Past Betrayals, Past Loves

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  She looked at the clock. If she didn’t hurry she would be late for the appointment with her father’s doctor. She wondered if he could recommend a good psychiatrist. A wry smile curved her mouth. What would one make of her strange adventures? She took the box of jade to the vault and grabbed her purse and left.

  She arrived at the hospital with fifteen minutes to spare. Her father waved a pamphlet. “Duncan brought this for me to look at this morning.”

  She kissed his cheek and looked at the brochure. “Looks like a nice place.”

  “Are you tired?”

  She couldn’t tell him about her strange visits to the past. “Just a bit of eye strain from sorting the bills and sales slips. You need to be more organized.”

  Her father tapped the brochure. “Do you like?”

  “Yes, but…”

  The doctor stepped into the room. “I see Mr. Garrett was here. I highly recommend his choice. What do you think?”

  “Good,” Lloyd said.

  “Expensive,” Astrid added. “I don’t think the place suits Dad’s budget and I doubt his insurance will cover the total cost.”

  “With Mr. Garrett’s help there shouldn’t be a problem,” Dr. Gregori said. “He called this morning to let me know.” The doctor’s knowing glance made Astrid want to scream. She and Garrett weren’t involved…yet. “I don’t think we should accept.”

  “No strings,” her father said. “Help him. Help me. Read letters.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “You will.”

  “I’ll make the arrangements for Wednesday morning,” the doctor said.

  Lloyd nodded. “Good.”

  Astrid rolled her eyes. While she didn’t like the idea of being in debt to Duncan, she wanted her father to have the best care. “Then I’ll guess we’ll go with this one. I need directions. I’ll take Dad there.”

  “No need for that.” Dr. Gregorio walked to the door. “Someone from the center will wait to talk to Lloyd’s caregivers and do an assessment. They also provide transportation.”

  After the doctor left, Astrid sat beside her father. “I hope this is the right decision.”

  “Is.”

  Before he answered Clive and Duncan entered the room. Astrid felt her heart rate accelerate. She swallowed. “High.”

  Duncan winked. “Clive was afraid to come alone.”

  Clive made a face. “Don’t give my secret phobias away.”

  Astrid kissed her father’s cheek. She had to leave before she forgot the week she’d made Duncan promise to give her. “Since you have company, I’ll return this evening.”

  When she reached the door, she glanced back. Duncan and Clive glared at each other. What was that about? Not over her, she hoped. She had no intention of being caught between two men. Especially when she was wary of them. Her breath caught. Her concern about the pair was different. Clive she didn’t trust with the business and Duncan with her personal life.

  * * *

  Duncan listened to Clive tell Lloyd about Antiquities. His friend seemed on edge.

  “I need the combination to the safe,” Clive said. “I can’t always ask Astrid to open it.”

  “Sure.” Lloyd recited the numbers.

  Duncan stiffened. This was something he didn’t need to hear but the numbers filled his thoughts. He wished he hadn’t run into Clive in town. His friend had been edgy and there’s been anger beneath his smile and hearty greeting. Had Astrid noticed? Is that why she’d left? A bit more of her company would have been nice but stressful. He’d made a promise he had to keep.

  After they left the hospital Duncan turned to jog down the hill to his house. Clive put a hand on his arm. “We need to talk.”

  “Sounds serious.”

  “It is.”

  “Come with me then. I have been on ice.”

  Clive shook his head. “Let’s go to the Steak Place. That mansion of yours makes me uncomfortable.”

  “Find. The Steak Place, it is.”

  A short time later, Duncan slid into one of the booths across from the bar. He ordered nachos to go with the beer. Clive paused to speak to Paula and then slid into the booth.

  “What’s on your mind?” Duncan asked.

  “Astrid. Lorna.”

  Duncan shrugged. “My business.”

  “Not when you’re hurting a friend. Lorna’s torn up about the way you’ve dropped her.”

  “Did I?”

