“She knew I was born.”
“Yeah, but my PI talked to some neighbors. Inger told them she had a baby once and it died in childbirth. She thought the father had abandoned her, so she flew back to Sweden and kind of became a recluse.”
“She must have been told that lie by Elizabeth,” Fawn started, “or more likely, by someone hired by Elizabeth, like Brisby. Then your father was misinformed about why Inger left. Oh, it’s all so heartbreaking! They could’ve lived such a happy life together in Bodega Bay! I could just cry!”
Taury tightened his arms around her. “We can’t think about the past now. Stephanie, can you email all the information to me? Especially the location of the cabin?”
Fawn looked at him, her eyes glistening with tears.
“Sure, I’ll do it right away! When are you two getting married?”
“As soon as we get back to Malibu!”
“Steph, you don’t mind missing the wedding?”
“I’d really like to be there. Could you hold off for a week or so? Tom has a pulled shoulder; had to drop out of his latest tournament. He’s going to be resting for awhile so I thought we’d stay in California to have the baby.”
Taury and Fawn passed shrugs then nodded.
“That’ll work!” Taury said. “See you in a week!”
“Great! I can be the matron of honor, right, Fawn?”
“Right!”
After a bit more chatter, Stephanie signed off.
“Did you mean that, Taury, about the wedding?”
“Damn straight I did!”
She kissed him. “Even in a week I won’t be much of a bride. These staples will be taken out soon but I’ll still have night sweats and the occasional bleeding and all that. What kind of honeymoon can we have?”
“I’ll make it special. You just wait and see!”
She grinned, leaned back on his lap; knew he was making plans in his mind. She could feel him getting hard underneath her.
A shadow formed in the darkened hallway.
“Taury, may I come in?”
“Sure, Libby. You don’t have to ask. It’s your house now.”
She entered, took a seat nearby. Fawn adjusted her position so she could see Libby’s face. The girl had dark circles under the pretty black eyes, and her mood was dim.
“I don’t want it. I always hated this house. You know that.”
“Yeah. Well, once things are settled, you can sell it.”
“Or raze it. I think I’d prefer that, but then I don’t want to be like…”
“You could never be like her, Lib.”
“I look like her. I see her in my face every time I peer into a mirror.” She cried quietly. “Forgive me, Fawn, I don’t mean to seem overdramatic. It’s so hard dealing with everything Mother did.”
“You don’t have to apologize to me. I’m sorry you had to suffer through all this. If only people would realize how their selfishness affects others.”
“Selfish people only care about their own feelings,” Taury hissed, thinking of Elizabeth. “They think they’re entitled to have whatever they want, and to hell with anyone who dares get in their way!”
“I need something to keep my mind off of her, and my broken marriage. Taury, is there something I could do at the factory?”
“Sure. You can run it for me.”
“What? Me, run a company? I’d ruin it!”
“No, you wouldn’t. I’ve seen you handle all sorts of financial and social situations. You’ve got Dad’s knack for business, I know. And, if you don’t want to live here, you can use my little apartment near the factory. It’s a perfect place for one person.”
“Oh, I love that place. It has such a film noir feel to it! I’ve never backed down from a challenge. All right! I’ll take you up on it! But you will help me find my footings?”
“Of course. Fawn has to go back to the hospital for a minor procedure. Once she’s through, we’ll move into the top floor penthouse for a couple of days. I’ll be right there to show you all you need to know!”
“Sounds like a busy job … which is exactly what I need! Did you make the arrangements … for Mother, I mean?”
“Mr. Brennan said he’d do it. Fawn’s parents have really taken charge of this mess, straightening everything out. And the company is solid now, thanks to Fawn finding Dad’s will. Harper Trigg and Ainsworth are both out for good. Brisby and the two goons are in jail … well, Henry is under arrest in the hospital, but he’s going to survive. They said his burns weren’t as serious as they first thought. All the loose ends are being wrapped up.”
“I wish I could say that. My divorce won’t be final for a long while.”
