by Suzy Shearer
My only consolation is you will be financially secured for the rest of your life.
The apartment in the city is worth at least three and a half million, probably more now. If I were you, I’d sell it. Peter Bailey can help you get the best price. I was actually intending to sell it and move out permanently to Kurmond.
As I said, I cashed in the business so the money can be invested or spent—your choice. Again, if you decide to invest some of it, Peter can point you in the right direction.
The house in Kurmond—tough one.
You’ll think I must have been a crazy old man but I built that house about a year and a half ago in the hopes I would find you and we could live in it together. It’s a truly beautiful house set on 10 acres, that’s about four hectares in the new scale. It’s big—probably too big for an old man, but I had dreams. Five bedrooms, five bathrooms, guest house. There’s even koalas and kangaroos that live in the bush around it and lyrebirds, lots of possums and other animals.
If you prefer to stay in Canberra, I totally understand. You should get around two and a half million for it. It was always just an old man’s daydream.
What else can I tell you?
I’m sure you have thousands of questions and I just can’t answer them. I’m so sorry.
The private investigator followed a few leads when he searched for your mother, but they all fizzled out. My parents are long gone and I was an only child, so there is no other family. I’m so sorry.
I guess there’s nothing more to say except never, never think you weren’t in my mind. I don’t think a day went by when I didn’t think about you. Funny, I’d always imagine you were a beautiful girl with the amazing light blue eyes of your mother and you are.
There’s so much I want to know about you, so many places I’d love to take you to see. Instead the bloody spanner has jammed it all up. Even when I got the cancer diagnosis I never thought in a million years I’d only have such a very short time left.
I wish I could have held you in my arms just once.
I wish I could have told you how much I’ve always loved you.
I wish …
I love you so very dearly, your father. xxxx
* * * *
By the end of the letter Laura was crying so hard the words had all blurred together. There was so much she needed to ask, wanted to ask, but it was too late. She actually fell asleep crying and woke around one in the morning. After using the bathroom, she stripped. Her arm was so sore, so she took a couple of the pain killers the hospital had given her and climbed back into bed, sleeping through until eight. After one of the most awkward showers she’d ever had, Laura dressed in her dirty clothes and the clean top. She gathered up all the papers. After sorting things out in the bank she’d go to the apartment. She would have to see what was in it, whether she’d be able to sell it furnished or what. Laura got breakfast brought up to the room, picked up her bag, then went down to the reception and spoke to the concierge.
“Do you have a map of the city, please?”
“Certainly, miss.”
He pulled out a large folded map with places for sightseeing marked on it.
“This covers the whole of the city. Was there anywhere in particular you wanted to see?”
“Where is Barangaroo Avenue? Is it nearby?”
“It’s opposite Darling Harbour.”
He opened the map and pointed it out to Laura, then marked it with a pen. She thanked him and went outside. It was a cold winter’s day and she felt it down to her bones. Walking briskly down the street and across the road, she entered the bank. After speaking with a teller explaining who she was and the account name, Laura was asked to take a seat until a representative could see her. Ten minutes later, she was ushered into an office by a man and introduced to a young woman, Denise Albury. Laura handed over the papers from Peter Bailey. Denise began to read through them, as she was finishing reading the man came back with a tray—tea and coffee. He set the tray on the edge of the desk.
“Tea or coffee, miss?”
“Um. I’ll have a white coffee thanks, two sugars.”
After pouring out her coffee and placing the cup and saucer within reach of her right hand, he left the room.
Wow, she thought, never got this treatment in a bank, must be the millions that do it.
“Right, everything seems to be in order. Just let me bring up the details of the account.”
Laura waited as Denise logged into her computer and studied the screen. She checked the papers against the screen then smiled at Laura.
“Things all match, so we can transfer the account into your name. Do you have some identification on you?”
