Chapter 10

 

Stephen Caudill waited with his wife at the private air strip for the last plane to arrive. All the other potential beneficiaries had arrived earlier and been taken to a secluded mansion that was about fifty miles from the closest town and near the Rocky Mountain National Park.

“I hope they all made it,” Stephen said, as he watched the landing gear come down on the plane.

Tori looped her arm around her husband’s. “Think positively, darling. I’m sure they’re all fine. Probably the only thing they’re suffering from is extreme curiosity.”

Stephen smiled and patted his wife’s hand. “I have no doubt about that.”

When the plane was finally down, the five stretch limousines approached to pick them up. Stephen watched as nineteen people disembarked and approached them.

“Thank you for coming, and welcome to Colorado. I’m Stephen Caudill, your host, and this is my wife, Tori. I know all of you have questions. Everything will be explained in good time when we reach the house. So if you will bear with me for a while longer and hold all your questions until then, we can expedite matters. Please, if you will, proceed to one of the vehicles provided for you and we’ll be on our way.”

 

***.

Tanika and her companions got into one of the limos joined by Margo Carter, Jack Mason (not her ex) and Chen-Sun Shin.

“Oh man! Someone is gonna have ta take a picture of me in this stretch limo. My friends will never believe me,” said Kazeem.

“Hand me your phone, slick,” Margo replied. “You and your friends scoot close together.

“Are you crazy!” Jazmyn gave Margo a wink. “Me in a picture with him? It would ruin my reputation as being a nice girl.”

“Nice!” Kaz exclaimed. “You practically caved in my rib cage this afternoon, woman! I just hope yo’ man at home knows what he’s in for if he decides ta jump the broom with you, short stuff.”

Jazmyn grinned and settled back in her seat. “He certainly does — and he loves my moves.”

Margo took their picture and tossed Kaz his phone. “Say, what did you mean, she almost caved in your ribs?”

Tanika and Jazmyn looked at each other. They really didn’t want to bring up the subject, but since it was already out, Tanika told them about the incident in the parking garage. They asked the other two girls if they’d had anything of that sort happen to them, but both said no.

“What style martial art do you practice?” Chen-Sun asked.

“Taekwondo,” Tanika replied. “Jazy and I both practice.”

“Cool. Me too,” Chen-Sun said. “What a coincidence. How about you, Margo?”

“I’m a Kung-Fu girl myself.” Margo grinned. “But I won’t hold your style against ya. I used to practice in Louisville, Ky.”

The women looked toward Jack. “I’m pretty good with my hands — if you slap a brush in it, I can paint the hell out of a house.”

They all laughed. Chen wondered if someone obsessed with martial arts put them in a Will because of it. But they ruled that out when Tanika said that neither Jack Masons practiced.

Tanika then became curious about something. “Say, Margo, if you’re from Kentucky, how come you boarded in New York?”

“I moved to the Big Apple temporarily three months ago to take care of a sick aunt,” Margo replied. “I was in the process of getting ready to move back when I got that letter and the cash. Shocked the hell out of me that whoever sent it was able to track me down.”

“I think it shocked all of us,” Chen-Sun added.

Their conversation then reverted back to their respective martial arts; their favorite techniques, instructors and tournaments. Kaz nudged Jack. “We’re surrounded by some bad-ass chicks.”

“Sounds like it,” he replied as he sat back and listened.

 

***

Upon reaching their destination, Tanika and her companions got out of the limo and stood spellbound. “Breathtaking!” she exclaimed.

Kaz raised his phone and took a picture. “Is this what he calls a house! It looks more like a five-star hotel to me.”

The house — as it was called, was nestled against a backdrop of mountains carpeted in green with snow-capped peaks. Three acres of perfectly manicured grass surrounded the mansion with forests bordering it on two sides. The house itself was two levels above ground plus a basement. It was constructed of about 30,000 sq. feet of logs and stone giving it a rustic lodge feel. A six car garage was next to it and built similarly. A huge fountain was in front of the circular driveway and was also surrounded by stone. Stone walkways led from the front of the house to the back on both sides.

“I’m a little afraid to go in,” Margo said.

“Why?” Tanika asked.

She chuckled slightly. “I might not want to leave.”

“Girl!” said Jazmyn. “I’m right there witcha’. If this is what the outside looks like, I might ask them if they need a live-in maid.”

Tanika laughed. “I thought you were going to be my personal secretary if I end up rich?”

“Only if you build a house like this!” Jazy replied.

They weren’t disappointed when they were escorted inside. There were two staircases curving to the left and right of the huge foyer leading to the different wings of the house as well as an elevator in the middle. The floors of the entryway were made of highly polished wood with stone tiles bordering the room.

When everyone had entered, Stephen Caudill went to the third step of the stairway and turned to speak. “The other guests have already arrived. You all are the last group. This house has twenty-five bedroom suites, but since there are quite a few guests at the moment, you’ll have to double and some of you triple up for the time being. Ladies will be in the right wing…” He indicated the stairway. “Gentlemen to the left. Married couples will have suites of their own.” Stephen called two of the household staff forward. “Gentlemen, if you will follow Russell, he’ll assign you to your rooms. Ladies and married couples follow Silvia.” He looked at his watch. “Right now, it’s a little after eight o’clock. In an hour, there will be a meeting in the conference room for everyone.” He then chuckled. “If you can’t find it, just ask any of the staff.” Everyone laughed and he continued. “Until then, feel free to explore.”

