Past Betrayals, Past Loves

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  He touched her hand. “When I found the letters, I wondered about the connection. The letters mentioned things Duncan had described. One was an Egyptian necklace and another a bracelet.”

  Astrid opened the boy. “I think these are some of the things he’s seeking.”

  Lloyd lifted the jewelry and placed it on the table. “Egypt, Babylon, China. You saw these places and others, too.”

  “What others?”

  He closed his eyes. “Been ages. I think Japan, Pompeii and I’m not sure of any others.”

  She took a deep breath. “I dreamed I was in Egypt and other places. I lived other lives at times of crisis. What I can remember of them now is hazy but when they happened everything was vivid.” He placed his hand over hers. “Mermeshu.”

  Her eyes widened. “Yes. She fell in love with him. He was betrayed by a friend and then betrayed her. How did you know that name?”

  “Saw it in a book. He was Commander of the Armies and wanted to be Pharaoh. I never found another word about him.”

  Astrid wanted to put her head on the table. As her father removed the jewelry from the box, she mentioned the other times. “I wish I could remember more. How do the letters figure into this mess?”

  “Most of them are from Madeline, written to the man she loved and left. Her father worked for the Garretts. She and the Garrett’s son fell in love. They planned to marry. Then a man and woman threatened her. She believed they killed her father so she and her cousin fled.”

  “Did she steal the jewelry?”

  “As far as I could tell, all she took was the ring he’d given her. According to the note from the cousin, she sold it so they could live. Madeline died in childbirth.”

  Astrid leaned forward. “What happened to the baby?”

  “I found nothing in the letters.”

  “That’s a lot like Duncan’s story.”

  “I know.” Lloyd put the jewelry in the box. “I would say this jewelry is part of the stolen pieces and I think your dreams are true.”

  “I’m afraid they are.” Astrid patted her father’s hand. “What now?”

  “Give them to Duncan.” Lloyd reached for his cane. “Time for lunch.”

  * * *

  Duncan chuckled as the children in the three-leg race hobbled across the finish line. He cheered the winners and gave them their prizes. The other children received certificates for cones at the local ice cream parlor, making every child a winner.

  With this race ended, his stint as a judge ended. He strode to the tent where the caterers served a variety of foods. He snagged a soda, a burger piled with trimmings, potato salad and an ear of corn. He joined a group of employees at a table. The day would have been perfect if Astrid had come. He wanted her to know every facet of his life.

  He nearly choked on a bite of burger. Did this mean he was ready to make a commitment? No wrong moves this time, he decided. He frowned. He’d never felt the need to make a move toward anything permanent with any woman. Not until Astrid. Once again, strange thoughts arose, like he’d done this before and acted in the wrong manner.

  “So there you are.”

  Duncan looked around. He’d been so lost in thought he hadn’t noticed when the others had left the table. Lorna slid onto the bench beside him so close her thigh touched his. “What do you want?”

  Her tongue slid over her lips. Her eyes glinted. “What do you think?”

  “I’m not going there with you…ever.”

  “I just want my bracelet. It’s worth a lot of money, not to mention family ties.”

  “So sue me. I believe we determined ownership last night.”

  She dug her fingers into his arm. “I want what’s mind. That’s the last piece of jewelry my ancestor used to regain the fortune your family stole from mine.”

  He arched a brow. “The bracelet is described in my ancestor’s journal and the report that was filed with the police. Looks like your family based their fortune on stolen property.”

  “It wouldn’t be the first time that happened.” A sly smile appeared. “You could make things right by marrying me.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t want you now and I didn’t in the past.”

  She glared. “You’ll be sorry.” She rose and stalked away.

  Duncan shrugged. He would take his chances. He’d done nothing to harm her.

  * * *

  Astrid reached the apartment just as Sarah was leaving. “Isn’t the shop open?”

  “Clive closed early to organize for the street fair tomorrow. How’s Lloyd?”

