Billionaire’s
Retreat Book – 1
Titillating
Romance
Murder Mystery
Suspense Thriller
Rare Jewels Publishing Company
Also by Eddie Johnson:
Love’s Wicked Game
Reaching For Celestial Heights
The author prohibits any reproduction of this book without his authorization. Brief excerpts are permitted for reviews and articles. Any real life individual resemblances are purely coincidental. Situational dialogue and character interactions are products of the author’s imagination.
First Printing 2012
Copyright © 2012
Eddie Johnson
www.RareJewelsPublishing.com
Chapter 1
Sarah Giltry grew up as the eldest child in a military family. Her father was Marine Sergeant Thomas Giltry, a retired Vietnam War officer. Sarah an intelligently bright child finished at the top of her high school class. Amanda her only sibling was evenly gifted. Their mother Serena was a typical military wife. She worked as a substitute teacher, a perfect job for someone with a family which moved frequently.
Fast forward, at thirty years of age, Sarah Giltry was a successful interior designer in the Los Angeles area.
On a dreary day in December, upon boarding a flight departing the Dallas/Fort Worth area, she introduced herself to the elderly woman seated to her right. “Hi, I am Sarah Giltry.”
“It is nice to meet you, Sarah. You can call me Bridget. My full name is Bridgettia Theodora Titanimum.”
“It’s my pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
The flight continued for about 20 minutes before silence was broken between the two. Bridget said, “I’m on my way home to Los Angeles.”
“What a coincidence I’m also returning to the City of Angels.”
“One of the perks of being wealthy and retired is that you get to travel often.”
“That’s nice. Most of my travel is work related.”
“What’s your profession, darling?”
Sarah responded, “I’m an interior designer.”
“My husband and I could possibly make use of your expertise. We’re currently looking for an interior designer. I would like to hear about one of your new or current projects.”
“While in Dallas, I made a pitch for a minority subcontracting position with Brisband Construction. The company is hoping to win approval to refurbish several city government buildings.”
“Your work must take up a lot of your time. Your husband has to be quite forgiving of your lack of attention towards him.”
“Well Bridget he was that type of man. He understood that my work made me happy.”
“Where did you meet?”
“We met while I was attending Texas Mechanical & Industrial University, off campus, at a friend’s wedding reception. We dated almost a year before tying the knot.”
Sarah suddenly became quiet. Bridget noticed a distant look in her eyes. “Are you okay?”
“No.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I was just thinking about my husband. After retiring from the fire department in Dallas, he has been missing for about six months. He left a cell phone message saying he would be going out to have a drink with a friend. Those were the last words I recall him uttering. My husband’s name is Jared Jones.”
“That really saddens me. I’m sorry your husband is missing.”
“I keep hoping he is still alive. The pain resulting from him no longer being around has been devastating, to say the least.
After a brief silence the conversation changed back to Sarah’s interior designing.
“My husband Woodrow and I recently purchased a large colonial castle style structure with 86 rooms. It has a large dining and banquet hall to entertain guest. We have been looking for someone to refurbish it. Our plans are to lease it to small companies and organizations looking for a social or corporate getaway. So far we have interviewed one interior designer and are looking to interview at least two more.”
“I would be delighted to have the opportunity to make over your castle.”
They exchanged business cards.
Sarah said, “I will contact you to arrange for us to meet at your earliest convenience.”
“You seem really young to have been married to someone who retired from a fire department.”
“My husband was 54 years old.”
“You can’t be anywhere near 54 years of age. You look like someone in her mid twenties.”
“You’re almost right. I turned 30 years old the first of last month. We had only been married for four years. He used to tell me that I made him feel young again. His words often were, ‘you gave me back my youth’.”
“I can imagine you probably lit a fuse in him that had long since burned out.” They laughed.
Chapter 2
Sarah spent a week in Dallas during the Christmas holiday season. When she first arrived, she called her best friend Lucinda Stallings. “Hello Lucinda. I’m here in Dallas. This morning, I checked into a lavish downtown high rise apartment. Brisband Construction is footing the bill.”
“That’s great Sarah.”
“This Tuesday, they will make a pitch geared towards winning a bid for a governmental building renovations project. My company has been selected as a subcontractor pending them getting the nod.”
“It’s wonderful that your business is flourishing. How is my friend?”
“I’m fine.”
“How is David?”
“He appears fine when I’m not threatening to divorce his ass. The longer we’re married it seems the more I cannot stand his presence.”
“That doesn’t sound right.”
“Well Sarah, I think we should go out and celebrate since you’re in town. I am going to whip up some food for David and leave him a note that I’m out with you.”
Lucinda arrived at the lavish quarters where Sarah was awaiting. They decided to go to Zola’s Dance Emporium, a newly established adult bar and dance club.
