by Amie Nichols
In the kitchen Jacob is walking in the French doors as we sit around the table. Luke grabs us all beers and introduces Jimmy to Jacob.
“Lucy, it’s good to see you again.” Jacob turns his attention to Lucy after he shakes Jimmy’s hand and sits across the table from her.
“It’s good to see you too, Italy,” she says flirtingly which makes Jacob blush. I am so impressed with the confidence she has.
“So Jimmy was just going to tell us what he has heard about me,” I interject as everyone watches Jacob and Lucy. It’s obvious there is some chemistry there.
“Oh!” Jacob looks up suddenly very curious. “What exactly does that mean?” He inquires.
“Well first off, my mother and Lilly’s mother were best friends, so I think you can just about imagine the stories I have heard about the ungrateful child Jane was raising. She was ugly and rude and the most disgusting child,” Jimmy says and Luke puts his hand on my knee as I squirm at the description he is giving of me.
“Then Luke, being my best friend since well forever, telling me about the sweetest, prettiest girl. He’s been in love with you since as long as he’s known you,” Jimmy says to me sweetly and Luke tightens his grip on me. I blush not knowing what to say. “Anyway, I was having a hard time believing that these two totally different descriptions were of the same girl,” Jimmy says, “but now I see my mother was so wrong.” He lifts his beer bottle and tips it in Luke’s direction with a wicked smile. Luke does the same and I guess this means that Jimmy approves.
“Anyways, it didn’t work out with Sophie in California, so I’m back looking for work and a place to live,” Jimmy explains. I guess Sophie is the tramp he ran away with.
“I did tell Jimmy he could stay here while he looks for a place,” Luke springs on me. “I mean, that’s alright, isn’t it? I didn’t think you’d mind and I forgot to mention it with all that’s been going on.” He looks at me as though he has overstepped.
“Of course, you can stay as long as you need,” I tell Jimmy without hesitation. I want to make sure Luke knows that I am okay with what he did. Luke gives my knee a squeeze and I put my hand on top of his.
“Thanks, Lilly, hope it won’t be for long,” Jimmy says with a genuine smile. “Luke also filled me in on the…… situation.” Jimmy hesitates for a moment. “I just want you to know that I am willing and able to help in any way I can.” He finishes with a nod and I smile at him to put him at ease.
“There is a lot to do around here actually. He’ll be good help when I start tearing up the master bedroom,” Luke mentions and they start to talk amongst themselves about some of the various things needing done.
Miss Finnegan walks in and goes right to the oven. She pulls out a large pot that smells heavenly and starts to get plates. I hop up to help her with lunch.
“I really like your ink,” Lucy says to Jacob her eyes directed at the dragon tattoo on his arm. “It’s really good. Where did you get it done?” She inquiries to Jacob and she runs her fingers over the tattoo leaning forward to study it better. “The detailing is amazing,” she admires getting closer, still touching his arm. I can tell that Jacob loves the attention.
“Thanks. I have a friend who does it, and he is a great artist.” He smiles at her.
“You think that’s impressive, you should see the one on his back,” I lean down telling Lucy as I put plates on the table. I’ve seen Jacob shirtless enough to admire the pirate ship that covers his entire back. It’s like a movie scene is playing out. Although I’ve never been an admirer of tattoos, I can even appreciate the work that went into it.
“Yes, I would like to see that sometime,” Lucy says smiling at Jacob, which makes him blush again.
“When have you been checking out Jacob’s back?” Luke’s attention is now on our conversation and the jealousy in his voice is apparent.
“I haven’t been ‘checking out’ Jacob, geez it’s kind of hard to miss, it’s AMAZING.” I sit down next to him rolling my eyes at his jealousy. He should know by now that there is nothing between Jacob and I.
“Relax, Luke, everyone knows she only has eyes for you,” Miss Finnegan says as she brings over a large bowl of mashed potatoes. She pats Luke on the shoulder reassuringly, which makes everyone chuckle and makes Luke blush.
“I’m sorry. Guess I’m on edge.” He directs his apology to Jacob who has been squirming awkwardly.
