by V. K. Powell
“The police substation.”
“And if I’m not inclined to agree to your terms?”
“I’ll take great pleasure in reporting you to the feds.”
Leonard crumpled into his chair, pulling at his tie as if it were a noose. He glared, probably trying to intimidate her. It didn’t work, and he asked, “What do you want?”
“Every cent of federal money returned since their regulations haven’t been followed. And you agree to fund the substation, all of it, according to these specs.” She placed the new figures on the edge of his desk and slid them toward him.
He flipped through the papers, a gurgling sound coming from deep in his throat. “I can’t do all that. It’ll bankrupt the company and me as well.”
“Take it or leave it.” Realization dawned, his red-blotched face turned pasty white, and she smothered a grin. “Do you agree?”
“You realize this is blackmail. I could report you as the culprit and be done with this whole business. Gil would back me up.”
“I’m sure he would, but I have witnesses, documentation, and the truth on my side.”
“What do I get out of this?”
She measured her words carefully before answering. If the case went to court, her recording could be used. “I won’t initiate criminal charges against you.”
“And you agree not to send your evidence to anyone else?”
“I completely agree, but I want everything in writing, signed, before I leave.”
He nodded. “When did you grow a set of balls, Anthony?”
She answered from the heart. “When I realized some things really are worth fighting for.”
He slouched in his chair, a defeated man but, after a few quiet moments, suddenly stood again. “What I said earlier still goes. You’re fired.”
She had expected the firing, but the words still shocked her. “There’s a full committee meeting about the substation with the mayor tomorrow.”
“Not your concern anymore. I’ll go and present them with a big fat…ch—check.”
Kerstin was more than a little pleased by his apparent discomfort. “How do I know you won’t back out?”
“Because, unfortunately, you hold all the cards. I hope I never see you again.”
“I’ll clear my desk and type our agreement. Once you sign it, you’ll get your wish.”
An hour later, she was back on the subway headed home again, savoring a sense of accomplishment. She had stood up to Parrish for the first time and not only for herself but also for everyone who had a stake in the substation project and all the clients he’d swindled. The police department would get their facility, she’d be free to start her firm, her mother was more independent, Parrish would go to jail, and Bennett—the list of wins ended abruptly. What about Bennett? She tabled the nagging question as she entered the penthouse.
Valerie and Elizabeth were having lunch on the balcony overlooking the park enjoying the unusually balmy weather. “Enough for one more?”
“Of course, dear,” her mother said. “Bring a plate.”
Kerstin filled her dish with green and pasta salads and joined them. “Looks great, Val.”
Elizabeth gave her a slow appraisal, and a smile spread across her face. “You’re almost radiant. What sparked such a change in my daughter?”
“She’s right,” Valerie added. “You’re practically glowing.”
Kerstin placed her knife on the side of her plate and made eye contact with each of them. These two women were family and the foundation of her newfound strength. They deserved the truth. “I have something to tell you.” She took a slow breath to calm her nerves. “Leonard fired me today and—”
“What?” Elizabeth stared at her, mouth twisted in a grimace. “I will blackball Leonard Parrish in New York City and the entire state. He can’t mistreat my daughter. Don’t worry.”
“Mother, it’s all good.”
“It most certainly is not.”
“Elizabeth, I think Kerstin’s happy,” Valerie said.
“Leonard cheated on a government contract, and I suspect he’s done the same to other clients. I refuse to work in a company without integrity. I’m sorry, Mother.”
Her mother leaned forward and placed her hand gently over Kerstin’s. “No need to be sorry. You did exactly the right thing, and I’m very proud. You weren’t happy working for him. I thought I was helping when I got you an interview with the firm.” The smooth skin of her mother’s forehead creased, and her smile dissolved.
“I gained experience at Parrish for my future, so I’m very grateful to you. Which brings me to another issue. I’m finally going to launch my business…and I might be moving.” She prepared herself, fearing her mother’s reaction, afraid she’d hurt her, but she couldn’t let current or past circumstances dictate her future. “I’ll take care of you, but it might be in another place.”
“Because of Bennett Carlyle?”
“Elizabeth, please.”
Valerie moved to intervene, but Kerstin waved her off. “Not entirely. The time is finally right to open my firm. I do hope Bennett will be part of my future because I’m in love with her, Mother.” The words spilled out, creating more confidence, peace, and certainty. “I think I’ve loved her for a very long time.”
“Yes!” Valerie pumped her fist in the air but abruptly stopped when Elizabeth eyed her.
“I see.” Elizabeth slowly dabbed the corners of her mouth, then folded and placed the napkin beside her plate.
The thick tension weighed on Kerstin, threatening to tarnish her dreams. “Mother—”
“Stop.” Elizabeth rolled her chair closer. “Why this particular woman?”
Not the question Kerstin expected, but the answer was easy. “She’s worth the risk.”
Elizabeth captured Kerstin’s hands and studied her closely. “In that case, I’m very happy for you, my dear.”
Kerstin was stunned. “You’re happy for me?”
“Absolutely. My fondest desire is for you to love and be loved. It’s the greatest gift. I’ve pushed men in your path in the past, but I thought that was what you wanted. If Bennett makes you happy, I couldn’t be more pleased.”
