Knight's Game

by Gibbs, C C

  ‘Still on your mission from God?’ A half smile, a lift of one brow. ‘Who’s winning, Mrs B?’

  She snorted. ‘Have you ever seen me lose? Another thing,’ she added briskly, ‘tell your people to leave my kitchen spotless when they go. Last time I had to clean up after them.’

  ‘You won’t even know they were here, Mrs B,’ Dominic said with a respectful dip of his head. ‘They got the message.’

  She started untying her apron. ‘You kids have fun then. Nice to meet you, Miss Kate. I’ll see the rest of you in the morning.’ Whipping off her apron, she smoothed her Grateful Dead T-shirt over her generous bosom, handed her apron to Melanie and walked away like she was a member of the Olympic power walking team.

  Kate found it fascinating that everyone deferred to the housekeeper, including Dominic. Even the little toddler had viewed the conversation in silence.

  ‘Now that the warden’s gone,’ Dominic said under his breath, a smile in his voice as he turned to Kate, ‘let me introduce everyone.’ Holding Kate’s hand, he ran through the names: Melanie, Matt, Nicole, Isabelle, Keir, Dante, Rafe and Ellie, who waved what was left of her sandwich when she heard her name. Melanie gave Kate a big hug, Matt did too, and all the children smiled warmly. ‘I told Katherine she doesn’t have to remember all your names right away,’ Dominic added, with a nod at the children. ‘So be polite, OK?’

  ‘Can we see our presents now?’

  The young girl Kate had seen at Dominic’s office in Palo Alto was speaking. Nicole was dark like Dominic and very beautiful. Dominic’s sister was a younger, friendlier version of their mother Letitia, blonde, delicate, warm and welcoming.

  Dominic gave Melanie and Matt a sideways look. ‘It’s up to your parents.’

  Melanie briefly surveyed her young brood. ‘As long as you remember your manners.’

  Dominic grinned. ‘A few years too late for that.’

  ‘At least they have some manners, unlike you.’

  ‘You got me there, sis,’ Dominic noted blandly. ‘Although Katherine’s trying to whip me into shape, aren’t you, baby?’

  Kate turned bright red.

  ‘She blushes,’ Dominic said with his best bad-boy grin. ‘Isn’t that sweet?’ he said like a botanist might, showing off a newly discovered orchid from the deepest jungles of Indonesia. Leaning over, he pulled her close even though Kate was giving him warning glances. ‘And while Katherine’s trying to teach me manners, I’m trying to teach her not to give such a shit about what people think. We got a little way to go there, though’ – another teasing glance – ‘right babe?’

  ‘Good God, Nicky, stop,’ Melanie ordered. ‘She won’t want to stay. Ignore him, Katherine. He can be spectacularly impudent. Go,’ Melanie said, pointing in the direction of the family room. ‘Get out of here, Nick. Katherine’s staying with me.’

  Dropping a swift kiss on Kate’s cheek, Dominic turned to the sea of expectant youthful faces. ‘Come on, kids, I’ll show you what I found in Singapore.’ Bending to pick up the shopping bag, he glanced at Kate. ‘You OK if I leave?’

  ‘Of course she is.’ Melanie took Kate’s hand and looked at her brother with a twinkle in her eyes. ‘I’m going to entertain her, tell her all your deep, dark secrets.’

  Coming upright, Dominic’s eyes held a brief unease, quickly stifled. ‘Don’t believe anything she says, baby. And if you scare her off’ – Dominic gave his sister a mildly threatening look – ‘you’d better run and keep running.’

  Melanie patted Dominic’s arm. ‘Now, why would I want to do that when you’ve found someone so nice.’

  His sister’s conciliatory response, her gentle hand on his arm, softened the set of Dominic’s mouth and Kate understood what a moderating influence she was in his life. Kate was grateful he had her. Dominic was, in so many ways, a man alone. Private, withdrawn, living an isolated life within the narrow confines of his privileged world.

  ‘The pizza will be done in fifteen minutes, though,’ Melanie cautioned, giving her husband a warning look. ‘Show Nick your boat pictures later. Mrs B won’t forgive us if we let her pizzas burn.’

  ‘Don’t worry, sis. Your kids can rip open packages in no time flat. We’ll be done in plenty of time for pizza.’ Dominic shot a look at his restless nieces and nephews who were trying to control their impatience. ‘Ready, kids?’ He nodded towards the family room. ‘Come on, Matt, you can help me gear up some of this stuff.’ A grin for the children. ‘First one seated has a chance to beat me at chess later tonight.’

