"From what I can determine, yes, but the net would be wrong and you'd have the tax liabilities for the various years. But I'd like to keep searching. And to fix this, we'll need to open a liability account to record what they owe you. I understand you have a bookkeeper who has all the check signing authority on these accounts."
"That would be Dena."
"You might want to call the firm and just say you want the actual checkbook for a while. Make up some reason. Otherwise, she might hightail and run on us. We need to make it sound convincing."
He nodded. "I'll just tell her we're writing checks for charity. I've done that before."
"Yes, that would be good. Also, if we can get the book back from her, I can figure out what the real bank balances are on these accounts. Right now, they're way off. I believe the balances are way under what is written on the registers. A few were written as 'void' when they were actually cashed. It will just be a matter of reconciling the statements and gathering up copies of those checks. I need absolute proof. We may have to go to the authorities on this."
And, she thought, there must be a set place in Hell for those people stealing money from a blind man.
He pushed his chair back and stretched his legs out in front of him. "I am so glad to have you here," he said softly. "You have no idea how much of a relief it is for me."
"Thank you. I appreciate that."
"What's today? Friday, right?"
"Yes."
"I have to attend a charity function tomorrow night. I was wondering if you might go with me. You know, just to assist me. I guess this would fall into the 'other' category on your job description," he said with a smile. "And I'd pay you overtime, of course."
The sudden proposition took her by surprise. "Well, I don't know. What should I wear...if I were to go?"
"Well, it's black tie, rather formal."
"Could I call you in a bit on that? It's almost four o'clock and I need to check home. So I'll call you around five, is that all right?"
"Of course. Certainly. I'll expect your call, then."
He waited anxiously for her call, as he sat at his desk, almost breaking down and phoning her instead. And he thought of all the things she'd told him in her calm, professional voice. What a find she was, a little gem sparkling in his dark world.
Nat had explained 'sparkling' to him one day, while they spoke of diamonds, laughingly turning on the warm then the cold water taps on his hands and Matthew thought it might also be red and blue combining, as well, just colliding.
Checking his Braille watch, he saw the time was five o'clock. About ten minutes later, she called him, sounding a bit frazzled.
"Matthew, it's Bethany." There was noise in the background he couldn't quite make out.
"Yes. You made it home in one piece, I see," he said.
She laughed, a sound he did not hear frequently, but when he did hear it, he loved it, as it was light and melodious. "What time should I come to your house tomorrow? I actually found a dress in my closet to wear to the charity function."
"We'll pick you up, you don't have to drive way out here. Plus I'll pay you overtime, as I said. What color is your dress?"
She hesitated, and he thought perhaps he'd asked the wrong question. "Just curious," he added "I'm trying to picture it in my mind."
"Oh, it's green. Floor-length. Are you sure you want to pick me up?"
"Of course. I'll send Ollie to your door. And I'll get you a nice corsage to match. And I've asked Nat and Alicia to go, so it should be fun."
He clicked his phone off, as Nat came in the den and sat on the edge of his desk. "All set for tomorrow?" he asked, looking closely at Matthew.
"Yes. She's wearing a green dress."
"You know...I mean she might have a husband or a boyfriend, Matt. You don't really know too much about her."
"You're such a mother hen. Maybe I should just ask her and get it over with."
"I just don't want you to get hurt. You aren't wise in the ways of the world like I am."
Matthew laughed at that. "Oh, please, Nat. You're a pushover for a sad story. And, speaking of Alicia, how is she doing?"
His tone was light, but Nat knew his friend really cared about his Alicia. "Really well. She registered at community college today for Fall session. And she's still working at the restaurant. Wants to be a Sous-Chef. I get to taste all her new recipes. Life is tough," he laughed.
"I know. My life just keeps getting better and better."
"Bethany better, you mean?"
"Very funny. Don't you have a computer to fix?"
