Dangerous Relations

by Marilyn Levinson

  Ardin did her best to ignore the pang of guilt her mother's comment triggered. "Mom, in case you've forgotten, Suziette named me successor guardian. Besides, Brett has to work all day. He'd only hire a woman to take care of Leonie."

  Vera chortled. "And you're going to play stay-at-home mom? Ardin dear, what's gotten into you?"

  "I--" she began. The warm, maternal feelings that had overwhelmed her last night, blotting out all consideration for her New York life and job, still held her in their thrall. She took a deep breath, and opted for the truth.

  "I want to adopt Leonie and be her guardian. She's growing attached to me, and I love her dearly. Besides--" Ardin bit her lip. "She's the only child I'll ever have."

  Her mother dismissed that with a wave of her hand. "Nonsense! You'll marry again and have your own children." A sly look came into Vera's eyes. "Maybe Brett will be the lucky man."

  Ardin sprang to her feet, suddenly too agitated to sit still. "Mom, will you stop playing cupid? Brett's not interested in me or in any woman, after all he's been through. And the last thing I want is an emotional entanglement."

  "But that's plain stupid." Vera leaned forward. "Ardin honey, you have to open your eyes to see not every man is mean and lowdown like Corey MacAllister. Besides, I warned you about him, remember?"

  Ardin sighed. "You were drunk at the time."

  "But I was right."

  Ardin shook her head. "Why are you so determined to see me married? As I remember, you weren't very happy in the wedded state."

  "Then you remember it wrong," Vera snapped. "Your father and I were madly in love when we married. We were doing fine, too, until some know-it-all person convinced him we'd be better off rich, and drove him to his death. Ended up making paupers of you and me."

  "You're not going to start in about Frank again, are you?"

  "No. Best to let old dogs lie." Steel-gray eyes met dove-gray eyes then looked away. "I want you to have the same romantic happiness your father and I shared. Maybe that will help make up for the awful mother I turned out to be."

  "Oh, Mom. You're not awful. At least, not now."

  Ardin got up to hug her frail body. Vera's grip was fierce as they clung to each other for the first time in many years. A rush of emotions swept over Ardin. She was touched by her mother's good intentions, but her unhappy childhood and miserable marriage had taken their toll. She tried to smile.

  "I'm glad you and Daddy loved each other. But after all that's happened, love and marriage aren't in my future."

  "Of course they are," her mother insisted.

  Ardin sighed. Why couldn't her mother have shown this concern when she was growing up and needed her care and support? She glanced at her watch and saw it was a quarter to twelve. She had to call Brett to tell him she wouldn't be going out with him and Leonie. She couldn't possibly, now that she'd decided to adopt Leonie herself.

  "I have to go, Mom. I'll bring you back inside."

  "Sure, honey. I'm sorry I upset you. I only want you to be happy."

  Ardin patted her mother's shoulder. "I know."

  "Walk back the pretty way," Vera directed as Ardin released the brake. "Past the oriental garden."

  "Okay." Ardin decided she'd drop off Leonie's backpack at the nursery school and have the school secretary tell Leonie she had to see Aunt Julia and couldn't go out with her and Brett, after all. My one and only lie, she vowed. After this, I'll never lie to her again.

  They passed several residents sitting in wheelchairs or on benches, or walking slowly with walkers, all making the most of the good weather. She was surprised that many of them called out greetings to her mother.

  "You've sure made plenty of friends in the short time you've been here."

  "Not friends, Ardin, acquaintances. Might as well make the best of it, since I'll be living here a long time."

  The sound of quarreling voices assailed their ears, though the two people going at it weren't in sight. Curious, Ardin pushed the wheelchair along the narrow path leading to the rock garden. On a bench, partially obscured by a weeping willow, a beefy, red-faced man and a diminutive white-haired woman were going at it hammer and tongs. Ardin started to move on, but her mother pressed her hand, and she stopped.

  "It's Renata and that blasted nephew of hers," Vera said softly. "Move up a bit, so I can hear."

  "Mom, I don't think--"

  Her mother tightened her grip. "Ardin, just do it without a lecture. Please."