“Are the other two going to eat?” I question Jacob to change the subject as I take a spoonful of potatoes.
“Max and Sam? Yes, Miss Finnegan said she would save them some for when they are done,” he answers. “So Lucy, where are you from?” He turns to her trying to make small talk.
“I grew up in Shreveport, but I am moving to Franklin now that I have this job. I think you probably already knew that though, didn’t you?” She says looking up at him through her eyelashes and he blushes again.
“Yeah I read your report, but I didn’t know you knew I did so I thought I’d ask,” he says bashfully.
We continue our meal and learn stuff about Lucy also. She had a misdemeanor as a teenager for smoking pot. She got in trouble a lot at school, but still graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She also got caught trying to steal cigarettes from a local convenient store.
“I’m actually surprised I passed expectations after I realized the extensive background check I went through when Lilly told me I had the job,” she admits to us. “I am far from squeaky clean, but I swear to you that all of that is in the past,” she says to me and I can tell she doesn’t have a dishonest bone in her body. She just had a little wild side and now she channels it into tattoos, piercings, and computers.
“How did you know about the background check anyway?” Jacob questions her, and I am interested, too, because I didn’t know about it either.
“I’m very good with computers and I know when someone is checking in on me,” she says slyly.
“We might need to utilize your expertise. Someone may be trying to hack into our video feed,” Jacob admits and Luke and I both stare in his direction. It's news to me, and by Luke’s reaction I can tell it is news to him also.
“Calm down, we don’t know for sure,” he instantly tries to put us at ease. “We just realized it at headquarters and we don’t know for sure,” he tells us calmly.
“What program are you running?” Lucy’s interest immediately piqued.
“Come, I’ll show you.” With that they head out of the kitchen and off to the cottage.
“I guess you lost your personal assistant already. Man you have a fast turnover,” Luke teases me. I help Miss Finnegan clear the plates and do the dishes. After about an hour, Lucy and Jacob still haven’t returned. Luke and Jimmy decided to get busy on the demo of the master and Miss Finnegan excuses herself to take a nap before she needs to start supper. A lot of mouths to feed now and she’s loving it.
I head into the family room plopping on the couch and look out the window. It’s a beautiful day and I don’t want to be cooped up inside all by myself. The loud banging coming from the master is giving me a headache. I decide to take a little walk around the plantation. Since I’ll be staying close to the house I shouldn’t have to report that to anyone. Right now everyone is in his or her own world anyway. I walk out the front door and sit on the porch steps stretching my legs out so I can feel the warmth of the sun. I lean back resting on my elbows and look up at the white fluffy clouds against the deep blue sky. They look so soft, it’s almost like I could reach up and grab a handful of their snowy, cottony softness. I’m in a trance a million miles away as they move slowly in the sky.
I’m startled out of my dream world when I hear obnoxious honking at the end of the driveway. Shielding my eyes with my hands to see down the lane, a white Cadillac sits just beyond the gate and whoever is in it is laying on their horn. I see Jacob coming from the back of the house in a slow jog followed by Lucy, to see what the commotion is about.
“What are you doing outside?” Jacob says aggravated
by me being out of the house. “You are not supposed to be out here alone.”
“I’m on the porch.” I give Jacob a look that says you can’t be serious. “Sam is out with the dogs,” I defend myself. “Who in the world is that?” I ask annoyed as the honking continues.
“It looked like your good friend Adeline Grace from the monitor,” Jacob answers in jest. “Do you want me to let her in?” He asks and the blaring horn has brought Luke and Jimmy out. They are filthy covered in drywall dust. Luke comes over to me, brushing himself off and looking toward the car.
“Who the hell is that?” He asks also extremely annoyed.
“Adeline,” I say under my breath.
“Oh shit, I guess mother is going to find out I’m home,” Jimmy declares and he looks like he is trying to decide if he should run and hide or face her and get it over with.
