by Jerri George
“May I help you?” Candace asked curtly.
The woman turned, revealing a broad Aztec-tan framed smile with teeth bearing the resemblance to a chimpanzee. “Candace? It can't be! Just look at you, a ravishing young woman.” The older woman gushed as she extended both her arms wide.
Candace was in no mood for games or hugs and kept a safe distance. “Uh, thank you, but who are you?”
“One would hope you’d remember me, dear, but I guess not. I was once engaged to your uncle. My name is Genevieve, Genevieve Morgenstern?” She held out her slender well-manicured hand as her tone elevated into a question.
Candace shook it then compelled herself to withdraw and stop staring. “I, I do remember you. Not clearly, but I’ve heard stories of you. What brings you here?”
“Your Uncle, of course. Why, I could scarcely stay away knowing his life hung in the balance after everything we meant to each other.”
In Candace’s opinion, the woman dramatically over pouted her heavily lip-sticked mouth. So, this was the infamous Genevieve. What did he ever see in her? It had been about eighteen years but...really? Makeup born in the 50's, a pinched and turned up nose and that hair. Did they even do that hideous lavender-platinum color anymore?
“Won't you sit down?” Candace motioned to the only chair in the room besides the stiff leather recliner which had become Candace's bed. “The doctors aren't really allowing visitors at this time, just immediate family.”
“My dear girl, you really don't remember me, do you? She sat down on the hard surface which didn't seem to agree with her. “You must know your uncle and I were deeply in love. In fact, one might say inseparable. He taught me how to ice skate and ski, both on the water and snow, and how to invest in the stock market. I taught him to speak French, choose proper wine and appreciate the love of a good woman. He just never seemed to get the last part, but then again, I guess I didn't catch on too quickly about stocks either,” she said with a hearty laugh, throwing her head back so brusquely, she nearly lost the hat. She grabbed it at the crown and pushed it back down, securing it with a large pearl stick pin.
Candace cringed. “I remember going water skiing with you, my uncle and my parents once or twice and, I do remember the day we had to cancel your wedding.”
“Yes, well, I was certainly more than just a dalliance. Truth be known, he really swept me off my feet. It was a shame it ended.”
“It's really none of my business. I just know how hurt Uncle was at the time.”
“I thought we were made for each other, too, but then a heart wants what the heart wants. I fell madly in love with one of his business associates.” Genevieve put both of her palms against her lap and faced Candace directly. “Really, what's a girl to do? I was just a girl then, you know. Young at heart if not in years. You're a woman now, certainly you understand the pitfalls of romance.”
Candace said, “No one understood at the time, I know that.” Seriously? This woman swept Uncle off his feet and dropped him like a hot potato. He was devastated and never really got over it according to her Mom. None of us has seen her since, and now she just surfaces? She must be up to something.
“Well, it's all in the past now, isn't it?” Genevieve removed a mirror from her purse and checked her reflection. “So, tell me, dear, there doesn't seem to be anyone else here, is there a Mrs. Kane?”
“No Mrs. Kane. Uncle never settled down. I came to live with him which made dating difficult, I'm sure.”
“I wouldn't be hard on yourself, sweetie. Your uncle always adored you. I can’t imagine how you two got along after that terrible accident.”
“We managed.” Candace left it at that.
Genevieve’s brows furrowed, giving the appearance of concern. “I did want to come to the funeral and express my sympathies but since the accident wasn't all that long after our breakup, I felt it was better to keep my distance.”
“Yes, probably so.”
“Do you live here with Dan in New Mexico?”
Candace was tiring of this. “No, I'm a caterer in Denver.”
“A caterer? Well, I'll be! That's a pretty big departure from your mama's line of work. She made the loveliest sportswear!”
Dan's nurse entered the room, making the rounds, and levied a look of surprise at the stranger. “The doctor didn't say anything about your uncle having visitors, Ms. Kane.”
Candace stood up. “Oh, I know. An old friend of my uncle’s stopped by but she was just leaving.”