They talked, drank, and danced late into the night while turning down offers from over a half dozen males.
The next day Sarah dropped in on Harry. His construction company occupied the top floor suites in a nearby office tower. They discussed her verbal presentation along with visual aides that would be used to depict her plans for the project.
After their meeting, they joined other top level managers for a power lunch. She found out a celebratory ball would take place mid February. They felt confident that they would be awarded the contract.
Sarah said, “I will try to keep my calendar free. I would love to fly back to share in the celebration.”
The next night, Sarah had just disrobed to get ready for bed when she heard a knock. Grabbing a robe, she answered the door after hearing David asking to come in for a brief stay.
“What are you doing here David Stallings? I never liked you dropping in even when my husband was still around. You were always flirting with me even in his presence. I still do not trust you. You need to go home to your wife. Does Lucinda know that you’re here?”
“Sarah, I only stopped by because Lucinda told me that you’re in town. She said you hung out with her at Zola’s. I only want to know how you’re faring without Jared. I still miss him. We were always so close. You are one of the few connections I still have to that part of my life.”
“David, you can come in for a little while. However, you will have to promise me that you won’t take this visit the wrong way.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m referring to how you look at me. You look at me as if you would like for us to become romantically involved.”
“Sarah. That is crazy. I admire your beauty. However, I could never betray the trust of my best friend.”
“Would you like a drink? When you knocked, I was getting ready for a nightcap.”
“I’ll have what ever you’re having.”
He sat at the dining room table. Sarah returned with the drinks. They reminisced about the retirement party that Jared had a few weeks prior to his disappearance. David asked, “Did the police ever check out the lead on the firefighter that fought with Jared? The two of them could never stand each other at work. Then he showed up at Jared’s party uninvited. After getting loaded on booze, he started disrespecting you. Jared told him to lay off his wife. However, he did not listen. He grabbed hold of your arms trying to force you to dance with him. The next thing I knew Jared had sucker punched him in the face. The two then became embroiled in a slugfest. I remember guest escorting the party crasher to the door after pulling them apart. He advised Jared before exiting that this was not over.”
“Well David, the police weren’t able to find any evidence to tie him to Jared’s disappearance.”
“What was his name?”
“If I remember correctly his name was Dennis Summerfield. Jared always referred to him as a jerk.”
“Sarah, it’s getting late. I am going to be leaving. Can I get a nice friendly hug?”
She stepped towards David. They held each other close.
“Goodnight Sarah.”
“Goodnight.”
Prior to Jared going missing, Sarah had been negotiating a lease to move her company to Los Angeles. She wanted to be closer to her main clientele. For an extended amount of time, she had been traveling between her Los Angeles condominium and their home in Dallas. Since Jared had retired, there wasn’t any reason why they shouldn’t move. She made the move after his disappearance and sold the house in Dallas.
The next morning it was time for the City Council meeting. Brisband Construction made a pitch as planned including Sarah’s interior designed component. The council would select the winning bid the first Tuesday of February after considering their proposal along with two others.
In the afternoon, Sarah participated in a live television newscast focusing on her quest to find her husband.
The news anchor stated, “Your husband has been missing for over six months. How are you coping in his absence?”
Fighting back tears Sarah responded, “It has been hard. No one can imagine the mental anguish I have endured since he has been gone. I wish someone would step forward with information.”
“Tell us about the reward you are offering. We will display his picture as you provide the details.”
“I have set up an award of $250,000.00 for anyone who can provide the whereabouts of my husband, Jared Jones. Please, take a close look at this photograph. If you have the information needed to find him, contact any of the local law enforcement agencies.”
Saturday morning, Sarah packed and by early afternoon was at the airport awaiting her flight back to Los Angeles.
Chapter 3
Sarah’s business partner Chris put together photographs to use in their proposal to the Titanimums. Chris would eventually legally change his name to Kristy after undergoing a sex change operation.
Saturday morning, Sarah phoned Chris, “I’m leaving home. I will be over to pick you up in about ten minutes. Please be ready so we can be on time to our meeting.”
At the marina, the butler invited them aboard the yacht. “Hi, I am Sarah Giltry and this is my business partner Chris Kane.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Giltry and Sir Chris. I am Gregory.”
Sarah said, “We are here to meet with Mr. and Mrs. Titanimum about remolding their castle.”
“Come in and have a seat. I’ll let them know you’re here.”
Gregory returned after a brief moment. “They will see you now.” As the yacht pulled away from the shore, he further stated, “Best of luck in your meeting.”
Once in the study, Bridget and Woodrow greeted Sarah and Chris with a friendly embrace as they exchanged pleasantries. After everyone was seated, Sarah began her presentation. She gave a brief history of the company and showed photographs of their makeovers of several mansions. “I have access to some of the best skilled craftsmen in the area. They would compliment me in providing you the quality result that you would be proud in presenting to your guest. I will make sure every dollar you spend will be put to good use.”
