Two days later, Heather was driving back to the hotel when her phone began to chirp. Smiling she looked at the phone, she’d given Seth that ringtone as a joke and it made her smile every time he called. She pulled into a parking lot and picked up the phone, hoping that he’d come up with a plan for Marshall and Chloe. The science trip was only days away and she was hundreds of miles from home.
“I hope you’re calling to say that you’ve got it all figured out.” She said, when she picked up the call.
“I was hoping you had.” Seth replied.
“All I know is that Simone is definitely not who she wants us to believe she is. I’ve heard her suggest several times that Chloe would be much happier at summer camp. I’m sure she’s trying to get rid of her, but Marshall seemed oblivious to what she’s trying to do. Did you find out anything more about her?”
“No, the finger prints haven’t come back yet, I had to send them all the way to Colorado but my cousins will come through, it’s just going to take some time. I did find out who owns that theatre, and from what I understand he’s a hermit that lives way out in the back country. He hasn’t been seen in years, but the taxes are paid out of an account there in Anchorage and they’re current, so that part of the story is false.” Seth said.
“What about a son. That guy claims to be the son.” Heather was beginning to see what was going on.
“I couldn’t find any mention of a son anywhere, so I think maybe we have our first big clue as to what they’re trying to pull. I think the theatre is key to their plan, sell Marshall a building they don’t even own, then leave town. It wouldn’t be that hard to forge the documents they’d need at this point, most people would fall for it, Marshall included.”
“I thought they were up to something but I thought it was about the play, I had no idea.” Heather said, then couldn’t help but ask. “Do you think these people are dangerous?”
“That’s the thing that has me worried, especially now that Chloe is involved. I just don’t know Heather, they could be desperate enough to do anything, we won’t know until we find out who they are.” Seth’s words were said very carefully and she knew that he didn’t want to scare her, but he had.
“We have to do something to get Chloe out of here.” Heather said, thinking about how vulnerable the little girl was.
“That’s exactly what I was thinking and I think I have the perfect solution, but you may not like it.” Seth said, then paused as if he didn’t want to go on.
“What have you got in mind now? Don’t forget the trip is next week.” Heather said, then understood exactly what Seth had in mind. “No, you wouldn’t. I’m not taking Chloe camping, no way.”
“I wasn’t thinking about you taking her, I was thinking that my brother would take her.” Seth quickly said.
It took Heather a minute to absorb what he’d said, then she erupted. “Have you lost your mind? Those two out in the wilderness would be a disaster. Chloe would be a wreck by the end of the first day and I don’t think Marshall could live without his mirror for that long. Besides Simone isn’t going to let him out of her clutches for that long.”
“It’s the best solution, if we can get the two of them away from Anchorage for a few weeks that should give me long enough to figure out exactly what’s going on. They’ll both be safe, it’s not like you’ll be out there alone, you’ll have trained guides with you and I’ll be there. Think about it Heather, it’s the perfect solution.”
Heather hated to admit it but Seth was right — a few weeks would give Seth time to find out who Simone was and what she was really up to, but she didn’t want to share her time with Tyler with anyone, let alone a spoiled little girl. “You know that I haven’t told Marshall who I really am. Do you really think he’s going to want to be around me when he finds out that I lied to him all this time? I doubt he’s going to appreciate the fact that you sent me here to spy on him.”
“I can handle my brother if you can.” Seth challenged, knowing that Heather never turned away a challenge.
“Fine I’ll do it, but you owe me.” She finally said, knowing she’d eventually give in.
“How does two weeks in Disneyland sound?” Seth asked, amusement in his voice.
“Like a well-planned bribe that’s going to work.” Heather said, laughing because as usual Seth had gotten the better of her.
Chapter 7
Marshall was just heading out the door when his phone began to ring, his arms were full so he considered letting it go to voice mail, but he was waiting for a call from a contractor so he stopped and put everything down, including Chloe and dug his phone out. Disappointed to see his brother’s name on the screen, he picked up the call practically barking hello into to the phone.
“Well, it’s nice to talk to you too little brother. How’s life in Anchorage?” Seth said.
Marshall was taken aback by Seth’s friendly tone for a moment, but then remembered that since his brother fell in love and got married he’d been a different man. He still tried to manage Marshall’s life, but not as aggressively as he used to, now it was mostly his constant demands that Marshall become the spokesperson for the family.
“I’m really busy Seth. What do you want?” Marshall couldn’t help being impatient, Heather had called this morning to say that she was running late and would meet them at the warehouse.
Seth wasn’t the least bit put off by Marshall’s attitude, “I can tell that you’re busy so I’ll get right to the point. I’ve heard that you’re thinking about buying an old theatre and renovating it. I also heard that you’re going to produce and star in your own play.”
Marshall could never understand how Seth always seemed to know what he was doing even from hundreds of miles away and it annoyed him. “And who did you hear all of this from?”
“That’s not really important. What’s important is that you’re finally growing up. I have to say I’m impressed with your plan.” Seth said, then paused to let that sink in.