Chapter 3
Bethany hung up the phone and looked at her mother across the kitchen table. "Satisfied now?" she said, smiling. They sat in their cozy kitchen while her mother baked chocolate chip cookies. The aroma was heavenly, and Bethany's stomach rumbled.
"Well for heaven sake, you haven't been out anywhere since Jacob was born. You need to have some fun."
"I could say the same for you, Mother. How did the week go, really? Are you sure you're okay with watching Jacob when I work?"
"Absolutely. That's one thing I don't want you to worry about. I'm plenty young to keep up with him. The week went fine. Don't fret. I love it."
Kate came in and flounced herself on a kitchen chair. "Wish I could go out somewhere. I need a break too."
"From what, yourself?" Bethany asked sarcastically. "Did you go to a meeting today?"
Kate sniffed. "No. I wasn't feeling well."
"You should read some scriptures then," her mother said, "that will make you feel better. And you, Bethany, need to be more thankful for the good things in your life."
She smiled. "I'm grateful for you and grateful for Jacob."
"So where do I fit in?" Kate said.
"You're here and you're sober," Bethany said calmly. But when tears came to Kate's eyes, she regretted her words and said in a softer tone, "I'm sorry Kate. I'm always grateful for you. You're my sister. It's just going to take me a while to get used to your newfound sobriety. You've had so many of those moments."
Bethany went to get Jacob then, and she wondered if her sister was serious this time.
And she also wondered if she should go out on what seemed like a date with her boss. But, she thought, he had asked for her assistance for the evening. It was a part of her job, after all.
Saturday afternoon, she called Matthew to find out what time he would pick her up.
Her mother helped her with her hair, and they finally decided on an upsweep, with a few tendrils hanging loose. She applied some eye make-up and lipstick. Her gown was form fitting sleeveless, flowing dark forest green, with a side slit, and it reminded her of a vacation she and Samuel had taken in Hawaii. She'd worn it there. She smiled as she realized Jacob was probably conceived on that vacation.
As usual, time got away from her and six o'clock rolled around before she was completely ready. She searched for and finally found her evening bag and hastily transferred items from her regular purse.
She lifted Jacob out of his playpen, as he giggled.
"Don't do that now," her mother admonished, "he'll spit up all over your dress." She took the baby from Bethany's arms.
"Oh Mother, I'm glad you said something. I forgot my breast pads." And she ran to her bedroom to fix herself up.
A knock sounded, and she rushed back into the room, carrying, then putting on her heels, "Do I look all right?" she asked breathlessly.
"If you looked any better it would be illegal," Kate said snidely.
"Says you," Bethany said quickly, as she opened the door.
But, instead of Ollie, Matthew stood there on her doorstep.
She let out a little gasp, as she wasn't expecting to see him. "Oh, I'm ready," she said, "just let me get my purse. This is my mother and my sister Kate. My boss, Matthew Hobbs."
He grinned and waved as they both said hello.
Kate fanned her face, mouthing 'wow' as she looked at Matthew, and Bethany stifled a giggle.
"Go on, then," her mother said, as she shut the door behind them.
But, as Bethany hesitated again on the porch, Matthew seemed to look right through her and understand with his soft, brown eyes. He saw nothing, yet seemed to see everything. His voice was soft as he said, "Shall we go? I hate this cane, but it helps me navigate. We rented a limo to give Ollie a break. Nat and Alicia are already in back. Just a fun evening."
He led her down the walkway, but stopped half-way down. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure," she said, looking up at him.
"Was that your baby I heard?"
She thought she just couldn't lie to him anymore. "Yes. He's six months old and his name is Jacob. I thought you wouldn't hire me if you knew."
He sighed. "No wonder you seemed nervous this week. It must have been so hard to leave him. I wish I would have known. It wouldn't have made any difference to me if you had a child."
"You have no idea how hard it's been," she said ruefully. "But my mother is wonderful with him. So patient. She's been a Godsend."
"Yes, He does seem to provide, just when we need it most."
But she said nothing to that, and they continued on to the limo.
