Cass smiled inwardly, relieved to make that discovery.
“I wanted to see Hines to tell him I’d be watching him like a hawk to make sure he didn’t do something like this to another innocent patient—”
“I’m sure you wanted to bring him up on charges,” Cass interrupted gently, “but were reluctant to do so because that would have involved me in a scandal. Even so, Jason, we both know we couldn’t have allowed Hines to go unexposed and risk him doing that to somebody else in the future.”
“I was torn between doing what was right and protecting you, Cass, but Hines took that difficult decision out of our hands. The same dilemma applies to pressing charges against Peter, even with the evidence we’ve gathered. Other than taking his precious money, I don’t know how we can punish him since we don’t want to go to the police with the truth. Peter has powerful contacts and lots of money for mounting a strong defense. With Inez and Hines gone, we have no witnesses to corroborate our accusations, so it would be our word against his. Considering our romantic relationship, I don’t know how much weight ours would carry. I have no doubt he would drag us through the courts and hell with a lengthy trial, and countless appeals if he lost. The media would have a field day with the story.”
“And I’m sure Mutt & Jeff would like nothing better than getting another chance to dig into my private life and to harass me; I don’t want the truth about Tom and our marital troubles to be exposed. I’m sorry Doctor Hines felt he had to take his life, but at least he can’t harm any more patients.”
“I got a special delivery letter from Hines today. He wrote and mailed it before he took his life late last night. The timing was such that the news of his suicide was included with this morning’s article which was originally intended to reveal only his closet homosexuality. He said the news was already leaking out by yesterday and patients were canceling on him right and left and he was receiving vulgar calls from people who wouldn’t identify themselves. He knew what was coming today because the reporter doing the exposé called him for a rebuttal, which he refused to give. He said he couldn’t endure being raked over the media’s hot coals.”
“I suppose he panicked,” Cass deduced, “because he could have relocated after the news hit.”
“Yes, but his family and friends would know about his dark secret, and he couldn’t bear the thought of their scorn and rejection. He knew what I wanted with him, and he suspected Peter was the source of the news leak—though I doubt that’s true—so he gave me the facts about what Peter did to you out of revenge and hatred toward him. That would have been a marvelous piece of evidence, except he typed the letter and didn’t sign it, so we might not be able to prove he wrote it or that was the paper inside the special delivery envelope.”
Jason released her hand, took a swallow of cola, then explained, “Hines helped Peter because of blackmail; he knew about Hines’s secret life and threatened to expose it. Of course, when we confront Peter, we don’t have to tell him the letter wasn’t handwritten or signed. We finally know the truth, my love, but the only way we can use the evidence I gathered from Hines and Inez is to force Peter to settle with you so we can get married sooner.”
“He already has, Jason. I mean, our deal is settled and the papers are being drawn up by Simon Johnson.” She related her talk with Peter last night.
“Will you be satisfied with the amount he’s offered after all he’s done to you?” he asked.
“I just want this obstacle removed. I wouldn’t dare be so foolish as to try to blackmail him for more. Besides, I would feel like a criminal if I tried to pull a stunt like that. After everything is settled, I’ll let Peter know I’m not dense or a naive fool. I also believe that people like him eventually get what they deserve; somewhere along the line, he’ll make a mistake and he’ll be called upon to pay for it. I won’t dirty my hands by trying to be his jury, judge, and executioner; I’ll leave those jobs up to fate.”
“I’m glad you aren’t a vindictive person, Cass; that speaks highly of you.”
She snuggled into his arms and hugged him. “The same is true for you, Jason, or you would have found a way to spite Peter long ago.”
“Hatred and revenge take a lot of energy and animosity, my love, and I don’t want my life and thoughts filled and controlled by ugly emotions.”
“Neither do I. As the saying goes: ‘Let’s take the money and run’.”
“You’re so wonderful and tempting, woman, that the only place I want to run is upstairs with you, unless it’s straight to the marriage altar.”