  As the thundering herd raced off, Melanie waved Kate towards a seating area off the kitchen. ‘Would you like a drink?’

  ‘I would. I can make it, though.’ Kate could see a small bar against the far wall.

  ‘Please, sit. I’ll get it. What would you like?’

  ‘I’d like a rum and coke, lime if you have it.’

  ‘That sounds good. I’ll make two.’

  A few minutes later Melanie carried over two ice-filled glasses, handed one to Kate and dropped onto the sofa with her.

  ‘Lovely view.’ Kate indicated the window wall, lights sparkling on the other side of the bay.

  ‘It is lovely, isn’t it?’ Casually dressed in a pastel-blue sweater and jeans, Melanie kicked off her shoes, tucked her legs under her and leaned back against the armrest. ‘Matt found the house for us before Nicole was born.’

  ‘You have a wonderful family. Dominic’s lucky to live nearby. He was telling me he helped babysit Nicole and Isabelle when they were young.’

  ‘He did. He’s great with kids. All the children absolutely adore him. He spoils them, of course, but I don’t mind. He needs family in his life.’ Melanie smiled. ‘To remind him there’s another world beyond deal-making. Although you seem to have coaxed him away for a few days at least. Roscoe tells me Dominic is actually on vacation. I’m pleased you were able to do that. He’s never taken a vacation before. You must tell me your secret.’

  ‘I’m afraid I didn’t have anything to do with his decision. Dominic doesn’t ask for advice – at least not from me. I ran into him in Singapore and the next thing I knew, we were on a plane, coming here.’

  ‘Say what you will,’ Melanie said with a cheerful lilt to her voice, ‘if not for you, I very much doubt Dominic would have cleared his calendar. You didn’t know that? Roscoe called me to see if I could talk some sense into Nick. I told him, “Not on your life.” Anyway, I’m happy Nick is on vacation for whatever reason. I can tell he likes you.’

  ‘He’s very likeable as well,’ Kate said blushing, then quickly changed the subject. She wasn’t about to say that Dominic was the most wonderful thing that had ever happened to her. ‘I hope I’m not imposing tonight. Dominic says no, but then he tends to overlook other people’s opinions.’

  Melanie laughed. ‘You’ve noticed. I could pretend Nick’s presumption is a result of his success in business, but’ – her mouth twitched into a lopsided smile – ‘Nicky’s been telling people what to do most of his life. I just ignore him. I suggest you do the same. As for imposing – you’re not in the least. It’s a pleasure to have you join us. Nick has never brought a friend over to any family occasion.’ Her smile faded and, looking down, she ran a finger round the rim of her glass. A brief silence fell before she looked up. ‘Do you mind me asking you how you feel about Nick? Forgive me,’ she added softly, seeing Kate’s sudden unease. ‘I know I’m overprotective. But I worry about Nick. He’s been through a lot.’

  Kate hesitated a moment then said, ‘The death of his wife, you mean.’

  ‘Yes, that too.’

  Melanie’s neutral reply sent Kate’s heart into a kick-up-its-heels celebration when it really shouldn’t. When she should view his wife’s death with the respect it deserved.

  Melanie glanced away, lost for a moment in the obscure misery of Dominic’s youth. Then she blinked and reclaimed the present. ‘I can’t help but notice,’ she said, stopping, ‘well … how Nick’s so cheerful with you, vital �
�� even joyful. I’m so grateful to see him like that, smiling, happy. You see, Nick normally doesn’t relate well to people … with any intimacy, I mean. Although,’ she added with a small smile, ‘he can be very charming if he wishes.’

  ‘I know,’ Kate said, indelibly conscious of Dominic’s many virtues. ‘I’ve seen Dominic’s charm in action … in Amsterdam and again at a charity event in Hong Kong. He’s amazingly charismatic. Every woman was captivated; the men liked him as well. He raised a lot of money for Max’s wife that night.’

  ‘How nice for Liv. I haven’t seen her since Conall was born.’ Melanie paused, as though debating her next remark, before she said, ‘I understand you met my mother when you were in Hong Kong. You may have noticed that she and Dominic lack … er … a certain rapport.’

