by Gay N. Lewis
Beth placed her free hand around their coupled ones. “When I married Grant, I thought I loved him, but after we were married a few years, I realized I really loved him. In other words, a deep love grew as a result of commitment and vows, and there was no comparison between the first affection I felt and the deep love I had for him when he died.”
Bruce nodded. “That is how it should be.”
Before Bruce could respond with another thought, the owner of the bistro interrupted the couple. “Excuse me. I’m so happy to see you here. Is your dress okay?”
Beth smiled. “Yes, it’s fine. Thank you for asking.” She turned to Bruce. “This is Lugio. He’s the proprietor. The last time I was in here, there was a fire from the candle, and my dress got sprayed by an extinguisher.”
Bruce stood and shook the man’s hand. “Glad no one was hurt.”
The owner nodded. “It was the oddest thing. A candle fell to the tabletop for no apparent reason.” He scratched his head. “We’re still trying to figure that one out.”
Sarah grimaced. Good luck on that puzzle, mister. You probably won’t know the answer to that one until you get to heaven.
When Bruce and Beth finished lunch, Bruce walked Beth to her vehicle. As they stood by the car, they gazed into each other’s eyes for a brief moment, and then Bruce leaned in and lightly touched his lips to Beth’s.
“We are getting there, dear lady, we’re getting there.” He caressed her arm, and then turned toward his own automobile.
As Beth drove home, Sarah watched as Beth touched fingers to her lips. Wonder what Beth thought about that little kiss Bruce gave her?
* * *
“Mom, I have news for you.” Sarah listened in as Beth answered her cell phone.
“What is it, son?”
“If you aren’t busy, I’ll come over. Got a hot pot of coffee?”
“There will be by the time you get here.”
Beth turned off the fancy gadget and looked quizzically at Maria. “Gary sounded odd. Let’s make coffee. He’ll be here shortly.”
When Gary arrived, Sarah miniaturized herself and floated above the humans. Her strong desire to feel more engaged in their lives could be fulfilled from this spot.
Beth brought a mug to Gary and sat down at the table with him. “You sounded very serious on the phone. Do we have a major problem with one of our enterprises?”
“No, nothing like that.” He stirred sugar into his brew. “I’ve been worried about you and your dilemma.” He grinned. “I’m not surprised that any man would find my mom attractive, but you sounded concerned when we spoke about the men in your life, so I took the liberty of taking things into my own hands.”
Beth frowned. “What have you done?” Her tone turned icy.
Gary laughed. “Now don’t worry. I’ve done nothing to embarrass you.” He sipped his coffee while Beth folded her arms across her chest and stared at him.
“Kimberly and I want you to understand how much we love you and want your happiness, and if that includes a step-dad for us, so be it.”
Beth exhaled and placed her hands around her mug. “I’ve never wanted to marry, and that hasn’t been my intention, but three men seem to have my wedded state on their minds.”
Gary nodded. “And only one of them is honest.”
Beth squinted at Gary. “And you know this because…?”
He reached into his briefcase and brought forth a sheaf of papers. “I had the Fowler Detective Agency do a little detective work. Read this.”
He pushed the papers across the table for Beth.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Sarah watched the color drain from Beth’s face. What in the world had Gary found out?
“Are they sure about this?”
Gary nodded. “One hundred percent sure.”
“I’ll invite them over and take care of this.” The color returned in a rush to Beth’s cheeks. “Who do they think they are? They will be sorry they tried to take advantage of me.”
“I’ll be here with you when they come. I want to see their faces.”
Before Sarah could peek at the documents, Beth stood and strode to a cupboard. She opened the glass door, removed a few dishes, and touched a secret lever. A false panel slid open to reveal another compartment. Inside that area, she found another box and dialed some sort of a gadget. She then pulled the handle and a small door opened. A wall safe! How clever. Beth stuffed the official papers inside and slammed the doohickey shut.
She turned to face Gary. “Be here at seven o’clock tonight.”