She was so proud of her mother and of the difficult times they’d weathered. She’d surprised her again, and she deserved to know everything. “Bennett and I have some issues. There was a mix-up before I left. No, that’s not entirely accurate. I overreacted to a conversation I heard. It scared me and—”
“You ran. It’s how you cope, dear. I’m afraid I taught you to avoid your problems or gloss over them with other things.” Her mother, who still held her hands, gripped them tighter. “But you’re learning. You and Bennett will figure things out together. And don’t worry about me as you make plans.” She glanced over at Valerie. “Should we tell her now?”
“Seems like the perfect time.”
“Tell me what? You two have been scheming again, and it freaks me out.”
“I’m selling the penthouse and joining my friends in Florida to soak up the sun, enjoy a few cocktails, and explore my own possibilities.”
“I…I’m excited for you.” Kerstin’s vision blurred with tears. The successful recovery opened the door to a new life for her mother, but had Kerstin rushed her with this news? Was she capable of living on her own again? And could Kerstin move forward without constantly worrying about her? Elizabeth’s expectant face brought her back to the conversation. “But are you sure? Are you ready?”
“Never more sure or more ready for anything in my life. Both of us need to fly the familial nest. I can’t possibly repay you and Valerie for your care and kindness these past months, but I’m going to try.” She nodded to Valerie, who disappeared briefly and returned with an envelope and handed it to Kerstin. “This will help with your new venture.”
“Open the envelope,” Valerie said, excitement making her voice quiver.
Kerstin slid her finger under the flap and pulled out a piece of paper with a long number and a dollar amount. “
What’s this, Mother?”
“A bank account, in your name only, and the current balance. You wouldn’t let me pay for your education, Miss Independence, so I put it all into savings. The total represents your college fund plus interest. I hope it’s enough.”
The figure was staggeringly generous. Kerstin knelt beside her mother’s chair and hugged her, tears falling freely. She had started this day with such anxiety, but her life was falling into place. “Thank you so much. I can start my firm debt-free. I love you, and I want you to be as happy as I am right now.” She rested her head in her mother’s lap, something she hadn’t done since childhood. As her mother’s fingers raked through her hair, another question occurred.
“What about Val?” She read her aunt’s expression. She needn’t worry.
“I’m dividing the remainder of the family trust and a percentage of the sale of the penthouse with Valerie. I won’t need as much to live comfortably in Florida.”
“But where will you go?”
“My friends live in an independent retirement facility with an adjacent assisted-living component. If I eventually need care, I’ll move to another unit on the grounds. I’ll be looked after, and you won’t have to fret. But I would appreciate you finding a home with enough room for me to visit occasionally.”
“Absolutely.”
“Now, if you two will excuse me, I’m exhausted from all the excitement.” Elizabeth kissed Kerstin’s cheek and walked carefully, using her cane, toward her bedroom.
Kerstin flopped into her seat, also a bit drained by a day of emotional ups and downs. Her aunt wore a sneaky grin. “You knew about this, didn’t you?”
“Not everything. She shared her plan for you but surprised me with the rest last night. I didn’t expect anything so generous, not even close.”
“Any idea where you’ll go or what you want to do?”
“The world is my oyster, corny, but true. The flight attendant and I are planning to travel and get to know each other better. Nothing like time in confined spaces to learn about someone.”
“Val, that’s fantastic. I didn’t know you’d gotten so serious.”
“A recent development.”
“And you’re happy?”
“Ecstatic. Looks like things are working out for both of us. Ditto what Elizabeth said about room for visitors.”
“Definitely. I have to give my stamp of approval, and so do you.”
“Are you going back to Greensboro tonight?” She wiggled her eyebrows in the Groucho Marx way she did when they discussed women or sex.
Kerstin laughed and expelled some of her pent-up excitement. “Tomorrow afternoon. I wasn’t sure how mother would take my news, and I have a few things to wrap up before I leave.”
“Like your condo?”
“Yeah. I’m considering using it for rental income, in case.”
“You’re going to do great. Trust me.”
“Trust me.” Bennett had said those words when she pledged her love, but Kerstin hadn’t trusted Bennett. She prayed she wasn’t too late.
Chapter Twenty-five
“This might be rough, Ben. Tough questions need honest answers,” Chief Ashton said when Bennett joined him outside the council chambers where the building committee was scheduled to meet.
She nodded. She was prepared for the grilling she and Kerstin were certain to receive from the members, the chief, and the mayor, but she worried more about seeing Kerstin after almost a week of no contact.
As everyone filed into the room, she searched for Kerstin. A squatty man with a red face and balding head resembling a ripe pimple stood beside the conference table.
The mayor rushed in and checked his watch before moving to the head of the table. “Everyone grab a seat, and we’ll begin. I have a hectic schedule this afternoon.”
“We can’t start yet, sir,” Bennett said. “Our architect, Ms. Anthony, isn’t here.” She didn’t really care about the meeting right now. She wanted, no, she needed, to see Kerstin, to understand why she’d run back to New York. Bennett had grown tired of being patient, tired of wanting someone she couldn’t have, and beyond tired of guessing why.
