The Unknown Sister

by Rebecca Winters

  “From what I’ve gathered, the only time you deal with the public is when people drop in to be interviewed or arrive for their consultations and tests.

  “To this point, everything’s been housed under one roof, making it impossible to delineate all the different functions, either physically or psychologically. Not only that, when you first took out your lease, you hadn’t grown to the proportions you’ve reached today, and now you’re working on top of each other, so to speak. Have I missed anything?”

  “No.” He shook his head slowly. “In fact you’ve just solved the mystery of why my frustration level has been at an all-time high.”

  She chuckled. “If you’d ever seen drawings of the city of London in the making, you’d notice there was little rhyme or reason to the way it was designed. In fact, you couldn’t really say it was designed. Everything sort of came together in a hodgepodge. I’m afraid our working worlds aren’t much different.

  “But once in a while there’s a person like you who has the vision and luxury of building something from scratch. A creation that will make perfect sense and appeal to the eye, as well.”

  He nodded slowly.

  “Tell me, David, have you ever visited a Zulu village?”

  She heard the slight hesitation before he said, “I’m sorry to say I haven’t.”

  Catherine darted him an amused glance. “I visited one, but don’t worry. I’m just thinking about the layout, although authentic zebra skins and spears do add the right touch in their proper ambience.”

  He laughed, then gestured for her to continue.

  “The huts of the particular village I visited formed a circle, with the chief’s hut in the center. The villagers had their work and relationships figured out and created something beautifully simple, yet completely functional.

  “That’s what I see here. A roughly circular series of buildings, all suited to their own special jobs, connected by paths where more trees and flowering shrubs will be planted to provide natural cover from the elements. There’s plenty of room for hidden parking areas, which can be placed for staff convenience.

  “We’ll fit the buildings into the landscape as if they’d sprung up naturally, and incorporate cedar siding by using it on the exteriors. I’d like to experiment with various wood inlays to provide shades of richness and texture.

  “Of course, this is just an idea. I’ll make several renderings for you, including a conventional building. Keep in mind that containing everything under one roof will make your complex obsolete within a year or two, because various aspects of your business will continue to grow.

  “The beauty of the village concept is adaptation. In this Garden of Eden setting you’ll have the room to expand, and the effect will remain appropriate and attractive.

  “You’ll also make a statement that says you have an affinity with the environment. You’ll have created a timeless sylvan elegance at peace with nature from the chaos of a tumultuous twenty-first century.”

  Sometimes after a stirring operatic or symphonic performance, there was a hush in the audience before it burst into applause. Was that what David’s silence meant? Was it arrogant to hope so? At the very least, she hoped he’d grasped the essence of what she’d tried to convey and felt excited about it.

  “How do you do it?” His voice was hushed.

  “Do what?”

  “It has to be a gift.”

  Her face felt warm. “I went to school.”

  “You were born a genius. But that’s not what I’m talking about.” He moved closer. “In a matter of seconds you’ve summed up thoughts and feelings inside me that I’ve never even articulated before.”

  Now that she knew she was on the right track, she could release the breath she’d been holding. “When I can get someone to talk about the thing he’s passionate about, then it’s easy to see into his soul. A good architect wants the end product to reflect his client’s psyche.

  “In your case, the new institute will stand as a personal monument to hard work, sacrifice and the greater good of the community. I’m very impressed.”

  She noticed the sudden heaving of his chest. “Have dinner with me tonight,” he said quietly.

  “I’d like that.” She struggled to keep her voice steady. “But it’s my mom’s birthday. Dad’s taking the family to her favorite seafood restaurant, and I still haven’t picked up her present yet.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Then we won’t be able to see each other until Saturday.”

  She turned her face away, afraid her expression would reveal how endless five more days sounded.

  “What’s the best way to reach you that guarantees I can speak to you personally?”

  “My cell phone.”

  He pulled out a notebook and jotted down her number, then escorted her to the truck. “We’ll have to get an early start to beat the traffic to Eugene on Saturday morning.” Once she was inside the cab, he shut the door. “I’ll call you Friday to make final arrangements.”

  Don’t act too excited, Catherine. “By then I ought to have a few preliminary sketches for you to look over.”

  “I’m not going anywhere, so there’s no rush. Now I understand why you’re in such high demand. I feel privileged to have been taken on as a client.”

  She shook her head. “I’m the one who’s privileged. To be asked to create something that will live up to a client’s expectations is an awesome responsibility.”

  “You’ve already surpassed mine, and there’s nothing down on paper yet. Good night, Catherine Casey. Enjoy your party.”

  This time he followed her until they reached downtown Portland, where he disappeared. It was a good thing an important family celebration had prevented her from accepting his dinner invitation. She needed a few days and some distance to understand why she was running toward him instead of retreating the way she usually did.

  While she was in the Brushworks Gallery to collect the Van Gogh print she’d had framed for her mother, her thoughts leaped ahead to the weekend. She’d be spending all of Saturday with David. Until then, she’d try not to think about him. But, of course, that was ridiculous, since just moments ago she’d promised to present him with drawings the next time they met.

