“Thank you for this special homecoming, and most of all for saving me from a madman. I didn’t give up hope. I knew you’d find me, and you did. Anything I can ever do for any of you, I’m your woman.”
We moved from the kitchen to the living room and I curled up in an oversized chair with Jazz on my lap, listening to small talk about new clients that they’d acquired. I tried hard not to yawn, but I was losing the fight.
I felt someone touch my arm, and I jumped. I opened my eyes and saw Fab standing next to me. I realized I had fallen asleep in the chair. “You fell asleep,” Fab said. “We have to go.”
“It’s rude of me to go to sleep,” I apologized.
“You just got out of the hospital. I’ll come by tomorrow and check on you. I’ll bring you a caramel latte, double whip. Call me if anything creepy happens. I’ll bring my big guns, and we’ll play shoot out,” she said.
“You do realize that your saving my life makes us good friends?”
Though she was clearly caught off guard, from the look on her face she wasn’t opposed to the idea. I wanted to laugh, but was afraid I’d hurt her feelings.
“See you tomorrow.” She waved good-bye, and left, taking Axe with her.
Zach came over and whispered, “I’ll be back in the morning.”
When everyone had left, I put my arms around Mother and hugged her. “You’re the best. Thanks for always being calm under pressure. Hearing your voice in the midst of the chaos gave me a few moments of sanity. I’ve been waiting ever since I woke up in the hospital to have a private moment with you.”
“I’m focusing on the fact that you’re home and healthy. Good thing the little bastard is in jail,” she said.
“My thoughts exactly.”
“I realize you’re just out of the hospital, but I’m not leaving without you telling me how you met these people. I want the entire story, Madison,” she said, stressing the word entire. “I’m staying until you’re back on your feet, and ready to be by yourself.”
“Now that you’ve met everyone, do you like them?” I asked. I wanted the answer to be ‘yes’.
“I do. Fabiana is my favorite. You wouldn’t know it to look at her, but she’s one fierce chick. She won me over completely when she taught me how to pick a lock,” Mother laughed.
“I need more practice. No fair you caught on like you picked locks in another life.”
“When you’re feeling better, you should throw a pool party. Make it a barbecue and invite all your new friends. A good time to introduce Brad to everyone,” she suggested.
“About Brad…,” I started.
“I’ll tell Brad what happened. Well, maybe not every detail,” she sighed. “He’ll just be happy you’re alive.” She hugged me. “Now go to bed before you fall asleep on my shoulder.”
“I’m happy you’re staying. Come on, Jazz. Time for bed.” Jazz raced ahead of me and beat me up the stairs.
* * *
I had to remind myself that the nightmare was behind me and I was safe. I appreciated having clean sheets, something I always took for granted in the past. They smelled fresh, not like dirt, and no cockroaches were running across my legs. The best part was Jazz on the pillow next to me, sound asleep.
The phone rang. I thought about letting it go to voicemail but answered.
“Madison, this is Howard Sherman. How are you?”
“Relieved to be home,” I told him, getting one of my stomach aches.
“I have good news for you. Tucker Davis couriered over his resignation as executor. He included all of the records for The Cottages, and the estate filings he had completed.”
I exhaled with relief. “That’s great. Did you ask him to resign?” It was hard to believe Tucker would go away on his own volition.
“No, he sent it by messenger and offered no explanation.” You could hear the curiosity in his voice.
“What happens from here?” I asked, surprised by the turn of events.
“You, or someone of your choosing, will step in as executor. The actual duties are limited with the exception of running the property, and there’s no reason why you can’t handle everything. I’ll prepare all of the required documentation the court requires. Ernest Whitman has finished the financial statements. You may operate The Cottages as you wish with no interference from anyone.”
“Who’s been looking after the property? Tucker?”
“Tucker has kept a low profile since all of this became public. A Fabiana Merceau came to my office and told me she would take charge until you were able. I assumed she had your permission?” he asked, sounding worried.
“Oh yes, sorry, I forgot.” Fab was the perfect choice. No one would put anything over on her. Had I told her Joseph had health problems? I wouldn’t want him roughed up too badly.
Mr. Sherman sounded relieved that I was pleased with Fab stepping in. “Since no one is contesting, I’ll have the estate wrapped up in a few months.”
“I’m happy everything will soon be official.”
“I’ll send you a copy of the court filings, and Ernest Whitman will also be sending you a final estate accounting.”
“I really appreciate all of this.”
“Call me if you need anything or have any questions.”
I lay against the pillows, scratching Jazz’s ears, relieved Tucker was out of my life. I never wanted to lay eyes on him again; the man who’d planned to ruin me and then kill me. Zach had said he wouldn’t be prosecuted. There was certainly no fairness in that. I’d bet my meager piggy bank that Zach had something to do with Tucker deciding not to make any more problems.
