by L C Hayden
“As you might suspect, it was my idea that Daniel donate a lot of money to help the struggling school for boys. Daniel always follows my advice, so he poured money into the sinking school. The personnel were so thankful, they changed the name of the school to carry his name. The school became an instant success, and Daniel continues to draw great publicity from that.”
“I like stories with happy endings.” Bronson glared at Durango. “But that doesn’t tell me how you met Lorraine.”
“She volunteered her time at the school. She taught music. I made it a point to meet all faculty and staff members, make sure they’d vote for Daniel.”
“How well did you know my sister?”
“Very well.” Durango stressed the word very.
Mike took a small step forward. “Enough to be her lover and be the father of her child?”
Durango rubbed his chin, then noticed Bronson was staring at him. He dropped his hand. “Mr. Bronson, why don’t you and I finish this conversation later on tonight? We can talk after most of the people have left. You never know who’s eavesdropping.” Durango picked up his plate, sat back down, and continued to eat.
Mike and Bronson walked away. Mike waited until Durango was out of hearing range. “What do you think?”
“I wouldn’t want to have him as my brother-in-law.”
Chapter 87
Bronson returned to the dining table, picked up another plate—he couldn’t remember what he did with the one he had before—and stared at the food. It all looked and smelled delicious, but truth be told, he didn’t feel hungry. He put the plate back on the stack.
“Since you’re not eating, what if we talk?” Mrs. Jenkins bit her lip and quickly glanced around the room. “My husband is very busy. He won’t notice that I’m gone.”
Jenkins stood among a group of men. He laughed with them and occasionally patted their backs.
“Daniel and his girlfriend have disappeared,” Mrs. Jenkins continued.
Bronson’s eyebrows arched. Daniel Jr. had a girlfriend? He made a mental note to ask him about her.
“And Willis is busy networking.”
Bronson s searched his mind’s file where he kept people’s names. Nothing clicked. “Willis?”
“Willis Durango, Daniel’s campaign manager.”
So he hadn’t lied this time.
“If we don’t talk now, I’m afraid I’ll lose my nerve. I’ve got to get this off my chest, and you need to know what I have to say.”
“Ellen is lettin’ Carol and me use the spare bedroom. We can talk there.” He turned and Mrs. Jenkins followed him.
He opened the door and closed it behind her. “Sorry. We don’t have any chairs here, but you can sit on the bed.”
“Thanks, I’d rather stand.” Mrs. Jenkins twisted the strands of her long blond hair around her index finger. “I’m not sure where to begin.”
Bronson also chose to remain standing. From where he stood, he could see the bathroom door closed almost all the way. Bronson always liked to have it open, but Carol always shut it. “Best place is always at the beginning.”
“That would be before Daniel and I got married.”
“Then begin there.”
“Daniel has always been a lady’s man.” She removed some imagined lint from her sleeves. “I was sure once we married, things would change, but they didn’t. They never do. He continued to have a string of affairs—one nighters, you could say. So when your sister came along, I thought it’d be the same.”
Bronson froze as his mind spun one question after the other. His sister and Jenkins. Not Durango, but Jenkins. “How long did this affair last?”
“It never ended. She loved him until the day she died.”
“And your husband?”
“He loved her too.” Mrs. Jenkins’ lips quivered and she looked away. “Don’t get me wrong. He loves me too, but never the way he loved Lorraine.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, why didn’t you divorce him?”
“A month after we got married, my father got very sick. He had some financial difficulties, and he let all of his insurance lapse. Daniel picked up the bills and provided him with the best care. And he never let me forget.”
“He’d pay all the bills as long as you two stayed married.”
She nodded.
“Why was it so important that you stay married?”
“Even back then, he had aspirations to be President. He craved a perfect image.” She paused and walked toward the window and looked out. Without turning around, she continued. “I too had my foolish pride. I dreamed of being the First Lady, and I knew I would one day. All I had to do was let her be the mistress. I convinced myself that was all right. She was the mistress, but I was the one who had him.”
Bronson sat hard on the bed. He felt a cold wash break out of his face and the vein in his forehead pulsate.