  SHANNON HAD DRIVEN down from Tacoma early, hoping to catch sight of David, but so far no luck. She’d been waiting over an hour. The woman at the front desk probably wondered what was going on.

  Maybe something had held him up, or else he wasn’t coming in at all. Full of disappointment, she approached the receptionist, whose nameplate indicated that her name was Barbara Ross.

  “Could I speak to someone in personnel?”

  “May I ask why? Perhaps I can help you.”

  “I’d like to apply for a job here.”

  “At present we’re not looking for anyone to hire.”

  “Could I at least have an application in case there’s an opening?”

  “Of course. Just a minute, please.” The receptionist walked over to a file cabinet along the wall and pulled a packet from the drawer. “Here you are. When you’ve filled it in, mail it to the address at the top.”

  “If you don’t mind, Barbara, I’d like to complete it while I’m here.”

  “That’s fine. You can use this clipboard and sit down over there.”

  “Thank you.” Shannon studied the forms.

  The Britton Institute of Genetic Research on Twins

  65 Columbia Drive, Portland, Oregon

  Application Form

  Name:

  Shannon White

  Age: (optional)

  28

  Marital Status: (optional)

  Single

  Address:

  4973 Southeast 116th

  Place, Tacoma,

  Washington

  Telephone:

  Home phone

  253–555–2109

  Work phone

  253–555–5320

  Qualifications: I have a Masters Degree in Nursing from the University of Washing
ton, and am currently Administrator of Nursing at Glen Cove Nursing Home, a one-hundred-bed facility in Tacoma, Washington. I have worked for three years. For personal reasons, I am planning to move to Portland whenever the right job becomes available.

  Before I joined the staff at Glen Cove, I was the administrator of a health care facility for Haida Indians on Prince of Wales Island in Alaska for a year. I’ve written several papers, which have been published in the American Journal of Nursing.

  Position applied for: I am applying for work at your institute as an administrator to help coordinate the data you’re accumulating on identical twins.

  Why do you want to work here? About a month ago, I saw the institute’s ad in the paper, and drove down from Tacoma to participate in your twin studies project. I came because shortly before her death, my adoptive mother said something about my being a twin.

  I didn’t know if her pain medication had caused her to hallucinate or if she decided she didn’t want to go to her grave with a secret that important. Since I am my deceased parents’ only child, and have no living relatives, it’s possible she wanted me to search out my twin so I wouldn’t be left alone.

  If he or she exists, perhaps the institute will be the means of bringing us together. I’ve explained this to let you know of my interest and desire to work for such a worthy cause.

  References: With this application I include my transcripts of credits for both undergraduate and graduate school, five letters of recommendation, copies of my published articles and a recent photograph.

  “Excuse me, Barbara. I’ve finished filling out the application. Will you please file this envelope of documents with it?”

  “Certainly.”

  “Tell me something.”

  “Yes?”

  “A month ago Mr. Britton interviewed me when I answered the ad to be a participant in the study. Does he also do the hiring of personnel?”

  “He has the ultimate say.”

  “Will you make sure he sees this?”

  “Of course.”

  “Thank you very much.”

  She waited another half hour, then gave up and decided to do more job-hunting. As long as she was in Portland, it would be foolish to waste any more time hoping he might come back to his office.

  FRIDAY AFTERNOON had arrived at last!

  David finished putting his signature to the last of a stack of letters. He couldn’t get out of his office fast enough. The long wait was almost over.

  Anyone might have thought he was a besotted younger man unable to focus on anything but the beautiful woman in his life. As soon as he got home, he’d phone Catherine. Since the day they’d been to look at his property, he’d been living to hear her voice again.

  He buzzed his secretary. “Louise? The correspondence is ready to be mailed. I’m leaving now. I’ll be out of town all day tomorrow. If an emergency arises over the weekend, I can be reached on my cell phone. Otherwise I’ll see you Monday.”

  “Yes, sir. But before you go, there’s something I think you should see. I’ll be right in.”

  She met him at the door to his office. “I realize you’re in a hurry to get away, but you did tell me to let you know if Shannon White ever came to the institute again.”

  At the mention of her name, David’s anger flared. He took a steadying breath. “Is she out in reception?”

  “No, but apparently she was in earlier this week. Barbara received an employment application from her. She put it in my basket, and I just got to it. Barbara left a note with it.

  “It seems Ms. White told her that you’d interviewed her when she answered the ad to become a participant. Barbara thought perhaps you’d suggested there might be an opening at the institute, particularly since Ms. White has such excellent skills and qualifications. She brought transcripts and letters of recommendation with her.”

  David already knew Shannon’s qualifications. But he was only beginning to comprehend her skill at manipulation. Not for the first time did he regret taking her out to dinner. That one kiss had turned out to be the biggest mistake he’d ever made where a woman was concerned.

  His lapse in judgment had given Shannon an edge. Unfortunately she was continuing to use it to full advantage. She knew that mentioning David’s name would compel Barbara to pass her application directly to him. His growing lack of interest in Catherine’s twin had just taken a leap toward true aversion.