Against the white shower walls, my body was a gigantic black and blue mark, with tinges of healing yellow starting to show. I stepped under the warm water and let it spray all over me until my skin was wrinkly, obsessed with being clean after the grime of the trailer. Never before had bugs walked all over me, like their personal doormat. I was pleased my body smelled like the freesia fragrance of my favorite shower gel. The thought of anything snug panicked me a little so I slipped on a long hot pink tee shirt dress, deep slits up the side. I planned to sit outside by the pool, and enjoy the fresh air and sun, then go for a swim to stay cool. Maybe talk my mother into playing some poker, clean her out of a few dollars. She was quite the card shark, with her take no prisoners attitude.
Downstairs, Zach sat at the kitchen island with Mother, drinking coffee and eating a cinnamon roll. They’d certainly formed a bond. Wait until Brad sees this, I almost laughed out loud. He had no choice now. He’d have to come around.
“What’s for breakfast?” I asked from the stairs.
“I went to that wonderful Bakery Café this morning,” Mother said, “for egg soufflés and danish, and even picked up a couple of chicken Caesar salads for lunch.”
Zach helped me onto a stool. Mother handed me my coffee and a pecan braid. “You two will have to stop spoiling me,” I said.
“No way,” Zach said kissing me.
“Thank you.”
“For what?” He stared at me, trying to anticipate my next words.
“For getting Tucker out of my life. The only thing better would be telling me he’s going to jail.”
“Not unless Will agrees to testify against him. Seriously, I doubt that’ll happen. He’s lawyered up and not talking. As of right now, Will won’t be charged with the murder of Oscar Wyatt. All they have is your testimony, and it’s not enough. The biggest problem is there’s no independent evidence linking him directly to the crime.”
“Does this mean he’ll be getting out of jail sometime soon?” A feeling of panic swept over me. If Will got a second chance, he wouldn’t waste time killing me. Would I have to live my life with one eye over my shoulder?
“He’s looking at a minimum of twenty-five years here in Florida and after that another long sentence in Georgia. He’ll be an old man before he gets out, if ever.”
“How did you get Tucker to resign?” I looked at Zach.
“
Don’t ask me. Fab informed me that she’d handle everything. The next thing I knew, she flew out the door with Slice behind her, and Tucker resigned as executor,” Zach laughed.
“Did she hurt him?” I asked, a big smile on my face.
“When I ran into Tucker yesterday, he had two black eyes,” he smirked. “Looked like Slice’s handiwork. Those two already had a past.”
“Soon as I’m back to normal, I’m throwing a big thank you pool party for everyone. You guys took care of everything for me, and continue to be on call.”
“You’ve done plenty for me, too, babe, most of which I haven’t been able to show my thanks in the way I want.” Our eyes locked in a sizzle of chemistry.
“Care to enlighten me?” Mother asked, breaking the sexual tension. She’d obviously been working around the kitchen, listening to our conversation.
“I planned on telling you today,” I reassured her. I hoped she wouldn’t regret asking to hear details, and once she got over the shock that she wouldn’t be angry.
“Are you two a couple?” She clearly wanted the answer to be ‘yes’.
“We have each other’s back,” I smiled at Zach.
“Maybe we should go out on another date,” Zach winked at me.
“I’d like that.”
“How’s your therapy going?” Zach asked.
“I didn’t like my therapist. I realize it’s arrogant when you think you’re smarter than the person helping you, but that’s how I felt. She had zero sense of humor, so I found a new one. I called him this morning, and we had a long talk.”
“Him?” Zach questioned suspiciously. “What kind of therapy happens over the phone?”
“The same kind that happens face to face. He has a flexible schedule and makes house calls.” I wasn’t going to confess that my new therapist was Doc Rivers. He’d find out sooner or later.
“Did talking help you?” he asked.
“Yes and he made me laugh a couple of times. The conversation wasn’t all tense and serious. When he told me I’d be able to put this whole drama behind me and move on, I believed him.”
Zach’s cell phone rang. We looked at each other knowing he had to leave. I was surprised he sent the call to voice mail.
“You know….”
I tried not to sulk. “Later.”
“Very soon.” He kissed me.
* * *
Finally the day came to return my mother to her friends and busy life. She looked bored and I felt guilty.
Together by the pool, I told her everything. From how I first met Zach, when he showed up on my patio with a gunshot wound, and every odd adventure in between. I took her to The Cottages and introduced her to Joseph and Miss January. I made sure she met Kitty. She wasn’t happy with me because I didn’t tell her ahead of time the cat was dead.
