The House With No Address

By Curtis Maynard and Lisa Livaudais

When Jake is forced to buy the only house available, he gets more than he bargained for. Wanting the most for his wife and daughter, Jake seizes the opportunity, when he's offered a promotion at work. Even though his family must relocate, hours away from the place they call home, accepting a significant increase in income from his law firm seems

• Language: English
• Publisher: Curtis Maynard
• Release date: Aug 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9781733307154

Curtis Maynard

Curtis Maynard is an independent filmmaker, screenwriter, and author passionate about suspenseful storytelling. Enthralled by the paranormal, his mysteries and thrillers feature everything from hauntings and visions to cryptic messages from beyond the grave. Curtis currently resides with his wife and son in Alabama, a setting rich with inspiration for his novels and short films. He hopes his stories will leave you spellbound, disquieted, and suspicious of the slightest shuddering shadow.

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HOUSE WITHOUT AN ADDRESS

Curtis Maynard

Lisa Chavez Livaudais

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you to Roger for seeing me through this. (Lisa)

Thank you to Pam for standing by my side. (Curtis)

A special thank you to Mellisa W, and avid reader, for your assistance.

Credit to the amazing Cayla McHugh for the awesome cover art.

ISBN 978-1-7333071-4-7

The House With No Address

Copyright 2022

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ONE

Jake Tapper had a dream.  It wasn’t as amazing as Martin Luther’s dream, but it was one that he followed religiously, throughout his entire life.  His original plan was to attend college, earning a football scholarship.  However, that fantasy derailed, by an ACL tear.  Then, he changed his goal, and aimed for graduating at the top of his class, followed by finishing in the top three, at law school.  Now, his dream was to become a junior partner at Whitley, Jacobs, and Rose, before the age of thirty-eight.  If office gossip was correct, that dream was about to come true, six months ahead of schedule.

Suzy, Jake’s elderly assistant, and source of all unwanted information, walked into his office uninvited, as always.  Jake was getting ready to leave, to meet with a client.  He frowned at her, not that it mattered, because she rarely took him seriously.

With sarcasm, and a slight touch of humor, he barked, What is it, Suzy?  Unlike you, I have to work.

She ignored his tone, sat while he packed his briefcase, her green eyes twinkling with excitement, and exclaimed, Jake, you won’t believe what I just heard.

Mr. Tapper didn’t bother to reply.  He knew that Suzy would spill the tea.  With a soft whisper, she revealed, I was talking to Karen, the boss’s assistant, earlier today.  She overheard Mr. Whitley, saying that they were thinking of promoting some senior associates to junior partners.  Guess what?  Your name is on the list!

Jake stared at her, dumbfounded, as Suzy hugged him and said, I’m so proud of you.  I believe you should get the call sometime today.

He knew better than to ask her if she was sure about the news.  She would take it as an insult.  Jake laughed, lifted her off the floor, kissed her cheek, and shouted, We just made junior partner, Suzy!  I can’t wait to tell Gabrielle.

Suzy smiled indulgently and replied, Not that I have any doubts, but I think you should keep the news under wraps, until it’s official.  Now, your lunch date is waiting.

Jake spent the afternoon in a daze of excitement.  Instead of calculating billable hours, his mind focused on the things he would acquire for his family, now that he was flush with cash.  When he returned to the office, Suzy gleefully handed a memo to Jake.  Elated, he quickly read it.  The managing partners had requested to meet with him, tomorrow.

***************

The next twelve hours were the longest of his young life.  Jake felt bad that he wasn’t able to share the news with his wife, Gabrielle.  On the way home from work, he called and told her to get ready, because he was taking her on a dinner date.  He also reminded her to get a sitter for Elise, their fourteen-year-old daughter.

When he arrived home, Gabrielle looked at him curiously and asked, What’s the occasion?

***************

Jake smiled at his wife of fifteen years.  He was always thankful when he looked at her, and counted himself lucky that she agreed to marry him.  Jake and Gabrielle  attended the same yoga class, years ago.  He knew instantly, when their eyes first met, that she was his heart’s desire.  She was THE ONE.

