Starfish Island

by Brown, Deborah

  “By the way, I forgot to tell you that the mystery Escalade is registered to Greg. His big mistake was not removing the vanity license plate covers. The clerk at the gas station remembered after enough money changed hands.”

  “One more piece of the puzzle. It has to be about Nicole’s inheritance,” Michael mused. “He smelled money and slithered out of the woodwork, but he struck out with Nicole when she politely told him to go to hell. Could it be that he’s sniffed out Victoria’s trust fund? She’d be a much easier mark for him, with her parents dead and only the family lawyer, who’s also her guardian, for guidance. Men like him gobble up naive women and leave them wondering what the heck happened.”

  “You know how we don’t believe in coincidences? I find it interesting that Katrina Lewis showed back up right in the thick of things…”

  Michael laughed with disgust. “Katrina is old news. She left me for a man with a bigger bank account. She means nothing to me now. If I did still have any feelings for her, they would’ve died when she ran from his deathbed to throw herself at me.”

  “Don’t discount her; she’s one sexy woman, and the way she drapes herself across your lap, you wouldn’t be human if you weren’t tempted.”

  Michael shook his head. “Katrina doesn’t care about me. She wants something, but I haven’t figured out what it is yet. She always has an ulterior motive. She never wanted me; she only saw dollar signs and resented the time I gave to building my company. She wanted a player, not a man with a sense of responsibility. That was too boring for her.”

  “Be careful,” Jake suggested. “I don’t think there’s anything she wouldn’t stoop to to get what she wants. And that, dear brother, is you.” His phone rang. “I’ve got to take a call. See you later, thanks for the talk. Happy you’re back.”

  Michael nodded and pulled a stack of papers out of his briefcase, tossing them on his desk for his immediate attention. It took great effort to put his anxiety about Nicole aside and concentrate on the business problems awaiting his attention. If it hadn’t been so late, he would have sneaked over to her house and thrown stones at her window. He laughed, realizing it would probably have scared her half to death.

  He’d been working for several minutes when he became aware of the scent of perfume. His thoughts immediately leapt to Nicole. He looked up and saw Katrina lounging in the door frame. She wore a red dress that dipped dangerously low in the front, exposing her creamy breasts.

  “I’ve been waiting for you to notice me, sweetheart,” she purred.

  “Sorry, Katrina, I’m busy.” He was definitely disappointed that Nicole wasn’t the one standing there.

  “I’ve been waiting a very long time for the two of us.” She ran her tongue across her lips. “You’re hurt, and I understand the distance you’re trying to create, but I thought if we spent some time alone… A few uninterrupted days aboard your boat, perhaps?”

  She dropped gracefully onto his desk so that they faced each other. “I waited for your brother to leave. Otherwise, you would’ve made him stay,” she said, her laugh brittle. When Michael made no reply, she insisted, “Wouldn’t you, Michael?” She ran her nails down his arm. “We need to be alone so we can talk.”

  “We did our talking a long time ago,” he said. “You remember: when you found a man more to your liking and left with barely a word. I’m still the same man you left, more involved with work than ever. Stop these displays; we’ll never get back together.”

  “You don’t mean that.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I’ve been trying to tell you ever since I came back that I loved you then and I still love you. I’ve never stopped. I admit I made a big mistake. Please forgive me, give us a second chance.”

  She stood up slowly and tried to seat herself on his lap. He jumped to his feet.

  “Michael...” She stretched out her hands and ran them slowly up his chest, playing with the buttons on his shirt, looking into his face. “You’re just the same, you said so yourself,” she whispered. “It’s not too late for us.” Her arms encircled his neck.

  The door opened. “Hi, you two,” Jake said. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

  “You’re not,” Michael said in relief. “Katrina’s leaving. Would you walk her to her car?”

  “Happy to.” Jake smiled.