I was no match for Mother in cards. I now owed her a box of hand rolled cigars, my IOU. I’d surprise her with the same kind Zach gave her. We hugged good-bye and I started to cry. This experience made us closer than ever. We were mother and daughter, as well as friends.
“I’ll come this weekend and stay overnight. We can go to South Beach for dinner.”
“No crying. If you need anything, call me first. And no more hearing about things after the fact,” she said, tears in her eyes.
“Love you.” I waved as she drove away.
Chapter 37
Time to return to my daily routine. It was comforting to know my mother was only a short drive away. Brad would be home soon, and I expected he’d come and stay for a few days. He might stay even longer if I could find him a girlfriend. It would serve him right if I started meddling in his personal life.
It didn’t take me long to get tired of sitting around the house. I walked and swam everyday as part of my therapy. I could now walk without moaning and groaning. The bruises were nearly gone, fading from blue to yellow to nothing.
I knew just where I wanted to go on my first solo outing. Fab had called earlier and told me that Zach had decided to go home early to catch up on paperwork. Except for quick kisses we hadn’t had a single private moment since I’d gotten out of the hospital. We were always surrounded by people.
I called Jake’s, placed an order, and then ran upstairs to throw on a tropical print short skirt and a coral tee top. All the walking on the beach with Mother had left me tanned, so makeup wasn’t necessary. I added a touch of lipstick and shoved my hair into a clip.
Sandals in my hand, I looked forward to getting behind the wheel of my SUV. Mother insisted on doing all of the driving while she stayed with me. She wasn’t angry when I told her about my new life and all the things that had happened since arriving in The Cove. She was more hurt that I didn’t trust her.
Mother told me that Spoon had my SUV towed to his shop to do bodywork from the beating and banging it took. What she hadn’t said was that he’d returned it in mint condition. I inspected every inch and you couldn’t tell it had endured an evening of bumper cars.
I made a pit-stop on the way to Jake’s. My first act as owner-manager of The Cottages had been to knock on Miss January’s and Joseph’s doors and inform them about the changes. I hoped Kevin would let Julie and Liam move back soon. I’d put out the word that I was looking for a local girl to work in the office. In addition, I planned to refurnish and update each unit with fresh paint and fixtures. Next stop: Jake’s.
“How’s it going?” Jake waved.
“I get stronger every day,” I told him, sitting at the bar. “How about half a margarita?”
Jake raised his eyebrows. “Half?”
“I’m thinking a little tipsy, not drunk.”
“You’re crazy.”
“You think that’s the first time I’ve heard that?” I didn’t need to tell Jake anything. He already knew the details, and probably better than I did.
“Your order’s ready,” he said, and handed over a large shopping bag. “Who’s all the food for?”
“Nobody,” I smirked at him.
“Whatever,” he snorted. ‘Nobody’ hasn’t been here in a while. Tell him to stop by. How come your card shark mother let you out of her sight?”
“Cleaned you out, did she?”
He made some sort of noise, and shook his head.
“This food smells heavenly.” I picked up the bag and left.
* * *
I pulled into the driveway of Zach’s warehouse, grabbed the shopping bag of food and Zach’s cane from the car, and made the slow climb up the stairs. I set my stuff down on the doorstep, took out my leather case of tools, and picked his lock. Sticking my head in the now open door, I called to him.
“Over here!” Zach yelled from his desk. “Did you just pick my lock?”
“Yes, I did,” I said smugly, pleased that my first try was a success. “Fab got me a set of lock picking tools as a get well gift.” I showed him my case. “She also gave Mother and me lessons. Mother was better at it than me.”
“You two,” he said, shaking his head. Dressed in black sweat shorts and a Miami Dolphin workout shirt, he came closer. With every step, he looked better and better. “What’s this?” He picked up the bag.
“Lunch from Jake’s. You hungry?”
He helped me up on a bar stool, took the containers out, and put them on the bar. “Starved.” He ran his hand up my bare leg. “In the past, I never gave a single thought to women’s clothing except for how fast I could get them off and throw them on the floor. Then I met you. I like the way you dress,” he said, his hand disappearing under my skirt.
I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him close to me. “I came here to say thank you for saving my life.”
“So, no more IOU’s?” said he asked, kissing me.
“Are you delusional? I have more than you anyway,” I gloated. “But we’re pretty even on the life saving thing.”
“How about you show me your thank you and I’ll show you mine.” He buried his hands in my hair, and I inhaled the warm, male scent of him. He d
rove his mouth down on mine with a hungry kiss that left me senseless.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Deborah Brown is the author of Crazy in Paradise and Deception in Paradise. She lives in South Florida, with her ungrateful animals, where Mother Nature takes out her bad attitude in the form of hurricanes. You can contact her at [email protected]
Contents
Title page
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Crazy in Paradise Page 22
