Dangerous Inheritance

by Shirley E. Watson

  Cassie shrugged impatiently, intent on her work. “Please stop. We’re just friends. It’s good to have friends. He’s more like a brother, really. Our mothers knew each other and we’ve known each other forever. No surprises.”

  “Sometimes surprises are good, Cassie”

  “Not for me. I’ve got a plan.”

  Mary Ellen stared at her curiously. “Really?” She shook her head. “What does he do, again?”

  Cassie stacked some books on the cart to be shelved. “He’s an engineering consultant with two other men. It’s their own company. I think they do quite well with it and it’s nice that he can make his own hours. End of story.”

  Mary Ellen looked wistful. “Making your own hours. Sounds great, doesn’t it?” She rolled the cart of books away to shelve them.

  When Cassie’s shift ended, she trudged out to her car. She put a finger on what seemed to be a new place where the paint was missing. It was starting to be a little noticeable. Oh, well, it didn’t cost that much to run, no sense worrying about appearances. But she wondered if she should try to touch it up. She’d have to ask Rob if he knew if this might lead to a rust spot. It had been running well, without any major problems, thank Heavens, she thought.

  When she pulled up in front of her rented condo, there seemed to be no empty parking spaces. Her roommate’s car was in their one assigned space. She drove around and around in frustration until someone pulled out.

  Fitting her key into the lock, she opened the front door and threw her bag and coat on a chair. She went into the tiny kitchen and poured herself a Coke. On her way to the living room couch, she grabbed her mail from the table beside the door and flopped down. Her roommate, Alice, turned down the sound of the newscast.

  “Hard day at the library?” she asked, holding the remote ready to turn up the sound again.

  Cassie was leafing through her mail. “Pretty much as usual. Go back to your program” She went on, talking as much to herself as to Alice, “The dentist bill so soon! I only went there two days ago. Well, I guess I’ll have to pay it sooner or later, anyway. They can wait a few days until I get paid again.” She thrust the other mail into her pocketbook to deal with later and jumped up to go into the bedroom. She looked back at Alice, “I need to get going. I’m going out tonight..”

  Alice looked away from the TV as Cassie came out of the bedroom carrying clean clothing, heading for the bathroom.

  “Rob, right? Hope you have a great time. Where are you going? Any place exciting?”

  “Some country music concert.”

  “Oh, sounds nice. Fill me in later.”

  Alice turned up the newscast again.

  Cassie showered and towel dried her long pale blonde hair. She tied it back into a pony tail with a black ribbon and put on a pale green dress. She went out into the living room.

  Alice looked over and grimaced. “Aren’t you going to wear a little make up? You’re very pale without it, and that color….” She broke off..

  But Cassie shook her head. “You know I don’t wear a lot of make-up, Alice. We’re just going to a country music concert, anyway.”

  Alice was something of a fashionista, as the current term was. Cassie knew she was usually up on all the latest trends and always looked cute with her short dark hair in a chic cut and slim figure. She seemed as though she would like to say a lot more on her favorite subject but was prevented from doing it by the front door bell.

  Cassie escaped the fashion lesson. “Rob’s here. See you later, Alice.”

  The concert was in a local Fire Hall. People streamed in wearing casual clothes and some wore Western shirts. A few women wore boots and wide skirts. Friends called to friends, children fidgeted, it was a noisy scene.

  Rob patted Cassie’s hand. “Glad you came, Halfpint.” It was his childhood nickname for her. “Now isn’t this fun?”

  She glanced at him. “Well, let’s see how the music is, first.” She gave him a smile to indicate that she really was enjoying his invitation. They had gone to a local steakhouse before the concert and he’d urged her to have wine while he had a beer. He took a swallow and put down the mug.

  “Relax, Cassie. Just for tonight, don’t worry about your Dad. Try to have a little fun.” Rob looked at her with a grin.

  She gripped the stem of the wine glass and sipped at the Cabernet. She took a deep breath and caught his expression. It seemed like he was hanging over a toddler earnestly trying to get it to eat. She couldn’t help laughing and he laughed along with her.

