Fernando shrugged. “I’ve known about the girls working on the ship for about four hours. It’s why I’m meeting with my managers. I discovered I owned the ship a couple of days ago,” he turned back to the stove. “Why’d you tell me this?” he asked, selecting the temperature for the oven.
County propped her chin against her fist. “Because a woman shouldn’t keep such things from the man she loves.”
Silence held the kitchen captive for the longest time. At last, Fernando turned.
Contessa already knew what words waited on his breath. “I felt this way long before you told me,” she admitted.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” his voice was a whisper.
“Pride wouldn’t let me,” she lowered her gaze to the counter. “I couldn’t risk not hearing you say it back to me because at first I thought I was just floating on a cloud of lust and infatuation. Now, I believe it’s more than that.” She looked at him. “I feel I can go a little longer without my mask when I’m with you.”
Fernando stroked the side of his beard. “A little longer? You feel you still need to wear it?”
“I’ve worn it so long,” she sighed. “Mick’s been the only one who could see the real me, but even then…”
“What?” he took a stool next to her.
Raking fingers through her jet black locks, County grimaced. “I think I’ve let that mask slip into place around my dearest friend. Mick’s got the wrong idea about me on so many things and honestly, Ramsey, I’ve done my best to give her those ideas. For so long I’ve told myself I don’t want or need love. Physical satisfaction would do on occasion because I had more important things to contend with. Hmph, I guess I’ve even been wearing that mask for myself.”
“We all do,” Fernando nudged her shoulder with his own. “When there are things we can’t admit to ourselves about ourselves.”
County’s fingers toyed with his while she marveled at the manner in which his hand practically engulfed her own. “I only know that I wanted to be honest with you. I wanted you to know everything about me and that’s dangerous.”
“Why dangerous?”
“The people who know the most about you can hurt you the most because they have more to hurt you with.”
Fernando watched as she lowered her eyes to shield the pain he knew dwelled there. “You believe I’d hurt you?”
“I don’t know and in spite of that I still can’t pull away from you,” she squeezed his hand. “That scares me.”
Fernando pressed a kiss to the top of her head. This time, it was his turn to debate. It didn’t take him long to decide that the time had come for him to tell her he was part owner in the company trying to take Contessa House. He was opening his mouth to voice the confession when the sound of his cell phone pierced the air.
County amused herself tracing the patterns embedded within the countertop. She froze when she heard him whisper- “What?” into the phone. With effort, he managed to thank the person on the line and then end the call. She waited, wondering if he’d tell her. She didn’t have long to wait.
“Houston’s in jail,” he said.
CHAPTER TEN
Michaela’s plump, dark brown face glowed more than usual as she watched the limo rounding the horseshoe drive. She screamed when County finally emerged from the back of the car sent to fetch her from the airport courtesy of Ramsey Group. The two met on the steps of the massive front porch and hugged for the longest time. They stood talking about everything and nothing- trying to catch up in the span of ten seconds.
“This tummy of yours,” County sighed when they pulled out of another hug. “Are you sure there’re no twins in there?”
“Hush,” Mick chastised, smacking Contessa’s shoulders, “and what’s going on with you. I thought only us pregnant ladies glowed like that.”
“What?” County asked, her voice still colored by laughter.
“You look beautiful.”
County shrugged. “I always look beautiful.”
Mick rolled her eyes. “Well, this time someone other than you can see it,” she jibed, shrieking playfully when County tugged on one of her curls. “Seriously though, you look radiant- even if you’re not smiling.”
“I guess the plane ride was surprisingly good. Not to mention riding in luxury from the airport,” County excused with a flip wave.
Mick folded her arms such that they rested atop her belly. “It’s more than that...who is he?”
“Jeez Mick, just ‘cause you’re all goo-goo over love doesn’t mean the rest of us are,” County blurted, averting her gaze to hide her nerves.
Mick was far from convinced. “I guess I’ll just have to wait until you’re ready to share.”
“Anyway,” County groaned, finding a place to slip her sunglasses into her bag, “so tell me about Houston,” she asked, desperate for a subject change.
“Girl, it’s been all the talk,” Mick eased both hands into the pockets of her pink linen capris.
“Details?”
“It’s strange,” Mick admitted, her amber gaze narrowing suddenly, “he eluded capture all those months and then gets himself picked up at a restaurant. He was just sitting out in the clear blue like everything’s everything.”
County fidgeted with the tassels on her long-sleeved white cotton top. “Has he said anything?”
“More strangeness. He keeps saying he won’t go down alone and that he was set up.”
County laughed. “It’s a little late to use that!”
“I’ll say,” Mick drawled, a tiny frown furrowing her brow. “Anyway, how’d you find out so fast. It just happened.”
“You underestimate how important that piece of news is even all the way out in Chicago,” County slapped one hand to the stylishly short pleated navy skirt she sported. “Besides, I’m still investigating the family, remember?”
“So have you found another author to take over the book?” Mick asked, trying to downplay her intense interest.
“We’re still gathering facts and looking for an author,” County slanted her best friend a sly look. “I gotta make sure I choose the right person and someone I can count on not to fall in love with one of the beautiful Ramseys.”
