by Dara Girard
"I can't say anything about you or Beverly, but I couldn't ignore the rest of your family and the impact they would have on my friend. As the months passed I knew that it would be in Jeffrey's best interest to leave Hamsford and sever his connection with Beverly.
"Karen felt the same way I did so we met with Jeffrey and told him about a wonderful opportunity for property development. Although the idea intrigued him, he had no interest in staying in Detroit to see it through because he wanted to marry your sister. I persuaded him not to. I showed him all the reasons why it would be a terrible decision. To my surprise he didn't listen to any of them. However, there was one area where he wasn't certain—Beverly's true feelings for him. I made it clear that she probably only saw him as a friend and because he had his own doubts and trusted my observations I was able to convince him that I was correct."
Janet glared at him. "Is that when he got engaged?"
"What are you talking about?"
Janet turned away. Of course he'd never have read The Hamsford Daily. It was beneath him. "Forget it. Go on."
Frederick adjusted the rearview mirror. "I did what I thought was right at the time and have no regrets except that," he faltered. "I wish I had let Tanya tell Jeffrey that Beverly had come to visit him in Detroit when she asked me what to do. I'm not proud of that. I'm sorry that what happened hurt your sister. I didn't do it on purpose and I have nothing more to say."
Janet folded her arms and watched the ominous storm clouds grow darker.
"Now about what you consider my reprehensible treatment of Russell Wilcox," Frederick said with a note of sarcasm. "Because I don't know the particular accusation against me I can only refute his story by sharing my own.
"Let's start with his name. He was born Bernard Rupert Strickner. His father was an admirable man who worked on my family's property in Jamaica where my parents lived for many years. My father's strong feelings and high regard for Mr. Strickner naturally spilled over to his immediate family. He gave Mrs. Strickner a position in his office and treated Bernard as one of his own. He paid for his schooling and encouraged his ambitions. My father liked Bernard as a son and put him in his will and gave him an allowance.
"Unfortunately, Bernard began spending time with a Jamaican gang and spent his allowance on women and parties. One day members of that gang broke into our home to rob us. They thought no one would be there, but that wasn't the case. My mother had returned with my little sister and the housekeeper. The robbers brutally attacked the housekeeper with a machete and..." He bit his lip. "one of them raped my mother. We found Elani hiding in a cupboard under the stairs. She still has nightmares of that night.
"Three men were apprehended and convicted. One piece of evidence against them was a detailed map showing the layout of our house. None of the thieves would name Bernard but we knew he was involved." Frederick gripped the steering wheel. "One day I forced him to admit it. I could have killed him that night, I admit that too, but I didn't. He confessed and was sent to a home for juvenile delinquents. My father changed his will and disowned him. He died six months later. After his release, Bernard left Jamaica and changed his name to what it is now.
"I don't know how he lived and didn't care. I thought he was out of my life until about two years ago." Frederick took a deep, steadying breath. "The memory of this incident and the one I'm about to tell you still—" He stopped. "I hate to talk about it, but I can't leave my story incomplete. I'm asking you not to share it with anyone." He glanced at her. Janet nodded. "My sister is considerably younger than me and presently living with an aunt in Vermont. Our mother never fully recovered from her attack and had to be institutionalized. She died a few years ago. I'm glad her misery is over. My sister too is very sensitive about certain things and I've looked after her. For most of her life she's been home schooled and traveled with her tutor Mrs. Ambrose. Little did I know that Mrs. Ambrose was close to Russell's mother and Russell himself. Nearly two years ago he reentered my sister's life and told her that if she didn't do as he said he would repeat what had happened all those years ago and worse. Elani was only sixteen and terrified so she agreed to elope with him. But his plans were spoiled when I came to visit unexpectedly and she told me what he was up to.
"You can imagine how I reacted. I'll just say that when Russell came to get her, I didn't say a word to him, but he felt my anger. That's when I used my knife. And we have never spoken since. I fired Mrs. Ambrose, because I found out she also played a role by being conspicuously absent each time Russell came to visit my sister. That was the last I saw of him until the day I saw him with you.
