by DB Jones
Sydney smiled up at Jacob. “I could stay out here all night.”
“I’d stay with you, but I’m sure the police would run us off. It’s getting cool. Do you want to go back?”
“Just a little longer, please?”
“I’ll stay with you as long as you want.”
The gazebo was just across the bridge. “Let’s sit there for a minute.”
They walked to the gazebo and sat overlooking the lake. “I watched a couple meet on this very bench. Never in my dreams did I think that I would someday be sitting right where they sat. It’s like I’ve stepped out of my imagination and into the world of the living. How will I ever be able to repay you?”
“The joy that radiates from your face is all I need.”
She shivered, closed her eyes and breathed in the smell of the fresh cool air coming off the lake.
Jacob wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “I think we should get you back for today. You don’t want to get sick.”
“I hate to leave, but I am getting a little tired. Can we do this again, soon?”
“Anytime, but Syd, you don’t need me to come here. You can do this on your own whenever you want to.”
“Not yet, but I will. Thank you. I’m glad you were with me for my first steps.”
She wrapped her arm around his, and they continued the rest of the way around the lake then cautiously crossed the street to the apartment building.
Anna and Teddy were sitting on the balcony when Jacob and Sydney returned. “Well, how did it feel?” Teddy asked.
“The most wonderful thing in the world. I thought walking was great, and it was, but smelling the flowers, hearing the laughter of little children playing, watching the turtles and feeling the breeze off the lake was a miracle. Thank you all so much.”
Anna lifted her glass. “Here, here.”
Jacob caught Sydney yawning. “I hate to leave, but I have surgery in the morning. Thank you for an amazing evening. I’d like to invite you all over to my place next Saturday. Dad wants to try out our new grill.”
Anna turned to Teddy. “Are you going to be around?”
“I am, and we’d love to,” Teddy replied.
“Sydney?”
“That sounds nice. Let me walk you out.”
Sydney walked Jacob to the elevator and kissed him goodbye. “Thank you, again for a lovely evening,”
Jacob whispered. “I’ll call you tomorrow?”
“I’d like that.”
The elevator doors closed and Sydney walked back inside.
“I’m a little tired. I think I’ll go to bed.”
“You’ve accomplished a major hurdle today, Sis. I can only imagine the toll is has taken. Sleep well.” Teddy kissed her on the forehead.
“Goodnight, Anna.”
“Goodnight, Syd.”
CHAPTER 11
Teddy contacted a private investigator he’s used in a few cases he’s defended. He hoped to uncover the identity of the man who ran over his sister. But that wasn’t the only question troubling him. He pulled out all of his parent’s and Sydney’s financial papers and spread them out on his desk. “There’s got to be a clue in here somewhere of who set up Syd’s trust fund. If I can contact him, maybe I can find out who and why the trust fund was set up for Sydney. Momma and Dad certainly didn’t have that kind of money. Dad worked two jobs just to put food on our table.”
He rolled a white board out from the conference room into his office and began a timeline. He jotted down the date of Sydney’s accident and then the date her trust fund went into effect. There was nearly a two-month discrepancy. “Could some other relative have set this up? Surely Dad would have told me when I took over as trustee.”
He leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed above his head. “Maybe the P.I. will find something. I don’t have a clue where to begin, but something about what Syd remembered is eating at me.”
Teddy called the Private Investigation Agency.
“Hart Agency.”
“This is Ted Parker. Is Ms. Hamilton in?”
“Just one moment.”
“Good morning, Mr. Parker.”
“Good morning. Have you found out anything about the anonymous benefactor who set up my sister’s trust fund?”
Teddy could hear her shuffling papers. “All we’ve been able to find out at this moment is that the funds come from an off-shore account. As you know, they are very secretive about how they do business and won’t divulge any information on their clients. I can tell you that it was set up shortly after your sister entered the hospital. I wish I could do more for you Ted, but these types of accounts are held in the strictest confidence. I have a source that has informed me that it was an individual from the states that set up the trust. I’m afraid that’s all I’ll be able to uncover.”
“I appreciate your help.”
“If we find anything else, I’ll call you.”
“Thank you.”
Teddy hung up, put the files away and left his office.
“Jacob, do you want me to pick up the steaks today?”
“I’ve got it, Dad. I think I ordered everything we’ll need. Is Sal coming by today?”
“He is. Why?”
“I have a question or two for him. This party has to be perfect.”
“Perfect for whom?”
Jacob put his hands on his hips and glared at his father. “You know full well. I can’t wait for you to meet her.”
“She must be some amazing woman to have you running around like a school kid.”
“She is.”
Jacob double checked the wine cooler and made sure the extra fridge in the garage was stocked with beer and wine. He repeatedly looked at his watch. “Only a few more hours. Damn, I hope I have everything.”
His cell phone rang. It was Teddy.
“Hey, Ted. Everything all right?”
“Oh yeah. I’m just calling to see what we should bring.”
“Not a thing. We’ve got it covered. Just bring that incredible sister of yours.”
