He tingled with anxiety and--yes--anticipation as he entered the house. "Ardin? Leonie?" he called out. "Where are you?"
"In here, Daddy. Watching TV."
He went into the darkened family room. Leonie, a thumb in her mouth, her other hand holding Mr. Bonkers, was leaning against Ardin. Ardin sat ramrod straight on the sofa. Although he couldn't read her expression in the dim light, he knew something was wrong.
"Hello, Ardin."
She barely nodded.
"What's up?"
She shrugged, like a child wanting to be coaxed.
"Want to talk about it?"
She shrugged again.
"Come in the kitchen."
She perched on the edge of the chair where she usually sat. Her nostrils and eyes were red, and he realized she'd been crying.
"Tell me," he said.
She sniffed. "Frank stopped by to give me a piece of his mind for making you pull out of the condo deal. He threatened me with--" She threw out her hands. "I-don't-know-what, if I didn't get you to change your mind."
Brett stared at her. "But it has nothing to do with you. Bill told me Frank hasn't the right to the property. I called Frank and he tried to bluff his way out of it. He blew his stack when he realized I was pulling out."
She nodded, rubbing her arm. The gesture set off firecrackers in his head.
"Ardin, did he hurt you?"
She lowered her eyes.
He sprang to his feet.
Ardin reached out to touch him. "What are you doing?"
"Going to give that son-of-a-bitch a taste of his own medicine."
She smiled wanly. "I wish you would." Then she shook her head. "But don't. It will make matters worse."
He wanted to hold her close, but settled for pulling up a chair and taking her hand between his.
"Here's something that will make matters worse," he said, kneading her knuckles. "You know the property where Frank's planning to build the condos?"
Ardin nodded.
"It belongs to Renata. And the worst part is, Bill said it's property she's promised to the county for a bird sanctuary."
Her eyes widened. "That's why Marshall Crewe was furious. Without his power of attorney, the condo deal's null and void."
Brett eyed her thoughtfully. "Frank's as dirty as Crewe. I wonder why he's still trying to patch the deal together."
"I bet he pulled something like this on my father, and then managed to save himself the last minute." She seemed oblivious to the tears sliding down her cheeks.
He wrapped his arms around her. "I'm so sorry," he murmured as he rubbed his chin against her silky hair. "He's caused you so much trouble."
She sobbed noisily against his neck.
"Get it all out," he soothed. "Every last bit of hurt and pain and misery."
He felt a tap on his shoulder. Leonie was staring at him with a terrified expression. "Why is Cousin Ardin crying?"
"She's just upset." Brett swung her onto his lap.
"I'm fine now, honey," Ardin said, while smiling through her tears.
Leonie wrapped her arms around Ardin's neck.
Brett pulled Ardin close. "Everything's going to turn out all right," he said. Holding them both, he told himself against all odds it just might come true.
* * * *
Half an hour later, Ardin was bustling around the kitchen, preparing dinner. She felt lighter, as though a heavy burden she hadn't realized she'd been lugging around had fallen from her shoulders.
Damn that Frank MacAllister! Damn his son! They were two of a kind, troublemakers who knew how to dodge the law.
Brett sat down at the table with a handful of papers. Occasionally, as he leafed through them, he glanced up at her as though to gauge her mood. Kind of the way she used to watch her mother after one of her drunken binges. She hadn't forgotten he wanted to talk to her tonight.
After dinner she stacked the dishwasher, while he played with Leonie. After he tucked her in bed, he called down to say Leonie was ready for her bedtime story. They were setting up routines. Traditions.
Routines and traditions that wouldn't last out the week.
Once Leonie was asleep, she followed Brett downstairs, wondering what he had to tell her. If he wanted her to leave, there was no point in hanging around. She'd pack up her things, and be on her way.
He wasn't in the family room or in his little office. Where could he be? Surely, he hadn't left the house without telling her. Unless something had happened to him.
She was in the hall, about to check upstairs, when she heard the tap, tap, tap of a hammer. Relieved, she went down to Brett's workroom in the basement.
