With a clenched jaw and a sharp nod, he spun on his heel and left.
Janice lifted the receiver of an office landline phone at the back of the room. “Marjorie, please ensure Mr. Chaddley leaves our offices and alert building security that his business with us is concluded.” She turned to Anna with a nod. “Well done. We got what we needed. Do you think he’ll be out before the date required?”
“I think so. It seems like he believes for the first time that we’re not getting back together.”
“It impressed me how well you spoke up for yourself,” said her lawyer. “I almost felt like I wasn’t necessary. You’re better off without someone like him.”
When Anna was sure that Adam had gone, a few tears of relief escaped. She’d held onto them long enough to take care of this chapter of her life. With the paperwork in place, she just needed to sign the papers Janice had drawn up, authorizing her firm to act on Anna’s behalf in the townhouse’s sale in Seattle. They wouldn’t list the place until it was empty, but she’d sleep better knowing that it was arranged. She’d love to list it sooner, but she couldn’t count on Adam not to sabotage their efforts. It was best to wait until he was out.
Once and for all, she was free.
She texted Isaac.“It’s done. Come pick me up, please.”
His reply came through right away.“You okay?”
“Strangely, yes. I’ll tell you about it in person.”
He arrived minutes later, having not gone far. They thanked Janice and headed outside to walk back to the hotel.
“So,” said Isaac. “What happened?”
“He got angry, and I dealt with him, anyway. A personal victory.” She breathed a sigh of relief. That would be the last of Adam. As her grandmother would have said, ‘Good riddance to bad rubbish.’
She related the rest of the details to Isaac.
“It must feel good to be done with him. He’s an idiot to have treated you the way he did, but I win because I get you.” Isaac smiled and took her hand as they walked back to the hotel.
CHAPTER 18
Isaac
Isaac didn’t wait long after their arrival in Finland to find Spencer for a chat. He’d rehearsed what he would say several times over the last few weeks. This couldn’t be put off again, and it was going to be unpleasant, but he wasn’t going to wait for an opportunity, he would make one. He took the first shuttle to the track, changed, and then waited for Spencer by the Australian’s trailer behind the garages. The second shuttle would be along soon.
Spencer’s steps faltered when he spotted Isaac. He nodded and turned to climb his stairs.
“I need two minutes.” Isaac kept his expression neutral and his voice calm, despite his anger. “For a word. In private.”
“I’m due on track soon,” said Spencer. “Come back later.”
“We can do this here and now, or in private. Your choice,” said Isaac.
Spencer smirked. Probably a show in case someone else was watching. “I guess you can come inside. I have two minutes, but then I need to change.” He shrugged as if it didn’t matter and continued up the stairs.
Isaac followed and pulled out his phone before closing the door. “I’m recording our conversation. I’ll talk. You listen.” He took a breath. “You need to stop spreading false and slanderous rumors about my girlfriend.”
“Big man,” mocked Spencer. “Coming to protect her honor. She’s just some chick. Why do you care?”
Isaac ignored his dismissive remarks. “She doesn’t know that I’ve heard what you’ve been saying. Don’t talk to her. Don’t look at her. Better yet, forget that she exists.”
“Or what?” said Spencer, his eyes flicking to Isaac’s phone in his clenched hand. He smirked again, as if daring Isaac to share the conversation.
“Or next time, she will have you charged.” Isaac’s molars ached from his jaw clench. There was so much more he wanted to say but he kept himself under control.
“The bitch made it up,” said Spencer, as he turned away. “I didn’t do anything to her that she didn’t want.”
Without warning, Isaac shoved the other man against the wall, his arm across Spencer’s throat. For all Spencer’s bravado, Isaac was taller and had fury on his side. There was more to this than words even if he didn’t have proof. “She didn’t tell me anything. Vince told me about the filth you’ve been spreading. If you think this will be your word against a helpless young woman’s, you’re wrong. Vince and I are both on her side now, and you will pay if you hurt Anna again.” His entire body shook with fury. “We’ll have you banned from racing permanently. The Vasquez name carries weight.”
Spencer must have believed what Isaac said or at least finally understood the seriousness of the conversation.