“Well, I suppose doctor's orders and all.” Genevieve stood, smoothed her skirt and adjusted her hat. “Candace dear, I do hope you'll clear it with his doctor so that I can come back to visit soon.”
“Soon, yes,” she agreed but made no mental note to do so.
As Genevieve gathered her purse, she said, “I do want to see him again. I’ve arranged for a hotel room close by, so you can let me know. By the way, I'm sure someone is looking into it, but did your uncle leave an insurance policy or a will?”
“I, I really don't know.” Harry’s words echoed in her mind. Could this woman be the “someone else” mentioned in the Will? Candace continued, “In any case, I don't think it's really necessary to concern ourselves with that since he's going to be just fine.”
“One never really knows, does one?” The woman placed an unwelcome arm around Candace's shoulder as they walked toward the door. “You might want to scout out his attorney, dear, that dreadfully good-looking wealthy fellow. Harry, oh what was his name? Short or Long something? I'm sure he would know if they're still bosom buddies.”
Genevieve squeezed Candace’s and gave her a personal calling card and left, parading out with a modelesque stride, her Madden heels clip clopping down the hall.
Candace shook her head in an attempt to throw off the feeling she was just pecked apart by a gaggle of geese. She straightened Uncle's pillow and tucked the edge of his blanket.
“No offense, Uncle, but that woman? What an odd creature. I sure am glad you didn't end up with her,” she spoke aloud. “Why on earth would she take an interest in your will? What makes her think she has any connection to you at all? She really is a kook. Anyway, I’m glad I got in touch with your attorney.”
Inconsistencies at an all-time high, and nothing in her blood stream but the remnants of her non-breakfast, Candace’s head swirled. She sat down in the recliner as thoughts of her uncle’s past came rushing back as clearly as if they were yesterday's news cycle. The wedding of the decade in investment circles that was doomed from the moment Genevieve acquired a taste for money and power and coveted both. Candace heard the story more than once about his crushed dreams of a romantic future with Genevieve when she announced a senior business associate would be flying off with her to the couple’s pre-booked island honeymoon destination in Dan’s stead.
Chapter 18
It was just past two o’clock when Candace found the address of Harrelson Long and Son, Esq. in Colorado Springs. Wondering if she’d be lucky enough to get out in time to make the venue by four thirty and meet Dawn, she refreshed her lip gloss, fluffed the head full of hair that was beginning to look like an overly loved pet.
Genevieve’s visit had delayed her already tight schedule. Her visit with Jesse morphed into a phone call. Jesse was more upbeat now that Pedro passed the first wave of interrogations and was being represented by an attorney who Riley recommended. It looked as if he might be released and home as early as tonight, although he was still a person of interest in the eyes of the law.
Candace and Jesse both agreed it was unlikely Pedro would harm Dan, but in his drunken stupor, he couldn’t remember where he had been hours before the attack. His alibi thankfully ending up being a one-horse town drunk tank located between the ranch and El Paso.
What a day and what awful timing to see Tripp for the first time in nine years, but she had no choice. For the past two hours on the drive from Gallegos to Colorado Springs, countless butterflies had taken up residence in her stomach. By the time the s
ecretary announced her arrival and after giving her the once over with cautious eyes, Candace felt she might throw up. Bolting for the outside door seemed like a good idea.
Tripp was just getting out of his chair to walk around his desk when Candace was shown into the room. He slipped on a light gray suit jacket that had be draped across the high-backed leather chair in one slick, effortless motion as he crossed the room. Older but still fit, his arms bulged against the coat sleeves. He straightened his charcoal and black striped tie, which was no doubt was made of silk.
Her heart began to pound, and her breaths shortened.
Growing up without her father, Uncle Dan was her one and only male role model through high school. Men were an enigma from the start, and Tripp Long had been her first serious flirtation and a big secret. Uncle knew she had had contemplated beginning her culinary training early but never guessed what actually prompted her departure from college.
