by Lynn Emery
“Baby?” Willa stopped and spun around. She stared at MiMi’s stomach. “No.”
“Yes. I’m pregnant with Jack’s baby.” MiMi smoothed down the fabric of her dress. “And I’m still rocking this dress.”
“Don’t think this changes anything. I want proof. Even if you are pregnant I want a DNA test.” Willa was waving her arms wildly causing people to stare at her.
“This does change things, I have proof. DNA test? Bring it on.” MiMi grinned at her. “Let’s be friends, Willa. It would make all this so much easier.”
“Bull.” Willa turned around and headed for her car, blood pounding in her ears.
Chapter 9
Two days later Willa sat in the spacious office of her former employer. Brad Craft, the senior partner of Craft, Mouton and LaPlace, was ready to deliver his verdict on Jack’s will. He’d had it for the past week. Willa exchanged pleasantries with him trying not to appear impatient.
“Well, what do you think,” Willa said.
“I have tell you, it’s looking good,” Brad said, looking at Willa over his reading glasses. “So far there is nothing in writing that confirms that there was a contract with Strafford, Inc., or that Ms. Landry invested in Crown Protection. The codicil says she’s to be paid from those profits.” Brad rocked his executive chair back and forth as he spoke.
“And since there are no profits MiMi Landry is SOL – So Out of Luck.. Hah.” Willa gave a happy sigh.
“For now. But you have a duty as both the executor of Jack’s estate and head of his company. You can’t do anything to damage either the estate or the company, not until all claims are settled. If Crown Protection did provide services then you’ll have to pay her.” Brad wagged a forefinger at her.
“Of course. I have a meeting with these mysterious Strafford, Inc. guys Wednesday. I should know more then.”
“Sounds good. In the meantime Ms. Landry is definitely out of luck. She has to wait until the succession proceeds. No debts can be paid until the court says so. She hasn’t filed as a debtor yet.”
“For a very good reason. She can’t prove anything. I don’t doubt Jack promised her money.” Willa grimaced. “When he was in heat Jack loved to spend money on the object of his affection.”
“Sure is easy for a guy to get caught up in the moment. Uh, so I’ve heard. Not that I’ve ever done it,” Brad said when Willa glanced at him.
“Yeah. Anyway, I’ve got enough on my hands with Detective Miller still sniffing around Anthony.” Willa thought about Jazz again. She wanted to shake her baby sister until the truth fell out. Jazz had more she was keeping secret.
“Do you think Anthony is telling you everything?” Brad looked at Willa as though he already knew her answer. When she hissed in response he shook his head. “You need to get ahead of Miller and get Anthony to open up.”
“You don’t have teenagers yet. In five years when your sweet little Ashley hits lucky number thirteen look out. Let’s see how easy you pry info from her then,” Willa replied. “Not to mention your son Matthew.”
“Thanks for the good news. I’ll be dealing with them and my wife’s moods. What fun.” Brad blew out a gust of air. Then he grinned. “Or maybe Anthony is telling you the truth.”
“According to my sister.”
“Well, there you have it. A responsible adult backs him up,” Brad said.
Willa snorted. “Right.”
His description didn’t exactly fit Jazz, at least not in the usual way. Still Jazz could be very protective toward family, especially Willa’s kids. Willa just worried about her sister’s judgment and lack of predictability. Jazz simply didn’t follow most rules. And the consequences could be bad.
“If you need a good lawyer for Anthony just say the word. He’s underage so they have to deal with you. That’s one big advantage. They can put a scare into a kid with no one to speak up for him.” Brad flipped through Jack’s will scanning the text again.
“They do a good job of putting a scare in grown folks, too,” Willa said. “I’ve already talked to a lawyer with experience representing kids in trouble.”
“Excellent. It’s going to be okay, Willa.” Brad took off his reading glasses.
“Thanks for the hand holding. I know you’re right. Guess I’ve had one too many nasty surprises lately.” Willa stood. “At least I can tell MiMi Landry to shut up and leave me alone.”
“I’ll communicate that message to her attorney as well.” Brad smiled.
