Tom nodded. “It's plausible. But I think your best bet is to wait for the test results.” He wagged a finger at her. “However, let me warn you. I'm not going to stand by and let that woman blackmail you, whether she's Bud's daughter or not."
Angie sat back down on the couch. “Don't worry. I won't let it happen.” She reached for her drink and accidentally knocked it off the table, shattering glass across the floor. “Oh, shoot."
Tom picked up the broken pieces as she dashed to the kitchen to get a towel. When she didn't return immediately, he followed and found her staring out the kitchen window. He stepped beside her and squinted into the darkness. “What's the problem?"
“Marty's letting someone in the gate."
“How can you tell?"
She pointed to the control panel. “The light's blinking."
Tom flipped off the kitchen light. “Go clean up the spilled drink. I'll be right back.” He pulled his gun and slipped out the back door.
* * * *
It took a second for Tom's eyes to adjust to the darkness, but a full moon helped guide him around the garage and avoid the trash cans as he made his way to Marty's back door. He ducked behind some bushes and waited until the vehicle came to a rolling stop at the cottage's entrance. When he heard the car door slam, he peered between the hedges and could make out the silhouette of a woman hurrying to the front door. He slipped his gun back into the holster, relieved it wasn't Ken Weber who had talked Marty into opening the gate.
He waited until the woman went inside before inching his way toward a large window that overlooked the side yard. The window stood open a few inches and a lacy curtain covered the glass. He could clearly hear and see the occupants inside.
Caught by surprise when the beautiful young goddess turned toward him, Tom gulped. Her silk dress adhered to all the right curves. Long blond hair cascaded down her back and her green eyes glistened in the light of the lamp. This had to be Melinda. Angie had described her perfectly. And, yes, she resembled Ken Weber. He watched her pull a cigarette from her purse, but before she could put it to her lips, Marty's thick voice rumbled through the opened window.
“Do you have to smoke in my house?"
Melinda threw her hands up in disgust. “Oh, God, Mother. You're so old fashioned."
Tom flattened himself against the wood siding as Melinda cranked the window out about six more inches. She then whirled around and flopped down on the couch. “When are you going to stop drinking? That's worse than smoking. At least I don't lose it when I smoke.” She flipped the ashes into a saucer her mother had placed on the coffee table.
Marty stood at the end of the couch, staring at her daughter. “Why are you here?"
Melinda looked at her and narrowed her eyes. “Because, if you're not telling me the truth, I'm in deep trouble."
Marty finally sat down on the chair opposite her. “I don't know what you're talking about."
“Are you absolutely sure that Mr. Nevers is my father?"
“Of course I'm sure. Why do you ask such a silly question?"
“Mom, I'm not blind. I don't look anything like Bud Nevers. What if the DNA test doesn't match?"
Her mother waved her hand in the air. “Bud Nevers is your father. But why are you so worried?” Then she frowned thoughtfully and sat forward in her seat. “What did you say to Mrs. Nevers?"
Melinda got up and paced. “I warned her to continue the money so I could get my mother out of this hole, or I'd ruin her life."
Marty groaned and covered her face with her hands. “Dear God."
“Well, it's the truth,” the girl said, turning in a circle with her arms held out. “Look at this place. It's tiny, like a hole."
“I love my little cottage. It's all I need. I want to live here forever, but now I'll probably have to leave because Mrs. Nevers knows you're my daughter.” She let out a loud sob.
Melinda whirled around and glared at her. “What! You told her?” She clenched her hands into fists. “You stupid.... “She closed her mouth tightly and her eyes glistened with anger. Flopping down on the couch, she shoved her hair back and lit another cigarette.
Marty continued to sob. “She came over here to check on me when I didn't show up for work. I had the letter you'd sent to Mr. Nevers on the telephone stand and she spotted it.” Wiping the tears from her eyes with the hem of her apron, she hiccuped and continued. “She put it all together herself. I really didn't have to tell her anything."
