Who Am I?

by Dooley, Lena Nelson

  Gerome came to stand beside her. “It’s almost over.” His arm slipped around her waist.

  She leaned against him. “I’m glad.”

  “How’s Herman?” He whispered the words into her ear, his breath warm on her cheek.

  “Not so good.”

  Gerome knocked on the office door. The doctor’s voice invited them in. When they entered, the doctor was leaning over her grandfather, who was lying on the couch.

  He looked up. “Can you help me? We need to get him to his bedroom.”

  Gerome pulled the leather office chair close to the couch. “Why don’t we put him in this and push it down the hall to his room? It’d be easier than trying to carry him and probably cause him less stress.”

  “Sounds like a good idea.” The doctor lifted Grandfather and put him in the chair while Gerome held it steady. The doctor led the way, Gerome pushed the chair, and Leiann followed.

  When they got out into the hallway, Prudence and the agents were no longer there. Leiann heard voices coming from behind the closed door of Prudence’s office.

  She waited outside the bedroom door while Gerome and the doctor got her grandfather settled in his bed. Gerome soon came outside.

  Once again, he pulled her into his arms and rested his chin on the top of her head. She relaxed against his chest. “Is Grandfather going to be okay?”

  “He has a good doctor.” Gerome’s words comforted her. “He knows all about Herman, and he told me not to worry.”

  Gerome leaned back from her, and she peered up at him. His tender smile reached her heart.

  The doctor opened the door. “He’s awake and he wants to talk to both of you. He won’t rest until you tell him what’s happening. I’ll stay until I’m sure he doesn’t need me anymore.”

  Leiann and Gerome walked toward the bed while the doctor sat in one of the rockers across the room. Grandfather rested against fluffy pillows on a king-sized bed. A smile lit his face. She didn’t know what the doctor had done, but her grandfather looked better than he did when she last saw him. Color had returned to his cheeks, and a light sparked in his piercing eyes.

  Grandfather took her hand with a healthy grip. “So, when are you two going to tell me what’s going on?”

  Gerome pulled a chair close to the bed for Leiann.

  She sat in it, never letting go of Grandfather’s hand. “Eric and I didn’t go to Cape Cod.” Her grandfather raised a questioning brow. She glanced at the doctor. “Is he okay to hear all this?”

  When the man nodded, she continued. “He took me to your hunting lodge in Maine.”

  Her grandfather frowned. “Why would he do that?”

  “It’s a long story.” She fisted the hand lying in her lap.

  “Maybe I should tell it from the beginning.” Gerome stood behind her with his strong hands resting on her shoulders. “Herman, I came here because I had information that led me to believe someone was embezzling money from you, maybe a lot of money over a long period of time.”

  Her grandfather tried to rise.

  “Just relax and let them talk,” the doctor advised.

  Leiann was glad Grandfather listened to him.

  ❧

  Gerome shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “I work for a global security firm. That’s how I came across the information.”

  Herman took Gerome’s hand. “I’m sorry I misjudged you so long. I’m proud of you, Jerry.”

  A lump formed in Gerome’s throat. “Thank you, sir.” He told Herman what he’d found and why he came to the estate.

  Herman chuckled. “So you didn’t need the charitable job I gave you.”

  “Sure I did, but not for the money.” Gerome was glad to see some animation return to his stepfather. “Then the attempts on Leiann’s life started.”

  “Attempts? I only knew about the car. What else happened?” With every word, strength seemed to pour into him.

  “She fell from the lookout tower after the steps were tampered with.”

  Herman stared into Gerome’s eyes. “Anything else?”

  “Not that I know of.”

  “Yes.”

  Gerome’s and Leiann’s differing answers came at the same time.

  “What do you mean?” Gerome’s heartbeat accelerated, and not just because she was near.