“What?” Marshall asked, unable to believe his brother had actually said the words.
“I’m impressed, from what I understand your plan has merit.”
Marshall knew then who Seth had been talking to, “You’ve been talking to the board, I should have known that they wouldn’t do anything without your approval.” Marshall said, bitterness in his voice.
“It’s their job Marshall, besides I said that I think you’ve got a good idea. Did you hear that part?”
“I heard, but I can’t help but think there’s more to this phone call than you telling me that I did a good job for once.” Marshall didn’t trust his brothers new attitude.
“Well, there might be. I’d really like to talk with you more about this, but I can’t get away to come there. I was thinking that you might come out here so we can talk about it.” Seth said, setting the stage for what he was about to make Marshall do.
“I can’t get away right now either, life is just too complicated.” Marshall said, then winced when Chloe began to shout that she was bored. “Chloe’s here and I have meetings I need to get to, can’t you just come here?”
“I can’t, we have a big school trip next week. I didn’t know that Chloe was visiting you, I haven’t seen her in years.” Seth said, continuing to lay his trap.
“Her mother has been sending her here unannounced for months, it’s making my life impossible.” Marshall couldn’t help but whine.
“Well that settles it then. You and Chloe have to come on this trip with us. It’s going to be great, there’ll be a bunch of other kids for her to play with. We’re going to visit some of the reclamation sites, spend a few days in the village, then go up to Miner’s falls and camp out.” Seth sounded so excited for the trip that Marshall had remind himself that this was his older brother, a man who had once sworn that he’d never get married and have kids.
“Seth, that’s impossible. Chloe could never handle all that.” Marshall was looking for any excuse he could find.
“Oh, is s
he fragile? Or are you?” Seth knew exactly how to push Marshall’s buttons.
“It’s not that, it’s well, I’m involved with a woman.” Marshall finally said, knowing that he’d never get Simone to spend two weeks in the outback, she’d said often enough that she was done with that life.
“So? Don’t tell me that you can’t leave her for a few weeks.” Seth said, derision in his voice.
Marshall was silent, trying his best to think of some other excuse but nothing would come. “I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Well, I’ll make it clear to you then.” Seth said in his best big brother voice. “If you want my approval on buying the theatre and producing that play we’re going to have to talk about it in person. I’d be happy to wait until I get back if that’s okay with you, but I got the impression that you wanted to move on this now.”
Marshall knew when he’d been beat, “So you’re blackmailing me, either I go on this trip with you or everything gets put on hold.”
“That sounds about right.” Seth really hated to use the power he had over Marshall but he was doing it for his own good.
“Fine, when do you want me there?” Marshall said, through clenched teeth. “I’ll need a few days to get ready.”
“We leave in four days, but don’t worry about transportation, I’ve got a ride for you.” Seth said, relieved that Marshall had given in so easily.
“I’ll just book a flight.” Marshall said, thinking that there was no way he was driving all the way to Homestead House.
“Marshall the air strip has been gone for years, it’s a corn field now. Just take the ride I’ve arranged, it might be good for you to remember that there’s more to this state than Anchorage. Besides, it will give Chloe a chance to see something new.”
“You really are a pain in my butt.” Marshall said, then asked, “When does this ride leave?”
Marshall was pacing in front of his house needing to release some of his pent-up frustration. For the last few hours he’d been frantically making phone calls, rearranging his schedule and trying to pack. He’d laughed when his brother had said that he needed to be ready by lunch time, but then realized that he was serious. The worst part had been the phone call to Simone who had been devastated to discover that he was going to leave town without her, unable to understand why she couldn’t go with him.
“I didn’t think you’d want to go camping with a bunch of kids.” Marshall had said, not wanting to add that she hadn’t been invited.
“I don’t really, but if you’re going to be talking about the play and the theatre should I be there?” She’d wined, making it even more difficult for him to say what he had to.
“My brother wants it to just be us.”
“Oh, I see.” She said, then began to cry.
“But that doesn’t mean that I don’t love you.” Marshall said, desperate to make her happy.
“You love me? Oh, Marshall, I love you too.” Simone said, trying not to gag on the words.
Thinking back on that conversation made him smile, now that he knew that Simone loved him the two weeks apart wouldn’t be so bad. He’d miss her but he’d have coming home to her to look forward to and maybe it was time for a ring, just the thought of marrying her made him happy. But first he had to get through the trip with his brother and a bunch of screaming kids, and if his driver didn’t get here soon he might just decide not to go.
When Heather’s car turned into the drive, he cussed, he’d forgotten all about her in the rush to get ready. She must have waited for a long time at the warehouse, but he’d had his phone, she could have called him. Still now he was going to have to explain to yet another person that he was leaving for two weeks. It made him sad to think that he wasn’t going to see her anymore, but he pushed that aside as being silly, she meant nothing to him, was only his babysitter.
