2-in-1

by Kira Chase

  “That’s all that matters then,” Gracelyn said as she gazed around the kitchen. “I love the new island. When did you have that put in?”

  “Last year,” Frankie said. “It has enough storage underneath for all of our cookbooks and all the new cooking gadgets I acquire.”

  Johanna giggled. “You should see her, Mom. Every time one of those infomercials come on with yet another gadget for the kitchen she has to have it. She’s like a kid at Christmas.”

  “This kitchen is so warm and homey,” the older woman said. “I can see why you two love it. I’m not used to the quietness, but I believe even I could get used to it. I could sit here for hours. The view is spectacular from the windows. And the snow is simply breathtaking.”

  “That’s why I spend so much time in here,” Frankie said after she’d swallowed a bite of egg. “I love to sit at the island and read or just stare out of the window and watch the birds and squirrels while I’m cooking. After breakfast I’ll show you what we’ve done with the pantry and laundry room. We expanded it and it turned out better than either of us expected.”

  “I’d love to see it.” She looked toward the pantry door. “I see you’ve also put new doors on.”

  “It only took us ten years to decide on them,” Johanna teased. “We couldn’t quite find what we wanted and were about to give up when by chance we stopped in a new building supply store in town and saw a close match. We hired a contractor to change a few things and he did a fabulous job. It has the look of two doors, but actually only one of the knobs opens it and the other is decoration.”

  “Well, they’re beautiful. You girls have done a wonderful job with this house. Almost everything is custom made, isn’t it?”

  Johanna nodded proudly. “You should see it in the summer, Mom. It’s been so long since you’ve been here, that you haven’t seen the new and improved backyard. We’ve extended it and put in a new barbeque pit and fire pit. We’ve also enlarged the garage and storage shed.”

  Frankie saw the joy and pride in Johanna’s eyes as she chatted with her mother about their home. For the first time she also saw the acceptance of her and Johanna’s union in Gracelyn’s eyes.

  They ate quietly for a few minutes before Gracelyn broke the silence. “These eggs are delicious, Francine. I hope you’ll share your secret with me.” She flashed a bright smile in Frankie’s direction.

  “It’s nothing special…just a few spices.”

  Gracelyn set down her fork. “Francine, I know that you and I have never been close and I sincerely hope to rectify that while I’m here.”

  Johanna looked skeptically at her mother, then at Frankie with a raised eyebrow.

  Frankie, at a loss for words, toyed with her napkin as she peered in surprise at Gracelyn. “I’d like that.”

  “I just want you to know how happy I am that Johanna has you. I mean it. “

  Frankie’s eyes widened. “Thank you, Gracelyn. Johanna’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I would never do anything to hurt her.”

  “I know you wouldn’t, dear. It’s obvious how you feel about her.”

  “Thank you, Gracelyn. It means a lot to me that you understand how Johanna and I feel about each other.”

  “It’s not hard to see the love and respect you two have for one another and the love in your eyes when you look at each other.” She smiled at Frankie then looked at Johanna. “When you told me several years ago that you and Francine had a civil union I didn’t quite understand it. I did some research and I’ve been reading some books. All I know is that you two have a unique and strong bond that many heterosexual couples never find. And in my eyes you two are as married as any other couple.” Her lips trembled. “I’m ashamed of myself for not being very accepting in the past. But that’s all going to change. I promise.”

  Tears sprang to Johanna’s eyes. “Thank you, Mom. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I’d hear you say that.”

  “I mean it. I’ll admit I didn’t make it easy for you, two.” She looked at Frankie. “You’re a beautiful woman, Francine, inside and out, and as long as my daughter is with you I know I’ll never have to worry about her. Please don’t let Gretchen drive a wedge between you two.”

  Frankie grabbed Johanna’s hand. “No one could ever do that…especially Gretchen.”

  The doorbell sounded and the three women looked apprehensively at one another.

  “It’s not Gretchen,” Johanna said. “The security lock is on the gate. It’s probably Trey. Knowing him he probably got up bright and early to make sure we were plowed out.” She looked at her mother. “We gave him the access code so he can come and go when he needs to do work around here.”