  Katrina’s hand, which had remained clinging to Michael’s shirt, dropped to her side. “You’ve changed, and not for the better,” she hissed, her voice shrill. “The gossip about you must be true.”

  “I’ll bite, what’s the gossip?” Michael asked, out of patience.

  “That you’re marrying Nicole. That you’re the husband Caroline picked out. It’s the only way you’ll get your hands on the Alexander money and the land you covet,” she said nastily, and started toward the door. “And to think you were the one person I didn’t believe could be bought off. I have more than enough money; you don’t have to prostitute yourself. We’d make a great team. You’ll regret choosing Nicole over me; she’ll never make you happy.”

  “What are you talking about?” Michael fought to control his temper.

  “You’re going to be very sorry you let yourself be pushed around like a pawn.” Katrina slammed the door on her way out.

  “Hell hath no fury.” Jake laughed. “I doubt you’ve seen the last of her; she’s not one to give up easily.”

  “That isn’t the first time I’ve heard the story of Caroline leaving Nicole a husband. Who’s spreading that story and how did Katrina hear about it?”

  “Any chance it’s true?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Caroline would never do such a thing. How do you force two strangers to marry? It can’t legally be done. Besides, Nicole told me she made the fiancé story up on the spur of the moment to get rid of Greg. I’ll bet she never told anyone else, and I know I didn’t. That leaves Greg.” Michael paused. “Or Chester. He heard her blurt out that dramatic story.”

  “Greg or Chester, sure no one else heard?” Jake asked.

  “Cecilia, but she doesn’t gossip.”

  “My money’s on Chester. If anyone talked, I hope it was him.”

  “Why?” Michael asked in surprise.

  “Because if it was Greg, he’ll have told the story to Victoria, and that’s all she needs to hear. If she thinks the Edwards men are marrying for money, she’ll never believe another word I say.”

  “You’re probably right,” Michael said. “How did our lives get so complicated?”

  “We’re going to get this straightened out. You’ll have Nicole, and it’s high time I made it clear to Victoria just how serious I am about her. Sweep her off her feet, show her that a seven-year age difference doesn’t make me a boring old man.”

  “I hope you’re right. I have a bad feeling something big is going on. We need to figure out what and stop it fast.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  NICOLE LAY TENSE and still, not sure what had awakened her. Her heart pounded as if she’d run a marathon. Eyes wide open, staring into the darkness, she held her breath and listened.

  The big house seemed to have come alive in the night. She had an awareness of people moving around somewhere near her, how many she had no idea. The only sound that she could clearly distinguish was a sharp tap like that of a woman’s high heels on the uncarpeted portions of the floor.

  She tried to calm herself and keep her mind clear. The room she’d occupied that first night only had a small area rug; could the footsteps be coming from there? She double-checked to make sure she hadn’t forgotten to lock her door. She’d gotten in the habit of locking it, though it seemed ridiculous in her own house. She reached for her phone, wanting to talk to Michael; he’d know what to do. But then she glanced at the clock; he probably wouldn’t appreciate a late night call. Besides, she didn’t even know if he was back yet. The intercom! If someone’s in that room, I can listen in.

  She slipped out of bed, groped for the button on the wall, and pressed it. As though someone was standing next to
her, she heard a woman’s low-pitched voice, one she’d never heard before.

  “What are you doing here?” she sneered.

  For a moment, Nicole half-thought the question had been addressed to her and nearly answered.

  “That’s funny coming from you. What the hell are you doing here? Please go away before you cause any more trouble,” the woman pleaded.

  Nicole heard a low rumble that sounded like a male voice, but couldn’t make out the words. Then a man laughed in a way that sent fear through Nicole, making her happy to be in her locked bedroom.

  “Shh, someone will hear you.”

  “Why don’t you call for help?” he taunted.

  The woman said softly, “I thought you loved me.”

  “I did.” He was sputtering with anger.

  “Then help me,” she said.