Heather wasn’t looking forward to the conversation she was about to have with Marshall, especially because they were going to be locked up in the car together while it was going on. When she pulled up in front of the house, he was waiting in the front yard, but she could tell by the look on his face that he’d forgotten about her. While she’d been packing this morning, Seth had called to say that everything had been arranged, then admitted that he hadn’t told Marshall that she was his ride.
She wanted to be mad at Seth, but she’d gotten herself into this mess and was going to have to face the music. When she parked, Chloe came running out of the house and began to jump up and down on the porch, yelling that she was going on a road trip to visit her uncle. Heather couldn’t help but smile at her childish excitement and hoped that her good mood would last for the entire trip.
Marshall was already talking when she finally opened the door. “Heather I’m so sorry I left you waiting, but something has come up, I have to leave for a few weeks.”
“I know.” She said, then went around and opened the back of her SUV. “You can put your bags in here.”
“What?” Marshall asked, then saw her suitcases in the back. “Are you my ride?”
“Yes, and if we don’t get on the road soon we won’t make it to the first stop before dark.” Heather said, just wanting to get him in the car.
“Did my brother hire you to drive me?” Marshall asked, confused by this turn of events.
“You could say that.” Heather said, then walked over to where Chloe was still jumping up and down on the porch. “Are you ready to go?” She asked the little girl, then began picking up her bags.
“Wait, explain to me what’s going on.” Marshall said, blocking her path.
“I’m going to drive you to Homestead House. That’s all I’m going to say for now, let’s get on the road.” Heather said, and pushed past him, Chloe trailing behind her.
They’d only been on the road for five minutes when Marshall asked, “Are you going to tell me why you’re driving me home now?”
Heather took a deep breath and said, “Before I explain it to you just remember that I tried to tell you several times who I really was.” Then launched into her explanation, one that she’d been working on all morning.
When she’d finished, Marshall’s face was as red as she’d ever seen it and she knew that he was very angry at both her and his brother. “I don’t even know what to say right now. Was all your concern for Chloe just an act?”
Heather was surprised that Marshall’s first concern was his daughter, something she’d said must have gotten through to him. “No, that was real.” Heather answered. “I meant everything I said. I’m sorry Marshall, I should have made more of an effort to tell you, but you didn’t make it very easy. I tried several times.”
Marshall had nothing more to say. He was so shocked that his brother had sent someone to spy on him that he couldn’t begin to verbalize what he was feeling, so he stayed silent. Heather didn’t want to push him so she let the silence linger, finally striking up a conversation with Chloe who was happy to engage with her, completely unaware of what was happening between Heather and her father.
When they stopped for the night at the hotel Heather had booked that morning Marshall was surprised, “I thought we’d just drive straight through.” He said, the first words he’d spoken in over an hour.
“Chloe needs some time out of the car, if we keep going we’re going to have a very grumpy little lady on our hands. This way she can have a good dinner and sleep in a bed tonight. Trust me on this one.” Heather knew what she was talking about from experience, except in her case she hadn’t had enough money for a hotel.
“I don’t know why I should.” Marshall grumbled, but opened the door and got out.
After they’d checked in, they headed to their rooms which were right next to each other. “Chloe and I will just order room service tonight and see you in the morning.” Marshall said, when he opened his door.
“That’s fine.” Heather said, and started to go into her room, then stopped, she had to say something to Marshall. This trip was turning out worse than
she’d imagined. She’d expected him to yell and scream, not go totally silent.
“Look Marshall, I know you’re mad, but I just want you to remember that Seth is only looking out for his little brother. I don’t know if that’s something he needs to be doing or not, I’m just a family friend who happens to work for him. I was out of line and I’ve already apologized for that, don’t let this ruin what should be a really fun trip and a chance for you to connect with Chloe. The theatre and Simone will still be there when you get back.” Then she went into her room and shut the door.
Half an hour later, Marshall was still thinking about Heather’s words, he couldn’t quite let go of his anger, but also remembered the day she’d shown up in his office. He’d been in such a hurry that he hadn’t given her time to explain, so some of the blame fell to him, and she had been taking good care of Chloe. More than anything he wanted to stay mad because if he didn’t he’d have to think about what Heather had said and admit that maybe for once Seth was looking out for him, something he’d never done while Marshall was growing up.
In fact, Seth hadn’t ever had much of a role in Marshall’s life. Ten years older than him, by the time his mother died, Seth had already had a falling out with their father. By the time he was eight, Seth had moved miles into the back country on his own and only came home a few times a year. Those visits were always filled with strife and disagreements, Seth and his father constantly at odds, while Marshall was simply ignored. But since Seth had become head of the family, he’d begun to take an interest in Marshall’s life and it was both annoying and kind of nice.
Heather’s words kept repeating in his mind, maybe Seth did have his best interests at heart, and maybe this trip would be a chance for him to connect with not only his daughter but his brother. Life had a strange way of giving you things you didn’t know you needed, first Simone came into his life with the play that he was sure would make his career and now his brother had suddenly become interested in his life. It was then that he realized that he hadn’t thought about Simone and the play in hours, which surprised him since that had been the focus of his thoughts for so long.
You're Not Alone Page 7