  That was a nice way to put it, rather than that he wanted to murder her. Since Melanie had brought up the subject of their mother, Kate gave in to her morbid curiosity about the life and times of Dominic Knight. ‘Dominic told me a little about his childhood.’ She watched Melanie’s face in the event it was a forbidden topic. ‘He mentioned the therapists.’

  Melanie’s head jerked up. ‘He did?’

  ‘Forgive me,’ Kate said quickly. ‘I shouldn’t have brought it up. Really, it’s none of my business.’

  ‘No, please, it’s not that. I’m just surprised.’ Melanie was barely breathing, visibly pale. ‘Nick never speaks of those days.’

  ‘I may have pressed him … just a little,’ Kate replied, softly apologetic. ‘Although he didn’t seem to mind.’

  ‘Obviously if he told you what he did.’ Melanie gave a little shake of her head, as if settling the dust from those indecipherable years. ‘It seemed like a million years long at the time,’ she said so softly it was barely audible. ‘Like the nightmare would never end. Although it was so much worse for Nick.’ She dragged in a breath. ‘It was really hateful.’

  ‘I can imagine … actually I can’t,’ Kate said bluntly. ‘He was so young. I can’t fathom … all those years of—’ She didn’t know where to look when she wanted to say, All those years of torture.

  Melanie sighed, set her glass aside, clasped her hands together and kept her gaze on her tightly clenched fingers. ‘I was too young to do more than offer him comfort. I wish I could have done more. The feeling of helplessness was overwhelming.’ She looked up, unclenched her fingers, smiled a tiny desolate smile. ‘But Nick wasn’t completely defenceless even then. He was always very strong. Iron-willed. Determined.’

  ‘I don’t know how strong you can be at six. I mean … six, Jesus – oh, hell, sorry. It’s not your fault.’

  ‘You’re right to be appalled,’ Melanie said, her voice very small, her brows drawn together as though recalling the anguish. ‘I’ve always felt that Nick should have been born into a different family where … well … just a different family. One that celebrates independent children.’ Her sudden smile was fragile, strangely touched with humour. ‘Although, from the very beginning, Nicky was remarkably … active – actually, activist, like a one-baby revolt. He was unbelievably demanding. He never cooed or gurgled; he screamed the house down through four nurses and two au pairs. I was the only one who could hold him, make him smile, silence the screams. I’d sit beside him and read to him while the nurses fed him or he wouldn’t eat. So I was taken out of school and privately tutored until Nick entered preschool at three.’

  ‘Jeez.’

  She laughed softly. ‘You see what you’re in for? Nick’s always been very wilful. It’s how he survived. And since he had so little control as a child, his need for control now is huge. He treats my family as a special case, as his special dispensation. But in general’ – she rolled her eyes – ‘watch out.’ A smile flickered across her face. ‘Now, I hope I haven’t frightened you away. Really, Nicky has very nice manners.’

  ‘I’ve noticed. And don’t worry, he doesn’t frighten me. But I have no expectations,’ Kate said. ‘I’m just enjoying his company.’

  Melanie picked up her drink, took a sip as though giving herself time to find the right words. ‘You may or may not know this,’ she finally said, ‘but you’re the only woman who seems to have gotten through to him. Just the fact that you’re staying at Nick’s house – that house – and that he brought you to my birthday tonight is really … unprecedented. So I worry that you may be able to hurt him,’ she said, her gaze that same clear blue as Dominic’s. ‘He has vulnerabilities.’

  ‘I doubt I can hurt Dominic. If anyone’s going to be hurt, it’ll be me. His track record with women’ – Kate shrugged – ‘isn’t reassuring. But honestly, I don’t know what he wants. We’ve only known each other for such a short time.’ It was easier to be practical in public with Dominic out of sight; she could more easily lock away her feelings and offer scripted press release comments instead.

  ‘But you like him.’

  ‘Who wouldn’t like him? He’s an amazing man.’

  Melanie smiled. ‘I think so too.’

  Then curiosity overcame practicalities, perhaps even politesse. ‘May I ask you a question, and if you feel I’m out of line, just tell me.’ Kate ran her finger down the condensation on her glass. ‘Dominic’s house … that is, in the house … there’s no evidence of his wife anywhere.’