  “That’s the idea. Now how about those T-bones?”

  They were now sitting on folding chairs and the musicians were tuning their instruments. She shifted on the metal seat and adjusted her bag on the floor. She saw her forgotten mail poking out of it and pulled it out to examine it while they waited. She stared at the envelope, then ripped it open and frowned at the letterhead of a Massachusetts lawyer.

  “What is this?” She opened and read the letter quietly, then put it down and looked up at the stage. She was still so long that Rob complained that she wasn’t replying to his comments.

  He looked down at her. “Something wrong?”

  “I hope not. It looks like I’m supposed to be going to Boston next week. I don’t know if I can do that, Rob.”

  “Going to Boston? What is it? Is something wrong?” He looked at the letter lying in her lap.

  Cassie shook her head. “No, I don’t think so. This letter says a lawyer up there wants to see me. Something about my grandfather. I guess I’ll have to go to find out what it is.”

  “Listen, whatever it is, I know you can handle it. And Boston isn’t far away. Doesn’t it say what it’s about in the letter?”

  She handed him the letter. He scanned it, then reached over and patted her hand.

  “At least it seems all aboveboard. I’ve heard of that lawyer. He’s almost famous, gives seminars occasionally that I wouldn’t mind attending. Hey, maybe your grandpa left you a little money. Ever think of that?”

  Cassie laughed. “That seems fantastic. But I could use a couple of hundred dollars if he wants to give it to me. My car could use it.” Then she frowned.

  “But my Dad. Who’s going to be here for him?”

  “How about your sister.? Can’t she take over for a couple of days?”

  “I don’t think so. I can get away, but she can’t leave her job and the child, too. She’s got so much responsibility. That’s why I’m the one who tries to keep an eye on Dad.”

  “Well, Cass, don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”

  “You will?”

  “Yes, if it means that much to you.”

  “You know, Rob, I think it might mean something. I just have the feeling it might be important. I’ve always wondered about my grandparents. I know nothing about them, really. This might be my one chance to find out. I’m going to do it.”

  Rob squeezed her hand harder. “Hey, that’s the spirit! I think you should do it. You put so much time into worrying about your Dad. You deserve a little trip.”

  The band had finished tuning up and now they struck up a lively song. Everyone clapped along with the music and Cassie found herself doing the same. She grinned at Rob. He smiled back and pretended to play an air guitar.

  CHAPTER 3

  The lights were romantically low, candles burned on the tables, fresh flowers decorated the center. The smells wafting from the direction of the kitchen were heavenly. Too bad I’m not a customer instead of schlepping this heavy tray around every night, thought Lee Girard as she hurried to the customers with a sizzling steak for the man and a shrimp salad for the lady. The woman looked up with a smile and picked up her fork. “I’m starving tonight, honey,” she said to the man she was with. “Oh, this is good!” she commented to Lee as she sampled one of the grilled shrimp.

  “Glad you like it. Anything else I can get you?” Lee asked. When the answer was no, she hurried back to her station. Her shift was almost over, thank Heavens. Her feet ached a
nd she was ready to relax in front of the TV. Finally, the last customer was served and she looked at her tips. Not too bad a night. The last customer had tipped well. She threw off her apron, pulled on a jacket and went out into the night. Her old car started up well. It didn’t look like much, she thought, but mechanically, it was OK. Thanks to her last boyfriend. Even if he sucked as a romantic partner, he was talented as a mechanic. She didn’t know what her current boyfriend was good at, though. Not much, she thought as she drove home. At first, like all the other dates she’d had, she was blinded by the dream. This dream was of a man who was besotted with her, who only wanted to carry her off and treat her like a princess, give her that fairytale ending. Somehow, it all went wrong by the third or fourth date, but by that time, she was committed to something. And it wasn’t easy to get rid of them.

  Jay had to be the worst one yet. He was incapable of seeing anything except in reference to himself. She thought he had a good job but apparently, it was only a job he aspired to. He hadn’t got it yet. So essentially, she thought, he was crashing on her couch. She’d have to get rid of him fast. She couldn’t afford to support anyone else in addition to herself. She wanted to get a bigger apartment and bring home her six year old son, who was currently living with a friend while Lee got her act together after the divorce. Yeah, right.

