Love With A Stranger

by Taylor, Janelle

  “That’s all, Mrs. Grantham, for now,” Beals said.

  Cass frowned at him. “You told me the case is being filed away, so if you need to question me again or report any further …‘good news’, contact me through my lawyer and we’ll meet you in his office or in your superior’s. Since you say I misunderstand your meanings and intentions, I’m certain Mr. Johnson will be delighted and able to explain them to me.” It was apparent to her that Beals was as angry as she was at that point, and he must feel as if she had thwarted his challenge, which didn’t sit well.

  “As you wish, Mrs. Grantham. Good-bye.”

  Cass was repulsed by Beals’s behavior and his response. She closed and locked the door and watched the men from a window, but made sure she was out of sight. She saw them stand by an old car for a while and talk before they got in and drove away.

  Beals’s stubborn persistence worried her and could be intrusive on her life. After what happened between her and Jason on Sunday, she warned herself to be careful around him and when she was out with him. If “Mutt & Jeff” were going to cause her more aggravation and trouble, she didn’t want an innocent Jason drawn into the predicament. Nor did she want Beals’s digging to unearth and expose Tom’s sordid past and find herself at the center of a sleazy exposé.

  Cass walked to the den, sat down, and phoned Simon Johnson. She told the lawyer about the incident in accurate detail. She was relieved when he promised to handle the matter for her.

  Cass wished she hadn’t asked Jason over for dinner tonight and risk embroiling him in her humiliating predicament. But she hadn’t known it was still looming over her when she extended the invitation. As she prepared their meal, she fretted over the dilemma until she was edgy.

  When Jason arrived, she let him in and guided him to the kitchen as she said, “Dinner’s almost ready. Sit down and relax while I finish it.”

  Jason removed his jacket and tie and placed them over a chair, then unfastened a few shirt buttons. He saw that the table was set and the condiments were out, so he took his by-now familiar place. During her polite greeting and when she delivered things to the table, he noticed she avoided meeting his gaze, was oddly quiet and subdued, and yet appeared tense. He wondered why and dreaded the reason. He hoped and prayed she hadn’t asked him over to tell him they couldn’t see each other again.

  Cass served the boiled shrimp, steamed broccoli, potato salad, and rolls before she took a seat opposite him. “The empty plate is for the shells, and I made iced tea for you. Am I missing anything you need?”

  “Thanks, and nothing. This looks delicious.” The only thing missing is your sunny smile, Cass. What’s bothering you, my love?

  As he helped himself from the bowls and platters, she asked, “You said you like shrimp, right?”

  He smiled and nodded. “I love it just about any way it’s prepared.”

  Jason peeled and ate a few before he paused—just to get a conversation going and break the silence—to ask, “How did it go with Mary?”

  Cass knew she had answered that query yesterday, so she deduced his motive for asking it again. “You were right; she’s absolutely wonderful. I can’t thank you enough or tell you how pleasant it was having her here instead of Inez. How did your day go and your dinner meeting last night?” You do the talking while I calm down.

  “Both were fine, but I missed seeing you. I really enjoy your company, Cass, and care a lot about you. I haven’t had so much fun or been this relaxed in ages. I have you to thank for accomplishing both tasks.”

  “I’m the one who should be thanking you, Jason, for bringing me back to life in so many ways. I’m sorry if I seem a little tense and distracted tonight, but I had a meeting this afternoon that was most unpleasant.”

  Jason lowered his tea glass. “With your lawyer or accountant? Did you ask them about the things we discussed Sunday night?”

  Cass wondered why that was his first thought. “No, I haven’t seen them or spoken with Mr. Dredger today. I did phone Mr. Johnson, but it wasn’t about that subject.” As she sipped her drink while deciding how and what to tell him, Jason asked another unusual question.

  “Did Peter come home early and say something to upset you?”