The antithesis of Anton, a shorter, stockier version of his foreign counterpart, Tripp spent most of his time buried in books containing case law and legalese. Anton was all about volumes of recipes and practicing the art of coaxing flavors from sinewy animal flesh and creating succulent textures from a mere pinch of a seasoning.
Unlike the carefree devil-may-care attitude Anton oozed into her daily life, Tripp was a level-headed conservative, and a reserved and thoughtful man. Anton, years younger than Candace, was comfortable with the idea of clawing and scratching his way to the top whereas Tripp was already there, raised in affluence with the trappings attained by old family money.
Tripp extended his hand to her. She accepted his hand deftly, as if greeting one of her clients, but once their palms connected, the familiar electricity sparked between them. They both held the grip firmly. Their eyes locked in a warm welcoming gaze and they shared a smile, one that assured the other the time between them had nearly stood still.
Tripp broke the handshake and weighty silence by wrapping his arms around her in a strong but brief hug. Dropping one arm, he steered her comfortably toward a trio of burgundy leather chairs grouped around a coffee table. For a moment, it was as if they were dancing, though there was no music. Her knees wobbled.
“Is this okay?” He motioned to the chair next to the roaring fireplace. Colorado temperatures and the windy late afternoon had turned brisk.
Her knees still wobbled and a shiver passed down her spine. “Fine, thanks.”
“I am so sorry about Dan and what you must be going through,” he started. “But it’s really good to see you.”
“It’s okay. He’s going to be fine. I just know it!” She couldn’t admit how incredible it was to lay eyes on Tripp after all these years. How can people drift apart so easily and never cross paths even when living in neighboring cities?
“Dad said he spoke with you about the will. I have a copy of it in our files.” As Tripp spoke, he was studying her face. “I also have a copy of his DNR for you.”
She wondered what he was thinking as she felt his eyes on her. “Thanks, but as I said, I’m sure we won’t need it.”
He politely changed the subject. “What, if anything, are the police saying?”
“It’s been a crazy couple of days. At first, they insisted Uncle must have fallen or collapsed. Now, they’ve finally decided it wasn’t an accident but are trying to charge Jesse’s son with attempted murder.” She waited for his reaction.
“Do they have evidence to support that?” he asked the question with the embodied discretion of an attorney.
Candace went on to tell him everything. She relived the night she found Dan and detailed his injury. She recalled Merlin’s death and what the vet told her about the poisoning, Sam’s ongoing police investigation, and lastly, rubbing salt into the wound, Pedro’s arrest and Genevieve’s appearance.
“Tripp listened in silence, never taking his gaze from her face. Well, it sounds to me as if the sheriff could be onto something. I know how close you are to Jesse, but how well do you know her son?”
“Pretty well, I mean he’s spent time at the ranch, but his dad practically raised him since Jesse was always with us. You know, Tripp, it makes me feel responsible in a way. Jesse gave more of herself to me and Uncle than to her own family.”
“I know. But remember, CJ, everyone makes those types of choices and for their own reasons. Commitment comes with a cost.” He looked at her evenly.
Was he talking about their choices in college? Their unspoken, under-discussed decision of letting go after all they’d felt for each other?
Was it the overall situation with Uncle or seeing Tripp again that suddenly made her so sad? Eyes filling with tears she diverted attention to her cell phone clock, the large digital numbers on the screen virtually screamed that a speedy departure was imminent. How could she leave after such a short visit?
She remembered something Jesse had told her. “Tripp, the sheriff is asking around about my relationship with Uncle and also about my business partner Anton.”
“Do you know what type of questions he’s asking?”
She nodded. “Yes, about the money Uncle allowed me to pull from my trust for the business.”
“That’s within his scope, but I’d be careful about answering too many questions without counsel. Sounds like he’s on a fishing expedition, but you can’t be too careful. Dad and I can’t represent you, conflict of interest and all, but I will get you hooked up with one of my buddies.”