  “Much improved. Clear speech and he walks with a cane.” Astrid halted on the steps. “Aren’t there several canes in the store?”

  “I believe so.”

  “Let’s go pick one and you can take it to Dad.”

  Sarah nodded. “Great idea. We were busy for a bit today. We’ll be busier tomorrow. Clive’s sorting through boxes for items to put on the sidewalk tables. Said they’re not good enough for Antiquities.”

  When they entered, they found Clive in the vault. Astrid was glad she had removed the jewelry she had shown to her father. She noticed several boxes on the desk.

  Clive emerged from the vault with another box. “Ladies, what brings you?”

  “I need a cane for Dad.” She pointed to the boxes. “What are you doing with these?”

  “They’re for the street fair. Your father’s always picking up odd lots with a few good pieces and there are some that aren’t very expensive. People snatch them up at the airs. I think they want the Antiquities boxes and bags.”

  “Guess you never know what people treasure,” Astrid said.

  “Canes,” Sarah said. “I don’t want to be late for dinner.” She selected one from the stand. “What about this one?”

  Clive laughed. “It’s from the twenties. There’s a flask when you twist the head off. I don’t think Lloyd needs one.”

  “Hardly,” Astrid said.

  “There’s a great one with a brass knob,” Clive said. “Very dashing. It’s in the vault, right side, second shelf.”

  Sarah nodded. “Sounds perfect.”

  “Lock up when you leave.” Clive waved and left the office with the box tucked under his arm.

  A cry of frustration escaped when Astrid entered the vault. The shelves she’d nearly organized where a mess. Had Clive been searching for jewelry and notions for the street fair or something else? She finally located the cane and shut the vault door.

  Sarah smiled. “Wonderful and heavy enough to make a great weapon.”

  “Let’s hope one’s not necessary.” Astrid followed the older woman to the door. “See you tomorrow.”

  “I’ll be outside tending the table.”

  Astrid hurried to the apartment. Just inside the door, she halted. The sofa cushions were on the floor. The books she’d neatly stacked had been knocked over. She peered into her father’s bedroom. Drawers had been pulled out and the contents strewn on the floor. Her room showed signs of the same frantic search.

  She sank on the bed. “Who?” Good thing she’d taken the jewelry and letters with her. Was anything missing? Should she call the police?

  She returned to the main room and checked the door. No sign of a forced entry. The only other way to open the door was with a key. Clive? He’d had her father’s keys. He’d searched the vault. What had he been looking for? She needed to see if anything was missing. When she saw Duncan, she would ask him to put the shoe box in his safe.

  Chapter Six

  Switzerland

  Astrid stood in the middle of the apartment’s main room. Scream of weep? Her emotions swung from fear to anger. Someone had invaded her space, had torn things apart. She rubbed her hands along her arms. At least the vandal hadn’t trashed the kitchen. She took a deep breath and replaced the sofa cushions. Then she straightened the books.

  The doorbell rang. Astrid yelped and nearly knocked the stack of volumes to the floor. Clive? Come to judge his effects on her nerves. She sh
ook her head. He was sly not bold. She looked at the clock. Too early for Duncan. Besides she was to meet him at his house. She went to the door and peered through the spy hold. “Paula, what are you doing here?”

  “Checking on you. Stopped by the shop earlier to invite you to lunch. Sarah said you’d gone to see your dad. How is he?”

  “Doing great. Should be home soon.”

  “That’s wonderful.” Paula perched on one of the stools at the counter separating the kitchen from the rest of the room. “Lorna came in while I was there. She dragged Clive into the office. Couldn’t hear what they said but she sure screamed. Shame the closed door blocked the words.”

  “A stethoscope would have helped,” Astrid said.

  Paula laughed. “Would you tell me what happened last night?”

  Astrid frowned. “It’s hard to explain.” The talk with her father had brought as many questions as answers. “It’s…I’m not quite sure but if you want to watch while I put this place in order, I’ll tell you what I remember.”