“She wouldn’t let me leave the house without her.”
“Ted? I hear you're moving your practice to town sooner than you thought. Have you located a site yet?”
“Not yet. I still have some unfinished business here. I’m going to take some time off before I settle in, but I won’t be staying at Sydney’s. It’s time I got a place of my own.”
“Well, I know she’s going to miss having you around.”
“Oh, I’ll still be around, just not bumping into her all the time. How are things going with you two?”
“Couldn’t be better.”
“You have made my sister happy which makes me happy. Hey, I’ve got to get on the road if I’m going to get back in town in time for your party. Are you sure there isn’t anything I can do?”
“Not a thing. Safe travels.”
“Thanks.”
Jacob grabbed a beer and walked down to the lake, pulled out his cell and called Sydney. “Good morning, beautiful.”
“Who is this?”
“What? Who else calls you that?”
“You are so easy, Doctor Thornhill,” Sydney teased.
“I miss you.”
“Then why don’t you come over?”
“I would, but I need to make sure everything is perfect for tonight. I can’t wait for you to meet my dad.”
“What have you told him about me?”
“That you’re the most amazing human being that I’ve ever met.”
“Jacob. No, seriously, what have you told him.”
“The only thing he knows is that you were my patient and I can’t stop thinking about you.”
“Why haven’t you told him my name?”
“Because my father is nosey. By the time he met you in person, he would know almost every mole on your body, your heart rate, and anything else he could find out about you. I want him to meet the amazing woman I fell for.”
“You are such a romantic. Wha
t if he doesn’t like me?”
“Syd, how could he not? Don’t you worry about my father. When he met my mother, he knew instantly she was the one he would spend the rest of his life with. Believe me, I’ve tried to encourage him to date since Mom’s death, but he won’t. He’ll go to his grave loving only one woman.”
“I’m nervous.”
“I’ll be with you every minute. Nothing to be nervous about.”
“Okay. See you soon.”
“I can’t wait.”
Jacob put his cell back in his pocket, took another sip of beer. “Damn, I love that woman.”
“What did you say?”
Jacob turned around to see his father standing there. “I didn’t hear you come up. How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough. Have you told this mysterious woman how you feel?”
“Not yet. I don’t want to scare her off. So much has happened in such a short time that I don’t want to rush her or have her feel any pressure.”
“Something tells me that she already knows. Don’t wait too long if you’re sure she’s the one.”
Jacob smiled. “Oh, I’m sure. I can’t wait for you to meet her.”
Senior patted Jacob on the shoulder. “I’m looking forward to meeting the woman that stole my son’s heart.”
“I guess we’d better get ready. Our guests will be arriving soon, and I still have a few things I need to get together. Are you looking forward to grilling on the new grill, Dad?”
Senior jerked his head back. “I thought you were doing the grilling?”
“I thought you wanted to?”
“Son, as much as I like the idea of grilling, I’m afraid it’s been too many years since I had a hand in it. You don’t want charcoaled steaks, do you?”
Jacob laughed. “If I’m going to do the grilling, we might have charcoaled steaks anyway. I’ll see if Brian can help me out. He loves this sort of thing.”
“Good idea. I’m going to take a quick nap. All this excitement has me a bit tired.”
“Are you feeling okay, Dad?”
“Of course, just a little fatigued. I just need about fifteen minutes, and I’ll perk right up.”
Jacob watched his father slowly return to the house.
“Anna, have you heard from Teddy yet?”
“Yeah, he’s on his way. Don’t worry; he’ll be here in plenty of time.”
Sydney pulled out several outfits from her closet and laid them on the bed. “Anna.”
“What now?”
“I need you for a minute.”
Anna shook her head and walked into Sydney’s room. “It’s just a party, Syd. What’s the problem?”
“Which outfit should I wear?”
“Are you serious? You’ve pulled out almost everything you own. Syd, it’s just an outdoor party, not an evening social club gathering. Relax. Whatever you wear will be fine.”
“I know, but it’s my very first party, and I’m meeting Jacob’s father tonight. I want to look my best.”
Anna sat on the edge of the bed staring up at her friend and smiled. “I doubt he’s going to be looking at what you’re wearing. He’s meeting the woman who is dating his son.”
“He’s going to be checking me out. I have to be at my best. Which outfit?”
Anna picked up a few casual button down blouses and a pair of jeans. “Pick one of these.”
“Jeans? I can’t wear a pair of jeans to meet Jacob’s father.”
“Okay then. Wear this silk blouse with your fanciest skirt and pray you don’t get steak sauce all down the front of you. Remember, everyone will be carrying their plates around the patio and yard. It’s not a sit-down dinner.”
“You’re no help at all. What are you wearing.”
Anna left the room and returned with a pair of jeans, a blue plaid shirt, and open sandals. “This. Now just pick out something you’d wear if you, Teddy and I were going to cook out on the balcony. Do you think Jacob is going to be all dressed up?”
Sydney plopped down on the edge of the bed. “Anna, I need some help.”