  “Is that safe, dear? I watched a program where—”

  “Mom, you watch too much TV,” she said with a laugh in her voice as she pushed her chair back and rose. “I’m going to ask him to come in for a cup of coffee.” She rushed out of the kitchen.

  “You’ve never met Trey, but you’ll love him,” Frankie assured Gracelyn. “Maybe we can invite him and his partner Will to dinner and you can meet the both of them.”

  “Johanna’s mentioned him and his partner several times. I’m looking forward to meeting them.” She smiled.

  Frankie jumped to her feet when Johanna entered the kitchen followed by Trey. “Let me get you some coffee.”

  “That would be great,” Trey said, rubbing his hands together. “It’s freezing out there.”

  “Have a seat,” Johanna offered.

  He unzipped his heavy tan hunter style coat, removed it and placed it over the back of a chair.

  “Mom, I’d like you to meet our good friend Trey Daniels,” Johanna said.

  “I’ve heard a lot about you over the years. I’m pleased to finally meet you, Trey,” Gracelyn replied warmly extending a hand.

  “The pleasure’s all mine,” Trey said, taking her hand and gently shaking it. “It seems that every time you’ve visited our paths never crossed.”

  “Where’s Will?” Johanna asked.

  “He’s plowing out a couple of houses in our neighborhood. I wanted to get over here in case you girls need to get out.” He pushed his sandy-colored hair from his brow as he settled his muscular frame into a chair. “Not too much will be open today, though. It’s slick out there and more snow is predicted.”

  “I don’t think we’re planning to go anywhere. We’re staying put at least for today,” Frankie said, setting a steaming mug of coffee in front of him.

  Trey stirred some sugar and cream into his coffee. “That’s a good idea. Some of the roads are still pretty rough to navigate.” He cocked an eye. “Especially this one.”

  Frankie laughed. “They’ll get around to us…when the other roads are finished.”

  He turned to Gracelyn. “We don’t usually get a storm like this until later in the season. This is a fluke.”

  “I’m thankful I got here when I did,” she said. “But I have to admit, sitting all nice and warm inside here and looking out at the storm is a spectacular sight. What I’ve seen of snow on TV is no comparison to actually seeing it in person.”

  He nodded. “This whole area here is beautiful year-round. Will you be staying for a while?”

  “For a couple of weeks. Maybe longer if the girls need me to help out.”

  Trey sipped his coffee. “Is another project underway? I thought you two had the house the way you want it, finally,” he said with a quick wink to Gracelyn.

  Johanna shook her head. “No more projects at least for a while. You’re right, we have the place the way we want it and are very happy with how it turned out.”

  “It only took ten years,” he teased. “But seriously, is everything all right? You two seem a little tense.” He held a hand up palm out. “Don’t try to pull the wool over my eyes. I know you both too well for that.” He stared hard at Frankie then at Johanna. “Are either of you sick or something?” he asked concerned. “If you are please let me know what I can do.”r />
  “No, we’re fine,” Johanna quickly assured him. She glanced at Frankie and Frankie nodded.

  “Uh oh…I have a feeling it has something to do with a case then.” He looked at the two younger women then at Gracelyn. “I know them well enough to pick up on some of their private signals. I also know when they can’t tell me about an active case.” He frowned as he once again turned his attention to them. “I thought you two were finally taking a vacation.”

  Frankie’s eyebrows knitted together. “This is complicated, but we might as well fill you in because I may be needing a place to stay for a few days.”

  Johanna’s jaw dropped. “Then you’d better fill me in, too, Frankie.” She looked at Trey. “This is the first I’ve heard about this.”

  Frankie patted Johanna’s hand. “I’ll explain everything. I just have to work out a few more details. Trey, can you and Will come over for dinner tonight? I’ll present my plan and I’d love the input from all of you.”

  “Of course. You know we’ll be glad to help in any way we can.”

  “Good. How about seven?”

