by Rikki Dyson
When Miles left his friends and came to the McLeod table, the waiter had escorted the group to a table a distance from them. Stacey noticed Miranda sitting on the far side of the table by a man with his arm around her shoulders. Everyone else was talking and laughing, all except her. Stacey noticed that the woman sitting by Miles would reach over and touch his arm ever so often and sometimes look their way with an amused smile. She wondered if he had stopped seeing Diane. When she asked Shane about this, he told her he had no idea.
Before they left the restaurant, Stacey and Aunt Lora took the twins to the restroom. As they passed by the waterfall, Jessie saw the fish in the pond. She and Jackie simultaneously said, “Oh, Mommy, tay got fisses too.” They turned back toward the table and hollered, “Daddy, Daddy, tay dot fisses.”
Many people, in the restaurant smiled at the antics and enthusiasm of these two lovely, precocious toddlers as they said, “Miser Miles, Miser Miles, dey got fisses dust Ike Dammas.” Miles dabbed his napkin to his lips and came over where the girls were. He knelt down to look at the fish and agreed with the girls that they were indeed lovely fish.
As Stacey took the twins hands. Jessie said, “Us has a go potty now. Bye.”
Stacey smiled and said, “Sorry Miles, they do get enthusiastic about...well, just about everything.”
In the restroom, Stacey tried to impress on her little daughters not to intrude on Mister Miles when he was having lunch with his friends. They both nodded their little heads that they understood, but once they were back by the waterfall, Jessie broke and ran toward Miles’ table. Stacey was right behind her and scooped her up in her arms. Aunt Lora, anticipating this already had Jackie in her arms. As they walked to the lobby, with the twins in their arms both girls waved to Miles and he with a smile waved back.
When Miles, came back to the table from the waterfall, Miranda sarcastically said, “Those two little pagan brats have the manners of their pagan mother.”
With tightly controlled anger, Miles warned her, “Shut up, Miranda. We know from past actions that Mrs. McLeod is well qualified to take care of herself, but the children are off limits. You do understand me don’t you love.”
Miranda looked daggers at him and said. “Sod off, Miles, and don’t act heroic with me. I know where the bodies are buried.”
Miles gave Miranda a smile that could be interpreted in many ways. Miranda ignored him and started talking to her companion, but said no more about the McLeod family.
After lunch, Stacey and family walked and shopped, mostly they window-shopped. As they turned back on Rue St. Michel, Stacey saw Miles and his friends getting into a long white limousine. She and Aunt Lora looked at each other and started laughing. The children had fallen asleep in their reclining strollers. By the time they reached the villa, they were all quite tired.
Back on the Strayhorn yacht, Daphne was curious about this handsome couple and what they had to do with Miranda Cox. Daphne didn’t know Miles Strayhorn well, but well enough that she suspected if she asked him outright he would clam up and she would never quench her curiosity. As luck would have it, she saw Miranda in the lounge drinking champagne. From the looks of the ashtray, she had been drinking and smoking most of the afternoon. When Daphne approached Miranda, she invited her to sit and have a drink with her. She ordered the bartender to bring an extra glass and another bottle of champagne.
Daphne asked, “Are we drinking for a special reason or just for the therapeutic results of obliviousness.”
“Not obliviousness, I can tell you that. I don’t ever want to forget how much I hate that bitch.”
“This bitch you referred to, is it anybody I know.”
“No, you wouldn’t know her, but you saw her today with her litter of pups.”
Daphne didn’t say anything but wondered what Miranda could possibly have against the beautiful young woman they saw today. Her twins were lovely and delightful toddlers. It was obvious Miles was enthralled with them. Daphne felt Miranda was a cold fish. She was a beautiful rich woman, but a cold fish just the same. From what she understood today, the older man with them was a knight of the realm and he was married to the young woman’s aunt.
“The young woman’s husband is quite handsome. Are you acquainted with him?” Daphne asked.