He looked up from the piece of the playhouse he was working on. "Is she asleep?"
"Uh huh."
The shelves of the workroom were stocked with every tool and supply a carpenter might need. She saw wrenches, a drill, a power saw, boxes of screws and nails of every size. Scattered on the big table were pieces of Leonie's playhouse in various stages of completion.
"The structure will have a sturdy, four-legged base," he explained without looking at her, "and a winding staircase leading up to the playhouse. I thought I'd put it in the backyard, in full view of the kitchen."
Ardin swallowed. "Looks nice." She waited for him to speak. When he didn't, she cleared her throat. "You said you wanted us to talk."
"Right. Sure." He went on sanding the piece of wood in his hand.
She gave a nervous laugh. "Well, what are we going to talk about?"
"I wanted to tell you I got a letter from the court. I'm sure you got one, too."
"I did."
He shrugged. "I guess that's what I wanted to say. I'll see you in court, counselor."
"Right." She knew this wasn't what he'd meant to say, but she was too relieved to press the issue.
"Then I'll just go upstairs and take care of a few things."
"Sure. See you later."
* * * *
He couldn't do it. He was a coward, but he couldn't ask her to leave his house. Not after her ordeal with Frank MacAllister.
Their lives were too entwined right now for any more changes. If Ardin left, Leonie would suffer. They'd get through the next few weeks, or however long it took for the judge to make his decision. Then he'd pick up the pieces of his life and continue on from there.
He heard the phone ring, and was glad he'd refused to put an extension in the basement. He set aside the piece of wood, now smooth on both sides, and reached for another. Should he paint the sides bright colors or stain them a wood shade? That would be Leonie's call.
He frowned when he heard Ardin's footsteps on the basement stairs. It had been a hell of a day, and he wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. Still, he refused to take his bad humor out on Ardin. "Is it for me?"
When she didn't answer, he looked up. Her mouth and eyes gaped open, wide with shock.
"What is it?" He stretched out his hands. She pressed them to her heart.
"It was the hospital. Aunt Julia died."
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
As Ardin opened her eyes, she felt gloom settle around her like a voluminous gray cape. Today was Aunt Julia's funeral. She shut off the alarm and slipped out of bed, careful not to awaken Leonie. For the last three nights, ever since her grandmother's death, the child had crept into Ardin's bed in the middle of the night.
Ardin tucked the quilt around the sleeping child. She looked so peaceful. Once she woke up, she'd start asking Ardin and Brett if they were going to leave her like Mommy and Grammie. More than anything, Leonie needed routine and structure in her life. Which was why they had agreed it would be best to send her to nursery school as usual.
The sky outside was as dismal as her mood. Despite the drizzle, Ardin was glad she and her mother had arranged a graveside funeral. It would keep things simple, yet respectful. They hoped Julia's friends understood what the family had been through. And if they didn't, well, Ardin wasn't in the mood for social niceties.
She showered quickly and, as she dried herself, heard water flowing through the pipes. Brett had started his shower. Her heart raced as she conjured up the soapy-wet image of his lean, naked body. Not now. But her step was light when she returned to her room to get dressed.
Leonie was just waking up. She arched her back like a cat and yawned. "Cousin Ardin." She held out her arms. Ardin hurried to the bed to give her a hug.
"I don't want to go to school." Leonie put her thumb in her mouth.
Ardin rocked her. "I know, but we talked about this last night. When school's over, Daddy and I will pick you up and bring you home."
"But what if something happens to you and Daddy?"
"Nothing will."
"But what if?"
Ardin sighed. "Honey, Grannie was sick. You know she was sick. That was why she had to stay in the hospital."
"But what if a bomb falls on the school and kills me and Michelle?"
Ardin poked Leonie's stomach. "It won't. I swear. Hey, did you leave Mr. Bonkers all alone last night?"
Leonie looked under the covers, and then covered her mouth with both hands.
"Let's find Mr. Bonkers and get you dressed." She picked Leonie up and carried her to her own room.
