Message in the Sand

by Hannah McKinnon

  Geoffrey spoke first. “Mr. Combs, I’d like to start by saying that Alan thought very highly of you. He said as much in our many conversations over the years whenever we discussed White Pines.”

  At the mention of Alan’s name, Wendell stared down at his calloused hands. His nails were trimmed short and scrubbed clean. But there was no denying the recent extra hours of labor to keep the place in good standing. He had hoped Alan would be pleased. “Thank you. It was a pleasure to work with Alan.”

  Geoffrey continued, “As you can imagine, this has been a trying time for the family. While they are of course grieving, there remain significant details to be sorted out as far as the future of White Pines is concerned.”

  Wendell shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

  Geoffrey opened his laptop and began scrolling. “As you may have already guessed, Candace has been assigned guardianship of the children.” He paused and looked up over his computer at both of them. “As we work through next steps for the family, we must also consider the future of White Pines.” He turned his attention to Wendell. “This is where you come in.

  “The management of White Pines is also to be passed on to Candace. While Alan and Anne very much enjoyed living here with the children, Candace’s life remains back in London. As such, she has expressed a desire to return there with the children as soon as possible.”

  So she would not be staying. And neither would the children.

  Wendell sat back in his chair, stunned. He’d thought the estate would be left to the girls in some kind of trust. It was their home. And he knew how much Alan and Anne had loved the place. Candace’s arrival had somewhat cemented that idea in his mind, though he realized now how foolish it was to make such sweeping assumptions. Of course she would have her own life across the pond, as Geoffrey said. But couldn’t she have put that somewhat on hold for the time being? Until the girls had a chance to adjust and grieve?

  He turned to Candace. “The girls are moving to London?” Wendell was not sure of many things when it came to women, but he would bet his life that Julia would hate this plan. Julia was already fifteen. In just three years, she’d be a full-fledged adult. Surely something could be worked out to keep the place for the children until then?

  Candace cleared her throat. “What’s best for the girls now is to move on with their lives and start a new chapter. My life and my work are in London. The girls will adjust.” She said this last piece as if the girls were an afterthought. “Is everything all right, Mr. Combs?”

  He knew what she was implying. None of this was his business. But he couldn’t help himself. “Alan and Anne would have wished for the kids to move overseas?” Wendell turned to Geoffrey, trying to get a read on his thoughts.

  “It’s complicated,” Geoffrey allowed. “The will was drafted many years ago, before Pippa was born, in fact, and when the family lived in New York. The provision made at that time was to leave any children in Candace’s care.”

  None of it made any sense. From what Wendell had gleaned of the siblings’ relationship, Alan and Candace were long estranged, no matter what an old will may have stated. He looked at Geoffrey imploringly. In addition to being their attorney, Geoffrey was Alan and Anne’s longtime family friend. Wasn’t he meant to also represent the children’s wishes?

  But Geoffrey seemed intent on focusing on Wendell’s role. “What Candace needs your assistance with is the running of the property.”

  Wendell bit his lip and turned his attention to Candace.

  “Mr. Combs, you know this estate better than anyone else. I would like to propose a deal with you.”

  “What kind of a deal?”

  She chuckled. “A legal one, fear not.”

  That wasn’t what Wendell feared. He’d just learned the children were being sent off to Europe. What was in store for him and the future of White Pines promised to be just as dire.

  “My plan is to ready the house and outbuildings for sale. Geoffrey and I have discussed a few options and met with a broker; at this time, we are looking into subdividing the property and selling it off as parcels.”

  “You’re going to sell White Pines?” Wendell tried to keep his voice neutral, but his heart was already racing. He closed his eyes, willing one of his episodes to stay at bay. Not now, he thought. Just let me get through this meeting.

  Candace seemed surprised by his question. “Well, they can’t stay here alone. And the proceeds will go to the children eventually, anyway, so why would I keep it?”

  Why, indeed.

  “A subdivision will likely take more time, but it will also be more lucrative. Not everyone wants the responsibility or can afford the expense that comes with a sprawling hundred-acre estate.”

  Wendell couldn’t believe what he was hearing. They were going to cut up White Pines and sell it off like spare parts. Visions of lines bisecting Alan’s beloved property filled his head.

  “My wish is to return to London as soon as possible. But our plan for White Pines will likely take time. It requires the combined efforts of surveyors, engineers, and the application for numerous permits with Saybrook’s town regulatory boards.” Here she paused. “That said, I have asked Geoffrey to come up with a contract that would keep you on as estate manager until that work is complete, the properties are listed, and the sales procured. There would be some changes, of course, to the detail of your work. But it would maintain your current position for the time being.”

  Wendell’s head was swimming. “I see. You want me to stay on as White Pines is broken down and sold off.”