"I know his main objective was to marry my sister for her money and an act of vengeance against me. He failed."
The rain had lightened to a drizzle and Frederick reduced the speed of the wipers.
"I know it's a lot to take in and I probably should have told you this the other day, but I couldn't think clearly then.
"Mrs. Amsted and Daphne know everything because they helped me in dealing with Russell and my sister, so if you don't want to believe me you can ask them." Frederick pulled onto a side road then parked in front of the train station. "And that's it. I wish you a safe journey back home." Frederick got out of the car and retrieved her bags. He set them on a cart. "Do you need help inside?"
Janet took the cart from him. "No, I'm fine."
He returned to his car. "Goodbye," he said and she knew he meant forever.
Chapter 32
Janet scarcely remembered her train ride home.
She repeated every word he'd spoken. She completely rejected his observation of her sister, because she knew he'd been wrong about that. However, she couldn't dismiss his observations of her family. Her mother had been a bit too presumptuous in her speech with the Sisters in the church, and she certainly shouldn't have made her assumptions so obvious that strangers could hear, especially since no formal announcement was ever made.
And yes, she couldn't deny her three younger sisters' behavior. She had no excuses for them. But they were her family and she loved them and accepted them for who they were.
She didn't like his vague apology for interfering because she felt that it was insincere. He still felt justified that he'd done the right thing. But he'd no right to part Jeffrey and Beverly and she couldn't forgive him for not regretting that. It was obvious that his pride wouldn't allow him to admit that he was wrong about their relationship and that he'd hurt her sister. Just as she thought, he was arrogant and domineering.
But his story about Russell had astonished her. As he spoke she didn't know what to think and still didn't. At first she refused to believe it and told herself that it was false. She clung to that belief because she couldn't release her admiration for Russell. Frederick's story had to be false. How could his character be so odious? How could she have misjudged him? It couldn't be true.
However, her mind wouldn't let her rest and she compared Russell's story to Frederick's. Both mentioned a family connection and a will, but the similarities stopped there. She recounted Frederick's talk about Russell's bad behavior and searched her memory for evidence of it, but couldn't find any. He'd attended Sunday dinners with her family and treated everyone in the community with respect. She hadn't seen a hint of wild spending or partying.
But Frederick wouldn't have told her to confirm his story with Mrs. Amsted and Daphne if it was false. Her heart slowly cracked as she faced the realization that Russell was not the man she thought he was.
No, she didn't know where he'd come from before meeting him at the university. She'd assumed his reputation was solid because she had heard about him and his accomplishments. To her horror, Janet realized that she'd assumed a lot about him. His Jamaican background had provided an instant affinity.
Because of his easy smile and charm she didn't question why he'd probed her about her feelings towards Frederick, before sharing his story. Now with a clearer mind, Janet knew he shouldn't have been so familiar with a stranger. He'd been overeager to
tell her his sad tale after he learned Frederick wouldn't be around for long. And although he'd boasted that Frederick couldn't tell him what to do or how to behave, he avoided seeing him by not going to the dedication.
And she couldn't ignore Russell's behavior with Frederick's sister. To use a young girl with such calculating motives made her stomach turn. She briefly thought of the inappropriate drawings he'd done of Maxine; the teenage girl she'd seen in his studio; even how he'd manipulated her into drawing him in the nude, using her attraction to him and her desperate need to appear sophisticated and cosmopolitan as a weapon to seduce her. A sinister image of Russell began to form in her mind. She was glad he was gone. Her family was safe.
Janet tapped her finger against the armrest annoyed. Why had Russell showered attention on her? Did he think her family had more money and connections than they had? Or maybe she had flattered and encouraged him. As her opinion for Russell darkened her opinion of Frederick grew.
