"Rory, you need to wake up. Now."
I groaned as Ava's voice filled my dark bedroom. I had no desire to get up this morning. In fact in the last couple of days, I had gone in to auto-pilot as I tried to make a decision on what to do. I had decided sleeping longer was a good way to deal with things.
"Rory, I'm serious," Ava said as I heard her walk in.
"Why?" I said into the pillow. "I don't work anymore remember, and I don't have a class."
"I know," Ava said annoyed. "You need to see what's on TV, right now."
"I don't care," I said.
"You will once you see it, now wake up," Ava said, pulling the covers from me.
It forced me to open my eyes and I saw Ava standing at the end of my bed. The look on her face was very serious and that's when I realised something was wrong.
"What? What it is?" I asked her, sitting up.
"I...you need to see it. Just come and see, please," Ava told me.
I got out of bed pretty quickly and followed Ava into the lounge room where she had the TV paused on the news. She picked up the remote and pressed play and the news report started.
In shocking news today, reports have come through about Henry Watson's death. The former CEO of Watson Industries passed away last year from a heart-attack, but news has spread this morning that evidence has been brought to light that Watson was in-fact murdered.
I swear I felt my heart stop. "Murdered?"
What has started these reports is unclear but we do know is that the police have re-opened the investigation. No comment has been made, and Henry Watson's son has not been seen since this news has come to light, and access to his apartment complex is cut off. We will have more on this story as this unfolds.
I was frozen for a second, but then I realised I was shaking. Murdered? Henry, murdered? How, who...why? He was the nicest man I had ever known, and I just couldn't imagine it. His death was hard enough as it was, but it to be because someone murdered him, ended his life short, it angered me.
"Oh God," I choked out. "This is awful. I don't understand...how this happened."
"I don't know, Rory. It's been circling the news all morning. They wouldn't even say murder when it first started showing up," Ava explained. "I didn't want to alert you at first because I thought it was nonsense. Then it turned into this."
I felt shocked still, I felt the pain of it. I needed to sit down because I felt like my legs were going to give out in front of me. I walked backwards until I found one of the dining room chairs and sat down.
"Are you okay, Rory?" Ava asked, leaning down in front of me.
"It's just....the thought of Henry having a heart attack was terrible enough, but...to think someone did this to him, is awful," I spoke without looking at Ava. "Who would do this? And to Henry? I don't understand."
"I don't know," Ava said quietly. "Parker said the same thing."
"Parker," I muttered as I suddenly had a thought. "Oh God, what about Clarke? Did he talk to Clarke?"
"No," Av shook her head. "He can't get a hold of him, he think he's turned his phone off."
"He...he won't handle this very well," I said quickly. "He shouldn't be alone."
Before Ava could say another word I had gotten out of the chair and rushed into my room. I grabbed my phone and immediately started to call Clarke. I know we hadn't talked in a while but I knew he still had my number.
"Voicemail?" Ava guessed, as she followed me in and saw me clicking at my phone.
"Straight to it," I nodded as I looked around my room for clothes.
"What are you doing?" Ava frowned.
"I'm going over there," I said immediately.
"Going over there? Rory, you heard what they said on the news. No one can get into the building," Ava reminded me. "Not to mention you two haven't talked in weeks."
I paused. She was right, we hadn't spoken a word to each other, but honestly right now, it didn't feel like it mattered. Anything that had happened over the last few weeks, even months felt like nothing right now. I knew Clarke, I knew him better than I cared to admit, and I knew how much this would hurt him. I knew he wouldn't talk to Parker and if he could he'd isolate himself from it. I don't know why, but I knew I was the only one that might be able to help him right now. I just knew I had to get to him.
"It doesn't matter," I said to Ava as I got dressed. "He's not good with things when it comes to his father. He shouldn't be alone. Besides, I need to talk to him eventually."
Ava glanced at me and then nodded. "Okay, that's fine, but that still doesn't answer how you're going to get in."