When the meeting concluded Woodrow said, “Dinner should be ready soon. If you’d like to freshen up or to be alone for a moment there is a guest cabin down the hall.”
In the guest cabin, Sarah and Chris felt confident that they would be selected to do the job. Gregory knocked on the door. He provided them with glasses and a pale with a bottle of champagne chilling on ice. Sarah said, “I am going to be the next Mrs. Titanimum. That is my bet. Would you like to take me up on my bet?”
“Sure. The bet will be for five grand of your fee that you will receive from this job. However, I’m a little confused.”
“Why would you be confused?”
“I thought you loved your husband.”
“I do love Jared. I was joking. Each day, I hold out hope, somehow, he will return.”
“Let us do a toast.” They raised their goblets.
“This is for life and our continued professional relationship.”
Gregory returned about a half hour later. He escorted them to the dining area. Sarah complimented them on the food. Woodrow bragged about his personal chef.
Chapter 4
In February, Sarah received a phone call from Harry. “It’s nice of you to call Mr. Brisband.”
“I have good news Sarah; we have been awarded the contract. The City Council came through for us with the ethnic minority member voting in our favor to give us the nod. Our celebration is planned for the second Saturday in this month.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for anything. I will finish making my flight plans. You can count on me. Harry, I will be there.”
The Friday before the ball Sarah cut out of the office early and boarded her flight. In Dallas, she picked up a rental car at the airport. Harry had arranged for her to stay at a prestigious downtown hotel. She would stay until Sunday afternoon.
Saturday, she dropped in on Lucinda at home.
“Sarah. What a surprise. You didn’t tell me that you were going to be in town.”
“No, I wanted it to be a surprise.”
“Come on in.”
“I really love those roses.”
“David gave them to me for Valentines Day.”
“Maybe one day I’ll find love again. Are you going to be available tonight? The reason I ask is that Mr. Brisband is throwing a party. I want to take you along.”
“I had planned on going to the movies with David tonight. I will let him know that we will have to reschedule the movie to another day.”
“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to stir up any friction in your marriage.”
“Honey, don’t you worry. I’ll deal with David. What are we celebrating?”
“We are celebrating my part of a mega multi million dollar city renovation project.”
After Sarah left, David awoke. He had fallen asleep in the den. He entered the kitchen while yawning. Lucinda was putting together a snack.
“David I hope you don’t mind. Sarah is in town and has invited me to a party.”
“That’s find I was contemplating the idea of hanging out with the boys at Jake’s house. He wants to show off his new 60” television. We’ll be watching tonight’s NBA All-Star Weekend Basketball telecast. We can always go to the movies some other time.”
Later that evening, Sarah arrived to pick up Lucinda. She was dressed in a black evening gown trimmed in gold with a split which went up to the midway point of her right thigh. David invited her in since Lucinda was still getting dressed.
Sarah said, “I’ll be sure to get your girl back home before mor
ning.”
“Do you really want to get started with me?”
“Cool it David. I was joshing.”
“I know. If you are not teasing then you are trying to cause trouble.”
“I don’t want to cause trouble. Why would I ever want to cause trouble?”
Lucinda walked out as Sarah completed her statement.
“Am I interrupting something?”
“No baby, your friend is threatening to keep you out all night.”
“You don’t have anything to worry about David. Are you ready to go Sarah?”
“I’m ready.”
At Jake’s party, the guys ribbed David when they found out from him that Lucinda was attending an upscale event at a downtown ballroom.
Jake said, “She might find a man with four times your money and you’ll be damn out of luck.”
“We have invested too much in our marriage. I don’t have any reason to believe that she would be unfaithful.”
At the ball, Sarah and Lucinda were approached by two men.
“Would you ladies mind if we join you?”
“Sure Terrell that would be fine.”
Terrell sat beside Sarah while his friend sat next to Lucinda.
He introduced himself, “Hi. I am Vincent James. And you are?”
“I am Lucinda Stallings. And I am very much so married.”
“I hear you lady. I noticed the emphasis that you put on being married.”
They talked and drank. A nice romantic song started playing and Terrell asked Sarah to dance. While they danced, Vincent tried to make a play for Lucinda. He tried to put an arm around her shoulders but she pulled away.
“If you want to keep sitting there then you are going to have to behave yourself!”
Sarah and Terrell returned to the table. While they were having dinner, they noticed Lucinda removing her earrings. Sarah commented, “I know you are not disrobing.”
Lucinda clasped them in a closed fist and then laid them on the table beside her plate. “I know you are not serious. If you must know, I removed my earrings because they were hurting my ears.”
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