Mermaid Moon

by Colleen Coble

  “I knew they would be. I’m sorry you lost your mother so young.”

  Did he know her father had died? “Dad died three weeks ago. We believe it was murder.”

  His lips parted and shock darkened his eyes. “I hadn’t heard. Oh, my dear, I’m so sorry.” He reached an age-mottled hand across the covers to grasp hers.

  Her fingers closed around his cold hand. “We also just found out that Mom didn’t die in the storm as we’d thought. She was shot in the head, execution style.”

  He pressed against the side of his head, and his color drained even more. A slight moan escaped him as his eyes went glassy. She looked over at Kevin, who rose and went to the door.

  In moments the nurse was there with an injection in her hand. “I need to alleviate his pain. Can you come back later?”

  “Of course.” Kevin took Mallory’s arm and escorted her to the hall where he closed the door behind them.

  “Kevin, I don’t think we ever got any support.”

  “There are a lot of questions his story generates. Maybe we can find out more when he can talk again.” He took her arm. “Let’s go grab some lunch.”

  Servers hurried past with plates of steaming lobster and crab bisque. Kevin’s stomach rumbled at the rich, buttery aroma and the platter of desserts that went past. They’d both ordered oysters as well as crab bisque, and he sipped his coffee and watched Mallory over the top of his cup.

  She set down her water glass. “Quit staring at me. I’m not going to freak out.”

  “Lot to take in today. I liked your dad. He didn’t pull any punches.”

  “I wish I’d known him longer. I don’t think he’ll make it more than a few weeks at best. Maybe not even that.”

  “At least we know he’s a Christian.” He glanced out the window at the boats sailing by. The day with Mallory stretched in front of him, and he wanted to milk every moment. “His story made me doubly grateful for your influence on my life, you know.”

  Her eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

  “He had a controlling father, too, but he didn’t break free like I did. You gave me the courage to stand up for what I wanted. Thank you.”

  Color flooded her cheeks. “You would have done it anyway. You always knew your own mind.”

  Kevin wasn’t so sure, but he let it go. “Maybe.”

  “I’ve been thinking about what he said about telling his attorney to pay child support. Maybe we should talk to the attorney.”

  “What good would that do? It’s not like it matters now.”

  She ran her finger around the rim of her glass. “No, but what if Dad got the money for the boat from him?”

  Kevin leaned back in his chair and thought about it. “I guess it’s possible, but why would your dad be so desperate to pay it back? Especially if he felt it was due him from years of no support?”

  “Maybe he didn’t want to be beholden to him or something. It’s hard to say. I just have a feeling we should talk to him. Or at least ask my father about it.”

  “It’s worth a try.”

  The server brought their lunch, and they fell silent and tucked into their food. Kevin thought about what Mr. Hugon had told them. The one thing he hadn’t mentioned was Mallory’s birth mother’s present status. Was she dead or in the area? Maybe he didn’t know.

  Mallory’s cell phone rang, and she pulled it from her pocket, frowning at the screen. “Mallory Davis. Oh yes, thank you. We’re just finishing lunch. We’ll be over in a few minutes.” She ended the call. “My father is alert and wants to see us again.”

  “I had a feeling he had more to say.” Kevin scooped up an oyster and swallowed it down. “We should probably check in on the girls and Carol. Maybe your father will give us the contact information for his attorney.” He held her gaze. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Thad intends to leave you his estate.”

  She inhaled and sat back. “Heavens, I hope not. I wouldn’t know what to do with a house that big. And I know nothing about his business or anything. Surely by now he’s drawn up his will and everything is settled. I don’t want to cause trouble.”

  “He has no other children.”

  “Maybe he has a brother or a sister. A cousin. Anyone but me. I don’t want it.”

  He believed her. The Mallory he knew wouldn’t be comfortable here in Boston. She belonged on the beach with bare feet and windblown hair. She was his free spirit. He knew what Mr. Hugon had meant about his lover, Olivia. Mallory lit up a room when she came in too.

  They finished eating and drove back over to the Hugon house. This time the guard automatically opened the gate for them without even coming out, and the nurse met them at the door.

