Winds of Change

by Anna Jacobs

  ‘I’m driving.’

  ‘I’ll drink your share, then. Father certainly didn’t stint himself on wine, did he?’

  ‘He liked a drop in the evening. I must take this lot over to my house.’

  ‘What about Minnie? She likes the odd drink, too.’

  He went to inspect the rows of bottles in the little room attached to the kitchen and whistled. ‘There’s some really good stuff here. It’d be wasted on her. She has no palate for good wines or she’d not be drinking that wooded Chardonnay that bludgeons the taste buds.’

  Miranda sipped her second glass with appreciation. ‘I really like this wine. It’s light on the palate yet with a full-bodied taste.’

  ‘You know about wine?’

  ‘A little. Father considered himself a connoisseur and insisted I share a special bottle with him sometimes. He could be good company until recently, when there were just the two of us.’

  ‘I just buy what my wine merchant recommends. He’s not let me down. I’ve more bottles where that came from and you can help me get through them.’

  She looked at him ruefully. ‘You’re leading me astray.’

  ‘I hope so. It’s about time you stepped off the narrow, stony path and ran through a meadow full of buttercups at dawn.’

  ‘What a lovely image!’

  ‘It’s a real memory not an image. I’ve done it. Have you?’ He leaned forward and took her glass gently from her hand. ‘Miranda, I really meant what I said. I’d like you to come and live with me, help me enjoy these last few months, and, in return, I’ll leave you some of my money.’

  She looked at him in shock. ‘I don’t need you to leave me money to persuade me to help you.’

  ‘I have to leave it to someone. I can’t leave it all to my niece. There’s far more than she needs.’

  ‘Oh.’ She didn’t know what to say.

  ‘The main thing is to get you installed here, so you’re safe from his bullying. Hilary was on at me again yesterday to go into a hospice – she’s careful not to say the “H” word aloud, calls it a care home, but that’s what it is. When you fled to me from your brother tonight, it all seemed so right. I’d love some company – but not in this dump. Is your new flat any better?’

  ‘I don’t know. I’ve not seen it.’

  ‘Then go and do that tomorrow, just to be sure.’

  ‘Will you come with me?’

  ‘You’re that frightened of your brother?’

  She nodded. ‘I always wind up doing what he wants because he makes it seem so reasonable and what I want sound stupid. I suppose that comes of him being a lawyer.’

  Lou leaned back. ‘Yeah, lawyers can certainly twist your words. But the good ones can be enormously helpful.’ He pulled a face. ‘All right. I’ll come. But tell him we’ll meet him there. I’ll drive you.’

  ‘You’ll find him . . . intimidating.’

  He grinned. ‘No, I won’t. One thing about being in your last few months of life is you don’t find people intimidating any more. Though I never did, actually, always was a cocky devil. Will Sebastian wait for you at your house tonight?’

  ‘I doubt it.’

  ‘Then you can go home safely and get a good night’s sleep. We’ll call you a taxi.’

  ‘It’s not far. I can walk.’

  ‘Not at night, you can’t, not these days. I’ll give the taxi driver a big tip to see you safely inside and he’ll be delighted to earn so much for a short trip.’

  ‘Are you rich enough to throw money around?’

  ‘I am pretty comfortable. Look . . . didn’t your father leave you any money at all?’

  ‘No. It’s all in a trust, to be doled out by Sebastian and the lawyer. I don’t even know how much.’

  ‘We’ll have to challenge the will, I think. Trouble is, I won’t be here to see that through. It’s a time-consuming business.’

  ‘I wish you wouldn’t keep talking about dying.’

  He looked at her very steadily. ‘I have to keep saying it because you need to understand that it’s going to happen, and quite soon. I don’t want you doing anything stupid like falling in love with me. And I shan’t fall in love with you, either.’ He held out his hand. ‘Bargain?’

  She took it reluctantly and shook it.

  ‘Do you have Sebastian’s home phone number with you?’

  ‘I know it by heart.’

  ‘Then ring him and say you’ll meet him or a representative from the lawyer at the flat at eleven o’clock in the morning.’

  ‘What if he refuses?’

