Love With A Stranger

by Taylor, Janelle

  While sipping her drink, Cass thought about the many invitations Jason was extending to her tonight, as if he wanted to book her calendar completely with dates with him before she could fill it with other social or business obligations. “This is delicious, Chef Burkman, as expected,” she commented.

  “Ah, so, earned me a promotion, did it? Excellent, because I always aim to please my best friends and favorite patients. But I can take only half the credit; the other half belongs to the steer. Without a good piece of meat, even the best cook in the world couldn’t make it taste like this.”

  Jason grasped that his words had sounded sexually suggestive; her flush and lowered gaze told him her thoughts had raced in the same direction his had. Yet, her glow was one of desire and arousal, not modesty or embarrassment. Knowing she wanted him again increased the pulsing and heat in his crotch. Since tomorrow was April fifteenth, the tax deadline, he leapt on that subject as a cooling diversion. “If you haven’t taken care of your business matters and you need any legal assistance in that area, I can help you find a good lawyer; I know most of the local ones. Wills, finances, and taxes involved in a large estate with many diverse interests can be confusing and frustrating, especially if you aren’t knowledgeable in those areas and accustomed to dealing with them. I remember it was difficult for me after Joan died; I had to hire a lawyer to handle her affairs and appease Uncle Sam.”

  He took a calming breath: “If the deceased was wealthy and prominent like your husband, distant relatives, charities, friends, business partners, and even strangers can crawl out of the woodwork to assail you with pleas for money or possessions. And I don’t know how you and Peter get along, but families often have bitter disputes over inheritances. I wouldn’t want anybody to take advantage of you, Cass, so let me know if you need help or advice from me or from a lawyer.”

  “Thank you, Jason, that’s very kind and considerate; and Peter gave me this same talk and warnings. Tom’s will has already been probated by the Grantham lawyer: Simon Johnson. We also have a financial manager and accountant who pays our bills and handles our taxes. Tom had four residences elsewhere, so Harrison Dredger took care of the expenses and payments for all of them; he’s continuing to do the same for me until I get my bearings. As for my inheritance, it’s protected by a trust fund at the bank, and Peter takes care of my shares in Tom’s eight businesses; he owns their controlling interests, and he was left the other four residences around the country and Tom’s private jet. I don’t think I need a separate lawyer or accountant because Peter is being kind and cooperative about everything.”

  So, her money is tied up in a trust fund; I wonder for how long and what its stipulations are and if there are any loopholes Peter can use to get his hands on it…“He hasn’t contested the will or any of the bequests, terms, or provisions?”

  “No, none of them. Why?”

  Jason shrugged as he tried to sound casual with his queries, but was determined to protect her from that scum. “It’s just that you and his father weren’t married for very long and considering how some people will try to con or take advantage of grieving widows, nothing would surprise me.”

  “But Peter got a fifty-one-percent controlling interest in all companies, forty-five percent of the liquid assets and other funds, Tom’s jet, four expensive residences and their furnishings, and lots of other possessions. Charities and foundations preselected by Tom received twenty-five-percent of the liquid assets. I was given the balances. Since he inherited a larger portion, why would he fight me for my lesser share? Besides, it was Tom’s money and belongings, so he could disperse them in any way he desired. In addition, inheritance taxes were paid by the estate before the three divisions were made; so, since his tax bill would have been higher than mine if done otherwise, in a way, I helped him pay his, right?”

  As Jason nodded, he tallied her shares: forty-nine percent and thirty-five percent, the house and its contents, and other items; all tax-free. But that still means Peter only gets twelve percent more, which isn’t much for a greedy and devious man like that bastard is. “If Thomas Grantham was as wealthy as I imagine, your share is a hefty one to result from a short marriage. Some children might resent that and go to court to recover what they feel is rightfully theirs by birth.”

  “I’m sure you’re right in some cases, but Peter couldn’t be any nicer to me than he’s been since Tom’s death. He’s been keeping me informed in all areas, and Mr. Johnson and Mr. Dredger told me the same things he had when I met with them last week.”

