A Matter of Trust

by Ciana Stone

  Or maybe it’s more than that, a voice inside spoke to her. She didn’t want to acknowledge that particular voice. It was the one that was dealing with trying not to see Max as a fully functional, normal male when he looked into her eyes. God knows it wasn’t easy. There was something about him that got to her.

  Be smart. Don’t let this one good moment make you careless. He could change right back to the prick he was.

  She turned to look at him and their eyes met. For a long time their eyes remained locked. Nikki was once more seized with an unexplainable certainty that there was much more to Max than anyone knew. She’d already discovered things that proved it, such as his loneliness and isolation.

  Suddenly a decision was reached in her mind without conscious thought. She was going to find a way to communicate with Max, to find out for herself what was hidden inside him. There had to be some way the two of them could communicate. .

  “Max, will you do something for me?”

  He hesitated, not sure how to respond. She looked so pleading he couldn’t refuse, so he nodded.

  Nikki became very animated, “I want to try to figure out a way we can communicate—better I mean. There has to be a way, we just have to think of it. Will you help me?”

  Max was sure at that moment that either he was having the most marvelous dream of his life, or that his prayers had finally been answered. He would’ve pinched himself to make sure he was awake, but if it was a dream he’d just as soon let it continue.

  He extended his hand to her and nodded. Nikki smiled as she grasped it in both of hers.

  There was no way either could have known that they had just entered into a partnership that would change things forever.

  Chapter Five

  Maxwell was on his way back from the kitchen, munching an apple, when he saw Mark Robinson talking with Osgood outside the library. Mark looked in his direction and excused himself from Osgood.

  “Maxwell, hello. It’s been a while. How are you?”

  Maxwell’s inner defense system went on red alert. In all the years he’d known Mark Robinson, he’d never been friendly. What was up? And why was he there? He had to know that Richard and Helen were in Europe.

  He stopped and stared at Mark.

  “Your parents asked me to drop by whenever I was in the area to see how you are.”

  Maxwell didn’t believe that for a moment. Now he was sure something was up.

  “I understand you have a new companion. Nikki, I believe Osgood called her?”

  Maxwell wanted to look and see if Osgood was paying attention, but to look around would let Mr. Robinson know than more than he should. As far as he was concerned, Maxwell was an idiot. Better to keep it that way.

  “How are things working out with her? You like her?”

  Max just looked at him dumbly.

  “Good, good.” Mark smiled and patted Maxwell’s shoulder. “I hear your father’s quite fond of her as well. Not so fond as she is of him, I would imagine but he seems satisfied with her…performance thus far.”

  Maxwell didn’t like the tone of Mr. Robinson’s voice, or the innuendos, either. Of course, he wouldn’t let Mr. Robinson know that.

  “I understand she’s quite attractive. I’m sure that’s a nice change of pace for you, eh?”

  Maxwell wouldn’t raise his eyes to look at Mr. Robinson. If he did he’d surely give himself away. What he couldn’t figure was why Mr. Robinson was even saying those things. What was his interest in Nikki?

  “By the way, is she around? I spoke with your father and he wanted me to give her a personal message?”

  Maxwell shook his head and walked away. A personal message? What kind of personal message? Suspicions began to creep in. Had he been fooled? Was Nikki involved with his father? The thought made him sick.

  Mark watched Maxwell leave then turned to Osgood. “How’s the new girl working out, Osgood?”

  “Mr. Weston seems quite pleased thus far, Mr. Robinson.”

  “Yes, I know. I was interested in your perceptions.”

  “As long as Mr. Weston is happy, it is not for me to say, sir.”

  Mark smiled at the butler in a conspiratorial manner. “I understand completely. Is she here? I do have a message for her.”

  “I’ll summon her, sir. If you’d care to wait in the conservatory?”

  “Thank you, Osgood. That’ll be fine.”

  As Mark made his way to the conservatory, Osgood called Nikki’s room and told her she had a visitor.