  She pulled into the parking lot in front of the apartment building. Hurrying up the stairs, she unlocked the door to loud music. Jay was drinking beer and had the stereo turned up.

  She gritted her teeth. He was good looking but she didn’t think she could take this a minute longer.

  “The neighbors will be complaining, Jay. Can you turn it down?”

  He grinned lazily and stretched. “Come over here, sweet one. Forget the nosy neighbors.”

  “I can’t forget them. I don’t want to get thrown out of my place.”

  “Oh, you’ll find another one fast. You’ve got a good job. You’re smart.”

  “It’s not all that easy to get a job, Jay.” Something you don’t know because, apparently, you never look for one, she thought.

  How did she get herself involved this way? After the last relationship, she had sworn off men. But she had a soft heart and a sad story touched her. She also tended to believe plausible, good looking men. I’ve got to learn to recognize a con job, she told herself. At least, she got her car fixed with her last romance, she thought with a wry humor that told her she might be getting some perspective.

  “Jay, is there any of that casserole left?”

  “Er, sorry. I thought you left it all for me.”

  Lee went to make herself a grilled cheese sandwich. She looked at Jay, stretched on the couch, his hand slapping it in time to the music, eyes closed.

  “I’ve got a call to make.”

  He didn’t answer or open his eyes.

  She took the sandwich into the bedroom and shut the door. She dialed her friend’s number.

  “Hi, Andrea. I know it’s late, but how is Stevie doing?”

  “Oh, Lee, he’s asleep. But he had a good day. We talked about school again. He’s looking forward to starting kindergarten in the Fall. He really loves his daycare, you know. I didn’t think he needed it, but now I have to admit you were right. The couple of days a week in a playgroup is good for him. He misses you so much, though.” Her friend sounded tired. Lee felt bad about dumping this responsibility on her. Andrea had raised her own family already. But they both thought that Stevie would have a more stable life with Andrea babysitting him until Lee could get settled. Andrea asked again, “Still no word about his Dad? Do you think you’ll be able to get child support?”

  Lee said, “No, and to tell the truth, Andrea, I’m not sure I’ll ever hear anything. He was getting heavy into drugs. But don’t say anything to Stevie.”

  Andrea sighed. “Of course, not. Well, don’t worry, he’s doing OK. He’s a good boy.”

  Lee’s heart contracted. She wished she could spend more time with Stevie. She swallowed over a lump in her throat. “I’ll be over tomorrow night. I have off. I’m hoping by the Fall, I can get that new apartment with the two bedrooms and he can come live with me again. Once he starts school, I won’t need so much daycare and if you can fill in babysitting, that would be great. I miss him so much, too.”

  “You can come live with us anytime, you know, I’ve got that extra room.”

  “Yes, I know, but I need to be independent, Andrea. I appreciate the offer. Maybe just keep it for now in case I need to take you up on it some time.”

  “Of course. You don’t even have to ask. When I was your age…..but you don’t want to hear all that.”

  “You’re a good friend. You understand. Good night, kiss Stevie for me.”

  “OK, Lee, just remember that you’re a good Mom, too. How’s it going with your friend Jay? Anything good there?” Andrea sounded curious.

  “I can’t talk about it now. I’ll fill you in later.” Lee hung up. She finished her sandwich and her head dropped on the pillow. A tapping on the door aroused her and she called. “Yes?”

  Jay’s voice was thick. “C’mon out and join the fun. I miss ya. I just love curvy brunettes with attitude.”

  She opened the door a crack. “I’m really tired. I’m just going to go to bed.”

  He persisted, leaning towards her, a wave of beer fumes floating from him. “Alone? I’ve been waiting just for you.”

  She shut the door firmly. “Sorry, I just need my rest.”

  There was a crash that sounded as though he had kicked something. Lee’s nerves jangled. She leaned against the door, listening. “Well, I’m bored. I might go out.” he called through from the other side.