  “Both men worked for your husband and now for Peter, correct?”

  “Yes, so what’s your point?”

  “It might be wise if you have your own lawyer and accountant, Cass. Since Johnson and Dredger work for Peter and he’s a bigger client of both, wouldn’t they side with him if a conflict arose between you two? I’m not saying one will come up, but it could when millions of dollars are at stake. I know you don’t want to think the worst of him, but neither do you want to get caught off-guard and unprepared if trouble arises.”

  Cass blurted out, “Peter would be furious and hurt if I acted as if I don’t trust him or as if I’m trying to snag a larger share than I deserve.”

  “Are you afraid of him?” He saw her stare at him oddly.

  “No, why? Should I be?”

  “It’s just that you looked and sounded as if you were.” If you aren’t wary of him, you should be; he’s a snake in the grass, a poisonous one.

  Whether or not she believed her words, she felt she had to say, “I didn’t mean to give you that impression. I only meant that things have been going so well between us that I don’t want to do or say anything that Peter might misconstrue and could cause trouble. As business partners, family, and friends, we need to stay close to work together for both of our sakes, and for the employees who depend on us for their jobs.”

  “I understand, Cass, and you’re smart and considerate to do so. I’m sorry if I upset you by sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong. Forgive me? Please. My only concern, as your doctor and friend, is in protecting you from all harm. I don’t want you to get stressed out again over anything or anyone and have to go back on medication.”

  “I know, Jason, and I’m grateful. Except for you, Peter, and Linda, I’m alone here on Sea Island, so I depend on my few friends for comfort and advice. But if I encounter any future crisis with my estate, I will call you for assistance with hiring a separate attorney.”

  “If a difficulty arises, please deal with it however necessary before you get anxious and depressed and exhausted. If you do that favor for me to safeguard your health, I won’t intrude again; I promise. Now, how about a piece of low-fat, no-sugaradded apple pie and a cup of decaf coffee?”

  Cass was glad he dropped the upsetting subject. “Sounds scrumptious, Doc. Do you have any cheese slices?”

  Jason grinned after he swallowed the remainder of his drink. “Don’t tell me you also put cheese instead of ice cream globs on yours?”

  “Absolutely, since childhood; that’s how my mother served it.”

  “The more I get to know you, Cass, the more I realize how much we have in common. Apple pie with melted cheese coming up.”

  “Right.” Just like sex, which would be my dessert of choice.

  * * *

  Jason walked Cass to her back door and waited until the alarm system was switched off and she was poised in the opening before he said, “I had a wonderful time today. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “Good night, Jason, and I also enjoyed myself. Thanks for everything.”

  “You’re more than welcome, and we’ll do it again very soon.” Jason gave her a light kiss on the lips, exchanged smiles with her, and left.

  While turning off the downstairs lights, Cass checked her answering machine when she saw the red light blinking. Linda had phoned that afternoon and evening, but, after glancing at the clock, she realized it was too late to return the call tonight, since the phone could disturb her elderl
y patient.

  As Cass prepared herself for bed, she remembered Jason’s hint—or slip—about Brenda. She wondered if it meant his ex-wife had been unfaithful to him and her adultery had provoked their divorce and his need for STD blood tests. If so, that would give them something else in common. She warmed when she recalled Jason’s words: “No woman has ever affected me like you just did,” and “If you’re willing to give me a chance…”

  Cass stopped brushing her hair and stared at her reflection in the mirror as she pondered if “no woman” included his two past wives. Perhaps he had meant what he said, or maybe it was only pillow talk, or maybe it was a natural reaction during a golden afterglow to such a splendid lovemaking.

  “A chance” for what, Doc? To win me lock, stock, and barrel? Why did you mention my wealth tonight? And why were you concerned about Peter trying to steal it? Do you have an ulterior motive for trying to plant seeds of doubt about him and for delving into my money yourself? Or am I reading your intentions wrong? Letting my imagination run wild? That must be it; you’re only concerned about me like you said.

