by Donna Hill
“I don’t see what that has to do with me.”
“I’m getting to that part. See, ever since you got here…well, Mr. D has been like a new man. Ya know?”
“No, I don’t.”
“His entire expression changed when he realized it was you that was coming. I don’t know what kind of relationship you have with him, but it must be special. He wanted to make sure that your every need was taken care of. He’s been happier since you’ve come. I mean really happy. Most times he’s…well, just serious, business minded. Not that he’s not friendly or anything, but just hard to connect with.” She looked into Desiree’s eyes. “All that changed when you came. And last night when he got your note about dinner, I saw that old vacant look come back in his eyes.”
Desiree’s heart beat a little faster. “Why are you telling me all this?”
“So you’ll know.” She stared at Desiree, her mouth firm. “I’ll call Josh and tell him you’re leaving.”
Desiree returned to her cabin and looked at her suitcases lined up by the door. Terri’s words echoed in her head. She didn’t want to hurt Lincoln again. He didn’t deserve it. She had so many emotional issues that she needed to deal with before she could even think about having a healthy relationship. Part of her wanted to stay and try to work it out. But the reality was, she must return to New York. Rachel’s message, though calm in tone, was truly anything but. Just as Rachel could read her like a book, Desiree always knew when Rae was pretending everything was cool. When she’d finally reached her in London, Rachel brought her up to date on all that was transpiring back in the city. The fire was under investigation, Carl was frantic to get in touch with her and the most frightening of all was the possibility that the fire was intentionally set.
Desiree walked out into the back and sat down on the rocks that braced the tiny creek. Why would someone want to destroy everything that she’d worked so hard to attain? She couldn’t believe that, didn’t want to believe it. It had to be an accident. It was the only explanation.
As much as she didn’t want to have to deal with Carl at the moment, she couldn’t very well leave him in the lurch after all he’d done for her. Rachel said the inspectors wanted to talk to her, as well. There wasn’t much more that she could tell them. She didn’t know anything.
The easy way out would be to simply stay put. Let the professionals work it out among themselves. But she’d been taking the easy way out for a long time. She’d go to New York, do what needed to be done, and then would finally come to terms about her and Lincoln. That is, if he was still interested.
The vision of her standing alone in the woods, with nothing and no one familiar around her, sprang before her eyes. She didn’t want to spend the rest of her life that way. She couldn’t.
* * *
The instant Desiree left the main house, Terri got on the phone and dialed Lincoln’s cell phone. It rang and rang until his voice mail came on.
“Hey, Mr. D. This is Terri. It’s not an emergency or anything, but it would be really cool if you called back as soon as you could. Thanks.”
She hung up and leaned on the counter, tapping her long nails against the polished wood. Of course this was none of her business, but after all, Mr. D. needed to know what was happening so he could make a decision. Didn’t he? She sure hoped that he would call back before she put the call in to Josh. Mr. D. would know what to do, ’cause if it was up to her, Ms. Girl wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon. She smiled and waited.
Chapter 23
Lincoln kept his cell phone on vibrate during his conversation with Mrs. Armstrong. He’d felt it go off but had totally put the call out of his mind until he was back on the road. He pulled off on the side and took out the phone. He read the dial for recent incoming calls. It was from Terri. He frowned as he dialed the voice mail. What could possibly have happened in such a short period of time?
He listened to the message and debated about calling back. He’d be home in another seven hours if he didn’t stop. She said it wasn’t urgent. He checked the time on the dashboard clock. Four-fifteen. Hmm. He returned the call. Terri picked up on the first ring.
“Terri, it’s me. What’s up? Everything okay?”
“Not exactly, but I got a feeling you would want to know about this.” She went on to tell him about her conversation with Desiree.
“Did Josh pick her up yet?”
“Nope. I can’t seem to find him,” she said in a tone that let him know she was lying.
He shook his head and laughed to himself. For once he was actually grateful for Terri’s nosiness.
“Look, go ahead and call Josh.”
“Are you sure?” she asked, surprised by his response.
“Yes, I’m sure. If you need me, I’ll be in New York.”
Terri smiled in triumph. “Sure thing, Mr. D.”
“And, Terri…”
“Yes?”
“Thanks.” He hung up.
Lincoln turned on his fuzz buster and hit the gas. If he did a solid eighty miles an hour all the way back he’d make great time. Now, where would Desiree go when she returned? Her only choice, if not a hotel, was Rachel’s place. He smiled. Whatever it was that they had to deal with, this time they would deal with it together, whether Desiree liked it or not.
* * *
Desiree barely made the train. She’d run through the station with just enough time to get on board before the doors closed. She’d have to pay the extra money for buying her ticket on the train. If she didn’t know better she’d swear that Terri wanted her to miss her train. And Josh wasn’t much better. He seemed to relish taking her along the scenic route and pointing out every nook and cranny that they passed.