Gary nodded.
* * *
Sarah paced back and forth on her cloud. Should she request help from Tomas? Was his protection necessary for Beth? The Superiors knew the future, and if the warrior angel was needed, he would appear. So it was best not to worry about that. But what could be in those papers? Would the long-awaited hour ever arrive?
As the time approached, Sarah descended to Beth’s roof. Gary arrived and Carlos parked his car in one of the garage bays. Carlos closed the door and waited in the porte-cochère.
Charles drove up the driveway. Carlos immediately appeared and offered to park his car. Charles frowned but handed him the keys.
When Beth opened the door to Charles, he entered with an invisible angel at his side. Who would want to miss this? Certainly not her, and inside promised to be the ideal spot to witness these unfolding events.
“I was pleasantly surprised to hear from you today, Beth. You said you’ve made decisions, and I confess, I’m a little nervous to hear them. I hope they are favorable to me.”
Beth stood aside and smiled. “Come in, Charles. You are right on time.” She led him to the living room. “Make yourself comfortable.” Charles walked to the sofa and continued to stand as he waited for Beth to sit. She elegantly sat down, and he lowered himself next to her on the sofa.
“Maria has prepared hot cocoa on this rather unusual night.”
“That sounds cheery, and I’d love some. Thanks. I was surprised to have Carlos offer to park my car. He’s never done that before.”
Beth smiled. “Well, we are expecting a storm tonight, and I wouldn’t want your car to get damaged with hail. You never know what will fall from a Texas sky.”
Yeah, and you never know who, either. Sarah curtsied from her standing position in the corner.
Maria brought in a tray with mugs of steaming hot chocolate, smiled, and then left the room.
“This is lovely—sitting here with you before a roaring fire in the fireplace. I can imagine us doing this often.” Charles adjusted his coat, loosened his tie, and proceeded to make himself comfortable.
“It is seldom chilly enough, but when it is, I enjoy sitting fireside. We occasionally have a blustery day or two, and I guess this is about to be one of those times. A cold front is moving in, and with a change in weather coming, I thought it a perfect time for a fire. We can see the lighted Christmas tree and colorful packages under the branches from here, and it’s a pleasure to the senses.” Beth sipped her drink. “I’m happy you could come on such short notice.”
“For you, dear lady, I’d break a leg to get here.”
Beth laughed. “I hope not. How was your day?”
“It was as smooth as silk. No major complications to solve at the bank today.” He set his cup down on the table beside him and slipped his arm over the back of the sofa.
Sarah glared at him. Ha! He put his arm back there because it was a convenient place to touch Beth. Would she allow that? Why wasn’t Gary in here? Seeing through walls was no problem, and she knew he was in the kitchen with two men. What was up with this scene?
“I take it you’ve thought about us becoming a couple?” Charles’s voice sounded hopeful.
“Oh, my, yes. I’ve thought about it all day.” Beth turned in slightly to face him and smiled. “And I’ve made a decision that I feel very good about.”
“And it includes me?”
“It certainly does. I can hard
ly wait to tell you about it.”
He slipped his arm from the top of the sofa and placed it around Beth’s shoulders. “This sounds better and better all the time.”
“I stayed up all night in prayer. This decision was difficult, but the Lord God has given me the answers I needed.”
Charles smiled. “You were awake all night? You look so beautiful…not at all tired.”
“Adrenaline keeps me moving…along with the relief of a major resolution made.”
The doorbell rang.
“Are you expecting guests?” Charles removed his hand from Beth’s shoulders.
“Maybe one or two.”
Maria ushered Bryan Wingate into the room.
Beth stood and so did Charles. Both men raised eyebrows when they saw each other.
Merciful heavens! This was bound to be good. Sarah clasped her hands in front of her. Wonder if Bruce would be the next one to arrive? If she hadn’t taken that nap this past afternoon, she might know what was coming next. Evidently, Beth made some elaborate plans while she slept.