“Acquainted? Yes, I would say Doctor Shane McLeod and I were acquainted, more than acquainted, we were lovers for two years and four months.” Miranda sat looking at her empty glass, and then poured in more champagne. “We had an understanding, Shane and I. Neither of us were interested in marriage. He always said he was married to his work. I never gave a second thought to Tiffany, I knew her work was as important to her as mine was to me. I didn’t mind sharing Shane with her.”
“Tiffany? Are you referring to Tiffany Blair?”
“Yes, of course. How many super models do you know named, Tiffany?”
Miranda was drunk and slurring her words a little. “I called Shane from Australia and we made plans for my return. I was looking forward to our time together. I had been revamping our offices staff in Sydney since late April and I was ready for some fun when I returned in August. I knew he was on holiday with his family and then he called and told me he was engaged. I knew it was a lie. I told Miles he was lying. I didn’t know why, but I knew he was lying. Then we found out he was never engaged, he was already married. Married to a schoolgirl dirt dabber. Disgusting, isn’t it.”
“I’m sorry, Miranda, what do you mean by, ‘dirt dabber?”
Miranda glared at Daphne and said, “She was studying to be an archaeologist. She was still in bloody college for god’s sake. Oh, I heard how beautiful, young and innocent she was. I thought Shane was smarter than to get caught up in something like that.”
“Was she pregnant? Was that why he married her so quickly?”
“No, no. Nothing like that. They waited almost a year after being married in Scotland and then married again in Texas. The wife of one of his doctor friends assured me that it wouldn’t last, then the next thing you know they had twins.” Miranda leaned in close to Daphne in a conspiracy sort of way and whispered, “I’m sure the twins are Shane’s, they have his dark hair and eyes, but that little boy, I bet you a million to one he’s not Shane’s.” Miranda filled her glass again and said, “I would bet you he’s Miles child.” Daphne had gotten into this deeper than she had intended, “What on earth makes you think that, Miranda? Has Miles and Mrs. McLeod had an affaire?”
“I’m not sure, but I know something went on with those two. That little boy, with his light hair and blue eyes, looks more like Miles than he does Shane.” Miranda put her index finger to her lips and whispered shush. Laid her head on the table and passed out. Scott, the bartender had been watching. He came over and asked, “Mrs. Tassios, may I be of some assistance with Ms. Cox.”
“Yes, thank you. If you will be so good as to carry her to her stateroom. I’ll follow along and see to her comfort.” Daphne turned the covers back and Scott laid Miranda down. Daphne removed Miranda’s shoes, covered her and stayed with her a few minutes until she heard the hum of the motorboat as the rest of the party returned.
Dinner was served around nine p.m. At the dinner table, Miles asked about Miranda. Daphne said, “Oh, sorry. I meant to tell you, Miranda has a migraine and won’t be joining us tonight.”
Miles knew Miranda didn’t have migraines and was touched by Daphne’s discretion. He knew Miranda had been drinking since she saw Stacey in the restaurant. After dinner, the group dressed and went to the casinos. Miles and Daphne played roulette for a while, but neither had their heart in it.
“Do you want to hang around here or go back to the boat?” Miles asked. “I’m sure we can find better things there to do.”
By the time Daphne was finished in the loo, Miles was in bed with a magazine. As she crawled in the bed, she took the magazine from him and kissed him. His response was less that enthusiastic. Daphne tried again. This time Miles said, “I’m sorry, Daphne love, but I’m ju
st not in the mood.”
Daphne sat back on the bed, with relief in her voice said, “To be honest Miles, neither am I.”
“Why the come on then, if you weren’t interested.”
“Do you want the truth, Miles or the standard egotistic reply?”
“I would like the truth, please.”
Daphne stood up, then walked to the liquor cabinet and poured them both a brandy. She came back and sat on the side of the bed. “Do you remember when we first met in Athens last spring?” Miles nodded his head and she continued, “I had been recently divorced because my husband of sixteen years had an affaire with a younger, sexier woman. He informed me that I was no longer vivacious or sensual. That he needed more than I could give. As you know my husband...my x-husband is a wealthy man. I was married at twenty-one. I had been a wife to him and a mother to our three children. I was thirty-six and I felt old and unattractive. When we met in Athens, you were very nice and complimentary. It was a boost to my fragile ego, so when you called and invited me on this cruise, I didn’t want to disappoint you.”
