The Cast Net

by Mille West

  Cooper introduced her to all the staff members and she marveled at the large central room with several clocks that displayed the time in London, Cairo, Singapore, San Francisco, and Charleston. Everyone greeted her with enthusiasm and wished her great success with the foundation. Cooper went to a closed door and knocked. After a few moments, a good-looking man answered the door. He was probably in his sixties with tanned skin and dark hair with some gray mixed in; he immediately reminded Mills of Cary Grant.

  As soon as he saw her, he gave her a beautiful smile. “Miss Taylor, I’m Cooper’s uncle, Ian Heath, and I’m thrilled to meet you.”

  His British accent added to his sophistication as he took her hand in his, saying, “Cooper speaks very highly of you. I’m surprised that he’s just now bringing you around to meet me.”

  Cooper looked at his watch before telling his uncle, “Mills and I have an appointment; we need to leave.”

  “Daniel,” Ian said as he looked directly at Cooper, “I want to speak with you about the Madame Talvande; and Miss Taylor,” he smiled at Mills, “I look forward to seeing more of you—for certain, at the oyster roast.”

  As Cooper entered his uncle’s office, he said to Mills, “I’ll be back in just a moment.”

  Walking around the office, she studied the artwork and old maps that hung on the walls. The charts depicted the seas and oceans of the world, and glass cases displayed antique maritime artifacts and replicas of ships from the past. Above one of the compartments was a framed display with medals mounted on the inside. An inscription underneath the medals stated that the honors were bestowed on Phillip B. Heath in 1945. As she read the details about each award, she saw that one of the medals was the Victoria Cross.

  As she gazed at the medals, she realized that someone had walked up behind her. Startled, she turned to find Cooper standing right behind her.

  Taking a breath, she confessed, “You were so quiet, I didn’t hear you walk up.”

  His lips quirked up into a slight smile, and he said, “Are you ready to go?”

  “Were these medals awarded to your father?”

  “Yes, they were.”

  She pointed to the Victoria Cross, and he explained, “That medal is the highest honor for valor that can be awarded to military personnel of the United Kingdom. It’s the equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor. I’ll tell you about it sometime, but we’d better leave if we’re going to be on time at Piet van der Wolf’s home.”

  As they left the building, Mills looked thoughtfully at Cooper before saying, “Daniel?”

  “That’s my first name, and my uncle calls me that when he’s perplexed about a problem.”

  “And who is Madame Talvande?”

  “She’s not a person, she’s one of our container ships named after the headmistress of a Charleston finishing school for young ladies, prior to the Civil War.”

  “I see,” Mills nodded.

  Welcomed by Mr. Cook into the van der Wolf home, Cooper and Mills were shown into the living room. Piet rose from a chair to greet them.

  “Mr. Heath, I’m glad to meet you. I’ve read about your contributions to the shipping industry in the Charleston Dispatch, and what an exceptional negotiator you are.”

  “Mr. van der Wolf, thank you for your contribution to the Julia Heath Foundation.”

  “Miss Taylor wisely articulated your goals for the foundation and I thought I’d like to help. You should give her the credit for the donation.”

  He smiled at Mills before continuing, “I hope you both have time for tea.” Cooper accepted his invitation, and Mr. van der Wolf replied, “Please make yourselves at home. I’m going to notify the kitchen staff.”

  When he left, Cooper looked around the room before saying, “Piet lives in quite a mansion, doesn’t he?”

  “Yes.”

  Watching Cooper’s face as he studied the room, Mills noticed his eyes linger on the Steinway grand piano and then move upward, resting on the portraits of Piet’s wife and daughter. He turned to Mills and intently gazed into her eyes before speaking. “That young woman in the portrait could be your twin. Who is she?”

  “I asked Mr. van der Wolf about her when I last visited here. That portrait is of his daughter, Lydia; she was killed in an automobile accident a number of years ago. The other painting is of his wife; she was an invalid after the wreck and died a few years ago.”

  Cooper was quiet for a few moments before adding, “I do seem to remember something about that, but I was very young when it happened.”

  Mr. van der Wolf returned with Anna, the elder member of the kitchen staff, who carried an exquisite silver tea service. She poured each person a cup of tea, offered them biscuits, and then smiled at Mills before excusing herself from the room.

  When they finished their refreshments, Cooper thanked Piet for his hospitality and again for his generous gift to the Heath Foundation. When they prepared to leave, Piet said to Cooper, “Mr. Heath, I’ve heard that you are a talented pianist. I would love to hear you play sometime.”

  “Thank you, Mr. van der Wolf,” Cooper replied, but did not offer to play for him.

  As they descended the front steps of the home, Cooper asked Mills to accompany him to a nearby park. A large three-tiered fountain was at the center of the diminutive square, and an abundance of water cascaded into the brick base. Cooper asked her to sit down on a bench.