  “We’ll be here.”

  Frankie noted the uneasy look that passed between Johanna and Gracelyn. She patted Johanna’s hand again as Trey struck up a conversation with Gracelyn about some of the cultural differences between California and Charlestown.

  Twenty minutes later Trey rose. “I’d better get going. Will’s going to think I’ve gone missing,” he said, then chuckled.

  “Or he’ll just assume that we’ve waylaid you as usual.” Johanna grinned. “He knows us well enough by now to know that when we get to talking we tend to lose track of time.”

  Trey smiled widely. “It was nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Obrien,” he said to Gracelyn, then patted Frankie’s shoulder. “We’ll see you tonight. Your lasagna would hit the spot on a cold night. Pure comfort food,” he hinted.

  Frankie grinned. “I think that can be arranged.”

  After Trey left, Johanna turned to Frankie. “Would you please fill me in now? I don’t want to wait until tonight. Why do you need to stay with Trey and Will?”

  “Slow down. Just hear me out on this. Gretchen needs to be stopped as soon as possible. We can’t waste any time.”

  Johanna nervously toyed with the edge of her dark green knit sweater. “I agree, but we haven’t worked out a plan of action.”

  “That’s what I was doing last night when I couldn’t sleep.” She watched Johanna pick up Will’s empty mug and take it to the sink. She loved the way Johanna’s tight jeans emphasized her every curve. Johanna rinsed the mug and then placed it in the dishwasher.

  “So staying somewhere else is going to help?” Johanna tossed her head. “It doesn’t make sense,” she stiffly replied.

  “Johanna, let’s hear what Francine has to say.” Gracelyn folded her hands and placed them on the table. “Then we’ll plan our course of action together.”

  “We?” Johanna cocked an eye.

  Gracelyn smiled at her daughter. “You don’t think I’m going to leave you and Francine to handle this on your own now, do you? After all, if it wasn’t for me Gretchen never would have found out where you live.”

  “Don’t blame yourself. She would have found a way,” Frankie said. “Besides it’s a good thing we found out what she’s been doing to Johanna’s name and reputation now instead of later before the situation became worse than it is.” She patted Gracelyn’s shoulder. “And we’d love your help, Gracelyn. The first thing we need to do is run a search on the Internet and dig up as much as we can on Gretchen. Let’s see what other ventures she may have been involved in over the years.” She looked at Johanna seeing the tension in her face. “And you can contact Gretchen.” She shielded herself for Johanna’s reaction to her statement.

  Johanna’s jaw tightened. “Why? I don’t want anything to do with her. I hope she gets a flight back to California as quickly as she can and I never have to see her again,” she replied through gritted teeth.

  Frankie shook her head. “Wishful thinking, but I seriously doubt that’s going to happen. And if she did, we’d still be in the same boat. She’s been illegally using your name. Like I said, I have a plan that I thought about for most of the night.” Johanna opened her mouth to speak, but Frankie held a hand up palm out. “Before you say anything, Johanna, just please hear me out. If we play it right we can catch her at her own game.” She smiled at Johanna’s mother. “You have an important part to play, too, Gracelyn.”

  Gracelyn beamed. “I’m ready. Just tell me what to do.” She rubbed her hands together.

  “What’s the plan?” Johanna asked uneasily. “I know I’m probably not going to like it. Especially when it involves you leaving the house.”

  “You’re right, you won’t like it, but it’s the only way.” Frankie’s eyebrows knitted together thoughtfully. “Gretchen’s most likely enjoying the tension she caused between us last night. Right?” Before Gracelyn or Johanna could answer, she continued, “That’s how you’ll get to her.”

  Johanna frowned. “No…that’s too risky. I can’t do it. I don’t want to do it.” She bit her bottom lip. “No, Frankie, there has to be another way.” She emphatically shook her head. “There’s no way I’m going to be a part of that. We’ll have to come up with something else.”

  Gracelyn peered at her daughter and then at Frankie. “I know you two have your own language, but please fill me in. Do what?”