  Nicole held her breath, listening eagerly. Who on earth were these people and how had they gotten into her house? Every night before going to the bed, she made the rounds with Chester to make sure that every door and window was locked. What was going on?

  “Don’t worry, Miss Alexander,” Chester had said earlier, looking grimmer than ever with the purple bruise on his cheek. “Every night, I double-check the locks myself.”

  Nicole believed him. Since his encounter on the grounds—and there had been one despite his denials—he looked worried and uneasy. But now two people had managed to break into her house. Unbeknownst to each other until they met by accident in the vacant room next to hers? How likely was that?

  “Help you? That’s a laugh,” he growled.

  “I could make trouble for you,” the woman warned. “I don’t want to, but I could. I know you’re the one who ransacked this house.”

  “My, my…” he jeered.

  “What were you looking for?” Then she quickly asked, “What was so important that you would risk getting caught?”

  The man snorted. “I’m surprised you’re not asking me if I stole the will.”

  “What do you know about it?”

  “I know everything that goes on in your life. Don’t start thinking you can keep things from me. I’ll find out, and you won’t be happy when we have to have a little chat about it. Remember that before you act.”

  “Blackmail! I might’ve known.”

  “You’re digging yourself in deep, and you don’t even realize it. That’s why I’m watching you.”

  “I never want to see you again,” she cried.

  “But you will,” the man said with confidence.

  Nicole heard a scraping noise, and she pulled her robe off the chair. Securing it around her waist, hearing what sounded liked footsteps, she tiptoed across the room and looked out the open terrace door, trying to conceal herself in case anyone looked up. Down below, she saw a leg come out of the dining room window followed by an arm, which groped the side of the house. The light from the moon reflected off a large ornate ring. A dark figure swung out of the window and dropped the short distance to the ground. The breaking of plants told her of his progress. He stood, brushing off leaves.

  The man on the path!

  Nicole crept back from the terrace door. At least she knew how he’d gotten into the house. So much for locking up at night to keep intruders out. And what about the woman? From the intercom, Nicole could hear the low sound of her muffled crying.

  What should I do? She crossed the room and turned off the intercom, questions swirling in her head. What did they want? Why did the two of them both choose to break into her house tonight and what were they looking for? Did they even want the same thing? And had they broken in before? Before the ransacking, when Grandmother was still alive. Had Nicole’s grandmother been in danger? Was that why she’d planned to hire a private investigator? Had she ever had a chance to, and if so, what did he find? Or did he not get the opportunity to report back before she died?

  Nicole leaned back against her pillows, questions racing through her mind. Her eyelids fluttered against her cheeks until she finally dropped off to sleep.

  Chapter Sixteen

  SHOUTING AWAKENED NICOLE. This time, her bedroom was flooded with sunshine, and the voice she heard yelling outside the house was Chester’s. He’d apparently discovered the broken plants and was furious. Nicole hopped quickly out of bed and unlocked her door. She didn’t want anyone to know that she barred herself in her room every night.

  Nicole raced through her shower, shoving her hair into a messy bun and holding it in place with a clip. She pulled on a black, knee-length full skirt and a long-sleeved t-shirt and slipped into wedge sandals to complete the look.

  She opened her door to find Ava standing right outside, which gave her a start. “Good morning,” she said, and smiled as though she hadn’t spent most of the night awake.

  “You’re up early,” Ava said.

  “Someone shouting outside woke me.”

  “That’s Mr. Grey, and he’s mad. Someone broke a lot of the plants along the back of the house.” Ava lowered her voice and looked over her shoulder. “I’m not supposed to tell anyone; he doesn’t want you or his wife upset. Do you think we had a burglar?”

  Nicole knew she should’ve called the police last night; instead, she’d gotten caught up in the drama. Would Nancy Drew have called the police? Drew was her favorite heroine growing up. “If we did, Chester should call the police. I’d better speak to him about it.”