  “You bear an amazing resemblance to Piet’s daughter. Does it make you uncomfortable that you look so much like her?”

  “When I first saw the portrait, I was astounded by my likeness to her.”

  “Mills, I don’t want you to feel uneasy, not ever.”

  “I’m not afraid of him.”

  Cooper sat quietly for a moment staring at the water fountain, and then turned to her saying, “I’d prefer that you invite him out to lunch if he wants to see you again, but until you know him better, for your sake, please meet him in public.”

  “I think he’s just lonely, but I’ll do as you ask.”

  “There’s one more stop I’d like to make with you. I’d like to thank Ford Butler and his wife at the Low Country Gourmet for helping the foundation.”

  That afternoon, Mr. Butler, his wife, Melea, and Paul were all at the shop on King Street. Cooper thanked each individual for his or her assistance before engaging in a conversation with Ford Butler. Paul motioned for Mills to join him at the counter. “He’s even more attractive in person than in the newspaper photos. I’m glad I got to meet him and see how nice he really is.”

  CHAPTER 7

  The Oyster Roast

  F or a couple of days prior to the oyster roast, young men from White Point Catering set up tables and lighting around the green at the Heath farm. Mills had received most of the RSVP replies to Cooper’s mailed invitations; the vast majority of those invited would attend. There was one response that shocked her: “Instead of shucking oysters for the so-called underprivileged, you should be out looking for my daughter, you son-of-a-bitch.” When she showed the response to Cooper, he calmly said, “I’m sorry you saw that, Mills. Carlton Monroe is my father-in-law; he always has a way with words.”

&nb
sp; Just after sunrise on Saturday morning, the caterers began their final preparations for the oyster roast. Not only were oysters on the menu, but several pigs were roasting, along with the preparation of a stew called “chicken bog.” The caterers lit bonfires around the green; the aroma of the pork roasting and the wood smoke from the burning logs was splendid.

  Before the first guests arrived, a jazz ensemble from the College of Charleston set up and began to play. As the afternoon turned into evening, lanterns were lit around the green, supplementing the light from the bonfires.

  Charles, Marian, and Elizabeth arrived before the start of festivities and offered to help, but Cooper quickly told them to simply enjoy themselves. Among the other early arrivals were Dr. Will, the Camps, and Paul and the Butlers from the Low Country Gourmet.

  Cadets from The Citadel had been engaged to handle the parking and, after sunset, guests began to steadily arrive. While most of the guests were dressed casually, Mills saw Jeff arrive with two women who wore mink coats.

  Cooper brought a couple for Mills to meet; they were Jeff’s parents, Cooper’s Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Robert. There was a close resemblance between his aunt and the portrait of Cooper’s mother displayed in his living room. Not far behind them were Anne and her husband, David.

  Anne informed her, “Blair has a tremendous crush on you and he hasn’t stopped talking about you since we visited Cooper.”

  “Thank you, Anne. That’s sweet.”

  As they went to the oyster tables, Reverend Smalls stopped by to congratulate her on the outstanding job that she had done on the festivities. “Mills, I’m thankful to see such a good turnout. I consider this a good show of support for Cooper.”

  “I agree,” she said with a smile.

  Mills did not participate in the feast. She was determined that every aspect of the oyster roast would be a success and she gave her full attention to ensuring that the food and drink tents stayed supplied.

  She discovered that a popular subject of discussion by Edisto-area landowners was conservation easements and the need to control the rapid flow of development into the area. There was an older gentleman, Longstreet, with his two sons—Cooper told her that they were leaders in the Edisto conservation movement. When introduced to father and sons, they told Mills that, so far, this year’s oyster roast was the best effort they’d seen.

  Joshua White arrived and introduced Mills to the lovely blond who had been with him on the day that Mills had met him at the Sea Island Yacht Club. She kept in mind that Joshua White and Jeff Radcliffe were not on fond terms and she directed the couple to one end of the oyster tables, as far away from Jeff as possible.

  “Hot basket—comin’ through,” was the call of the caterers as they went from one stand to another, dumping mounds of steaming hot oysters on the tables in front of the guests.

  Jeff and Britton suddenly appeared at her side, and taking her by the hand, Jeff said, “Don’t you think you could stop working long enough to enjoy some oysters?”

  “I want to make sure that all aspects of the party are handled properly.”

  “Stop worrying, you’ve done a great job—come on over here.”

  They led her to one of the tables and began to shuck oysters for her. Britton went to the wine tent and brought back a glass of sparkling wine for her.

  “How am I going to learn to shuck oysters?”

  “We don’t want you to learn—that makes you dependent on us,” Jeff laughed. He’s in a great mood—so handsome when he smiles. While Mills enjoyed the oysters, the two women in mink coats who had arrived with Jeff came over to their table.