  Nikki couldn’t imagine who would be visiting her, but she hurried to the conservatory.

  Mark Robinson stood as she entered. “Hello, Ms. Morgan, I’m Mark Robinson.”

  “Hello.” She accepted his hand and gave it a brief shake. “What can I do for you?”

  Mark took her arm just above the elbow and led her toward a divan. “You may not be aware of this, Ms. Morgan, but I handle all of the security for Weston International.”

  “Congratulations, but what does that have to do with me?”

  “As a matter of policy, a thorough background check is done on all employees, including those employed here on the estate.”

  “So?”

  Mark leveled an icy stare at her. “It is my duty to ask about your relationship with the late Christian Bernard.”

  “I don’t think that’s any of your business, Mr. Robinson.”

  “On the contrary. Why don’t you tell me about your relationship with Professor Bernard?”

  Before she met Gaspar de Troyes, she would’ve bristled at the question and told him to take a hike. Now, however, his interest in her relationship with Christian made her nervous. How much did he know?

  “Well, if you’d been thorough in your background check, Mr. Robinson, you’d know that Christian is—was—my doctoral advisor, as well as my friend.”

  “That’s something of an understatement, don’t you think, Ms. Morgan?”

  Nikki did bristle that time. “Look, I don’t know who you think you are, or what you want, but my relationship with Christian away from the university isn’t open for discussion.”

  “I believe the authorities might think differently if they knew that you were with him just hours before his suicide.”

  Enough bells went off in her head for a five-alarm fire. How could he have possibly known she was with Christian? Unless…holy shit, what if the men chasing them worked for him?

  “You’re mistaken, Mr. Robinson.”

  “No, I’m not. And I’m not much for playing games either, Ms. Morgan, so let’s come straight to the point. I know you and Professor Bernard had a short-lived affair. Just as I know that he was associated with a very dangerous group of individuals who are responsible for at least five murders in the last few years—a group that includes one Gaspar de Troyes, who, coincidentally was a close friend and associate of Professor Bernard’s. On the day of his death, Professor Bernard placed a call to you and asked you to meet him. You arrived at the university and shortly after, left with Professor Bernard. Hours later his body was discovered in his home. Now, I will ask you once more, what exactly is your relationship with the deceased?”

  Fear made her hands clammy but she couldn’t afford to let him know how scared she was. “I’ve already told you. He was my friend. Yes, at one time he was my lover, but that ended. As to Gaspar de Troyes, I do recognize the name. Anyone in my field would. But I don’t know anything about some group or de Troyes’ involvement and if you’re implying that Christian was part of it then you’re delusional. He was a good, decent man and would never be part of a group that condoned murder.”

  Mark slid closer to her. “Ms. Morgan, I want to believe you. I really do. But you have to understand my position. I can’t afford to take chances. Not when the safety of the Weston family is at stake.”

  “I can understand that, Mr. Robinson but I just don’t see how Christian or I could possibly threaten their safety.”

  “You could pose a great threat, Ms. Morgan. Particula
rly if you’re involved with Gaspar de Troyes.”

  “I already told you that I’m not.”

  Mark leaned back and regarded her in silence for a few moments then stood. “Very well. I hope, for your sake, you’re being honest with me, Ms. Morgan. Mr. Weston is fond of you—quite fond. I’d hate to find out that his affection has been taken unscrupulous advantage of.”

  Nikki rose and looked him in the eyes. “I assure you that’s not the case but if you don’t believe me then tell Mr. Weston to fire me and you won’t have to worry about me anymore.”

  Mark nodded and stood as if to leave. “Richard did ask that I tell you how much he is looking forward to seeing you again. He speaks—highly of you.”

  Nikki got the feeling that Mark was trying very subtly to find out if the attraction Richard Weston displayed for her was reciprocated. It occurred to her that he was the second person who had tried to find out what she thought about Richard. Deborah, the maid, also seemed curious about Nikki’s feelings for Richard Weston.