  The moment they entered Astrid’s room, Paula gasped. “Good grief. Did you lose the crown jewels?”

  “This isn’t my mess. I came home to this. Seems I had a surprise visitor. Dad’s room is worse.”

  What was whoever looking for? All the valuables are down in the shop, aren’t they?”

  “As far as I know.”

  “The Egyptian necklace and crown is missing,” Paula said.

  “Not missing but in a safe place. How did you know?”

  “That’s the one thing I heard Lorna say. She accused Clive of hiding it. She said something odd. Carnelians aren’t his usual style.”

  “When was that?”

  “Around noon, just before she stormed out. He told her he’d checked the vault and it wasn’t there.” Paula sat on the edge of the bed. “Did you call the police about this?”

  Astrid shook her head. “I’m not going to. Whoever searched the place had a key. I thought there were only three.”

  Paula arched a brow. “And those belong to?”

  “Me, Dad and Sarah.”

  “She wouldn’t do this.”

  “I know.” Should she tell Paula about Clive? She knew how much her friend liked him.

  Paula studied her intently. “I can think of two more possibilities and one doesn’t compute.”

  Astrid sighed. “Clive had Dad’s keys. He gave them to me the day I arrived.” She reached for the pile of silk underwear. She had to wash them. She couldn’t wear them knowing he’d pawed the items.

  Paula headed to the door. “I’ll be right back. Need to make a call.”

  Astrid frowned. “Not the police.”

  “Someone else,” Paula called.

  Astrid carried her underwear to the washer. She halted to listen to Paula’s end of the conversation.

  “Jan, cam you come over? I know it’s a holiday weekend but a friend of mine needs a new lock ASAP. Seems someone who shouldn’t have a key to her apartment does. She’s above Antiquities. See you in ten minutes. Thanks.”

  “Who and why?” Astrid asked.

  “Jan’s a locksmith. I’m sure you’ve passed her shop on Main. She’ll install the lock and maybe we can go to dinner.”

  “Wish I could but I’m meeting Duncan at six thirty.”

  “Enjoy.”

  “I plan to. I could have a drink with you and your friend.”

  “Sounds good. Back to work. I’ll start in your dad’s room.”

  As Paula entered the door to her bedroom Astrid sighed with relief. Paula had forgotten about last night and thankfully the unexplainable didn’t need to be addressed.

  By the time Paula’s friend had the new lock installed, the apartment was in order. Astrid changed into an ankle-length skirt and a clingy top. Duncan hadn’t mentioned where they were going to dinner. This outfit would work anywhere.

  “Meet you at the Pub,” Paula said.

  “Where?”

  “On Main, across from the municipal lot.”

  Astrid tucked the shoe box beneath the passenger’s seat. With luck, Duncan would agree to keep it in his safe.

  Over drinks, she enjoyed learning about Paula’s friend. They set a lunch date for Friday. At a few minutes before six thirty, Astrid said goodbye and drove to Duncan’s. As she parked the car, he drove up.

  “Follow me.” When he approached the wall, a gate opened. Astrid drove down a steep drive past what must have been a guest house. She parked behind a six car garage.

  Duncan waited for her. “Let’s go in. You can organize dinner while I shower.”

  He led her up the back stairs into a spacious kitchen and gave her a quick tour of the drawers and cupboard. “You’ll find about anything here. Leftovers from last night are in the fridge.” He kissed her lightly. “See you in ten.”

  “Don’t rush.” She stood at the refrigerator and assessed the contents. A bowl of shrimp and one of crab inspired her. A salad with lemon vinaigrette would be nice. She took lettuce and tomatoes to the counter. After locating knives, bowls and plates, she assembled the salad. She sliced half a loaf of Italian bread and made garlic butter. Once she popped it in the oven, she put a selection of canapés in the microwave.

  By the time the quick meal was on the table, Duncan appeared in the doorway. His tousled hair looked like he’d merely rubbed a towel over his head. The rumpled look was appealing. He took a bottle of chardonnay from the refrigerator. “This work?”