  Candace brightened. “Yes. There’s really no reason for me to remain here during that time. With Geoffrey’s oversight, the real estate broker’s direction, and your management, I feel the estate can be settled while I am in London.” She paused, cocking her head slightly. “Would such an offer be of interest to you, Mr. Combs?”

  Wendell met her gaze, trying to keep his own steady. His haven here would no longer exist. He gripped the wooden armrests.

  Candace must’ve misunderstood his hesitation. “If it’s your salary you’re concerned with, please don’t be. Because of all your years of hard work here, I am also including a bonus once the sale is finalized.”

  “Yes,” Geoffrey interjected. “It would be amiss not to mention that Candace has been extremely generous to you, Mr. Combs. We recognize that this tragedy impacts you as well, and eventually will require you to seek employment elsewhere, so Ms. Lancaster proposes a bonus of fifty thousand dollars in addition to your annual salary to tide you over once the place is sold.” He grinned as though this were wonderful news.

  Finally, Wendell found his voice. “I would like very much to stay on at White Pines as long as possible.”

  Candace nodded approvingly. Seeing the relief on her face, Wendell realized he had just agreed to help her do the very thing he feared most: get rid of White Pines.

  “Then it’s settled,” Candace said, turning to Geoffrey. “I believe Geoffrey had drawn up a contract that outlines the terms as discussed. You may take a couple of days to think this over and have an attorney review it.”

  “That won’t be necessary,” Wendell said, looking between the two of them. As awful as the proposal was, it bought him more time at White Pines.

  “There is one last thing,” Candace said.

  Wendell studied her expression, wondering what more she could possibly drop on him.

  “We’d like you to be discreet.”

  Enough was enough. A plume of defensiveness rose up inside him.

  “What Candace means,” Geoffrey explained, “is that this is a private family matter. While the listing of the house will be public, of course, we ask that you not speak of any of the details we have discussed here today. Specifically, plans regarding the estate, the children’s future, or anything to do with Candace’s decisions.” He studied Wendell carefully to let it sink in. “Saybrook is, of course, a small community, and the Lancasters were rather public figures. There will be que
stions, curiosities… that sort of thing. Candace would like her business and family matters to be left out of any communications you might have, no matter with whom. Will you agree to that?”

  Wendell did not know what to say. It was one thing to invite him here today and inform him that he was soon to be without a job. That he would need to stay on long enough to dismantle the very place that secured both his employment and peace of mind. It was another thing entirely to question his loyalty. Had he not just agreed to remain on-site and in his position for the duration while Candace took off overseas? And for a bonus that could never fill the gaping hole they’d just opened in his life? He was offended.

  Suddenly, it occurred to him why: the girls didn’t know. Huge plans were afoot, and no one had told them a damn thing. Their lives had already been irretrievably upended, and yet they were about to be even more. Wendell gazed at Candace now, realizing he’d underestimated her.

  He cleared his throat. “I have spent the better part of my working years taking care of this place and the people on it, both before and after I returned from Afghanistan. I gave you my word, and my word is good.”

  Candace glanced at Geoffrey. “I believe we’ve reached an understanding.”

  Geoffrey produced a one-page contract from his briefcase and presented it to Wendell. He even clicked the ballpoint pen before handing it over. “If you’ll give us your John Hancock here, we should be good to go.”

  As Wendell signed the contract, he knew he was signing away the future of White Pines along with his own. If he hadn’t, they would have hired someone else to do the work. At least this way, he’d stay a bit longer. Do his best work, the way Alan and Anne would have wanted, even if it meant going against every grain in his being. There was some honor in that, he knew.

  He set the pen down. “As I said before, my word is good. But I do have one question.”

  “Yes?” Candace’s tone was impatient.

  “When will you tell the children?”

  Candace didn’t flinch. “Children are resilient, you know. We’ll tell them when the time comes.”

  Wendell did not know that children were resilient. And he strongly suspected Candace did not, either. How could she? Candace was a childless woman making life-altering plans for the daughters of her estranged only brother.

  There was one thing Wendell did know: the Lancasters had loved each other and this place most of all. One week ago, Julia and Pippa had lost almost everything. And now they would lose the rest. “The sooner you tell them, the better,” he said.

  Outside the office door, there was a sudden scuffle. All three adults turned as the door flew open with such force that it banged back on its hinges.

  It was Julia, a wild expression on her face. Wendell’s heart sank at the sight of her.

  “Tell us what?” she barked.

  Fourteen Julia

  The men had fled the room like rodents off a burning ship, but Julia didn’t care. She’d overheard enough from the other side of the door to know that it was her business and she had every right to know it. Mr. Banks had looked rather sorry as he gathered up his laptop and briefcase and said a hurried goodbye. And Wendell; what was he doing? At least he’d had the heart to ask about her and Pippa, but that didn’t change the fact that he was in here with her aunt, plotting behind her back. Julia made sure to catch his eye and glare as he, too, headed for the door.

  Her aunt was the only one who remained, an air of irritation playing at the corners of her otherwise composed expression. “You should knock first,” she said as soon as the men exited.