Melinda blew smoke through her nose, then snuffed out the cigarette. “Oh, great. Just great. This puts a different light on things."
Marty made a strange sucking sound and stared at her daughter. “What do you mean?"
Melinda grabbed her purse and stood. “Now I've got to rethink my approach. This changes everything.” With that, she stormed out and slammed the door.
Tom stayed hidden behind the bushes as Melinda spun the car around and sped off toward the gate. He shook his head and sighed, as he watched her speed over that crest. Thank God, he thought, the gate has an electric eye and would automatically open when a car approached it from the inside.
He slipped back around the cottage and into the back door of the big house. When he entered the kitchen, Angie frowned with concern. “You were spying, weren't you?"
“Uh huh.” He took her arm, led her back to the study and mixed them another round of drinks. “Be more careful this time,” he said with a wink, handing her the glass.
“So, who showed up?"
“Melinda."
Angie stiffened. “Did you get a good look at her?"
“I certainly did. You're absolutely right. She looks nothing like Bud. However, that doesn't mean a thing. Bud could have the green eye genes in his family background."
She slumped back on the couch. “You're right."
He leaned forward. “However, Marty definitely thinks Bud's the father."
Raising a brow, Angie looked at him. “Yes, go on."
“Melinda's worried about the DNA test, even though Marty swears Bud's her dad. But what really upset Melinda is that you know too much.” Tom put his elbows on his knees, holding his drink with both hands. He stared at Angie with a solemn expression. “I want you to be very careful dealing with this woman. She could be dangerous."
Angie frowned. “True, she gives me the chills. But do you think she'd actually do me bodily harm?"
Tom nodded, never taking his eyes off her face.
* * * *
Melinda cruised down the freeway. The wind blowing in the car window whipped her hair around her head. Not bothering to push it out of her face, she narrowed her eyes and spoke out loud through gritted teeth. “Damn you, Mother. You and your drunken binges. All it does is loosen your tongue. Of course, I'm surprised you held it this long. At least I'm older now and can handle things on my own.” She slapped the steering wheel with her hand. “Why didn't I think of this DNA thing myself. Once it's proven that I'm Bud's, I won't need Mrs. Nevers. Everything will just automatically be mine after she's dead.” A sly grin curled the corners of her mouth.
* * *
Chapter Twenty
Early the next morning, Angie received a call from Dr. Parker.
“I have the results of the DNA testing. Do you want to hear them over the phone or would you like to come down to the office?"
Angie's heart pounded against her ribs. She glanced around, making sure Marty or Sandy weren't within earshot. “Tell me now, Dr. Parker. I've got to know."
He cleared his throat. “Melinda Smith is not Bud Nevers’ daughter."
She closed her eyes and whispered. “Thank you. Could I get a copy of that report?"
“I'll have it waiting for you."
A wave of relief flooded her soul. After hanging up, she sat down at the bar and rested her head in her hands for several minutes. Just as she took a deep breath, Sandy strolled into the kitchen. Angie smiled. “Good morning. You must have slept well. You certainly look better than yesterday."
&
nbsp; She returned a faint smile. “Yes, I did. But I feel bad about leaving you and Tom last night."
Angie waved a hand at her. “Don't worry about it. I had some business to deal with and you needed your rest.” She busied herself with folding the newspaper, then laid it aside. “Let's get you a bite to eat."
“Just a bagel and cup of coffee will be fine."
After serving Sandy, Angie poured herself a cup of coffee and joined her.
Sandy put both hands on the table, palms down. “I've been so selfish and preoccupied with my own problems, I haven't asked how you're doing."
“I've been dealt a few surprises. But, you needn't worry yourself about them."
“I wish you would let me worry about them. Then maybe I wouldn't dwell on my dilemma so much."