All the way to the fundraiser, Matthew found himself with more questions than answers about Bethany. She sat beside him now, making idle chit-chat with Nat and Alicia. Who was she really? And he was so shocked to find out she had a baby. Where was the father? Did he abandon them?
He felt so sorry for Bethany then. Possibly alone, with a little baby. And he was so grateful to God, when He brought her into his life. There must be a reason for it, he thought.
Bethany was stealing glances at Matthew as they rode along. He looked amazingly handsome in his dressy black tux, and she loved the scent of his aftershave.
Nat was also in a tux, looking dapper, but still acting like a teenager, and she thought Alicia was a bit Goth, with black lipstick, nails and black sleeveless dress with a slit up the front.
They arrived at the hall, in a posh hotel, and Nat helped guide Matthew inside, while Bethany and Alicia followed. And it seemed as if Matthew knew everyone in the place, as people stopped to say hello. Nat kept her updated with "Mayor" and "Police Chief" going on and on about who they were in the community. Matthew seemed to know everyone, as he smiled and greeted them with his easy manner.
But as they sat down at a front table by the dance floor, a very beautiful blonde-haired woman came up and hugged Matthew. She was very stylish, her hair in a twist, diamond earrings and necklace almost eaten up by her cleavage. Her dress was sparkling gold, and formfitting. Bethany envied her elegant look.
"Matthew," she gushed, kissing his cheek then laughing while wiping off the lipstick she'd left on him.
"Catherine," he said hesitantly, "I'd like you to meet Bethany. She's my personal assistant." Bethany thought he didn't seem very happy to hear the woman. Something in the tone of his voice.
"Nice to meet you," Bethany said softly.
Catherine looked shocked, but it seemed like somewhat of an act. "Does she stay at your house?"
He laughed. "No. I work her hard enough during an eight hour workday. This evening I've got her on overtime, actually."
The woman said nothing for a moment, just looked Bethany up and down. "My. Overtime, you said? Paid and everything. Wonderful, darling," she gushed, kissing him again, "I'm so glad you have a worker bee at your house." And, with that, she drifted off to hug another person.
Nat smiled broadly, and Alicia stuck him in the ribs with her elbow. "No comment," he said, with a hand over his mouth now, trying to stifle his laughter. He was so comical he made Bethany smile.
A DJ sat in the corner, and started the music after a few minutes, a popular slow song.
Matthew looked at Bethany. "Shall we?"
"You dance?" Then she regretted saying anything, as he looked a bit hurt.
"We shall see," he said softly, as he stood up.
She took his hand as they went on the dance floor.
But, he suddenly pulled her close, holding her right hand and arm against his hard chest. And, she thought, he was leading quite effectively as they spun slowly. It was a heady sensation for her, as his smooth shaven cheek came against hers, and the scent of his aftershave came to her again.
"You really dance well," she managed finally.
"Thank you," he whispered in her ear, as he pulled her closer still.
His body was hard against hers and when he began whispering again, she felt it down to her toes. "Just let me know if I step on your feet or anything," he laughed softly.
She laughed too. "Nothing yet." She hadn't realized how much she missed the sensual contact with her husband, and she found herself relaxing in Matthew's arms, just content to be led and letting someone be attracted to her. At least, she assumed he was, as he continued holding her tight in his arms.
A small gasp escaped her lips as she felt his lips against her ear softly. "You're beautiful tonight," he whispered, "you have your hair up. And your gown brings out the green in your eyes."
"How did you-"
"Nat," he laughed softly. "He painted the picture for me. I have you now in my mind. There is no escape."
She was speechless at that, and just continued whirling around the dance floor with him in the lead.
From then on, the evening was a bit of magic for her, with Matthew paying her compliments and leading her around the floor. They had dinner, danced more, and as Nat and Alicia wanted to go to a club they'd heard about, all of them climbed back in the limo after several hours.
"Listen, Matt," Nat said, "just drop us off at the club. I'll call a car from there."
