Search for Contentment

by Marlene Bierworth

  Melanie changed into her navy-blue bikini and pulled the cover-up over her head. She grabbed a beach towel from the bathroom shelf, and hurried out of the room. No one in the household had opted for an afternoon dip, leaving the pool vacant and hers to enjoy.

  She dove in and did half a length underwater before her head bobbed to the surface. Trained arms and legs kicked into motion, and what began as a casual swim turned into a self-competition. Sheer energy and willpower raced against the turmoil of emotions piquing inside. Melanie began to unravel the newly considered idea that her spoiled Georgia class could be a positive attribute when vented constructively. A new strength infused her. She possessed the inner power to overcome this trial – if she could remain alive long enough to see it through to completion. No amount of training or mentoring could prepare a cop for the raw emotions she was experiencing. The adrenalin rush left in the wake of her violent attack, had somehow surged her to new levels of perseverance. Experience was a good teacher – she’d be a better officer for enduring and overcoming it.

  Melanie climbed up the water-covered steps and onto the cement lounging pad. After dropping into a chair, she bent forward to towel-dry her dripping hair. When done, she stretched out, leaning against the back-rest and closing her eyes. The hot sun soaked deep into her tense muscles, and she relaxed.

  “You’re covered in goosebumps even while the hot sun beats down on you. How can that be possible?”

  She startled at the voice and looked up to stare into a pair of intense eyes belonging to a man, who, more than likely – given the boyish grin on his face – had noticed more than her goosebumps. Melanie sprang to her feet and nearly toppled over him.

  “What are you doing here?” Melanie asked, anger rising in her voice, “and how did you find me?”

  “Quite by accident, I assure you. I had some business with Trevor, but the real question is, what are you doing here?”

  “Trevor Knight is a friend of mine. He invited me to stay at the Manor for a while.”

  “Which succeeded in throwing me off your track once again,” he said.

  “That seems an impossible feat, Mr. Alexander.”

  “I am nothing if not persistent.” His grin mocked her, and his slow once-over scan made her feel cheap and vulnerable.

  Melanie grabbed her cover-up, and with all good intentions tried to toss it casually over her head, but the head hole turned out to be the armhole, and she was stuck, fumbling like an idiot that could not even dress herself.

  Though his face was hidden from her, she heard the humor lacing his voice. “Let me help you, Miss Decanis.”

  Besides utter embarrassment, a new problem hit her: Angela Decanis was the name she’d given him, while the family inside knew her as Melanie Braxton. Hopefully, he’d be leaving soon.

  She felt her face flush as it peeked out from the correct neck hole, and she confronted her walking nightmare who was standing too close for comfort. “Thanks, but no thanks. Did you get lost on your way out?”

  “Actually, no. I was in the office completing my notes when, low and behold, I saw your vision of loveliness pass by. I admit that I was intrigued, and followed you.”

  “You watched me swim?” she asked.

  “I did, and what an achievement. I would labor after only one length of this pool, while you easily managed five without a break.”

  “I work out a lot.”

  His gaze scanned her body again and the smile broadened. Melanie felt like a fly under a microscope. “I can see that, Angela.”

  “About that – the Knights know me by my family name.” Hopefully he’d think that a good excuse for two names. “Melanie instead. of Angela.” She ignored the surname completely.

  “Melanie – I like that. Although you do look like an Angel, dressed with very naughty wings.”

  “And you, Mr. Alexander, are far too outspoken for my liking.”

  He bowed. “My apologies. I seem to step on your toes no matter how hard I try not to.”

  “Good day, sir.” Melanie picked up her towel and moved toward the house.

  “I suppose this means we will not be dining at the hotel tonight?”

  “You are correct.”

  Behind her, she detected the facetiousness in his voice. “Well, I suppose tomorrow will have to do. Mr. Knight has invited me to dine. He wants to show off his guest to a few of his closest friends and colleagues.”