He had repeatedly asked her out for coffee, a milkshake, protein mix, or whatever she was into, but Gabrielle steadily declined each invitation.  Working eightyhour weeks as an associate meant that Jake had little time for anything else.  Eventually, he stopped attending the yoga class and erased Gabrielle from his mind… until…she attended a firm, holiday party, as a plus one, with one of the associates.

The law firm, Whitley, Jacobs, and Rose, had five major divisions:  corporate, mergers and acquisitions, tax, oil and gas, and a small, criminal law division.  The firm housed offices in major cities within the United States, including a corporate headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama.  In total, it had 5,300 associates.  As a tradition, employees gathered at the regional headquarters, for all holiday parties.

As soon as Jake saw her, he completely forgot about the date he had brought and tried to talk to Gabrielle all night.  Unfortunately for him, she could have been standing on another planet, from the lack of attention that she gave.  She made it a point of duty to act as if he didn’t exist, throughout the entire length of the party.  Jake’s date, angry at being ignored all night as well, ditched him for one of the senior associates.  The evening quickly morphed into a disaster.

Unexpectedly, he heard someone spout, I don’t think it’s a good idea, consuming that much alcohol, especially if you have to drive home.

Jake quickly spun around, to chew out the person who was intruding into his space.  When they locked eyes, he realized that it was Gabrielle.  He smiled sheepishly and said, Hello there.  This is quite a surprise, seeing you here.  To ease your worries, I  actually don’t intend to drive.  The company has a number of cabs on hand, to escort drunk revelers home.  Plus, I don’t really drink much.  I’ve been holding the same drink, for a few hours.  You know, when we were attending that yoga class, I didn’t realize that you worked at my office.  Did you tell me and I forgot?

Gabrielle smiled at him, enigmatically, like she saw through his little act.  Then, she requested, Since your date ditched you, and you’ll be here all alone, why don’t we both call it a night, and go have a cup of coffee somewhere?

He was speechless for a moment.  Even in Jake’s wildest fantasies, he never expected that she would ask him out.  Though one couldn’t technically equate having coffee as a date, it was definitely something!  Then, he remembered that she came with someone to the party.  He battled with himself for a moment before asking, What about your date, wouldn’t he be upset?

Gabrielle grinned slyly again, So you did notice.  Don’t worry about Kyle, I’m sure he already made plans for the night.

Jake didn’t need to be asked twice, though he felt a little insulted that he was the rebound.  The cab ended up taking them to Gabrielle’s apartment, which was somewhere in Mountain Brook.  He thought of things to talk about on the journey, but unfortunately, he was speechless.  At her place, she told Jake to make himself comfortable, while she went to get the coffee.  As he watched TV, Gabrielle’s date to the party walked into the living room, unexpectedly.

Seeing Jake’s confused expression, he smiled and said, You must be Gabby’s date.  I saw you at the party.  My name is Kyle.  I’m a new associate at the firm.  Gabby’s my cousin, and roommate.  I had a terrible migraine and had to leave early.  Thank you for bringing her home.

On cue, a female voice called from the kitchen, Kyle, where’s the sugar?  Remember Counsellor, we’re on the clock.

Kyle hurried to the kitchen, helped Gabrielle find the sugar, and gave Jake a two-fingered salute, as he returned to his bedroom.  Not long after, Gabrielle entered the living room, dressed in a giant, football jersey and shorts, carrying two, steaming mugs.  With auburn hair pulled into a ponytail, her heart-shaped face became prominent.  Devoid of makeup, Jake found her even more beautiful.  She had huge, gray eyes that he could get lost in, a perky nose, and a wide mouth.  He had to control himself not to kiss her, as he was a self-proclaimed gentleman.

He accepted the coffee, thanked her, and took a sip.  Impressed with the flavor, Jake took another huge swallow and praised, This is great coffee.  It’s no wonder that you turned me down several times.  I would do the same, if I made this magical brew.  Tell me, what’s your secret?

Gabrielle shrugged, I guess owning a coffee and pastry shop helps a bit.  Jake thought that even her shrugging was graceful.

Surprised, he asked, You own a coffee shop?  You’re a woman, with many layers.  Each one is a wonderful surprise.  By the way, I met your cousin.  How come you didn’t tell me your date to the party was family?  I had a feeling that I was going to be your rebound guy.