“Well that should be you, then,” Mick said amusedly. “You’ve been around them almost as much as I have and still you’ve managed not to fall under their spell.”
Contessa cleared her throat, failing to prevent the unsettled look from returning to her face.
“Dammit County, what the hell is going on?” Mick demanded, easily spotting her friend’s unease.
County threw up her hands. “I really wish you’d stop asking me that,” she brushed past Mick to head into the house.
“There she is!” Quest bellowed as he arrived in the foyer. His soft laughter filled the space when he and County shared a hug.
“So tell me about this party?” County asked when she and Quest pulled apart.
Mick was instantly focused on her get-together. “I’m expecting a very nice crowd that weekend,” she clasped her hands to her chest. “The first night will be the fruit cocktail party,” she shared, her amber stare excitement-filled.
County and Quest exchanged glances.
Mick was undaunted. “If I can’t have a real cocktail, then no one else will.”
“This is your best friend,” Quest told County.
She patted her hand against the front of his Seahawks T-shirt. “This is your wife and baby mama,” she retorted.
Quest’s long lashes closed over his gray-black stare. “Help me, Lord,” he prayed.
***
“Dr. Harris White for Houston Ramsey.”
The two security guards scrutinized the tall, thin man who arrived at their station.
“He ain’t sick, buddy,” one of the guards informed Dr. White.
“Oh, he’s sick alright,” the other guard said with a sly grin. “Sick his rich ass got caught.”
“I’m Mr. Ramsey’s psychiatrist,” the doctor expla
ined once the chuckling guards quieted. “I’ve been appointed by the family,” he went on, placing official-looking papers on the desk before the two men.
“What’s he need with a psychiatrist?”
Dr. White lost what little patience he had and snatched up the papers. “I’ll be happy to have you both served if you continue to hinder me from visiting my patient.”
“Sorry doc,” one of the guards said as he sobered beneath the man’s steely glare.
“Right this way,” guard number two instructed, holding open a door and waving Harris White toward the visitor’s area.
“Houston Ramsey is under my care and I’ll need privacy to administer treatment,” the doctor said upon seeing the semi crowded visiting area.
The guards exchanged glances. Their patience for the haughty doctor had grown thin as well.
“I’ll be happy to speak with your superiors on this matter,” Harris White subtly threatened.
Making silent decisions to give the man what he wanted to accelerate his departure, the guards obliged. They had him wait in a spacious quiet room with cement walls. The light blue paint, two way mirror and long chrome table were the only adornments.
Houston arrived looking hopeful. A frown soon emerged on his face when he spotted the stranger in the room.
“Dr. Harris White.”
“Doctor?” Houston’s frown deepened as he studied the blandly dressed man.
“Psychiatrist,” Dr. White clarified.
Houston’s anger went from simmer to boil in the span of ten seconds. “I don’t need a shrink!” he pounded his fist to his palm. “What the hell is this?!”
“Easy Houston.”
“Don’t call me Houston. You don’t know me! Who sent you? They’re tryin’ to shut me up, aren’t they?”
“Mr. Ramsey-”
“Aren’t they? Well I’m sick of hiding the truth and looking like the devil of the family!”
“Houston, you’re overreacting,” Dr. White acknowledged in a manner that was frightfully calm. “You need something to relax you,” he explained while strolling closer.
Before Houston could react, Dr. White had closed the distance between them and injected a needle into his arm.
“What-what’d you give me?” Houston barely had time to ask before he stumbled and slumped against the table.
The doctor caught Houston’s chin and tilted his head back to peer into his eyes. Nodding with satisfaction, he replaced the hypodermic needle inside his beige suit coat pocket.
“I’ll be back tomorrow,” he promised his woozy patient before turning for the door. “Guard!” he called.
~~~
Fernando was in a foul mood by the end of the meeting with his managers. The group had no more evidence on what the girls were doing aboard The Wind Rage, owned and operated by yours truly, he drily noted. His managers wanted to know when he’d be heading back to Seattle, nodding solemnly when he told them within a couple of hours. They realized how difficult the situation was with his family- his uncle Houston more specifically. Fernando could only hope the drama was nearing its end. He thanked the group for their concern, and then waited until they’d exited his office before making his call.
“Hey Mr. J,” he greeted in a tone that was both hearty and humble. “This is Fernando Ramsey.”
Jeff Carnes’s chuckle came as a low rumble when he recognized the name. “This is quite a surprise, young man. How’ve you been?”
“Pretty good,” Fernando reclined in his desk chair and fanned the cobalt polo tee away from his chest.
“Mmm...now tell me the truth.”
“Damn Mr. J, how do you do that?” Fernando’s brown eyes narrowed in wonder.
“I”m a lawyer. More importantly, I’m a father and that alone gives me a wealth of insight. Now talk,” the man ordered.
“It’s about my father.”
“I see.”
“Actually it’s about his boat. The Wind Rage. You’re his personal lawyer and I hoped you could tell me a little about it.”
“The Wind Rage…” Jeff sighed, his cheerful tone dropping an octave as a tightness set in. “I haven’t heard that name in a long time.”