  Melanie gasped. Whatever was Trevor thinking? Obscurity did not involve parading her in front of his friends, especially this one. Was there no avoiding this man?

  In Trevor’s defense, she had not named the man she was attempting to avoid when she’d mentioned the episode earlier.

  She turned and added smugly, “I shall see you then, sir.” She muttered to herself, “If I’m still in Georgia,” Melanie summoned an extra dose of dignity and marched away.

  As Melanie rounded the bend in the hallway upstairs, she heard a click, and she witnessed a startled figure departing from her suite. Melanie stopped in her tracks.

  It was the girl who had been with Drew, the one who had rummaged through her apartment. The woman’s piercing eyes questioned Melanie’s surprised gasp as she approached at a brisk pace. “You’re dripping all over the expensive carpet,” she said. “When you’ve changed into something decent, meet me in my uncle’s office – we have things to discuss.”

  Obviously, this was the high and mighty Chelsea that Trevor mentioned.

  The figure passed by in a wave of nauseating perfume, adding an exasperated huff for drama. Her full skirt flared and slapped against Melanie’s bare legs.

  Melanie summoned some of that Braxton stubbornness and as she reached for the door knob, she called after the intruder, “You shall have to wait, I’m afraid. Trevor is expecting me for lunch at one.”

  The quickly fleeing lady twirled mid-step and cast Melanie an evil glare. She ignored it, grinned a satisfying victory grin, entered Chrissy’s room, and closed the door firmly against Chelsea Knight’s indignant gawking.

  Think in the positive realm, for the negative only tears you down.

  Chapter 12

  At lunch, Melanie postponed mentioning that she’d encountered Trevor’s niece coming out of Chrissy’s room earlier. The man obviously hadn’t even realized she was in the Manor. She suddenly questioned his home as a safe harbor. The fact that people could come and go, with or without invitation from the Master of the Manor did not accomplish much in the line of protection.

  Trevor was in a playful mood, and she decided a bit of laughter was needed more than a new onslaught of family bedlam. “Your business went well this morning?” Melanie asked. “You appear to be in a rather joyful mood.”

  “In my line of work, I’ve discovered that I cannot stay focused on the negative twenty-four-seven if I wish to remain sane. I find you a delightful distraction.”

  “I believe that your colleague had the same idea,” she said, noting his quizzical expression. “It appears your Mr. Alexander is the same drunk who hit on me yesterday and again today.”

  Trevor laughed. “Couldn’t be. Stephen hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol for over a year – or so I’ve been told. Used to have a problem, but not anymore.”

  “I only know the one who followed me to the pool today is the same man. Either he was drunk on the plane or especially good at acting and smelling the part. He followed me to the hotel and waited all night to accost me at the restaurant this morning. The man seems persistent in dogging my trail, and that gives me cause for alarm. He was thrilled to rediscover me in your pool.”

  “Stephen did stop by briefly – some papers he wants me to sign – but I’ve been too busy to read them.”

  “Let me guess: he’s persistent and annoying in business as well?”

  Trevor roared. “Yes, he can be, but Chelsea seems taken by him and will have no other business partner.”

  “And is Chelsea the reason he is invited to dine at the Manor tomorrow night?”

&
nbsp; “Yes, again. The girl is self-propelling her influence into my home lately. She planned the dinner behind my back with the kitchen staff and only informed me this morning with a formal invitation – can you imagine that? A man does not like to be undermined in his own home. I liked it better when she ignored me.”

  “Have you told her about Chrissy? Perhaps, she’s worried about her sister?”

  “No love lost there. Barking up the wrong tree.”

  “Maybe not. What would she have to gain if her sister were dead?”

  Trevor straightened in his seat. “You’re accusing family of this treachery? Surely even Chelsea is beyond suspicion.”

  “No one is beyond suspicion. The law will leave no clue time to grow cold.”

  Including Drew. It also brought the Baxter family into the mix, and if loyalty were an issue, Melanie doubted she’d be welcome at Knight Manor for long.