  “No, it wasn’t Peter, and he’s still away until tomorrow. Those two detectives came to see me again. Actually, they tricked their way inside to get me alone to interrogate me about Tom and his accident. After I almost kicked them out, I reported them to Mr. Johnson and he’s going to handle the matter and force them to stop harassing me as if I were a criminal. They even asked me about you, about us.” She saw she had his full attention. She related the incident, then said, “I don’t know exactly what Beals has discovered or was implying about us, but I don’t like his sorry attitude or conduct. He’s one of the most devious and insensitive people I’ve ever met. I swear to you, Jason, I had nothing to do with Tom’s death, nothing.”

  “You don’t have to swear that to me, Cass; I know you didn’t because I know you. You’re a good and honest person, a very special person. If your husband was murdered, it’s their job to find his killer, but they have no right or reason to harass or accuse you. A prenuptial agreement isn’t uncommon in a remarriage for a wealthy person. And you aren’t Tom’s sole beneficiary; Peter inherited more than you did. Are they investigating him, too?”

  Cass deliberately had omitted the enlightening fact that had sparked Beals’s suspicion about them: the remarriage stipulation. At this early point in their relationship, she didn’t want Jason to know about that intrusive angle. She didn’t want to explain her feelings and motives, and she certainly couldn’t reveal the dirty truth about Tom. She wanted to make sure her wealth didn’t hold any sway over her appeal to Jason. She also didn’t want him to think he didn’t stand a chance with her because of what it would cost her: millions of dollars. Nor did she want him to suspect that Tom had a reason for distrusting her and that was why he included that bizarre term. “I suppose so, but they didn’t tell me. I know they’ve questioned him before, but he didn’t seem upset or worried afterward.”

  “You don’t think he had anything to do with the accident, do you?”

  “No, absolutely not. I don’t know everything about Tom’s and Peter’s relationship, but Peter didn’t hate his father and surely couldn’t have killed him or had it done. As I told the police, if Tom had any dangerous enemies, I don’t know about them. I just want the case closed so I can forget about this tragedy and get on with my life.”

  Jason reached across the table, grasped her hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze. He sent her a reassuring smile as he murmured, “Relax, Cass, I won’t let anything or anyone harm you. If Johnson doesn’t settle this matter for you soon, I’ll hire a lawyer who can do the job.”

  She pulled her hand from his grasp and said, “You can’t do that, Jason. If you get involved, that might look odd to Mutt & Jeff. I don’t want your reputation getting tarnished.”

  “Don’t worry about me, Cass; I’ll be fine. The most important thing is protecting you. But who are Mutt & Jeff?”

  Cass couldn’t help but laugh before she explained about the cartoon characters and how she had labeled Beals and Killian with their names.

  Jason chuckled in amusement. “Well, at least you haven’t lost your sense of humor.”

  “Thinking of them in those roles keeps me from allowing them to intimidate me. But I have to admit, they made me nervous and wary today. If they’re watching me, I have to be careful of everything I say and do so it can’t be misconstrued. Beals would like nothing better than to make a name for himself and take sadistic pleasure out of accusing me of my husband’s murder.”

  “I won’t let that happen, Cass, I promise.”

  “Maybe I’m overreacting to their visit and crude personalities, but I know my imagination isn’t running wild and crazy; Beals was too clear for that to be true. He thinks he’s so clever, but he’s despicable and mean. Now, let’s drop this subject so we can relax and enjoy ou
r meal. Tell me about your meeting last night; that should distract us.”

  Later, they sat together on the sofa, watched television, talked, and kissed a few times. Yet, they were cautious not to arouse their passions, each wondering if Beals was parked outside and observing the house.

  At ten o’clock, Jason said with reluctance, “I best get going. I’ll call you tomorrow to make certain you’re okay. If you don’t settle down and can’t get to sleep tonight, take one of those tranquilizers you have left over.”

  “Thanks, but I’ll be fine.” You’re the only medicine I need. I’d love to let you calm me down and lull me to sleep, but that’s too risky.

  She walked him to the front door, and said, “I’ll talk with you tomorrow. Thanks for giving me a shoulder to lean on tonight, and I’ll be in a better mood the next time I see you. I had a good time.”