"I... there has to be a way," I muttered. "I mean, they're probably just blocking the front door. It's what they do when there's any paparazzi trying to get in."
"Okay, so how have you gotten in before when that happens?" Ava asked.
"Well, we're usually in a car, so the garage entrance. Oh My God, that's it. Trevor can get me in," I said desperately as I pulled my pants on to get back to my phone.
"Trevor?" Ava said confused.
"One of Clarke's drivers. He was Henry's too. He'll help," I said confidently.
I called Trevor and to no surprise he answered me rather quickly. When I told him the plan he agreed, and was pretty confident he could get me into the building, and that he was on his way now to pick me up.
"Rory," Ava said with some hesitation as I walked in the lounge room for Trevor to text. "Are you sure you should see him? You haven't been dealing with any of this very well lately. Seeing him might not be a good idea."
I had been pacing a bit and stopped to look at Ava. She was right, I had been in a tail-spin for the last couple of weeks, and whilst I had been holding it together, I definitely was not together. Truth was, I missed Clarke. I missed talking to him, and watching crappy movies on his big TV, and just sitting together and touching his hand.
I didn't want all that right now though. With the thought of seeing him that's not what I was imagining. The moment the idea that Henry had been murdered sunk in, I knew there was only one thing I wanted, and that was to be with Clarke. I knew he was the only one who might feel even a little of what I feel right now.
"I need to go, Ava," I told her. "I just...know it's what I need to do."
"Okay, okay. Just be careful, okay?" Ava told me. "You are terrible with emotions."
I laughed a little only because she meant well. "I know."
When Trevor finally arrived I didn't waste a second getting into his car so we could get there as soon we could. I tried calling Clarke again but I had the same result as before.
"Thank you for doing this," I said to Trevor once I gave up calling.
"Don't even mention it," Trevor said, looking at me through the rear-view mirror. "Once I heard the news...I would do anything to help. Henry was a great man."
"He was," I agreed. "This...I don't understand how someone could do this to him."
"I know," Trevor said softly. "I'm glad you're going to see Clarke. I think he needs you."
I glanced at Trevor as I saw him glance at me. I should've known Trevor wasn't an idiot. He knew me well enough that he knew there had been something going on, he was just too polite to say anything.
"He's a good man, you know. He reminds me of Henry sometimes. He has the same determination and he cares just like him," I told Trevor. "He's not the guy I thought he would be."
"He's exactly who I thought he would be actually, despite what's always been written about him," Trevor told me. "He's Henry's son."
We arrived to Clarke's building not much later. We passed the front door as we made our way down in the garage. The door was obstructed by at least fifty reporters, all standing there hoping to get in, or see Clarke. Trevor had no problem getting in, showing his ID. We both took the elevator up to the lobby.
"This is going to be the hard part. Getting past the front desk," I muttered.
"I'll wait here," Trevor promised.
I nodded and made my way over to the desk. I was pretty sure the guy sitting there, his name was Fred. I was pretty sure he had let me into the penthouse before, but I wasn't sure that would help now.
"Hello, how may I help?" Fred asked kindly.
"I'm here to see Clarke Watson," I said confidently.
"I'm...sorry, but he's not seeing anyone right now," he explained.
I sighed. "I know you know who I am. You've seen me go up there with him a bunch of times."
Fred paused. "I'm sorry, ma'am but I've been instructed not to let anyone in."
"Call him then," I said quickly. "Call him and tell him I'm here."
"I can't-."
"No, you call him and tell him Aurora Edwards is here, and if that does nothing I'll walk away, but I grantee it will...and I'm not leaving until you do."
Fred didn't say anything for the second but eventually he nodded. He picked up the phone and dialed the number. He was silent for a moment and eventually Fred started talking and I felt a bit of relief. I heard him say my name and then the words 'of course', and then he hung up. I had no idea if Clarke had said yes.
"You are all clear to go up, Miss Edwards," Fred said.
I felt more relief go over me. "Thank you."
"And, Miss Edwards," Fred said as I started to walk away. "I'm sorry, I was just doing my job."