“Hello, Bryan. It was good of you to come. I’m having a little party. Do you know Charles Chadwick?”
Bryan approached Charles and extended his hand. “I haven’t had the pleasure.”
“Charles, this is Bryan Wingate. Bryan is also a friend of mine.”
The men shook hands. “Nice to meet you, Wingate.”
“Likewise, Chadwick.”
“Be seated, gentleman. Excuse me while I go to the kitchen. Charles and I bought some lovely pastries yesterday, and they will be perfect with our hot chocolate.” She spun on her heels and left the room.
The two men looked at each other and shrugged. They sat down—Charles on the sofa, and Bryan in a nearby chair.
Sarah cocked her head. Well, this was a fine howdy-do. Wonder what was going on?
“I didn’t expect to see anyone here.” Bryan spoke softly.
“Neither did I. What do you suppose this is all about?”
“No clue.”
Beth returned without pastries—instead she carried a ream of papers in her hand. Both men stood.
“Sit down, gentleman. I’m sure you are wondering why I’ve invited the two of you to be here at the same time.”
Neither one spoke, but they both nodded, and neither one sat down.
“I have another surprise for you.”
Gary and the two strangers from the kitchen came into the room.
“I know you both know my son, Gary, and this gentleman is Robert Fowler. He owns the Fowler Detective Agency. The gentleman in the police uniform is Officer Dunwood. He’s one of Houston’s finest.”
Bryan frowned. “What’s this about?”
Gary advanced to stand beside his mother. “Let’s all sit down. Mom wants to have a chat with the two of you and clear the air.”
Everyone found places except Officer Dunwood. He continued to stand with his arms crossed, blocking the exit.
Beth crossed her ankles as she sat in a wingback chair. The sheaf of papers rested in her lap.
“Charles, when I told you I might sell my home, you told me you that although you had never met anyone at the agency, you had heard the Wingate Real Estate firm was a good and reliable one.”
Charles nodded. “That’s true.” He glanced at Bryan. “I take it you are the Wingate of the firm I directed Beth to?”
Bryan nodded and turned his attention to Charles. “Yes, thank you for your recommendation.” He directed his gaze to Beth. “Have you decided to list? Is that what this is all about? I always keep a contract in the car.”
Gary let out a low whistle, and all eyes swiveled to him. “You men are really something. Don’t you think it’s time to give up the act?”
Charles and Bryan focused attention on Gary.
“Young man, would you explain yourself?” Bryan was the first to recover from the shocked silence in the room.
Beth put up her hand in a stop position. “No, Gary. I’ve been looking forward to this announcement all day.” She stared into Bryan’s eyes and then locked her vision with Charles.
“Charles, we know you two are brothers, and we also have learned that you are a silent partner in the Wingate Real Estate Firm.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Charles’s face turned white while Bryan’s grew red. They looked at each other.
“It’s not what you think.” Charles spoke first.
“Oh? What is it that I think?” Beth’s tone dripped icicles.
Neither man spoke.
Beth pointed her finger at them. “Since neither of you seem able to speak, I’ll do it. You aren’t capable of telling the truth, and besides, it would be impossible to come up with a story I would believe. I’ll tell you what I comprehend. You are hypocrites, scoundrels, liars, and if you had the opportunity, you would be murderers.”
“Now, see here.” Bryan found his voice and stood. “I’ll not sit here another minute and listen to these insults.”
Gary leaned forward. “If I were you, I’d sit down. My mother isn’t finished yet.”
Officer Dunwood lowered his head and leaned his body in as if ready to charge forward.
“Calling us murderers is strong, Beth. I could never hurt you.” Charles’s tone echoed with a credible quality.
“Come off it, Charles.” Gary narrowed his eyes. “We know all about the plot you and Wingate hatched up. Tell them, Fowler.”
“My firm ran an extensive background check on the two of you. We learned you have different mothers but the same father. Your biological father allowed your stepdads to adopt you. That explains the difference in your last names.