“We’ll act on your first suggestion after supper, Doc, because I’m starved. I confess I skipped lunch, but don’t scold me. As for your second suggestion, we should have that matter taken care of by Christmas.”
Following an erotic shower where they lathered each other from neck to feet, Cass and Jason almost leapt into her new bed and upon her new linens to continue what they had started in the bathroom.
Jason’s arms slipped with gentle purpose around Cass. He nestled his cheek against her dark hair and relished the feel of her naked body against his. They cuddled, caressed, and kissed each other, treasuring every moment of their loving.
Just as he was about to enter her, Jason leaned back his head and gazed into Cass’s glowing eyes, so full of love and desire for him, and trust in him.
“I love you, Cass, and I’m the luckiest man in the world to have you.”
Cass smiled and said, “And I’m the luckiest woman in the world to have you.” She pressed kisses to his nose, cheeks, and chin as he rolled them over to place her atop him. His strong hands grasped her hips and he partially lifted her so he could join their bodies. She gazed into his yearning blue eyes and handsome face before he rested his head on her chest as he held her in place and slid inside her. She clung to him and rode him wildly.
Jason could barely retain his control. As Cass rocked upon his lap, he suckled at her breasts, his muscles rippling as he strove onward and upward in his thrilling quest to sate them both. When the moment approached, he held her close. After her release came and her tension subsided, he ceased his thrusts and surrendered to his own climax.
Afterward, they kissed and embraced tenderly, gazing into each other’s eyes and murmuring vows of love, satisfaction, and commitment.
On Thursday morning after giving Mary Ellis instructions to lock up the house upon her departure at five o’clock, Cass drove to Jason’s office to begin a five-day training period by his receptionist.
Upon arrival at the large and lovely office in Brunswick, Cass was reintroduced to the three nurses, receptionist, and bookkeeper/secretary: a staff of five friendly and efficient ladies whose ages ranged from mid-thirties to early fifties, all married with children.
Cass listened, observed, and took notes as the genial woman gave her instructions which she would practice next Monday through Wednesday. The position entailed greeting patients, dealing with salesmen, answering the multi-line phone, making appointments, and writing reminder cards or phoning patients about their impending visits.
Since Jason’s practice was full, he only accepted new patients upon referral from the hospital or from other physicians as a professional courtesy.
She was told that besides working with patients, the two younger nurses pulled and filed daily charts. The older one also held the position of office manager, which included handling medical supplies, making sure specimens and samples got to the proper outside laboratories for tests, making sure those results were returned and recorded on patients’ charts, dealing with any problem, and unlocking and locking file cabinets upon entry and departure to protect patient confidentiality. The secretary/bookkeeper took care of incoming and outgoing mail, typed letters, filled out insurance and Medicare claims, recorded payments, made bank deposits, did the staff payroll, and ordered supplies required for her responsibilities.
Their workday began at eight-thirty with preparations to open the office at nine o’clock. They closed for an hour
at twelvethirty so everyone could eat at the same time, with an answering service taking over. Four days of the week, the women brought their lunches and ate them while relaxing and chatting in the break room. On Fridays, they splurged on a meal at a different restaurant each week. Though today was Thursday, they were treating Cass to lunch at the Royal Cafe in town. They finished their day between five-thirty and six o’clock so everyone could have quality time with their families, which was one of the many reasons why Jason was so well liked and respected and why the women were longtime employees of his.
After they reached her house that evening and she was unlocking the door, Cass grinned and said, “Considering how many unattached female patients you have, it’s smart of you to keep a nurse around when you have to work late with one of them. I’ve heard that some women will go to any lengths to ensnare a handsome and virile man like you are.”
“Thanks for the compliment, and I’m always careful in that area. I’ve never had a problem in the past, and I don’t want one to crop up in the future. It’s just that some people are suecrazy these days, trying to make money any way they can. Rest assured, I would be innocent of any charges filed against me for improper behavior with a female patient. Excluding you, of course,” he added. “I’m absolutely guilty of pursuing you.”
