“What did you do last night?” Steve Reynolds asked when Adam came into the restaurant on Saturday morning. It wasn’t open for breakfast, but the crew was preparing for the lunch crowd. Adam grabbed a cup of coffee and sat at the table with his manager.
“I went over to Coulson House. Mom and Garret were having dinner there with Aunt Kate and Russell.”
“Were Kim and Nick there?”
“No, just the old man. They were up at Clement Falls.”
“I suppose you told your mom about Angela?”
“She already knew. Sam called Harrison.”
“Of course he did.” Steve chuckled. He then asked in a serious tone, “So, what do you intend to do?”
“What can I do? I know one thing; I sure don’t feel like being at work today.”
“Then go home. Go do something fun.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not? Don’t you trust me?” Steve teased.
“Don’t be an ass; of course I trust you. But that isn’t the point. This place is my responsibility.”
“Yeah, well, in case you haven’t noticed, it’s been months since you took some time for yourself. Why don’t you take off, go on a trip. Get the hell out of Coulson for a week or so. I can handle things here. Get your mind off that wacko you almost married.”
“You never liked her, did you Steve?”
“Sorry. I always thought she was a bitch. Of course, that’s one benefit of being gay. I’m not easily swayed by a pretty young woman.”
“My mother and sister never liked her much, either.”
“I’m serious, Adam. If you want to take off for a week, it really would be fine with me, and frankly, this would be a good time. Remember, Peter’s on that business trip to London, so I’m baching it anyway. I would just as soon be here than at home alone.”
“It is tempting. I could head up to Clement Falls, ask Garret if I can use his cabin.”
“Oh, wait a minute. Kim is married now.”
“I didn’t even consider Kim when I mentioned Clement Falls.”
“You just mentioned Kim was staying up there.”
“So? That was over a long time ago. Anyway, I like Nick, and I think they’re good together. But…”
“But what?”
“I met someone. Actually, it turns out she’s Nick’s cousin.”
“Ah-ha! Now, this is getting interesting! About time you got back into the game!”
“She’s only visiting. But I have to admit, she’s the first woman in a long time that sparked my interest.”
“Then get the hell out of here. I know how to get hold of you if anything comes up.”
“Thanks, Steve. I think I’ll take your suggestion.”
When Adam arrived at Garret and his mother’s house, he found them in the driveway, loading luggage into Garret’s car.
“Where are you two going?” Adam asked after he got out of his car.
“We’re going up to the cabin with Kate and Russy. Why aren’t you at work?” Alex asked.
“It’s been ages since I took some time off, and with Angela and all, I figured this might be a good time to get away for a few days.”
“Good for you. Where are you going?” Alex asked as she closed the trunk.
“Actually, I was going to ask if I could borrow the cabin. But I’ll figure out something else.”
“You’re welcome to join us,” Garret invited. “There’s plenty of room.”
“Yes, come with us, Adam. It’s been a long time since we all went to the cabin together.”
“Are the girls going?” Adam asked.
“No, they didn’t want to,” Alex said.
“You’re letting them stay home alone?”
“I don’t think so.” Garret chuckled. “We told them they had to stay with my dad if they didn’t want to go with us.”
“And they were okay with that?” Adam asked.
“It was either that or go to Clement Falls. I reminded them Angela had just been released, and I have a feeling the idea of staying home alone didn’t sound appealing after that. With the staff and security up at Coulson House, they didn’t argue.”
“Well, if you don’t mind, sure. I’d like that. I’ll go home and grab some clothes. You leaving now?”
“In a few minutes. We’re meeting Russy and Kate up there,” Garret explained.
“Hey, Mom, since you and Aunt Kate will be there, would you mind meeting with Nick’s cousin and talking to her about her grandfather?”
“Sure, but I really don’t know how much new information we can give her.”
“Alex, I have a feeling your son is just looking for an excuse to call the young woman.” Garret put an arm around Alex’s shoulder.