Awkwardly, Laura rummaged in her wallet and passed over her driver’s licence and Medicare card. She also pulled out her Visa card and gave that to Denise as well. As Laura watched, she filled out some paperwork, and then had Laura sign. A few more entries on the computer.
She looked back at Laura and said, “All done. It’s now in your name.”
“That was easy.”
“I see you have an account with the Commonwealth bank. Do you intend to transfer this account to them, or keep them both?”
Laura could tell the woman hoped she’d stay with them and it made sense to her.
“Actually, I think I’d rather close the Commonwealth one and have everything in this bank. I’m assuming you have branches in Canberra.”
“Yes, we have a number of branches there. We have plenty of branches all over Australia. We can certainly help you with that. You can transfer your funds into this new account, then close the Commonwealth one. Would you like me to arrange a credit card for you?”
“Yes, please. How long would it take for me to get it?”
“About ten days. Would you like our basic black, or our Visa platinum rewards card?”
“What’s the difference?”
Denise explained about the two cards and Laura could see having the platinum would be an advantage. There were rewards from reserved concert tickets to luxury hotel offers and much more.
“I’ll take the platinum.”
“A wise choice, the benefits are excellent and far outweigh the fees. I’ll just get you to fill in this application form.”
Laura filled in the form for the credit card. She’d transfer and close the old Commonwealth bank account once the new card arrived.
“Would you like me to set up online banking for you?”
“Oh, yes please. That would make it so much easier.”
A few more minutes on the computer, then the woman twisted the screen around and stood.
“If you’d like to click ‘login’ then change your password, it will be active.”
She left the room. Laura followed her directions, and then looked at the screen. She almost wanted to pinch herself when she read the balance—seven million nine hundred and ninety-four thousand dollars and a few odd cents. Add to that the four grand she had in her bank account.
Oh, my God, I’m a multimillionaire!
She logged out and closed down the screen with a shaky hand. It finally sank in just how much money she now had. A few moments later the woman returned.
“All done?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Is there anything else I can help you with today?”
“Not at the moment, this is all rather a lot to take in.”
The woman gave her a genuine smile saying, “I’m sure it is. Your card should arrive within the ten days I mentioned. If you have any concerns or need information, please don’t hesitate to call us. We can always help you with anything financial.” She handed over a pamphlet. “This gives you our web address, and my direct number is written on it in case you need anything. We have excellent financial advisors if you need one.”
“Thank you again.”
Laura stood and they shook hands. Leaving the bank, she felt as if she were in a daze. She checked her mobile and saw it was now ten-thirty. Maybe she should check out the ap
artment. Crossing the road, she began walking down the street. Ahead, she saw a David Jones department store. Thank goodness.
It would be a good idea to get some clean clothes. Not only did she feel dirty, but she was also extremely cold. It was still winter and the first day of September. A cold wind blew wildly between the buildings.
She’d come to realise that sorting out the apartment would take some time. She’d be best to stay in it until at least Monday, then go back home. It would give her time to check it all out and make some decisions.
After buying a few sets of underwear, a pair of jeans, two long-sleeved t-shirts, and a track suit to keep her warm, she picked up a pair of pyjamas. It was hard to carry everything with one arm out of action, so she bought a small overnight bag with wheels and literally shoved everything inside, including her tote bag, once she’d paid.
There were some lovely plus-sized, full length woollen coats on sale, and in view of the fact she now had more money than she could ever imagine, Laura lashed out and bought a lovely navy blue one. She had the sales-lady remove the tags and help her slip her right arm through it. She’d have to just drape it across her left shoulder, but now she’d be cosy and warm.
On the way out she stopped, and giggled quietly to herself as she picked up a small bronze elephant with silver tusks. He had his trunk raised and looked as if he was raring for a fight, or about to charge. Laura couldn’t resist and quickly bought it before she changed her mind.