  “He’s been fretting since you left,” she said when they stopped outside his bedroom door. “Every minute is a gift right now, and he has some other things to tell you. His pain should be all right for at least an hour, and I fed him some soup. Go on in.”

  Kevin pushed open the door and gestured for Mallory to precede him. He shut the door behind them, then stood back while she approached the bed.

  Mr. Hugon’s color was better, and he smiled when he saw Mallory. “Ah, my dear girl, I hope you enjoyed your lunch. You should have stayed here. My cook makes a mean lobster stew you would have enjoyed.”

  “Another time.” She stood at the side of the bed, then leaned down and brushed her lips across his cheek.

  His eyes went wet almost immediately, and he turned his head away as she sat on the chair. Kevin was touched that he seemed to really care about Mallory. Why hadn’t Hugon sought her out before? He’d only begun looking six months ago. Maybe he hadn’t wanted to interfere with her life. That would make sense.

  Mallory leaned forward and put her hand on his. “Is my birth mother still alive? What’s happened to her?”

  Mr. Hugon’s smile faltered. “She got out of prison about ten years ago, and I haven’t been able to track her down. I’ll admit I didn’t try very hard. Time flew by as it often does, then I was diagnosed with cancer, and life got rather disjointed. I’ve instructed my attorney to find her, but so far he’s come up empty.”

  Disappointment flickered in Mallory’s eyes. “Can you think of anyone who might have wanted to harm my parents? Someone burned down their cottage recently. I think they were trying to destroy evidence of some kind.”

  Mr. Hugon’s brow furrowed, and he said nothing for a long moment. “If my father were still alive, I might suspect him, though he should have been nothing but grateful to Karen and Edmund. But with my father one never knew how he might try to protect his all-important interests. However, he’s been dead a year now.”

  Kevin approached the bed and stood at the foot. “Who runs your company now?”

  “My attorneys are at the helm. The two of them have helped me for many years and know the business inside and out. I have many companies in my conglomerate, and my team is excellent.”

  “No brothers or sisters, uncles or cousins?” Kevin asked.

  Mr. Hugon shook his head, then turned to his daughter. “Only you, Mallory. You’re the last of the Hugon line, and I wouldn’t saddle you with the burden of this business I never wanted, though my lawyers are drawing up a codicil to my will to ensure you have enough money for the future. It should be ready for me to sign in a day or two.”

  “That’s not why I came. I just wanted to know more about my background.”

  “Dear girl, I know that. But it’s the right thing to do.” He glanced at Kevin. “Do you have a place to stay tonight?”

  “Not yet. I was going to call and get a hotel.”

  “Please, stay here. As you can see, there is plenty of room and I would enjoy the company.”

  Kevin glanced at Mallory to see what she wanted and saw a shy smile lifting her lips. “Thank you, sir. I’ll bring in our suitcases.”

  THIRTY

  Claire sat on the balcony of her mother’s house overlooking the Atlantic. Boats dotted the harbor, and she sighed with contentment as she s
ipped a cup of tea and nibbled on the still-warm ginger cookies. “I’ve missed this view, Mom.”

  Her mother, dressed in a subdued blue dress and heels, smiled at her. “It was such a surprise to see you. What brought you to town?”

  Claire told her about Mallory’s search, and her mother pursed her lips at the name Thad Hugon. “I can’t say I’m surprised he wasn’t faithful to his wife. They seemed a strange couple. Your father and I have traveled in those same circles for years, and they were always off talking to other people. When it was time to leave, they were as stiff and formal as strangers.”

  She shifted her attention toward the sea, and Claire could see the wheels turning. Her mother had lived here a long time. Might she know something important about this situation? “Have you ever heard the name Olivia Nelson?”

  Her mother blinked and straightened. “Olivia? Why, of course. It caused a huge scandal when she was caught embezzling funds and sent off to prison. I met her several times. Why do you ask about her?”

  “She’s Mallory’s birth mother. Mallory was born when Olivia was in prison.”

  Her mother gasped and put her hand to her throat. “Oh, good heavens! I never dreamed it would be someone I know. She’s out of prison now, you know.”

