“Oh, there you are, Claire. I thought I had lost you. They’re waiting for you in Mr. Lickman’s office. This way.” Suzanne moved rapidly.
Claire hurried behind her. As soon as she entered David Lickman’s posh office and saw the people, who were apparently waiting for her, she flushed with embarrassment.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know it was a meeting. I should have hurried.” She took an empty chair and looked around the office, recognizing several of the people, including Wiley, MiMi, Doug and Jack.
“Claire, MiMi and I were both very concerned about your sudden decision to return to California.”
He waved away her surprised look. “No. No, it’s not because you’re not coming to the house although, frankly, we were both looking forward to getting to know you better. No, we’re just concerned that if what happened to you last night was anything but a random act of violence, going home might actually put you in harm’s way, instead of removing you.”
The logic of his words hit her and she suddenly found it difficult to breathe.
David continued, softly, “We couldn’t bear to have something happen to you after all you did for us. We feel we have to make sure of your safety.”
Wiley, on David’s nod, began, “Jack gave us a brief rundown of the incident on the Mall. He says after leaving you last night he delivered the knife to his people for a lab check. As of a few minutes ago they haven’t turned up anything, although they were able to confirm that they did find several partials and one full print on the weapon.”
“When do they think they’ll finish running the prints against the database?” Doug asked, concern clear in his eyes.
“And will they check with the locals as well as the FBI and Interpol?” one of the people Claire didn’t recognize asked.
The door opened and Neil came into the room and took the last empty chair. He looked around expectantly. “Sorry I’m late. What’s up?”
“Neil, glad you made it. I was hoping Suzanne’s message would catch up with you.” David was relieved Neil made it to the meeting.
Neil listened to Wiley briefly recap what had already transpired.
“Come on, Wiley. This is D.C. How many people get mugged here everyday? And probably most of them are tourists.” He shook his head, disbelief showing clearly on his face. “I mean, do you seriously think this incident is part of a conspiracy?”
Neil’s scorn actually made Claire feel better. He was right. It was only a chance mugging. They were all over-reacting.
“Neil, if there is any chance of it being something more we have to take the proper precautions.” MiMi’s voice was soft but firm.
“Yes, MiMi’s right, we can’t take any chances. Claire is here on our invitation. She has already been exposed to far too much danger on our behalf. We need to be absolutely sure she is safe before we send her home,” David chided Neil.
“Of course, you’re right, MiMi...David. We wouldn’t want to take any chances which could result in harm to Ms. Gulliver.” Neil turned to Claire, smiling. “So what is your plan for protecting her until we can determine whether the attack was random or specific?” He eyed Wiley, and then his look swept on to Jack. “You’re with the Company, if I remember correctly. Will your people take on this responsibility?”
Jack looked uncomfortable but shook his head no. “I don’t think we can do anything here on U.S. soil. That task would more likely fall to the FBI, or even the local police. Or perhaps private security would be a better option until we are able to identify this guy and determine if he has any affiliations with the group in London.”
“But didn’t your group take responsibility for Claire’s safety in London? All of a sudden it’s not your problem?” Neil sounded annoyed; it was obvious he thought Claire’s safety was Jack’s responsibility.
Jack didn’t rise to the bait. “It’s not that it’s not our problem, it’s more that we don’t have jurisdiction. Naturally we want to keep her safe. And if the attack has anything to do with the Guiness business, it’s ours, even if we have to work through our local colleagues. Doug and I will meet with both agencies when we leave here and see if we can get it sorted out. Meanwhile, I’m afraid Vantage will have to be responsible for your guest.”
“This is ridiculous! Claire must be protected. Wiley, what do you suggest?” MiMi was indignant.
Claire sat there, the conversation flowing around her, wondering how she had even thought that going home was going to make her safe. All those years ago when she had been a mystery novel fan she had frequently been irritated when the innocent heroine had unwittingly put herself in harm’s way when it was so apparent to the reader that applying a little common sense would have kept her out of danger. And yet, here she was trying to do something stupid.