“Let her in, I’m curious to see what the witch wants,” I tell Jacob and he walks to the house to push in a code on the large security panel by the front door. The gates at the end of the lane slowly swing open. They were installed yesterday and I thought it was a waste of money yesterday, but today having the control to decide who can and can’t come in is kind of nice.
The white Cadillac speeds up the lane and I almost think she is going to takes us all out by the way she is driving. I’m not the only one because Luke grabs me and pushes me behind him and everyone takes a step back before she screeches to a halt in front of the house.
“Here we go,” I hear Jimmy mumble beside Luke.
She gets out of her large pretentious car with a huff, slamming the car door behind her.
“Goodness gracious alive, well if it isn’t James Carmichael, you’re back! I should of known you would be friends with the likes of these people,” she hisses as she motions to us taking special notice of Lucy with a long look of disgust. “Your mother will be so proud,” she scoffs condescendingly, like her words should make Jimmy fall to the ground in shame.
“I’m sure she is as proud of me as I am with her,” Jimmy retorts and takes a seat on the front step with a giant smile.
Adeline ignores his response and continues to look upon us with distaste. “You’ve got quite the crew here, Lilly,” she mocks us, her bright pink lips pursed in a thin line. Her bleach blond hair is curled, and every hair exactly in its place. She looks the exact same every time I see her, but now I can tell that time is catching up with her. Her skin is deep with wrinkles, and even though she tries to cover it up with thick layers of makeup, I can tell she is really starting to show some age, especially looking at her in the bright sun. I have never noticed just how unattractive she is.
“Adeline, I am so sorry,” I say sweetly and she is taken aback at what sounds like a heartfelt apology. “I mean look at you. Time has not been kind to you at all,” I dig in the sweetest voice I can muster. I hear muffled laughter behind me coming from Jimmy. “It must take you half the day to put all that crap on your face.” My smugness is so cruel that I feel much pleasure from it.
“Still as ungrateful and rude as ever,” Adeline scowls putting on a huge pair of sunglasses. No doubt, she is now very self-conscious.
Jacob and Lucy join Jimmy on the front steps. They seem to be enjoying the show. Luke stands firmly next to me as Adeline and I stare at each other. The hatred so deep that it feels like there is a fire burning between us.
“Enough with the pleasantries Adeline, what do you want?” I ask her rudely crossing my arms.
“I came to give you this.” She thrusts out an envelope and waves it in my face waiting for me to take it.
I grab it from her and rip it open, unfolding the paper. I study it for a moment and start to laugh almost uncontrollably, handing the paper to Luke. His laughter is louder than mine.
“What is it?” Jimmy yells from the step impatiently wanting to be in on the joke.
Luke walks over to them and shows them the piece of paper. Written on it is an invoice for 3.5 million dollars owed to Adeline for consulting services she rendered to Jane.
“It will be a cold day in hell before you get a dime of my money, Adeline! You think hanging around Jane like a lost puppy for years was being a consultant.” I am amused by the whole thing and can’t stop laughing.
“I assure you this is no joke, Lilly,” she stands firmly in place. “I am owed the money and it should be paid from Jane’s estate,” she states, her face getting red with anger. “You will pay it or you will be hearing from my lawyers. My lawyer is confident that I will win this one.” I almost feel bad for her that she thinks this is legit, and that I can be scared into paying it.
“I’d rather pay ten million dollars in legal fees than give YOU one cent of MY money!” I shout powerfully, Luke back at my side with the letter. I yank it from his hand and rip it in two, and then again, and again, till there is nothing but tiny pieces. “That is what I think of that!” I yell throwing the shreds of paper in her face. “Now get the hell off my property!” I take a step closer to her so that we are less than a foot apart.
“You WILL be hearing from my lawyers,” she sneers back not moving, but I can see her looking at something out of the corner of her eye that makes her take a step back toward her car. I look in the direction of her sudden fear and see Sam and the dogs are coming around the house. Gus, the bigger of the two, is on high alert. The hair on his back is standing up, while Oscar looks like he is a bit calmer.
“Oh, Sam, come over here so our unwanted guest Adeline can meet the dogs,” I say wickedly seeing that Adeline is scared to death. Sam says something in German to Oscar so that just like his brother he stands on high alert, and they are very intimidating as they walk our way.