  “Don’t do that!” The frightened woman started wringing her hands. “Please don’t say anything. Mr. Grey is in an awful mood. His face still hurts from his accident, and Mrs. Grey is sick; she’s staying in her room today. You can barely talk to the man. He’ll fire me for sure if he finds out I told.”

  “You’re not going anywhere. You can’t be fired without my permission, and I like you,” Nicole reassured her. Soon, she’d be rid of the Greys and keep Ava.

  “Thank you, but don’t you see? Even if I could stay, he’d take it out on me every chance he got. I know what he’s like.”

  “I won’t say anything for now,” Nicole promised.

  She excused herself and ran down the stairs, coming face to face with Chester. His bruise was still prominent, the scratch crusty and red; both looked painful. His manner was stiff, more controlled than ever, and she decided it must be the effect of his swollen cheek.

  “Telephone call for you, Miss Alexander.”

  Nicole took a quick breath and swallowed a laugh as she looked at him, glad she managed to control it. “Who’s calling?”

  “She refused to give her name.” Chester couldn’t conceal his outrage at the indignity.

  Nicole went to the house phone in the library and lifted the receiver. “Yes?”

  “This is Lily from the café.” Before Nicole could say anything, she added quickly, “Don’t mention my name. Hold on a moment.”

  A male voice came on the line. “Don’t mention my name either,” Michael said, laughing. “Can you come to the restaurant, where we can talk privately? Do you mind?”

  “That would be fine,” Nicole said.

  “I realize it’s inconvenient for you, but discretion is important.”

  “I’m leaving now,” she said.

  “Did I tell you that I missed you?”

  “Me too.”

  As she hung up, she caught a glimpse of Chester hovering outside the library door. He’d obviously been listening to every word. Let him make something out of that conversation. She smiled to herself.

  “Chester, I have some errands to run,” she told him. “I won’t be back for lunch.”

  He nodded and opened the front door. “I hope it wasn’t bad news.”

  “Not at all, thank you for asking.” She breezed past him, not giving in to his curiosity. “I’m sorry to hear Rena is not her usual self today.”

  He stiffened. “All she needs is a day’s rest and she’ll be fine. Don’t worry, I can see to anything that needs attention.”

  Nicole backed out of the driveway and slowed for the curve, think
ing about the first time she came this way; it had been her first meeting with Michael, and he’d scolded her, frightened for her safety.

  If she’d known all the drama that would unfold, she wasn’t sure she would’ve had the courage to enter the house that first time; she might have turned and run. Her chin went up. I’m not running now.

  She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed Michael until she heard his voice over the phone, and she hoped that first on his agenda was another mind-numbing kiss.

  The restaurant had fewer than a handful of patrons and was clearly in the midst of recovering from the breakfast rush. As Nicole entered, Lily came in from the back and smiled at her. Beckoning her forward, she motioned Nicole toward the kitchen. “He’s on the phone in the office,” she whispered.

  “Do you know what Michael wants to tell me?” Nicole asked.

  Lily’s smile did nothing but heighten her curiosity. “Michael should be the one to tell you.” She smiled fondly. “Feels like old times; the brothers have held a clandestine meeting or two here in the past.”

  The office turned out to be a small, windowless room in the middle of the kitchen. When Nicole entered, Michael stood up and walked out from behind the desk. Shoving the door closed, he pulled her into his arms. “I’ve wanted to do this ever since the last time I saw you.”

  He covered her mouth with the warmth of his lips, and she felt the full force of his desire. His tongue stroked an unhurried path through her mouth as his fingers dug into her hair. He pulled down, forcing her back to arch. His hands swept waves of heat over her body, causing her to sigh in pleasure.

  He scooped her up in his arms and walked back to the desk. Sitting down in the chair, he deposited her on his lap.

  “I have something important to talk over with you. After…” He gazed at her mouth; then his tongue slid over her lips, barely tracing, teasing until they parted slightly. She moaned into his mouth.