Joanna moved aside, allowing Kiernan to enter. She said nothing, and Kiernan glanced around before directing her attention to Joanna expectantly. “Is Ariel here?”
“Yes, she’s in her room. I understand you want to talk to me,” Joanna stated in a chilling voice. “I also have some things I want to say to you—in private.” Joanna led her into the living room. “Have a seat, Ms. O’Shay, it doesn’t matter which one.”
Kiernan sat at one end of the sofa and Joanna sat in a recliner at an angle, facing Kiernan. They stared at one another for a few uncomfortable seconds before Kiernan said, “Ms. Thorsen, I can imagine how you feel. Your—”
“Don’t dare presume to imagine how I feel,” Joanna said in a voice shaking with rage, her face livid. “You have no idea how I feel. You’ve destroyed this family—destroyed my daughter’s happiness. For what? For your own selfish ends, that’s what. I hope I live to see the day you pay for this!”
Kiernan locked her eyes on Joanna’s. It was all she could do to keep a straight face. The unmitigated gall of this woman to pretend she was the wounded party, when she brought this on her family by stealing from Stellardyne. She knew whatever she said had little chance of being well received, so she decided to get right to the point. “Ariel and I made an agreement. I didn’t force her into doing this—”
“Yes, Ariel informed me she approached you. But I think you falsely accused me knowing my daughter would do this. Had she not gone to you first, you would have sought her out and made the offer not to prosecute me if she entered into this agreement.”
Kiernan couldn’t believe what she was hearing and had to fight back her anger. “I’ll not discuss this anymore. What I have come to say is the reasons for this marriage—both my reasons and the reason Ariel accepted—must be kept within the family. It could cause problems down the road if those reasons were ever made known, with not only me, but with you, as well as with Ariel, our child, and your family.”
“Rest assured, Ms. O’Shay, I’m aware of that and have no intention of disclosing the reasons.”
“Thank you.”
“Another thing—I don’t want your filthy money. My daughter isn’t for sale.”
“I never intended it like that—”
“I don’t care how it was intended. I don’t want it. Give it to a charity.”
Kiernan kept her expression stoic, but inside she was seething, thinking Ms. Thorsen should get an Academy Award for her act. She wouldn’t refuse the money. “I’ll leave that up to you to do. Please, tell Ariel I’m ready to go.”
Without saying a word, Joanna rose from the chair and left the living room.
Kiernan let out a frustrated sigh, and mumbled, “Ha! That sure went well.”
Hearing a rustling sound, Kiernan glanced up to see Ariel walk partway into the living room, stop, and regard her with wintry eyes. Kiernan stood and surveyed her, taking in Ariel’s pink, button-down long-sleeve dress shirt, tucked into a pair of dark red dress slacks with its thin black belt encircling her waist. “You look very nice.”
Ariel ignored the comment, her voice bland. “I’m ready.”
Kiernan walked to the door and Ariel followed. Joanna didn’t make an appearance.
Once they got into the car, Kiernan ordered, “Ignition on. Destination, Crestview Estates.”
THEY RODE IN silence for a few blocks. Ariel studied the interior of the car, noticing the wood inserts on the dash and the light gray seats. She stealthily moved her right hand down to the side of the seat, feeling it. She bet it was real leather and not Teflahide or any other of the faux stuff. Expensive cars never impressed her. She felt a glimmer of amusement when she thought if Kiernan had ridden up on a Harley Road King, she might have been impressed.
The silence was broken when Kiernan said, “I didn’t see your brother and sister. I’m eager to meet them.”
“They spent the night with their friends.”
“I’m assuming you’ve told them you’re getting married.”
“Yes, last night. They weren’t informed of the reason why, and were instructed to keep quiet about the—wedding, until after the ceremony.”
“How did they take it?”
“They were surprised.” Both had asked her why she wasn’t marrying Mysha. She told them she and Mysha were now only friends and she wanted to marry Kiernan. It made her even angrier with Kiernan that she had to lie. Much to her chagrin, the twins thought it was “Mega Supreme” as they were sure she could persuade Kiernan to take them on a tour of Celeste.
Kiernan said, “I have my chef preparing something for lunch I’m sure you’ll like.” She glanced at Ariel. “How do grilled chicken breasts on homemade sourdough rolls and a garden salad sound?”