Anna walked into Sydney’s closet and came out with a new pair of jeans, a button down pale teal shirt. “Here, wear this. You’re going to look great. Now relax.”
Sydney blew the air out of her cheeks. “Okay.” She put everything else back in her closet, leaving only the outfit Anna picked out laying across the bed. “What shoes should I wear.”
Anna threw her hands up in the air. “Syd, just pick a pair that you’ll be comfortable in.” She left the bedroom shaking her head.
“Thank you,” Sydney hollered out the door.
The front door opened. “Hey, where is everyone?”
Anna greeted Teddy with a kiss. “Your sister is driving me nuts.”
“How?”
“Please tell her this is not some fancy party. We’re just going to be drinking beer and wine and eating outside. She wanted to dress for an evening out at someplace fancy.”
Teddy laughed quietly. “I’ll talk to her.” He knocked on Syd’s bedroom door. “Sis.”
“Come in. Teddy, does this look okay?” she asked as she held up the outfit Anna picked out.
“It looks great. You look casual, at ease, as well as gorgeous. Now, try and relax. Everything is going to turn out wonderful, and you’re going to have a good time.”
“I’m just nervous about meeting Jacob’s father. I wish I had met him before this party. It would have made this so much easier.”
Teddy placed his hands on her shoulders. “Jacob wanted to make it a special moment. He thinks the world of you and wants to share you with his dad. His father will love you. How could he not?” he beamed.
“You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”
“Is it working?”
She slapped him on the arm. “Yeah. Now, get out of here. I have to get ready. What are you wearing?”
Teddy spread out his arms and looked down at what he had on. “This.”
“But that’s the same thing you’ve been wearing all day.”
“So? Syd, it’s a cookout.”
“Men,” she grunted as she motioned for him to leave the room.
Teddy walked out on the balcony and sat looking at the park.
Anna finished getting ready and joined him on the balcony. “You look like you have something on your mind. Is everything all right?”
He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Yes. I was just thinking about the move.”
“You’re not regretting the idea now, are you?”
“Not at all. The sooner I move, the better. I want to be a part of your life outside this apartment.”
Anna lowered her chin and her face flushed. “I want that, too.”
Teddy looked around to make sure Sydney wasn’t near. “Anna?”
“What is it?”
“I hired a P.I. to look into Sydney’s benefactor.”
“You did what? Why?”
“Something Sydney mentioned about seeing the shadowy figure when the car hit her.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m not sure, but my gut is telling me that her accident and the trust fund are connected.”
Anna’s eyes widened, and she leaned in as close as she could. “You think the man who hit her set it up, don’t you?”
“It stands to reason. No one in our family had that kind of money. Don’t you find it too much of a coincidence that the trust fund was established shortly after Syd was admitted to the hospital?”
Anna looked back toward Sydney’s room. “Do you think he saw your sister in the mud and drove off? Who could do such a thing to a child? You must be wrong.”
“I’m not saying that. But think about it. The story was in all the newspapers back then. Hit and run, they called it. My guess is he didn’t see Syd, but after the news article came out, he might have realized it was a person he hit that night and not an animal.”
“That makes sense.”
; Sydney walked toward the balcony. “What are you two whispering about?”
Teddy quickly kissed Anna. “Oh, you know.”
“I’ll sure be glad when you get your place, Teddy. You two need some alone time,” she snickered.
Anna cocked her head at Sydney. “Are you sure it isn’t you who needs that time alone?”
“Not something I want to discuss in front of my brother, or you, for that matter. How do I look?” Syd slowly spun around for their approval.
Anna raised an eyebrow. “All you need now is a tiara.”
“I do, don’t I?” she smiled.
Teddy stood up, took Anna by one arm and Sydney with the other. “Are you ladies ready to party?”
Sydney looked up at him and breathed in hard. “Ready as I’m ever going to be, I guess.”
“Well, then. Let’s get out of here.”
Jacob paced the house making sure everything looked just right. Senior came out of his room dressed in jeans and a pullover lightweight green sweater. “Well, is this good enough to meet that lady of yours?”
“You look great, Dad.”
“You don’t look too bad yourself. I see you talked Brian into handling the grill. Smart move.”
Jacob looked back at Brian out on the patio brushing the marinade over the steaks. “I asked him a few questions about grilling and the next thing I knew, he asked if I’d mind if he took care of that.”
“Well played, Son. At least now our guest will have something good to eat. You need any help with anything else?”
Jacob shook his head. “I think it’s all covered. Almost everyone is here.”
“When are your friends coming?”
Jacob glanced out of the kitchen window. “Soon, I hope.”
“Hey, Sal is out on the patio with Brian. I’m going to wait here. I’ll catch up with you in a minute.”
“Great.” Senior grabbed a beer and headed for the patio.
Jacob watched as his father greeted the guests. “Dad’s a perfect host, even if he doesn’t think he is. He’s a natural,” he mumbled under his breath as he watched his father mingle through the crowd.