  I spent the entire weekend listening to her cry.” Clive hoisted his beer. “I think you gave her hope and then took it away.”

  “No matter what she says I never gave her any idea about us being a couple. She’d not my type. A bit pushy and she makes threats I don’t like.”

  “And Astrid is your type?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Clive leaned forward. “Why do you want ice when you can have fire?”

  Duncan thought about Astrid’s response to his kisses. Definitely not ice. “Let’s just drop this.”

  “Then take this as a heads up. I want Antiquities. Astrid’s the owner’s daughter. Therefore, she’s mine.”

  “Doesn’t she have a vote?”

  “Won’t matter.”

  Duncan grasped Clive’s arm. “Why not talk to Lloyd about a partnership? I’m good for a loan.”

  “No way. You think money’s the answer to everything.” Clive slammed his mug on the table. “I heard the sale story in college when you paid for our fun. I don’t want to be obligated to your generosity.”

  “Suit yourself.”

  “I will and one of these days I’ll match you dollar for dollar.”

  Duncan shrugged. “I wish you luck. Just remember this, I am not walking away from Astrid.”

  Clive rose. “You’ve always had things easy. Not this time.” He strode away.

  Duncan leaned back. What was with Clive? Just because I didn’t fall into Lorna’s arms. Why is he shoving her in my face?

  Paula slid into the seat Clive had left. “What was that about?”

  “I won’t play the cards from the stacked deck he handed me.”

  “Be careful. He and Lorna Stinit are up to something. Saw them with their heads together when I was at Antiquities taking pictures.”

  Duncan arched a brow. “Clive’s an old friend. We’ve fallen out before and gotten together several times.”

  “Are you sure he’s a friend?” Paula leaned forward. “I like him but I don’t trust him.”

  “Look, things get tense when two men are after the same woman.”

  Paula shrugged. “Just be careful.”

  “Always.” Duncan finished his beer. He would keep his eyes open but he wasn’t giving up his pursuit of Astrid.

  * * *

  Astrid closed the vault and tucked the pieces she’d decided to remove from the vault into a bag. These were the objects that had sent her into the past. She had also found letters in the desk. She walked to the door. Clive entered. “What brings you back?” she asked.

  “You.”

  She shook her head. “Not interested.”

  “Why don’t you give me a chance? I could show you a better time than someone I won’t mention.” He smiled.

  She supposed his smile charmed most women but she saw the calculation in his eyes. “Give it up.”

  “Actually we need to talk about Antiquities. Do you really think your father will be back?”

  “Why wouldn’t he? Antiquities has been his life.”

  “He might want to retire,” Clive said. “The stroke might be a wakeup call.”

  “Have you talked to him about his plans?”

  “He clams up.”

  “Then you’ll have to wait until he’s ready to talk. The gallery is his. I’ve no say in anything that happens here.”

  He stepped toward her. “About Duncan. You’re too nice to let him hurt you. And he will. Look what he did to Lorna. I thought they were about to set a wedding date and he dropped her cold.”

  Astrid edged past h
im. “What happens between Duncan and me is our business.”

  “Just a warning. I’ve known him for years and Lorna even longer. She wants Duncan and she always gets what she wants. She won’t play fair.”

  Astrid opened the door. “Warning noted. Don’t forget to lick up and set the alarm.” As she headed to the apartment, she wondered what Clive planned. She wished she could talk to her dad about him. She held the bag at her side. What would Clive think if he knew she’d taken these pieces of jewelry?

  Chapter Four

  Pompeii

  On Wednesday morning, Astrid followed the ambulance taking her father to the rehab center, an hour’s drive from Rockleigh. The distance meant she couldn’t pop in for visits several times a day. She wished she could have talked him out of the move and chosen a closer place. Her father had thought Duncan’s offer held no strings. She had her doubts.

  As she parked in the visitor’s lot, she studied the setting. A screen of trees sheltered the facility from the road. Gardens with wide, paved paths surrounded the sprawling one story building. Benches had been placed in shaded spots and she noticed a number of tables. She left the car and walked to the entrance where a young woman waited.