“Okay, I guess,” Ariel said in a disinterested voice.
An awkward silence ensued. Ariel watched the scenery out the passenger window.
A few minutes later Kiernan said, “I arranged a trip for us to the Caribbean after the wedding.”
Ariel remained silent, continuing to stare at the view out the window while thinking, oh yeah, this is just peachy. A honeymoon. I hope she doesn’t expect anything. That’s not going to happen.
“Have you ever been to the Caribbean?”
Ariel shot her a sideway glance, keeping her answer flat. “No.”
“I think you’ll like it. We’ll fly down on my strato-jet two days after the wedding and stay for a week. I own a villa in Saint Thomas where we’ll stay. I also have a yacht I keep there. The Virgin Islands are beautiful—white sandy beaches, snorkeling, even fishing if you want.”
Ariel returned her attention to the passing scenery, pointedly avoiding any comment, and thinking she needed to plan ways to keep from interacting with Kiernan while on this—trip. Maybe she would take a selection of e-books to read, and say she didn’t feel well.
They drove on in silence, Ariel’s thoughts on Mysha, who had called right at seven o’clock that morning. The beep of the IMP woke Ariel from a sound sleep, which she had slipped into around three a.m. after an exhausting bout of disturbing dreams.
It was dark in her room, so Mysha couldn’t see her very well on her IMP’s vid screen, but she was able to hear the exhaustion and strain in Ariel’s voice and asked whether she was okay. Ariel explained that the stress of the accusations against her mother, and not knowing what would happen, was getting to her. They talked a few minutes more—or rather, Mysha talked while Ariel listened. Mysha was excited about the upcoming awards ceremony and had written a speech. The event was being video recorded. Mysha would obtain a copy and show Ariel after arriving home. After the call, Ariel was wound too tight to return to sleep, so she reluctantly got up to start her day.
Ariel heard Kiernan say, “Computer. Request music. Selection two.” Right away, a song from a popular musical began to play over the car’s stereo system.
After traveling a few miles, they merged into I-75 and proceeded north until exiting onto US 64/74 east, passing through Cleveland. A couple of miles past Ocoee, they exited onto a road skirting the Ocoee River, continuing for a few more miles until veering onto a one lane road leading up a mountain.
Kiernan ordered, “Computer, music off.” The music stopped. “We’re almost there.” A pause and Kiernan said, “Ariel, you’ll be meeting my staff, and I would appreciate it if you would show me some consideration and not be so distant.”
Ariel asked sharply, “What exactly do you want me to do—Ms. O’Shay?”
Kiernan glanced at her with a frown, impatience in her tone. “Can you at least act cordial? And please call me Kiernan. I’m your fiancée.”
Ariel had a sudden impulse to give Kiernan a derisive laugh. Controlling it, she assumed a lackadaisical expression and voice. “I’ll make an effort to do so—Kiernan.”
“Thank you,” Kiernan replied brusquely, waiting a few seconds before adding, “I know this marriage is far from ideal for both of us, but it’s necessary if I’m to reach my goals. Telecom on. Voice only.
Crestview.”
Ariel ignored her, but inside she was seething. Kiernan O’Shay was a selfish bitch. Nothing and no one mattered except her goals and dreams. She didn’t care who she hurt to achieve her ambitions.
After three chimes, a voice over the telecom said, “Crestview, Mrs. Belfort speaking.”
“Mrs. Belfort, we should be there in five minutes.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll inform the staff of your arrival.”
Ahead lay a guard station and by it a gate across the road. Kiernan said, “This is the main entrance. There are three unpaved roads, trails actually, leading up to the estate. The roads surrounding the property are patrolled day and night, so if you ever go out for a stroll outside the main estate grounds in the evening, please notify the guard station. I wouldn’t want you accidentally stun-gunned.”
“Thanks for the warning.”
“Oh, we do have the occasional bear wander onto the grounds. They’ll leave you alone if you leave them alone. If you walk after dark, it would be a good idea to carry pepper gas and an IMP with you, just in case.”
Ariel considered this for a moment. “I don’t think I’ll be taking any midnight strolls.”