Going outside, Laura hailed a cab and gave him the address of the apartment in Barangaroo Avenue. When the cabbie stopped, she had to ask him if he was sure this was the right address. After assuring her, Laura paid and got out, staring up at the building in front of her. It looked like some vast ocean-going liner, especially as it was directly opposite the water. Taking a deep breath, she entered the luxurious building and went to the concierge desk.
“Good morning, ma’am. How can I help you?”
“Hello. Um…I now own apartment number 701. Can you direct me, please?”
“Mr. McClain’s apartment?”
“Yes, he was my father, but sadly he died three weeks ago.”
“Oh, miss, I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you.”
“If you just take the elevator to the seventh floor, it’s the apartment directly in front.”
“Thanks.”
“May I ask your name?”
“Yes, it’s Laura Keell.”
“Welcome, Ms. Keell. I wish we could have met under better circumstances. Can I get you to sign in just this once? From now on you won’t have to.”
Laura quickly wrote and signed her name, filled in her residential address in Canberra, then nodded her thanks and walked to the elevators. Very quickly she was whisked up to the seventh floor. Facing the apartment door, she rummaged in the overnight bag for her tote and then the key. Unlocking the door and pushing it open, she disarmed the security code for the alarm from the directions in her papers, then dropped her bags on the floor and looked ahead, then to the left. Dragging off her boots and removing her coat, she draped it over her bag and looked in each room.
In front of her was a bathroom and to the left two rooms—one a bedroom, an unmade bed and mattress stacked against the back wall. The other room her father obviously used as an office. It held a desk, filing cabinet, and laptop computer. Laura began to realise this wasn’t a tiny flat, this bedroom was bigger than her lounge and kitchen combined. Alongside the bathroom was a laundry with a top-of-the-line washer and dryer. Taking a few steps, Laura almost forgot to breathe.
The kitchen, lounge, and dining room were open planned, but it was the size that stunned her. Combined they were at least fifteen metres by nine. The place was huge! The whole apartment was white with polished light wooden floors. The kitchen sleek and modern with shiny white panelled doors hiding everything away, even the fridge was hidden alongside a double wall oven. The cooktop had six burners, and the range hood was set under the overhead cupboards, invisible.
The island bench was a piece of modern art with its shiny white countertop and double sink. Either side on the top, a burnished stainless band about twenty centimetres wide, ran from the floor and across each end, acting as legs.
On her left was a wide, curved, almost spiral staircase, while in front of her was a wall of glass. Slowly, as if in a dream, she walked toward it, a vast sliding door opening onto a terrace.
The view—oh, the view was magnificent!
Overlooking Darling Harbour, she stood transfixed as boats slid back and forth, and people wandered along the boardwalk. A vast ocean liner was docked and Laura almost felt as if she were on board.
Here, her father had several beautiful white outdoor lounges and a chaise. They all looked soft and inviting with a coffee table and a large ottoman among them. A table setting for eight stood close to a large barbecue. The size of the place was beginning to make her light-headed.
Taking a deep breath, Laura went back indoors and climbed the staircase as she wondered what was in store for her. This top area was about the same size as the kitchen-lounge-dining area. Half was the bedroom and the other half another terrace, more outdoor furniture, but this time more intimate—for two. Tropical plants spilt out of large planters, giving the feel of being in some island paradise. The bedroom itself held a king-sized bed, and a huge flat screen television on one wall. The thick, plush cream carpet had her scrunching her toes and loving the feeling.
Laura felt weak at the knees and sank down onto the side of the bed. This was no tiny flat—this was a two-storey penthouse!
No wonder her father had written its worth as millions, just the view alone was worth it. She sat lost in wonder and amazement for ages, until the ringing of her phone drew her back to reality. Rushing downstairs, she found her mobile in her tote and answered it, while walking back into the large room.
“Hello, Laura speaking.”
“Laura. Where the fuck are you?” Her boss’s angry voice roared down the phone.
“Mr. Bennett. Oh, I’m sorry. I’m still in Sydney.”
