“Dear girl, I love you.” Ella calmly offered with a slight smile. “I’ve already begun getting my affairs in order. I started quite some time ago. I’ve sold off most of my property holdings. However, there are still a few matters that need to be settled. There’s this building for instance and most importantly, there is the Arts Foundation. I need to name my successor. I would like some time, before I leave this world where I don’t have a schedule. I think I’ve earned that.”
“Gwen, would be an excellent choice.” Katherine offered hopefully. “Why are you against her stepping up?”
“I would love nothing more,” Ella grumbled. “Every time, I encourage her to take the reins she’s calling me every two seconds. I’m afraid that since I live just upstairs she’ll be up there every day seeking my advice. You on the other hand wouldn’t need me.”
“I have another goal in mind,” she sheepishly admitted. “I want to step into Brandon’s shoes.”
“Ah,” Daniel beamed. “You want to be CEO of Muraille Industries.”
“The family business has been around since the eighteenth century I think it is well past time that a woman took the reins.”
“There already has been,” Daniel snickered. “Temperance. I never really ran the company until after she passed away.”
“Wait,” Katherine shook her head. “You were the youngest, CEO. You guided the company through the crash and the depression. You even kept up on things while serving in the army.”
“No, that was all Tempe,” he chuckled again. “The board of directors never would have listened to a woman. Proving your point you should make a bid for the chair. However, your Aunt Ella would like your help.”
“What if I name both you and Gwen as heads of the foundation?” Ella suggested. “That will resolve that issue. I do need to clear up what is going to happen with my estate.”
“I hate discussing this.”
“No one wants to talk about dying,” Ella agreed. “But it must be done. While we go over some paperwork, we’ll sip this very fine brandy and you can tell me what is wrong with that architect you recommended.”
“Delia St. James? Is there a problem?”
“You could say that.”
Chapter 20
New York City
The following day
Shawn was drained. The shoot in Fall River had taken its toll on her. There was something about the B&B that fascinated her. As a psychic there was the draw of a very unsettled energy. There was also the history. Still researching a place that has a gift shop always made Shawn feel uneasy. Thankfully Abby Borden was a restless soul.
Finally, having some down time was a blessing. Her main focus was taking care of everything she needed to do. Then she could fly up to Maine and finally see Faith.
The original plan had been to wrap up Fall River, drive back down to New York, then drive upstate to spend a little time with her family. With the sudden surge in television shows that featured psychic phenomenon, Shawn was in demand more and more.
Faith was keeping busy as well. Shawn was relieved that her lover had finally seemed to find her niche. Faith had managed to utilize her skills as an investigative reporter in researching prospective projects. When they first met the two came from drastically different worlds. Eventually, they found a way to merge their respective talents.
Delia St. James’ call altered their plans for a little down time, but neither of them could refuse the woman. In many ways, it was Delia’s persistence that helped reunite them.
“Okay, a quick stop in New York then up to Maine.” She rationalized as she searched for an available parking space. She wasn’t quite certain which made her feel more like she was going in circles driving to New York from Massachusetts then back up past Boston and on to Maine; or looking for a parking space during lunchtime in Midtown? She was leaning more towards just catching a flight up to Portland. She could easily turn the rental car in at the airport.
Shawn was curious about Ella Westbrook. Just how does one end up owning an island? As she had requested Faith told her nothing about the woman and had set up the meeting. Shawn preferred not knowing anything in advance that might cloud her instincts. Finally finding a place to park the rental car a good seven blocks from Ella Westbrook’s swanky address, she grabbed a notebook. Shawn felt a strange sense of urgency regarding the meeting.
Central Park West, NYC
September19, 2017
“I always thought that first trip was when the two of you should have gotten together,” Daniel grunted as he stood up. “You were both smitten.”
“I thought the same about you and Nora.” Ella countered spinning the ring on the table.
“I’ll have you know that we held hands for the first time on that trip.”
“You Casanova you.”
“I didn’t want to jinx it,” he fussed. “Nora was special.”
“She was,” she agreed. “The two of you had a great life together.”
“Until she had the bad manners to die on me. Sorry that must sound callus.”
“Trust me, I understand the sentiment.”
“When did the two of you finally, as the kids say, hook up”?”
“It was raining,” she smiled at the moment. “And Wallace disappeared with her car.”
“The Bentley, I remember that.”
“Of course, you remember the car.”
“Sorry, to interrupt,” Gwen timidly approached.
“Whatever it is, I’m certain you can handle it,” Ella tried to encourage her.
“Oh, no it’s not work.” She quickly explained. “I just wanted to remind you that you have a meeting with a Dr. Shawn Williams.”
“Yes, thank you for reminding me.”
“Doctor?” Christopher was instantly concerned.
“Not, that kind of doctor,” she chastised him. “At least I don’t think he is. Probably about some fundraiser. I’ll be downstairs in a few moments, Gwen.”
“Grandpa?”
“I am going to stay here and rifle through Auntie Ella’s belongings,” he chuckled. “If I get bored, I’ll head down to my apartment.”
