Three Hearts

by Susan Perkins

  "I suppose I'd better ring Laura and find out what's happening."

  Laura's secretary put her straight through and the solicitor greeted her warmly.

  "You must have read my mind. I'd made a note to ring you. I've been in touch with Mr. Case and seen copies of Travis Denton's documents. He was married to Kelly but, as I said before, this doesn't automatically mean Brooke is his daughter. The only way to prove the truth is for Travis Denton and Brooke to have blood tests."

  "And if the tests prove he is her father, what happens then? Will he be able to get custody of her?" Darcy's hands shook as she waited for the answer.

  "It will strengthen his case, but it really depends on the judge. You have a very strong defence, Darcy. Let's take it one step at a time. First, the blood tests."

  Darcy put down the phone, and leaned forward, putting her face in her hands. Ever since Travis had arrived in her life, she'd lived in perpetual fear, and now it seemed he had a case and she might lose Brooke.

  "I wish I'd never heard of Travis Denton," Darcy snapped out. "Why can't he go away and leave us alone?"

  TRAVIS ACCEPTED HE'd been out of order spying on Brooke and her aunt, but he'd missed so much of his daughter's life and seeing her from a distance was better than nothing. He didn't feel able to make up his mind about Darcy. He'd only met her twice, but both times she'd been hopping mad and the sight of her blue eyes flashing with anger stirred him more than he wanted to admit. He longed to grab her by the arms and shake her out of frustration, but at the same time thoughts of holding her close to his chest intruded, followed by dreams of running his fingers through her hair, kissing her lips and chin. Boy, I'd better cool down and think of something else. One thing he was sure of, any future contact with Darcy would be spirited to say the least.

  After their latest turbulent meeting, he thought it best to stay away from her and Brooke. Their lawyers would soon come to an agreement and even an argumentative woman like Darcy Farrell would have to admit Brooke was his daughter. He would then be able to meet the child.

  He thought back to the first time he'd seen Darcy. Is there any possibility I was wrong about her? Sure, he hadn't seen her dressed in cheap, seductive clothes since then, and she always looked neat and tidy, even when dressing casually. Maybe she was being careful because she realized he was watching her, but if that was the case she should have warned her clients to stay away. He'd lost count of the number of men who visited the villa in the quiet suburban street.

  Despite her insistence that she was a secretary, he knew he was right. He would be able to use her real profession against her when he fought for custody.

  DARCY DIDN'T SLEEP much over the weekend, but by Monday morning, she knew she would have to talk to Travis Denton. The solicitors would not be able to explain why Darcy felt Brooke must remain unaware of the question concerning her father until her aunt was convinced of the truth. The blood tests must be done at different times so Brooke did not meet Travis. This meant if the tests proved Travis wasn't the child's father, he'd leave without Brooke knowing anything about him. Taking a deep breath Darcy rang her solicitor. After a short delay, the secretary put her through.

  "Hi, Laura. I've been thinking over what you said on Friday. I agree, the next step is to get the blood tests done, but I don't want to upset Brooke unnecessarily. I'd like to talk to Travis Denton and try to make him understand why I feel it's necessary for Brooke to think it's part of a routine medical examination. If I have one as well, Brooke won't suspect anything."

  "You need one anyway, Darcy," Laura explained. "The DNA from your family must be isolated. I think you're right. Brooke must remain ignorant of the reason. If Travis Denton has any feelings for her at all, he should agree to separate tests. I would advise you not to talk directly to him though. Mr. Case can explain everything."

  "No, Laura. We got off on the wrong foot and if he really is Brooke's father, we need to work something out for her long-term benefit. Do you see what I mean?"

  "Sure I do. I just hope he does. Leave it with me, Darcy. I'll get back to you."

  Half an hour later, Laura rang and, after trying to dissuade Darcy once more, gave her Travis' phone number to arrange a meeting. With shaking fingers, Darcy punched the buttons on the phone. When she got through to the hotel, she asked to be connected to Mr. Denton's room.

  "Travis Denton."

