by Faye Sonja
“Forever.”
“Then you should have let the girl go a long time ago.”
“But each time I proposed I thought I was ready.”
“Just like you think you are ready now.”
Austin set Orlando with a very serious stare. “No. I know I’m ready now. I’m not scared anymore.”
Orlando shook his head. “Maybe you’re not, maybe you are. But regardless, you’re a selfish person, Austin. You dragged that girl along for so many years. It’s time you do something for her and let her go.”
“I can’t.”
“Then nothing has changed.”
“Yes, I have.”
The taxi made it out of downtown and headed towards the area of Detroit that had less industrial development and more trees and nature. It was another wealthy neighborhood.
Orlando turned back to Austin. “I love you, Austin, but for the last time, I’m not going to help you.”
“But if you used your connections, I know—”
“The answer is no.”
“Please.”
“We’re not discussing this again.”
“Please, Orlando. I’ll never ask for anything else ever again.”
Orlando laughed.
Austin narrowed his eyes. “I mean it. All I want is Melody. She’s all I’ve ever wanted. Ever since the day she left, I haven’t been able to eat or sleep. I need her in my life.” Austin’s eyes softened. “Please. You know people. You’ve travelled the entire country. Someone might be able to track her down.”
Orlando shook his head. “I won’t tell you where she went, Austin.”
Austin narrowed his eyes and was silent for a moment. His breathing became hard. “You know where she is, don’t you?”
Orlando kept his face still. “I didn’t say that.”
Austin’s eyes went wide. “I’ve been asking for your help for over a month, and all this time, you’ve known where she is?”
Orlando closed his eyes. “I promised her I wouldn’t say.”
A loud growl erupted from Austin’s mouth. “I can’t believe you!”
Orlando just sighed.
The taxi stopped in front of a gate.
An attendant went to Orlando’s window. “Name?”
“Orlando Bakely. I have a meeting with Judge Boone.”
The attendant checked the papers in his hand.
Austin opened his mouth.
Orlando silenced him with a stern look and a finger before turning back to the attendant.
The man in the cold looked up. “You can pull through once I open the gate. Have a good day.” He pulled away from the window and then opened the gate. Once it was wide enough, the taxi drove through.
“Tell me where she is, Orlando.”
“No.”
“Tell me or I’ll ruin this meeting.”
Orlando turned to look at Austin. “Be careful, Austin. You’re good at your job, but there are plenty of people in line to take your place. Brother or not, never threaten my livelihood again.”
A vein jumped in Austin’s jaw. His eyes were like glass. “I’m sorry.” He sighed. “I’ve just been losing my mind for the last month, yet all the while, you’ve known where Melody is.” A tear slid down Austin’s cheek. “I can’t believe you would do that to your own brother.”
Orlando looked away. “I did what I believed was best.”
“I can’t live without her, Orlando.”
Orlando looked at Austin, who’d seemed to age by another five years. His brother did look awful.
Austin closed his eyes. “I don’t want to live without her.”
Orlando let out an aggravated breath. “Austin, really.”
“I mean it.”
The taxi stopped in front of a large brick mansion. Orlando tipped the driver and got out. Austin followed on the other side. The taxi left as the two men headed for the front door. Orlando knocked and it was opened immediately.
“Mr. Bakely.” The butler turned to Austin. “Who is this?”
“My… brother.”
“Judge Boone told you to come alone.”
Orlando sighed. “He doesn’t have to be in the meeting. I just don’t want to leave him in the cold.”
The butler nodded. “Very well.” He opened the door wider and let the two men in. The door closed behind them and their coats were taken. Orlando looked around the small, low-light foyer and wondered what secrets the house held.
“Follow me,” the butler said. He turned down a hall on the right. The group walked into a sitting room. “Your brother can stay here.”
Orlando looked at Austin.
Austin rolled his eyes and took a seat in the white Victorian chair that was next to a fire. A book sat on the coffee table. He picked it up and looked at Orlando with a glare that said, I don’t need a babysitter. You can leave. He opened the book and started to read.
The butler started to walk back into the hallway. “Follow me, Mr. Bakely.”
Orlando gave one more parting look at his brother before heading off. They walked towards the back of the house and then stopped at a pair of double doors.
The butler opened the doors and gestured Orlando inside. “Have a seat. Judge Boone will be with you shortly.”
Orlando took one of the two chairs that were in the room and looked around at the plaques, pictures, and trophies that lined the walls.
The door opened behind him. Judge Boone walked in. Orlando stood.
Boone smiled. He was a large man in every sense of the word. He was over 6’4 and very round in his middle. His curly hair was a mixture of black and white, but his green eyes were young. “Orlando. I’m so happy you could come. How was your holiday? What did you do for Thanksgiving?”
Orlando shook the man’s offered hand. “I slept through it.”
Boone frowned. “No. You must have been with family, at least.” He rounded his desk and took his seat. “Who’d you spend it with?”
“I was on the train.”
“Where were you coming from?”
“Dallas.”
“Texas.” Boone nodded, leaning back into his chair. “It’s hot there this time of year, yes?”