Ardin put on her new navy dress with the tiny flowers, and went down to the kitchen. Brett had Leonie on his lap and was feeding her cereal as though she were an infant.
He gave her a wry smile. "Good morning."
"Hi," she said, and poured herself a cup of coffee. She held up the carafe. "Want a refill?"
"Sure." He held out his mug.
We seem like a family, but we're not a family. The father sleeps in one bedroom, the mother in another. And the little girl's shell-shocked from living in a war zone. I'll take her to Manhattan and keep her safe. Now there's a lesson in irony.
Ardin managed to eat half a slice of toast. Leonie refused to take another spoonful of cereal and curled up in Brett's lap. When the bus arrived ten minutes later, they both walked outside with her.
"You promised to pick me up from school today." Hugging Mr. Bonkers, she reluctantly climbed aboard.
They went inside. The large house felt empty. "I dread today," Ardin said.
"I know. So do I."
He put his arm around her shoulder and Ardin leaned back, into his warm, comforting body. "I'm glad you're coming to the funeral."
"Hey, of course I'm coming. Julia was my mother-in-law, remember?"
Ardin grit her teeth. "She'd be alive right now if not for Marshall Crewe. He as good as killed her when he burned down her house."
Brett stroked her arm. "Don't think about it now."
She smiled through the tears that sprang suddenly to her eyes, and the words slipped out of their own accord. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
He bent down to kiss her cheek, and they left the house.
* * * *
The minister was finishing up his tribute to Julia, describing her as a Christian woman who had spent her life caring for her family and doing charity work for those in need. Ardin was touched by how many of Julia's friends and neighbors had come to pay their respects and to say their final good-bye. The Presleys were there. So were Frank and Betty MacAllister.
Vera sobbed softly, and squeezed Ardin's hand. She and Julia had been worlds apart in outlook and temperament, but they'd been sisters-in-law for over thirty years. Ardin knew her mother would sorely miss Julia.
And now it was time to lower the casket in the ground. After the many flowers and wreaths were put into place, the funeral would be officially over. The minister offered Ardin, Vera, and Brett a final word of sympathy. The crowd started dispersing, some of them stopping to say once again how sorry they were before heading for their cars.
Ardin held her breath when she caught sight of Frank. So far he hadn't approached them. She hoped he'd continue to keep his distance, but he was walking toward them with his wife on his arm. His mournful expression did nothing to prevent an icy chill from shuddering down her spine as their last encounter flashed across her mind.
"Ardin, Vera, our deepest sympathies. We're so sad to have lost one of our dearest friends," he said, while Betty nodded and sniffed at his side.
"Thank you," Vera said. "Brett, we can leave now."
Ardin inched closer to Brett as he released the brake on the wheelchair. She flinched when Frank touched her shoulder. "Ardin, I would like to--"
Brett wrapped his fingers around Frank's arm and squeezed. "Let go of her, MacAllister."
His tone was soft, almost conversational, but Frank's eyes widened in shock. Red-faced, he shook himself loose and stumbled back. "Are you crazy? Ardin, will you call off your bodyguard?"
Seeing her ex-father-in-law put in his place helped Ardin regain her equilibrium. She grinned. "Why, Frank? He's only giving you some of your own medicine."
"Please, Ardin, don't make this more difficult for me. I would appreciate a word in private." He stepped beneath an oak tree several feet way.
"I'll be all right," she whispered to Brett. Curious, she went to hear what Frank had to say.
"I am sorry I barged in on you the other day. Insulting you and--"
"Falsely accusing me."
He swallowed. "Falsely accusing you of turning Brett against me. I now know you had nothing to do with it. Please accept my most humble apologies."
Ardin studied him. He looked contrite, but then so had Corey when he was done smacking her around.
"You were totally out of control, Frank, and had no right saying those ugly things to me."
He lowered his gaze. "You're right, of course. I was feeling desperate, not that that's any excuse."