"I know."
I made my way back over to Trevor and he smiled slightly, obviously overhearing I could go up.
"I'll wait for you," Trevor told me.
"Oh no, you don't need to do that," I said quickly. "I have no idea how long I'll be and I know it's your day off. Go home and be with your family, please."
Trevor hesitated but eventually smiled at me. "Okay, but you call me if you need anything."
"I will, I promise. Thank you."
"Just make sure that boy is okay."
I got into the elevator and the concierge who pressed the special button to allow me up, pressed it without hesitation. I felt nervous as I now stood in the elevator alone. What would Clarke even say to me? He obviously wanted to see me as he had said yes, but was he still angry at me or ignoring him? I didn't know what to expect and that terrified me.
The doors opened and I jumped slightly. I made my way out and to his front door. I hesitated before I knocked on the door. I waited for what felt like quite a while before the door suddenly opened. It didn't open all the way though, just slightly and I realised I had to push it open. So I did slowly and cautiously and stepped inside, and that's when I finally saw him.
He had stepped away from the door and he was near the couch, pacing slightly. It felt like a vice tightened around my heart as I finally saw him again, but only because he didn't took well. He was wearing plain clothes, jeans and a shirt, unusually for me to see him like that. His hair was a mess though and his eyes dark. He was upset. I knew it.
His apartment wasn't very clean either. There were plates and cups on the coffee table near the couch and his dining room table was scattered with papers. Clarke was always very well put together and today that wasn't the case.
"Clarke," I whispered, stepping towards him, slowly making my approach.
He didn't respond, he didn't even stop pacing. So I tried again.
"Clarke," I said a little stronger as I got close to him.
This time he stopped, and this time he looked at me. I saw it then, the sadness in his eyes. I hated it.
"Rory," he breathed out.
Before I could say another word Clarke's arms suddenly scoped me up. I wasn't sure we had ever really hugged before, well not like this, and I really needed this right now. I put my arms around his neck to hold him tighter to me. I felt him respond the same, tightening his grip around my waist and I felt his head move to sit in my neck. I had missed him so much.
We stayed like this for quite some time, I had no idea how long for but neither of us cared. It just felt so good to see him again, even if the circumstances weren't great. When we finally broke apart I looked into his eyes again. I wanted to ask him if he was okay, but I knew that was stupid.
"When...did you find out?" Why was that the question I came up with instead?
Clarke hesitated, still holding me there though. "Last night. The police called whilst I was at work, they asked me to stop by after. They told me then."
"I'm so sorry, Clarke," I said, still making sure to keep my grip on him.
He looked away from me slightly and nodded. "It's okay. It's just... a shock. At first, it felt like he had died all over again, but now, I'm just angry."
"I know what you mean," I agreed.
Clarke looked me up and down and then did something that surprised me. He brought his hands up to my face and lightly brushed my cheeks.
"I'm glad you're here," Clarke whispered. "I wanted to...I didn't know...I didn't know who to talk to."
"I'm here, no matter...what has happened," I told him firmly.
He didn't say anything straight away and for a moment I thought he might kiss me. He was close enough and he was looking at my eyes, extremely focused on me.
In the end though he just smiled. "Thank you...that means a lot right now."
Clarke slowly moved himself away from me, his hands lingering on my skin, it made me believe he missed me too. I watched him as he then walked over to the dining table and sat down. I slowly made my way over to the table and glanced at everything on it and frowned as I realised what I was looking at.
"Are these-?" I started to question Clarke as I picked a piece of paper up.
"Files on everything that could possibly relate to my father's death? Yep," Clarke answered before I could really ask. "Once I got back from the police station I searched through everything. His will, the old report, even some of the stuff he was working on right before...he passed."
"How...did the police know its murder?" I asked, sitting down. "It's nearly more than half a year, I don't understand how they just found this out now."