  “Really?” She attempted to seem coy but did not feel it came off very well.

  “Yes. He mentioned that the two of you had grown rather—close before he left for Europe.”

  “Well, I don’t know that you’d call it close, but he was nice to me.”

  “I’m sure he was. However, I feel sure his benevolence is far from over. He mentioned something about funding a research grant based on your work.”

  She didn’t have to feign surprise. “What?”

  “Yes, it appears as if he’s spoken with several key people in the field and recommended you highly. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if you find yourself being offered a position on an important project in the near future.”

  Nikki was floored. She’d never imagined that Richard would go to such lengths. She also had no doubt that he would expect something in return that she had no desire to give. However, she didn’t have to let Mark Robinson know that. The last thing she needed was him snooping around and finding out about her arrangement with Gaspar.

  “I-I’m…sorry,” she stammered. “I just don’t know what to say.”

  “I can understand how stunned you must be. And please, keep the information under your hat. I’m sure Richard wanted to be the one to tell you.”

  “Okay. But…are you sure?”

  “Absolutely,” Mark smiled.

  She blew out her breath, shook her head, and then looked at him. “This is unbelievable.”

  “I’ve no doubt. Just as I’m sure you’d like to demonstrate your appreciation.”

  Ah ha, she could not help but gloat a little. Here it comes.

  “Of course I would. I mean, he gave me this job and is paying me more than I dreamed of and now this? Naturally I appreciate it, but honestly, what could I do? I mean, he has everything money can buy and employees to do whatever he needs done. What could someone like me possibly do to show him my appreciation?”

  Mark smiled and Nikki thought it looked very predatory and calculating. He stepped closer. “I just may be able to help you with that.”

  “Really? How?”

  “By being his eyes and ears.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Just that. If you should happen to hear anything that you feel he should know, contact me immediately.”

  “Oh, well, okay. But what could I hear? All I do is try to keep Maxwell from going off the deep end and he’s not exactly a big talker if you know what I mean.”

  Mark laughed. “True. But you may overhear something pertaining to Professor Bernard. Additionally, if he was connected with de Troyes then it’s possible that de Troyes may try to contact you.”

  “About what?”

  “I have no idea. But remember, if that should happen—de Troyes is a very dangerous man. If he contacts you in any way, contact me immediately so that I can ensure your safety.”

  “You think he’d hurt me?”

  “Professor Bernard is dead, isn’t he?”

  Nikki hoped her gasp seemed geniune. “You mean—oh my god, you think de Troyes had something to do with Christian’s suicide?”

  Mark shrugged. “If indeed it was suicide.”

  Nikki wrapped her arms over her chest. “You’re starting to scare me.”

  “I give you my word I’ll protect you, Ms. Morgan.” Mark reached out to put his hand on her shoulder. “It’s what Richard wants.”

  She nodded and looked down for a moment. “Thank you.”

  Mark removed his hand and straightened his jacket. “Then I can count on your cooperation.”

  “Absolutely.”

  Mark pulled a card from his jacket pocket. “You can reach me at this number, anytime—day or night.”

  She accepted the card. “Thank you, Mr. Robinson.”

  “Certainly.” He smiled and patted her on the shoulder. “Now, I must be going. Thank you for your time, Ms. Morgan, and your help.”

  She nodded and gave him a weak smile.

  “Have a pleasant day,” Mark said as he headed for the door.

  “You too,” she said to his back then rose and followed him out.

  Osgood met them in the hall. “Ah, there you are. Have you concluded your business, sir?”

  “Yes, thank you, Osgood. I’ll show myself out.”

  “Yes, sir. Good day.”

  As soon as Mark disappeared down the hall, Osgood cut Nikki a hard look then made his way to the household staff office. Louise was reading the paper. She looked up as he entered.

  “My, you’re in a great huff. What has you in such a state? Maxwell?”