  ‘That’s because Julia preferred their apartment on Russian Hill. She called that house Dominic’s surfing museum. Nothing much has changed there since he bought it. He likes it that way. Don’t get me wrong, Julia was very good for him. The best friend he ever had. Maybe the only real friend he ever had. They went everywhere together, to the most dangerous and amazing places. I think she offered him constant distraction beyond the machinations of the business world. Nick isn’t good alone. He surrounds himself with people and constant activity. He always has. With the exception of his reading. You probably saw his books. Did he show you the room over the garage he calls his library?’

  ‘No, I’d like to see it. I saw the books in his room.’

  ‘I don’t think Julia shared that interest. She was a complete extrovert; she belonged to any number of charities, sat on the boards of several. But most importantly, Julia was completely loyal and in Dominic’s cut-throat world, that kind of loyalty is rare.’ Melanie paused for a moment. ‘Julia’s death left a huge black hole in Dominic’s life. It was such a senseless traffic accident. Dominic was haunted with the feeling that if he’d been there she’d still be alive.’

  ‘I’d heard.’ And now she knew why. Julia was a paragon of womanhood.

  ‘Although you seem to have changed the recent course of Dominic’s life.’ Melanie smiled. ‘I don’t wish to offend you, so I’m trying to delicately skirt the subject of your and Dominic’s relationship …’

  Kate lifted her brows faintly. ‘I’m not sure we have a relationship.’

  ‘Allow me to disagree,’ Melanie softly countered. ‘And that’s why I’m pressing you when I’ve barely met you. But you see, Nicky has never brought anyone other than Julia over to our house. A woman, I mean. And we all had orders to be especially nice to you.’ Melanie smiled. ‘He just doesn’t do things like that.’ She laughed. ‘So I’m really wondering if you cast some spell over him.’

  ‘If anyone’s cast a spell over anyone, it’s the other way round. I’m trying to keep my feet on the ground in a world I’ve never known. Dominic’s wealth is overwhelming. He deals with it casually, tells me to do the same, but I can’t. It’s intimidating; he’s intimidating at times. He doesn’t take no for an answer.’ Another shrug. ‘But I seem to be unhappy without him. He tells me he feels the same way, although honestly, I can’t imagine someone like Dominic sustaining a – quote, unquote – relationship for long.’ Kate made a sweeping gesture with her free hand. ‘There. All my cards are on the table.’

  ‘I like your honesty.’ Melanie leaned over and patted Kate’s knee. ‘And I’m relieved. Most women are attracted to Dominic’s wealth.’

  ‘He’s aware of that, actually
cynical about it. I’m not sure he understands that money or not, he’d have women chasing him.’

  ‘Apparently his cynicism outweighs logic.’ Well aware of her brother’s history with women, Melanie deliberately changed the subject. ‘Will you be travelling with Dominic?’ she asked. ‘He never stays anywhere long.’

  ‘No. We’re on this vacation of his and then I have to go back to work.’

  ‘He said you won’t work for him.’

  Kate took a small breath, debated how much to say, chose discretion. ‘I wouldn’t be comfortable working for him.’

  ‘Because?’

  I’m jealous of every woman he talks to – a real deterrent to workplace harmony. ‘It’s just a personal preference.’

  ‘I’m sorry,’ Melanie said quickly, taking note of the embarrassment pinking Kate’s cheeks. ‘I’ve really pried, haven’t I? But he’s my baby brother.’

  ‘It’s not a problem. I understand.’

  ‘Well, I’m pleased you like him,’ Melanie said. ‘And I’m pleased he brought you to visit and I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you both get what you want.’

  ‘May I ask one more question? Dominic said your mother would be here tonight.’

  ‘Ask anything you like. As for Mother’ – she paused – ‘I try to include her in family occasions as a courtesy.’

  ‘When I met your mother in Hong Kong, I wasn’t aware of the therapists and … er … resentments. Now that I know some of what went on, I’m surprised Dominic was so—’

  ‘Tolerant of her?’ Melanie interposed. ‘That’s because there’s nothing Mother can do or say that touches him. I’m not sure there ever really was. It was always just a struggle for supremacy and Nick won that war.’ Melanie grimaced faintly. ‘Although in the way of a preemptive apology, please don’t take anything Mother says to heart tonight.’

  Kate smiled. ‘I won’t.’

  ‘And if Mother does offend you, I’m sure Dominic will step in.’

  ‘Oh dear.’

  ‘No, no, you’re not to blame. It’s just that Mother takes pleasure in annoying Nick. He has no problem defending himself. He’s really quite surefooted after all these years.’