“She can just go back to selling lipstick at the mall. Or her daddy big bucks can support her and the baby.” Willa turned to leave. “Either way she’s not getting a dime from me.”
“Wait a minute. She has a baby?” Brad leaned forward.
“Claims she’s pregnant. She’ll say anything to get sympathy.” Willa waved a hand.
“Having Jack’s baby?” Brad’s eyebrows pulled together to form a single serious line.
“According to her. What?” Willa studied his expression, not liking the line of tension in his forehead.
“Children have a claim on the estate, born in wedlock or not. As the child’s legal guardian Ms. Landry can assert those rights.” Brad looked at Willa and nodded.
“But… but I don’t even know if she’s telling the truth. Or if Jack’s the father,” Willa protested.
“I’m sure her attorney has advised her to get the necessary proof, DNA and other documents.” Brad stood. “Under Louisiana law a minor child is a forced heir. That means— ”
“MiMi gets a claim of the estate no matter what,” Willa finished. “I’ve had so much on my mind lately it just didn’t click.” She sat down hard.
“So we can’t afford to play hardball with Ms. Landry. If she’s pregnant, and if Jack’s the father then technically speaking she’s family. Sort of,” Brad added when Willa stared at him open-mouthed.
“Speaking of nasty surprises.” Willa rubbed at the sudden sharp pain in her neck.
***
Later that evening Willa and the kids had only arrived at Mama Ruby’s house when Mikayla dropped a bombshell. She raced ahead of Anthony and Willa into Mama Ruby’s living room.
“Nanna Ruby, I’m going to have a baby sister. Yippeee!”
“What the— I mean, Willa don’t tell me you’re…” Willa’s father stared at her abdomen then looked up into her eyes.
“Lord have mercy.” Aunt Ametrine shook her head and made tsk, tsk noises.
“Is it that handsome Cedric down at the office?” Aunt Beryl wore a wistful, and envious expression.
“Oh man, this is rich. Mikayla, I’m going to have a baby brother. No more girls,” Anthony declared, made a chopping motion with one hand then marched off. He headed for the den to watch the sports channel.
Daddy Elton would have normally gone with him, but he was rooted to the chair staring at Willa’s abdomen again.
Mama Ruby grabbed Mikayla by the hand and pulled her across the room to Aunt Beryl. “Auntie Bear is gonna give you some ice cream.”
“But, but…” Mikayla tried to dig her little heels into the carpet. “I wanna stay and talk about my baby sister.”
“Brother!” Anthony yelled from down the hall. He had just left the kitchen and held a big bag of corn chips. He leaned against the wall then stuffed his mouth. His jaws worked crunching the salty snack.
“Thought you wanted to watch some game,” Willa said through clenched teeth.
“In a minute, Ma. I can stand some family time.” Anthony grinned at her.
“Let Ametrine take Mikayla to eat ice cream.” Beryl leaned close to Ruby. “I really want to hear this.”
“No.” Aunt Ametrine positioned herself deeper into the stuffed chair.
“Anthony.” Papa Elton glared at his grandson, his expression and tone communicated even more.
“Come on, Mikayla. Let’s go,” Anthony jerked his head for her to follow.
“I don’t wanna watch any old ball game,” Mikayla protested. One look from her grandfath
er and she marched over to stand next to Anthony.
“We can play that rock band game. I’ll let you be the leader of the band,” Anthony said and held out the bag of chips. “Besides, the good game doesn’t come on for another hour.”
“Really? I can be the leader? Cool.” Mikayla grabbed a handful of chips before bouncing down the hallway.
Willa waited for them to disappear. “I’m not pregnant. Let’s get that out of the way. It’s MiMi. Or so she claims.”
“This is better than my favorite soap opera, As Our Days Turn,” Aunt Beryl murmured and sat down hard.
“Get some proof she’s pregnant,” Mama Ruby said.
“And DNA proving Jack was the daddy,” Aunt Ametrine added pointing at Willa.
“Lawd, but ain’t this some drama.” Papa Elton let out a low whistle and shook his head.