“Well, at least you’re on your way to being free,” Fawn encouraged her, “and you’re home, with people who love you. That’s the important thing.”
“You’re right. I think I’m going to like having a sister.”
They all smiled.
After Fawn had her staples removed she and Taury moved into the luxurious penthouse bedroom on top of the factory building. It was like a first class hotel room with its king-size bed and vibrant views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. When Taury brought her in, he carried her from the elevator, through the empty secretarial offices and his own then laid her out on the bed like a delicate doll.
“I’m not fragile, you know,” she giggled.
“I know, but I’m taking no chances. I want you to get well so we can take that trip to Europe.” He lowered her loose-fitting red pants, examined the incision on her abdomen. “So it’s healing pretty well, they said.” He bent down, kissed her all around it. “What’d the doc call this? A bikini cut?”
“Yes, supposedly it’ll shrink until it’s barely noticeable. I’m not sure I believe that.”
She began to have a miserable sweat attack; it poured from her body like sheets of hot rain. She suddenly felt old and ugly, wanted to cry.
“God, it’s hot in here!”
“No, it isn’t. It’s just you!” he grinned.
“I hate this, Taury! I shouldn’t have to deal with these symptoms at my age. It isn’t fair!”
“We knew you’d be going through this. Let me get a cool rag. That’ll help!”
He entered the bathroom, came back out with a wet washrag. He laid it on the dark wood nightstand. Then he slowly removed her red sport top and matching pants, and the low-cut polka dot panties he’d bought for her.
“Where do I start?”
“Anywhere,” she sighed.
He retrieved the cold rag, sat it on her midriff; she jumped at the iciness of it. Then he gently dragged it all over her, from her neck to her breasts, down to her hips and legs. Turning her over, he rubbed the rag across her shoulders then into the line of her spine and over her buttocks then onward to her calves.
“How does that feel?”
“Heavenly,” she muttered. “It’s like stepping out of a sauna and diving into a calm mountain lake!”
He massaged the cool dampness into her skin, refreshing her. He was stirring her up, too. It’d been so long since he’d even touched her there. She’d told him about the crazy dream she had; the way she had bared herself to him, the crazy screams and the breaking window glass and the wild, animal tension of it. Thinking of it made her hungry for release.
Taury, sensing her needs, ran his hand along the creases of her inner thighs then lowered his head towards them but she stopped him.
“I’m still spotting,” she whispered.
“That’s okay.”
He took the cool washrag, slid it down until it was almost inside her. Then he slowly manipulated her into an insanely sweet arousal. She glanced at the tall windows that flanked either side of the bedroom, wondered if her rising screams could break them.
“Go for it!” he yelled.
She laughed, and screamed again.
She could see the rock hard outline in his jeans, grabbed the zipper and let him escape straight into her mouth. She rolled her t
ongue around it then licked it up and down like a syrupy lollipop. He moaned, started some screaming of his own.
He came loudly then kept massaging her until she thought she’d never stop. One orgasm after another split her into waves of chills and fire; the sweat still seeping from her pores but now she welcomed it. Taury used it as a lotion, kneading it into her nipples, smoothing it down into her – sending endless ripples of pleasure throughout her body.
Afterwards they took a long shower together, soaping each other up and rinsing each other off. No sex involved, or so they thought but once the lathering started they couldn’t help but renew the passion. He was careful not to enter her; she was still sore and prone to infections. Instead he used his soapy hand, rubbing her slick pink skin until she wailed with excitement. She reciprocated, stroking him until he came all over her legs.
“Darn, now I’ll have to wash up again!” she teased.
“I’ll do it for you,” he said, “but this time no hanky panky! I’m worn out!”
She laughed.
“And I thought I was the weak one.”
“No, babe, you’re the strong one. I’m amazed at how strong you’ve become since I first met you.”
“All thanks to you, Taury. You’re my Rock of Gibraltar. I can face anything as long as I know I have you!”