“I’m happy that Grandpa moved back into his old apartment after Grandma passed away,” Gwen confided as they entered the foundation offices.
“So, am I.” Ella agreed. “Do we know who this Dr. Williams is?”
“I’m not sure,” Gwen nervously confessed. “I think it has something to do with the project on the island.”
“You didn’t ask?” Ella forced herself to remain calm.
“No.”
“It’s fine, just send him in when he gets here.”
Once she was alone and seated at her desk she rubbed her throbbing temple. “You would think, she would ask,” she addressed the picture on the desk. It was similar to the one she kept on her desk in her home office.
“Dr. Williams,” Gwen announced escorting Shawn in.
Ella stood and shook the younger woman’s hand impressed by her firm grip. “Have a seat?” She offered. “I must confess, I was expecting a man.”
“I get that a lot,” Shawn confessed, taken aback by the Degas hanging behind this enchanting older woman.
“Tell me about your organization and how the foundation can help?”
“Oh, I think there has been a misunderstanding. I’m here on behalf of Delia St. James.”
“This should be interesting,” Ella snorted. “Tell me, what kind of doctor are you?”
“I have a PHD in paranormal psychology.”
“Of course you do,” Ella rolled her eyes. “This meeting is over.”
“I get that a lot as well,” Shawn quipped.
“I’m sure you do. Please tell Ms. St. James that I don’t give a rat’s ass what brand of snake oil she is selling. She had better get things back on track or she is fired. Now, please leave.”
“Okay,” Shawn conceded having been in this position many times in her life. She could already sense things but she just needed some
thing that would open the door. “She was left handed,” she threw out as she stood.
“I beg your pardon?” Ella’s head snapped up.
“The woman whose picture you keep looking at,” Shawn expanded, still struggling to get a clear image. “She was left handed. You used to wonder about it. She wrote with her right hand, unless it was an incredibly important document. It was the teachers at school, they didn’t encourage students to write with their left hand back then.”
“Yes, I know,” she spat out. “I give you credit; that must have taken a lot of digging.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Don’t,” she retorted in an icy tone. “Temperance was indeed naturally left handed. A fact that came to light when her will was contested. Go, I’m not in the mood to hear you spew some bullshit about how she’s all around me. Trust me, I’ll have you arrested.”
“Fair enough,” Shawn conceded. “But she’s not.”
“Not what?”
“All around you,” Shawn quickly offered. “Everything I am feeling and sensing is residual or coming from you. She’s not here.”
“Well, that is fascinating. Unless you want my foot planted up your backside, you won’t be here either.”
“She was right though, for a dainty little thing, you really do have a filthy mouth.”
“What did you just say?”
Central Park West, NYC
October 2, 1938
“Do you have any idea how difficult it is to get a taxi in the rain?”
“As a matter of fact I do,” she conceded looking up from the papers that were sprawled across her desk. She gasped taking in the sight of her normally well-groomed employer looking like a drowned rat.
“Oh, my goodness!” She squeaked rushing towards her. “What on Earth?” She yanked the drenched camel haired coat from Temperance’s trembling body.
“Wallace never came to fetch me.” She explained her teeth chattering as she spoke.
“Whatever happened to him?” Ella demanded while she unbuttoned Temperance’s vest.
“At first I waited and waited,” she explained her body shivering. “I tried ringing his apartment. His wife answered or rather tried to. She was sobbing uncontrollably. I thought the poor man had an accident. After trying to hail a taxi, only to be subjected to puddles being splashed over me, I decided to walk.”
“It is at least thirty blocks from where you were. What were you thinking?”
“I’m not entirely certain, I was thinking.”
“Why didn’t you take a bus or the subway? I understand that it isn’t something that you are accustomed to, however at least you wouldn’t look as if you swam home.”
“I didn’t have any money. Unlike a taxi apparently you can’t charge these things.”
“How could you not have any money? I know it’s vulgar to discuss these things, but you are one of the richest women in the country.”
“Yes, but also a woman who carries a limited amount of cash. Pin money if you will. Which I use to express my gratitude for good service.”
“So, you over tipped your way into a walk home. What about the people you were meeting with? Wasn’t Helena there? Surely, she could have offered you a ride. It is the very least she can do after all of the financial advice you give her.”
“By the time I realized that Wallace wasn’t coming, Helena and the others were long gone.”
“I hope he is all right,” Ella sputtered turning Temperance around she could remove her vest. “I should pop downstairs and speak to his wife.”
“I stopped on the fourteenth floor. I was worried that something terrible had happened.”
“Is he all right?”
“Not, if his wife finds him,” she responded with a gulp.
Unconsciously, Ella began to unbutton Temperance’s blouse. “Ella?” Temperance trembled. She chose to ignore her. “What happened with Wallace?”
“After he dropped me off this afternoon, he returned home. Taking advantage of the fact that his wife was spending the day with her mother, he packed a bag and gathered up all of their money. He left her a note, explaining that he was destined to become a movie star.”
“I just can’t believe this,” Ella hissed incredulously, as she tugged Temperance’s blouse out of her slacks.