  “When was the last time you saw her? Would you have any idea where she went when she got out?”

  “She applied for a job at Cramer Aviation and told your father she hadn’t taken any money. Harry felt sorry for her, but he couldn’t hire her, not with his close connection to Thad. He believed her enough to give her a letter of recommendation though. He got a call from a potential employer about five years ago. It was in Bangor, I think. Or maybe Augusta. I can’t remember.”

  “So she’s in Maine.” Claire made a mental note to tell Mallory this piece of news. “Do you remember the name of the company or anything about it?”

  Her mother twisted her heavy rings around on her finger. “I think it was the IT department of some company. I don’t know if she got the job or not. I’m sorry I can’t remember more about it.” Her lips parted and she gasped. “Oh, I almost forgot. She changed her name after she got out of prison. She started using her middle name, but I can’t remember what it was.”

  “I bet the private investigator can figure it out.” She reached for her tea and took another sip. “H-how’s Dad doing?” It was a touchy subject because of everything he’d done, but it was impossible to turn off the spigot of a lifetime of love.

  Her mother shrugged her slim shoulders. “He says the food is terrible, and his cell is cold. It’s only three years though, and he’ll be out.”

  “And the business?”

  “Thanks to you, the merger went through, and I’ve been leaving the running of things to the Goughs. You are welcome to take over if you want, however.”

  Claire wasn’t even tempted. “I’m happy up in Folly Shoals. The house you bought us is perfect, Mom. Thanks again for being so thoughtful. It’s truly lovely, and it’s going to be spectacular when the remodel is done. Luke and I bought a bigger boat too. I’m having a website done to start running charters and tours. We’ll take tourists out to see whales, birds, and other marine life.”

  Her mother’s mouth held a pinched line. “I just wish you were closer, Claire. I hardly get to see you.”

  “You could move closer, maybe get a summer cottage.” Her mother would never leave the hustle and bustle of Boston for long, but short stints in Maine would keep them connected.

  “That’s a thought. I’ll consider it.” Her mother held up the plate of cookies. “You’re too thin. Have another cookie.”

  Claire smiled and took another ginger cookie. “Once a mother, always a mother.”

  The dining room was the biggest Kevin had ever seen, easily thirty feet long and twenty feet wide. The gleaming wooden table had to have been handmade because he counted forty chairs tucked around it. Four chandeliers hung above it, and the coffered ceiling had gold accents. The dark, scrolling wallpaper added to the opulent atmosphere.

  The staff had set the table for five at the closest end of the table, and only that chandelier was on, which brought a sense of coziness to the cavernous space. Kevin led Mallory to the two place settings on her father’s left.

  Mr. Hugon sat at the head of the table in a gold silk robe. “I hope you’ll forgive me for not dressing for the occasion. I knew my strength would be gone if I changed my clothes.”

  “You look very nice.” Mallory slid into the chair closest to her father that Kevin pulled out for her.

  He sat beside her and looked across the table at the empty place settings. “Who else is joining us?”

  “My attorney, Richard Blake, and his wife. They should arrive shortly.”

  Richard Blake. Where had Kevin heard that name? Then it hit him. DeAnn’s husband was a Richard Blake. Could it be the same man? Though he was running for the Senate, he was an attorney, wasn’t he? Kevin hadn’t been interested enough to pay much attention to the facts Kate had told him.

  The doorbell pealed a sonorous tone, and a few moments later footsteps clattered on the marble floors. Kevin looked toward the doorway and saw DeAnn approaching on the arm of a distinguished gentleman in a suit. Kevin guessed his age at sixty. She wore a black sheath dress that showed off her figure, and Richard’s suit was impeccable. She hadn’t seen him yet as her attention was focused on her host. She advanced about five feet into the room before her gaze connected with Kevin’s.

  The dazzling smile on her face faltered. “K-Kevin, what are you doing here?”

  Her husband’s deep-set blue eyes were congenial, and he had the kind of magnetism that would serve him well in politics. He glanced at Kevin with a friendly smile before moving on to Mallory. “You must be Thad’s daughter. He was quite excited to meet you.”