“Yes,” Orlando crossed an ankle over his knee as he leaned back into his chair; mimicking Boone’s relaxed position. “And it will be hot when Christmas rolls around, but all of the people will still put up trees.”
Boone smiled and nodded quickly. “Christmas is magical, isn’t it?”
“Yes, I believe so.”
“What else do you believe in?” Boone smiled, but narrowed his eyes.
Orlando frowned. “Uh… God.”
Boone nodded. “What else?”
Orlando sighed, and readjusted in his seat. “Happiness. Love—”
Boone’s eyes went wide. “Love. Are you in love?”
Orlando shook his head. “I haven’t found the right woman yet.”
Boone smiled. “I find that amazing. I mean, how does a man who’s brought hundreds of thousands of couples together manage to not find love for himself?”
Orlando smiled. “Unlucky, I guess.”
Boone shook his head. “No, I believe you to be real lucky. Anyone who’s managed to survive the crash is a lucky man.”
Orlando nodded. “Very true—”
“So,” Boone continued. “Why haven’t you married yet? Are you one of those ‘soul mate’ people? You believe that there is only one person in the world for you?”
Orlando shrugged, but didn’t understand the need for the line of questioning. He’d come to the meeting not knowing what it was that Judge Boone wanted, but knew that he could not pass up the opportunity to meet him. When one of the most powerful judges in America calls, you answer. “I don’t necessarily believe in soul mates. I believe in compatibility. My job requires I travel a lot. I wouldn’t want to leave a wife at home alone.”
Boone smiled. “I like the way you think.”
“Thank you, your Honor.”
Boone wa
ved him off. “Don’t call me that. Call me Steve.”
Orlando sighed and then smiled. “Fine. Now, I do have to catch a train in three hours, so perhaps we could jump right into the reason you called me over—”
“I want you to take my daughter with you.”
Orlando lifted his brow. “I’m sorry, your Honor. Can you repeat that?”
“I want you to take June with you.”
“June?”
“My youngest daughter.”
Orlando narrowed his eyes. “Why?”
“To get her married, of course. You travel a lot. You meet tons of people, wealthy people. I want you to sort of chaperone her. Help her find a husband that can afford the life I wish her to have.”
Orlando shook his head. “That’s not how this works, your Honor—”
“Steve.”
“Steve. I can’t just go around the country parading your daughter around. If you wish to use my services, you can go to one of my offices and have… June… fill out an application.”
Steve sighed and shook his head. “No, I need you to take her and find her the right man.”
Orlando narrowed his eyes. “Why?”
Steve looked at Orlando. “Because June needs to get out of Detroit. She wants to travel and has been asking to go on a trip for years, but I’ve never had the time to take her. Her mother died when she was young—”
“I’m sorry to hear that, but—”
“And she’s got two older sisters who are both married with children—”
“That’s wonderful, however—”
“But, June...” Judge Boone shook his head. “June is different.”
Orlando sighed. “Different how?”
“She’s never been satisfied with her life here. She wants to see the world and doesn’t care too much for marriage.” He leaned forward. “She did once, a few years back. Then, it just seemed like suitors preferred other women.” The judge leaned back in his chair. “My two son-in-law’s had originally come around asking to court June.” He shook his head. “A strange thing, that. But if I send her with you, perhaps I can kill two birds with one stone. She could see some of America and hopefully find a husband.”
Orlando shook his head. “Judge… Steve, it’s unorthodox for me to travel with a woman.”
“You’ll be a gentleman. I have no doubt in that.”
“But you know how society is. It may not be as it was when you were her age, but if your daughter’s reputation is compromised—”
Boone went into his pocket and pulled out a check. He slid it across the desk.
Orlando picked it up looked at the number. His eyes went wide. “You can’t be serious.” He looked up at Steve.
Steve’s face was serious. “I am, son.”
Orlando swallowed. “I’m going to be honest with you. This is more than ten times what anyone has ever given me for a job.”
“I know.”
Orlando shook his head. “This is a lot of money.”
“My daughter’s happiness is worth it. I won’t have her out on the street, begging for handouts.”
“But if you already have money, it’s unlikely that June will ever suffer.”
Boone frowned. “Tell that to the hundreds of Americans who lost everything a few years ago. Men I used to golf with now can’t afford to feed their families at night. Money isn’t everything. June must marry someone with smarts. I don’t want her to end up marrying someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing when they invest. You’re a smart man, Orlando, so I’m betting that you hang around other smart men. I want June to have the best, and in order to make that happen, I need you to see to it.”
Orlando thought for a moment. “Can I at least meet June first?”
Steve smiled as he stood. “Of course.” He went to the door and poked his head out. He spoke in a low voice and then closed the door. “Paul is going to get June.”
Orlando guessed that Paul was the butler. The two men talked on other subjects until a knock came to the door.
“Open,” Steve called.