“Oh, well, sure. I’m always glad to help.”
“Hell, you two make it sound like I’m some kind of desperate charity case.”
“No, dear. But I really don’t want to wait around for Sarah to grow up before I have grandchildren.”
“Umm, Mom, in case you haven’t noticed, she already is grown up.”
“Shut up, Adam,” Garret growled. “I do not want to even think about that. My Sarah is still a little girl!”
“Yeah right,” Adam snorted.
“Can I hit him, Alex?” Garret asked.
“No, dear. You can’t.”
“Where are you going, Angela?” Joe Carter asked his daughter. He stood at her bedroom doorway watching her put some clothes in an overnight bag.
“I just need to get out of here for a couple of days. You don’t know what it’s been like.”
“Honey, you can’t leave. Under the terms of your release, you have to stay here. You can’t just take off for a couple of days.”
“Dad.” Angela stopped packing and turned to face her father. “Nobody will know I’m gone unless you tell them. Are you planning to tell someone?”
“What happens if Sam or your parole officer stops by?”
“Then you make up some excuse. You can do that for me, Daddy. You owe me.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s your fault!” Angela shouted. “I did it for you. I was trying to protect you. I was being a good daughter! But never once did you thank me! You acted as if I had done something wrong!”
“Angela, you killed a woman,” Joe said quietly.
“I know that, Daddy. The whole damn world knows that! I killed her for you!”
“Angela, if anyone hears you talking like this, you’ll have to go back to prison. You don’t want that, baby.”
“Then you better make sure they don’t send me back. If they do, it’ll be your fault, just like it was the last time.” Angrily, Angela turned to her suitcase and finished packing.
Joe asked himself what had happened to that calm young woman who, just months after her incarceration, had become a model prisoner. Even he had believed the remorse she had displayed over running down Emily Mitchell was sincere, and perhaps the incident had really been an aberration—the result of some temporary mental breakdown. When the parole board agreed to release his daughter, he was elated. Angela had been given a second chance.
Yet, once she was home and alone with her father, the other Emily immerged. It chilled him to witness how adept she was at shifting from bad Angela to good Angela as the need arose.
Speechless, Joe Carter stared at his only daughter. He wondered briefly how different his and Angela’s life might have been had his wife not died when Angela was so young. He wondered if Angela would now be married to Adam Keller had he called the police after shooting Senator Coulson instead of concealing the accident.
Helpless, Joe Carter watched his daughter leave the house and drive away.
Chapter 11
“Did you find anything interesting?” Nick asked when Kim and Sophie finally came down from the attic. He sat at the kitchen table drinking coffee.
“Yes, some great pictures!” Sophie exclaimed.
“I have to say, your grandmother did a much bette
r job labeling photographs than my mother did,” Kim said as she dropped a kiss on her husband’s cheek.
“So, what did you find?” Nick reached out, grabbed Kim around her waist, and pulled her to sit on his lap. She went willingly.
“Photos of your grandmother and her brother, when they were little. And one at her wedding. He was a good-looking man. Hey, where’s Pop? Think he’ll mind if I borrow his scanner? We’re going to scan the pictures for Sophie.”
“Why doesn’t she just take those?” Nick asked, nodding toward the photographs in Sophie’s hand.
“No,” Sophie answered before Kim had a chance. “I don’t want to take the originals. You’ll need to keep them.”
“Yes, Nick, we may have kids someday who will appreciate a family album.” Kim leaned against her husband, while wiggling a bit in his lap.
“Stop that!” Nick whispered into her ear. “We have company!”
Kim giggled then stood up. A moment later the doorbell chimes began to play.
“You have any more guests arriving this weekend?” Kim asked.
“No.” Nick stood up and went to answer the door.
A few minutes later, he returned to the kitchen with Adam Keller. Kim and Sophie looked up at the new arrival from the table where they were looking at photographs.
