He watched her as she swallowed hard and took a step backwards. “No, Jase, we can’t. It wouldn’t be right.” “Mary Kate?” “Good night, Jase,” she stated reluctantly, just before she walked, quickly away. “Sleep well.” “You, too.” But neither of them expected to find sleep easily, and neither of them did.
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Chapter Thirteen
“We’ve got to do something,” the panicked female voice said firmly, an hour later. “Jase is chasing her.”
“I met with our employee this morning. Plans are complete for the next phase.”
“The best defense is a good offense,” the woman said. “It’s time to get really offensive with her.”
“I think you’re losing perspective on this,” Gil told her.
“Will you help me get rid of the problem, or do I have to do this myself?”
“I see no need for taking any immediate action. We can use her later on.”
“You’re being terribly myopic, my love,” the female voice grated. “Harry has promoted her to VP of Information Technology, in charge of computer system security. This was her first day. It’s only a matter of time until she stumbles across something that we don’t want her to see. She might even realize what she’s looking at. We just can’t afford that.”
“No, we can’t. But that can be played to our advantage, if it happens. From what I saw at the Country Club tonight, the girl and our local prosecutor and Jase form quite a triangle. It’s amazing how much like her mother the child is.”
The woman laughed . “Killing three birds with one stone, as it were.”
“Look, love, I’ll keep an eye on her, just as I’ve been doing since she came out here. But I won’t act directly against her unless I have to. Still, it is interesting how well she’s setting herself up, making things so much easier for us if we have to move against her.”
“I hope you aren’t making a mistake in delaying.”
“You used to trust me more than this.”
“I do trust you.”
“Give me another few months, until mid-January. Then we’ll have everything we want.”
“Mid-January.”
“You won’t do anything stupid between now and then?”
“I won’t do anything stupid,” the woman agreed her voice flat.
“But you and I have different definitions of that word, don’t we, love?” Gil remarked wryly.
“Do we?”
Gil sighed. “You know I love you. Don’t do anything to blow this, Sweetheart. We’ve worked too long and too hard, to throw everything away now by your taking inappropriate actions. You have as much to lose as I do. There will be things happening soon. We don’t need to complicate matters any further.”
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“I know.”
“By mid-January we’ll have everything we want. Just leave the girl alone. We’ve got other fish to fry at the moment.”
The woman sighed. “When can I see you?”
“Not this week. I’m busy with the West widow.”
“I wish you didn’t have to do that.”
“Don’t worry, love. I might romance the widows, but my heart belongs to you.”
“It better.”
“If I didn’t know better, love, I’d say you were jealous.”
“I am.”
“That’s silly. You know it is.”
“Is it?” she asked . “Here you take the widows out to dinner, to the theatre, dancing, and everything else. I get an hour here and an hour there. We can’t go out together, dance together in public, or even be seen enjoying one another’s company. Occasionally, we get a whole weekend in Maine at the cottage. And then you tell me it’s silly to be jealous.”
“We agreed to keep things on a low profile, and work from both ends until we had everything we want. Don’t go getting paranoid on me when we’re so close to getting everything. We’ve been patient this long. We can wait a little longer.”
“Oh, Gil! I just wish we didn’t have to do things this way.”
“You have to trust me.”
“I do trust you. It’s the widows I don’t trust.”
Gil laughed. “I’ve got to go. Goodbye.”
“Don’t I even rate an ‘I love you’?”
“I do love you.”
“Goodbye, love.”
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Chapter Fourteen
The Richards’ house was not quite as grand as the Devlin home. But it clearly spoke of old money and elegant living. The party was outdoors in the back garden. An elaborate buffet was manned by uniformed waiters. A dance orchestra was playing. Tables were covered in snowy linen. It had been a glittering evening. Jase and Missy had each taken their own cars, so that either of them could leave without disturbing the other’s evening. Mary Kate had ridden with Missy because Missy wanted to discuss Jaime’s education.
The more time she spent with Missy, the more she liked Audra’s daughter. Yet, if the rumor Alice told her was true, then Missy was her half-sister. If that was true, then Audra certainly had enough reason to want Nan Devlin out of the picture.
Mary Kate didn’t have much time to think about that, or anything else, once they arrived at the party. She had hardly a moment to herself once the dancing began. She lost track of the names of the men with whom she danced. She hadn’t even danced with the same man twice. She had, however, been aware that Jase had been watching her throughout the evening.
About ten, Missy had left. But Mary Kate was having such a good time she hadn’t wanted to leave. Jase had agreed to take her home.
“May I have this dance?” Jase finally asked as the hour approached eleven.
The song was slow and dreamy. She went into his arms easily.
Neither of them spoke a word as they danced, which was quite a change from the dances during the previous part of the evening where she had chatted, teased, and gently flirted with her partners.
As the song drew to a close, Jase smiled at her. “Are you ready to go home?” he asked. “Or do you plan to dance all night?”
“I could you know. I can’t remember when I’ve had this much fun at a party. Does Alice put together gatherings like this often?”
“A couple of times a year. Luke’s birthday, her parents’ anniversary. She likes doing it.”