  ‘You just repeat the same thing and keep on saying it. It’s called the broken record trick and it’s very useful when someone disagrees with you or you want to make a point. You have to stop running away from trouble, Miranda my dear. You’re an intelligent woman and can rely on your own judgement. One day, if we play this game properly, we’ll destroy your dragon of a brother’s power over you and you’ll be free to enjoy the rest of your life in your own way.’

  ‘I can’t imagine that. Even when he’s not there, I seem to feel his presence.’ She picked up Lou’s hand and raised it to her cheek. ‘I shan’t promise not to get fond of you.’

  He grinned. ‘OK. It’s a bargain. You can get fond of me, and I’ll get fond of you, but don’t fall in love with me. Now, make that call to the big, bad dragon.’

  She picked up the phone. ‘Sebastian?’

  ‘Where the hell are you, Minnie?’

  ‘With my friend. I’m just ringing to say I’ll be available to see the flat at eleven o’clock in the morning.’

  ‘Not convenient for me.’

  ‘Then send someone to let me in. I can perfectly well walk round the flat on my own. I’ll meet whoever it is there.’

  There was a silence, then, ‘Oh, very well.’ He gave her the address.

  She clicked off the phone and let out her breath in a whoosh. ‘I did it.’

  ‘Good. And I don’t let my phone number register on caller ID, so he won’t be able to ring back. Pick up that glass of wine and let’s talk about something more pleasant. What sort of house shall we look for?’

  ‘One that’s available immediately.’

  ‘That’s my girl! You’ve got a good brain. Availability is the necessary first criterion.’ He pulled out his notebook.

  A little later she could see he was tired, so said she was and took the taxi home. No one was there but she was glad of that, and since she knew what all the creaks sounded like, she didn’t let them worry her, but slept soundly, pretty certain that with Lou by her side, she’d manage to hold her own.

  Surely she would?

  Four

  When the doorbell went at nine o’clock next morning, Miranda thought it was Sebastian and her heart began to thud with apprehension as she went to open it. She found Lou on the doorstep and saw his wheelchair sitting on the path at the foot of the veranda steps. Knowing how hard it’d been for him to get up the stairs, she asked immediately, ‘Is something wrong?’

  ‘Nothing wrong, but I wanted to talk to you before we go to see the flat. I’m on my way back from a physio session – that guy’s a sadist but he keeps me moving. Am I allowed to come inside?’

  ‘Oh, sorry. Do come in.’ She let him lead the way at his own pace. ‘Kitchen or sitting room?’

  ‘Kitchen.’ He sat at the table with a sigh of relief. ‘Steps are getting harder to manage.’ He looked round and wrinkled his nose in displeasure. ‘Couldn’t your father afford to modernize this place?’

  ‘He liked it this way.’

  ‘I bet he didn’t have to do the cooking.’

  ‘No. He never cooked a meal in his life, except for making toast or sandwiches in emergencies. Coffee?’

  ‘No time.’ He looked at his watch. ‘I’ve got an appointment set up for you with my lawyer in the city in half an hour – if that’s all right with you? I thought you might like to have her for your lawyer too, you see. She’s as shrewd as they come. I’d match her against y
our brother any time.’

  ‘Is it worth all the hassle?’

  ‘Wrong question.’

  She looked at him in puzzlement. ‘What’s the right question?’

  ‘The right question is: do you want to give Sebastian some grief over what he’s done to you or do you want to play doormat and let him continue to walk all over you?’

  She winced at that image. ‘But will it do any good seeing a lawyer? He’s a lawyer himself and is bound to have drawn up a watertight will.’

  Lou grinned. ‘Who knows? At the very least it’ll upset him. I’d count that a success.’

  She couldn’t help smiling. ‘Yes. It’s a nice thought. But aren’t lawyers expensive? I don’t have a lot of money to spare.’

  ‘I’m paying.’ He held up one hand to forestall her protest. ‘It’s chicken feed to me, Miranda, and I’m really going to enjoy pushing your brother’s buttons.’

  ‘But you’ve never met him. You might . . . get on with him quite well. Most people do.’

  ‘No, I shan’t. I’ve met you and I like you very much, therefore I’m on your side, not his.’ He waited and watched her blush at the compliment.