Candace added, “He also asked about my agreement with Anton and his percentage of the catering business.”
“That’s a subject I can field. Didn’t my dad draw up those papers?”
Between Tripp’s close presence and the fire, she was parched. “Yes, about five years ago.”
“I thought so. So, he’s sniffing around Anton, huh?” The tiny muscle on the inside of his cheek flexed.
“Yes, but that’s just ridiculous.”
“Still, I’d like to know what connection he thinks there might be to him with regard to your uncle. Is this sheriff in Gallegos?”
She nodded.
“Look, if anyone asks you about the contracts between the two of you, refer them to me.” Tripp stared at her intently. “Would you like some coffee?”
She reminded him about her upcoming event and the reason she needed to cut short their time together. Leaving was a less than attractive option. Both sat attentively leaning into the other, eyes penetrating, deep in thought. They were emotionally, intellectually and physically focused on each other and the emotions at hand. Ending the meeting was like peeling skin from the flesh of a grape.
“I want you to call me with any news–any time at all.” He reached for a business card out of the table top holder and scribbled something quickly on the back. “Here’s my card. My personal cell is on the back.”
They were face-to-face as they stood.
“Thanks, Tripp. It really was good seeing you again.” She had to give him that. “I appreciate all your help, and tell your dad I said ’hi.’”
He kissed her cheek with his palms clutching her upper arms. “I will. He’s going to see Dan tomorrow.”
“You should, too.” Her words swallowed themselves and filled her throat. She wondered how he had been all these years, and if he had someone special in his life.
Candace was grateful for the chilled wind that met her warm cheeks when she scurried out of the building. It made the flush that bloomed there look almost natural. For now, she was off to Denver to work. She left Tripp inside on the phone to Gallegos.
Chapter 19
Candace knew the first order of business at the venue for Anton was to properly arrange the mansion’s dining room. Tonight was typical. Tables, chairs and linens were dropped off by the rental company, without specific instruction. They were merely piled in the vestibule along with the other deliveries. Flower arrangements were in the hallway stacked in boxes.
She walked onto the scene and it became like a ballroom waltz. Candace shifted into
set-up mode, an action she was confident handling. “Ro, can you make sure the floral arrangements and loose flowers for the buffet are put under refrigeration please? And let’s get eight chairs at each one of those tables. The color scheme is silver on purple, guys.”
She looked around, thinking. Four on the floor already and three working on setting up the kitchen and they still might not be ready on time. “Zach, you and Ro are on tablecloths and napkins and buffet set-up. Kayla, you and the new guy take charge of flatware, then hook up for the water glasses. I’ll make sure your things come off the truck first.”
“Anton?” Kayla called from across the room seeing him walk in. “Are we providing water goblets for this one?”
Anton shot Candace a brilliant smile and wink as he grabbed a stack of plates. “No, but Dawn said she ordered all the glasses for the tables along with the one’s for the bar.”
“Okay, I’ll find them,” Kayla responded. She was one of their favorite servers. Sharp and well trained, she looked calm and professional in her crisp white shirt and short black skirt. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail and her comfortable black nursing shoes allowed her to work quickly and stealthily, filling in where others left off.
“Anton, where do you want the chocolate fountain?” asked Zach, always organized. He was another favorite staffer who was in fact preparing to transition into banquet manager. Like Anton, he was tall and imposing, but the comparison ended abruptly at his short-cropped strawberry blonde hair, fair skin and freckles, more resembling Prince Harry, the third in line to the British throne. His attire was typical: a pair of sharply creased tuxedo pants, a crisp black dress shirt with the embroidered To Dine For Catering logo, a black tie and a smooth ankle-length black apron tied at the waist signified his level of importance among the group.
Anton acknowledged him with a directive nod toward the library door. That’s all the information Zach would need to set up a lavish presentation. Candace loved watching Anton at work and the moments like this that proved she made a good choice in their partnership.