Emboldened, Ardin said, "The truth is, I'm glad your condo scheme isn't going through, Frank. The land belongs to Renata Kellering. Now she can rest easy, knowing she'll have her bird sanctuary."
When he lifted his head, his condescending smile was back in place. "Ardin, dear, don't involve yourself in other people's business. Again, my sincere condolences. Julia was a good woman. She deserved better."
The MacAllisters headed for their car. Ardin, Brett and Vera made their way to where the limo was waiting.
"I don't like that man," Vera said. "Never have, never will."
"Ardin tells me he was responsible for your husband's financial reverses."
Vera sighed. "Roger was a fool to listen to Frank. Still, his brother, Pete, made a bundle through Frank's schemes."
The limousine driver helped seat Vera, and then stowed her wheelchair in the trunk.
Ardin puzzled over Frank's last comment as they slowly left the cemetery. "He sounded smug. I wonder if he's hatching some new plan, or was just being his usual obnoxious self."
Vera yawned. "Probably just being obnoxious, dear. I wouldn't worry about it." She closed her eyes. Minutes later her gentle snores filled the limousine.
* * * *
"I hate to leave you alone. I wish I didn't have to go."
Stay. Please stay. Brett was facing her in the hallway, looking so damn sexy in his worn jeans and boots. She crossed her arms to keep from throwing them around him his neck. Despite her uneasiness, she wouldn't keep him from his job. He'd already taken three calls from his workers and two from the manager regarding problems that required his immediate attention. The strip mall was opening on Saturday, two days from now, and Brett was determined to make everything on his end perfect.
"I'll be all right." She forced a smile. "I'll keep busy--go shopping or something."
"I don't know about shopping." He looked uneasy.
"I'll be careful, I promise," she said, and pushed him out the door. "Go make the stores beautiful for opening day."
And then what would he do? Up until a few days ago, Brett had been looking forward to starting work on Frank's community of condos. It would have brought in good money and been the first of many lucrative jobs in the region. She shivered as a chill touched her heart. Maybe now he'd head back to Florida, where his brother had
three projects going.
She changed into khakis and a shirt, but then realized she had nothing to do--no briefs to work on, no court cases awaiting her immediate attention. She called her office and was disappointed to learn that Tom wasn't there. She asked for Margie, who had the office next to hers. In her usual, fast-talking way, Margie filled her in on the office gossip, and asked when she was coming back.
"Soon, I hope," Ardin said. "My Aunt Julia just died."
"On top of your cousin's murder? I am sorry, Ardin."
"And that's not the half of it." Ardin immediately regretted her words and hoped she wouldn't ask for details.
Margie lowered her voice. "Hey, don't stay away too long. I've heard some grumbling from up above."
"Oh, no! I'll try Tom again and tell him about Aunt Julia. I'll be back at work just as soon as I can."
"Good girl," Margie said. "Gotta go."
Ardin called Julia's life insurance company and the law firm handling her estate. She glanced at the clock. Only one. Leonie wouldn't be home for hours.
I have to get out of here! She was jumpy and restless, the likes of which she hadn't felt since she was a teenager. A long run would soothe her spirit and calm her nerves, but the rain, which had begun as soon as they arrived home, made running an impossibility.
When she went searching for the makings of a tuna sandwich, she noticed the refrigerator looked empty. The pantry was sparsely filled, too. They were running low on everything. She hated grocery shopping, but it was the least she could do to earn her bed and board. God, she was turning into a suburban housekeeper before her very eyes.
The rain was coming down heavily when she arrived at the big supermarket adjacent to the mall, so she decided to use the covered parking area. The department stores must have been running sales, because every spot was taken. She drove down to the lower level, which was a good distance from the supermarket. No matter. She'd stay dry, and the walk would be her exercise.
The supermarket was crowded. Ardin decided to buy everything that might appeal to Leonie and Brett. Her mood improved with each item she tossed into the cart. Surely Leonie would like macaroni and cheese. And applesauce. And maybe she'd buy that interesting Chinese marinade and prepare the chicken dish on the label.
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