Her Deadly Reunion

by Beth Ziarnik

  Jill nodded, unable to speak as she tried to fathom how much her father had deteriorated. She glanced back at Clay, who appeared as concerned but said nothing.

  When the door closed, her father opened his eyes and turned toward her and Clay.

  She blinked, refusing to let tears pool in her eyes. Taking her father’s hand in both of hers, she lifted it and placed a gentle kiss against the fragile skin. “You asked us to come, Dad. Are you sure you’re up to having us visit?”

  “I … I think so.” He strained for every word. Not a good sign.

  She pressed her lips together to keep them from trembling. “Why did you send for us?”

  “Sit down. I … need to talk to … to both of you.” His eyes were full of sorrow and something else that made her uneasy.

  When they were seated, her father continued. “Young man, do you ... love my daughter?” His eyes narrowed, and a fierceness glowed from their depths. “Do you really … love her?”

  Jill turned to Clay. She didn’t doubt it for a moment.

  “Sir, I would give my life for her.”

  “But … do you love her?”

  “Yes, sir. With all my heart.”

  The warmth of Clay’s response reached to the depths of her soul as he turned from her father to her. The incredible passion she saw in his eyes spoke more about how precious she was to him than mere words.

  “Then ... guard her.”

  Jill jerked, refocusing on her father. “Guard me from what?”

  “Do not remain … in this house.” He paused, catching his breath. “She’s ... not safe. Take her away. Tonight.”

  “I’m not safe? No, Dad. You have that wrong. You’re the one in danger.”

  Her father’s eyes never left Clay’s. “Promise me. If you love her ... get her out of here. As soon as … as possible.”

  Jill shook her head and fought back the tears. “I won’t go unless you do.”

  Her father paid her no mind. “Promise me,” he said to Clay.

  “I will, sir. As soon as possible.”

  Jill stared at Clay. “I don’t care what either of you say. I’m not leaving.”

  “If you love me … Daughter.” Her father paused as if gathering strength. “Go.”

  The pain in his eyes ripped at her heart. Her chin quivered. “How can you ask me to leave when I might never see you again? Please, Dad. If you insist I leave, tell Alice you’re ready to go to the hospital.”

  “I’ve had a recurring nightmare … for years. Wake up in a cold sweat. If I go … never come out alive. I don’t want—” Her father began coughing, a ragged and deep hacking that threatened to turn him inside out.

  Jill leapt to her feet, while Clay sprinted out the door, calling for Alice.

  The nurse rushed to the bedside. “How did this happen?”

  Jill swallowed hard. “He was talking and suddenly went into a coughing spasm. Should we call a doctor?”

  Alice waved them aside. “It’s okay. This has happened before. I’ll take care of it. You two can leave, but stay close in case I need you.”

  Gripping Clay’s hand, Jill backed away reluctantly. Her father continued to cough as Alice moved swiftly to alleviate the problem. Jill had all she could do to keep from weeping.

  Outside John’s room, Clay put a finger to Jill’s lips. He glanced around to see if anyone was near and then nodded toward her room.

  They had barely shut the door before she blurted, “We can’t leave. Don’t even suggest it. If he dies, I have to know we’ll see him in heaven. I have to try once more to get through to him.”

  Clay stood there, torn between her father’s critical need for Jesus and the promise he had made to the man. All he and John wanted was to protect Jill from a danger the man obviously considered imminent. Why would she fight that? “What if he’s right?”

  She set her chin. “I don’t care. I need to talk to him one more time. I need to know he’ll spend eternity in heaven if … if he dies. I won’t go before I’m sure he’s ready when his time comes. Isn’t it enough that I’ve lost my mother? Will you ask me to abandon my father, never to see him again?”

  He caressed her quivering chin, trying to help her realize he wasn’t the bad guy, and neither was her father. “You may not have a choice. Once Mrs. Gates gets wind of this, she’ll force us to leave.”

  “Why does she have to know? I’m not going to tell her. Are you?”

  He ached to see her in such desperation. “No.”

  “And no one else knows.”

  If only he could make her see how thin her argument was. “That’s not the point. Your father is genuinely concerned. Wouldn’t it be best to trust his judgment?”

  “He only suspects I’m in danger, but we know he is.”

  “I think your father more than suspects. My guess is he’s aware of something he didn’t have time to tell us. He may even know who’s trying to kill him. I was about to ask when he went into that coughing spasm.”

  Jill buried her face in her hands and sobbed.

  Nothing hurt him more than to see her cry, but they had to take action. “We should at least pack our bags so we can tell him we’re ready to leave.”

  She clenched her jaw. “I’m not leaving.”

  “I made a promise.”

  “You said as soon as possible. As long as Dad’s in danger, it’s not as soon as. But …” She stood on tiptoes and brushed a soft kiss on his lips. “I promise to leave the minute I’m satisfied he’ll be safe.”

  “I don’t like this, Jill. We don’t know what danger your father was talking about or where it’s coming from. At this point, we can’t trust anyone.”

  She said nothing, just stared at him as if daring him to remove her against her will.