“Hi, Adam,” Kim greeted when he walked into the room. “What are you doing up here?” Kim already had a good idea why he had stopped by, considering how he was smiling at Nick’s cousin.
“Hi, Kim. I’m spending a few days at Garret’s cabin.” He glanced over to Sophie and smiled. “Hi, Sophie. How do you like Clement Falls so far?”
“Hello, Adam. Nice to see you again. But… you aren’t surprised to see me here…Why?”
“Well, we are the only bed and breakfast up here,” Nick reminded them. “Want some coffee, Adam?”
“Sure, thanks.”
“I didn’t say I was staying at a bed and breakfast,” Sophie said, watching Adam curiously. He took the coffee Nick poured and sat down at the table.
“No, but you said you were staying with family,” Adam reminded her.
“Adam, I didn’t even know we were related until last night. Come on, no great mystery. You aren’t surprised she’s here because you saw her car.” Nick said, leaning back against the kitchen counter.
“No. Kim’s grandfather told me you were related.” Adam took a sip of his coffee.
“My grandfather? When did you see him? How does he know Sophie and Nick are cousins?”
“My mom was having dinner at your place last night,” Adam explained. “I stopped over there to talk to them about Angela.”
“Damn, Angela. I almost forgot about her,” Kim grumbled.
“I still don’t understand. How would Harrison know Sophie is my cousin?” Nick joined them at the table.
“When I went over there last night, I asked Mom and Aunt Kate if they would talk to Sophie about her grandfather.”
“You did? What did they say?” Sophie reached across the table and touched the top of Adam’s hand. Kim and Nick exchanged glances.
“They said sure. In fact, they’re at Garret’s cabin for the weekend. If you want, I’ll take you over there, and you can talk to them today.”
“Yes, oh thank you, Adam!” Sophie gave Adam’s hand a little squeeze.
“You still didn’t explain how Harrison knew I was related to her grandfather,” Nick reminded him.
“Harrison met Sophie’s grandfather before he disappeared. He knew Anthony Marino had a sister who lived up at Clement Falls and ran the boarding house with her husband. I guess Harrison’s always known your grandfather was Marino’s brother-in-law.
“Why didn’t Grandfather ever say anything?” Kim asked.
“I have no idea. You’d have to ask him. I suppose because he didn’t think it was important.”
“Maybe he didn’t want to embarrass Nick,” Sophie offered in a soft voice.
“What do you mean?” Nick asked with a frown.
“Oh come on, it would be a bit awkward to tell someone, Gee, I met one of your relatives. He was a hitman who ended up murdered. Not really a great way to win over people.”
“Well, Grandfather,” Kim said with a snort, “is not really one to care about winning over people. But I see what you mean.”
“Actually, he seemed a little annoyed at me for offering to arrange a meeting between Sophie and my mom and aunt.”
“Why?” Sophie asked.
“I almost got the impression he was trying to protect you. He reminded me of your grandfather’s alleged connections—the type of people he associated with. I think he was afraid it might be dangerous to go poking around in all that.”
“Are you serious? It happened what, fifty years ago?” Nick said.
“Fifty-three,” Sophie corrected.
“If anyone is still around, they’re probably living in some retirement home,” Nick said.
“Maybe my grandfather has a point. Consider Angela,” Kim reminded him.
“What does Angela have to do with this?” Adam asked.
“Well, Angela killed Emily to protect her father. Maybe someone out there knows what their father did and will try to protect them or their reputation.”
“Maybe the murderer is a woman,” Nick suggested.
“I seriously doubt it, considering what happened to the body,” Kim said.
“Can I ask a question?” Sophie asked.
“Sure, what?” Kim answered.
“Who is Angela?”
“Oh, Angela. She’s Adam’s ex-fiancée,” Kim explained. Sophie looked from Kim to Adam, seeking a further explanation. Adam glared at Kim who flashed him a smirk. Nick rolled his eyes and proceeded with a more complete explanation.