She couldn't blame Jeffrey for his behavior. Nothing about him was cold hearted and Beverly had never said anything about him to make her doubt his character. Poor guy, he'd truly felt that Beverly was not interested in him and believed Frederick a trustworthy friend.
Everyone who knew Frederick spoke of him with praise and Janet remembered the warmth with which he spoke about his sister. Even Russell had to admit he treated his sister very well. Janet remembered his actions at the railroad tracks, and how he was at the hospital. At first she'd used his brusque manners as evidence of him bullying Jeffrey and had used Russell's assessment to complete her picture of him. But she'd been wrong.
She'd been unfair to Jeffrey by assuming that he was easily deceived and naïve, and definitely unkind to Frederick, by believing a stranger and not relying on her own observation.
Janet banged her head against the window. What an idiot! She banged it again two more times then sat back and muttered, "I'm so stupid."
The tattooed young man sitting beside her sent her a strange look, but she ignored him.
How different everything looked now! How blind she'd been! What horrible words she'd used. She'd called him barbaric based on the story of a liar. Janet's heart fell. She'd been just as narrowed minded as those residents in Hamsford who still called him 'The Original' as though he were a creature from another world and not a man. Janet squeezed her eyes shut in disgust. She'd always thought she was a good judge of character, but she'd been wrong. Wrong in so many ways.
She'd been enamored with Russell because he was the opposite of her father. And although she hated to admit it, Frederick was right about her sister. Hadn't Valerie told her that Beverly needed to show more feeling? That a man needed encouragement? And as much as she hated his comments about her family; thankfully he'd left Beverly and herself from his criticism.
Janet slowly exited the train in low spirits and waited for her father to arrive. So much had happened to her. So much she couldn't share. Yet there was one thing she knew she could not conceal.
* * *
Beverly stared at Janet as they stood between the bookshelves at the campus library. Although she looked a lot healthier after her trip to Jamaica, Janet's words made her go pale. "He asked you to marry him and you said 'no' so bluntly?"
Janet glanced around to make sure no one could overhear. "I told you why."
"Yes, I know. And you're right. He wasn't romantic, but Originals aren't known for that."
"Please don't call him that," Janet said.
Beverly fell silent and Janet picked a book off the shelf.
Beverly pressed her hands together and tapped them against her mouth then let her hands fall. "I know it was arrogant of him to expect a 'yes', but your refusal must have been devastating. I can't even imagine his disappointment. Poor Durand. To have loved you all this time. So much that he actually asked you to marry him."
Janet opened the book and flipped through its pages. "Are you trying to console me or make me feel worse?"
"I'm on your side, but oh, poor Durand."
Janet snapped the book shut. "Stop saying that. I already feel bad about how I spoke to him, but he'll get over it once he thinks everything through."
Beverly shook her head. "Perhaps. He didn't even care what his family thought. Oh poor—"
"Beverly!"
"I'm sorry."
Janet shoved the book back on the shelf and grabbed another one. "You understand why I said no, right?"
"Yes."
"Good." Janet flipped the book over. "It doesn't matter because I still feel awful."
"About what? You did what you had to."
"I feel awful about how much I liked Wilcox. I praised him to the skies and he didn't deserve a word."
"What do you mean?"
Janet saw someone and pulled Beverly to another empty aisle then told her what Frederick had shared with her in the car (but not every sordid detail). Beverly listened wide eyed, then rested a hand on her chest when Janet had finished. For a moment she was too stunned to speak and when she did, her voice trembled. "Wilcox can't be that evil. I don't want to believe it, but I guess I have to. Durand wouldn't share such an intimate story about his sister if it wasn't true. Oh the poor man, he must have suffered having to listen to you tell him how much you hated him. Hate is such an ugly word. The poor man."
A bitter smile touched Janet's lips. "Well, the fact that my behavior was completely foolish and ridiculous should ease any suffering he's endured. I've never felt more like an idiot."
"We had him in our home," Beverly said still in shock. "Trusted him. Wilcox ate at our table and attended our church."
