Vanessa's Match

by Judy Christenberry

  And he would, because Rick paid him a lot of money to be at his beck and call. One of Joe’s jobs had been to keep an eye on Lindy. At least Rick had done that much, though it hadn’t been much for a six-year-old. Rick now knew his lawyer hadn’t done a good job. But then, neither had he.

  His lips tightened into a line as anger grew in him. He’d instructed his lawyer to visit Anita and Lindy once a month to give them the check and be sure Lindy was properly cared for. And to let Rick know if she wasn’t. He’d never heard a word from the man.

  He screeched to a halt in front of the condo. Good, he’d arrived before Joe. He got out of his car and went upstairs to the second floor. But the condo was locked. He snickered. Joe had found his half sister on the verge of death but he hadn’t forgotten to lock the door.

  Rick heard footsteps. He turned to watch Joe climb the stairs, a smile on his face.

  “Hi, Rick. I didn’t even realize you were in town yet.”

  “Really? How’s Lindy?”

  “She’s fine,” the man said heartily.

  “Where is she?”

  “She’s still in the hospital. She’s going to be fine, of course, but they wanted to make sure.”

  “I see. Would you unlock the door?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  The man stepped forward and inserted a key into the lock.

  As he did so, Rick said, “And you visited the condo each month and saw Lindy?”

  “Yes, and she was doing fine. I think it was just the shock of her mother’s death that upset her.”

  “Why was she alone? Didn’t they have a housekeeper?”

  “Yes, I believe they did. I didn’t think to ask—Well, who would I ask, after all? Lindy was in no shape for any conversation.”

  “Of course.” Rick stepped through the door of the condo and saw what Miss Shaw had seen. A beautifully decorated living room. A dining room table and chairs that looked like it had never been used. He walked through to the kitchen and again, as she’d said, there was no table.

  The lawyer followed along silently.

  Next, Rick went to the master bedroom. It, too, was elaborately decorated. Rick opened the large closet and looked at some of the designer labels.

  Joe smiled at him.

  Then Rick turned to the second bedroom. After he walked through the door, he moved aside for the lawyer and folded his arms over his chest.

  Joe gasped and turned to stare at Rick. “I—I don’t know what happened to the furniture in here!”

  “What furniture?”

  “Well, surely there was furniture. It’s Lindy’s bedroom, after all.”

  “Have you ever seen Lindy’s bedroom before?”

  “Well, no, of course not. I mean—it wouldn’t have been proper for me to go into her bedroom.”

  “But you saw Lindy every time you brought over the check?”

  “Absolutely!”

  “And you’ve visited her in the hospital?”

  “Of course, every day. I sometimes took my lunch hour and spent it with Lindy.”

  “When was the last day you spent with Lindy in the hospital?”

  “Why…yesterday, of course.”

  Rick pulled out his cell phone and dialed the number he’d been given for Vanessa Shaw. He recognized the housekeeper’s voice when she answered. “May I speak to Vanessa Shaw, please?”

  Joe was frowning.

  “Miss Shaw? Rick Austin. Did you meet my attorney while you were at the hospital with Lindy?” He waited for her response, his gaze on the attorney. “And you were with her all the time?

  “How long did she remain in the hospital? I see. Thank you, Miss Shaw.”

  He hung up and turned to look at his attorney. “Joe, the woman who has been taking care of Lindy says she never saw you at the hospital.” The man started to answer and Rick held up a hand to stop him. “She also said Lindy left the hospital four days ago, so think before you tell any more lies.”

  “I thought—I tried to do as you asked, but Mrs. Austin always said Lindy was out.”

  “What time did you usually come over?”

  “She asked that I come over around two.”

  Rick put his hands on his hips and shook his head. “Joe, I didn’t think you were that dumb. Lindy was in school at two every afternoon, unless you came over on a Saturday.”

  “I’m sorry. I—I made a mistake. It won’t happen again.”

  “And how often have you lied to me in the past nine years?”

  “Never about business, Rick. I swear!”

  “Our relationship, business and otherwise, is over, Joe. I’ll let you know my new attorney’s name so you can send the files to him.”