“Claire,” MiMi was leaning toward her, “Claire, why don’t you just come home with us. You’d be safe there, and you could come into the city for sightseeing with Charlie. He’d watch out for you. He is really more of a bodyguard than a chauffeur. Isn’t that right, David?”
“Of course, why didn’t I think of it? It’s perfect, Claire. You were going to come out to the house for the weekend anyway. Just come home with us today. I’m sure we can jockey Charlie’s schedule around to accommodate you. And perhaps your friends here,” he gestured toward Jack and Doug, “can volunteer to take you to some of the attractions you’re interested in visiting.”
Claire was horrified. “Oh, no. I couldn’t. It would be such an imposition. And Jack and Doug have other responsibilities. And, I’m sure Charlie has a fulltime job already without me added to his tasks.” Then she turned to MiMi. “And you have to get ready for your Gala. Please, I agree I should stay until we determine where this attack came from, but I’ll just stay at the hotel. The people there will watch out for me and I’ll be careful.”
The chorus of disagreement was emphatic. Claire sat back stunned. On one hand, she was appreciative of the universal concern. On the other, she was appalled that she wasn’t going to be able to prevail.
“Nonsense, you won’t be any trouble for me! First of all, I already have my two granddaughters visiting while their parents are out of town. If I can cope with them, I won’t even notice you. And the house practically runs itself. I have to do very little to prepare for the party. The staff does most of it.” A smile spread across her face, as she encouraged Claire. “I think it would be fun. Perhaps not what you expected from a tour of Washington, but we have tennis, a pool and, of course, sailing if you like that.
“Please say yes. I know I’ll feel much better about your safety if I have you right where I can keep my eye on you.”
Claire had misgivings. She was sure she would be a bother, but she couldn’t find a graceful way to escape. And the Lickmans were sure her assailant would be identified within forty-eight hours and then, hopefully, he would be picked up and they would have their answer.
The meeting disbanded shortly after, and everyone left with certain tasks to accomplish. Claire’s was to go back to her hotel and pack. Charlie would then bring her back with him to pick up the Lickmans for the drive home.
Later, when the limousine turned onto a private road, MiMi reached across the space between the facing seats and patted her knee. “Well dear, here we are.”
David put away the papers he was reading. “Smooth ride, Charlie. Traffic was good for a change.”
“Yes, sir. I’m sure glad for Ms. Gulliver’s benefit. This way she didn’t have to be subjected to that colorful language you use to describe the other drivers’ skills.”
David chuckled. “Me? Come on, Charlie, you know how good-natured I am.”
“For sure Charlie knows, dear. And you may get away with fooling Claire for a few more hours, but I doubt you can hide your true nature much longer.”
“Claire,” he protested in an injured tone, “I’m being maligned. I’m a very gentle soul and, after I’ve changed my clothes and had a cocktail, I expect to be even mellower.”
They
had no more than gotten out of the car when the door on the wide portico burst open and a whirlwind shouting, “Gramimi, Grandpap,” launched herself toward MiMi. On seeing Claire, the little girl suddenly shy, stopped, causing the larger girl behind her to crash into her.
MiMi reached out quickly, saving them both from a fall, and laughed. “Careful, careful.” Then leaning down she swept them both in a hug. “I missed the two of you too.”
Following closely was an older, gray haired woman, scolding the barking, jumping white terrier, who didn’t pay the least bit of attention to her commands.
“Tuffy, quiet!” David said sternly. Then after giving each of the girls a hug and a kiss on the cheek, he bent over to fondle the terrier’s ears. “Well, Claire, welcome to our quiet home. You know, the one you were afraid to be a bother in.”
Claire had to laugh, immediately feeling as if she belonged.
“Oh, Claire, where are my manners? This is Amy and JoJo, our precious granddaughters.” She put her arms around the two girls. “And this is Mrs. Kramer, the only sane person in the whole household.”