  Cass got a cup of water and took her birth control pill. Just in case she lost her wits again, she warned, she had better not forget to take them daily! When and if I get pregnant, I want to be married. A baby…Jason’s baby…Our baby…How glorious and fulfilling that would be.

  On Monday at eight o’clock, her new housekeeper arrived to begin her new job. Cass went over her instructions, showed Mary Ellis where everything was located, and took down the woman’s Social Security number and tax information for Harrison Dredger.

  While Mary was busy downstairs, Cass phoned David Hines to solve the mystery nagging at her. When the receptionist told her he was busy and asked to take a message or to let her speak with one of the nurses, Cass insisted on talking with Hines.

  “What is it, Mrs. Grantham?” Hines sounded annoyed. “I was told Burkman is treating you now.”

  Cass used a pleasant tone to say, “He is, Doctor Hines, because he was my physician before Peter called you in after I became so ill. If I had been thinking clearly that day, I would have told Peter to call Dr. Burkman because he’s familiar with my medical history. I’m sorry if you were offended by the switch; it wasn’t intentional and I should have called you sooner to explain.” Did he just sigh with relief?

  “That’s fine, Mrs. Grantham, and I appreciate the clarification and apology. Thanks for calling. Good—”

  “Wait a minute, sir! I want to ask you a question.”

  “What…’question’?”

  He sounds a little nervous and hesitant. That’s odd. “Why did you order those STDs and that AIDS tests for me? Is that routine?”

  “Routine? Ah, yes, I remember; I ordered a full screen to be done so I wouldn’t overlook any possible cause for your condition: they’re included in a full screen. Don’t worry, all of your bloodwork was normal.”

  “I know; Doctor Burkman told me. I was just embarrassed that he might think there was a particular reason for running them.”

  “Don’t worry about that; Burkman knows they’re routine for a full screen”—thank God—“so he won’t think anything peculiar about it. I would have discussed your tests and treatment with you after you improved, but I wasn’t given the time and opportunity. How are you progressing? You should be off of all medication by now and back to your old self again. Are you?”

  “Yes, I am, and thank you for asking.”

  “How is”—that sonofabitch—“Peter doing these days?”

  Cass was surprised when Hines seemed to drift into chitchat. “He’s fine, too.”

  “That’s good to hear. He was worried about you and your collapse.”

  “Peter’s a good friend and a kind person.”

  “Yes, he is. Well, was there anything else? I have patients waiting and they get antsy if I delay them too long from the golf course or office.”

  “No, that was all. Thank you for taking time to speak with me.”

  “You’re welcome. Good-bye, Mrs. Grantham. Take care of yourself,” if you want to stay alive and healthy! Maybe I should tell Peter your curiosity is aroused. Hellfire, we had to run those tests with Tom screwing you, too!

  “I will, sir. Good-bye.”

  After she hung up, Cass stared at the phone as she wondered if Hines had lied to her. If so, why? Did the man think either she or Tom was an adulterer or they were both swingers? Or did Hines know about or suspect Tom’s dark secret? Had he told Peter which tests he was running, the reason for them, and their results? And was she really afraid of Peter as Jason had asked? Had Tom been murdered? If so, by whom and why? Surely Peter wasn’t to blame! Both men made her skin crawl in a curious manner and caused alarm bells to go off inside her head. Or maybe it was only her imagination running wild again or her anxieties returning.

  Please, God, she prayed silently, help me get through these next few weeks without falling apart again. Take away any groundless doubts and fears. And give me the courage, strength, and intelligence to unearth and handle any real ones. And please, don’t let me fall in love with another unworthy stranger.

  When Cass walked to the mailbox after lunch, she found a letter there from Kristy, who had written to her after being unable to reach her by phone last Friday. In an elated state, Cass returned to the house, eager for four o’clock to arrive so she could phone Kristy. Over and over she planned what she would say to her best friend, her anticipation increasing by the hour.