  His rich baritone voice filled the room as if he'd entered by the door, and for a moment, Darcy hesitated. How can I deal with this man? He wants to take Brooke away from me!

  "Hello, is anybody there?"

  "Yes, it's me. I mean Darcy Farrell here, Mr. Denton. My solicitor gave me your number to arrange a meeting between the two of us. I wondered if tomorrow morning would suit you."

  "I'm sorry, Miss Farrell. I really think it would be best if we only meet in the presence of our lawyers. I'll contact Mr. Case and ask him to arrange a time agreeable to both yourself and Ms. Godwin." The coldness of his voice showed he could barely stand to be civil to her.

  "I'll wait for Laura's call, Mr. Denton. Perhaps you'd tell Mr. Case ten o'clock tomorrow morning would be convenient for me."

  "I'll do that, Miss Farrell. Until tomorrow."

  Before Darcy was able to reply, Travis hung up.

  Later Laura's secretary called and confirmed the ten o'clock meeting at Mr. Case's office.

  ONCE AGAIN, DARCY TOOK care with her outfit. The weather had grown warmer since her first visit to Mr. Case's office, and this time she chose a beige linen dress with large cream buttons down the front. As she slipped on matching beige sandals, she glanced at her reflection. A slim, dark haired woman looked back at her, but lines of worry marred the smooth forehead showing how important this meeting was to her. She had to make Travis Denton understand why Brooke must not learn of the possible relationship until they found out the results of the blood tests. This would save her niece unnecessary upset if the test proved negative. A little voice in Darcy's head whispered that it would also enable her to cling to her hope for a little longer.

  Laura was already there when Darcy entered the solicitor's offices, and they were immediately shown into Mr. Case's room. Travis Denton lounged against the filing cabinet looking as if he hadn't moved since the last meeting, but this time Darcy straightened her shoulders ready to do battle to defend Brooke.

  "I understand Miss Farrell wishes to discuss the blood tests," Mr. Case began. "You do realize, Miss Farrell, these tests are essential if we are to prove beyond a doubt that Mr. Denton is the child's father?"

  "My client is fully aware of that, Mr. Case." Laura spoke before Darcy replied. "However, I'm sure Mr. Denton will agree the security and happiness of the child is paramount. Miss Farrell's main concern is to ensure Brooke does not become aware of why the blood tests are needed until it is absolutely necessary."

  "How does Miss Farrell plan to do this? Sneak up on Brooke while she sleeps and draw blood like a vampire?"

  "Don't be ridiculous," Darcy snapped. "I'm merely suggesting we don't frighten Brooke. She's had enough upsets in her life without you appearing out of the blue claiming to be her father. Especially when you need a blood test to prove it."

  "So how do you suggest we go about this?" One dark eyebrow rose questioningly above the unfriendly grey eyes.

  "If you agree, I shall tell Brooke we need a blood test as part of a general medical. Hopefully, she won't suspect the real reason. Of course, this means you will have to get your blood taken separately." Darcy looked straight at Travis when she spoke, but for several seconds, he looked neither approving nor disapproving. Eventually her patience snapped. "Well, Mr. Denton? Does that meet with your approval?"

  "I reluctantly agree, Miss Farrell. As long as the tests are done as soon as possible. I can't neglect my business commitments forever and should return to California as soon as possible. Hopefully with my daughter."

  "Now just a minute—" Darcy began, but Laura laid a hand on her arm.

  "Mr. Dento
n, if the results prove that Brooke is your daughter, then I am sure Mr. Case will advise you the immediate removal of her person to America will be impossible. To begin with, Miss Farrell has legal custody of the child known as Brooke Farrell, and it would not be in the child's best interest to forcibly remove her from the only security and family she has known since birth." Laura glanced at Mr. Case.

  "Ms. Godwin is quite correct, Mr. Denton. First you would have to go to court to gain custody of the child, and if sole custody is granted to you, the court would probably expect a gradual transfer. Probably in the area of six months."

  "Six months," Travis exploded. "Why do I have to wait another six months to have my own child living with me?"