  Against her better judgment, Ardin pushed the wheelchair a few feet along the path. She didn't want to be caught snooping, but she soon realized there was no danger of that. Renata and her nephew were too caught up in their argument to notice. His voice grew louder with each word as, overriding her interruptions, he enumerated his aunt's several fainting spells and instances of forgetfulness within the past six months. When he was done, Renata snorted.

  "Let's see how fit you are when you're eighty-nine." Her bony finger prodded his bulging middle. "If you make it with this package of lard you carry around everywhere you go."

  Vera let out her own little chuckle, and Ardin squeezed her shoulder, warning her to be quiet.

  The large man was clearly angry. "Aunt Rennie, you're in no condition to oversee your properties and holdings. Once you give me power of attorney, you won't have to worry about a thing, I promise you."

  The old woman leaned forward until her face was inches from his. "Over my dead body, Marshall! And don't call me Rennie. I detest your little nicknames."

  "But why, Aunt Rennie--I mean, Aunt Renata? I'm your lawyer." He gave a little laugh, "One of them, anyway. As well as your own flesh and blood."

  His aunt drew back. "Because I'm beginning to wonder just how competent you are. I asked you to handle a simple, straightforward transaction--to deed a gift to the county, for God's sake--and you claim it's taking months. Months, Marshall?"

  The excuses poured glibly from his mouth. Vera gave a nod and Ardin moved on. Outside her mother's building, Ardin put the brake on the wheelchair and sat down on a bench.

  "What was all that about, Mom?"

  "Renata Kellering's the one friend I've made in this place. See that?" She pointed to the only modern structure on the far side the lawn, its many windows glinting in the sun. "She donated the money for that building and occupies a suite on the top floor. She's wondering if she can trust Fatty-boy as far as she can throw him."

  "But Mom, if she's suffering from fainting spells and disorientation, it might be a good idea if she gave a relative power of attorney."

  Vera waved a dismissive hand. "Are you kidding? Even if she zonked out every other day, Renata's still the smartest woman I ever met. Smart enough to amass close to a billion dollars in real estate after her husband died."

  "Oh!"

  "Oh is right. And she's a good judge of character." Vera eyed her slyly. "You saw her nephew. Would you hand over your fortune to the likes of him?"

  "No," Ardin admitted. "But I hate to think that's because he's the least attractive man I've seen in weeks."

  Vera threw back her head and laughed till tears rolled down her cheeks. When she could speak, she said, "Ardin, dear, grow up. Learn to trust your gut. You'll be a lot better off."

  CHAPTER SIX

  Ardin ran through her TO-DO list as she drove to her mother's apartment. She'd pack up some of her things for her stay at Aunt Julia's, and then call Brett to say she had too much to do and couldn't go out with him and Leonie. It really didn't matter what excuse she made up. He wanted Leonie, and now he'd have her company all to himself until the following morning.

  She brushed aside the memory of their kiss. They'd both succumbed to a moment of fancy, and now it was history, never to be repeated. They were adversaries. They both wanted to adopt Leonie, only Brett didn't know her intentions. He wouldn't find out, either, until after the will was probated.

  At the intersection of Main Street and Tara, she pulled into the turn lane. It was lunch hour and the traffic moved toward
her in a steady flow. Ardin mused how her life was veering off into a new, totally unexpected, direction.

  She'd be a great mother to Leonie and teach her millions of things. To bake brownies, and play gin rummy. At night she'd brush her hair and help her with her homework. She grinned, picturing Leonie living in Manhattan. How she'd love going to museums and shows, and big department stores. And how relieved Tom was going to be when she called to say she'd be back on the job in a couple of weeks.

  A horn honked, shaking Ardin from her reverie. She jerked forward and realized she needed to turn. Flustered, she made a left, the driver behind her close on her tail. When she slowed down to straighten her wheels, he flashed his brights. She accelerated, but not fast enough to please her pursuer. His horn sounded in sharp, angry jabs.

  Who is this jerk? Ardin peered into her rearview mirror. Her heart nearly stopped when she recognized Corey, a maniacal grin on his face. She sighed with relief when he made a sudden right turn, his wheels screeching. She drove slowly to her mother's building, and sat in the car, hugging herself to stop her trembling. It was minutes before she was calm enough to go upstairs.

  Her cell phone started ringing as she unlocked the door to the apartment. Ardin's heart pounded like a jackhammer. She hoped Aunt Julia hadn't taken a turn for the worse.