The balding man, his face now the color of a red pepper, stepped closer to the mayor. “She’s not coming. I fired her.”
“You what?” Bennett rose and started toward the man, but the chief grabbed her arm. “Where is she? And who the hell are you?”
The man grinned, an expression she immediately disliked. “Leonard Parrish of Parrish Designs, and I’m the man about to make your day, Mr. Mayor.” He slid a piece of paper with a check attached across the table.
“What is this?”
“The answer to your budgetary prayers. The check covers your substation project entirely. You’re free to employ another architect of your choosing. If the funds don’t cover his fee, contact me. My details are on the letterhead.”
The mayor’s wide eyes matched the stunned expressions on everyone else’s faces. “I don’t understand.”
“I’m doing the…right thing.” He stumbled over the words, and his face distorted like he’d swallowed something foul. He turned and left the room before anyone could ask more questions.
“Are we done here?” Bennett addressed the mayor, but she was already following Parrish. He’d spoken with Kerstin recently and was her best source of information.
“It appears so. Meeting adjourned.”
She caught up to Parrish at the elevator door and spun him around. “Where is Kerstin?”
“Somewhere in the city of New York, I’d guess. Beyond that I don’t know and don’t care.” He pulled away, stepped on the elevator, and the doors slid together.
She turned, and Chief Ashton was approaching, a look of concern and compassion on his face. “Boss, I need a few days off, personal reasons.”
“Figured you might. Go find your architect so we can get our substation finished.”
“Roger that.” She dialed Jazz while taking the back way home to skirt red lights. “Can you meet me at the cottage ASAP?”
“You hurt?”
“No. Just need backup.”
“Be there in five.”
Even though she wasn’t born into the family and didn’t carry the surname, Jazz represented everything the Carlyle family stood for—honesty, responsibility, dedication, and love. Jazz always came through for her, no questions asked. Bennett trusted this time would be no different. Before she fulfilled her promise to Kerstin, another promise she’d made closer to home required attention.
She was throwing clothes into her rucksack when Jazz arrived. “What’s up, sis?”
“Going out of town. Not sure how long. We need to talk.”
“About?” Jazz stood at parade rest, hands clasped behind her back, as if waiting to receive an order from her supervisor.
“I have to find Kerstin and bring her back, if I can. In the not too distant future, I hope we’ll move into one of the family homes, which means—”
“The cottage will be available, and I’m next in line. I don’t want it.”
“Why? You deserve it as much as any of us,” Bennett said.
“It’s not about that, really. I like the big house with the rest of the family underfoot. I spent enough time alone as a kid. Pass my turn to Dylan.”
“Are you sure?”
“Hard pass.”
Bennett hugged her tightly and didn’t let go even when she squirmed. “I love you. You’re the best sister in the world. You tell Dylan. She’ll be stoked.”
“Okay, okay.” Jazz wiggled out of her arms and pointed to her bag beside the door. “Let’s find Kerstin so you’ll stop trying to smother me.”
* * *
Kerstin grabbed her carry-on from the overhead compartment when the seat-belt light turned off and pushed her way to the exit, apologizing as she went. Her new life waited outside those doors. She hadn’t fallen in love with anyone else, settled down, or started her own business because she belonged here with Bennett. He
r roller bag spun behind her as she walked faster and faster past each gate toward the exit.
“Kerstin?”
She ignored the voice in her head trying to slow her down.
“Kerstin!” Not her voice.
She stopped abruptly, and a fellow passenger narrowly swerved around her. Scanning the people gathered at each gate, she turned in a slow circle until she spotted Bennett. The same excitement every time she saw her, but magnified. She released the handle of her suitcase and ran, her arms wide and her heart full. Their collision almost knocked them both over, but Jazz steadied them.
“You’re here.” And then she kissed her, baring her soul, praying Bennett felt the same. “I’m sorry I left without talking to you. I got things so wrong. I acted like a scared teenager again. I’m so sorry about everything. Please forgive me. And please tell me I’m not too late.” Kerstin kissed her again as people around them stared. Bennett hadn’t spoken, but her lips said plenty. “Ben?” After a deep kiss, Kerstin finally looked into her eyes, fearing what she might see. “Ben, can you forgive me?”
“I was coming to find you.”
“You were?”
Bennett took her hand and led her to a vehicle outside the entrance but stopped before opening the door. “One very important thing.”
“Name it.” She repeated Bennett’s answer from days ago.
“I’m not chasing you anymore, Kerstin Anthony.”
“Good, because I’m not running anymore.” Something about Bennett made her weak in the most delicious way, and she wanted to be alone with her, to really make love to her for the first time. “Can we go home now?”
“Home, huh?”
“Your place works for the moment.”
Jazz stood curbside, giving them some space, and Bennett waved her over. “Kerstin would like to go home. Think we can accommodate her?”
“Definitely.” She snagged the keys Bennett tossed and opened the doors while Bennett stowed their bags in the trunk. “Why don’t you two sit in the back?” Jazz turned the radio speakers up front and raised the volume so they could talk without being overheard.
Kerstin snuggled into Bennett’s side and waited for her questions.