  “I’m familiar with the law and how it works,” Trevor said. “Please forgive my outburst.”

  Melanie bit her lip. How natural it would be to bring her brother’s involvement into the case, but she was beginning to like Trevor Knight a bit too much to risk alienating him at this point – or ever.

  Trevor reached for her hand. “Is something else bothering you?”

  She steered the conversation back to Chelsea. “Do you have any idea why your niece would be rummaging through Chrissy’s old room – or my present room, for that matter?”

  “Chelsea? You saw her in your room? Today?”

  “She was coming out when I returned from the pool and took an immediate dislike to me. I wonder if she knows who I am.”

  “I may have spilled the beans there. Said you were a friend of Chrissy’s. That in itself would cause her to dislike you.”

  “Did you tell her I was Chrissy’s roommate?” Melanie’s face couldn’t hide her interest.

  “No – that might interfere with your safety, and I would never jeopardize that,” said Trevor. Concern spreading across his features as he studied her. It broke down any remaining defenses. The speed in which she was falling for him left her breathless. Just as she debated telling him about Drew, Chelsea Knight appeared at the corner of the patio, her stance declaring war on the couple.

  “Good afternoon, Chelsea,” Trevor said, getting to his feet. “Would you care to join us for tea?”

  “Tea? I had to belittle myself and beg the cook for a plate of scraps because my uncle neglected to inform the kitchen I was on the premises.”

  “Chelsea – do you never tire of the drama?” Trevor said, sitting down again.

  “Drama! Here you sit, entertaining a Georgia girl who’s abandoned her family. This is not done in our circles, Uncle Trevor.”

  “Oh? You’ve seen fit to investigate my guest? That is not done in my household, Chelsea, and you will apologize this very minute.”

  Melanie rested her hand on his and shook her head. Nothing escaped the watchful glare of the woman now looming over their table.

  “Look at her grovel,” Chelsea said. “She knows I’m right, and that your virtuous standards would kick her out the door in a heartbeat if you knew everything.”

  “If my standards are so righteous, then I should do all I can to show the misguided woman the error of her ways. Family is sacred, although your habitual conduct causes me to doubt that theory.”

  Melanie could stand no more. “Chelsea, your worldview has holes in it. You did not bother to come after Chrissy when she moved to South Carolina. I would call that abandonment.”

  “Chrissy was stupid to leave. That disqualified her under the rules of conduct in our circles.”

  “You used the past tense – do you know something we don’t?” Melanie asked.

  Chelsea leveled a glare of pure hatred in Melanie’s direction. “I know you, and that’s all you need concern yourself about.”

  “Enough!” Trevor shouted, getting to his feet. “You will not stand here a moment longer and dishonor my guest. Sit and join us for a civil cup of tea or leave the premises. I’ve heard quite enough from you today.”

  Melanie watched the woman inhale deeply and cast a sugar-coated smile in her uncle’s direction. “I’d love to join your party, but I have an appointment in the city I cannot postpone. But I will be back tomorrow night for dinner. I have an important announcement.” She turned to Melanie and shed the coating to reveal her inner-loathing. “I look forward to hearing tales about my dear sister, Chrissy. Perhaps you can track her down and surprise us all with a second visit from the disillusioned child in the same month.”

  As soon as Chelsea was out of earshot, Trevor reached for his cell phone. He clicked on a name in his contact list and waited. “Drake, are you in the guest house?” Pause. “I have a job. Get into your car quickly and tail my niece, Chelsea, to her afternoon appointment. Let me know where she goes or anything else she does of interest.” Pause “She should be passing by in a couple of minutes. Talk to you later.” Trevor placed his cell off to the side and looked at Melanie.

  “Your hired detective, I assume?” Melanie asked.

  “Yes. The man is single and lives on site for our working convenience. He was doing some online research today for our case and another I’m working on. I keep him busy enough.”

  “Has he discovered anything useful?” she asked.