  She spread her hands helplessly. ‘All right. I’ll give it a go. I’ll contest the will. But I’m sure I won’t be very good if it comes to court. He can out-argue me any time.’

  ‘You don’t have to argue with him. That’s the whole point. Your lawyer and I will speak for you most of the time. Though I do think you should try to join in the mêlée now and then, just to show willing.’

  ‘I can only promise to do my best.’

  He didn’t comment on the fact that her voice shook as she said that. ‘Right, grab your handbag and whatever else you need and we’ll be off for the first round.’

  She started towards her bedroom, then turned to ask, ‘Would you mind if I called at my bank on the way back?’

  ‘Of course not. If you need some cash . . .’

  ‘No, it’s not that.’ She explained about the jewellery.

  ‘Good girl. You’re showing a bit of sense there. And we’ll get the other pieces back for you, too.’

  Sally Patel held the door open for Lou Rayne and his wheelchair. He was one of her favourite clients. She studied the woman whose cause he was championing with great interest. She might have known Lou wouldn’t fade away quietly.

  He explained the situation, bringing Miranda into the conversation at intervals until gradually she was speaking freely and he was keeping quiet.

  ‘I’d be delighted to help,’ Sally said.

  ‘You don’t think . . . it’s a waste of time?’

  ‘It may or may not be, but I think you have a chance. And as Lou said, it’ll waste your brother’s time too. I hear Monsieur Fox has a heavy case load on at the moment. It’s a great time to hit him with something else.’ She grinned. ‘Though I’d deny saying that.’

  Sally wouldn’t put into words to anyone what she really thought of Sebastian Fox, with whom she’d crossed swords several times in and out of court. The nicest thing she could say about him was that he was quite a good lawyer, even if he was a cold fish. The worst that he was a covert racist and sexist.

  ‘Can you come with us to see him today, Sally?’

  ‘Sorry, Lou, I’m expecting a client I can’t put off. Also, I want to check a few things before I confront him. When I’m ready, I’ll make an appointment for us to see him together.’ She could see Miranda’s expression go apprehensive and felt sorry for the poor, cowed creature. ‘Don’t worry. I won’t let him eat you.’

  She watched them leave and thought Lou was looking much better today, more alive in the head, however much his body was playing up. She was glad he had this to take his mind off things. Lou Rayne wasn’t born to be idle.

  Her new client didn’t know much about Lou, that was clear, and he’d told Sally he didn’t want Miranda to be enlightened as to how rich he was, because it might frighten her away. Pity, that. It’d have been a useful weapon against Sebastian Fox to reveal exactly who he was butting heads with.

  To her horror, Miranda found Sebastian waiting for them at the flat, not his clerk. She took an involuntary step backwards.

  ‘I had a client cancel, so I came myself to show you how good this place is,’ he said by way of greeting. He looked at Lou and then back at her questioningly.

  ‘This is my . . . um, friend, Lou Rayne.’ She hated the way her voice fluted with nervousness.

  The two men shook hands, Sebastian clearly dismissing Lou as a nonentity. He began to stride round the living area pointing out its features.

  ‘Just a minute,’ Lou said. ‘I can’t walk as fast as you.’

  ‘It’s Minnie who needs to see the flat.’

  ‘I thought her name was Miranda.’

  Sebastian made a scornful noise. ‘She’s never been called that in our family.’

  ‘’Bout time you started then if it’s what she prefers.’ Lou turned to her. ‘There are steps up to the dining area. Bad choice, that, as you get older.’

  Sebastian answered for her. ‘There’s nothing wrong with Minnie! And she’s not exactly old yet.’

  ‘There was nothing wrong with me two years ago.’ Lou winked at her. ‘Give me a hand, darling.’

  She blinked at the endearment, but somehow his wink and the warmth of his arm linked into hers gave her the courage to ignore Sebastian’s frown and help Lou slowly and painfully up the stairs. She’d never seen him show so much difficulty in moving and it suddenly occurred to her that he was exaggerating. Oh, he was a darling, clever man!

  ‘Not a big dining area,’ Lou said. ‘What shall we do when we have friends round?’