“Rest assured,” she began, paused playfully, and laughed, “I would never bring charges against you for openly doing what I was doing covertly.”
As they entered the kitchen, Jason sniffed the air and asked, “What’s that delicious smell? Did Mary sneak and prepare supper for us?”
“No, I did. I put pork chops in the crockpot this morning. I tossed a whole lot of spices and such into the pot and let it simmer for six to eight hours. It makes them tender and scrumptious. With Inez doing the meal planning, shopping, and cooking in the past, I had forgotten, what a good cook I am. Mother was the best and she taught me her secrets before I left home.”
“This is a wonderful surprise. Watch out, woman, or you’ll spoil me and I’ll have you slaving in the kitchen every night.”
“As long as you’re slaving beside me and we take an occasional break, I won’t mind.”
Jason nuzzled her neck as he murmured, “I promise to give you plenty of breaks before, during, and after kitchen duty.”
Though she also quivered with rising desire, she teased, “You have a one-track mind, Jason Burkman; I was referring to a break from kitchen duty.”
Amidst chuckles and nibbles on her neck and earlobe, he admitted, “I know, but a man can try, can’t he?”
With her palms flattened against his chest, she leaned back and fused their gazes. “In the last seven days, we’ve made love three times, four counting tonight, if you have any energy left after a hard day at work.”
“Rest assured,” he began, paused as she had, and chuckled. “I’ll never be too tired or distracted for you, my love. Soon, Peter will be gone for good and we’ll have total privacy to do as we please, when we please.”
“That sounds fantastic, doesn’t it?”
“Without a doubt,” he said, then embraced and kissed her.
After their lips parted, Cass suggested, “Why don’t we eat now so our stomachs can settle while we clean up the kitchen. Let’s get moving in here. Why don’t you take off your coat and tie and roll up your sleeves and set the table with those dishes over there. I already have broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower cut up in a Baggie in the refrigerator, so all I have to do is toss them into the microwave steamer. While the veggies are being zapped, I’ll run upstairs and get out of my ‘business’ clothes. I’ll heat the rolls and prepare our drinks after I return. I even made you iced tea.”
As Jason watched her leave the kitchen, he smiled to himself as he thought about how fortunate and blessed he was to have met and won Cass as his future wife. Everything, he presumed in an elated and confident state, was coming together nicely for them. Only Peter, he worried, could find a way to mess up things for them. They seemed to have enough facts and evidence to tie him over a nail-riddled barrel if necessary; but Peter Grantham, Jason knew, could be devious, unpredictable, and perhaps dangerous when challenged.
After Cass returned and meal preparations were completed, they sat down to eat and chat as if they already were a married couple. They talked about her day at the office, and she told him how much she enjoyed it and liked his staff. They spoke about Jason’s imminent trip to Augusta on Saturday to visit with Stacey. They decided he would go alone and relate news about the woman he was dating, as it seemed unwise to spring their serious relationship on his son. They also didn’t want to upset the apple cart with Peter at this fragile stage in her negotiations with him, since he was returning that day and might not react well to her outing with Jason and his family after she had told him they were only casual friends.
After the meal was over and the kitchen cleaned, Cass and Jason went to her bedroom to enjoy almost two hours of glorious lovemaking before he left for home, as they both needed a good night’s sleep.
Friday morning before Kristy left for school and Cass for the office, Cass phoned her old friend. She told a disappointed but understanding Kristy all that had transpired in her life since their last conversation and the reason for the delay in their visit to Augusta. As quickly as possible, Cass told Kristy about Brad’s recent visit. Her old friend and ex-sister-in law was dismayed by her brother’s actions. Since both had to get to work soon, they couldn’t talk long, but both promised that they would speak again and longer in a few days.