Breathing heavily, she finally found a window seat, stowed her baggage on the rack above her head and sat down.
Now that she was actually on the train she had a moment to think. What was really going on? But she couldn’t imagine what additional information she could give to Carl, or anyone else for that matter. He must be pretty desperate to pay a visit to Rachel.
She leaned back in the seat and stared out the window. That night was still clear in her mind. She’d gone over what had happened hundreds of times. Still she could not come up with one clear bit of information to explain what transpired. She certainly didn’t have any idea of who would want to intentionally set the building on fire. The mere idea made her shiver.
She folded her arms and closed her eyes. She was returning to New York, still homeless, and if she didn’t find some solid means of employment, she’d be penniless, as well. Her teaching job only paid enough to put a couple of meals on the table and keep her bank account from dipping below the cutoff point. It certainly wasn’t enough to live on, pay rent and keep up the insurance on her car.
At least she still had her Mustang—her pride and joy. But she’d probably sell it if things really got bad.
How could she have allowed herself to get into this position? Her entire existence hinged on the gallery and Carl Hampton. She’d never permitted herself to be that dependent on anyone. That was her first and last mistake of that kind. She was going to get her act together. Find a way to pay Carl back and move on with her life.
She thought of the easel and paints that she’d reluctantly packed and brought along with her. Maybe in time she would actually pull them out and use them again.
The train pulled into its first stop and a new crew of passengers got on. Desiree opened her eyes and looked around at everyone searching for seats. She moved her jacket off of her lap and onto the vacant seat next to her. Maybe if she was lucky she wouldn’t acquire a riding partner for the balance of the trip. She closed her eyes again and feigned sleep.
“Sorry to disturb you. But is this seat taken?”
Inwardly Desiree groaned. She
opened her eyes and looked up. Recognition settled in. “Allison. Allison Wakefield, is that you?”
The woman shifted her oversized straw bag from one arm to the other and focused on Desiree.
“Desiree! Desiree Armstrong!” A smile beamed across her face. “I don’t believe it.”
Allison, Rachel, Carly and Desiree had all pledged to the same sorority, the Alpha Deltas, while they attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. They’d been fast friends during their college years, all of them competitive and creative. Although they’d vowed to stay connected on graduation day, many lost contact over the years, moving on with their lives and careers and to different parts of the country. Although Desiree regularly received the sorority’s newsletter and invitation to attend reunions, she never submitted any information on her life and had yet to attend an event. A fact that Rachel berated her about on a regular basis.
Desiree snatched up her jacket. “Sit down. How are you? How long has it been?”
“At least eight years.” Allison sat down. She lifted her head, placing her index finger on her lip and thought for a moment, then turned to Desiree. “The last time I saw you was at an art gallery in Washington. It was a benefit exhibit, if I remember correctly. What have you been up to since then?”
“Trying to be an artist,” she said and laughed lightly.
Allison patted Desiree’s arm. “Trying! Girl, pleeze. From what I remember, you had more talent than you knew what to do with.” She settled herself in the seat and placed her bag on the floor between her feet. Allison lowered her voice and turned sympathetic eyes on Desiree. “I read about the fire. I’m so sorry. When I saw the article I couldn’t believe it was you. But it was, wasn’t it? I was just talking to Carly about it a week or so ago when I went to visit her in Martha’s Vineyard. I’m terribly sorry, Desiree.”
Desiree lowered her head and nodded. “Thanks.”
They were quiet for a moment.
“Have you seen any of the other sorors?” Allison asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence. “I’ve been so bad about keeping up with everyone. Except for Carly. We talk occasionally.”
“You and me both.” They laughed. “I stay in touch with Rachel Givens. You remember her, right?”
“Yes, yes.” She frowned for another moment in thought, then brightened. “She was into jewelry or something, right?”
“Yes, she actually has her own business. Honey Child Accessories.”
Allison chuckled. “Sounds like a name Rachel would pick. So where are you heading to or coming from?”
“I was out at Sag Harbor for a few days, but I’m heading back to New York.”
“So am I. I was planning on being in the city for a few days visiting friends and shopping. Maybe we could have lunch or something.”
Desiree briefly glanced at Allison’s elegant attire, the diamonds that flashed on her finger and in her ears, and knew that she would be hard-pressed to make herself presentable enough to hang with the likes of Allison. Especially with her money being as tight as it was.
She forced a smile. “Sounds good. I know I’m going to be swamped this week, but I’ll sure try.”
“Great.” Allison reached down and picked up her bag, then dug inside and pulled out her wallet. She plucked out a business card and jotted a number on the back, then handed it to Desiree. “Call me anytime. You can always leave a message.”
“Thanks.” Desiree tucked the card into the top pocket of her denim shirt. “So what have you been up to? You look to be doing well for yourself.”
Allison smiled. “I recently got married.” She flashed her ring. “My husband was initially the subject of an investigative story that I was working on. One thing led to another and…”
“Well, congratulations. Who is the lucky man?”
