Eternally Yours - Brenda Jackson [27]
They looked at each other for a long moment before Syneda answered. “He understood.”
There was a pause in the room before Thomas replied. “I see.”
Syneda decided to change subjects. “So how are things going with Mrs. Armstrong?” she asked quickly.
“Thanks to you, she has agreed to reveal the depth of her husband’s cruelty. I believe once the prosecuting attorney reviews her case, the charges will be dropped. It was clearly a case of self-defense.”
“And Dr. Armstrong?”
“His condition has changed from critical to stable. He’ll live. However, he’ll be getting quite a bit of bad publicity once the media gets ahold of what he’s put his wife through.”
“I’m just glad Mrs. Armstrong has finally realized she has other recourses than remaining in a situation that has caused her to be painfully abused. No one should have to suffer the physical and emotional batterings she’s gone through.”
Thomas nodded in agreement. He continued to stare at her. “I hope he’s what you want, Syneda. You deserve to be happy,” he said, switching back to their earlier conversation.
Syneda’s thoughts immediately fell on Clayton. She had no doubt he would certainly rock her world a bit. “I believe he is, and thanks, you’ve been a good friend.”
Thomas looked at her, his eyes compelling. “I wanted to be more.”
“I know, but it wouldn’t have worked out between us.”
“Because of our ages?”
Syneda shook her head. Although he was forty-three to her twenty-eight, their ages had never been an issue with her. “No, it wasn’t that. I’m just not ready for what you want. I doubt if I ever will be. The love and marriage scene aren’t for me.”
He stood and held out his hand to her. “If you ever need a friend, I’m here for you.”
Syneda accepted his hand and the offer of friendship that came with it. “Thanks, Thomas. I’ll remember that.”
When Syneda returned to her office from lunch, Joanna looked up from her desk. Her blue eyes were dazzling with merriment. “There was a delivery for you while you were out.”
“Oh?” Syneda asked, pushing open the door to her office. The sight awaiting her was breathtaking. Four huge vases filled with roses sat in the middle of her desk. Speechless, she entered her office. The rose fragrance permeated the room.
“They’re beautiful, aren’t they?” Joanna asked, gazing at the four dozen peach-colored roses. “I wonder who sent them.”
Quickly recovering from her initial shock, Syneda took in a deep breath. She hoped they weren’t from Marcus.
“I placed the card on your desk next to your calendar.”
“Thanks, Joanna. Please let Mr. Dickerson know I’ve returned, and I’m free to go over the Franklin case now.”
Recognizing a dismissal, Joanna nodded and closed the door behind her.
Syneda walked over to her desk, picked up the envelope and pulled out the card. Her hand shook when she read the message inside. She couldn’t help the smile that touched her lips nor could she prevent her heartbeat from quickening.
The card read: “A dozen roses for each day we spent together. Saint Augustine wasn’t the same without you.” It was signed “Clayton.”
“Clayton.” Syneda whispered the name as she leaned against the corner of her desk to slow down her breathing. Marcus hadn’t sent the flowers as she had assumed. They had come from Clayton.
Nervously thumbing through the personal directory on her desk she located the numbers of her search. She picked up the phone and began dialing.
“Clayton Madaris’s office.”
“Yes, may I speak with Mr. Madaris, please?”
The woman’s response was pleasant and businesslike. “I’m sorry but Mr. Madaris is unavailable. Would you like to leave a message?”
“Yes, please tell him Syneda Walters called.”
“Oh, Ms. Walters. Mr. Madaris left instructions to put you through should you call. Please hold for a minute.”
The secretary clicked off the line and Syneda nervously toyed with the telephone cord while waiting for Clayton to come to the phone.
“Syneda?” Clayton asked coming on the line.
Tremors raced through