  "Ardin, hi. It's me, Brett."

  As though she wouldn't recognize his voice. "Hi, Brett," she said between huffs of breath.

  "Hey, are you all right?"

  "Yes. No." She decided the truth was easier. "Corey was tailgating and honking his horn just now. I've no idea if he set out to follow me or just happened to end up behind me."

  "Hmm. Lunchtime? In broad daylight? I'd opt for the second, the SOB."

  Ardin grinned, feeling much of her tension dissolve. Having Brett on her side helped keep things in perspective.

  "I heard what happened to Julia last night," he said. "I'm awfully sorry."

  "Thanks. You caught me at my mom's, packing some of my things to take to Aunt Julia's. I'll be staying at her house to look after Leonie."

  "So I've heard. Frank told me."

  Annoyed, Ardin said, "That man has his nose in everyone's business."

  "Hey, Ardin, calm down. He told me when he happened to call--to ask if I've made up my mind about his proposal--which I haven't."

  "Oh," Ardin said, instantly contrite. Then she remembered. She had to beg off for the evening. "Brett, I'm sorry--"

  His voice cut across hers. "Someone broke into my house this morning. Between eight and noon, when I went home to get something."

  A feeling of dread crept up her spine. "Oh, no. How?"

  "By jimmying open the den door. I've repaired it."

  "What about the security system?"

  He gave a mirthless laugh. "Unarmed. I don't usually set it, but, believe me, I will from now on." As though reading her thoughts, he added. "Don't worry about Leonie. She'll be perfectly safe. You can trust me on that."

  "I do," she admitted. "What did he take?"

  "Nothing that I've noticed. He went through Suziette's things. Hardly touched mine."

  Ardin gasped. "Do you think it was the murderer?"

  "Could be Leonie's father searching for telltale papers. Hang on a sec." She heard someone ask Brett a question, and a muted silence when he must have clasped a hand over the receiver. "Ardin, let's talk about this later, okay? Are you going back to Julia's when you're done there?"

  "Might as well." Now was her chance to say she wouldn't be seeing him later. But she wanted to see him, darn it, and the words wouldn't come.

  "I'll pick you up a quarter to four, and then we'll swing by the nursery school."

  He hung up before she could change her mind. Glee vied with guilt as she packed up her possessions. I may as well go out with them and enjoy myself. After next week, he'll never speak to me again. She shivered at the thought of Brett's fury, and wondered what form it would take.

  * * * *

  "Watch me, Daddy! Watch me, Cousin Ardin!" Leonie shouted above the rock music blasting through the Six And Under indoor playground. "No hands!"

  It took all of Ardin's self-control not to scream, "Hold on to the sides!" as Leonie raised Mr. Bonkers overhead and zoomed down the curvy psychedelic-colored slide. She tumbled onto the soft landing area, and quickly scrambled to her feet.

  "Terrific!" Ardin called out cheerfully, pretending she hadn't been expecting broken bones.

  Leonie sent them a wide grin. "Daddy, I'm going up again."

  "Fire away, Miss Sugarplum!" Brett grinned. "She's absolutely fearless." He sounded as proud as if Leonie had just chased off a grizzly bear.

  He turned back to watch Leonie, and Ardin, assured that Leonie was in no danger, drank in his rugged profile. He was incredibly sexy in his chinos and bottle-green collared polo, the opened two buttons revealing a tantalizing glimpse of his marvelous chest. She felt the urge to open the third button and rub her hand against his bare skin. Whoa, girl, she told herself, and turned to watch Leonie land, this time standing.

  "Good girl!" she called out, as Leonie came running toward them.

  "Daddy, I'm going climbing. Take care of Mr. Bonkers." She thrust the plush giraffe into Brett's hands and dashed off to the far side of the playground where children were climbing ropes, planks, and artificial mountains.

  Ardin and Brett followed at a slower pace. It was difficult to talk above the loud music and screaming children. They watched Leonie climb the highest mountain.

  I'm sure they have playgrounds like this in Manhattan. If not, Leonie could climb the boulders in Central Park. And she'll love the zoo.

  "Earth to Ardin." Brett nudged her arm, sending shivers through her body.

  "Sorry."

  "Noisy, isn't it?" He gave her a wry grin. "Leonie loves this playground, and I don't get a chance to bring her often. I promise we'll eat somewhere quiet."