  Chapter Fifteen

  At four-thirty, Kristy Franklin squealed into the phone, “Cassie! Heavens, it’s good to finally hear your voice. I’ve been so worried about you and I’ve tried to reach you so many times. I always got that blasted answering machine or your housekeeper and you were either out of town or out of the house. Don’t you ever stay home, girl? I’m so sorry about what happened to Tom. There were several articles on him in the newspaper and reports on TV. How are you holding up?”

  Cass couldn’t help but grin as she realized Kristy hadn’t changed from her bubbly self. The thirty-four-year-old woman was as vivacious as ever. “I’m doing fine. It was rough for a while, but it gets better every day. I’ve missed you and I’m sorry we lost touch for so long.”

  “So am I, best friend, and I’ve missed you something fierce. The old town isn’t the same without you here. You don’t have to worry about me being angry with you because it was mostly my fault Tom didn’t like me and didn’t want us staying in touch. I should have kept my trap shut about him. I just wanted you to be happy and not make a terrible mistake. It’s obvious you were right and I was wrong about him. Am I forgiven?”

  If only you knew how right you were about that swine I married, but I can’t tell you, not yet anyway, if ever. It wasn’t because she thought Kristy would gloat or say, I told you so; the dark truth was just too private and humiliating. “There’s nothing to forgive, Kristy, except for me allowing our friendship to go astray. It just got so complicated and painful being caught between you two, and we moved around so much and kept such a hectic schedule.”

  “I know, but I’m still sorry I hurt you. Will you be moving back to Augusta? Maybe we can be neighbors. We’d have a wonderful time, especially in the summer when I’m out of school. We can do all sorts of things. We can—”

  “Whoa, wait a minute! I’m staying here; I’m firmly entrenched on Sea Island; this is where I live and plan to stay.”

  “But all of your old friends are here. I’m here, for heaven’s sake! It’s because of Brad, isn’t it? Every time I think about how he screwed things up for you two, I could strangle him with my bare hands. He and his third wife are separated and probably heading for divorce court soon. God have mercy on his poor children. I hardly see him anymore because every time I do, I want to kick his ass, scream at him to shape up, and—Oops, sorry, diarrhea of the mouth syndrome like always.” Kristy laughed before she continued, “The last thing you want to talk about is my son-of-a-gun brother. Lordy, Cassie, I wish it
could have been different. You’re the best thing that ever happened to Brad and he botched up badly, but he’s paying for it.”

  As Cass changed the subject when Kristy took a breath, she could envision her friend rolling her eyes and shaking her head in disgust. “How are your mom and dad and the kids and Jerry? I bet Billy and Debbie are growing like weeds. How’s third grade? Where are you teaching this year?” Cass knew from experience that all she had to do was ask a few pertinent questions and Kristy would take off with exuberance on one of her famous rolls. She listened as her friend talked about her eleven-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter, her husband who was a successful real estate agent, her parents whom Cass had known since eighth grade, and her teaching job which she was good at and loved. But during Kristy’s enthusiastic delivery, she uncontrollably ventured back to a taboo subject.

  “Mom and Dad are so angry with Brad and disappointed in him. They’re so worried about their grandchildren, especially Randy. Brad rarely sees his firstborn from his second marriage and his ex-wife is always dragging him into court for delinquent child-support payments. Martha Anne gets so furious with him that she sometimes refuses to let Randy visit Mom and Dad so they’ll put pressure on Brad for her; she’d better wake up and realize that ploy won’t work and only Randy and my parents suffer because of it. I don’t see how Brad affords his two families now and certainly not a third one, especially with the bad real estate market these days. Thank God, he doesn’t work for the same agency that Jerry does or he’d be driving my husband nuts. Damn, I’m doing it again! Sorry. It’s just that we always talked about anything and everything, so it seems natural to pour out my thoughts and feelings to you. It’s strange, Cassie, but it doesn’t seem like nearly three years have passed since you left town. It’s like we’re taking up right where we left off. Isn’t it wonderful that women are more forgiving when their friends make mistakes, like I did? When can we get together to talk face-to-face?”