  “Thanks for bringing it to my attention, but you can discard it. We’re not hiring anyone right now. Even if a position were to open up in the future, you might remind Barbara—and the staff in personnel—that it’s against company policy to engage the services of anyone who’s a participant in the project.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Tell Barbara something else. If Ms. White should show her face again, and she probably will when she doesn’t hear back from us, Barbara should call me. I’ll walk over and deal with the woman myself.”

  “I’ll speak to her before I leave tonight.”

  “Thanks, Louise. Have a nice weekend.”

  “You, too, Mr. Britton.”

  I intend to.

  As he made his way to the underground car park, he refused to let Shannon’s manipulations infringe on his life or his pleasure with Catherine.

  He’d backed his car halfway out of his slot when the cell phone rang. There was no need to look at the caller ID. The day before one of Mitch’s races guaranteed their mother would end up in bed with a migraine. Today was no different. He’d swing by to see her on his way home.

  AFTER EVERYONE ELSE in the office had gone for the weekend, Catherine was still at her drafting table. Normally the quiet hours of late afternoon proved to be her most productive. But she’d been waiting for one particular call all day and hadn’t been able to settle down to business with her usual amount of concentration.

  Maybe some emergency had arisen, preventing David from phoning. Any minute she expected him to call and cancel their plans for tomorrow. She kept telling herself it wouldn’t be the end of the world. But the searing disappointment she experienced every time she contemplated the possibility let her know otherwise.

  When her cell phone finally rang, she forced herself to remain calm, letting it ring three times before answering. Then she looked at her caller ID and saw Jack’s cell phone number. Much as she loved her brother, Catherine’s spirits plummeted.

  “Hello, Jack.”

  “It’s Melanie!” A bright voice spoke the words.

  “We’re in Eugene. Jack’s talking to the crew right now, so I thought I’d phone to see if you’re going to make it tomorrow.”

  Catherine hadn’t told them about her date with David, or even that she’d actually met him. For that matter, she didn’t know if David had chosen to tell Mitch, either.

  In case their plan fell through, it might be better not to say anything. David hadn’t phoned yet. If her fears were borne out, she’d have to drive to Eugene by herself.

  “I’m working late so I can be free tomorrow to watch the whole thing.”

  “That’s great. Jack says no one else in your family will be able to make it. Brody’s in-laws came to town unexpectedly.”

  “What about Mark?”

  “According to Jack, he’s in Astoria getting some depositions on a law case.”

  “Melanie, as long as Jack’s got you, he’s happy. I’m sorry to say Mom’s big fund-raiser for the Women in Distress shelter has its opener tomorrow. Dad promised to help her. But I’ll be there. I’m bringing the camcorder to get his victory on tape.”

  “I brought my camcorder, too. Plan to sit with me. I’ll save you a place.”

  “I’ll find you. Tell Jack God bless.”

  “Don’t worry.” Melanie’s voice held a distinct tremor.

  Catherine admired Melanie as much as she liked her. It would be hard to be in love with a race car driver, hard to act happy and confident when you feared for his life every time he got behind the wheel.

  As she ende
d the conversation, Catherine’s gaze fell on the drawings she’d made for David. A few more details and they’d be finished. She searched for a portfolio and packed them away. She’d take them home to finish; that way, they’d be ready if she did see him tomorrow.

  No sooner had she started for the door than her cell phone rang again. This time she didn’t stop to compose herself, let alone see who was calling. As a result, she sounded breathless when she said hello.

  “Catherine?”

  At the sound of his deep voice she felt suddenly weak and leaned against the doorjamb for support. “Hello, David.”

  “Sorry I haven’t called before now. After working all hours to clear my desk today, I found out my mother needed to see me, but I’ll explain about that in the morning. Can you be ready at seven? I’d like to take you to breakfast on our way out of town.”

  “Seven sounds fine.”

  “Mitch guessed I’m bringing you with me. He can hardly wait to be introduced.”

  She smiled. “I’m looking forward to meeting the only guy who can beat Jack.”

  “Maybe. But racing isn’t Mitch’s consuming passion, like it’s Jack’s. With every hobby, he eventually burns out. Then it’s on to a new one. That, by the way, is a secret between you and me.”

  “Of course.” Jack would be overjoyed if he heard such news. “You’ve relieved me of a big worry, but rest assured, I’ll never tell. If Jack knew the truth, it would make him overconfident. Then he’d lose his edge.”

  “Mitch has connections with a lot of people in the racing business. From what he tells me, your brother could go right to the top.”

  “That’s very generous of him. If Jack can amass enough winnings and financial support—and if he continues to hone his skills—maybe one day he’ll get there. It’s all he’s dreamed about since his teens. Our family’s a hundred percent behind him.”

  “Then he can’t lose.”

  “I don’t know. Jack says Mitch Britton is the guy to beat tomorrow.”

  “It’s going to be an exciting day all around.”