, somehow."
Maura leaned back, enjoying the last of her wine. "Well, the challenge now is what to do with the two and a half billion pounds we have in untapped Corporate funds. I don't want to brag,” she tried to tease him, “but you are sleeping with a billionaire who could buy you a nice island."
"You're remembering I don't swim?" He smiled, but it didn't go to his eyes.
"James." She put down her glass, heart pounding. "Talk to me. What's changed, really? That night, we saved each other’s lives- we were everything to each other. Why are you pushing me away?"
"Maura, darling, I never gave you a choice, don't you see that? This-” he gestured around them, “is still not reality. How could I allow you to settle for this? It is a stop-off point before you create the life you want.”
“What?” she tried not to sound as angry as she felt, “You’re allowing me to settle? Could you possibly be more condescending?”
James set his wine glass down, leaning forward. “I forced you to do what I wanted and you did it. How could you possibly know what you even want? Whatever you’re feeling right now,” he gestured at her with one hand, “this is Stockholm Syndrome. How can you not see it? Do you think I can give you a happy ending? Children? I'm a bloody fucking criminal. Do you even remember that?"
Flushing, she shot back. "Stockholm Syndrome? Yes, James, I know what that is, a coping mechanism and survival technique. Given my shitty childhood, yes, I’m quite clear on the mechanics. But I’m free now and capable of knowing what I actually feel.
“And yes. I'm well aware of your status. And as you may recall telling me, I'm a bloody criminal now, too! Do you remember throwing that in my face? As it happens, I'm fine with it. I made my choice! What about you?"
He was up now, leaning restlessly against the railing on the terrace. "Maura, I don't think you understand-"
"Don't!" She put up a hand to stop him, her wedding ring glinting in the lantern’s light. "Don't excuse yourself by pretending it's for my own good. I'm an adult, for God's sake! I've killed nearly as many people as you have, James! I'm not some sweet innocent thing! If you don’t want to be with me, just be honest-" Maura angrily bit back a sob. "Is that it? This was just another operation? You didn't expect me to live and follow you around?"
His arms were folded now in a pose Maura hated; the Second in Command position that screamed The Decision Was Made. "I don't want to hurt you, darling. But, yes. This was a…” James paused for a moment, then carried on, “a business arrangement. I married you to save your life. But since we’re both ‘dead,’ you’re free to move on. It is time to split the assets and go our separate ways.”
Maura felt her breath evaporate as if someone had just punched her in the stomach. She couldn't move, couldn't even speak, simply watching as James tossed his drink over the edge of the terrace and walked away.
Chapter 33: Who Do You Belong To?
In which Maura attempts to murder James. For his own good, of course.
“Get up!” she hissed to herself, “don't just sit there!” But Maura couldn't seem to stir from her seat, watching James's lean form pace angrily across the terrace. As he neared the swimming pool and automatically altered his stride to skirt it, her eyes narrowed.
It's time for Morrighan, lass,hissed the voice within her. Nodding she said,“Cic Maith Sa Tóin Atá De Dlíth Air, an' I'm here ta do it!” Shooting out of her chair, Maura was across the terrace in a moment and shoving James into the deep end of the pool.
He must have never heard her coming, never knew anything until hitting the water, because James rose to the surface with a look of shock and wincing at the impact on his still-healing bullet wound. He shook the water out of his eyes. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" he shouted at Maura, who was standing at the edge, arms angrily crossed.
Shrugging insolently, she smiled. "Nothing, my dear husband. You're so self-sufficient, you don't need anyone. Far be it from me to dare offer assistance."
James was managing an awkward paddling motion that mainly seemed to turn him in circles. "You think this is the proper way to handle a discussion? I knew you were childish, but this is ridiculous! Now, just throw me something so I can get out of here."
Maura smiled nastily. "Oh, but I'm sure you can handle it, Second in Command. I'll just sit here and admire your effortless style." She sat down on the edge of a lounge chair, primly crossing her legs, letting her white dress ride up.
He couldn't remember a time in recent memory that he'd been so angry as he was at his bride sitting there with her childish glee while he managed to make an utter arse of himself. Worse, his arms were tiring and he didn't seem to be making any headway to the edge of the pool.
She pretended to examine her nails, smiling internally. It was around five minutes now, he'd be getting tired.
"Maura! Godammit!" James spluttered as his head ducked under while he was shouting at her.
"Yes, James?" she inquired sweetly.
He groaned, starting the ineffectual dog paddling again. "Did you really save my life just to drown me now?"
Standing up and stretching elaborately, Maura smiled innocently. "But darling, you just told me it was time to separate our ‘business transaction,’ remember?" She tauntingly made elaborate quotation marks with two fingers on each hand, feeling giddy. She never would have dared sass James like this before! It felt… well... it felt rather liberating, she mused delightedly as he continued to thrash. "I'd never dare bother a big strong criminal like you, Mr. Pine. Besides, after this, I will be your heartbroken widow. And I’ll get everything. No need to split any assets." She smiled pleasantly as she threw his earlier words back at him. “But not to worry, I’ll take care of Mr. Sauhoun and O’Connell.”
James gritted his teeth. “You little bitch! Who do you think you're dealing with-“ Slipping under again, he angrily kicked to the surface. "Maura!" James shouted, "Come in here right now and- and-"
"Help you?" she finished, maintaining her angelic smile.