  “Rick, you can’t do this to me. It will ruin me.”

  “You should’ve thought of that before you lied to me and failed to do what I asked. My little sister has been living in poverty while her mother was leading the high life! That wasn’t what I wanted, and I believe I made myself clear.”

  Rick held out his hand for the key and stood waiting while his ex-attorney struggled to undo his key ring. While Joe did so, he pleaded for another chance, but Rick ignored him.

  Once he had the key in his hand, Rick led him outside the condo, locked the door and pocketed the key. Without a word he walked away, Joe still trying to apologize and regain his trust.

  After getting into his car without waving goodbye, Rick returned to the house where he’d left Vanessa Shaw. He felt he owed her an apology.

  When he rang the doorbell, Betty recognized him at once and invited him in. She was leading the way to the library when another door opened and Vanessa Shaw came out with a young girl.

  Rick stopped and stared. Could this slender blond lady be his half sister? “Lindy?”

  The girl stared at him. Then, without a word, she crumpled to the floor.

  Chapter Two

  “What’s wrong with her?” For an instant Rick was frozen in place, then he rushed over to Lindy, about five yards away. Vanessa, he noticed, had reacted immediately and was cradling the girl in a maternal gesture.

  “She’s been worried about your return. I didn’t tell her about your earlier visit. She wasn’t ready for it.” She pushed Lindy’s hair out of her face with a caring touch. “What are you doing here again?”

  “I needed to talk to you.”

  “You’re not going to take her away, are you?” Vanessa demanded sharply.

  “No, not now.”

  “Then go into the library. I’ll join you when I can.” She called out to Betty, who appeared almost instantly. “Will you help me get her upstairs?”

  “A’course,” Betty agreed. “That poor child.”

  “I could carry her wherever you’re taking her,” Rick suggested.

  Vanessa shook her head. “I’m afraid she’ll wake up and you will frighten her all over again.”

  The front door opened then and a middle-aged man stepped inside. “Hi—What’s going on?” he demanded.

  Vanessa greeted him with gratitude. “Thanks for coming home now, Will. Could you carry Lindy upstairs?”

  “Sure.” He frowned. “Is she sick?”

  “No, just a little overwhelmed. Betty, will you come with us? Mr. Austin, you know the way to the library, don’t you? I’ll be down in a minute.”

  The trio, with Lindy, disappeared up the stairs.

  Rick turned and went into the library. He left the door open so that he could hear Miss Shaw come in.

  “Hello?” a sweet voice said.

  He turned around to find an attractive woman staring at him. “Uh, hello. I’m waiting to see Miss Shaw.”

  “Oh. I’m her mother, Vivian Greenfield.” The petite woman crossed the room to shake his hand. “I don’t believe I’ve met you.”

  Feeling like a gauche schoolboy, Rick hurriedly said, “I’m Rick Austin.”

  “Oh, are you any kin to Lindy?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’m her half brother.”

  “Then I’m gl
ad to meet you. We’ve enjoyed having Lindy stay here.”

  “I hope—”

  “What are you doing talking to my mother?” Vanessa Shaw demanded, making it sound as if doing so were a heinous crime.

  The man who had carried Lindy upstairs entered behind her and patted her on the back. “Easy, Vanessa.”

  “Yes, dear, why wouldn’t I talk to one of our guests?” Mrs. Greenfield asked.

  “Because, Mom, he’s the one who abandoned Lindy for nine years.”

  “I thought my lawyer would take care of everything!” Rick exclaimed. “Now that I’ve found out how careless he was, how much he lied to me, I’ve fired him.”

  “Too bad,” Miss Shaw returned with heavy sarcasm.

  “Would you stop ripping me up? I explained what happened. I left her with her mother.”

  “Yes, because she had so much character!”

  The middle-aged woman stepped forward. “Darling, I don’t think you’re giving him a chance.”

  “I don’t see why I should!” Vanessa retorted.

  Before tempers flared further Will told them all to sit down. Then he introduced himself to Rick. “I’m Will Greenfield, and this is my wife, Vivian, who is Vanessa’s mother. I gather you’re the half brother we’ve been waiting for?”