“She’s very good at it. If you’re ready to go home, I’ll go with you. Just let me find the ladies’ room first, okay?”
On her way down the hall from the powder room, Mary Kate heard a group of women talking from one of the rooms which opened onto the hallway. She stopped when she heard her own name mentioned.
“Did you see Harry Devlin’s daughter?” One woman asked.
“I also saw how Jase Wilton was looking at her,” another woman replied. “He’s more than slightly interested in her.”
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“Well, Jase always did know how to keep his eye on the main chance. A marriage between the two of them would definitely consolidate his power base at Devlin Enterprises,” the first woman said.
Mary Kate’s spirit dived. She had to admit the truth of that statement. If Harry did include her in his will, as he said he would, then a marriage between her and Jase would consolidate Jase’s power base. Yet, from what she had seen of Jase’s position in the firm, he certainly deserved to have control of Devlin.
“Well, since Harry is retiring soon, Jase was expected to take over the reins. Jase’s been handling most
of the responsibilities there anyway since he came home a couple years ago,” a third woman stated reasonably. Mary Kate recognized the voice as belonging to Alice. “So, that’s really not fair to Jase or to Mary Kate, to make that statement,” Alice continued. “Maybe not, but Harry won’t live forever. And when he’s gone, don’t you believe the biggest part of his
assets are going to his blood, not step relations?” Mary Kate’s throat closed up as she thought about being without her father. She didn’t even want to think about that. Another women continued, “She’s not
exactly Jase’s type. He’s always gone for beautiful blondes or
redheads.” “Miss Emily says that Mary Kate Devlin has a temper to scorch earth,” the first female voice said. “If she and Jase are serious about one another, she’ll need that temper and the strength of personality
which goes with it. He’s not an easy man,” Alice stated. “You aren’t upset about Jase maybe marrying this Mary Kate person?” The second woman asked. “Why should I be? Jase is one of my oldest friends. I’d like to see him settled and happy,” Alice
responded. “And I really like Mary Kate. If they want each other, I hope they can work it out between them.” “We all thought you and Jase would be tying the knot yourself one day,” the second woman said. “I mean, you two have dated forever.” Alice laughed . “Jase and I are very good friends, but there never was a possibility of anything more.
We’ve both known that since college.” “Well, you could have told us!” the first woman said. “It was none of your business,” Alice replied. “I’m just surprised that Harry has accepted the girl so readily. He’s not a man to forgive and forget. His
first wife hurt him badly,” the second woman said. I’m not surprised at all. Family always was important to Harry. Why do you think he’s tolerated that old witch of a sister of his for so many years?” Alice asked. “Still, it had to be such a shock to poor Harry to have a grown daughter appear on his doorstep,” the
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second woman replied.
“I would have probably run away, too, if the rumors were circulating about me the way they were circulating about poor Nancy,” the first woman said.
“Poor Nancy,” the second voice said sarcastically. “Bull. She had the whole world in her hands only to run at the first sign of trouble.”
“First sign, ha. I wouldn’t call having an old boyfriend turn up dead on my property a first sign of anything.”
Emily Chance’s nephew, Peter, Mary Kate thought.
“Sorry, Alice...” the first voice added . “I didn’t mean to bring up a sore subject.”
“No problem,” Alice said, her voice gentle. “I still don’t believe that Nancy Devlin had anything to do with Uncle Peter’s death. And I’ve never made any bones about that. I don’t think Nancy was capable of violence. She was far too gentle.”
“She ran, didn’t she?”
“Is running away from a bad situation to be taken as an admission of guilt?” Alice asked. “I don’t think so.”
“For God’s sake, the woman nearly killed Harry in a car wreck. She didn’t even stick around to see if he was going to survive. Instead, she grabbed what cash she could and ran away.”
“Geez, Janet...” Alice replied. “You were all of six years old when Uncle Peter was beaten and drowned and Nancy left the area. You can’t possibly remember all of that in any detail.”
Mary Kate walked to the door of the room from which the voices came. “Excuse me, Alice?”
Alice smiled. “Mary Kate! Have you had a good time? You’ve not lacked for company this evening. Including my baby brother. Lucas seemed quite taken with you.”
“He’s a nice man, Alice.”
Alice smiled at her again. “Now, there’s damning with faint praise.”
Mary Kate laughed good naturedly. “It was a lovely party. Thank you for the invitation.”
“Are you leaving now?” Alice asked.
“I think so. Again, thank you for a wonderful evening. Would you care to have lunch one day next week?”
Alice smiled broadly. “That would be nice. How is Tuesday for you?”
Mary Kate mentally reviewed her desk calendar. “Tuesday should be fine.” Mary Kate named the tea room just down the street from her office, the same place they had eaten before. “Is that okay with you?”
“One of my favorites,” Alice told her. “Noon?”
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“Better make it quarter till one,” Mary Kate replied easily. “Dad likes to have an exec meeting on Tuesday mornings. I probably won’t be out until 12:30 or so.”
Alice smiled. “I’ll meet you there. Thank you for coming.”
Mary Kate laughed. “Goodbye, Alice. Until Tuesday.”