  The sight of Sebastian’s shock at this, on top of everything else, made her giggle and she hastily turned it into a cough. ‘I don’t know. And there’s only just room for one small sofa and an armchair in the sitting area. Oh, didn’t you say there was a balcony, Sebastian?’

  They moved towards it and found it had barely enough room for the two small outdoor chairs and tiny table that were squashed there.

  ‘Mean, I call that,’ Lou said. ‘Could you find nothing better than this place for your sister, Fox?’

  ‘This flat is perfectly adequate for Minnie.’

  ‘You can’t know that till you ask her opinion, which I gather you didn’t. Let’s look at the bedrooms, then.’

  Miranda grew angry as she went into a bedroom only just big enough for a double bed and a second room big enough to accommodate a single bed and not much else.

  ‘Your father must have had less money than you thought, Miranda dear,’ Lou said, ‘or he’d have got you something better than this cat-box.’

  ‘Look here, Rayne, I don’t appreciate your snide comments and—’

  Miranda surprised herself by interrupting. ‘Lou’s only saying what I’m thinking. We often think alike, don’t we . . .’ She summoned up her courage and added, ‘dear’ before turning to her brother. ‘Is this really all Father could afford for me?’

  ‘It’s all you need.’

  ‘No, it isn’t.’

  The look Sebastian threw at Lou would have soured milk. Then he looked at his watch. ‘I can’t stay much longer. When do you want to move in?’

  ‘We’ll take over here as soon as you hand us the keys,’ Lou said. ‘I’ll help Miranda arrange the move.’

  ‘Minnie can surely do that herself.’

  ‘Miranda,’ she corrected.

  ‘I can never think of you as anything else, I’m afraid.’

  ‘That’s a pity, because you’ll find I don’t respond to anything but my real name from now on.’ Suddenly words burst out. ‘I’m going to do what I want from now on, which includes using my real name.’

  She might just as well have kept that thought to herself.

  ‘You’ll soon forget this stupid whim, as you’ve forgotten others over the years.’ Sebastian took a key off a labelled key ring he’d been jangling. ‘You’ll have to get another
key cut if you need one for your . . . friend. I’ll keep this one as a spare, just for safety, in case you lock yourself out. I’ll come over to Father’s tonight and discuss what furniture you can take from there. No need to buy new things when there’s plenty of stuff going free.’

  ‘I have my own furniture.’

  He waved one hand dismissively. ‘Antiques won’t fit in here. You need minimalist stuff. I’ll take your antiques off your hands, save you the trouble of putting them up for auction. I’ll get them valued, give you thirty percent less, to allow for the commission you’d pay at an auction and—’

  ‘You are such a cheapskate,’ Lou said in a cheerful, conversational tone.

  Apart from a quick hiss of breath, there was no response as Sebastian glared at him, then turned to leave without waiting for his sister’s answer.

  Lou nudged her and whispered, ‘Tell him about Sally.’

  Miranda rushed to bar the doorway with one arm. ‘Just one more thing. My lawyer will be in touch with you shortly, Sebastian. I’m not happy about how things have been left, so I’m taking legal advice.’

  He spun round again, gaping at her and then scowling at Lou. ‘I suppose I have you to thank for this.’

  She was so angry at being ignored she raised her voice. ‘No, you have me to thank. I’m the one who’s hired a lawyer. I’m the one you’re trying to cheat out of my inheritance.’

  ‘If you ever say that again, I’ll make you very sorry indeed!’ he bellowed. ‘And why on earth are you complaining? We’ve found you a home at a good address. What more do you need?’

  She gestured around. ‘This place could never feel like home. There’s the money, too. You won’t even tell me how much income I’m entitled to from the trust.’ She took a deep breath and remembered what Sally and Lou had dinned into her. ‘My lawyer will be dealing with that. I’ve been instructed to say as little as possible.’

  ‘Whoever you’ve hired, you’re wasting your money. Believe me, I know how to write a will.’

  ‘Sally Patel doesn’t think so.’ Miranda was delighted to see his mouth fall open in shock.

  ‘I don’t believe it! She’d not take on such a petty case.’

  ‘She already has done.’