She laughed, When Kyle wanted to leave early, to make him feel less guilty, I told him that we knew each other from yoga class, and that I would hitch a ride with you.

Jake smiled mischievously, So…the whole time, I thought you didn’t even notice me…you and your cousin actually talked about me.

Gabrielle swatted his arm playfully and flirtatiously replied, That’s just typical attorney behavior, always twisting everything, to suit your narrative.

He held her hand, gave a slow smile, and questioned, What narrative are you talking about?  Jake’s friends always told him that his famous, slow smile was the  ultimate clincher.

She held his gaze, retracted her hand, and stated, The narrative is that, somehow, I find you attractive.  Of course, you also annoy me quite a bit, just sayin’… I’m kidding!  Gabrielle chuckled, blushed, and looked away for a few seconds.  She knew, deep down, that he was the one.  She was a good girl though, and would definitely make him earn her hand.

Jake laughed out loud.  He was relieved that the conversation between them was as easy as breathing air.  Before he knew it, they had talked for over two hours.  He reluctantly left soon after, but not without making Gabrielle promise to go out with him again, sometime during the holiday season.  That was fifteen years ago, and Jake still found her as beautiful as the first day they met.

***************

He quickly brought himself to the present moment.  Today was not the day to reminisce.  He went to the mirror, to adjust his navy-blue tie.  It was a Father’s Day gift, from Elise.  Jake’s wavy, blonde hair needed combing, yet his handsome face was enhanced by his sunny disposition.  He could easily pass for someone, ten years younger.  Even though he was approaching forty years old, Jake was still as trim as he was, when playing college ball.

On the drive to work, he rehearsed his surprised face.  He also practiced his acceptance speech.  Whitley Towers was a forty-floor monstrosity, right in the heart of Wall Street.  The firm used the thirtieth through fortieth floors as offices, while the penthouse was used as a conference room, for the managing partners and important clients.  Jake’s current office was on the thirty-third floor.  His official designation was senior associate, in the mergers and acquisition department.

He didn’t bother going to his personal office.  Instead, he went straight to the thirty-sixth floor to meet with Greg Brown, a junior partner, and Jake's direct supervisor.  Greg was his complete opposite, which was probably why they got along so well together.  Jake was outgoing, charming, and a people person. 

Greg, on the other hand, was dour, and enjoyed the presence of his own company.  He was also a walking encyclopedia of the law.  He took Jake under his wing, as an intern, and continued as his mentor, when the firm hired him, as a young associate.

He walked into Greg’s office, which was twice the size of his own.  Not only did he have a secretary, Matilda, but he also had a personal assistant, Gary.  It was he, who met with Jake.  As soon as he entered the waiting area, Gary greeted, Good morning Mr. Tapper; Mr. Brown is expecting you.  Would you like some coffee or tea?

Jake smiled, shook his head, and opened the door to his supervisor's office.  Greg was on the phone, speaking rapidly in Spanish, to someone on the other end.  He gestured to sit, raised two fingers, and continued his conversation.  A couple of minutes later, Greg ended the call and greeted, Hey there, champ.  You are just the man I wanted to see.  I’m sure that Suzy already shared the good news.  All I have to say is, congratulations, and I’m proud of you!  Let’s go see Chase; it’s not good to keep the big bosses waiting.

He wanted to ask a million questions, but knew that Greg was a stickler for the rules.  Jake wouldn’t say a word, until the bosses officially promoted him.  So, he nodded, waited for Greg to get some files, and followed him to the elevators.  Throughout the trip to the top floor, his body filled with nervous excitement.

Because of his anxiousness, when they passed over the thirty-ninth and fortieth floors, he wasn’t taken in by the high-class, ornate design that oozed through the elevator glass.  This decor was the complete opposite of the first, four levels, that housed the associates and paralegals.  The lower areas looked like sweat shops, compared to this, cramming as many humans that could possibly fit, into tiny, little cubicles.  The surroundings grew more elegant, the higher they rose.  Nothing, however, compared to the power, class, and opulence that radiated from these floors.  The Turkish rugs, gold handles, marble walls, and paintings from the Old Masters all pointed to the fact that the ultimate power houses who worked at Whitley, Jacobs, and Rose, resided here.