Angie studied her face, wondering if Sandy could handle the idea of Melinda being Ken's daughter instead of Bud's. Of course, it was only a suspicion, but she wouldn't want her to find out through other sources. She struggled with the decision for several moments before speaking. “Say you were in my shoes and found out that Melinda wasn't Bud's daughter, but you had an inkling of who the father might be. What would you do?"
Sandy wrinkled her forehead and looked at Angie. “I thought I heard the phone ring. Was it Dr. Parker?"
Angie nodded.
Sandy got up, crossed in front of Angie and looked into her eyes. “What are you trying to say?"
Angie reached out and grasped Sandy's arms. “Remember, this happened a long time ago. Melinda is twenty-three years old."
Her eyes wide, Sandy stepped back out of Angie's reach. “Are you telling me that Ken is the father?"
Angie stood and grabbed her by the shoulders. “Now take it easy Sandy. Ken and Bud were together the night Marty conceived, and the doctor just confirmed Melinda isn't Bud's daughter. So, it stands to reason that she could be Ken's."
Sandy gasped and shook her head. “But it could have been any one of the hands working around this place."
“No. You have to see the girl. Her resemblance to Ken will shock you."
“How do you know Bud and Ken were together?"
“Marty told me."
Sandy covered her mouth with her fingers. Tears slid down her cheeks. “I don't believe this."
Angie glanced at her watch. Marty wouldn't be back to the house for a couple of hours. She took Sandy's hand and led her into the kitchen nook. “Sit down. I might as well start at the beginning and tell you everything."
Marty wanted to speak with Mrs. Nevers alone, but found it difficult with Mrs. Weber there. Finally, she called on the phone and invited Angie to the cottage so they could talk in private. She tidied the place until it glistened. The smell of cleanliness filled the air. Also, she'd not touched a drop of booze for two days.
When the knock sounded, Marty said a silent prayer, crossed herself and opened the door. She smiled broadly and stepped to the side. “I'm so glad you could make it, Mrs. Nevers. Please, come in."
Angie frowned. “You sounded so concerned. Is everything all right?"
“Yes. I needed to talk with you. Please sit down.” She motioned toward the couch. “What would you like to drink?"
“A glass of iced tea would taste wonderful."
Marty disappeared into the small kitchen and returned with two large glasses filled with crushed ice, tea and lemon slices. She handed one to Angie. As she sat down in a chair opposite Angie, she confided, “I didn't want to talk to you about my personal problems in front of your friend. That's why I invited you to come here.” Marty felt the tension between them and fought the emotion tugging at her insides.
Angie sat stiffly. “So what is it?"
Marty studied Angie's solemn face, then sighed. “It's Melinda. I talked to her and she told me how she'd threatened you.” The tears welled despite her struggle to hold them back. “That girl is causing me pain and grief. I've had nothing to do with her actions. I'm very happy here and love the cottage. I want to live here forever.” Her voice caught and she wiped the spilled tears from her cheeks. “But she's getting me in trouble with her evil ways."
Angie scooted to the edge of the couch, holding the large tea glass with both hands. She stared into Marty's eyes. “Are you afraid I'm going to kick you out?"
Marty nodded, her chin trembling.
“We've been together for twenty-five years. Unfortunately, it's turned into twenty-three years of deceit."
Daubing her eyes with a tissue, Marty whispered. “I know."
“However, you've been by my side through thick and thin. I can't write that off and just forget it."
“Thank you, Mrs. Nevers.” Her voice shook. “But, I'll never forget Mr. Nevers telling me after Melinda came to the party, that once he told you who she was, that you'd probably fire me."
Angie's eyes widened. “Bud told you that?"
“Yes ma'am."
Angie walked slowly to the window and remained silent for several long moments before she turned around and looked at Marty. “I guess Bud and I didn't know each other as well as I thought."
Marty frowned. “I don't understand."
“Never mind. It's not important.” She came back to the couch. “What is important, is this thing with Melinda. This girl is headed for big trouble. We both have a lot invested in her. You gave birth and Bud used our money to make sure she had a good upbringing. However, the DNA results have come in."