“Not good enough, Laura. I expected you here this morning. You told me you only needed one day off.”
“Well, my family business is taking longer than I imagined.”
“I expect you back here first thing Monday morning, or there’ll be severe consequences.”
Laura could hear the fury in her boss’s voice, he was a horrid man to work for and demanded everything he’s way or not at all. Suddenly, making an instant decision Laura gulped. There was really no need for her to work anymore, especially for such a horrid man.
“I’m sorry, Mr Bennett, but I won’t be back on Monday—”
“I’m warning you, Laura,” he interrupted.
“In fact, I won’t be back at all. You can take this as my notice. I quit.”
“You can’t quit! I’m ordering you back here on Monday,” he spluttered.
“No. You can threaten all you like, but I’m leaving.”
She could hear him blustering and gasping on the other end of the phone, and it brought a smile to her face. These last five years she’d come to hate her job because of him.
“I’ll come in to the office when I get back to clear my desk, and collect any monies owed to me.”
Angrily, he retorted, “Don’t bother. One of the other bookkeepers can clean out your belongings and send them to you. I’ll get accounts to deposit money in your account today, and they can e-mail the details. You are an ungrateful woman.”
“Thank you. Can I just say you are the most horrid person to work for? I’ve really hated every minute that I had to deal with you. You’re obnoxious, misogynistic, and nasty. So glad I never have to see you again, Mr. Bennett. Oh, and you’re a lousy accountant, we have to keep correcting all your mistakes.”
As she hung up Laura could hear him swearing and cursing in the background. She sank into one of the long settees and held a hand over her mouth—she’d done it, she actually quit her jo
b, and even better, she’d told the bastard what she thought of him!
Wow, talk about a change of lifestyle. Yesterday morning she was a woman with a job she didn’t really enjoy anymore and a few thousand in the bank, now she was a multimillionaire who owned three properties.
Suddenly, Laura decided she wanted a complete change, she’d sell her flat in Canberra and move up to this place in Kurmond. She hadn’t seen it, had no idea where it was, or what it looked like, but it was the fact her father had hoped she would live there with him that made her decide. If this apartment was anything to go by, the house must be lovely.
Yes, that was it. That was exactly what she’d do.
Chapter Five
Laura’s stomach gave a loud rumble. These past few days she’d only had a couple of meals. Getting to her feet, she wondered if there was any food in the place. Opening the fridge, she discovered bottles of water, wine, and beer. There were tubs of butter, an assortment of cheeses, some marmalade, a few rather dead-looking vegetables in the crisper, and not much else. The freezer side held more choice.
Two loaves of bread, several freezer bags held steaks, chicken breasts and lamb cutlets. Two tubs of ice cream, a tray of ice cubes, and several packets of frozen vegetables—peas, carrots, corn, and mixed veg, finished off the contents. Enough food for her to make something tonight. She pulled out one of the steak packets and dropped it into the sink. She discovered another door between the bench and the fridge which opened to a large walk-in pantry.
In here were all the usual staples—breakfast cereal, rice, and potatoes that now had lovely, long green leaves coming from their eyes. There were several cartons of long-life milk, and a few bottles of cooking sauces. Tea, coffee—instant and beans, honey, condiments, biscuits and packets of chips rounded out the resources. Feeling happier, Laura took one of the cartons of milk and went back into the kitchen. Opening doors and drawers, she found the microwave, toaster, kettle and pots and pans, as well as a sandwich press.
After assembling a couple of cheese and pickle sandwiches, she popped them into the sandwich press and made an instant coffee while they cooked. Grabbing a couple of painkillers, she took them then carried her coffee outside and put it on the coffee table on the terrace along with her mobile phone. She pulled on a warm sweatshirt from the tracksuit set. When her sandwiches were ready, she took them to the coffee table and gratefully sank down into one of the plush lounges. Putting her feet on the ottoman, Laura sighed.