“Jacob Covington.”
“The Jacob Covington?”
Allison grinned with pride. “One and the same.”
“His book has been on the bestseller list for months.”
“He’s working on another one. We hope it will do just as well.”
Desiree was thoughtful for a moment. “You said you met him as part of an investigative story?”
“Yes, I’m an investigative journalist.”
“No kidding. That must be exciting. But you said you just got married and you’re on the road already?”
“Actually, the reason for my trip to New York is a bit more…complicated than just visiting friends,” she confided. “I know it’s been a while since we’ve seen or spoken with each other, but I always felt we kind of had a bond, you and I, more so than some of the others.” Her gregarious expression turned serious, her eyes intent. She lowered her voice. “Anyway, with us being ‘sisters’…I really need someone to talk to and I know that it will never get past you.”
Desiree arched a brow in interest and turned slightly in her seat to face Allison. “Of course not.”
“My newspaper has been sending me all over the country to investigate alleged insurance frauds. It’s killing the industry and the consumer. I have some people I need to interview and…”
While Desiree listened to Allison her mind was working, too. Allison could be just the person she needed.
Chapter 24
Lincoln hit I-95 North and from there he knew it would be clear sailing. He’d connected his cell phone to the car charger and had it hooked up to his OnStar system. He spoke in the direction of the phone.
“Call The Port.”
The automatic dial rang the inn and moments later Terri was on the line.
“Hey, Mr. D. Everything okay?”
“Fine. Listen, did Josh get Desiree to the train in time?”
“Yes, she made it. Just barely.”
“Okay. Thanks. What time does it get into Penn Station?”
“Hmm. Hang on, let me check the schedule.”
He could hear her fumbling with papers and then a guest walked in. She had a lengthy conversation with a woman about extra towels before getting back to him.
“Sorry about that. The train should get in around eight. Give or take a few minutes.”
“Thanks. Did she mention if someone was going to meet her?”
He heard her snap her fingers.
“Wow, why didn’t I think of that? Sorry, Mr. D., I didn’t ask.”
“Not a problem.”
“Hey, Mr. D.…I know I may be out of line for asking this but…what’s the real story with you and Ms. Armstrong? She seems like a really nice woman…a little distant but nice…and I got the impression that she really likes you. She just doesn’t know what to do about it.”
Lincoln shook his head, flabbergasted by her boldness. But he shouldn’t be. When he hired Terri, he knew her background. She was a twenty-two-year-old single mom, with little education, struggling to take care of her son and herself. She had a lot of street smarts and plenty of street ways. And she might be a bit rough around the edges, but she had a heart of gold and was a great worker. He never had a worry when he left her in charge, and her loyalty to him was her way of saying thanks. That much he knew.
“You think you can keep a secret, Terri?”
“Of course!” She almost sounded indignant.
“Well, Desi and I go way back. I’m hoping that we can go way forward. Know what I mean?”
He could hear her laughter.
“Yeah, I know what you mean. And if there’s anything I can do to help—just holla! Personally, if it was up to me—which it wasn’t—I wouldn’t have let her get on the train in the first place. Nothing like getting stuff straight on your own turf. Know what I mean?”
Lincoln chuckled. “Yeah, I know what you mean. Anyway, I’ll check back in when I arrive in New York.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Take care.”
“Later, Mr. D.”
Chapter 25
Desiree and Allison disembarked at New York’s Pennsylvania Station and wound their way through the crowd to the cab stand exit on 7th Avenue.
“Can I give you a lift somewhere?” Allison asked.
“If you don’t mind, you can drop me off at Rachel’s place.”
“Sure, not a problem. Listen, I know this may not be any of my business, but do you have a place to stay? I mean…”
“I’m going to be staying at Rachel’s for a while until I can get relocated. She’s out of town for a few weeks and said I can use her place.”
“Well, my door is always open. Don’t hesitate to ask. If there’s anything you need, just let me know.”
“As a matter of fact, after listening to your story about your current assignment, I was wondering if you might be willing to look into something for me, as well.”
Allison arched a brow. “Sure. What is it?”
“There seems to be some questions about how the fire started. There is some concern about arson.”
“Arson! Oh, my goodness.”
Desiree nodded her head and went on to tell her about all that Rachel had relayed to her.
“That’s part of the reason why I came back.”
“I see. And this Carl Hampton, how much did you know about him before you signed on?”
“Not much, I’m afraid to say. I was so flattered and broke. I’ll never make that mistake again.”
“Hmm.” Allison was thoughtful for a moment. “The first thing I would do is to start getting some background on Mr. Hampton. You have no idea how many people sabotage their own property to get the insurance money. He may not have done it himself but he certainly could have had it done,” she added, her journalistic instincts kicking in. “First thing tomorrow, I’ll start making some calls.”