  “And you should tell the truth!”

  “No one is hiding any truth from you,” Candace said. She’d been holding the door for the men, and now she strolled back to the chairs she and Wendell had occupied for their little meeting. “Please sit.”

  “I will not,” Julia said. She crossed her arms. “What’s going on? What is this about my parents’ property being sold?”

  Candace clasped her hands, and Julia felt the air in the room shift. “You and your sister have suffered an unimaginable tragedy this summer, and I am so sorry for both of you.

  “But you need to recognize that my life has also changed suddenly. I’ve had to return to the States to take care of your parents’ affairs and to attend to you and Pippa.”

  Julia couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Were she and Pippa merely affairs to Candace? Two new inconveniences to contend with? She knew her aunt had no experience with children, but she’d hoped that would somehow change with time. Julia didn’t need another parent: she had a mom and dad, and no one could replace them. Besides, she was fifteen going on sixteen. Soon she’d be a real adult, and she’d be able to take care of both herself and her sister. Candace was merely a babysitter: someone to keep the house from burning down. Someone to drive them to orthodontist appointments, to make sure they had food in the fridge. She was no parent, that was for sure. “Is that what my parents’ will says? That you had to come take care of us?”

  “It does. Which I plan to do, rest assured.”

  “What else does it say? I have a right to know.”

  “Please don’t be so dramatic, Julia. Mr. Banks and I have barely had time to review it ourselves.”

  Dramatic was her friend Chloe crying for two days after a bad haircut when the stylist cut her bangs too short. All Julia wanted to know was how much worse her already ruined life was going to get. “What does the will say?” she repeated flatly.

  “Your father provided for you both beautifully. Mr. Banks is in charge of financial allocations, and over the years, you will receive disbursements.”

  So her aunt was not in charge of everything after all. Julia felt her insides relax just a little.

  “There is plenty of money for your education when you turn eighteen. And there is discretionary money for your future when you turn twenty-five: for investment, for travel, for your first home. You’re very fortunate in that regard.”

  And yet none of that would bring her parents back. Warily, Julia sat down. “I heard you say that you want to sell something.”

  “Yes. The will leaves me in charge of your parents’ property.”

  Julia narrowed her eyes. “My parents have lots of properties.”

  “Indeed. Commercial properties, which will remain as investments for the time being. And this one, White Pines.” Candace paused. “White Pines is the one we need to figure out.”

  “What do you mean, figure out?”

  “As you know, I am your appointed guardian. As such, there are decisions I need to make on your behalf.”

  Just like that, Julia’s heart started slamming against her chest. “What kind of decisions?” she asked.

  “Decisions that are in everyone’s best future interests. As you know, my life and work are in London. At some point, I will need to return. And as your guardian… as your family,” she added, “I will have to bring you girls with me.”

  “To London?” Julia sputtered.

  Candace pressed her lips together. “Don’t worry, we can stay here through summer to give you girls a chance to pack up and say your goodbyes. I think mid-August will be best, so you have time to settle in and get to know the city a bit before you start school.”

  As her aunt spoke, Julia’s mind began to spin noisily. Some of her aunt’s words penetrated the noise: “museums,” “theater,” “Buckingham Palace.” But the spinning continued, along with a fresh onslaught of images: Chloe and Sam laughing in the school cafeteria. Riding Raddy along the soft edges of the lake. Her parents. Her thoughts screeched to a halt there. Her parents were nowhere in London. Any remnant of her parents was here at White Pines.

  Candace was still talking. “You can see much of the city from the London Eye—”

  “No!” Julia leaped to her feet. “We’re not going to London.”

  “Julia, please.”

  “Pippa and I are staying here.” She glared at her aunt. She had to make her understand, right now, at
this very moment. This was not a conversation she would even tell Pippa about. Because they were not leaving.

  Candace cleared her throat. “I don’t think you understand—”

  “We’ll find another guardian,” Julia interrupted. And before Candace could open her mouth to protest, “Chloe’s mom! Mrs. F will take us. She’s known us our whole lives, and they’re like family.” She did not add, “unlike you.”

  “It’s not that simple,” Candace said. Though her expression had softened slightly, Julia could tell she was not wavering. “I am your court-appointed guardian. It’s what your parents wanted.”

  “You didn’t even know my mom and dad!”

  Candace stood, too. “Julia, that’s not fair. This is not easy for me, either. But your parents have appointed me, and I will not be turning you girls over to a stranger.”

  “Don’t you get it? You’re the stranger!” Julia could not stand there another second. And she couldn’t risk Pippa, who she prayed was still playing Barbie upstairs in her room, hearing them. “I’m sorry, but we are not leaving our home. I’ll figure something out.” She halted in the doorway. “I’ll talk to Mr. Banks if I have to. You can go back to your life in England, and we’ll stay here in ours.”