Janet groaned, remembering the times she'd met with him alone. "I know."
"He seemed to be such a nice man. I remember you calling him a saint."
"I called him a lot of things, I was wrong. If I were a jeweler, I would have discovered that my diamond was actually glass, and my rock a precious stone." She ran her finger along the spine of the book. "My question is should I tell everyone about Wilcox's true character?"
Beverly hesitated then said, "Wilcox is gone so it doesn't matter. I think we should keep this to ourselves. Besides I don't see any reason to discredit him. He's not a threat to anyone here and let's pray that one day he'll redeem himself."
"I doubt it, but you're right. Durand didn't tell me the story so that I could tell others. I just want to forget this horrible ordeal."
Beverly lowered her gaze and her voice. "Did he mention anything about Jeffrey?"
Janet glanced at a moth splayed on the window behind Beverly. "No."
Beverly smiled rueful. "Of course not, his mind was filled with you. Oh po—uh... dear Durand."
Janet set her book down. "Beverly, you're going on as though I killed him."
"I'm sorry, I just know how it feels to be disappointed in love."
Janet didn't move. "Hmm."
"But I'm glad you're home. Maxine and Trudy have been unbearable."
"Why?"
"They want to go on the end of the year summer trip for Juniors and Seniors. They have been hassling Daddy and he's finally relented."
Janet rested her arm along a bookshelf. "You mean the special overnight camp affiliated with the school?"
"Yes."
"The one that lasts for three weeks?"
"Yes."
"That will be a disaster."
"Daddy doesn't think so."
Janet headed for the exit. "Then Daddy needs to think again."
* * *
"You're questioning my decision?" Mr. Barnett tapped his chest and stared at his daughter. "Am I not a deacon in the church?" He tapped his desk. "Am I not the head of this household?"
Janet leaned forward in her chair. "I just believe you should think this through."
"I have thought it through. Do you think my mind is so soft that I let things flitter in and out of it without consideration?"
"No."
"Then it's settled."
"Daddy, you can't let them go."
/>
"Tell me why not, Miss Janet Barnett." He waved his hand at her. "You are always telling me how strict I am with you girls. Now I am trying to be lenient and you disagree. What is wrong with me saying yes this time?"
"Maxine and Trudy tend to act silly, especially in co-ed groups." Janet struggled to find the right words to tell her father without letting him know what her sisters had been doing. "You can't trust them —at least not yet."
"Yes, I know they can be silly, but that is nothing new."
"If you only knew how people see them. Maxine already has a reputation as a flirt."
"Yes, but what has she done?" Mr. Barnett grinned. "Taken away a possible male interest of yours? Janet, don't worry, any man interested in Maxine more than you isn't worth your time."
Janet opened her mouth, ready to share about the pierced ears and the drawings but knew better. Their ears had closed and the drawings were gone. If she told him now, he would blame her and be angry with her for not telling him sooner. It would be the Ramani incident all over again.
"It's not that," she said. "I'm not talking specifics, but in general Maxine's behavior is of concern. Please use a firm hand with her before she is completely out of reach."
"Maxine's young, I agree, but you don't have to worry, she will be with her sister."
Janet glanced at the ceiling exasperated.
"And they will be looked after. There are going to be a total of ten adult chaperones and besides Sister Gordon's daughter, Neta, will be going on the trip as well."
"I'd sooner trust a dog to watch my food than that woman's daughter to watch anything."
"I think you're jealous."
"I'm not—"
"Yes you are, because I didn't let you and Beverly go on school outings when you were younger. I want to mend my ways. I don't want to be rigid and inflexible. I love my daughters, I don't want them to hate or despise me." It was a mounting fear. He already felt his children slipping out of his grasp and he didn't know how to control them. They were good girls and he was very proud of them, but he was used to the way girls behaved back home. He wasn't used to some of their demands wanting to date and stay out with their friends, but he was also afraid of being too strict. Then he could lose them forever.