He wrapped her in wet, soapy arms, gave her a long sweet kiss. Her Candyman.
The few days they lingered at the factory passed quickly. Taury spent several hours in the mornings teaching Libby the basics of running the company. In the afternoons he and Fawn would walk around the property, inside and out – the doctor told her walking would help her get well faster – then they’d have lunch in the diner.
Nighttime found them trying, still without success, to break the windows in the penthouse bedroom. But they had an enormous amount of fun in the process.
Out of a sense of obligation to the family name, and nothing else, Taury attended Elizabeth’s small, private funeral. Libby went as well, though it seemed to tear her heart into little pieces to do so. She and Fawn had grown close during their time together. They talked about their childhoods and shared the pain of having unloving mothers, though June’s failures paled to white in comparison to Elizabeth’s dark machinations. Libby also spoke of her loveless marriage to the duke, a cold, controlling bastard who made Richard Hamilton seem almost nice. They became fast friends and more – true sisters, in spirit, and soon to be, in name.
Kent and June flew down to San Diego, to let the bank take their house and to sell or give away most of their possessions. The beach house was fully furnished and once they arrived there June was thrilled with the way Fawn and Taury had decorated it.
“I wouldn’t change a thing!” she announced over the phone. Fawn was sitting by herself in the penthouse bedroom, awaiting Taury’s return from the funeral. “The antiques are lovely! Oh, and we’ve met the Finches, they’ve asked us to tea! And the De Paolos. Wonderful people! I think I’m going to love living here! I might take up painting, or volunteer at some local shelter. Kent says I don’t need to go back to work in real estate. I didn’t really want to, anyway. You’re so quiet, darling, am I talking too much?”
“No, Mom, I love hearing you this excited about something. I guess I feel a bit down, knowing Taury and Libby are going through the paces at the funeral. I’ll be glad when it’s over.”
“So will I! I want you two to hurry up and come home so we can get this wedding started! I’ve been talking to Jimmy De Paolo; we have some great ideas for dishes and the cake. He’s taking care of all that since he’s a caterer.”
“I know. But don’t let it get out of hand, okay? We want it simple, small and elegant.”
“I think you’ll be happy with his plans. Well, we’re off to tea! Tell Taury we said hello!”
“I will. Bye.”
Fawn was relieved to be off the phone. Her abdomen muscles had been giving her hell all morning, and all she wanted to do was take a nap.
She curled up on the beige sofa in Taury’s office, pulled a cozy, fringed throw over her and snuggled down to go to sleep. It was Sunday afternoon; the factory was closed down. No one there but a couple of security guards and they seemed to spend most of their time playing music in the diner. Fawn thought she could hear a snappy dance tune floating through the vent work, wondered if it was her imagination.
She drifted in and out, had strange spasms, jolting her awake then she’d drift off again. Her skin crawled; she felt as if she wasn’t alone. She forced her eyes open, saw a shapely figure dressed in black hovering over her, its arm raised. A spark of silver caught her glance – it was the gleam of a knife!
TWENTY
Fawn screamed, leaped to her feet. The figure lunged at her, the knife aimed for her chest. She reached for it, grabbed the figure’s wrist and twisted it, turning the knife away. She gripped the wrist tightly, until the attacker screeched in pain, dropped the knife, pushed her off and fled towards the door.
“Stop!” Fawn cried. “Who are you?”
The figure continued onward; Fawn clasped a shock of red hair that had fallen loose from a wound-up scarf, yanked at it till the attacker – obviously a woman – screeched once more. The scarf came away from her face, revealing Harper Trigg.
“Harper!” Fawn shrieked as she let go of the hair.
“Yes, it’s me!” the woman snarled, throwing a punch at Fawn’s jaw. “You little bitch! You ruined everything!”
Fawn swerved back, just missing the fist. Harper ran for the knife, almost had it but Fawn threw a foot at it, kicking it under the sofa.