At first, it appeared Matthew hadn't heard him, as they rode along; he took Bethany's hand in his, and covered it with his other hand. "Okay, buddy. Sounds good," he said absently, and they drove the two to the club.
Too soon, they were back at Bethany's house. Matthew insisted on walking her to the porch.
"I had a lovely time," she said, as she looked up at him.
Their faces were inches apart, so close the mint fragrance of his breath came to her.
But suddenly, she heard Jacob crying loudly. "I'm sorry," she said, listening to him, "would you like to come in? I imagine the limo driver will stay around for you."
He grinned. "Just waiting for you to ask me."
She led him in towards the couch, and let her mother know she was home.
Her mother brought Jacob out and gave him to Bethany. He was really crying hard now, and her mother said, "Hi Matthew." Then to her, "Jacob is teething. In front. I can feel his little tooth. But mostly I think he just missed you."
Bethany sat on the rocker, pulling down her one sleeve to nurse him. "Please," she told him, "sit. The couch is right behind you."
Her mother almost said not to nurse, but then seemed to remember Matthew was blind and couldn't see Bethany, and she left for the kitchen again.
Jacob sucked at her nipple eagerly, while making little noises and shuddering from his crying.
"Sorry," Bethany told Matthew. "I just need to feed him, I think. He should be all right in a few minutes."
"I can see you rocking back and forth, your shadow," he said softly, "there's a light behind you. It's really a lovely picture in my mind. Very tranquil and serene."
"Well, he's noisy, I'll give him that much," Bethany replied with a laugh. "He's not very tranquil or serene either."
Matthew sat back on the couch with a smile on his face, as he watched their shadows move.
"Okay, Jacob," she said after a few minutes, pulling up her gown again, "you need to say a proper hello." She held him on her knees while she patted his back.
"Would you like to hold him?" she asked Matthew, not knowing if he was a baby lover or not.
"Yes. Definitely."
She picked up Jacob and laid him uprig
ht in Matthew's waiting arms.
Matthew's mouth was open a bit, and he was smiling. His hands moved over Jacob, and his smile grew wider with each discovery. "He has tiny little hands and feet. And he's chunky, like a football player. And he has hair, a little bit."
Bethany laid a towel on Jacob's front. "Just in case. Pat him on the back, then, he hasn't burped yet."
Jacob was serious now, with just a few little shudders from his crying jag, as he looked up at Matthew. After a few seconds, he burped loudly.
"Now where have I heard that before?" Matthew laughed.
"I know," she said, sitting on the rocker again, "I was afraid to tell you about him."
"Why?" Matthew smoothed Jacob's pajamas and rocked him back and forth.
"I guess some people think if you have children, you'll have to take a lot of time off from work."
Jacob gurgled contentedly, and wiggled in Matthew's lap, while his head nodded up and down.
Matthew replied, "He's so cute. I wouldn't even care about that. People need time off work for whatever reason. Life happens, even to people without children."
Then Jacob's eyes grew heavy as he leaned against Matthew more and more, before Matthew shifted him onto his leg. "I hope you don't think I'm too forward asking this, but where is his father?"
She sighed. "He died. Five months ago now. For some reason, I'm counting the days since he passed. I don't know why. Just some dumb thing I do, I guess."
He said softly, "It's certainly not dumb at all. How difficult your life has been. It must have made your faith even stronger. You seem so strong."
She smiled. "Not really. I'm very much a weakling. And it crushed my faith in God, actually. I haven't been to church since. I cremated Samuel and spread his ashes in the yard, by the roses. He always loved those roses so much. Ruby red. He said they were the color of my lips..." and her voice trailed off as she quietly reminisced.
"You have Jacob," he said softly, "he's living proof of your love for your husband. You created Jacob. It's a miracle, don't you think?"
Suddenly, her eyes filled with tears, and she used one of Jacob's cloths to dab at them, trying not to sniff, but failing.
Romance for Matthew Page 3