“Daphne, your husband is a twit and a liar. Female plumbing is different from ours. You can fake-it, we can’t, nor would I want a woman to do that. I’m a man pushing forty years old. I think I would know if a woman was faking to please. You are a lovely woman, warm and sensual. Don’t let his stupidity influence you. How did you two meet, your accent sounds more American than Greece.”
“That’s very astute of you Miles. Actually, I’m Greek-American from Virginia. My father was an Ambassador to Greece, so consequently I grew up in both worlds.”
“It’s beyond me how your husband let you go. I find you quite lovely and vivacious.”
Daphne smiled, leaned over and kissed his cheek and said, “Thank you, Miles. You’re a good man.” Neither had taken a sip of their brandy, now they clinked their glasses and took a sip. Out of the blue Daphne said, “Tell me about the young family you met in the restaurant today and why Miranda hates Doctor McLeod’s wife so much. She told me she and the handsome doctor were lovers for a couple of years, then all of a sudden he was married.”
“There’s not much I can add to that,” Miles said. “Miranda and Shane were never exclusive. When Shane met Stacey, he knew she was the one and only for him.”
“Stacey, her name is Stacey?” Miles nodded his head. “When did you know she was the one and only for you?” Daphne asked.
Miles had just taken a swallow of his brandy. He choked on it, glared at Daphne and asked, “Have you been listening to Miranda?”
“No, Miles, I’ve been listening to you; you talk in your sleep. But I will warn you, Miranda thinks Stacey’s little boy is your son. She is so sure of it, she is willing to bet a million to one.”
Miles took his last swallow, handed his glass to Daphne for more. She refilled it, handed it to him and asked, “Have you and doctor McLeod’s wife had an affaire?”
“God, Daphne, I wish,” Miles said with longing. “If I was that fortunate I’d never let her go. I’ve been enthralled with her since before I knew she was married to Shane. For a while there it looked as if Miranda might break them apart.” Miles smiled to himself as he remembered the black eye and the tiny lesion Stacey had inflicted on Miranda. “Stacey is a Texas country girl, she takes no prisoners. She and Miranda got into it early one morning a year or so ago and Miranda had to have stitches. To answer your question, No, Stacey has no idea how I feel about her. She thinks of me as a friend of the family, nothing more.”
Daphne leaned over to give him a sympathetic kiss, but it turned into more. After making love, Miles held her in his arms and said, “Daphne love, you can’t imagine how happy I am that you came on this cruise. Thank you for hearing me out, I’ve had no one to talk to about any of this except George my butler.”
With great surprise, she said, “Your butler, you talk to your butler about personal things.”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I do,” Miles said with a smile. “George is more to me than just a butler. I studied engineering in college, then spent two years in the royal marines. I met George there and through a quirk of fate, he saved my life. Before we were shipped back to Briton, George was notified that his wife and child were killed in a home invasion robbery. They were all he had, and the bastard that did it only served two years. George, along with a lot of other people felt he should have paid the ultimate price. He didn’t ask for my help but he got it just the same. I owed him my life and he trusted me with his.”
“Are we talking about the mild mannered man who is your valet on this boat?”
Miles smiled a sinister smile and said, “Still water runs deep.”
“What happened to the man who killed his family?”
“It seems he disappeared. Nobody knows where the chap went.”
Chapter-67
Secrets
The McLeod’s, had been back from the French Riviera a few weeks when Shane ran into Miles at Cartier. They shook hands and Miles asked how the family were doing. “We are well but quite busy,” Shane said. “Stacey is studying for her Masters, while trying to keep an eye on three toddlers as well as trying to find time for me. I want to show my appreciation with more than words, so I’m looking for a Mother’s ring to give her. She is an amazing mother. How she manages the bairns, school and still finds time for me is beyond me.”