The woman flung herself at Fawn, clutching at her with red-painted claws, leaving bloody stripes down her arms. Fawn fought back but she was smaller and weaker than the five foot seven inch Amazon. She struggled to keep from being overwhelmed. Her abdomen stung; she feared she had injured her incision. Harper took hold of her arms, threw her on the sofa, began to strangle her.
Fawn reached out, tried to scratch the woman’s face but she moved too quickly. Fawn was losing her breath, her heart pounding hard in her chest. If this continued she knew she wouldn’t make it. She couldn’t die, not now, when her happiness was so near.
She seized a handful of red hair again, yanked at it with all the force she could muster. Harper squeezed at her throat, refused to let go. Fawn was fading, her strength depleting. She released the hair, smacked at the hands around her neck.
“Taury, you think I’m so strong but look at me now,” she thought as tears smothered her cheeks. “I can’t break free. I’m lost … I’m lost!”
Her hand was on the floor near the edge of the sofa. Her fingers brushed something metallic and cold – the knife! If she could only grasp it – but she’d never harmed a living thing in her life. How could she find the strength to use it?
“What the hell is going on?” someone shouted.
It was Taury. He came running through the door and grabbed Harper with a violent force, snapping her hands off of Fawn’s throat. Then he swung her around and slugged her hard. She fell on the floor, blinking in horror and disbelief.
Fawn tried to breathe as Taury picked her up and sat her on a chair. She couldn’t relax, was wound too tight. All she could do was cough and cry and stutter.
“Hey, it’s okay now! Sit here, while I take care of her!”
Harper was about to slip out the door but Taury flung his body towards her, knocked her over like a bowling pin.
“Let me go, God Damn you!” she screamed. “I hate you!”
“Like I care? You’re not going anywhere till the cops get here!”
He took her arms, twisted them behind her back, wrenched off his tie and tied her wrists together.
“Baby’s getting kinky, hum?” Harper laughed.
“Yeah, you wish! Your engine must be short a few spark plugs to pull a stunt like this!” He flipped out his cell phone. “Hello? Do not put me on hold! There’s been a break-in at the Trahern Candy Company and an at
tempted murder! Send someone over here – NOW!”
Harper tried to kick him. He caught her foot, twirled it round and threw her to the floor. Then he removed his belt and laced her arms to a wooden chair.
“You okay, Fawn? God, I’m sorry you were hurt again! I can’t understand how I attract these lunatics! What’s wrong with me?”
She took a deep breath, was thrilled to feel it course through her lungs.
“There’s nothing wrong with you, Taury. Look, I know Northern California is a great place and all but … I don’t ever want to come back up here again!”
He smiled ruefully. “You won’t have to, I promise!”
A siren screeched below. He peered out the window.
“They’re here.” He picked up a desk phone. “Yeah, Frank, the cops are downstairs. Show them up to my office. And ah, Frank, later I need to talk to you and Sims about this. Sure, but you should have figured something was up!”
He slammed the receiver down.
“You won’t fire them. They couldn’t have known something like this would happen.”
“They weren’t doing their job. Frank said she didn’t break in. She walked straight up to him and said she’d left some stuff in her office that was important to her. The fool let her stride right in!”
“You can’t hold me, Taury. My lawyer will get me out in no time.”
“You are delusional! Don’t you realize you almost strangled Fawn?”
“I was defending myself. I came in here, looking for some of my files, and she went all nut-case on me. I had to do something!”
“Lying bitch!” Fawn yelled. “You came in here decked out like a ninja, wielding a God Damned knife!”
Two policemen entered with a solemn, heavyset man – apparently the aforementioned Frank.
“Where is this knife?” an officer asked.
“Under the sofa. I kicked it out of her hand.”
“Now, really, Officers, do I look like someone who’d threaten a girl with a knife?”
“Looks can be deceiving, Ma’am,” the other cop said. “I once had to arrest a sweet little old grandmother who’d butchered her neighbors and packed them in her freezer for a winter’s supply of meat!”
Losing Control Page 13