  "Daddy! Cousin Ardin!" Leonie waved from the top of the mountain.

  They waved back.

  "Tell me about the break-in," Ardin said. "Did Rabe show up?"

  Brett grimaced. "Would he miss the chance to give me the third degree? He grilled me as if I'd staged it. I lost two hours of work time while four uniforms searched the house. Next time I call my lawyer."

  "What a moron."

  "My sentiments exactly. He'll get no more cooperation from me."

  Brett leaned closer, his nose brushing against her cheek. When he spoke again, his breath tickled her ear, sending delicious ripples through her body. "Which is why I never bothered telling him what I found."

  "What?" she said breathlessly. "What did you find?"

  She was both relieved and disappointed when he moved away, breaking their intimate connection.

  He looked around, as if checking to see if anyone was listening. "Suziette's charge card statements were scattered about the floor. One blew my mind. It was for a gold and diamond bracelet that cost four thousand dollars."

  "Well, that's a hefty sum for an administrative assistant. Did you ever see this bracelet?"

  "Sure I did. When I asked where she'd gotten it, she claimed she bought it for a few hundred dollars at an amazing sale." He shook his head, and said, "Some amazing sale. Obviously, she was lying as usual."

  "Maybe you should tell the police."

  "Are you kidding? And have Rabe tell me I killed Suziette because I was jealous someone gave her the money for the bracelet?"

  "But it could be a clue!"

  "Only that someone's been giving Suziette money."

  "But if Detective Rabe--" she began.

  "Rabe's too narrow-minded to follow up leads. He only bothers with clues that fit inside his preconceived theory." Brett was flushed, a sure sign he was growing angry.

  "Okay, forget the charge slips," she said. "Especially since the burglar obviously saw them and left them behind."

  Brett looked at her searchingly. "Then what was he after?"

  "Maybe something incriminating.
A document or a photo she was using to blackmail him with. Whoever he is."

  They stared at one another. "I wonder if it's Corey."

  "Me too. Could be Suziette got some dirt on Corey, she tried to blackmail him, and he killed her."

  Brett's eyes lit up. "Let's not forget Dimitri, combination personal trainer-lover boy. Rabe told me he'd lied about where he was on Thursday night."

  Leonie came running toward them, her long blonde hair flying. She took Mr. Bonkers from Brett. "Daddy, I'm tired of climbing. Can you give me a ride?"

  "Why certainly, Miss Sugarplum." Brett turned to Ardin. "Ready to go?"

  "I am if you are."

  "Then we're off." Brett hoisted Leonie on his shoulders, and they headed for the exit.

  Ardin had to move quickly to keep pace with his long strides. It gave her pleasure seeing him smile, proof that he was enjoying himself.

  Leonie leaned over and tugged at Ardin's ponytail. "Look, Cousin Ardin, I'm taller than you are."

  "You sure are." Ardin brushed the back of her hand along Leonie's cheek. It felt sticky from the ice cream she'd eaten on the way to the playground. She made a mental note to wash Leonie's hands as soon as they passed a restroom.

  "Is anybody hungry?" Brett said.

  "Daddy, you forgot," Leonie scolded.

  "Forgot what?" He tilted his head from one side to the other. "Oh, my, how could I forget?" Brett threw open his arms in an exaggerated gesture of surprise that sent Leonie into a fit of giggles.

  "I told you, we have to stop by the supermarket to buy cookies for our party in nursery school tomorrow."

  Brett turned to Ardin. "You don't mind, do you? It should only take a few minutes."

  Leonie tapped his head. "And we need milk and bananas for breakfast tomorrow, remember?"

  "Of course, of course."

  "I can't wait to eat my regular cereal. I hate the cereal Grannie made me eat." She grinned at Ardin. "But Cousin Ardin gave me toast and marmalade. She takes good care of me."

  Ardin's ears grew warm as Brett turned to her and solemnly said, "We're lucky to have Cousin Ardin."

  They climbed into the Jeep and drove to the mall a few blocks away. Ardin listened as Leonie chattered on about school. How Duane Rogerson wet his pants for the third time that month. She smiled when Brett asked Leonie if she would like to use a bathroom, and Leonie admitted she wouldn't mind stopping at one the very second they reached the mall.