Jake and Greg walked in silence, until they stopped at Chase Whitley’s office door.  Karen immediately buzzed them in, giving Jake a congratulatory wink, as he walked by her desk.  Whitley was a short man with balding, gray hair, who had a penchant for smoking foul-smelling cigars.  He also talked with the speed of a turtle, at a very slow pace.

As soon as the two men sat, Chase dove straight to the point and announced, "This is supposed to be a secret, but I think we all know the word is already out.  We promoted you, along with three other senior associates, to junior partners.  We took not only stock of your work, but also reports from your direct supervisors.  This promotion comes with a new salary, of course. 

You will also have a new car lease and a house, in addition to a healthy, fat bonus.  Greg here will email the details to you later.  However, there is a catch attached to the promotion."

Jake, who was soaring at least six feet above the ground, since Chase officially broke the news, felt a little deflated when he heard this, and asked, Catch?  What catch?

Chase smiled, You’re going to be the junior partner, in charge of mergers and acquisition, of our future, Mobile office.  Each of you will report directly to me.  You will also be in charge of some of our associates.  On behalf of Whitley, Jacobs, and Rose, I congratulate you Jake.  If that will be all, I need to make a call.

Feeling dazed, he left the office.  Jake didn’t know whether to whoop for joy or just cry.  Greg insisted upon taking him to lunch, for a good meal and celebratory cup of coffee.  As soon as they walked into Greg’s office, Jake vented, Mobile?  That’s like the end of the world, for me.  I have a wife and kid.  How in the world do I tell them that we’re moving to Mobile?

Grinning sarcastically, Greg suggested, The best way to do that, is to show them a new house, car, and a fat, bonus check.

If he was in a better frame of mind, Jake would have noticed the reversal of roles that just occurred.  Now, he was the worried one, and Greg was joking around.  But, he wasn’t thinking clearly at the moment.  His dream never involved moving out of state, and Mobile was at least four hours away from everything his family knew and loved.  For Jake, who was born and raised in Birmingham, this was like moving to the moon.

Greg stood from his swivel chair and walked over to Jake’s seat.  He put his hand on Tapper’s shoulder and said, Jake, this is a huge opportunity for you.  I’m sure that Gabrielle and Elise will support you.  Making junior partner and heading your own department, no matter how small, is a huge feat.  Though I might not say this often, I’m genuinely proud of you.  Now, go to Mobile, make some money, and maybe you will return to Birmingham in a few years, to take over my position, when I move up the ladder.  I have half a mind to invite you to dinner to celebrate, but I’m sure you have plans already.  Now, get back to work; we still need to close the Halcyon merger.

Jake returned to his office, to find Suzy, already celebrating.  She passed a glass, filled with champagne, to him.  With grand enthusiasm, she exclaimed,  Congratulations, Mr. Tapper!  I took the liberty of making a reservation for two, at Cleo’s, for eight tonight.  When are we moving up, so that I can schedule the decorator, and move all your personal stuff?

To be polite, he took a tiny sip of champagne, then placed the glass on his secretary’s desk and cautioned, Slow down, Suzy; we aren’t moving up.  I’m moving out of town.  I just found out that this promotion involves transferring to our newest location, in Mobile.

Suzy giggled, thinking that Jake was joking, then saw his face and realized that this was no laughing matter.  Always knowing the right thing to say she shouted, Oh, NO!!

***************

After her husband left for work, Gabrielle Tapper drove Elise to the high school.  From there, she attended her weekly, yoga class, for a peaceful hour of relaxation, before heading to her coffee shop.  Just Heavenly actually started, by accident.  While in college, Gabrielle’s roommate continuously praised her coffee.  She said that it tasted just heavenly, and that if she decided to open a coffee shop,  she would definitely make a lot of money.  However, she had always dreamed of making a career, as a TV presenter.