  “So did I, but I won’t steal a good-night kiss in case Beals is around. Sleep well, Cass, and my shoulder is available any time you need it.”

  Wednesday evening, Peter phoned from his apartment to let Cass know he had returned home. “As soon as I grab a quick shower, I’d like to come over and talk, if you don’t have other plans.”

  “I don’t, and that’s fine with me. Have you eaten or do you want me to prepare you something? It’s no trouble.”

  “I’ve already eaten, but thanks. I could use some bourbon and Coke, Wild Turkey if you have any, when I get there.”

  “I’ll have it setting out on the kitchen counter.”

  “See you in about thirty minutes.”

  “See you soon, Peter,” she replied, having no idea of the shock in store for her during their impending conversation.

  Chapter Sixteen

  After Peter arrived and was preparing his drink at the kitchen counter, Cass studied him on the sly as she poured herself a diet cola. Peter was dressed in a casual outfit: a mint-green knit shirt with matching pants, a medium-hued brown belt, and the same tone of brown loafers without socks. Curly black hair peeked from the opening at his collar where he had left all three buttons unfastened and the shirt’s edges flapped aside.

  It was obvious why so many women found Peter Wesley Grantham irresistible. He was traffic-stopping handsome. He emitted a sensuous, earthy, animal magnetism and radiated selfassurance, managing to avoid an arrogant or cocky impression. Without a doubt, she concluded, Peter was six feet of enticing masculinity. Considering his wealth and prominence, he was one of—if not the—most sought-after, bachelors in the area and probably beyond it.

  Peter was cognizant of her stealthy study. Maybe, he reasoned in spiteful pleasure, she was getting aroused after being a widow for almost two months. He was aware of his enthralling effect on women and—when it suited his purposes or needs—used it to the hilt to ensnare them. Yet, in these times when so many nasty bugs were running loose and particularly that lethal one, a man had to be extra careful. He knew Cass would be a safe partner for him, because he had ordered Hines—in light of their knowledge of his father’s secret lifestyle—to run certain blood tests on her to rule out an STD or AIDS. As he replaced the top on the bourbon, he glanced at her and asked, “So, how have you been doing? How do you feel? You certainly look fantastic and well.”

  So much had happened to her during his absence that Cass wondered if Peter sensed the changes in her. She smiled and picked up her glass. “I’m doing fine, thanks. Why don’t we sit in the den to talk?”

  “Suits me, because those no-see-ums are roaming outside. I’d rather relax in the house instead of beating and clawing my scalp to death fighting them off on the terrace.” As he followed her into the other room, Peter’s gaze drifted over the brunette from head to feet. Cass was wearing a white jewel-neck sleeveless top with pearlized buttons down the front and slit pockets near her small waist. It traveled to below her firm buttocks, partially covering black georgette pants with quarter-size white dots. She wore black sandals, and her toenails were painted dark mauve, the same as her fingernails. She had pearl studs in her pierced ears. As she moved, he detected the teasing scent of her perfume, She was beautiful and sexy, especially for a woman her age. Yet, he didn’t consider his thoughts and feelings incestuous because she wasn’t his mother, wasn’t any blood kin to him. And he wasn’t betraying his father since the bastard was dead, cold and buried. If he told her the repulsive truth about her husband, would she sleep with him out of revenge?

  Cass sat in the overstuffed chair, not wanting to be to close to him on either the sofa or loveseat. She held on to her glass to have something to occupy her trembly hands and to drink from as a stall tactic if she needed to think about a question before responding to it. To appear deceptively calm and poised, she rested her feet and legs on the ottoman and propped her elbows on the armrests. She smiled. “How did your business trip go? Did you enjoy yourself and get a lot accomplished?”

  Peter lazed back against the sofa and, crossed his legs. “It couldn’t have gone better, Cass; the deal’s signed, sealed, and delivered, earning us a nice profit. But I didn’t plan on being away for a week, even had to pick up a few extra clothes to tide me over. I suppose I should train somebody to take over for me here to be prepared for when I’m delayed out of town again.”