Orlando turned around just as a young woman, who had to be June, walked in. Orlando stood and stared as the short woman floated into the room. She was pretty. Her red hair, which had blond highlights, was pulled back and pinned away, but faint waves seemed to persist the style. She wore a white dress that was made of a material that seemed to flow like water around her feet as she moved; the short, translucent sleeves did the same. Her makeup was subtle, but made her large green eyes stand out. Orlando guessed her to be just under Austin's age, no more than twenty-two. She smiled sweetly at her father. “You called for me, Father?” Her voice was barely above a whisper. Her fingers were folded in front of her.
Steve came around the desk and kissed his daughter's cheeks. “June, this is Mr. Orlando Bakely.”
June’s eyes finally floated over to Orlando. “Hello.”
Orlando cleared his throat and smiled. “Hello.”
June kept her smile in place. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You as well.”
She turned to Steve. “Will he be taking me on with him, Father?”
Steve smiled. “You can cut the act, June.”
June’s smile widened. “What act, Father?”
Steve frowned. “June.”
June’s eyes fluttered over to Orlando. “I do so ever wish that you will take me, Mr. Bakely.”
Orlando looked at Steve before turning back to June. He examined her. His eyes roamed over her eyes, perked nose, pale lips, and small chin. A simple cross hung from her neck. She looked so innocent in the white dress, but… what was he missing? He turned to Steve. “If you don’t mind, I’d like a few minutes alone with June.”
Steve nodded and headed for the door. “Knock when you’re ready to discuss business.” He closed the door behind himself.
Orlando stepped closer to June, leaving little distance between them. He stared into her eyes. “Miss Boone.”
June lifted a brow. “Mr. Bakely?”
Orlando narrowed his eyes. “Why are you not married?”
June gave a short laugh. “Well, I don’t know, Mr. Bakely. Perhaps, you can figure that out.” Something danced in her eyes as she smiled.
Orlando’s smile widened. “Perhaps.”
June’s smile turned into a grin. “Take me with you.”
“Why?”
June eyes cut away before she started towards the bay window. She took a seat and crossed her legs as she looked out into the white covered earth. “I’ve never been outside of Michigan. Father never had the time. He was always busy with Michigan politics.”
Orlando stuck his hands in his pockets. “Not a fan of politics?”
She turned to him. “It can get quite dramatic at times.”
Orlando chuckled. “I agree.”
June’s eyes went wide. “Really?”
“Yes.”
She nodded and looked down. She looked up and smiled at him. “What places does your work take you?”
Orlando began to cross the room towards her. “Everywhere.”
“Like?”
“New York, Portland, Dallas, Aspen—”
“What’s Colorado like?”
Orlando took a seat next to her on the bench. “It’s where I’m heading next.”
June smiled brightly. “Really?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve always wanted to visit the mountains. Take me with you.” Her green eyes looked up at him adoringly.
Orlando narrowed his eyes, but his smile stayed in place. “What’s the catch, June?”
June frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Why aren’t you married?”
She tilted her head. “Is not that unusual for a woman my age to be single.”
Orlando frowned. “Not when she looks like you.”
June narrowed her eyes. “Was that a compliment, Mr. Bakely?”
“No. It’s a fact. You’re beautiful. I’d have no trouble finding a
man who would want you.”
She smiled slowly.
Orlando shook his head. “But what am I missing, Miss Boone.”
“I guess you’ll have to take me along to figure it out, Mr. Bakely.”
They smiled at one another.
A knock came from the door.
Orlando stood. “Come in.”
The judge strolled in with a smile. “I suppose you’ll be taking my girl with you, Mr. Bakely?”
Orlando looked at his watch. “If you can have her at the station within an hour, I will take your daughter with me, and can almost assure you that she’ll be engaged by Christmas.”
Boone lifted a brow. “Christmas is in less than two weeks. You’re a very confident man.” He looked over at his daughter and held out his hand. June walked over to her father and took the offered hand. Father and daughter smiled at one another. “Go easy on the man.”
June laughed. “Why father, have I ever been anything else?”
Boone shook his head and turned to Orlando. “Thank you.”
Orlando nodded his head, took one last look at June, and then slipped out of the room. The butler, Paul, led Orlando back to his brother, whom he found asleep. He pushed Austin’s shoulder.
Austin slowly opened his eyes. “Done?”
Orlando nodded. “Let’s go.”
Paul showed them to the door. “Mr. Boone arranged for his driver to remain with you for the rest of your day.” He helped the men back into their coats and then opened the door.
“I’ll have to remember to thank him,” Orlando said more to himself than anyone else as he slipped his gloves back on.
The brothers stepped outside and sure enough, a black car sat in the driveway.
The door closed behind them.
“Where is she?” Austin asked.
“Austin—”
“No.” Austin jumped in front of his brother. “You will help me.”
Orlando’s face remained neutral. “And tell me why I’d do something like that?”
Austin swallowed. “Because, you’re my brother.”
Orlando frowned and skirted around Austin. “Come to Denver with me.”
Austin caught up. “Who will mind the office here? Wait. Is Melody there?”
“No, but she is in that general direction.”
“Where is she?”
“I’ll tell you if I feel that you deserve to know.” The driver opened Orlando’s door before he slid in.