“Although you grew up in separate households, you knew each other and often spent holidays together with your natural father. About five years ago, you went into business together. Charles funneled clients from the bank to the Wingate Real Estate Firm and helped make your business well-known. Several transactions the bank could have profited from went to the Wingate firm instead.”
Beth held up the papers and narrowed her eyes at Charles. “You didn’t do a very good job of hiding evidence. Gary found everything we needed at the bank, and Mr. Fowler gathered data recorded at the courthouse.” Glancing at the detective, she continued. “Go ahead, Mr. Fowler.”
“It was a nice setup until Beth became a widow, and then the two of you cooked up a plan to woo her into marriage. It didn’t matter who succeeded. You figured one of you would achieve the goal, and as a husband, the winner would be in the driver’s seat. The plan was to take charge of her financial holdings, and once that was done, you didn’t need her any longer. Whichever one was the husband would then push her down her three-story stairwell and make sure her neck was broken in the process.”
Sarah inhaled sharply, and then quickly covered her mouth with her hand. No one seemed to take notice of the small sound she’d made. So that’s what these two crummy criminals had in mind. Poor Beth—it must make her sad to think these two guys could be so devious. Proclaiming they could love her while all the time they wanted to kill her.
Gary never blinked. “Tell them about Sheila.”
Sarah felt her eyes grow large. Yeah. Tell them about Shorty Pants, that little sleazy gold-digging vixen.
A dash of lightning streaked the sky, and a bolt of thunder split the air.
Oops. When would she learn? The Superiors didn’t care for that kind of thinking. Well, wasn’t Sheila all those things? Short as well as a gold digger? And she had tried to seduce Gary.
Beth grinned. “I warned you that a storm was on its way, but I was thinking of the one to come in this room, not the one taking place outside.”
“Is the storm the reason you had Carlos put my car in the garage?” Charles gave her an exasperated look.
“Not really. I just didn’t want Bryan to see your car and be forewarned. I decided to arrange a few surprises for you. You certainly had a few planned for me.”
Bryan pursed his lips and a look of pure
evil crossed his features. “I’ve got to hand it to you, you pulled it off well.”
“Yes, you had me believing I was the one you cared for…sitting near me on the sofa.” Charles shook his head.
“You deserve a taste of your own medicine.” Gary glanced at Fowler. “Tell them about Sheila.”
Fowler nodded. “Sheila was your ace in the hole. You included her in your scheme. She was out to marry Gary if either of you failed. She would then be in the position to lead the two of you into the Marsh holdings. I’ll give it to you, you covered your bases and thought of all possible ways to become wealthy by sacrificing Beth and the Marsh estate.”
Wingate glared. “You can’t prove any of this rubbish.”
Beth held up the papers in her lap. “Yes, we can. It’s all documented right here. Mr. Fowler has legitimate ways of finding out the truth. Remember your meetings at Tony’s Bar and Grill? Neither of you were cautious. You spoke of your plans while you downed alcohol and ate buffalo wings. Mr. Fowler recorded you on video, and your conversations are on his smart phone.”
Bryan shook his fist at Beth. “That won’t hold up in court. We were careful not to mention any names, and our discussions were always encrypted. We could have been talking about a character we saw in a movie.”
“Yes, but I know differently. You have been guilty of unethical and immoral behavior and are guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, but don’t worry. I will not bring charges against you. I don’t need to. My influence in Texas is far-reaching. Once I make this known, the Wingate Real Estate Firm will be fortunate to have any business at all.”
Bryan’s face blanched. “You can’t do that.”
Beth simply smiled. “A word here and there to the wise is all it takes. Grant was an astute businessman, and he taught me how to deal with men like you. You thought I was a weak female who simply inherited everything and knew little. Gentleman, you underestimated me.”
Sarah wanted to give her charge a standing ovation, but she was already standing. Clapping and cheering was definitely out of the question.
Gary stood. “Gentleman, it’s time for you to leave.”