"They said, um, the coroner's report had been forged," Clarke shrugged weakly. "Well, the guy who did it, they had a red flag from him on another case, and they started going through other cases, and when they came across my father's, they found two reports. The fake and the original coroner's report, which stated he had been poisoned."
"Poisoned?" I almost yelled in surprised. "Wait. So some sketchy coroner did some fake report to say it was a heart-attack to cover up the truth? Does that not only mean someone did this, but they covered it up too?"
Clarke nodded in response. "When the original report was made and he determined it to be murder, it depended on investigation. They told me that around the same time he completed the report he was fired and replaced, which is why no one noticed until now."
"Either way, someone had to make a lot of effort for this thing to be covered up," I muttered. "Who would do this?"
"I don't know," Clarke muttered. "They have some suspects...they wouldn't tell me much more. I'm supposed to go see the police again soon and they might tell me more then, so I started doing this, but I don't know..."
"Well, let me look too. Maybe my lawyer skills can help, even if I'm not in law school yet," I shrugged.
That little joke seemed to lighten Clarke's mood, even if it was just for a second. I looked at everything Clarke had brought out and tried to see if there was something that stood out or not. I recognised one of the last deals Henry had made, the one I had yelled at Clarke about in Paris when he knew nothing about it, I knew it was irrelevant. Most of this work then was irrelevant and I doubted it was the reason someone would want to kill him. All of them went through with no issues and there wasn't a lot of money involved, not enough for murder.
I moved onto something else, not really noticing what I picked up and was confused at first when I read it. I thought it was Henry's will for a second but then I realised what it said. It was an extract of the will.
"Is this...the letter Henry wrote to you about me?" I frowned as I looked up at Clarke.
Clarke looked up from what he was reading to see what I was holding. I saw his eyes scan it for a moment before he nodded.
"Ah, yeah," he said. "I asked the lawyer for it ages ago when you wanted to read it, but he never got back to me. I guess he rushed the will over this time once he knew why."
"Is it okay if I read it?" I asked Clarke. Right now, it felt very personal to read it, considering the current events.
"Of course you can, I always going to show it to you," Clarke told me calmly.
"Thanks," I muttered.
He smiled at me as I glanced back down at the letter. Henry had been gone for so long now, seeing something I knew was written by him was kind of odd. I used to see memos and emails constantly written by Henry, and it always had this tone to it, a tone of voice only Henry wrote in, and I could feel it now as I read the letter.
Clarke,
I'm unsure of how you will react to running the company, and I am not there to tell you what to do, but there is one thing I ask. My assistant Aurora, she deserves to stay. I know how you will react to her. She's determined, hard-working and very strong willed. She will not let you get away with disregarding the job, she cares far too much, and honestly so do I.
She was a young and lost teenager when I hired her. I never told her, but I had always hoped she knew, but she felt like a daughter at times, I want nothing but the best for her as I do for you. You will not fire her no matter how much you want to, she will work harder for you than anyone else, and she deserves to stay. She can leave on her own terms, when she wants to, and no other way.
Do this Clarke, but not just for me...but for you.
I didn't realise until after I had finished reading it that I had started to cry. I quickly made sure to wipe them off my cheeks, hoping Clarke wouldn't noticed. To see that written, see that Henry thought of me as a daughter, meant a lot. I always joked he was my New York father, but I also meant it. I loved my father but he was far away, and we spoke often but sometimes things would happen in the moment and Henry would just be there, when I needed him, no questions asked.
"Rory, are you okay?" Clarke suddenly spoke.
I looked up at him and saw the concern on his face. Felt stupid to be upset over this when it was Clarke's actually father, like I shouldn't feel the same pain. I don't think Clarke felt that way though, I don't think he ever thought my sadness was unjustified, not anymore anyway.
"Yeah, yeah," I nodded, brushing my cheeks again. "It's just...reading this, today...it's nice."
"He...he thought you were a great person," Clarke said softly, "and honestly I can see why he thought that."
I nodded. "Clarke, I want to help in any way I can. Henry, your father deserves so much more than what happened to him. Whoever did this, deserves to be caught."