  “Someone came into my room from the balcony night before last and tried to smother me with a pillow.” Leiann looked from one man to the other. “That’s why Eric was able to talk me into going to Cape Cod. The person wore the same kind of jeans and T-shirt Gerome had on that day. Eric convinced me Gerome had sabotaged the tower, too.” She turned to look up at Gerome. “I don’t know how I could have believed that about you.”

  He didn’t want to add to her stress, so he nodded at her. Then he explained to Herman everything that went on after he arrived at the estate a few weeks ago. Gerome knew the Old Man wouldn’t rest easy until he knew all the details, and he wasn’t wrong about that. Herman asked penetrating questions.

  ❧

  Gerome, Grandfather, and the doctor sent Leiann upstairs to get some rest. She shed her clothes and stepped into the shower. Steamy water poured over her skin until she felt more than the dirt float down the drain. Could this be a new beginning for her? She hoped so.

  After the shower, Leiann slipped into her robe. Charity soon arrived with a teapot and finger sandwiches. She set the tray on the table and poured some tea for Leiann.

  “Thank you.” She took the cup from her maid and friend. She inhaled the spicy steam curling from the dark liquid.

  As usual, Charity brought an extra cup and sat with her. Curiosity danced in her eyes, but she didn’t voice any questions. Leiann was glad. She wasn’t ready to talk about what had happened. Of course, the whole household would find out eventually, but not today. Not from her.

  Leiann asked Charity what she did on her last day off. The girl chattered on about her afternoon at the beach. Leiann relaxed, enjoying the light tale.

  After her maid left to take the dishes back to the kitchen, Leiann lay down. Though her body felt weighted from all that had transpired, her thoughts took wing, flitting through the events of the last few days.

  Restless, she got up and stood at the window, looking toward the mountainous terrain across the gardens. Even in the twilight, the variegated shades of green interspersed with colorful flowers proved to be a balm to her spirit. Finally, she slipped into bed and enjoyed dreamless sleep.

  After dressing the next morning, Leiann once again stood looking out over the gardens. July was almost here, and by the middle of the month, she’d be returning to Texas. Part of her wanted to go back home, but another part didn’t want to leave Massachusetts. . .or her grandfather.

  Did a tall man with muscular shoulders and arms play into that feeling? But wouldn’t he be going back to his high-powered job?

  Her cell phone’s ringing snagged Leiann’s attention. But where was the sound coming from? Over near the bed. She rushed toward it, then homed in on the nightstand. After pulling the drawer open, she grabbed her phone before it could go to voice mail. She glanced at the screen as she flicked it open.

  “Arlene, I’ve been wanting to talk to you.” Leiann pushed a strand of hair behind her other ear and sat on the side of the bed.

  “I tried to call you all day yesterday. Where were you?” Leiann could imagine the worry wrinkles in her friend’s forehead.

  “A lot has happened.”

  “It has here, too.”

  Leiann wondered what Arlene meant.

  “Our contracts for next school year came in the mail. Mr. Malone told me you could wait until you return home to sign yours.”

  “That’s good. I don’t need another thing to think about right now.”

  The phone was silent for a moment before Arlene asked, “So, what happened yesterday?”

  “You won’t believe it when I tell you. It was like something out of a movie.” Leiann chuckled and glanced into the o
pen drawer. Her debit card had been under her phone. She guessed that Prudence must have slipped them out of her purse while Leiann was packing her bag. She picked it up and put it in her purse while she continued talking.

  Leiann explained the previous day’s adventure in great detail, and Arlene interrupted often with squeals and questions.

  After the two friends finished their call, Leiann walked out onto the balcony. She leaned her arms on the railing and let peace settle in her spirit. How could she leave so soon after realizing how much she loved her grandfather and wanted to get to know him better? In spite of their ulterior motives, Prudence and Eric had been company for Grandfather, and Prudence had helped him run his business. Now that they were in custody, and once Gerome went back to his company, Grandfather would be alone in this huge mansion—except for the servants who lived in the cottages behind the house.