Willa shrugged. “Y’all got some of that cherry crème soft drink I like? You know that old fashioned brand made in New Orleans.” She started for the kitchen.
Her family followed her, exchanging looks with each other. Aunt Ametrine raced down the hallway to make sure the kids were occupied. Moments later she scurried back joining the adults in Mama Ruby’s large kitchen.
“We can talk. The children are into that video game,” Aunt Ametrine huffed, breathless from rushing back. “What did I miss?”
“Nothing,” Aunt Beryl replied. She sat on a stool at the breakfast counter.
“You’re mighty calm considering,” Mama Ruby said. She examined Willa with a concerned frown. “You feeling okay, baby? I know you’ve been working hard at that office. All this stress is just taking a toll on you.”
“I’m okay. As okay as I can be.” Willa got a bottle of soda from the big stainless steel fridge. “MiMi is no fool. With today’s technology she wouldn’t lie about having Jack’s baby. She knows it wouldn’t fly for long.”
“Get the proof anyway,” Mama Ruby repeated. “But you got a good point.”
“Sure. But she knows me well enough to realize I wouldn’t just take her word for it.” Willa sighed. “No, I’m afraid Mikayla is going to get her baby sister.”
“Or brother,” Aunt Beryl said quietly. She blinked rapidly when the others glanced at her. “Or do you know for sure?”
“No,” Willa said and sighed. She took a pull from the bottle of soda then sat down on a stool next to her aunt Beryl.
“Well, well. A new member of the family. Might as well invite the girl for dinner.” Papa Elton rumbled.
“Yeah right,” Aunt Ametrine said with a grunt. “What a fine role model that is for our children. A scarlet woman parading around with visible proof of her sin.”
“What about Christian love?” Mama Ruby cocked an eyebrow at her sister. “You saved souls can be some of the most judgmental— ”
“All right you two,” Willa broke in, determined to block one of their head-butting sessions over religion. She looked at Papa Elton. “Daddy, you make a good point.”
“I was just kidding about the dinner, but you could try being nice to her. She’s got a claim on the estate.” Papa Elton nodded.
“Exactly what Brad said.” Willa put the bottle of soda on the counter. She rubbed the back of her neck. “I can’t fight battles on all sides. It’s wearing me down.”
“I know, sweetie pie.” Papa Elton walked over to Willa. He massaged her neck gently. “What with Jazz and Anthony, running a business, and settling Jack’s affairs you got a hand full.”
“Two hands full,” Beryl agreed. She patted Willa’s hand.
“Try six hands full.” Willa sighed under her father’s paternal nurturing. The tension eased from her shoulder muscles. “Thank you, Daddy.”
Papa Elton kissed the top of her head. “You come see your daddy anytime you need a break. Speaking of kids, I’m going to check on my grandchildren.”
Mama Ruby watched him lumber out. “He wants to play that game with them kids.”
Willa laughed. “Daddy gave his advice and now he’s tired of this serious stuff.”
“So what are you going to do about this MiMi person?” Aunt Ametrine’s wide mouth turned down in disapproval.
“I’m going to be nice to her. I mean after all Mikayla already thinks of this baby as part of her family. Anthony is even talking about a little brother.”
“Well, just how are you going to explain this to those children?” Aunt Ametrine crossed her arms.
“They’ve already met her, Aunt A,” Willa replied. She smiled at her aunt’s scandalized expression.
“Where?” Aunt Ametrine spluttered.
“At my house. MiMi came over one day. Anthony met her before at Jack’s office” Willa waved a hand in the air. “The point is I might as well accept it. MiMi now has negotiating power.”
“Humph, I want to spend some time with this MiMi,” Mama Ruby said. “I’ll find out her game in hot minute.”
“I’ll bet you can.” Willa laughed.
Mama Ruby had the warm heart of a loving mother. She also had the interviewing skills of a wily cop. She’d extracted more confessions and secrets than any group of FBI interrogators. Foster care workers respected her, but Mama Ruby would side with the biological parents of kids if she felt they deserved another chance. Willa trusted her sense of right. She just wished Mama Ruby could reach Jazz.
