CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Brigitte

AS SOON AS Andee is gone, she returns to her desk and picks up the phone. She dials information and asks for the listing she wants. She waits, tapping her pen on the edge of her desk, while the operator searches for the number. It doesn't take long.

"Thank you," she says, and then hangs up and dials the number she's been given.

"Kelly Whitmore, please. This is Brigitte Bouvier calling." She reaches for a notepad while she waits.

"This is Kelly."

"Hello, Kelly, how are you?"

"Brigitte, I'm well, thank you. But I was so sorry to hear of your loss."

"Yes, it's a difficult time, as you know. How long has your father been gone now?" She taps her pen against the desk again. The pleasantries require such patience.

"Almost six months."

"Such a loss. Duke was a good man. He is missed in the valley, as I'm sure you know."

"Yes, just as Gerard will be missed. What can I do for you, Brigitte?"

She clears her throat. "Kelly, I have a business deal I'd like to discuss with you. I'd like to meet at your earliest convenience. I'd prefer we speak in person. I'm happy to come to your office."

"Well, you've piqued my curiosity. How about tomorrow morning at 9:15?"

She jots the time on her notepad. "Perfect, I'll see you then. Merci, Kelly."

AT 9:00 A.M. SHE parks her Bentley Continental outside the offices of Whitmore and Whitmore Wines. Though Kelly is young—midthirties, she'd guess—she's earned a reputation as a strong businesswoman. She was running Whitmore and Whitmore long before Duke died and is proving she'll far exceed her father's vision for the business.

The timing of this meeting is fortuitous. Duke never would have agreed to the offer she's about to make.

She reaches to the passenger seat for her Chanel Black Caviar briefcase and exits her car. She enters the building through the large etched-glass front doors and stops at the reception desk.

"Brigitte Bouvier for Kelly Whitmore." She brushes invisible lint from her suit jacket as she waits.

"Brigitte." Kelly extends her hand.

"Hello, Kelly. Nice to see you again." She notices Kelly's designer suit and the large diamond on her right hand. "You're looking well."

They exchange the usual small talk on the way to Kelly's office. But once inside, with the door closed, the tone changes.

Kelly sits behind her large glass and chrome desk, offering Brigitte a seat opposite her. Her choice is intentional, Brigitte assumes. And she respects her for it. She is young, bold, and she holds the power here. She won't let Brigitte forget it. Kelly reminds her of herself.

"You said you have a deal you'd like to discuss?"

"I do."

They dive in.

"It's come to my attention that you're holding a demand note for Azul." She sees a flicker of surprise in Kelly's eyes, but Kelly is quick to conceal it.

"How did you happen upon that information?"

"Does it matter?" There's no reason to reveal her source. That was Andee's stipulation—a wise one, of course.

"No, I don't suppose it does."

"I'd like to buy the note. I'm prepared to offer you a generous return, of course."

Kelly swivels her chair and opens the credenza behind her desk. She pulls out a file folder, turns back to Brigitte, and opens the file. "You're aware of the amount owed?"

"I am."

"What kind of return are we talking about?"

"I'll pay one hundred and fifty percent of the amount currently owed."

Kelly nods. "Are you also aware that Bill Durand says my father cancelled this note? Told him he'd tear it up?"

"I'd heard that." How foolish Durand had been, not to have that cancellation in writing and witnessed.

"But there is no record of that discussion, nor, as you can see, was the note ever destroyed. Durand is lying."

"Obviously."

Kelly leans back in her chair and eyes Brigitte. She smiles and then laughs. "I'd love to know why you want it, but I won't ask. That's your business."

"Oui . . . And I'd like your word that this transaction will remain anonymous. If you accept, I'll have my attorney contact you to take care of the details."

Kelly nods, closes the file, and stands. She reaches across her desk to shake Brigitte's hand. "Your secret is safe with me. I accept your offer."

"You'd be foolish not to." Brigitte stands and takes her hand.

"I'm no fool, Mrs. Bouvier."

"No, you've proven that. In fact"—she looks Kelly up and down—"you remind me a bit of myself."

"Thank you. I consider that a high compliment."

"As you should . . ."

They laugh together as Kelly walks her to the door.

She walks to her car, satisfaction knit into a tight smile. Soon, she will implement the next phase of her plan. Her meeting with Andee yesterday proved fruitful. She was glad to see that Andee didn't allow her personal relationship with Jason to interfere with business.

She considers again the stipulation Andee demanded. Complete anonymity. As Andee reminded her, it is in both their best interests. They each know too much. Brigitte has a flash of doubt. Did she reveal too much to Andee with her call just after Gerard's passing? Will Andee use her knowledge against her? No. That is the brilliance of Andee's plan—neither of them will reveal the details because both have too much to lose.

It's perfect. Her respect for Andee has grown over the last twenty-four hours. She lives up to her philosophy—she doesn't let anything or anyone stand in the way of her goals—not even her relationship with Jason Durand.

The only Durand she'll have to deal with now is Jenna. And this little business transaction ensures that Jenna Durand Bouvier will remain a Bouvier.

What choice will she have?

The end, as the Americans are so fond of saying, justifies the means.

Her laughter fills the interior of the Bentley as she pulls out of the parking lot.