  Clay sighed. He was losing the battle but had to admit he didn’t want anything to happen to her father either. “We’ll do things your way. For now.”

  “I’m not afraid for myself. As long as my father is alive, no one would dare harm me. They’re all too dependent on him and his money.”

  “That may be the problem.”

  Her gorgeous eyes were filled with dismay. “What?”

  “He may know he’s dying—”

  “Don’t say that!”

  “And wants you in a safe place before it happens.”

  “I don’t understand why I’d be in danger,” she said. “The only thing anyone might fear is my sharing in the inheritance. I’ve already said I don’t need or want their money.”

  “Do you really think you aren’t named in your father’s will?”

  She stared at him as if he’d lost his wits. “When Dad wanted to include me, I begged him not to. And that was the end of it … I thought.”

  “Caldwell has come several times, bringing papers for your father to sign, right? I wouldn’t be surprised if a new will was among them.”

  Jill’s shoulders slumped. “Oh, I hope you’re wrong.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  From a window in her room, Jill watched Clay drive away in the morning sunshine. Since Francesca had signed the contract, he had business to take care of that, much to her relief, couldn’t wait.

  Now, if Brian would only show up before Clay returned. She had a bit of business of her own to tend to.

  Dropping the lace panel back into place, Jill looked through her open door into the hall, her shoulders tense. The time had finally come when Lillie was allowed to visit alone with their father. She was with him now. Lord, please make her visit with him a good one. Help her not to become distressed by how much worse he looks since Christmas.

  Clasping and unclasping her hands around the head of her cane, Dora hovered a few feet outside the closed door to her son-in-law’s room. She closed her eyes and took a deep, shuddering breath as if trying to calm herself. Not once did she glance in Jill’s direction.

  Kat, on the other hand, frowned and paced briskly, stopping periodically to cast an accusing glance at Jill.

  While tension
gripped the household, Alice had remained with her patient, so far sharing no information and admitting only one family member at a time. Unsure what would happen next, Jill continued to leave her door open in hopes of catching what tidbits might reveal themselves. So far, no one insisted she leave.

  She returned to the window to pray while watching for Brian. When his car finally sped up the driveway, she skimmed down the stairs to intercept him in the entrance hall.

  Briefcase in hand, he nodded solemnly, his brow furrowed. “How is John?”

  “Alice told Dora there’s no need to worry. She said to quiet their fears, she would give each member of the family time for a brief visit.”

  “That sounds promising. I wasn’t sure what to expect after yesterday.”

  His words set off a red flag. “You knew my father had another setback?”

  “Dora keeps me informed.” He gave her a lopsided smile, then glanced behind her. “Where’s your guard dog?” he quipped.

  She frowned at him. Brian’s and Clay’s competitiveness worried her. “What is it with you two?”

  “That was uncalled for, wasn’t it? I’m sorry. I should have said your boyfriend. Or is it fiancé? You haven’t exactly made that clear.”

  He did appear sincere. “Clay and I have a committed relationship. We haven’t taken that next step, but we will.”

  A twinge of sadness whispered through her heart. When first planning for Christmas, she had been almost certain … but then, between her father’s unstable health, the contract troubles, and other uncertainties, she suspected that longed-for next step had been pushed to the back burner. What mattered now was that she definitely knew where their future was headed. The timing was just a little skewed.

  “I see,” he said, though she wasn’t certain he did. “Now what can I do for you?”

  She drew in a calming breath. “Actually, I was hoping you’d have a moment to talk.”

  Brian’s eyes lit up. “Never too busy for you.”

  “Can we go in here?” She indicated the pink and gold parlor across from the music room.

  Again, the lopsided grin. “Anywhere you say.”

  Jill led the way to the parlor and closed the pocket doors, hoping they would not be disturbed or overheard. That is, if Brian was even willing or able to discuss her father’s will.

  She squared her shoulders and turned to face him. Startled to find him only a breath away, she backed up a step. The intimacy in his eyes unnerved her. She shook her head and walked to a couch facing the fireplace. “Let’s sit over here.”

  When he sat too close, she scooted over to make enough space for comfort but not so much that she might offend him. While she needed his cooperation, she also wanted him to understand she was not encouraging his resurrected interest in her.

  He relaxed and sat back, appearing to accept the boundaries she had established. “So, what’s this all about?”

  “I need your help.”

  He looked at her curiously. “If I can.”

  If. She had hoped for more. She might as well just blurt it out. “Am I named in my father’s will?”

  He hesitated and stared at her. “Why do you want to know?”

  “I’d rather not say, but please. It’s important.” She swallowed against the tightness in her throat.

  “To who? Your boyfriend?” His half-laugh annoyed her.

  She moved even further away and looked at him pointedly. “Clay is not interested in Dad’s money.”

  Brian cocked his head and lifted his chin. “Are you sure? I checked into his financial situation. He can hardly run a business without a contract in sight. It’s no secret he needs money.”

  She gasped. What nerve. “First of all, Clay’s financial state is none of your business. Second, he signed a big contract this morning. He doesn’t need my father’s money. And, frankly, I can’t believe you would probe into his affairs like that.”