  “Hopefully, after today, we can put some of the pieces together.” He reached for her hand again and squeezed it. “I cleared my afternoon calendar to spend time with you. My sworn bachelor status is being put through its paces since meeting you.”

  “I’m surprised that women have not lined up at your doorstep, Mr. Knight.”

  “All the wrong ones have.” Trevor laughed. “Think my heart was waiting for another brand of woman to bring it new life.”

  “Me – a new brand,” Melanie mused. “You’re probably right, but look at the trouble I get into. I’d need to acquire your services constantly.”

  “And you, my dear, would get a discounted rate.” He grinned, and her heart leaped into her throat. “I prefer the right kind of spark to keep my adrenalin pumping. And with you, I suspect I shall never know a dull moment.”

  They were treading dangerous territory, and his forwardness made her insides squirm. Was she so embarrassed in her own skin that she could not enjoy some innocent banter with a man? Likely that was one of the reasons she remained single.

  “Trevor, can we stay focused on Chrissy? I feel disloyal, enjoying lunch with you while her killer runs free.”

  He tousled his hair, disturbing a lock of the perfectly combed dark strands, causing it to stick up. His boyish features completed the picture. Melanie’s face broke into a smile and she smothered a giggle.

  “What now?”

  Melanie leaned closer and flattened the mane standing erect. Even as she did it, she realized the move was brazen and inappropriate, contradicting her attempt to return to the serious subject of Chrissy. But she did it anyway. Her hand stopped mid-air on the return, as their eyes locked, holding the moment captive. He definitely did not regard her as his niece’s roommate, and for the first time in a long time, Melanie felt drawn to a man.

  Trevor surprised her by grabbing her hand and diving it into his thick mane, messing his entire hairdo.

  “There. I like that better. Do you?” he asked.

  “It doesn’t compliment your three-piece suit.”

  “Then I shall have to remedy that. At church, people have me that I come across a bit snobby at times, though they say it with a most gracious attitude. I repent, of course, but it gives a man cause to wonder if stuffy formality, which tends to define the upper-class, is as necessary as our ancestors have led us to believe. How do you feel about that, Miss Braxton?”

  “I’m in complete agreement. I think I’ll like the members of your congregation.” Melanie grinned. “In my new world, I tend to treat everyone the same and dress to please myself or the occasion.”

  “Money and position can be a curse,” Tre
vor stated.

  “Only the rich would say that. Now that I’m living on the other side of the money tree, I’m beginning to suspect access to funds can also be a blessing. It’s all up to the person holding the purse.”

  “Chrissy’s mother would agree. My sister-in-law loved to bless everyone and anyone and wouldn’t hurt a fly. In fact, whenever she could, she’d take a stray bug found in the house and transfer it safely to the great outdoors to set it free.”

  “Sounds like something Chrissy would do, too.”

  “Yes, I’m partial to my youngest niece.”

  “I’m not surprised – I’ve met the elder one, remember?”

  “Yes, Chelsea is cold and calculating. We clash at every encounter, except when she is trying to bewitch me into getting her own way.” He cast a challenge Melanie’s way. “Have you decided to visit your home while in Georgia?”

  “My father and I have been on the outs since Mother’s death, but yes, I believe I shall try to make amends. Life is too short to carry grudges, and I believe your God would frown on such lack of forgiveness.”

  “I’m pleased to see that you are soul searching during this troubled time.”

  “Lessons in the valley, I believe I heard a preacher say that phrase once.”

  “Have you made your peace with God? I sense a change in you.”

  “I’m considering it. I see the strength in your faith that keeps you steady on your feet and provides blessings for you to share.”

  “Will you test your new theories after you forgive your father and become heir to his fortune?”

  “As far as I know, he hasn’t taken me out of the will.” She laughed. “But I suspect that money and power will look different in my near future.”

  “I regret not taking more opportunity to speak with you when you visited last time. I am enjoying your company and would have insisted that Chrissy bring you back often.”