  Lee let out a breath she wasn’t aware she was holding. “OK I don’t mind. Go ahead.”

  She heard him banging around a little and then the door opened and closed again. He’d pull the couch out later, probably waking her from sleep. How did she get herself into these situations? She made sure the door was firmly shut. Then put a chair under the handle. This relationship or whatever it was had to end. She was so over it.

  She pulled on her pajamas and sank into bed and was asleep instantly, her tired body taking over. If Jay made noise in the living room, or tried the door handle, she never heard it.

  The next morning, she woke and remembered it was her day off. She felt better instantly. Jay, as expected, snored on the couch. She ignored him. Time to catch up on neglected chores, get out into the fresh air, go to Andrea’s and see Stevie. She looked around at the battered forty year old furniture and once again resolved to have better stuff when she and Stevie got their own place. There was a pile of mail haphazardly thrown on the sideboard. From yesterday. She took it up and threw most of it out right away. All junk mail. A couple of bills and an envelope that looked like it came from some fancy lawyer. She opened it, curious. Huh, how about that, it really was from a fancy lawyer. Maybe it’s real, not one of those scams they’re always sending. She almost tossed it into the wastebasket anyway, but the quality of the paper made her hold onto it, Didn’t look like the rest of the junk mail. She slit it open and read it. They’re giving me tickets to Boston? That doesn’t make sense. I’d have to take time off work. It has to be some kind of con. Nevertheless, she didn’t throw it out. The rich cream-colored heavy stationery with the fancy printing wasn’t something that just anybody sent.

  She made tea and sat sipping it. Then she called a friend, a waitress named Sally Ann, and described the letter.

  “Did you get anything like that in the mail recently?”

  “Read it to me?”

  Lee read it.

  Sally Ann said, “No, I didn’t get that letter. Either it’s something new or it’s legit. Why don’t you call them up and try to get some more information. Do they have a phone number?”

  “Yes, they do. I guess I might as well. What if it’s something that Randy thought up?”

  “You don’t think he’d try to take Stevie away from you?”
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br />   “I don’t know. He just cut out and disappeared one day and that was the last I heard of him. I’ve always been afraid he’d turn up again. I’ve got custody, but it’s always been in the back of my mind that he might decide to take Stevie away. I’m not sure if he can do that or not. But where is he?”

  “Well, only one way to find out what this thing is. When you know, call me back. By the way, if you need time off, I could fill in. I’d like to make some extra money.”

  “OK, thanks, Sal.”

  Lee hung up and listened to the snoring coming from the couch. She went into the bedroom and called the number on the letter. No sense in keeping herself in suspense.

  A voice with what she would have described as a “snooty accent” that told her the woman was used to talking with rich people answered. “Clifton Montville’s office, Klara Voss speaking.”

  Lee felt reassured when she heard her voice. It didn’t seem like the voice of a con artist. But of course, they would sound plausible, wouldn’t they?

  “Can you tell me what this is all about?” she asked Klara, after introducing herself and explaining that she had received a letter.

  “It’s too complicated to explain over the phone. But I assure you, everything is quite aboveboard. You’ll have to come here so Mr. Montville can talk with you. I’m just Mr. Montville’s assistant.”

  Lee hesitated.

  Klara Voss went on, “I’m sure you’re reluctant to just drop everything and come here. I would be, in your place. So Mr. Montville arranged with a lawyer in your town to vouch for us. If you call Mortimer, Sachs and McDowell tomorrow, they will assure you we are above board.”

  Lee was reassured. Mortimer Sachs was the top law firm in the county. She would definitely get in touch with them though.

  She said, “Well, I’m trusting you, now. I will call Mortimer Sachs as you said, of course. Because I’ll have to leave my job for a week, and leave my son with a babysitter. This better not be a waste of my time. I just can’t afford it.”

  “I promise you, Ms. Girard, this will not be a waste of your time. You will stay in a hotel and we will pay your expenses while you’re here.” The woman’s voice was smooth and soothing.