  “Ms. Logan, I’m Pam. While your father’s settling in I’ll give you a tour and discuss his schedule of daily activities.”

  “Thanks.”

  As they toured the building Astrid peered into various therapy rooms. At the end of the corridor, her guide handed her a copy of her father’s schedule. Astrid chuckled. The list included classes in proper diet and exercise.

  “I’m impressed.” Astrid looked into the dining room where most of the patients took their meals.

  “We’re proud of out success rate.”

  Finally she was escorted to her father’s private room. She paused in the doorway. A large picture window showed a view of the garden. Her father sat in a recliner facing a large screen television. The fully automatic bed could be hidden by a bright curtain. One door let to the bathroom with a shower designed to accommodate a wheelchair. The other opened into a closet.

  He grinned. “Com…comforts. Home.”

  She laughed. “After seeing your therapy schedule you’ll need this luxury.”

  “Good of Dun…can.”

  She nodded. “Though I wish we hadn’t accepted his offer to cover what you insurance doesn’t/”

  He patted her hand. “Help him. Find treasure. Read letters?”

  “Not yet. They’re in the apartment with the Egyptian pieces, two jade pendants and the cylinder sel.”

  “Why not the vault?”

  She shrugged. “I’m not sure but Lorna Stinit wants the Egyptian set and I think Clive will give them to her.”

  “Not her. Duncan.”

  “She’s his friend.”

  “Not.”

  “Enough gossip. Why don’t I bring Aunt Sarah for a visit this evening?”

  “Yes.” He paused. “En ve lope. Drawer.”

  Astrid frowned. “Which drawer?” He pointed to the bedside stand. She crossed the room and brought the envelope to him.

  “For you. Gala. Go.”

  “You want me to attend?”

  “You. Sarah.”

  Astrid wasn’t sure she wanted to be near Duncan. He’d promised to stay away for a week and the time ended Sunday evening. If she went, she would be tempted to explore the heat between them. One misstep and she could be hurt. Falling in love with him was too easy. All the things she’d heard about him said he had no intention of making a commitment to any woman.

  “Go. En joy.”

  “I’ll talk to Aunt Sarah. If she wants to go I’ll accompany her.”

  He smiled. “Good.”

  After Astrid unpacked her father’s bags they talked about Antiquities.

  A woman in a green uniform tapped on the door. “Mr. Logan, I’ll show you to the dining room.” She turned to Astrid. “Will you join him?”

  “Not today. See you this evening.” She kissed her father’s cheek.

  When she reached Antiquities, she found Sarah and a strange woman at the cash register. Sarah explained the system for filing sales slips in the various folders. Sarah looked up. “Do you know Bobby Sue?” She worked here during last year’s Christmas rush.”

  Astrid smiled. “Guess I missed her. Remember, I didn’t arrive until Christmas Eve. I’m glad you can help out.”

  “Since my kids are in day camp the chance to make extra money is great. Sure sorry to hear about Mr. Logan. He’s a nice man.”

  “Speaking of Lloyd,” Sarah said. “How is he and what’s the center like?”

  “He’s fine and he’s in for a tough schedule. The center is luxurious and beautiful. You’ll see this evening since I told Dad we would come.”

  Sarah nodded. “After dinner. Oh, I invited Paula.”

  “If she wants to come with us, she’ll be welcome.”

  “Good idea. She’s nearly finished with the photographs. There are a number to show him.”

  “I’m sure he’ll enjoy.” Astrid left them and entered the office where she finished the spreadsheet and paid several bills. Then she began to inventory the stock, checking last year’s list along with purchase slips and sales.

  At five she locked the door and set the alarms. She frowned. Where was Clive? Not that she missed him but it seemed odd he hadn’t been in.

  She ran up to the apartment, showered and changed. Before long she knocked on Sarah’s door.