The manager of the store, brought Miles two small expensively wrapped gifts for his approval before putting them in a gift bag. Miles thanked him and asked Shane to join him for coffee. At the coffee shop, Miles asked, “Did your family enjoy their holiday in Menton?”
“Yes, the children had a wonderful time on the beach. The girls built sandcastles and when Nicky wasn’t carrying hands full of sand from the beach to the sea he was busy tromping through the girls’ sandcastles.”
“Shane, I never thought I would see the day when you would be such a family man. I must say I envy you.”
Shane smiled and said, “That was a very lovely woman you were with at the restaurant, Miles.”
“Yes, yes she is. She was just what I needed at the time.” Miles had set the gift bag on the table. He picked up one of the gifts, held it and said, “I hope she likes my gift of appreciation.”
“How could she not,” Shane said. “Knowing you, I’m sure it’s beautiful and expensive.”
“Miles sat thinking for a moment and then said in self defense, “Yes, well, women do expect beautiful, expensive things. The women I know do anyway.”
Shane sat in thoughtful silence for a few seconds, then against his better judgment said, “Miles, has it ever occurred to you that all the women you meet travel in the same exclusive circle. Step out and look around sometime, there is a world of lovely women out there just waiting for a man like yourself. Take Diane for instance, I don’t think your money interested her in the least. Her profession is primary in her life. Are you still seeing her? Sorry, I had strict orders I must ask you that the next time I saw you.”
Miles laughed, he knew Shane would never have asked such a personal question on his own. “Tell Stacey, I’m seeing Diane tonight and humbly asking her forgiveness for neglecting her, and I come bearing gifts,” he said, as he picked up one of the beautifully wrapped gift boxes.
Shane laughed and said, “I’ll be happy to inform my nosey wife.” Both men chortled as they finished their coffee.
“Why don’t we go back in Cartier and find a lovely gift for your wife.” Miles suggested. “I’ve never known a woman who didn’t love beautiful jewelry.”
Shane snorted a laugh and said, “How little you know my wife. She is very cost conscious. She tells me costume jewelry is quite good enough. That’s part of the reason I’m trying to slip this ‘Mother’s ring’ in on her.” Shane had his cup refilled and thought about his first notions about the ranch. “You saw the ranch Miles, so you know Stacey’s family live well above the poverty line, but yet they are not what you would call wealthy. Stacey grew up having to help like eve
ryone else on the ranch. He parents and grandparents instilled in her responsibility and good work ethics. When she was in college, she sang in a country western club for spending money.”
Miles shook his head incredulously and asked, “How did you meet Stacey and are there anymore out there like her?”
“Honestly, Miles, I couldn’t tell you what is out there anymore. When I met Stacey, I looked no farther. She is everything I could ever want and more.” Shane sat for a few seconds with a smile on his face, and then said, “You asked how we met. I look back now and I see divine intervention at work. Stacey had fallen at the archaeology Site and hurt her head. I was on duty when she was admitted to the hospital. A short time later, we had a difference of opinion and she called me a ‘horse’s ass’ and left the hospital.” Miles couldn’t help but laugh. He could very well imagine that. “A few days later, we unexpectedly met at my aunt’s home in Yorkshire where Stacey’s car malfunctioned. It was there that we started seeing each other in a different light. While I was telling myself that she was too young for what I was feeling, she was thinking because I was mature and experienced that I could teach her about sex and no one she knew would be the wiser. After one night with her, I knew I was in love with her. It took a bit of talking to get her to agree to marry me, but in the end, she agreed. We were married in Scotland and kept it a secret and then remarried ten months later so our families could attend.”
Miles had sat and listened to Shane’s rendition of meeting Stacey with envy and asked, “Am I to understand, when you showed me Stacey’s photo you were already married.”
“Yes, I’m sorry about the subterfuge, but Miranda and I had acquaintances in common in Scotland and you know how hard it is for Miranda to keep a secret.”
Miles nodded his head in agreement. Shane looked at his watch and said, “The Mother’s ring should be finished by now. Would you fancy to come along and see it?”