  As a child, Gabrielle was a total ham, with a charming, outgoing personality.  She enjoyed talking with anyone and everyone with whom she met, and never met a stranger.  People told her quite often, strangers included, that she had the perfect look, to make it as a television star.  During her teenage years, Gabrielle imagined herself, dressed to impress, delivering the primetime news.  She wanted that life, more than anything.  Unfortunately, no matter how hard she tried, Gabrielle was never able to successfully break into the entertainment industry.

Frustrated, she left Mountain Brook and headed to Birmingham.  With the little money she had saved, Gabrielle leased an apartment, that was practically no bigger than a small bathroom.  She loved her tiny home, and spiced it up, with her eccentric designs.  She enjoyed walking around the busy streets, examining the glass and metal edifices that lined them.  Her favorite place to find decor treasures, was at the local flee market. 

Though people in the central business district of Birmingham were always in a hurry, and the city was in constant motion, 24 hours a day, Gabrielle still found herself falling in love with her surroundings, including the diverse crowds of people.  On a beautiful, clear-skied day, she went window shopping, and happened upon a trendy, independent coffee shop.  The owner was busy in the back, and she respectfully asked Gabrielle to give her a minute.

Unable to help herself, she threw on an apron and made a cup of coffee, on her own.  The shop owner, a middle-aged woman with blue-dyed hair that matched her eyes, returned to the counter and saw her sitting there, already sipping from a cup.  She acknowledged Gabrielle, went to the coffee maker, and poured herself a mug, in relief.  As she drank it, she closed her eyes and let out a moan of delight, because the flavor was extraordinary.

The owner explained, There’s just a hint of something I can’t place, apart from the vanilla.  This is glorious!  Would you like to work here?  The pay isn’t great, but there’s an opportunity for ownership down the line, if I like you.  My name is Tanya, by the way.  What’s yours?

Gabrielle introduced herself, and eagerly accepted the job.  She had bills to pay.  It wasn’t what she envisioned herself doing, yet she did thoroughly enjoy creating tasty cups of coffee.  She worked at that coffee shop, and cared for it, as if it were her own.  She even added various pastries to the menu, and many, different coffee flavors.  Gabrielle also brightened the atmosphere of the place, adding ornamental flowers, potpourri, and mellow music.

Though both women butted heads about redecorating, Tanya stopped arguing when she saw the results.  Sales more than doubled, and for the first time in forever, the shop had a daily, rush-hour crowd.  Because of Gabrielle’s help, Tanya even had time to take a super-long vacation, one that she had planned for ages.

During the sixty days that Tanya was gone, Gabrielle worked harder than she had ever done in her life.  Some weeks, she spent more than twenty hours in overtime, either at the coffee shop or doing something in relation to it.  She designed and printed fliers, then started an online delivery system, as well.

By the time Tanya returned, she didn’t even recognize her little store.  The shop was so successful, that she started feeling like an extra wheel, in her own business.  So, she called Gabrielle, at the close of day, and proposed, "When I hired you, I had no idea that I was making one of the best decisions of my life.  I’m actually including marrying James on that list.  However, it has become painfully obvious that I have outgrown my usefulness in the store.  So this is what we are going to do.  I’m handing the shop over, to you.  We won’t spoil an important discussion like this, by haggling over price.  I’ll get a lawyer to draft an agreement, and you will send any amount of money to me that you can, monthly.

Gabrielle initially thought that Tanya was playing a practical joke or something. 

She was pleasantly surprised though, when her boss came to the coffee shop with James, her husband, brandishing the sales agreement.  She insisted that Gabrielle consult with a lawyer, to read through the draft thoroughly, before signing it.  The language was simple enough.  She only had to read it once, to realize that Tanya was virtually handing the store to her, practically free.

Now that the shop was her own, Gabrielle worked even harder, to ensure that she would repay the faith, which her former boss reposed in her.  One of the first things she did was change the name of the store, from Tanya’s to Just Heavenly.

In the intervening years, she earned enough money to move from her cupboardsized apartment, into a much better one, with her cousin, Kyle.  She then found and fell in love with Jake, got married, and gave birth to a beautiful daughter, Elise.

***************

As good as her life was at the moment, Gabrielle felt a little melancholy lately.  Just Heavenly was doing so well now, that she was in the same position Tanya had been in, many years ago.  She owned three shops in Birmingham, and her job entailed more administrative duties, instead of the day-to-day running of the establishments.