  Leiann could always come back and visit him, maybe every summer. But was that enough? What if he collapsed at night? With no one living there, he might die before someone discovered him. How could she leave him alone?

  A soft knock sounded on the door. Leiann crossed the room to open it. Charity stood on the other side. “Your grandfather wants to talk to you. If you aren’t up to it, I can tell him you’re resting.”

  “I’ll be right down.” Leiann went into the bathroom to comb her hair, spritz on her favorite light fragrance, and put on some lip gloss before heading downstairs.

  Gerome waited at the bottom of the steps. “He sent for me, too.”

  Instead of the usual jeans and T-shirt, he wore a tan oxford shirt and brown dress slacks. The clothes set off his wavy black hair and brought out the chocolate brown of his eyes. He looked like a different man from the one she’d come to know. Somehow even more mysterious and enticing.

  Something of what she was feeling must have shown in her expression because he leaned toward her and whispered, “It’s still me, Leiann. The clothes don’t make the man. He defines the clothes.”

  Oh, he did that all right. She took a deep breath, trying to still her racing pulse. All the things she had liked about him intensified.

  ❧

  Gerome and Leiann started down the hall toward Herman’s bedroom. The floral scent that engulfed Leiann wound its tendrils around his head. And his heart. How could he consider walking away from this woman?

  As they started past the open doorway to Herman’s office, his voice stopped them. “I’m in here.”

  Gerome placed his hand on the small of her back and followed her inside. His stepfather, sitting in his chair behind the imposing desk, looked fully recovered. Good.

  Herman gestured toward the chairs in front of the desk, and Leiann took one of them. Gerome dropped into the other.

  The Old Man leaned his elbows on the desk and steepled his fingers. “I’ve been thinking about some things. With Prudence gone, I need an administrative assistant.” His gaze turned toward Leiann. “Would you consider coming to work for me?”

  Her eyes widened, but she didn’t say anything.

  “I know you’re a successful teacher in Texas, and I’ll understand if you turn me down. But I’d love to have you close by so we can get to know each other better.”

  She nodded. “I’d like that. But I don’t know anything about your business.”

  Herman gazed at Leiann. “Evidently, Jerry knows a lot about my business. I’ve been in contact with his boss, checking him out.” He glanced at Gerome. “I hope you don’t mind, but you did keep tabs on me and my business, and I’m glad.”

  Gerome squirmed in the chair. He wasn’t sure where this conversation was going.

  “Your boss gave you a glowing endorsement, Jerry.” Herman clasped his hands loosely on the large blotter on his desk. “I’d like you to come to work for me, too. Together the three of us could straighten out this mess Prudence made.”

  A comfortable silence settled over the room. Leiann stood and walked to the French doors, where she stared out across the terrace.

  Gerome stood and smiled at his stepfather. “I’d like a little time to think about this.”

  This could be the answer he had been seeking. A way to help Herman and pursue a relationship with Leiann.

  Sixteen

  Gerome stood in the main room of the cottage, considering Herman’s offer. The Old Man had told him and Leiann that they could take some time before giving him their answers. Of course, he’d have to hire someone else pretty quickly if they didn’t accept.

  Greg had headed back home by helicopter shortly after the confrontation at the mansion. Gerome wished his best friend were here to brainstorm with. Of course he could link up with him over the secure satellite phone, but face-to-face worked better.

  When he thought about how good he was at his job, he felt pulled toward Ozbourne Global Security. But what was his heart telling him? And could he trust that?

  Gerome loved Herman Johnson. And with minimal encouragement from Leiann, he could see himself married to her. He’d already fallen in love with her, and when she was in mortal danger, that love had intensified, consuming him. Of course, there was still the question of her not going to church. He’d pray that would work out, too.

  He rubbed the knotted muscles in the back of his neck. A massage would feel good right now. Where was his trainer when he needed him? Not in Massachusetts, that’s for sure.