Afterward, Cass enjoyed herself at the office and lunch with Jason’s staff. Then, she finished the day having supper and splendid lovemaking with him.
On Saturday, May fourth, while Jason was in Augusta with his son, the disgraced physician Doctor David Henry Hines was buried after a small and gloomy funeral service in Brunswick.
At home, Cass talked with Linda Carnes on the phone and learned the nurse had finished her current assignment on Jekyll Island today and would be home later that night. After Linda said she would see her and Jason at church tomorrow before she had to wash clothes and repack them to head to the small and nearby town of Waverly for a lengthy stay with an elderly bedridden patient, Cass invited her to have lunch with them after church. During their conversation, Cass related the same news to Linda she had told to Kristy yesterday.
Linda was delighted to learn Cass was doing so well and .was working for Jason and romancing him on the sly.
Cass told her where Jason was and why she hadn’t gone along. “Who knows? After I worm my way into Stacey’s life and affections, maybe I can help you do the same.”
“That would suit me just fine, Cass, and the sooner the better. I’m not getting any younger.”
“Neither am I. It seems as if our maternal clocks are ticking loudly. At least you don’t have the drawback of being a recent widow, though I’m doing the best I can with the hand fate dealt to me.” Cass laughed and jested, “Oh, my, doesn’t that sound poetic and dramatic? Speaking of dramas, did you hear the news about David Hines?”
“Yes, and despite the fact I didn’t like him, I feel sorry for his family; I even feel sorry for him. People surely can make some terrible mistakes.”
“Yes, they can, and none of us are immune to that disease.”
They talked about Dr. Hines and other topics for a while before they hung up, both looking forward to their visit tomorrow.
Peter arrived home later that afternoon and came to see Cass within minutes after he drove into the garage beneath the guest house.
Cass greeted him with a smile and cheerful hello, but she dreaded spending any time with him. Before he could tell her about his trip, she revealed the sad news about Dr. Hines.
Peter stared at her, shocked speechless at first, then forced to struggle not to yell his delight at having that threat removed, just as Inez’s was. After deliberating the matter, he had phoned the ex-housekeeper to offer her a settlement to keep silent and leave the state, but
discovered the woman had already moved, which he considered good riddance. He deduced he had frightened her so badly during their last talk that she took off for places unknown. With Inez and Hines gone, he was sure he was sitting pretty. “That’s a shame, Cass, but I guess David’s better off where he is, considering the scandal which would have engulfed and destroyed him. So, what have you been up to while I was gone?”
Dropped that subject fast, didn’t you? But I saw how it affected you: astonishment, then relief. “I got a job; I’m a working woman now.” She noted that she surprised him again.
“A job?”
She saw him look even more surprised for a few moments after she told him all the details before he could conceal his reaction. “It’s perfect for furthering my plans, Peter. I’m meeting nice people who might become prospective clientele at the business I’ve pretty much decided to start. It’s getting me accustomed to dealing with the public and taking me out of this somber house for a while. At last, I’m doing something constructive and enjoyable with my time and energy. As I told you, it’s only for one or two months. Then I’m selling this place, moving to St. Simons, and opening my boutique.”
“That sounds wonderful, Cass, and I’m happy for you. I suppose Jason is thrilled to have you around him almost every day? Have you changed your mind about trusting him and dating him?” Maybe I’m giving up five million dollars and this valuable property too fast and too easy.
Careful, Cass, he’s baiting you with a clever hook. “He’s thrilled to have a good replacement for his receptionist, but I don’t think it would look right to date my boss and certainly not this soon after Tom’s death. We seem to be getting along all right; he’s acting as friendly as can be, but totally professionally. In fact, he doesn’t mention you or the past at all; nor does he flirt with me. We also see each other at church, but that’s it. Speaking of church, I’m meeting Linda there in the morning and afterward we’re having lunch and going boating with friends of hers.”
Love With A Stranger Page 35