Fifteen

“This is my friend Greg.” Gerome gave his most potent smile to the woman. Beside her closed office door, Prudence remained stony faced, but for one eyebrow that arched like a cat ready to spit. “He stopped by, and I wanted to give him a tour of the place.”

Her other eyebrow rose. “You did, did you? Do you think that’s appropriate?”

While maintaining his relaxed pose, Gerome kept one ear attuned to the faint sounds in the background. The slight whoosh coming from the air conditioner vents. A tiny tinkle of the crystals on the chandelier in the entry as they swayed in the gentle breeze caused by the cooling unit. Voices coming from Herman’s office. Nothing to indicate that FBI agents were gathering outside. These men were good.

He hooked his thumbs in the front belt loops on his jeans. “I didn’t think it would hurt anything.”

Prudence puckered her lips in an unbecoming way. “Really, Mr. Mays, you shouldn’t make such assumptions.”

“I’m sorry.” Gerome put all the sincerity he could into his tone. “I’ll go ask Mr. Johnson. I’m sure he won’t mind.”

She crossed her arms and tapped her toe, reminding him of an old-maidish schoolteacher from his junior-high days. “I don’t think you should bother him about anything so trivial. He’s a busy man.”

“Well, now, this is a dilemma.” Gerome shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “We’re already inside the house. What are we supposed to do now?”

“Maybe we should leave,” Greg chimed in.

“No.” Gerome stood straighter. “I want to continue what we started.”

As if trying to match his height, Prudence stiffened and tilted her chin. “I said it isn’t a good idea for you to take him through the house, Mr. Mays.” She spat out his name as if it tasted bitter on her tongue.

A slight thump sounded from inside her office. She whirled and hurried toward her door, then pushed it open. A look of horror covered her features. “What’s going on here?” She pivoted toward the two men in the hall. “Did you have anything to do with these intruders getting into my office?” Gerome was sure her screeching could be heard in the next county.

One of the FBI agents stepped into the hall. “We have a search warrant for these premises.”

Prudence’s face paled to a papery white before red suffused it. “But. . .but. . .” Her eyes took on a steely glint as her gaze shot daggers toward Gerome. “I know you’re involved with this.” Her words zinged through the air like bullets. “Did you come back to try to lay claim to Herman’s fortune?”

For a moment, Gerome felt sorry for the woman. She’d wasted fifteen years trying to pull this off. She gave a whole new meaning to the term long con. “I don’t need to lay claim to his money. I have plenty of my own.”

Prudence huffed, then glanced into her office. “What are they doing with my computer?” Her voice reached a high pitch.

Another agent came out into the hallway and stood beside her. “It’s evidence. Ms. Smith, you’re under arrest for fraud, embezzlement, and conspiracy to kidnap. You have the right to remain silent. . .”

While the agent recited her Miranda rights, Prudence seemed to shrink before Gerome’s eyes.

Why couldn’t people realize that crime had a high cost? Sometime, somewhere, somehow, they always had to pay. If not in this lifetime, then in eternity.

❧

The doctor hadn’t finished taking Grandfather’s blood pressure when Leiann heard a screech from Prudence. The clever medical man had dawdled over the process.

“What’s going on?” Grandfather started to rise.

“I’m not finished.” The doctor kept listening through the stethoscope. “Your blood pressure is increasing right now.”

Leiann dropped to her knees beside his chair. “Everything’s okay. You don’t have to be upset.”

Grandfather relaxed against the back of the chair and took a couple of deep breaths. “Just get this over with, Doc. I have to find out what’s wrong with Prudence.”

Just as the doctor removed the cuff from Herman’s upper arm, another shrill scream resounded. Grandfather jumped up and started toward the door. Leiann wanted to stop him, but she didn’t know if she should or even could. At the doorway he clutched his hand against his chest and started to slump. The doctor reached him in time to keep him from hitting the floor.

“Leiann,” the doctor said over his shoulder, “would you wait outside while I take care of Herman?”

She stepped into the hallway, shutting the door behind her. Please, Lord, don’t let him die.

Her attention was snagged by the agent reading Prudence her rights. This whole thing felt surreal. Like something out of one of those police or FBI shows on TV. Leiann had always enjoyed watching them, but she doubted she would after this. At least not for a while.

Gerome came to stand beside her. “It’s almost over.” His arm slipped around her waist.

She leaned against him. “I’m glad.”

“How’s Herman?” He whispered the words into her ear, his breath warm on her cheek.

“Not so good.”

Gerome knocked on the office door. The doctor’s voice invited them in. When they entered, the doctor was leaning over her grandfather, who was lying on the couch.

He looked up. “Can you help me? We need to get him to his bedroom.”

Gerome pulled the leather office chair close to the couch. “Why don’t we put him in this and push it down the hall to his room? It’d be easier than trying to carry him and probably cause him less stress.”