  “Perfect.”

  They sat side by side and soon polished their plates. “Dessert later?”

  She nodded. “How was your day?”

  “Hectic but fun.” He gave her the highlights of the employees’ picnic. “Kids are great. How’s Lloyd?”

  “Better than okay.” She remembered the box beneath the passenger’s seat. “I need to get something from the car.”

  “A present?”

  “Sort of. Could you put it in your safe?”

  “Sure but what about the vault at the store?”

  “Not a good idea.” She told him what she’d found when she arrived at the apartment. “Had to be Clive.”

  “Doesn’t Sarah have a key?”

  “She does but she has no reason for the search. Clive does. Lorna wants the Egyptian pieces and I think she has some hold over him.” She walked to the door.

  “I hate to think he would do something like this but you’re right about Lorna’s influence.” He followed her down the steps. “You’re staying here tonight.”

  She laughed. “There’s no danger now. The locks have been changed. A friend of Paula’s came and did that.”

  “Can you trust Paula?”

  “Why shouldn’t I?”

  “She has a thing for Clive.”

  Astrid took the box from the car. “She also knows he’d not to be trusted, unlike some people who trust him without question.”

  He held up his hands. “He’s a friend.”

  “And that excuses him?”

  Duncan exhaled in a rush. “No. It takes a lot for me to re-evaluate my opinions. What’s in the box?”

  “Some letters that might give some clues to the mystery of your great grandfather’s origins and what I believe are a number of the stolen items. I want you to place them in your safe.”

  “Can I look at them?”

  “Sure but I’m not touching them.”

  “Before we become involved with this, let’s go to the apartment and get your clothes for tonight. I have plans that will take a long time to execute.”

  She laughed. “When do the fireworks begin?”

  He chuckled. “Any time you want.”

  “Duncan, I meant the town’s display.”

  “Around nine.” He slid into the passenger’s seat and took the shoe box. “I’ll even let you drive.”

  Astrid started the car. “I’ll be perfectly safe at the apartment.”

  “And I would worry so much I would be at your door like I was last night.”

  All
right.” She shifted into gear and drove to the apartment.

  Since she would be gone overnight, packing took little time. She carried the overnight case into the living room. “I’m set.”

  “So am I.” He grinned.

  When they returned to the house Duncan set the box on the desk and took her case to the bedroom. He returned and opened the box. He pushed the letters aside and removed the jewelry.

  “Could you let me see the journal?” Astrid asked.

  He opened the safe and handed her the leather-bound book. Slips of paper marked the detailed descriptions. Astrid read them and Duncan lifted the pieces. “I think these are the ones. So what’s left?”

  Astrid flipped through the pages. “Jeweled silver cross found in Switzerland. A netsuke, whatever that is, from Japan and a silver and gold disc from Peru. Do you think Lorna has the other things?”

  “I’m not about to ask her.”

  “Any idea what happened to Chester and Bonnie?”

  “Chester left town around the time Madelaine disappeared. Bonnie’s family lost their money and moved.” He put the jewelry in the box. “Why won’t you touch them? Afraid of another fainting spell?”

  “Actually, yes.” She sucked in a breath. “When I was a child…” She began the tale. “So you see, when I touched the jewelry, I had dreams…like I was living other lives. When I wake I don’t remember much.”

  He frowned. “Do you wish you did?”

  “I don’t know. Might give me some ideas about what’s happening now.”

  He put his arms around her. “I like what’s happening. Ready for the fireworks?”

  She laughed. “What kind?”

  “An aerial display, courtesy of Rockleigh.” He brushed his lips over her mouth. “Later for the other kind.” He led her to the balcony outside his bedroom.

  * * *

  With a final explosion and a magnificent blaze of red and white spirals and circles, the fireworks ended. Astrid turned to Duncan. “That was wonderful and this is the perfect viewing spot.”