Kiernan stopped the car in front of the gate. A guard in a tan suit exited the station as Kiernan ordered the computer to lower her window.
He scanned her eyes with a retina identification device. “Ms. O’Shay, I see you have a guest. Do you wish her registered?”
“Yes, Troy, I do. This is my fiancée, Ariel Thorsen.”
“Congratulations.” He glanced over to the passenger side. “Ms. Thorsen, stay where you are and I’ll walk around to you and do the scan.”
“Computer, lower passenger window.” Kiernan said to Ariel, “A precaution. Everyone I know who comes here regularly, or works here, has a retina scan, including me. This prevents impostors.”
Ariel could well understand someone like Kiernan taking these precautions, especially in light of the kidnapping of the prime minister of France’s two children in 2086, when an impostor had plastic surgery done to resemble the children’s aunt, entered the prime minister’s residence, and abducted them. They were never seen again after a ransom was paid. No one knew their fate.
Troy arrived at the passenger window, holding out the retina scanner in front of Ariel’s eyes. “Fix your eyes on the red light,” he said, “and don’t blink.”
Ariel did as instructed, and after a few seconds, Troy removed the device and said, “All scanned and on record. Have a nice day.”
Troy swiftly trotted back to the station and opened the electronic gate. Kiernan drove through, and after going some three hundred yards, she steered in between two gray and tan natural stone posts on either side of a one lane paved road. Spanning the posts at the top was a wrought iron arch with an elaborate design worked into it consisting of the words Crestview 2037.
The house was hidden from view by the row of old hemlock trees lining the road. A few hundred yards down, the road made a sweeping curve, providing Ariel a good view of the grandeur of Crestview. She had researched and seen pictures online, but they didn’t do the house justice. The house was crafted from native stone and Alabama steel forged especially for the house in an antique Birmingham mill. The sun glinted off the tinted picture windows dominating the edifice. The deeply pitched roof with wide overhanging eaves reminded her of pictures she had seen of Swiss chalets.
Kiernan swung the car around the circular drive and parked it at the end of a flagstone walk. A wide set of steps led up to a broad veranda with stone railings.
Waiting for them was Mr. Washington, Kiernan’s chauffeur, and a young red-haired man. Both were dressed in outfits consisting of a gray coats, white shirts, pale pink ties, and gray pants. The young man opened Ariel’s door and held out his hand. She took his hand and he assisted her out of the car. Mr. Washington opened Kiernan’s door and helped her out. She joined Ariel on the flagstone walk and introduced her, “Ariel, you’ve already met David Washington. He’s the senior chauffeur and manager of the garage.”
His deep voice conveyed warmth. “Welcome to Crestview, Ms. Thorsen.”
“Thank you, Mr. Washington.”
Next, Kiernan introduced her to the lanky redhead. “This is Michael McLeod. He’s the junior chauffeur and David’s assistant. He will be your chauffeur.”
“Welcome, Ms. Thorsen,” he said shyly.
“Thank you, Mr. McLeod.” Ariel wanted to say, thanks but no thanks, I can drive myself, but now wasn’t the time to argue the point.
“Call me Michael, ma’am.”
“Michael,” she acknowledged, smiling when he flushed beet red. She thought she could certainly relate to how he was feeling, as she too was cursed with the blush genes.
David said, “I’ll show you in, Ms. O’Shay. The staff is in the dining room waiting to meet Ms. Thorsen.”
“Very well, lead the way.”
They walked up the wide steps, onto the stone veranda, and up to a set of tan double doors. David opened the doors and moved aside, allowing Kiernan and Ariel to enter before he and Michael followed.
Ariel trailed Kiernan into the foyer, hearing their footsteps resound on the polished, light gray stone floor. Kiernan ambled around the foyer wall and into an open and airy living room with golden oak floors. Right away, Ariel saw floor-to-ceiling windows that provided a breathtaking view of the Cherokee National Forest and mountains. She took in the massive fireplace with its light gray stone front and noted how it reached to the ceiling. Over the mantel of golden oak was an oil painting that from the distance appeared to be a waterfall. There were two dark blue overstuffed recliners she was sure were real leather, a love seat, and a sofa, done in matching and complementary fabrics of blue, pale blue, ivory, and gold stripes. Various carpets lay scattered about on the oak floor. A grandfather clock made of golden oak and burnished gold-toned metal stood against one wall.