“I’m leaving, but this isn’t over!” Adeline squeals as she gets back in her car fearfully. She revs the engine and takes off in a lurch as she speeds down the lane. Jacob quickly gets up and punches in the code for the gates for fear that she will try to drive right through them.
“Lockern!” Sam commands the dogs and the both sit and start panting. They look like they have an accomplished expression on their faces as if they are smiling.
“Good puppies,” I say and I want so badly to sit on the ground and start petting them, but Sam gives me a look that tells me I can’t.
“They’re working!” Luke warns next to me and I look up at him irritated.
“I know, I know. They need something special for that though, did you see her face?” I am so impressed at what they just did.
“I must admit, I’ve never seen Adeline move that fast,” Jimmy says ecstatically as we make our way over to the front step. “That was so cool Lilly. I’ve never seen anyone talk to her like that. There’s nothing she can do about it. She has to be spitting nails and I am sure her first stop will be my mother’s house. That will be a really fun phone call I am going to receive shortly.” He shakes his head and I can’t decide if he is looking forward to it or is scared of it.
“Sorry about that,” I apologize to Jimmy. “I don’t care if you want to save face with your mom, you can call me bad names.” I offer to him. I’m sure pacifying Lindsey is a lot easier than having her wrath.
“Nah, I’ll just ignore the call for now,” Jimmy smirks.
“Chicken,” Luke teases his friend.
“Damn straight, telling my mother off is easier said than done,” Jimmy admits coyly.
“Jacob, are you done with Lucy? I would like her back now if I can,” I say trying to change the subject.
“Actually, no I’m not,” he says looking at Lucy then back at me. “Lucy tells me that the computer you just bought is sophisticated enough to try and find who’s hacking into our video feeds”.
“I think with Jacob’s network, and that computer, I can narrow down the IP address that it is coming from,” Lucy explains and her words are as foreign as the German Sam speaks to the dogs.
“Okay. So that means what I actually hired her for is put on hold?” I question honestly since I have no idea what they are talking
about.
“So there is someone trying to access the video?” Luke asks concerned, he stands behind me his hands on my shoulders.
“I am not a hundred percent sure, but with the interference they are getting, it would seem so. I’ll know more once I hook into their grid,” Lucy answers Luke.
“So your other project is just going to have to wait. This is more important,” Jacob says firmly, as if I have no say in the matter.
I shrug my shoulders indicating to them that they can do what they want. Jacob and Lucy head into the house and I hear Lucy talking more mumbo jumbo computer stuff as they disappear.
I turn around to face Luke and he has white dust all over his face. He’s still handsome as ever as he looks down at me with his wicked grin that always makes by insides burn.
“So how is it going in the master?” I ask as I brush the white dust off his cheeks.
“Messy,” Luke chuckles.
“Turns out we are good at destroying things,” Jimmy chimes in still on the step as he joins in on the conversation.
“I think we are done for the day. I’m going to hop in the shower before supper,” Luke announces to Jimmy, who seems more than fine with being done with the work for the day. Luke leans down and kisses my lips softly and starts to walk into the house after Jimmy. I’m still standing on the front steps when Luke stops at the doorway. “I would feel much better if you would come in the house also,” Luke says gently trying not to upset me.
I don’t argue, but follow him in the house and head for the family room.
Chapter 37
I sit on the oversized chair and I grab the journal we brought home from Cypress Grove. I cross my legs underneath me and lay the book on my lap. Incantations and Spells, I read the front of the book again slowly running my hand over the bound leather journal. Opening it, I pick up the picture and start to study it in the better light. I can see now that the woman and the girl are standing in front of the wishing well that we found in the backyard of the James house. I am sure this must be Celia Bellevue James. Is the little girl my mother? I stare into the eyes of the little girl in the picture and there is almost something familiar about her. Not good familiar, in fact the little girl gives me an uneasy feeling. Not at all like Celia. She has a much warmer smile and kind eyes.