  “Yes. I wasn’t told that Lindy had tried to kill herself. And my lawyer was instructed to visit with Lindy each month when he delivered the check, to be sure she was doing all right. I told him to let me know if there were any problems. Since I never heard from him…” He paused, staring at Vanessa. “I’ll admit I should’ve checked things out, but my stepmother had…had made it impossible for me to visit in her household.”

  “She made a pass at him,” Vanessa said calmly.

  “How old were you at the time, Rick?” Will asked.

  “Twenty-two. My father had just died and I was off balance as it was. My response to her attempt to seduce me—which was more than a pass, Miss Shaw—was to get as far away from her as possible.”

  “You should’ve fought for custody of Lindy,” Vanessa interjected.

  “I didn’t have a choice about that. My father made me her guardian in the will only if I survived her mother. All I controlled was the money.”

  Vanessa pressed on. “Well, you certainly could have used the money as leverage, couldn’t you?”

  “Vanessa, that’s not really your business,” her mother said gently.

  Rick pressed his lips together. “I deserve her censure, Mrs. Greenfield. But I’m going to try to make things right. Miss Shaw, have you discussed your plan with your parents?”

  He hadn’t expected to see such an expression of guilt on the confident young woman’s face.

  “Mom, Will, I told him I wanted to keep Lindy here with me. I know I should’ve asked you first but—”

  “Of course, dear,” her mother said. “She’s such a little darling. We’ll enjoy having her.”

  “Sure,” Will agreed. “Actually, I figured you wouldn’t want to let her go.”

  Rick frowned. “What do you mean? Why would you expect Vanessa—I mean Miss Shaw—to want to keep Lindy?”

  Will smiled. “It’s family history. Vivian and her first husband adopted Vanessa when she was a baby. After her father died, Vanessa learned from Vivian that she had five siblings in the world. Viv hired me to find them. I fell for her and convinced her to marry me. And we found all five siblings. One died in the war in Iraq. Vivian and Vanessa have tried to have all of them move in with us,” Will added.

  “And they didn’t?”

  “Several of them did for a short time. But they’re all married now.”

  “So why would she want Lindy?”

  “Because she needs me,” Vanessa said firmly. “She’s a lovely girl, but she hasn’t been cared for and encouraged—she’s been ignored. I had to go buy her some clothes just to get her home from the hospital.”

  “You mean you didn’t pack up any of her clothes?”

  “Didn’t you see them in her closet?”

  “Well, yes, but I presumed you’d picked out the best and packed them.”

  Vanessa shook her head. “No, I bought her a couple of casual outfits to last her until I can take her shopping. And I ordered new uniforms for her school. She’d outgrown what she’d had for the past three years.”

  “I’ll reimburse you at once,” he muttered.

  “And Betty, our housekeeper,” Vivian began, “is in seventh heaven with a new person to cook for. She feels Lindy hasn’t been properly fed.” She paused. “Do you know if she’s had regular visits to a doctor?”

  “No, I don’t.” He held up a hand in Vanessa’s direction. “I know, I know. I should have that information. As soon as I find another attorney willing to take on my personal business, I’ll—”

  “Do you have someone in mind?” Vivian asked.

  “No. I had no idea that I’d be needing a new one.”

  “We can recommend Jeff Jacobs. His office is just a few blocks away,” she replied.

  Will added, “Jeff is Vanessa’s brother-in-law. He’s a fine lawyer.”

  “I need someone to give Miss Shaw temporary guardianship papers so she can take Lindy to the doctor or the hospital if necessary.”

  “Temporary? You’ll leave her with me for at least a year, won’t you?”

  “I’ll consider it, if the first few months go well.”

  Vivian said, “We have that in place for Danny.”

  Rick frowned. “Who is Danny?”

  “He’s our almost-three-year-old son. In case there was an emergency and Vanessa was notified before us—though we seldom leave him—she would be able to take Danny to the hospital.”

  “Did Jacobs handle that for you?”

  “Yes, he did,” Will said, nodding.

  “Maybe I’ll talk to him.”