  “Richard, I can see you haven’t made the connection yet. This is Kevin O’Connor.”

  The brilliance of Richard’s smile only blinked. “You’re right, I hadn’t realized. Forgive me.” Hand extended, he advanced to Kevin, who rose and shook hands with him.

  Kevin sat back down and watched DeAnn give Hugon a gentle hug. “I had no idea you knew Mr. Hugon.”

  DeAnn tinkled out a fake laugh. “I’ve eaten here many times since I married Richard.”

  Hugon leaned back in his chair and rested on the armrests. “How do the two of you know each other? I’m quite lost.”

  “DeAnn was married to Kevin years ago for about half a minute,” Richard said.

  “It was actually three years, but we divorced eight years ago.” Kevin reached over and took Mallory’s hand. He could use the moral support right now. No wonder DeAnn had left him if she had this lifestyle in her sights. The guy seemed nice enough, though obviously a lot older. She would be a rich widow one of these days.

  “Oh my.” Hugon blinked and made an obvious effort to mask his surprise. “I hope it’s not too uncomfortable for you all.”

  “Of course not,” DeAnn said quickly. “I saw Kevin just the other day when I was visiting our daughter.” She shot Kevin a warning glance. “We’re on friendly terms.”

  Mallory’s fingers squeezed his and he squeezed back. This wasn’t the time or place to get into DeAnn’s shortcomings as a mother. He respected Hugon too much to add any stress to the evening. “You’ve been his attorney long?”

  Richard joined his wife on the other side of the table and sat in the chair nearest Hugon. “I was a young whippersnapper lawyer fresh out of college. Thad and I were roommates, and he asked his father to give me a chance. Luckily Mr. Hugon took a liking to me and asked that I be added to the firm he used. Two of us have taken care of Thad’s legal matters all these years, but my partner is semiretired now.”

  DeAnn slanted a smile up at him. “You’re a likable guy.”

  Richard’s dimple flashed when he smiled back. “I think you’re a little prejudiced, sweetheart.”

  Kevin warmed toward him with that show of affection. He didn’t hold a
ny grudges against DeAnn, and he would have hated for her to have ended up in a bad place. “Looks like you’re ahead in the latest polls.”

  “Thad has been a great help. His belief in me gave me the confidence to even try for the Senate.”

  A young woman in a voluminous white apron over a red dress appeared in the doorway. “Are you ready for dinner to be served, sir?”

  “Yes, please,” Hugon said.

  Mallory touched her father’s arm. “Are you all right? Should I call the nurse? You look a little pale.”

  His other hand came down on hers. “I’m as fine as I’m going to be, my dear. I’m so glad I got a chance to meet you before I died. You’ve made me very happy.”

  She looked down at her hands and blinked back tears. This was harder on her than Kevin had thought it would be. Even though she hadn’t known him long, Hugon was the sort of father anyone would want. Powerful but compassionate. Rich but gentle. Or so he seemed. Unless everything he’d told them so far was a lie, Mallory’s life would have been safe with him. But Hugon wouldn’t be around for long.

  Kevin glanced across the table at the Blakes. Richard probably didn’t care if a long-lost daughter showed up, but had it upset DeAnn? Her color was high, and she seemed a little flustered by their sudden appearance here.

  THIRTY-ONE

  The bedroom Mallory had been given held a massive four-poster bed that barely took up any of the impressive square footage. The pink-and-cream frothy concoction that covered the mattress felt like real silk. The paintings displayed on the cream walls looked like they should have been in a museum, and the attached bathroom housed a huge claw-foot tub as well as a glass-enclosed shower with two showerheads. The counter over the double sink cabinets looked like real marble, and the gold fixtures were spotless.

  She bounced on the edge of the mattress. It would be like sleeping on a cloud, and she couldn’t stifle the little giggle that escaped her. So this was what it felt like to be unbelievably wealthy. What would her life have been like if she’d never been given up for adoption? She doubted she would be the same person. Perhaps she would have been so spoiled that no one would have liked her for herself—only for what she could give them.