  Frankie looked at Gracelyn. “Johanna is going to tell Gretchen that I became so upset last night that I left her. She’s going to somehow convince Gretchen that she did a lot of soul searching after seeing her again and realizes she made a mistake all those years ago and now regrets not pursuing what they might have had together. She’ll convince her that she’s in love with her and wants to help her in any way she can and will start by taking her case. Whoever is blackmailing her might just be the key to solving this whole mess. Johanna will find out how many people she’s scammed and whatever other illegal activities she’s been involved in.” She squared her jaw. “Johanna will get her to confess that she forged her name and that Johanna had no knowledge about any of it.”

  Gracelyn’s hand flew to her chest. “Oh, Francine, isn’t there another way?” Her gray eyes clouded.

  She sighed deeply. “No, unless we just turn this whole mess over to George.”

  “I don’t want to do that just yet.” Johanna set her jaw.

  Frankie looked quizzically at her. “Why are you so adamant about not going to George?”

  Johanna walked to the window and peered outside. “Let’s hear the rest of your plan.”

  “Is there something else going on, Johanna?”

  She shook her head. “Finish telling us about the plan.”

  She looked at Gracelyn, but if the woman knew what was bothering Johanna she kept that knowledge hidden. “Gracelyn, you’ll have to convince Gretchen that you’re thrilled that Johanna has come to her senses and is in the process of dumping me and rekindling a relationship with her. Make her believe you. You have to gain her trust. Do whatever it takes.”

  “Oh no, dear, I don’t like it. Besides why would she believe me? Won’t she be suspicious especially after the way she was treated last night? She’s going to wonder why the sudden change of heart.”

  “Not if you handle her right.” She ran a hand through her hair. “I know it won’t be easy, but I don’t know what else to do. And if we stall doing anything for much longer, the whole thing might come crashing down. I don’t want Johanna to go to trial and have to prove her innocence when she’s done nothing wrong.”

  “Do you think she’d be indicted?”

  Johanna walked back to the table and stood in front of her mother. “As long as my name is on those documents I’d have to prove it was fraudulently put there. That would mean going to court. As far as the Feds are concerned, they see my name I’m just as guilty as Gretchen. It could take a long time and a lot of money to prove my innocence.�
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  “I still don’t like it,” Gracelyn stated. “What about the woman in Atlantic City? She can give you the information you need to put Gretchen behind bars.”

  “Johanna’s name is on the contracts,” Frankie said. “Yes, the woman can help, but we need more. We need Gretchen to admit what she did.”

  “I don’t like it either,” Johanna agreed with her mother. “You don’t know her like I do, Frankie. She’s evil and calculating. She doesn’t care who she hurts or how she hurts them to get what she wants.”

  Frankie couldn’t bear the thought of Johanna being alone with Gretchen for even a second either and the thought sent an icy chill down her spine, but there was no other way. She saw the fear in Johanna’s eyes. If Gracelyn hadn’t been there, she would have pulled her into her arms to comfort her. She looked vulnerable and Frankie had never seen such fear in her eyes before. “I know you, though. And you’re the one I love and trust. You’ll beat her at her own game and she’ll never know what hit her. She’ll be blindsided before she even begins to figure out what we’re up to.”

  Johanna met her eyes and they locked with hers. She saw a tear trickle from the corner of her eye.

  “I don’t know if I would have the emotional strength if the situation were reversed. You’re one of a kind, Frankie.”

  Gracelyn nodded. “I have to agree with my daughter.”

  Chapter 7

  “Where do we start?” Johanna asked uneasily. Her fingers nervously drummed on the edge of her desk.

  Frankie pointed to the phone. “Call Gretchen and convince her to meet with you. Set it up for tomorrow night. The storm will have passed by then and the roads should all be cleared. Charlestown has a great snow removal crew since we get so many storms every winter,” she said in an aside to Gracelyn. “Even though our road is one of the last to be plowed.”

  The lights flickered and Gracelyn looked anxiously at Johanna. “I hope the power doesn’t go out.”