While sitting in her office, going through sales and cost projections, Gabrielle’s cell phone rang.  Caller ID showed that it was her husband.  She smiled from ear to ear, as she couldn’t wait to go on a dinner date, with Jake later that evening.  He was extremely nervous about the promotion this morning.  Gabrielle hoped that he was ok, as she asked, Hello, honey!  How’s it going?

She felt a thrill of pleasure, hearing her husband chuckle.  His deep-throated laughter was one of the things she loved about him most.

Jake, happy and ready to celebrate, answered, I’m good, Gabby.  Suzy reserved a table for us at Cleo’s.  We leave at seven.

Gabrielle was intrigued about the restaurant choice, as Jake was a creature of habit.  He only chose Cleo’s, her favorite place, when he had something important to say, and wanted to put her into a favorable mood.  He proposed to her at Cleo’s, for example.

Extremely curious, she asked, What’s happening?  What do you have to tell me, Mr. Tapper?

Again, he laughed, I love it when you turn all inquisitive, but unfortunately my love, I’m going to disappoint you.  I’m keeping quiet, until dinner.  You will look stunning, no matter what you wear, but here’s a word of advice, we are celebrating! On that note, he ended the call, leaving Gabrielle with her thoughts.

That night, Jake looked sharp, wearing a charcoal-gray suit, white shirt, and a gorgeous, designer tie.  Gabrielle went shopping that afternoon, and bought a summerblue, evening gown.  Next, she went to her appointment with the hairdresser, and even managed to squeeze in a manicure.  She felt like a movie star, and was pleasantly pleased, when a limousine pulled into their driveway.  Jake led Gabrielle to the car, where a dozen white roses and iced champagne waited for her.

She gazed at her husband.  He knew how to please a woman, when he was in the mood.  In the limo, Gabrielle nuzzled into his neck and prodded, This news must be of epic proportions.  Are we renewing our vows?  Or, did you win the lottery?  Did you just find out that you’re a Rockefeller, and inherited a billion dollars?  Am I getting warm?

Jake chuckled, Gabby, you have the most-overactive imagination.  I guess that’s why you are such a great, business owner.  However, you need to be patient, until we get to dinner.  So, my love, tell me about your day.

For the first time since the evening began, Gabrielle felt a cloud, hovering over her mood.  She frowned slightly, then responded, "It was okay… there are times when I feel like just a figurehead.  The shops don’t need me anymore.  I have such competent staff, that I’m now rendered useless.  Sometimes I wish that I could have a new challenge, you know, like when I strived to make Tanya’s a thriving business."

Jake looked at her curiously and questioned, Are you saying that you want a new challenge, like a change of location perhaps?

Gabrielle shrugged.  She was lost in her thoughts, and didn’t notice the keen interest he took in the conversation.  Before she could answer the question, their limo slowed to a stop, and the driver opened the door.  Jake held out his hand and led her into the restaurant.

At Cleo’s, heads turned, as they walked toward their reserved table.  After ordering drinks, they told the waiter that they would order their meal soon.  Gabrielle leaned forward, giving her husband full attention, and asked, Counsellor, what’s so important that you made me dress up?  The suspense is torturing me.

Jake took a deep breath, then held out his hand to hold Gabrielle’s and petitioned, I have good news and bad news.  Or, one could possibly say that I have good news and good news.  It all depends on perspective.  You know I love you, and your happiness is all that matters…

Gabrielle squeezed his hand, to keep him quiet and demanded, Spill it, Jake.

He sighed again and revealed, I got promoted to junior partner!

His wife delightfully squealed, leaned over the table, kissed him, smack on the lips, then cheered, Congratulations, love!  This is huge news!  I bet that you knew this morning, and didn’t even tell me.

Looking apologetic, he explained, It wasn’t official.  Chase Whitley just told me this morning.  Cool your jets Gabby; there’s more to the news.  They transferred me to a new office, in Mobile.  Which means, if I accept the promotion, we have to move four hours away from here.

Gabrielle’s smile didn’t waver, as she teased, "You drama