  Osgood shook his head and took a seat. “Mr. Robinson was here. He made a point of the fact that Mr. Weston is quite taken with Ms. Morgan. Not only to me, but to Maxwell, as well. Moreover, he had to deliver a quite lengthy private message to Ms. Morgan from Mr. Weston and said as much in front of Maxwell.”

  Louise’s face took on a look of indignation. “He has no business discussing such matters with that boy. What had gotten into his head?”

  “I don’t know, but it concerns me, Louise. It concerns me quite a bit. Things just haven’t been right of late.”

  “In what way?”

  “I can’t put my finger on it; I just know that something’s afoot.”

  “That it is.” She huffed as she pushed herself up. “Mr. Weston’s starting again with his pussyfooting around, that’s what it is. Panting after that young woman like a love-starved boy, he was.”

  “Now, Louise, you know I don’t like that sort of talk. Should one of the staff overhear—”

  “They don’t need to hear it from me to know it. Don’t think they haven’t seen it with their own eyes. Mark my word, that girl’s going to bring trouble just as sure as I live and breathe.”

  “Then you think she is trying to insinuate herself into Mr. Weston’s life?”

  “No,” Louise turned to look at him. “Quite the contrary. I don’t think she wants any part of him. I’ve seen the look on her face when he starts his lothario ways. It’s not him she’s interested in.”

  Osgood looked at her in shock. “Good Lord, woman, have you gone round the bend?”

  “Not in the least, “Louise interrupted. “ I might be old but I’m not blind. I see the way she looks at Maxwell when she thinks no one is watching. She’s tender on that boy.”

  “Good Lord, Louise!”

  “Good Lord is right, because the boy’s just as taken with her.”

  “That’s impossible!”

  “Is it now?”

  “But of course it is! You know as well as I do that Maxwell isn’t capable of—of those kinds of feelings.”

  “I wouldn’t be too sure about that. In fact, since that girl’s been here, I’m beginning to wonder if we’ve not misjudged the boy on several fronts. Maybe he’s more aware than we give him credit for.”

  “Enough, enough! I don’t want to hear it. You’re mistaken. I can’t hear any more of this.”

  Louise watched him go, and the
n reclaimed her seat. Maybe Osgood was right and it was just the idle fantasy of an old woman, wishful thinking that perhaps Maxwell could be a little more aware than they knew. But she’d seen the look in Maxwell’s eyes on more than one occasion when Nikki had entered the room, and she’d seen the looks that passed between them. She might be old, but not so old she had forgotten what that look meant.

  She only hoped that if her suspicions were right, Nikki would be careful. Affection and attention were not things that had been abundant in Maxwell’s life. To have it for a short time only to lose it when Nikki’s job ended and her attention moved on to more interesting things, might do Maxwell far more harm than good.

  She would speak with Nikki about it at her first opportunity.

  “Nik! Hey! Nikki!”

  Nikki stopped and turned toward the voice. Ben jogged across the parking lot. “Hey, stranger!”

  Shifting her papers and books into one arm, she used the other to give him a hug. “I was just headed for your place.”

  “Yeah? What’s up?”

  “Actually, I wanted to ask a favor.”

  “Thesis?” He indicated the things in her arm.

  “Not exactly.”

  Ben pried a paper loose, looked at it, then at her. “’Not exactly’ is right. What gives?”

  “Just some independent research.”

  “On post traumatic stress disorder and Gulf War syndrome? This for you or your new project at the Weston estate?”

  “He’s not a project!” Nikki quickly turned to unlock her car. She put everything in the seat before turning to look at Ben again.

  He was regarding her with a knowing expression. “How about a cup of coffee? Or better yet a drink?”

  “Coffee. Wanda’s?”

  “Where else?” Ben grinned. “Meet you there in ten minutes.”

  As Ben jogged off, Nikki got in her car. She thought about how to ask Ben for the favor without saying too much about Max. Why was she so hesitant to discuss Max with Ben? Ben was her closest friend. He knew more about her than anyone.