  “Mills, these ladies are my partners, Cassandra White and Madge Sinclair.” He introduced them to one another, and added, “Mills has recently become the director of the Heath Foundation, and I believe you know Britton.”

  Madge Sinclair stepped toward Mills. “I’d offer to shake hands, but we’re sticky with oyster juice. Jeff, let’s go up to Cooper’s house for a while. I need to get warm. Nice to meet you, Miss Taylor.”

  Mills realized that Cassandra was Joshua White’s former wife and she watched the three walk toward Cooper’s house. Suddenly overcome by shyness again, Britton became quiet, but clearing his throat, he asked, “Mills, can I get you another glass of wine?”

  Before she could respond, Cooper called out to her, “Mills, I could use your help for a few minutes.”

  She thanked Britton for his kind gesture and joined Cooper, away from the oyster tables. “We’re almost out of the Schramsberg. Could you help me carry the wine?”

  “I’ll be glad to help.”

  On their way to the house, they ran into Ian and Celeste, Cooper’s uncle and aunt. Cooper introduced her to his aunt, who raved about how wonderful the party was. She was an attractive woman. Mills thought that at one time she must have been a beauty. Like her husband, a refined British accent added to her sophistication.

  After they left his aunt and uncle, Cooper explained that his aunt was from Bermuda and he had two married first cousins, Ian and Celeste’s daughters. As they lived in England, he rarely saw them.

  When they arrived at the house, the gas lanterns cast warm light on the front porch. As Cooper opened the front door, the heat from inside welcomed them. They entered the kitchen, and the door to the hunting room was closed. Cooper knocked once before opening the door. The threesome of Jeff, Cassandra, and Madge sat at a card table, inhaling lines of cocaine.

  Mills was stunned and exchanged glances with Cooper. His face darkened as he viewed the threesome.

  “Cooper, come in and join us. We’d love to share with you,” Madge said in a seductive voice.

  “I would appreciate it if you three would not do this at my home,” he responded.

  “Cooper, you’re so predictable,” Jeff said.

  “That’s enough. What you do is your business, but you’re not going to do that here.”

  “Okay, ladies—the boss has spoken. I’m going to visit the boy’s room, and we’ll go back to the oyster roast—excuse me.”

  As he came through the kitchen, Jeff saw Mills and kissed her on the forehead. “You’re beautiful,” he said, then continued toward the foyer.

  Mills peeped into the room and heard Madge tell Cooper, “As many times as I’ve been to your house, I don’t recall ever coming into this room. Did you shoot all these trophies?”

  “Most of them, but some of the trophies are Beau’s.”

  “Cooper, you’re a violent man.”

  “I’m actually very gentle.”

  There was a pause while Madge gazed at Cooper. “Why don’t you show Cassie and me just how gentle you are? I believe Jeff has other plans for the evening and we’d like to get to know you better.”

  “I’m married.”

  “I hate to tell you this, because I was fond of Elise, but she’s been missing for over six months. You are married to a memory, and you’ve been alone for a long time.”

  “Madge, I’ll try to overlook your comments. I intend to remain faithful. I have not given up hope.” Mills noticed Cooper’s brow grow tight with a deep frown. My goodness—he looks mad.

/>   “If you change your mind, you know where to find us.”

  “I need to return to the rest of my guests.”

  Jeff winked at Mills as he returned to the hunting room and picked up a small bag of white powder in a plastic bag from the table. He was immediately engaged by Madge to open more oysters for her and Cassie. As Madge passed by Cooper, she kissed him on the cheek and said, “The party is simply wonderful.”

  When the three passed by Mills in the kitchen, the two women seemed unconcerned that she might have heard the conversation and nodded at her with a smile.

  Cooper removed a case and a half of sparkling wine from the refrigerator.

  “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting—Jeff and his friends really try my patience.”

  “Yes, I understand why.” Their eyes met.

  “Can you carry the half case?”

  She lifted the bottles. “Sure, it’s not very heavy.”

  On the front porch, he stopped her and said, “I’m proud of your work, and Julia would be proud of you too.” The happiness in his face, and the smile that he gave her, were unforgettable.

  As they returned to the gathering, Cooper nodded to Dr. Warren, the advisor on his scholarship program with the Charleston County school system. He waved to her as he approached and introduced the women to one another.

  Dr. Warren volunteered, “Miss Taylor, it’s my pleasure to meet you. Cooper tells me that you are working very hard for the foundation, and I admire both of you for what you’re doing. I hope that the two of you will come to the junior and senior high schools in the next few weeks to discuss the scholarship program with the students.”

  “We’d be glad to,” Cooper responded.

  “Fine, Cooper, I’ll phone you with some dates and times.”

  After a long conversation, Dr. Warren excused herself to return to her companion at one of the tables. The caterers flagged down Cooper and told him that they were running low on oysters; he told them to bring the next batch to their table.