Mrs. Kramer, a twinkle in her eye, nodded her head. “A few more days alone with this group and that won’t be true any longer.”
The dog barked for attention, dancing in circles around his mistress. MiMi bent over and patted him fondly. “And this is my baby, Laird Tuffus McGee. Tuffy for short.”
“He looks just like the white dog in the Black and White Scotch ads,” Claire couldn’t help exclaiming.
MiMi nodded. “He’s a West Highland Terrier. The black is a Scottie.”
“He’s my baby, aren’t you, Tuffy?” The smallest girl knelt down wrapping her arms around the wiggling dog, rubbing her face in his neck while the dog twisted and turned trying to lick her.
“Amy, you know he isn’t,” her sister scolded.
“He is too. Gramimi said that while I was here he could be my baby, didn’t you, Gramimi?”
“Of course, while you’re here everything in the whole house is yours, and JoJo’s. Right, Grandpap?”
“Right! Now let’s go in the house and pretend like we’re civilized.”
“Mrs. Kramer, which room did you prepare for Claire?”
“The Rose Room. I thought she would enjoy it,” Mrs. Kramer told MiMi, at the same time indicating with her head that Charlie should deliver the bags upstairs.
“Yes, that’s good. Claire, may I suggest you go up and change into something more comfortable, as I plan to do. We’re having a casual dinner tonight with the girls. So when you’re ready, come down and join us for a drink in the parlor.” She motioned to a door off the large entry hall they were standing in. “And then we’ll give you a tour so you can find your way around.”
“That would be great. I’ve been wearing these heels far too long.” Claire grimaced, wishing her pinched toes had reached the numb stage.
“If you’d like to follow me, I’ll show you your room,” Mrs. Kramer said.
“Gramimi, can I show her up?” JoJo offered shyly.
“Would you, JoJo? I’m sure Mrs. Kramer has other things to do, and I know Claire would appreciate it.” She smiled fondly at the girl, and then suggested to Amy, “Why don’t you take Tuffy down to the solarium and play ball with him?”
“You’re so lucky to have the Rose Room,” JoJo said over her shoulder as she led the way up the generous curved staircase located at the back of the entry hall. “It’s my favorite room.”
“It is? Then why aren’t you staying in the Rose room?” Claire inquired.
“Oh, no! We couldn’t.” She was shocked at the suggestion. “We’re in the nursery. That’s where we always stay. It’s where Gramimi stayed when she was a little girl, and my mother did too, when she was little. But the Rose Room is different. You’ll see. It’s so romantic.” The girl sighed. “When I’m grown up and bring my husband to visit, Gramimi promised we could stay in the Rose Room.”
Then JoJo opened the double doors so Claire could see. It was beautiful. Soft rose colored silk covered the walls. French windows draped with gauzy white and outlined with a fabric full of large roses made up the far wall and looked over an immense body of water. The bed, tucked into an alcove was covered with the same material as the drapes. The white gauzy fabric floated down from the canopy. Two chairs flanking a small table in front of the fireplace were covered with more roses, not quite so big and against a soft green background. The tables and bureaus were a combination of woods but all blended together as if picked precisely to compliment each other. The deep pile rug was more flowers, roses of course, and instead of overwhelming the room it seemed to pull it all together. This room was as airy and beautiful as a spring day. Claire felt herself relax, sensing she would sleep well in this delightful room.
“JoJo, you’re right. It is beautiful.”
“And romantic, don’t you think?”
Claire looked around her thoughtfully and then smiled. “Yes, I do. It’s very romantic. It was very nice of Mrs. Kramer to put me in this room.”
A discreet knock on the open door interrupted them.
“Can I just put these down for you, Ms. Gulliver?” Charlie had Claire’s bags. He went into the attached room which opened into a luxurious bath and opened the closet, pulling out a luggage rack on which to place her large wheelie bag. “If you’d like some help unpacking, just hit star-seven on the phone and Mrs. Kramer will arrange it. She will also take care of any laundry or ironing you need done.” He smiled and winked at JoJo as he hurried out.