“Sounds like a good idea.” The doctor lifted Grandfather and put him in the chair while Gerome held it steady. The doctor led the way, Gerome pushed the chair, and Leiann followed.

When they got out into the hallway, Prudence and the agents were no longer there. Leiann heard voices coming from behind the closed door of Prudence’s office.

She waited outside the bedroom door while Gerome and the doctor got her grandfather settled in his bed. Gerome soon came outside.

Once again, he pulled her into his arms and rested his chin on the top of her head. She relaxed against his chest. “Is Grandfather going to be okay?”

“He has a good doctor.” Gerome’s words comforted her. “He knows all about Herman, and he told me not to worry.”

Gerome leaned back from her, and she peered up at him. His tender smile reached her heart.

The doctor opened the door. “He’s awake and he wants to talk to both of you. He won’t rest until you tell him what’s happening. I’ll stay until I’m sure he doesn’t need me anymore.”

Leiann and Gerome walked toward the bed while the doctor sat in one of the rockers across the room. Grandfather rested against fluffy pillows on a king-sized bed. A smile lit his face. She didn’t know what the doctor had done, but her grandfather looked better than he did when she last saw him. Color had returned to his cheeks, and a light sparked in his piercing eyes.

Grandfather took her hand with a healthy grip. “So, when are you two going to tell me what’s going on?”

Gerome pulled a chair close to the bed for Leiann.

She sat in it, never letting go of Grandfather’s hand. “Eric and I didn’t go to Cape Cod.” Her grandfather raised a questioning brow. She glanced at the doctor. “Is he okay to hear all this?”

When the man nodded, she continued. “He took me to your hunting lodge in Maine.”

Her grandfather frowned. “Why would he do that?”

“It’s a long story.” She fisted the hand lying in her lap.

“Maybe I should tell it from the beginning.” Gerome stood behind her with his strong hands resting on her shoulders. “Herman, I came here because I had information that led me to believe someone was embezzling money from you, maybe a lot of money over a long period of time.”

Her grandfather tried to rise.

“Just relax and let them talk,” the doctor advised.

Leiann was glad Grandfather listened to him.

❧

Gerome shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “I work for a global security firm. That’s how I came across the information.”

Herman took Gerome’s hand. “I’m sorry I misjudged you so long. I’m proud of you, Jerry.”

A lump formed in Gerome’s throat. “Thank you, sir.” He told Herman what he’d found and why he came to the estate.

Herman chuckled. “So you didn’t need the charitable job I gave you.”

“Sure I did, but not for the money.” Gerome was glad to see some animation return to his stepfather. “Then the attempts on Leiann’s life started.”

“Attempts? I only knew about the car. What else happened?” With every word, strength seemed to pour into him.

“She fell from the lookout tower after the steps were tampered with.”

Herman stared into Gerome’s eyes. “Anything else?”

“Not that I know of.”

“Yes.”

Gerome’s and Leiann’s differing answers came at the same time.

“What do you mean?” Gerome’s heartbeat accelerated, and not just because she was near.

“Someone came into my room from the balcony night before last and tried to smother me with a pillow.” Leiann looked from one man to the other. “That’s why Eric was able to talk me into going to Cape Cod. The person wore the same kind of jeans and T-shirt Gerome had on that day. Eric convinced me Gerome had sabotaged the tower, too.” She turned to look up at Gerome. “I don’t know how I could have believed that about you.”

He didn’t want to add to her stress, so he nodded at her. Then he explained to Herman everything that went on after he arrived at the estate a few weeks ago. Gerome knew the Old Man wouldn’t rest easy until he knew all the details, and he wasn’t wrong about that. Herman asked penetrating questions.

❧

Gerome, Grandfather, and the doctor sent Leiann upstairs to get some rest. She shed her clothes and stepped into the shower. Steamy water poured over her skin until she felt more than the dirt float down the drain. Could this be a new beginning for her? She hoped so.

After the shower, Leiann slipped into her robe. Charity soon arrived with a teapot and finger sandwiches. She set the tray on the table and poured some tea for Leiann.

“Thank you.” She took the cup from her maid and friend. She inhaled the spicy steam curling from the dark liquid.

As usual, Charity brought an extra cup and sat with her. Curiosity danced in her eyes, but she didn’t voice any questions. Leiann was glad. She wasn’t ready to talk about what had happened. Of course, the whole household would find out eventually, but not today. Not from her.

Leiann asked Charity what she did on her last day off. The girl chattered on about her afternoon at the beach. Leiann relaxed, enjoying the light tale.

After her maid left to take the dishes back to the kitchen, Leiann lay down. Though her body felt weighted from all that had transpired, her thoughts took wing, flitting through the events of the last few days.

Restless, she got up and stood at the window, looking toward the mountainous terrain across the gardens. Even in the twilight, the variegated shades of green interspersed with colorful flowers proved to be a balm to her spirit. Finally, she slipped into bed and enjoyed dreamless sleep.