  “Why don’t you come to dinner tonight and we’ll invite Rebecca and Jeff, so you can meet him.”

  “Mom, I don’t think…” Vanessa began.

  As if her negative reaction had pushed him into making a decision, Rick said, “Thank you. I accept.”

  “But what if Lindy—?” Vanessa protested.

  “Surely as long as she knows I’m not taking her away from you, she can manage to be in the same room with me!” Rick said sharply.

  “I think he’s got a point, Vanessa. And I remember you saying she’d have to face her brother sometime.” Will smiled at Vanessa.

  “Yes, but I’m not sure she’s ready.”

  “You’ll have the afternoon to talk to her, dear,” her mother said. “Betty will be thrilled to organize a dinner. I’m glad you’ve decided to join us, Mr. Austin.”

  “Make it Rick, please,” he said.

  “Of course, and call me Vivian.”

  “I think maybe we’d better all go to first names,” Will added. “Seems we’ll be seeing one another regularly for a while.”

  Before he replied, Rick turned to Vanessa. “Are you okay with that, Miss Shaw?”

  She narrowed her hazel eyes. “If you insist…Mr. Austin.”

  VANESSA CREPT into Lindy’s room, afraid the girl was still asleep. But Lindy was sitting at a window seat with Betty, who had stayed with her following the fainting episode. The housekeeper exited quietly.

  When she saw Vanessa, Lindy seemed to shrink back.

  “Do I have to go with him?” she asked in a quavery voice.

  “No. He’s agreed to let you stay here with me,” Vanessa said with a warm smile.

  Lindy bounded up as if Vanessa had pressed a button. “He did?” she asked incredulously. “Really?”

  “Really, sweetheart.”

  “Oh, Vanessa, I’m so glad! I can’t believe—”

  “Wait, there’s a catch. He’s coming to dinner tonight.”

  A curtain fell over her smile, and panic rose in her eyes.

  “It’ll be okay, honey. He’s not as bad as you said he was.”

  Lindy was unconvinced. “Yo
u’re just saying that because he’s handsome! That’s what Mom always used to say.”

  “No, I hardly noticed his appearance.” But she couldn’t lie to Lindy. Hadn’t noticed? How could anyone help but notice his dark good looks? She revised her response. “Well, not much,” she said honestly. “But he explained why he didn’t come to see you.”

  “Because he didn’t care about me.”

  “No. I’m afraid your mother was the reason.” Under the circumstances Vanessa thought it best that Lindy know the truth. It might help the teen come to terms with her brother. “It seems she—she tried to seduce him after your dad’s death.”

  While they hadn’t talked much about her mother, Vanessa had realized Anita wasn’t much of a parent. But she was all Lindy had had.

  Lindy’s eyes widened in surprise. Then she looked away. A moment later she turned back to Vanessa, sadness shadowing her face. “No wonder he avoided me.”

  Vanessa took her hand. “Lindy, he expected the lawyer to see you each month and determine how you were doing. The man was supposed to let him know if something was wrong.”

  Lindy stared at her, saying nothing.

  “Obviously, your brother should’ve checked that the lawyer was doing his job properly, but Rick fired him today when he discovered the man had lied to him.”

  Lindy still said nothing.

  “So, will you be all right with Rick coming to dinner?”

  “Yes, of course. It’s your house.”

  Vanessa paused. Then she asked, “Would you rather go back to the condo instead of staying here?”

  “No!” was Lindy’s sharp reply, reminding Vanessa a little of Rick Austin.

  “Okay, then, let’s go have some lunch, and later we’ll go shopping!”

  “What for?”

  “New clothes for tonight. Your brother is going to pay for whatever you need.”

  “He doesn’t mind?”

  “No, honey. He thought your mother was buying you pretty clothes. Instead your mom spent all the money on herself.”

  Lindy’s eyebrows rose. “He wanted me to have pretty clothes?”

  “He did,” Vanessa assured her. Tears filled her eyes at Lindy’s look of awe, and she blinked to dam them. Forcing a smile, she pulled Lindy to her feet. “Come on, let’s go eat.”