Sixteen

Gerome stood in the main room of the cottage, considering Herman’s offer. The Old Man had told him and Leiann that they could take some time before giving him their answers. Of course, he’d have to hire someone else pretty quickly if they didn’t accept.

Greg had headed back home by helicopter shortly after the confrontation at the mansion. Gerome wished his best friend were here to brainstorm with. Of course he could link up with him over the secure satellite phone, but face-to-face worked better.

When he thought about how good he was at his job, he felt pulled toward Ozbourne Global Security. But what was his heart telling him? And could he trust that?

Gerome loved Herman Johnson. And with minimal encouragement from Leiann, he could see himself married to her. He’d already fallen in love with her, and when she was in mortal danger, that love had intensified, consuming him. Of course, there was still the question of her not going to church. He’d pray that would work out, too.

He rubbed the knotted muscles in the back of his neck. A massage would feel good right now. Where was his trainer when he needed him? Not in Massachusetts, that’s for sure.

His cell phone vibrated against his waist. He flipped it open. Greg. He held the phone up to his ear. “What do you want, buddy?”

“How are things there?”

“Prudence’s screech brought on a spell with Herman’s heart.”

“Is he all right?”

“Yeah.” Gerome went to the window and gazed toward the big house.

“How are you and Leiann?”

Trust his best friend to zero in on that subject. “She’s fine.” Gerome’s comment met with a pause.

“So, what gives with the two of you? Anyone within a hundred yards could feel the sizzle.”

Gerome snorted. “Your imagination is running away with you.”

“I don’t think so.” Greg laughed. “Look, I’ve got to go. Lots to do, as usual. When do you think you’ll be coming back?”

“I don’t know. I’ve got some. . .loose ends to tie up.”

“Okay, but I hope you make a decision soon. I could use your help.”

Gerome flipped the phone closed and holstered it.

Greg had made an interesting observation. The only thing Gerome could do was pray.

❧

Leiann stood in the walk-in closet of her bedroom. She’d paced the floor for more than an hour, mulling over her grandfather’s offer. Acceptance would mean a complete change in her life. These few weeks had been a pleasant interlude, but would she like living here permanently?

The chance to really get to know her grandfather—and more about her father—enticed her. But she was a good teacher, and she loved her students. And if she moved, she’d miss her friends, especially Arlene. Of course, cell phones made it affordable to talk often, and they could get together. She could fly to Texas, and maybe Arlene could fly to Massachusetts at least once a year.

Lord, I need Your direction now more than ever. She spent most of the day sequestered in her room, seeking God’s answer.

Leiann needed to give Grandfather an answer tonight.

He’d asked Gerome and her to dress for dinner. Leiann looked through the clothes she’d bought the day she and Gerome spent at the mall. She held a lime green bolero against her chest. He had told her it brought out the green in her eyes. And it complemented the brown silk sundress with tiny white flowers and leaves the same shade as the matching short-sleeved jacket.

As she started down the staircase, her stomach fluttered. Her decision was made. Lord, I need Your strength to go through with this.

❧

Gerome reached the dining room before Leiann. He took the chair across from where she would sit. The table was set in readiness for a feast, and enticing smells came from the kitchen. When she stood in the doorway, his breath caught in his throat. She wore that dress they’d found at the mall. He remembered the fun they’d had there, even if he did complain about carrying all those packages. Looking at her now made it all worthwhile.

She’d swept her hair up and fastened it with a sparkly clip, but curly tendrils rested against the slender column of her neck. For a moment, Gerome had a vision of pushing them aside and replacing them with his lips. The palms of his hands turned clammy, and he rubbed them down the legs of his chinos before rising. He hurried around the table to pull out her chair.

Leiann floated across the carpet and sank against the tapestry seat. She looked up at him. “Thank you.”

Gerome nodded and returned to his chair. “You look lovely.”

A blush stole across her cheeks, intensifying her beauty. “You look pretty good yourself.” A nervous laugh punctuated her sentence.

Gerome straightened his tie, then bracketed the plate with his elbows, something his mother would have abhorred, and leaned toward Leiann. “We’re the same people who bought a new car together, went to the mall, shopped for garden plants, and went through an FBI raid together. Just remember that.”

With a sigh, she relaxed. “You’re right.”

Herman came into the room, and the atmosphere lifted. “Here are my two favorite people.” He strode across the floor as if nothing had happened to him.

The moment he took his seat, Charity entered, followed by Mary, another maid. The two young women placed steaming bowls of creamy soup in front of each of the diners. Gerome loved Mrs. Shields’s lobster bisque. This was beginning to feel like a party.

“Gerome.” Herman held out a hand to each of them. “Would you bless the meal for us?”

After expressing his thanks to God, Gerome raised his head and caught Leiann looking at him. She quickly turned her attention to her grandfather, who released their hands.

“I don’t want to pressure you two.” Herman wiped one hand across his eyes. “But I’m anxious to know if you’ve come to a decision.” He picked up his spoon and sampled the soup.

How like Herman to get right to the point.

❧

Leiann let her hands drop to her lap. She took a deep breath and glanced from one of the men to the other. “I’ve thought of nothing else.” She slumped against the back of her chair. “It was a hard decision, because I’d be leaving a lot behind in Texas.” Lord, I hope I heard You right. Her chin dropped against her chest for a moment before she raised it and sat up straight. “But I believe God wants me to accept your offer. . . if you think I can do what you need.”

A bright smile spread across her grandfather’s face. “You’ve made me very happy.”

She glanced at Gerome. His magnificent smile shone like the Texas sun.

“I contacted my superior and told him he would receive my resignation tomorrow.” Gerome’s words lifted her spirits even more.

“Okay.” Her grandfather clapped his hands. “Let’s enjoy this wonderful meal Mrs. Shields prepared for us. We can discuss the particulars tomorrow.”

Leiann took a sip of her iced tea and wondered what tomorrow would bring.

❧

The FBI hadn’t released the office Prudence had used, so Gerome helped Leiann set up a space in a study close to Herman’s. Since the computers Prudence had used were evidence, Leiann needed a new one. His training and experience with Ozbourne helped him remain on task, which was difficult in close proximity to Leiann.

For the next two days, he helped her familiarize herself with the computer. Then they started looking at the overall structure of the companies Herman owned. Each of the organizations had competent people running them, but Herman oversaw much of the ongoing work.

“I had no idea Grandfather’s companies were so diversified.” Leiann scanned down the document. “He has interests in computers and electronics, power companies, construction, banking, even retail. No wonder he’s so wealthy.”

Gerome chuckled. “We haven’t even started on the financial part yet.”

Later, he’d get a forensic accountant to help them follow the trail of the money Prudence had embezzled. Hopefully, since he had all of Prudence’s personal files on his flash drive, they might be able to retrieve some of the funds. Getting all of it back was highly improbable. But he’d leave no stone unturned to recover all he could.

“Tomorrow’s Sunday.” Gerome glanced quickly at Leiann, who was studying the computer screen over his shoulder. “Would you like to go to church with me in the morning?”

“I’d like that.” Leiann’s words were soft.

Startled, he turned to look at her fully and noticed a light in her eyes. “I thought you’d turn me down.”

“I know I haven’t gone since I came to Massachusetts, but I had things I needed to deal with.” She cleared her throat. “Do you think Grandfather will go with us?”

“I’m sure he’ll want to if he feels up to it.” Gerome closed the file. “He has been better the last few days.”

Gerome had been thinking about sitting down with Herman’s doctor and discussing his health. He knew the man was bound by privacy regulations, but maybe they could skirt the issues without being too specific.