Claire looked at the bag and sighed. She would have to unpack. Maybe her clothes hadn’t had time to wrinkle again as she had only packed them a short while ago. And she needed to find her other shoes.
“JoJo, Gramimi said for you to go get changed for dinner.” Amy popped her head in the open doorway.
Claire wondered if the little girl ever slowed down; she was like a whirling dervish with her eyes sparkling, her toes dancing, every bit of her was in constant motion.
“I thought we weren’t dressing.” JoJo was clearly reluctant to move, hovering expectantly over Claire’s suitcase and waiting to see what treasures would come forth.
“Not dressed, but Gramimi said no shorts. We can pick. Come on, I’ll race you to the nursery.”
With that she was off and JoJo, refusing to be beaten, was on her heels. Claire was left in peace to look more closely at the room; to peek out the windows at the sloping lawn ending at a dock stretching into the bay, or inlet, or whatever it was; to change into a casual dress, a soft print with a longish skirt and matching soft blouse; and finally, to plop in the comfortable chair and rest a moment.
Maybe she dozed, but suddenly she was conscious that time had been moving along and she wondered if she was late. She punched in the number star-seven on the phone and, sure enough, Mrs. Kramer answered.
“I’m sorry to bother you, Mrs. Kramer, but I wondered what time dinner was being served.”
“No bother, none. And a good thing you called or you might have missed cocktails. Dinner is at seven tonight. You know, because of the girls’ schedule. Cocktails are being served now in the parlor, so any time you’re ready will be fine.”
It didn’t take long, because suddenly Claire felt the need for a cocktail.
“Hello, dear. Are you settling in?” MiMi turned to her husband. “Get Claire a drink, love. She looks as if she could use one.”
David was sitting in a comfortable looking chair with a glass of amber liquid in his hand. He good-naturedly got to his feet. “What can I get you?”
“White wine would be great, thanks.” Claire looked around the room with appreciation. “What a wonderful house you have MiMi. It’s like some of the great manor houses I saw in Britain but more comfortable, like it’s really lived in.”
“That’s very sweet. We do live in it and we’ve tried to keep it updated so it’s comfortable as well. It’s so sad when one of these lovely houses becomes so outdated it is a chore to live in it. Sudden
ly it’s so costly to update that the owners would rather sell it or tear it down. That’s what happened to this old neighborhood. When my mother lived here there were more than two-dozen of these great houses. Now we’re the only one left.” She sighed and smiled. “But we love this place, don’t we, dear?”
“We do. But we could have had a couple of new homes for the cost of upkeep on this one,” her husband grumbled, then admitted, “but MiMi’s right. We all love it, and someday the granddaughters will be living here.”
As if on cue, there were footsteps in the hall and Amy arrived in her customary burst of energy. “Did we miss cocktails? Did we? JoJo took so long to decide what to wear, I didn’t think she’d ever be ready.”
“Shush, Amy. I did not.” JoJo arrived more sedately as befitted her ten-year-old maturity.
“You both look very nice, girls. And you have plenty of time for a drink. Grandpap, the girls need a cocktail.”
David got to his feet once more, winking at the girls as he mixed elaborate drinks of fruit juice and seltzer. He placed them on a small tray and served them with a flourish they clearly enjoyed.
Dinner was served in a small intimate dining room, separated from the large formal room by slider doors. When they had large parties, MiMi explained, they could extend the size of the larger room by opening the sliders. And breakfast and lunch were usually served in the solarium. She gestured to the room so Claire would be able to find it in the morning.
“In the morning there is coffee, juice and fruit set out there from six o’clock until about ten, and you just ring the buzzer near the serving table when you’re ready for your breakfast. That way everyone can keep to his or her own schedule. We find it very efficient.
“Of course, the morning after the Gala the house will be full of people, so we’ll have someone manning the breakfast room the whole morning.”
Claire Gulliver #02 - Washington Weirdos Page 4