Marty stiffened and stared at her. “And what did they say?"
Angie met her stare. “Melinda is not Bud's daughter. So, I'm going to turn her over to Detective Tom Hoffman."
Marty almost dropped her glass, her eyes wide with astonishment. “Mrs. Nevers, I don't understand. Those tests have to be wrong. There's no one else who could be her daddy."
“Yes, there's another possibility. Ken Weber.” Then Angie explained how she figured the conception had taken place.
Marty clutched her bodice and her face turned ashen.
“Think about it, Marty. Imagine your daughter's eyes. I've thought about it a lot waiting for the test results. And as Melinda grew older, I suspect Bud noticed her resemblance to Ken."
Marty covered her face with her hands and sobbed profusely. “Dear God! Ken must have raped me after I passed out. I always wondered why Bud was fully dressed, lying on the end of my bed. All those years Mr. Nevers had been paying for Ken's daughter."
Angie put her glass down on the table. “We can't worry about that now. We need to concentrate on your future. Right?"
She nodded her head fiercely.
“I want you to listen to me carefully."
Marty wiped her face and looked into Angie's eyes. “I'm listening, Mrs. Nevers. I'll do anything you say."
“I don't want Melinda on this property again. If I find out you've opened the gates to her without my permission, then you and she may leave together. That girl is going to cause nothing but heartache and pain wherever she goes. I want no part of her."
After Angie left the cottage, Marty sat in the chair with tears streaking down her cheeks. How could she have not noticed Melinda's resemblance to Ken Weber? Had she blocked the possibility from her mind, feeling secure about Bud taking care of Melinda and seeing to it that she had the best of everything? Even Melinda had been concerned that Bud might not be her daddy.
Marty finally collected herself and carried the two tea glasses to the kitchen. Her hand trembled as she reached into the cabinet and brought out the bottle of vodka.
* * *
Chapter Twenty-one
Tom pulled the small tattered black book that Angie had found in Bud's desk from his pocket. She had given it to him to examine, as she couldn't make any sense out of it. He thumbed through it and noticed the figures appeared in an elementary code that he could probably break within a few hours. He assumed the unmarked dollar amounts and dates he'd spotted throughout were the record of payments Bud had made for Melinda's support.
Also, one of the officers had found a photo
album in Bud's office during the search and had inadvertently placed it in the evidence box. He brought it back to his office and studied the pictures.
Now that he knew the history of Bud's supposedly illegitimate daughter, and had seen her, he realized that several of the pictures were Melinda at different ages. Bud had probably kept the album squirreled away at the office so Angie wouldn't get curious. But who would question the child in the pictures? She could have been anyone's. The photos didn't indicate a relationship between the child and Bud. Even if Angie had looked through the album, he could have easily lied, because she believed anything Bud told her. Tom let out a long sigh, removed a few of the pictures and slipped them into his pocket. He placed the album and the black book into his desk drawer.
* * * *
Tom stopped at the gate of the Nevers’ property and chatted with the officer. No one had been in or out so far today. The officer announced Detective Hoffman over the call box, then waved him through.
When Angie opened the door, Tom swallowed hard. He'd never seen her look so beautiful. Her royal-blue outfit looked new and made her blue eyes glisten and dance. She had her hair pulled back and twisted into a French braid, laced with a small silver rope. Small diamond earrings set in silver hearts dangled from her ears.
“Tom, it's so good to see you. Please come in."
“You certainly look nice,” he stammered. “Are you going out?"
She smiled. “No. I just felt like I needed a little perking up, hoping someone would come by and appreciate it."
He spread out his arms and said. “Well, I'm here and I appreciate it."
Laughing, she took his hand and led him into the study where Sandy Weber sat on the couch reading a magazine. Angie reached over and touched her shoulder. “We've got company."
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