  Paula answered. “She’s in the kitchen doing marvelous things to chicken. You hungry?”

  Astrid bent to pet the cat weaving a path around her legs. “Starved since I didn’t stop for lunch.”

  “You’re not passing out on me again, are you?”

  “I’ll remain in the present.”

  Paula arched a brow. “That’s a strange way to speak about a faint.”

  You don’t know how appropriate my words are, Astrid thought. She followed Paula into the large front room. “Aunt Sarah, something smells wonderful.”

  “Chicken mole. Let me get the wrappers from the microwave and we’re set to eat.”

  After Astrid ate several bites, she sighed. “I want the recipe.”

  “I’ll write it up for you.”

  “Me, too,” Paula said. “I might take up cooking.”

  Astrid looked from one woman to the other. “Dad handed me a small problem I need to solve. There are three tickets for the Saturday night gala at the Garrett house.”

  Sarah nodded. “Lloyd mentioned them. He planned for the three of us to go.”

  Astrid turned to Paula. “Would you like the third ticket?”

  “Would I ever. Only a limited number were sold and they were too dear for me.” She grinned. “I have just the dress. I’m sure the affair is formal.”

  “Definitely,” Sarah said. “Always wanted to look behind that wall.”

  “I’ll be the designated driver,” Astrid said. That was one sure way to evade temptation.

  “Let’s finish dinner and go see Lloyd,” Sarah said.

  * * *

  On Saturday afternoon, Duncan stood at the head of the spiral staircase and watched the arrival of the caterers. So far everything was on schedule for tonight’s affair. Men wheeled carts toward the kitchen. Another set the buffet in the large dining room. He was sure the bar and buffet on the patio were in order. Fortunately the good weather had held with no rain forecast for the remainder of the long weekend.

  A man in a brown uniform appeared at the open door. Duncan bounded down the stairs. “Can I help you?”

  “Package for Mr. Garrett. Sign here.”

  Duncan scrawled his name. He carried the package upstairs to his study and opened the outer wrapping. A note was taped to the top of a lacquered box.

  Thought you might like to see this. Perhaps this bracelet is part of the collection you see, Play your cards right and the rest will be yours.

  Lorna, he thought. Though the note was unsigned and ther
e was no return address, she was one of the few people who knew of his quest. He opened the box and studied the contents.

  Duncan lifted a gold bracelet with a double row of hemispheres connected by links. He pulled the pin from the clasp and held the bracelet to his wrist. Not a man’s ornament. A picture of a slender, dark-haired woman flowed into his thoughts. Astrid and not yet her. How was she connected to this piece of jewelry?

  He glanced at the clock. He’d better move. After placing the bracelet in the safe, he went to check the remainder of the preparations. The scent of cut flowers added a subtle sweetness to the air. He stepped outside. When lit, the strings of tiny lights on the trees and bushes lining the walks would provide a romantic setting.

  After seeing all was in order, he dashed to the aster suite, showered, shaved and donned his tuxedo. As he fastened the shirt studs, he wondered if Astrid would attend. Before the stroke Lloyd had purchased four tickets and given one to Clive.

  Duncan grinned. As far as he was concerned the week he’d promised Astrid ended at nine rather than midnight. He groaned. Even thinking about her raised his expectations, not to mention an aching erection.

  * * *

  Astrid checked herself in the mirror. From the front, the emerald gown looked demure. The halter top clung to her breasts and waist, and then flared from the hips. A deep plunge left most of her back bare. She reached for her evening bag and stepped onto the deck. She knocked on Sarah’s door.

  The older woman wore a pale green lace gown. Her eyes sparkled. “What a stunning and deceptive gown.”

  Astrid laughed. “Thanks. You’re positively elegant. Let’s find Paula and make a grand entrance. Have your ticket?”

  “In my bag.”

  Paula waited on the porch of her small Cape Cod house. Her dark green slip gown shimmered with iridescent shades. “Cool. Without one moment of discussion, we’re color coordinated.”