Kiernan led Ariel into a dining room where five people were gathered in front of a table. Kiernan introduced her to a solidly built middle-aged woman dressed in a white long sleeve shirt and black skirt. Her gray hair was gathered into a bun. “Ariel, this is Mrs. Marla Belfort. She’s my steward and runs my household.”
“Welcome, Ms. Thorsen. We all welcome you to Crestview,” Mrs. Belfort said graciously.
“Thank you.”
“This is Faye Lloyd,” Kiernan said. “She’s in charge of maintaining and programming the housekeeping robots, as well as troubleshooting any computer problems.” Faye was a stout, middle-aged woman with faded red hair and a moon face.
Faye gave a friendly nod.
“This is Dora Valdez. She’s Ms. Lloyd’s assistant.” Kiernan introduced a young, petite, caramel-skinned woman with dark hair and dark flashing eyes.
Dora smiled shyly and Ariel returned her smile.
Kiernan next introduced a man who appeared to be in his early thirties. “Ricardo Leon is my chef. I’ve had people try to steal him away from me, he’s that good.”
Ricardo was of medium height and build. He wore his black hair cropped against his scalp, and his blue eyes were very noticeable in his tanned features. “And the reason I don’t leave is that Ms. O’Shay has liked everything I’ve prepared and has never once complained.” He winked and added, “And she pays very well.”
Kiernan laughed. “Ricardo, you’re worth what I pay.” She turned her attention to the handsome, slender dark-skinned man standing next to her chef, introducing him. “This is Robert Jones. He’s Ricardo’s assistant.”
“Hello, Ms. Thorsen.” His voice was a rich tenor.
Ariel said, “Hello to you too.”
Kiernan said to her steward, “Mrs. Belfort, I believe a toast is in order.”
“Yes, ma’am, a toast is definitely called for,” Mrs. Belfort said. She indicated a bottle of champagne sitting in a silver ice bucket on the table. A number of crystal flutes were lined up in front. David and Michael had joined the group, and she addressed David. �
�Mr. Washington, please assist me.”
David took the bottle out of the ice bucket, and Ariel saw it was Dom Perignon. She drank very little alcohol, but knew the price for a bottle was astronomically expensive. David worked the cork off with a loud pop, and the bottle emitted a faint fog of gas, but the contents did not foam out. He filled the glasses, and Mrs. Belfort handed the first to Ariel, one to Kiernan, and distributed the rest of the glasses to the staff.
Mrs. Belfort made the toast. “This is indeed a happy time for us here at Crestview. We welcome you, Ms. Thorsen, and eagerly anticipate having you here as the wife of our employer, Ms. O’Shay. We wish you and Ms. O’Shay all the happiness this life has to offer.”
All drank the toasts, but Ariel took only a sip of her drink.
Kiernan’s eyes twinkled. “I would like to propose a toast. David, let’s have a refill.”
David filled everyone’s glass, and Kiernan gazed at Ariel, saying solemnly, “I am indeed a fortunate woman to have you come into my life. I look forward to our life together as a married couple.”
The staff called out, “Hear, hear” and downed their drinks. It was all Ariel could do to take a sip. She pasted on a smile and tried to inflect some warmth into her tone. “Thank you, Kiernan.” She couldn’t force herself to say the same.
“THE WEST WING houses the staff, laundry room, storage areas, and the air and heating facility. But first, I’ll show you what’s downstairs in the east wing, and then we’ll go upstairs.”
Ariel followed Kiernan down a wide hall with various nature prints decorating the wall. Kiernan stopped at a door on the left and opened it, moving aside to let Ariel enter first. “This is the library. I have many first editions and you’re welcome to read them, but there are special procedures you have to use in reading some of the more fragile books. Mrs. Belfort will tell you what they are.” Ariel noticed the orderly shelves of books and the enclosed bookcases probably containing the more rare editions.
She was next shown Kiernan’s study, and from there they went to a recreation room complete with a pool table, EM, antique pinball machines, and a state-of-the-art interactive game room allowing one to feel as if they could step into the game and interact with the three-dimensional characters.
Linda S. North - The Dreamer, Her Angel and the Stars Page 10