  His cell phone vibrated against his waist. He flipped it open. Greg. He held the phone up to his ear. “What do you want, buddy?”

  “How are things there?”

  “Prudence’s screech brought on a spell with Herman’s heart.”

  “Is he all right?”

  “Yeah.” Gerome went to the window and gazed toward the big house.

  “How are you and Leiann?”

  Trust his best friend to zero in on that subject. “She’s fine.” Gerome’s comment met with a pause.

  “So, what gives with the two of you? Anyone within a hundred yards could feel the sizzle.”

  Gerome snorted. “Your imagination is running away with you.”

  “I don’t think so.” Greg laughed. “Look, I’ve got to go. Lots to do, as usual. When do you think you’ll be coming back?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve got some. . .loose ends to tie up.”

  “Okay, but I hope you make a decision soon. I could use your help.”

  Gerome flipped the phone closed and holstered it.

  Greg had made an interesting observation. The only thing Gerome could do was pray.

  ❧

  Leiann stood in the walk-in closet of her bedroom. She’d paced the floor for more than an hour, mulling over her grandfather’s offer. Acceptance would mean a complete change in her life. These few weeks had been a pleasant interlude, but would she like living here permanently?

  The chance to really get to know her grandfather—and more about her father—enticed her. But she was a good teacher, and she loved her students. And if she moved, she’d miss her friends, especially Arlene. Of course, cell phones made it affordable to talk often, and they could get together. She could fly to Texas, and maybe Arlene could fly to Massachusetts at least once a year.

  Lord, I need Your direction now more than ever. She spent most of the day sequestered in her room, seeking God’s answer.

  Leiann needed to give Grandfather an answer tonight.

  He’d asked Gerome and her to dress for dinner. Leiann looked through the clothes she’d bought the day she and Gerome spent at the mall. She held a lime green bolero against her chest. He had told her it brought out the green in her eyes. And it complemented the brown silk sundress with tiny white flowers and leaves the same shade as the matching short-sleeved jacket.

  As she started down the staircase, her stomach fluttered. Her decision was made. Lord, I need Your strength to go through with this.

  ❧

  Gerome reached the dining room before Leiann. He took the chair across from where she would sit. The table was set in readiness for a feast
, and enticing smells came from the kitchen. When she stood in the doorway, his breath caught in his throat. She wore that dress they’d found at the mall. He remembered the fun they’d had there, even if he did complain about carrying all those packages. Looking at her now made it all worthwhile.

  She’d swept her hair up and fastened it with a sparkly clip, but curly tendrils rested against the slender column of her neck. For a moment, Gerome had a vision of pushing them aside and replacing them with his lips. The palms of his hands turned clammy, and he rubbed them down the legs of his chinos before rising. He hurried around the table to pull out her chair.

  Leiann floated across the carpet and sank against the tapestry seat. She looked up at him. “Thank you.”

  Gerome nodded and returned to his chair. “You look lovely.”

  A blush stole across her cheeks, intensifying her beauty. “You look pretty good yourself.” A nervous laugh punctuated her sentence.

  Gerome straightened his tie, then bracketed the plate with his elbows, something his mother would have abhorred, and leaned toward Leiann. “We’re the same people who bought a new car together, went to the mall, shopped for garden plants, and went through an FBI raid together. Just remember that.”

  With a sigh, she relaxed. “You’re right.”

  Herman came into the room, and the atmosphere lifted. “Here are my two favorite people.” He strode across the floor as if nothing had happened to him.

  The moment he took his seat, Charity entered, followed by Mary, another maid. The two young women placed steaming bowls of creamy soup in front of each of the diners. Gerome loved Mrs. Shields’s lobster bisque. This was beginning to feel like a party.

  “Gerome.” Herman held out a hand to each of them. “Would you bless the meal for us?”

  After expressing his thanks to God, Gerome raised his head and caught Leiann looking at him. She quickly turned her attention to her grandfather, who released their hands.