Jase walked up behind her. He placed a hand on her shoulder. “Are you ready to leave, Mary Kate?”
Mary Kate turned her head slightly to look at Jase. “Just saying goodnight to Alice.”
“Goodnight, Alice,” Jase said. “Lovely party. Thanks.”
“‘Night, Jase. Drive safely,” Alice told him.
The drive home was accomplished in relative silence under a clear, moonlit, sky. Soft, classical music came from the stereo.
“I didn’t know you liked classical music,” she told him.
“This piece is soothing.”
“It’s one of my favorites. Mozart had a way with a phrase.”
“We’ll be home soon.”
“I’m meeting with General Greerson tomorrow morning. He’s giving me a tour of the Westfield campus.”
“You thinking about taking the job?”
“Actually, he’s offered me three jobs. Track and field coach, tennis coach, and high school P.E. instructor.”
“Tennis and track you could do part-time without leaving Devlin. The P.E. job would be full time.”
“I know. I don’t know what I’ll do.”
“That’s what you meant about not wanting to leave Harry in the lurch.”
“That’s what I meant.”
“Would you be happier teaching?”
“I don’t know. I’m finding that I really like working for Dad.”
“Harry is planning to retire within the year,” Jase told her. “Did you know that?”
“I was told. Will his retirement affect my job?”
“No, it won’t. You can stay at Devlin as long as you pull your weight,” Jase told her. “I don’t think that will ever be a problem. I can’t believe how well you’ve already fine tuned the computer security. You’ve been working hard.”
“I’ve barely scratched the surface,” she told him with a yawn. “There’s a lot more to be done.”
“Sit back, relax, take a short nap if you want. We’ll be home in a while,” Jase told her kindly.
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“I overheard some women talking tonight, Jase.” “About?” “Us. Speculating that you’ll ask me to marry you.” “Really.” “They said it would be a move on your part to consolidate your power base at Devlin. As if you would
need to do such a thing.” Mary Kate clicked her tongue. “A blind man could see that you’ve really been running Devlin for quite a while. Dad’s not really very healthy, is he?” “Harry’s got a heart condition,” Jase replied after a moment’s hesitation. “He doesn’t want anyone to
know just how bad it is.” “How bad is it?” Mary Kate asked haltingly, fear in her voice. “He had a quadruple by-pass three years ago. Told everyone locally he was going on an extended
fishing trip. Went away, had the surgery, did his rehab, then came home,” Jase told her. “How bad is it?” “If he takes care of himself, he’ll be fine for a long time. But taking care of himself means he has to
eliminate stress from his life as much as possible. That’s why I’ve taken over a lot of the work at Devlin.” “I wish he’d told me about this.” “He didn’t want to put any pressure on you to stay. But now that you’ve decided to stay in the area, and
you’ve already figured out everything’s not as he would like for you to think it is, I have to be honest with you
about it. Don’t let Harry know you know.” “How will he take it, if I leave Devlin?” “If you’re going for your own happiness, he’ll understand. Seeing you happy is very good for him.” Mary Kate absorbed that in silence. “If you could do anything you wanted to do with your life, Mary Kate, what would it be?” “Ummm... Anything?” “No limitations. Your wildest dream. What is it?” “Taking my doctorate in education. Establishing a private boarding and day school for gifted ch
ildren
that would have an excellent satellite program for parents who opted to home school their gifted child.”
“So what’s stopping you?” Jase asked. “There’s a very good university less than a couple of hours drive from here. Start on your course work this fall. With your grades, you shouldn’t have any problem being admitted.”
“That anxious to get rid of me?” she only half-teased. “I’d like to see you have your dream, Mary Kate. It would make me very happy to see you be able to do
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“I can’t afford it.”
Jase shook his head. “Woman,” he replied with a laugh. “Money is the least of your worries. Harry would be happy to pay your tuition and living expenses. In fact, he’d see it as his duty, which it is. Fathers are supposed to see that their children are educated. And if for some reason, he didn’t want to pay for your degree, I would be happy to bankroll you. I owe you at least that much as an apology for how shabbily I treated you at first. All you have to do is to decide what you want and go for it. I know you can do whatever you set your mind to doing.”
“That’s one of the nicest things you’ve ever said to me, Jase,” she told him.
“It’s a small wonder you are even on speaking terms with me. I’ve treated you pretty badly at times.”
“I’ve forgiven you. You were just looking out for Dad because you love him.”
“Would you like to go out for dinner tomorrow? Just the two of us?”
“I promised Missy I would watch Jaime for her tomorrow night. She’s got her ten year high school reunion tomorrow. Dad and Audra have an engagement. Billie’s going to be gone. You were supposed to have plans with your buddy, Rafe. Remember, you were supposed to meet him in D.C.? And Thea will be leaving in the morning to go to New York. Did your plans fall through?”
Jase cleared his throat. “I forgot all about Rafe.”
“That’s not like you, Jase.”
“No, it’s not,” he told her firmly as he punched in a code on his cell phone. “Yeah, it’s Jase Wilton. I’ll be there in two minutes.”
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