  “Is there anything I can do to help out in that area?”

  “Thanks, but no. It has to be somebody who’s already familiar with the business or things could get screwed up badly in only a day or two. It’s not the type of job you or anybody else could train for in a short time because it includes knowing all about shrimp and shrimping, and other seafoods. I have a man in mind to promote to that position. As for the electronics firm, we have an excellent office manager over there: Pat Marlowe.”

  “Do you need me to fill in or take over anywhere else in the company?”

  “No, but thanks again for the offer. All positions are filled with good workers. Besides, it could be distracting for employees to have you there. You wouldn’t be the boss’s wife, but you’re still his widow and the new boss’s stepmother. That would make staff members and workers uneasy, make them feel as if they’re being watched for me. Understand?”

  So much, she scoffed, for getting involved with companies she partly owned and as Peter had hinted she could do a few weeks ago! Let it pass unchallenged for now. “Of course, I understand, and I’m sure you’re right. But if an emergency arises and you need my help, I’m willing to pitch in for as long as I’m needed. As it stands, I certainly have plenty of free time.”

  “Thanks, Cass, I really appreciate that. I’ll tell my secretary to keep you in mind when she can’t find a temp or can’t reach me. Now, there are a couple of things I should tell you about today.” He sipped his drink before relating, “I put all of the other residences and their furnishings up for sale on Monday. Since I won’t be using them, it’s foolish to let them stand empty and cost me money for maintainance and taxes.” His plan was to prevent her from wanting to vacation in or move to any of them when he needed to keep her close for other reasons. “I’m also putting Smooth Rider on the market next week. I don’t have any interest in owning or running a golf cart company and the competition there is fierce. It looks as if one of those other two companies is interested in merging it with theirs, so our employees’ jobs won’t be jeopardized.” That action was being taken to prevent her from wanting to move out of his reach by returning to Augusta. “I’ll keep you informed of Smooth Rider’s sale, and you should have a fat check from it to deposit in your account very soon. Now, tell me about the trouble between you and Inez and about your new housekeeper. She came to work on Monday, right?”

  Cass was surprised by his quick discard of the other four properties and one company, but his explanations were logical, and he had the power to make those decisions. “Yes, and I got the information from Mary that you requested about her Social Security and taxes; I’ve already phoned it in to Mr. Dredger,” she began, then responded to his other query.

  “Since Inez worked for us f
or nearly three years, that’s a shame, but it sounds as if she provoked the trouble and deserved to be fired. She never gave me problems, but that’s probably because I wasn’t around her much and I’m a man.” She’s doing fine, sitting on her ass and earning her regular salary from me until she finds another job. “You certainly don’t need or have to put up with such aggravation and tension. I’m hiring a cleaning service next week to do my place, so don’t worry about inconveniencing me. How did you find Mary Ellis? You said a friend recommended her?”

  Cass worked hard to look and sound casual as she answered, “Yes, Doctor Burkman.”

  “You were fortunate,” he said and smiled, though he didn’t like the fact that Jason was the person supplying and surrounding her with his staff and friends too often these days.

  “When I spoke with Simon this morning, he told me you’ve been harassed by those two detectives again. What did they want this time?”

  Cass revealed the episode in detail. She didn’t exclude their question about Jason, since they might ask Peter about that relationship and he might wonder why she had kept that fact a secret. Besides, she had told him on the phone about their dinner at the Cloister, but she didn’t mention being with Jason at his home on Sunday and hoped it wasn’t exposed.

  “Perhaps you should be careful about being alone with any man for a while; it sounds as if they might be watching you and could misinterpret such a friendship. It shouldn’t be for much longer, Cass, because Simon said he’s going to squash this matter for good very soon. Those two creeps don’t have any reason to suspect us of wrongdoing and I don’t believe my father was murdered. You have them pegged right, and we’re going to halt their foolishness fast. As soon as we do, we’ll settle with the life-insurance company.”

  “I’m glad, Peter, because it’s nerve-wracking. Why do they want to speak with your mother and Miss Lowery?”