  “I was just looking out for your interests, Jill. You wouldn’t be the first unaware heiress to be preyed upon.” The muscles in his jaw ticked.

  “So, I am named in my father’s will.”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “But it’s true, isn’t it?”

  He paused before answering. “You didn’t hear it from me, understand?”

  “Yes.” She had no desire to get him in trouble, but the admission posed a problem.

  With a slight shake of his head, Brian stared at her. “Why is that such an issue? You should be happy.”

  “I just wish Dad hadn’t done that.” Her heart ached for her sisters and herself. Her father had no idea of the harm he had done. Without realizing it, he had put her in a position that would separate her from her sisters. Kathryn would believe she had proof Jill had come to rob them of part of their inheritance. And why should they believe her denial?

  “No one talked him into it. It was his decision.”

  Jill looked into her lap and laced her fingers. “If I hadn’t come, he never would have signed those papers.”

  “What papers?”

  She stared at him incredulously. “His new will. He never would have added me to his will.”

  Now Brian appeared completely puzzled. “Jill, you’ve always been in his will. Well before you came to this house.”

  “How do you know?”

  “I’m temporarily in charge of his law firm, remember? I checked on it.”

  Surely, Brian’s position didn’t give him the right to rifle through her father’s private papers.

  “Under his direction, of course,” he added hastily.

  “Of course.” So, he hadn’t done anything underhanded. “I’m sorry. I’m just so upset lately with Dad getting worse each day for no apparent reason. Now to find out Kathryn and Dora will have reason to believe I’m a last-minute, money-grabbing threat to them is too much. And with Dad wanting—” She cut herself short, appalled she had almost blurted out that her father wanted her to leave.

  “What about your dad?”

  “Nothing. I … nothing.” She was better off saying too little than trying to worm her way out of answering his question with some lame half-truth.

  His eyes narrowed as he searched her face. “Whatever it is, it’s something. Who or what is threatening you? I want to know.”

  “Why would you think anyone is threatening me?” Was he keeping something from her? Had her dad told him what he feared?

  “Because of the way you’re acting. You’re worried, and it’s not about nothing. Let me help you.”

  Her hands shook. “You can’t help me. I have to handle this myself.” And for her father’s sake, she would find a way.

  “You’re sure?” His eyes searched hers.

  “Absolutely.”

  “Just know, I’m here for you. I think your father would want it that way.” His eyes appeared clear and sincere, and his somber voice gave her a measure of comfort. He was, after all, what he had said … a friend.

  She breathed easier. “I appreciate that, Brian.”

  “Is there anything else?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  He stood. “In that case, it’s time l go up to see John.”

  She nodded, too distraught to move as Brian opened the pocket doors and left the room. Hopefully, he would find her father well enough to communicate. Unless …

  Dread slammed her. What if he told Brian he wanted Jill out of the house and asked him to make sure it happened?

  Bolting from the couch, she ran into the reception hall. “Brian?”

  There stood Clay.

  Oh no, Lord. Not again.

  Confused, Clay remained near the foot of the stairs. Caldwell was nowhere in sight when Jill dashed into the hall, calling his rival’s name. Shock and then a blush bloomed on her face as she stared at him.

  His heart fell. Jill and Brian shared a history. Clay didn’t want to believe anything would resurrect between them. His gut twisted as he waited for her to make the first move.

  With
an immense sadness in her eyes, she moved slowly forward. As she drew near, he couldn’t help himself. He opened his arms. She threw herself into them, burying her face in his shoulder. Even as he held her, hope shriveled.

  She didn’t look up at him. “You were right.”

  “About what?” Dreading her answer, he waited for her to go on.

  “I talked to Brian.” She swallowed hard, and he went numb. Was she about to admit she still had feelings for the man?

  “Dad named me in his will.” She trembled in his arms.

  He blinked. That was it? “Let me get this right. You’re unhappy because your father named you in his will?”

  “Of course.”

  He must be missing something. “Go on.”

  “Once my sisters find out, Lillie will believe Kat, and I’ll lose them both.”

  As her words pleaded for his understanding, he didn’t relish pointing out a possibility they might have to face down the road. “Jill, your father’s life is in danger. What if your sisters are part of the plot?”

  She pulled away from him. “I’d never believe that.”

  He had to help her see reason. “You don’t know anyone in this house well enough to be that sure.”

  She tensed as if about to argue further. Then her shoulders slumped.

  He cupped her face in his hands. “Not much has worked out the way we hoped, has it?”

  With a wobbly sigh, she snuggled back into his arms. “But no matter what, I’m staying. Will you help me convince my father?”

  He didn’t like the idea, but if that’s what she wanted, he would try. How could he face this woman he loved if he talked her into leaving and something happened to her father that they could have prevented?

  Waiting outside her father’s room, Jill stared at the closed door and slipped her hand into Clay’s. Had her dad told Brian he wanted her out of the house? She should have anticipated the possibility and enlisted his help in convincing her father to let her stay. She feared what might be happening behind that closed door.

  Jill squirmed. “What’s taking so long? Brian should’ve been in and out by now. Dad doesn’t have the strength for that long a visit.”