With that said, everyone was led to their rooms. Tanika, Jazmyn and Margo were put together. They looked around admiring the rustic furniture that gave it the same lodge-like feel as the outside. The king size bed was made of heavy logs with chest and dresser to match. There was also a good size sitting area with a fireplace, couch, recliner and a television.

“I guess I’ll take the couch,” Margo said. She pushed on it, and after further examination, discovered it was a fold out. She smiled. “I guess I get a bed after all.”

Jazmyn checked out the closet and her eyes widened. “Girls! This closet is bigger than my mama’s apartment!”

“Too bad we don’t have any clothes to hang in it,” Tanika replied, as she checked out the large bathroom with its Jacuzzi tub and large, walk-in shower.

As they continued to admire the room’s décor and the view from their balcony, Silvia returned with another staff member to deliver Margo’s luggage.

“Hey, Silvia,” Tanika said. “Is there anyway Jazy and I can go to a store and pick up some clothing? Our luggage had a mishap.”

“Not this evening,” she replied. “But I was already informed of your loss. The valet is waiting in town for me to call and give him your appropriate sizes and color preferences for the essentials you’ll need. And trust me, Philippe has exquisite taste. You’ll have everything you need within the next two hours.”

Jazmyn shook her head in amazement. “Ya’ll don’t miss a trick.”

“Mr. & Mrs. Caudill are very thorough,” Silvia replied. “Is there anything else any of you will need?”

“I’m good,” Margo said. She picked up her suitcase and went into the closet to unpack and hang up her things.

Silvia walked toward the door. “Don’t forget the meeting in the conference room.” After giving directions to it, she left.

“We’re gonna head on downstairs, Margo. You wanna come with us?” Tanika asked.

Margo knelt on the floor an unzipped her suitcase. “I think I’ll unpack first.” But when she flipped up the lid, she rolled away quickly. “Holy shit!” she shouted.

Tanika and Jazmyn ran back to the closet and were about to ask what was wrong, but stopped dead in their tracks with jaw dropping surprise when they saw the head of a snake rise up from the suitcase and heard the rattle from its tail. Margo slowly backed deeper into the closet.

“Don’t make any sudden moves,” Margo said in a calm tone. “One of you back up slowly and go get help. The other, grab that heavy blanket off the end of the bed.”

Jazmyn went for help, but not from any of the women in their wing. One scream from a woman who couldn’t handle the sight of a snake — she didn’t want to think about it. She went straight to one of the staff she found at the bottom of the steps, who immediately called Stephen Caudill on his phone.

As soon as Jazmyn was out the door, Tanika went for the blanket and returned. “What do you want me to do?” she whispered.

“Throw it over the suitcase before it decides to crawl out. I’ll close the lid.”

Tanika nodded. She spread out the blanket, took a deep breath and held it momentarily as she approached the snake slowly. When given the high-sign, Tanika tossed the blanket, which covered the snake. Margo quickly closed the lid and leaned on it to hold it shut. It was then both women exhaled. Tanika sank to the floor, wiped the nervous sweat from her brow and looked over at Margo. “Do you Kentucky girls always pack snakes when you travel?”

“Not as a habit,” she replied with a grim smile. “You remember in the car when you asked if anything unusual happened to me? Well, I think this qualifies!”

A few moments later, Stephen Caudill and several staff members entered the room.

“Where is it?” Stephen asked.

“I’ve got it trapped in the suitcase,” Margo replied.

Stephen motioned two of the staff forward and had them take the suitcase to the edge of the woods to release the creature.

“Are you two alright?” Stephen asked.

“At the moment,” Margo replied.

Tanika knitted her brow. “What’s going on, Mr. Caudill? I’ve had a few near misses trying to get here, and now this. That snake didn’t just crawl in there. It had help.”

“I can’t tell you how deeply this disturbs me,” Stephen replied. “There will be explanations I promise you, if you’ll be patient. Give me two days. I don’t want to cause a panic.”

Tanika and Margo looked at each other, shrugged and then turned back to their host. “Alright, we’ll give you that,” Tanika replied.

“If you’re up to it, the meeting will start in about ten minutes.”

Margo stood. “Trust me, I’m up. I didn’t come all this way just to let some snake, and I don’t me the one in my suitcase, scare me off.”

Tanika stood also. “Neither did I!”

“Me either,” Jazmyn chimed in. When the others looked at her, she added, “Hey, I might not be gettin’ any money, but I’m backin’ up my home girl.” She winked at Margo. “And Miss Kung-Fu over there.”

Stephen smiled. “Well, since you’re no worse for wear, if you’ll follow me, I’ll escort you to the meeting room.”

When they left the room, one of the guests approached them. “What was all the excitement? I saw two men carrying a suitcase get out of the elevator. They looked a little nervous.”

Stephen was searching for something subtle to say, when Jazmyn spoke up. “Miss Kentucky hillbilly over there…” nodding toward Margo, “…decided ta pack her pet snake.”

“Snake!” the woman exclaimed, putting a hand to her chest.

“Ya know,” Margo replied, following her lead. “It was the damnedest thing. I went to feed it before I left, and it was missing from its cage. Now I know where it went.”

They left the woman standing in the middle of the hallway as they continued walking.

“Jazy, is it?” Stephen chuckled. “You’re the soul of diplomacy.”

Jazmyn gave him a wink. “Mr. Caudill, I was born with soul!”