  "If you don't know, Mr. Denton, then you haven't much chance of gaining custody." Darcy heard the disdain in her voice. The courts can't possibly consider handing an eight-year-old over to this insensitive clod.

  "I believe we should leave it there, Mr. Case," Laura interjected. "My client will arrange to have the blood tests done as soon as possible."

  "One more thing before you go." Travis' voice stopped the women and they sat down again. "To ensure honesty with regard to these tests, I insist Mr. Case be present when the blood is taken, and that he retain a separate sample."

  "Are you suggesting I would tamper with the samples?" Darcy's anger bubbled up inside of her. "How dare you, Mr. Denton. I have no need to stoop to such levels."

  "I really think we should leave it there for now." Laura took Darcy by the arm and hustled her towards the door. "We will advise when my client is to visit the diagnostic laboratory to enable you to be present, Mr. Case. I would be grateful if you'd extend the same courtesy regarding Mr. Denton's test."

  When Herbert Case nodded, Laura pulled Darcy from the room, not giving her a chance to add anything. Once out on the street, she forestalled Darcy's explosion of temper by suggesting they return to her offices to discuss the meeting.

  "Now then, Darcy, I advise you not to see Mr. Denton unless I'm with you. You two are obviously at odds with one another, and all this tension is not going to help either you or Brooke. If he pursues his wish to take Brooke back to the States immediately, it will work in your favour. The judge will see it as not being in the best interests of the child, and Travis Denton will therefore not be considered a suitable guardian. Just keep quiet and let me do the talking. Your job is to make an appointment for the blood tests and arrange for the results to be sent to me. Do you understand?" Laura looked at her with keen eyes.

  "Yes, I suppose so. Sorry I lost my temper, but when he said he wanted to take Brooke back to America with him, it suddenly hit me I'll be looking at a future without her. I'd never be able to afford to go and see her, and Travis Denton's not the sort who would want her to associate with me after he's dragged her to the other side of the Pacific Ocean."

  "Let's deal with one thing at a time. First arrange to get the blood tests done, and then we'll see where we go from there."

  "Fine. I'll call in at the doctor's and make an appointment on the way home."

  "Weren't you listening, Darcy? The blood must be taken at a diagnostic lab and Mr. Case and I must be present."

  "But how am I going to keep the reason for the tests from Brooke?"

  "As you suggested, tell her it's to do with insurance."

  "And Mr. Case? How do I explain why the both of you are there?"

  "A consultant, maybe?" Laura shrugged. "I don't know, Darcy, but you'll think of something I'm sure."

  Darcy agreed and on her way home, she called in at the diagnostic laboratory. She explained both she and her niece needed blood tests taken for paternity reasons, but in order to shield Brooke she needed the child to think it was for a general medical. Luckily, the nurses were sympathetic, agreeing it was essential to keep from upsetting the young girl. She made an appointment for the following afternoon after Brooke finished school.

  When Darcy returned home, she let Laura know the appointment time then threw herself into her work. The afternoon dragged by, despite an increase in her workload with clients turning up almost every hour with more jobs.

  For once, Travis wasn't at the school when she picked up Brooke, but Darcy noticed her niece didn't look too pleased to see her.

  "Anything wrong, Brooke?" Darcy opened the front door of the villa.

  "Not really." Brooke shrugged, and wandered off to her bedroom.

  Darcy wasn't convinced, but decided she had enough to deal with at the moment. Brooke would talk about her problems when she was ready.

  WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, she was waiting at the school gates when Brooke appeared with Minnie in tow.

  "You know if you keep meeting me like this, I shall forget how to walk to and from school." Brooke laughed, but Darcy heard a slight edge to the child's voice.

  "Minnie and I do like to walk home, you know. We have important things to talk about." Brooke looked grumpy after they dropped the other girl off, then she glanced out the window. "Hey, where are we going? This isn't the way home."

  "Sorry, I'll try to remember about you two walking. I got an insurance form to fill in this morning, usual yearly one. They've updated their procedures and need both of us to have blood tests before they'll renew. We're off to the diagnostic lab to get it all out of the way." Darcy glanced at Brooke to see if she'd noticed how her voice wobbled, but the child merely shrugged.