“Adam was engaged to Angela Carter a couple years back. She was an attractive if somewhat psychotic young woman. She got pissed at Adam—something I totally understand—and responded by trying to frame him for the murder of Kim’s mother and Senator Coulson. Later, she ran down a local real estate agent, Emily Mitchell, who knew Adam wasn’t involved. She killed the poor woman.”
“Oh my god, that’s awful! What happened to her?”
“Until recently, she was locked away, but the parole board, in all their infinite wisdom, decided to give her an early release,” Nick explained.
“Where is she now?”
“According to the police chief, staying with her father in Coulson.”
“Is she dangerous?”
“Apparently the parole board doesn’t think so,” Kim answered.
“Hey, I came up here so I wouldn’t have to think about Angela,” Adam said.
“How long are you staying?” Kim asked.
“Garret and Alex are staying until Monday. I think Russell and Katie are going home Monday, too. I’ll probably stay a few days longer, by myself.”
“Are the girls here?” Kim asked.
“No. They’re staying at your house.”
“Good, they’ll keep Grandfather on his toes,” Kim said with a laugh.
“You live with your grandfather?” Sophie was still confused about Kim’s unusual living situation. From what she understood, Kim worked for Coulson Enterprises, under her Uncle Russell. Earlier, Kim had explained Garret had retired years earlier, but still worked as a consultant for the company. Sophie wasn’t sure how the grandfather fit into the picture, but apparently, Kim lived with him. Sophie wondered if Kim was some sort of caregiver for the man, but she was reluctant to ask too many question. As it was, she felt she had barged into their lives, and so far, Kim and Nick had been most gracious and welcoming.
“When I’m at Coulson House,” Kim answered.
“Sophie, you want to head over to Garret’s cabin so you can talk to Mom and Aunt Kate? Afterwards, we could grab some lunch.”
“Sure, that would be great.” Sophie looked at Kim and Nick and asked, “You guys want to come along?”
“No, that’s okay. I think I’ll pass.
While you’re gone, I’ll get the pictures scanned for you,” Kim said.
“You didn’t want to tag along?” Nick asked his wife with a chuckle after Adam left with Sophie.
“Are you kidding me? Did you see that expression on Adam’s face when she invited us along?” Kim laughed.
“I know. I actually felt sorry for the guy.”
“Where’s your dad? I want to ask him about the scanner.”
“Dad went over to a friend’s to watch the game. Forget about the scanner. I have something more interesting in mind.”
“What?”
Nick flashed Kim a wicked smile, grabbed her by the hand, and proceeded to lead her from the room.
“Where are you taking me?” Kim asked as she allowed Nick to pull her along, leaving the photographs setting on the table.
“Upstairs to our bedroom.”
“What for?” Kim feigned innocence.
“So I can get you naked and have my way with you.”
“But I just got dressed a couple hours ago,” Kim said with a fake pout as she allowed Nick to lead her up the stairs.
“Tough. They’re coming off.”
“But maybe I don’t want to.”
“Oh, you want to.”
“And how do you know I want to?”
“Because you, my dear wife,” Nick said as he pulled her into their bedroom and shut the door behind them, “never do anything you don’t want to do. And if you didn’t want to come upstairs, you’d still be in the kitchen right now.”
“You think so?” Kim attempted to muster some fake indignation.
“Yes, I know so.” Nick walked to the side of the bed and sat down. He stared at his wife as she stood by the closed bedroom door.
“What are you doing?” Kim asked, a little surprised he wasn’t unbuttoning her blouse.
“I want you to strip.”
“Excuse me?” Kim stifled a giggle.
“Strip for me, baby. Take off your clothes. I want to see you naked.” Nick did his best to maintain a stern and authoritative voice without bursting into laughter.
“Nicholas Meyers, what has gotten into you?” Kim feigned indignation yet played along, seductively removing her clothes for an audience of one.
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