“But you have heard it.”
“Oh yes.”
Fernando sat straight. “Mr. J, I know you work for my dad-”
“No son. Not for many years.”
“Not for many years?” Fernando’s stunned amazement filled his voice. “Pop never mentioned it.”
“I’m sure he didn’t,” Jeff confirmed with a humorless grunt. “I quit shortly after our disagreement.”
“Do you mind my asking about that disagreement?”
“Not at all. It was over that damned boat or maybe over the fact that he wanted to put it in your name.”
Fernando massaged his eyes. “I just found out about it.”
Jeff was momentarily speechless from his end of the line. “I can’t believe Marc even told you,” he marveled, tugging at the tie that was growing tight around his neck.
“He didn’t. I discovered it on my own, so to speak.”
“What’s going on here Fernando?”
“Mr. Carnes, you have to know what’s happening with the family?”
“Hell, son it’s impossible to live in Seattle and not know.”
“My father tried to help Houston cover up what he did. He succeeded for many years.”
“I guess all this has you wondering what else your father is capable of?” Jeff asked.
“I want him gone, Mr. Carnes,” Fernando spoke without hesitation, “I want him gone legally and if that ship is what I think it is, then I may be able to do just that.”
“What do you think is going on?”
“Gambling, prostitution maybe.”
“Mmm…”
“Mr. J? Can you confirm any of this? Will you?”
“Boy, are you sure you want to get into this?”
Fernando stroked his beard and grimaced. “I know too much to stop being curious about the entire story.”
“I understand how you feel Fern, but sometimes it’s best to remain ignorant about all the ugly details,” Jeff cautioned.
“But if I want peace in my family, Mr. J, then I’m afraid I need to hear every ugly detail.”
Jeff’s heavy sigh carried over the line for more than a few seconds. “Alright Fernando,” he conceded, “alright.”
***
“Maybe you’ll tell me about him if we go out for dinner.”
“Will you please let it go?” County insisted, rolling her eyes toward her best friend.
“Just confirm that I’m right,” Mick pulled a pillow before her as she kneeled in the center of the queen-sized bed. “Come on, there is someone,” she prodded.
“Mick…”
“Oh, come on, County, that’s the least you can do after the way you hounded me about Quest.”
“That was different,” County idly focused more on unpacking her clothes. “You and Quest had a future. Anyone could see that.”
“So may I take that as a yes?”
Confused at first, Contessa turned to fix Mick with a frown. Then, she rolled her eyes and nodded. “Yes, there is someone,” she admitted finally.
Mick’s squeal pierced the room. “Details, details. Come on, spill it!”
“You said you only wanted confirmation.”
Mick waved her hands about her head. “Reporters lie, you know that.”
County turned back to her unpacking. “You ain’t a reporter no more, Miss Mama-To-Be.”
“That’s right,” Mick agreed with a finger poised in the air. “I’m a mama-to-be and now nosiness is in my blood. So how’d you two meet?”
“He’s the reason I left before the balloons fell at James Aston’s New Year’s party.”
“Ooooooh! Ooooh! You scandalous hussy!” Mick bellowed, her amber gaze wide as she covered her mouth and wriggled on the bed.
County stiffened, her expression growing somber as her head bowed
.
“I’m sorry County,” Mick realized that her friend’s new relationship had a lot to do with her sensitive mood. “Honey is everything okay?” she asked, uncertain if she should question.
Contessa left the closet and then joined Mick on the bed. “It’s just so complicated.”
Mick bit her lip, fidgeting with the decorative edges of the hunter green and silver pillowcase as she debated. “Is he married?”
“Mick!”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. That’s usually what complicated means,” she explained quickly.
County raked her fingers through her cropped cut before smoothing them across her skirt. “No Mick, he’s very much unattached.”
“Well then, what’s the problem?” Mick’s concern was evident in her expression.
“He’s wonderful,” County admitted, her face aglow as Fernando Ramsey came to her mind. “He’s beyond wonderful. He’s gorgeous and attentive and sexy and big-”
“Big. Big as in…”
“Big. In every way.”
Mick reclined on her bed, keeping the pillow in front of her stomach. “I thought you hated really big men- too overpowering.”
Contessa smiled with a shrug. “I guess I’ve had a change of heart. The man’s incredible and he treats me like heaven.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“Ah Mick, where do I begin?” County flopped back on the bed. “There’re just so many obstacles. For starters, I’ve got my suspicions about certain aspects of his business.”
Mick rested her head on the pillow. “Illegal suspicions?” she probed.
“Mmm. Then, there’s his family and before you say it-” she started upon seeing Mick’s mouth open for argument. “This is completely different from what you and Quest went through. His father is nothing like Damon.”
“But you’re Contessa Warren,” Mick nudged County’s side with her big toe.
“That’s right and my life is just fine without all that drama.”
“But you’re in love.”
County’s smile froze. “I didn’t pick up on it nearly that fast.”
“It’s a mama-to-be thing,” Mick shrugged. “Besides, I’ve never seen you look so radiant or talk this way before. You’re clearly in love with this man.”
The Ramseys Boxed Set Page 57