  The laboratory had provided Mr. Case with a white coat and he blended in with the background. Brooke knew Laura so it wasn't possible to hide her the same way.

  "Hi, Miss Godwin. Are you having blood taken, too?"

  "Yes, Brooke, I am." Laura leaned forward and spoke conspiratorially. "I've never had blood taken before. Do you mind if I sit and watch while you have yours done? It would stop me feeling so nervous."

  "Sure. There's nothing to it, you know." Brooke smiled at her. "There's a little prick and it's all over. I had one done last year when I had my tonsils out."

  Taking the blood samples went without any fuss, and Laura took them out for ice cream, supposedly to thank Brooke for her help.

  THE FOLLOWING MORNING, Darcy grudgingly allowed Brooke to walk to school. Surely Travis Denton wouldn't try anything when the test results might solve any problem he had regarding proof of fatherhood. She spent the whole morning worrying about what the results of the blood tests would be, and this meant she had to redo several pieces of work due to lack of concentration. Unable to stand the suspense any longer, she rang Laura to see when the results were expected.

  "I don't think I can wait much longer, Laura." Darcy paced up and down beside her desk. "I've been a basket case all morning and Brooke's bound to notice something's wrong. I can't stop seeing a vision of Travis Denton dragging her out the door by her hair, whilst she pleads to be allowed to stay with me."

  "God, you're melodramatic, Darcy. Stop imagining the worst. It might turn out Kelly had been unfaithful and he's not related to Brooke at all."

  "You knew Kelly, Laura. Do you honestly think that's likely?"

  "Not likely I admit, but entirely possible. Let's wait and see the results before you go completely round the bend. I was there yesterday when Mr. Denton had his blood sample taken, so I'll get hold of the lab and see when the results are due. Be warned though, they may not be able to tell us until tomorrow."

  Darcy sighed as she rang off. A long night lay before her, and Brooke would need distracting if Darcy was to keep her worries from her niece.

  Takeaways and a good movie usually worked and when she suggested this, Brooke clapped her hands in delight. She named her favourite movie of the moment and asked if Minnie could come and watch too.

  "As long as it's okay with her mum. Perhaps she'd like to sleep over as well. You ring and ask Minnie then I'll have a word with her mother."

  Two hours later, the girls were happily settled in front of the television and Darcy disappeared into her office, supposedly to finish some work. In truth, she sat looking at the blank computer s
creen wondering how she was going to explain Travis to Brooke. Only a miracle would show no relationship in the blood tests, so the inevitable would have to be faced. Long tortured hours later, the girls and Darcy were in bed. Brooke and Minnie slept the innocent sleep of children, while Darcy tossed and turned. In the morning she looked a wreck.

  "Hey, Darcy, you're not sickening for something, are you?" Brooke's voice sounded full of concern.

  "No, I'm fine. I just had a bad night. Now off to school you two or you'll be late."

  At half past nine, Darcy could wait no longer and her fingers shook as she dialled Laura's number.

  "Darcy." Laura came on the line. "I've got some bad news for you."

  "I knew it. He's Brooke's father, isn't he?" Darcy collapsed into the nearest chair.

  "I don't know." Laura hesitated. "They haven't got the results yet. Darcy, believe me, I had no idea of their procedures. I didn't know they send the samples to Auckland and it takes about two weeks for the results to come through."

  "What! Laura, I can't wait that long! I'll have a nervous breakdown by the end of one week. Let alone two."

  "I'm sorry, Darcy. The lab people thought you understood how long it would take, and as you didn't want Brooke to know, they didn't mention it at the test."

  "But two weeks? How am I going to keep it from Brooke that long? And more to the point, how am I going to keep Travis Denton away from her?"

  Chapter Three

  Darcy stared blankly at the wall, her mind in turmoil. Her world was tumbling about her. She couldn't imagine Travis Denton agreeing to stay away from Brooke for two weeks. The infuriating man would insist on meeting the child and if Darcy disagreed, he'd find a way on his own. It was anyone's guess what would happen after that.