***
Three days later Willa sat in the lobby of Strafford, Inc. She glanced around the office and wondered if the place had been professionally decorated. Soft shades of blue, green and bronze made up the furnishings. Framed prints reflected the color scheme. The sleek model-thin redheaded receptionist fit right in. She handled phone calls in a clipped voice.
“Strafford, Inc. How may I assist you?” she said over and over.
Willa had given up trying to get information from her with chitchat. Ms. Icicle 2008 had no time or inclination to share. So Willa contented herself with flipping through a company brochure. Strafford, Inc. specialized in providing quality products that helped businesses and the environment, it read. Skimpy on details, the rest of the copy talked up Strafford and its highly qualified staff.
“Ms. Crown, Mr. Strafford will be able to see you in a few minutes. He’s been tied up on an overseas phone conference.” Ms. Icicle’s frozen smile switched on.
“Excellent. Thank you.”
So she would talk straight to the horse’s mouth instead of his subordinate. Willa put on her game face. Inside her stomach churned. Maybe she should have brought Cedric with her, even if she didn’t trust him. And she wanted to, very much. His broad shoulders invited her to lean on them. Having her family meant the world to her. But being around Cedric reminded Willa how long it had been since she’d snuggled up with a big, desirable man. One voice in her head said, “Girl, go for it!” The other voice, the one reminding Willa of all her past letdowns, said, “Don’t be no fool!”
“Mr. Strafford will see you now,” the cool voice said, interrupting Willa’s thoughts.
“Thank you.” Willa pushed her dilemma over Cedric on a back burner. She smiled and followed the administrative assistant into the boss’s office.
“So nice to meet you, Mrs. Crown. Ike told me we’ve been something of a mystery to you. But let me say foremost how sorry I was to learn of Mr. Crown’s untimely death. Horrible world we live in.”
“Thank you. I appreciate you making time in what must be a very busy schedule on short notice.” Willa tried not to stare at the unique looking man.
Strafford looked to be at least six feet four and had white hair all over. His eyebrows and mustache were white. More like platinum blonde. His dark blue suit had to have set him back a good two thousand dollars Willa judged. The light blue silk tie would have made Jack ask about where the guy shopped. It matched his cool blue eyes.
“Happy to do it. After all we were looking forward to working with Jack.” Strafford rested his smooth hands on the back of a chair. “Please.”
Willa smiled her gratitude and sat down. �
��As Mr. Nelson probably mentioned I haven’t been able to find any paperwork. I’m in the embarrassing position of having to ask just what Crown Protection was going to do for Strafford, Inc.?”
Strafford smoothed down his tie unnecessarily as he sat down. The man looked so together Willa doubted even a strong wind would ruffle his look. He smiled back at Willa.
“My great-grandfather started our first family business back in nineteen thirty-seven when he was just a teenager. In Norway. He became quite successful dealing in scrap metals.”
Willa thought, “What the hell?” but instead maintained her polite smile and said, “He was obviously hardworking and resourceful.”
“Most of us business people have to be, yes?” Strafford nodded.
Willa noticed the lilt of a different accent for the first time. “Very true.”
“Your late husband was the same.” Strafford steepled his fingers and struck a thoughtful pose.
All well and good, but back to the present century. Willa nodded with him. “So you deal in metals, recycling?”
“To make a long family story short I’ve come back to metals, yes. But we have other ventures. Now we deal in futures, commodities of various kinds and moving money.” Strafford seemed to be searching Willa’s face for her reaction.
Though her pulse rate ticked up Willa didn’t let it show. “I see. And Crown Protection’s role would be?”
Strafford laughed. “Naturally I should get to the point, yes?”
Hell yes, Willa wanted to snap. She gave a little laugh worthy of any Southern “tea party” Belle. “Knowing your business is important.”
“So refreshing to deal with Southerners. We have offices in New York. Here there is such charm. So European. Reminds me of home. I grew up in Italy you know.”
Willa had a feeling that by the time she left she would know all about him. She was still cloudy about Strafford, Inc.
“Louisiana has deep roots in Europe,” she replied.