“Apparently, he’s on his way to Hollywood to become the next Clark Gable.” Temperance snarled. “And he’s not alone. From what I gathered from his wife, the shampoo girl from my salon is with him.”
“No?” She inhaled sharply. “They just had another baby.”
“I know, five children and he ups and leaves his family behind.”
“Where is the car? Is it in the garage?”
“Well,” Temperance nervously began. “I am guessing that based on the time he left the city, he and my Bentley are probably in Pennsylvania. Possibly Ohio. What kind of man does such a thing?”
“We need to call the police,” Ella asserted and when she was about to stress the sooner the better until she felt her wrists being captured in Temperance’s firm grasp. She glanced down and was horrified. Temperance’s blouse hung open exposing her lacy undergarments. Thanks to the rain she could see that Temperance’s nipples were erect. Adding to her dismay was that when her movements had been halted she had already unbuttoned her slacks and was removing her belt.
“I think I can do this,” Temperance nervously stammered. “More importantly,” she began with a blush. “I think I should.”
Confused Ella looked up only to find herself held captive. There was no mistaking the smoldering look in Temperance’s eyes. Filled with desire and a sudden sense of bravado she snapped the belt from around Temperance’s waist.
“Are you sure?” She purred leaning just a little closer.
“No.”
“No, as in stop?” She carefully questioned gliding her hands up the front of Temperance’s body. Temperance’s eyes darkened. She reached out and laced her fingers in Ella’s long curly hair. She twisted one curl around her finger.
Ella murmured softly, tugging on the wet blouse coaxing it down Temperance’s shoulders. The wet material at first refused to yield. Finally, she managed to free it from Temperance who allowed the strand of hair to gently slip from her grasp.
She smiled slyly taking in the bustier. The sheer material soaked through, leaving nothing to the imagination. She fought to control her breathing while drinking in the tantalizing sight. Pausing for a moment, carefully waiting for Temperance to tell her to stop.
Enchanted by the soft sounds of Temperance’s labored breathing she reached down.
Her slacks proved to be even more difficult, but so worth the effort as Ella was filled with a sense of satisfaction once she had rid Temperance of their hindrance. Licking her lips in anticipation she drank in the sight of Temperance, standing before her clad only in her silk stockings, garter belt and bustier. Never had she been so close to such beauty.
She ran her hands up along Temperance’s quivering thighs before taking her time to kiss her way up her legs. Gently, the light touch of her finger tips she nudged her thighs apart. “Don’t fall,” she whispered before tasting the inside of her trembling thigh. She hoped the muffled squeak her employer unwittingly emitted was confirmation that she would remain standing.
Inhaling the musky aroma made her entire body tremble. “I need you,” she moaned inching closer to Tempe’s silky wetness. She caressed her thighs with soft kisses taking her time to enjoy the sweet taste of the woman she had been lusting after for months.
“Ella,” Temperance gasped.
“Ssh,” Ella encouraged nudging her thighs further apart eager to taste more of her passion. She parted Temperance with her tongue and hungrily dove into her wetness. She licked her with long demanding strokes. She heard Temperance whispering her name just before she began teasing her throbbing clit. She sucked it eagerly, clasping Temperance’s hips. She suckled her harder when she felt her lover thrusting and quivering against her touch.
Temperance cried out with pleasure as Ella slipped two fingers inside of her. She could feel Temperance’s body urging her on as she took her harder, deeper, moaning with desire. She fought the urge to touch herself as she felt Temperance nearing the edge. She thrust in and out licking her with urgency. She refused to yield even as Temperance’s passion spilled over her.
She slipped from her touch only when Temperance pleaded with her to stop. “I’m going to fall,” she whimpered reaching down to help Ella to her feet.
Ella, not wasting a moment guided Temperance down the hallway and into the master bedroom. She lowered her onto the bed.
“Please, I need to see you,” Temperance breathlessly pleaded.
Ella’s lusty smile excited Tempe, whose body was still tingling. Ella became more aroused as she took her time in removing her clothing.
Boldly she stood there fully exposed before kneeling on the bed.
“I need to be inside you,” she demanded, unsnapping one of Temperance’ garter belts before rolling her stocking sensually down her leg. She repeated her intentions before slowly removing the remaining stocking.
Nestling her body on top of Temperance’s she leaned in and did something she had been dreaming about since the moment they met. She kissed her, long and deep. Parting her lips with her tongue she teased her while her fingers slipped inside her wetness. Temperance’s heated kiss spurred her on. The kiss awakened her passion, Temperance’s hands glided up and down her body as she plunged inside of her.
She rode against her wildly, their bodies thrusting against one another until Temperance was once again screaming her name. She hovered over her quivering lover and ripped the bustier from her body, exposing her breasts. She reached for her only to have her hands captured.
“I need to touch you,” Temperance coyly informed her flipping down onto the bed.
Ella had rarely experienced love making at such heights. Every touch, kiss and caress ignited a fire inside of her. Later she held Temperance as they looked at the stars. The large windows granted them a view of the night sky looming over the city.
“Tell me something?” She quietly began, feeling suddenly shy.
Muraille Island Page 14