After dressing the next morning, Leiann once again stood looking out over the gardens. July was almost here, and by the middle of the month, she’d be returning to Texas. Part of her wanted to go back home, but another part didn’t want to leave Massachusetts. . .or her grandfather.

Did a tall man with muscular shoulders and arms play into that feeling? But wouldn’t he be going back to his high-powered job?

Her cell phone’s ringing snagged Leiann’s attention. But where was the sound coming from? Over near the bed. She rushed toward it, then homed in on the nightstand. After pulling the drawer open, she grabbed her phone before it could go to voice mail. She glanced at the screen as she flicked it open.

“Arlene, I’ve been wanting to talk to you.” Leiann pushed a strand of hair behind her other ear and sat on the side of the bed.

“I tried to call you all day yesterday. Where were you?” Leiann could imagine the worry wrinkles in her friend’s forehead.

“A lot has happened.”

“It has here, too.”

Leiann wondered what Arlene meant.

“Our contracts for next school year came in the mail. Mr. Malone told me you could wait until you return home to sign yours.”

“That’s good. I don’t need another thing to think about right now.”

The phone was silent for a moment before Arlene asked, “So, what happened yesterday?”

“You won’t believe it when I tell you. It was like something out of a movie.” Leiann chuckled and glanced into the open drawer. Her debit card had been under her phone. She guessed that Prudence must have slipped them out of her purse while Leiann was packing her bag. She picked it up and put it in her purse while she continued talking.

Leiann explained the previous day’s adventure in great detail, and Arlene interrupted often with squeals and questions.

After the two friends finished their call, Leiann walked out onto the balcony. She leaned her arms on the railing and let peace settle in her spirit. How could she leave so soon after realizing how much she loved her grandfather and wanted to get to know him better? In spite of their ulterior motives, Prudence and Eric had been company for Grandfather, and Prudence had helped him run his business. Now that they were in custody, and once Gerome went back to his company, Grandfather would be alone in this huge mansion—except for the servants who lived in the cottages behind the house.

Leiann could always come back and visit him, maybe every summer. But was that enough? What if he collapsed at night? With no one living there, he might die before someone discovered him. How could she leave him alone?

A soft knock sounded on the door. Leiann crossed the room to open it. Charity stood on the other side. “Your grandfather wants to talk to you. If you aren’t up to it, I can tell him you’re resting.”

“I’ll be right down.” Leiann went into the bathroom to comb her hair, spritz on her favorite light fragrance, and put on some lip gloss before heading downstairs.

Gerome waited at the bottom of the steps. “He sent for me, too.”

Instead of the usual jeans and T-shirt, he wore a tan oxford shirt and brown dress slacks. The clothes set off his wavy black hair and brought out the chocolate brown of his eyes. He looked like a different man from the one she’d come to know. Somehow even more mysterious and enticing.

Something of what she was feeling must have shown in her expression because he leaned toward her and whispered, “It’s still me, Leiann. The clothes don’t make the man. He defines the clothes.”

Oh, he did that all right. She took a deep breath, trying to still her racing pulse. All the things she had liked about him intensified.

❧

Gerome and Leiann started down the hall toward Herman’s bedroom. The floral scent that engulfed Leiann wound its tendrils around his head. And his heart. How could he consider walking away from this woman?

As they started past the open doorway to Herman’s office, his voice stopped them. “I’m in here.”

Gerome placed his hand on the small of her back and followed her inside. His stepfather, sitting in his chair behind the imposing desk, looked fully recovered. Good.

Herman gestured toward the chairs in front of the desk, and Leiann took one of them. Gerome dropped into the other.

The Old Man leaned his elbows on the desk and steepled his fingers. “I’ve been thinking about some things. With Prudence gone, I need an administrative assistant.” His gaze turned toward Leiann. “Would you consider coming to work for me?”

Her eyes widened, but she didn’t say anything.

“I know you’re a successful teacher in Texas, and I’ll understand if you turn me down. But I’d love to have you close by so we can get to know each other better.”

She nodded. “I’d like that. But I don’t know anything about your business.”

Herman gazed at Leiann. “Evidently, Jerry knows a lot about my business. I’ve been in contact with his boss, checking him out.” He glanced at Gerome. “I hope you don’t mind, but you did keep tabs on me and my business, and I’m glad.”

Gerome squirmed in the chair. He wasn’t sure where this conversation was going.

“Your boss gave you a glowing endorsement, Jerry.” Herman clasped his hands loosely on the large blotter on his desk. “I’d like you to come to work for me, too. Together the three of us could straighten out this mess Prudence made.”

A comfortable silence settled over the room. Leiann stood and walked to the French doors, where she stared out across the terrace.

Gerome stood and smiled at his stepfather. “I’d like a little time to think about this.”

This could be the answer he had been seeking. A way to help Herman and pursue a relationship with Leiann.