Mrs. Jenkins pivoted to face him. “Once he started the affair with Lorraine, he never again strayed. That, more than anything, really hurt me. He could be faithful to her, but not to me. Our sex life became almost nonexistent, and I hated your sister for that.”
Bronson massaged his forehead. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say.”
“You haven’t heard the worst.”
Bronson looked up at her.
“She got pregnant.”
Bronson forced himself to breath in and out through his mouth. He formed a fist and it shook. “What became of the baby?”
“He grew up to be a strong, young man. His name is Daniel Jenkins Jr.”
Bronson’s eyebrows furrowed. “But he told me he has pictures of you when you were pregnant with him.”
“What he has are pictures of me wearing a pillow.” She covered her eyes and for a minute Bronson thought she was going to cry. “I know I have taken my anger and resentment out against Daniel, and he’s really the only one who’s innocent. I owe him the truth.” She gnawed her lips. “What I’m about to tell you is going to end my husband’s and my dreams of living in the White House, but truthfully, neither of us deserve the honor.”
Bronson waited for Mrs. Jenkins to compose herself. He was afraid to move or ask anything. Even now she seemed reluctant to continue, afraid she had already said too much.
Mrs. Jenkins smiled, actually smiled. “Did you know Daniel will turn eighteen in three days?”
Bronson made another mental note. “No, I didn’t.”
“Originally, my husband and Lorraine agreed to tell him the truth when he reached legal age. But at this point, we’re so close to the White House, Daniel can taste it. He was sure he could convince Lorraine to wait until their son’s twenty-first birthday, but when he mentioned it, she refused. He promised her all sorts of things, including divorcing me and marrying her after he became President.”
“Would he have done that?”
“Of course not. She was a hooker. The First Lady certainly can’t be a former hooker.” Her frown twisted into an ugly grimace. “Did you know that’s how they met? When he was still just a lawyer, she was his Lady of the Night.” Mrs. Jenkins spat out the words as though they left a bad taste in her mouth. “For some reason, though, he fell hard for her. He did everything she wanted and thought she would return the favor by not revealing Daniel’s secret until he turned twenty-one. She would have nothing to do with keeping silent, even though she knew it would ruin my husband. He pleaded and pleaded with Lorraine, but she wouldn’t balk. Then he made a terrible mistake. He told Willis—that’s Durango.”
Bronson nodded but otherwise sat as stiff as a statue. “And?”
“And I heard them talking. They didn’t know I heard. Then Willis . . .” She wiped the tears away. “He suggested they get rid of Lorraine. Daniel went berserk, no way would he allow anyone to harm his precious Lorraine. But still she wouldn’t give in even though she knew it was going to ruin him. Why couldn’t Lorraine let him have that? Eventually, my husband . . . he . . . he told Willis . . . to go ahead.” She covered her
mouth, stifling a large sob.
The door to the bathroom opened and Daniel Jr. stepped out. His wide, tear-filled eyes searched the face of the woman he once had called Mother.
Chapter 88
Although Mike stood three inches shorter than Bronson, he was still big enough to cover most of the door frame leading into the dining room. He quickly scanned the area. Not finding what he was looking for, he moved on into the kitchen, opened the backdoor, and stepped out. He looked around. He returned inside, walked through the kitchen and dining room and into the living room.
He saw Durango pouring himself a cup of coffee, moving slightly so that Mike could no longer see him pour the cream and the sugar. Mike shifted his eyes away from him. He caught Ellen staring at him, a question mark stamped on her face.
Mike mouthed the word Bronson.
Ellen scanned the room and shrugged.
Mike turned and headed down the hallway. He saw the door to Bronson’s bedroom slowly open. Bronson stepped out and closed the door behind him.
Mike let out the air he’d been holding but immediately held his breath when he saw Bronson’s features. His stiff jaw and firm eyes told Mike something was wrong.
Terribly wrong. He approached Bronson.
“Where’s Durango?” Bronson spoke through clenched teeth.
“I saw him a few minutes ago out in the living room.”
Bronson nodded and brushed past Mike.
“Whoa.” Mike grabbed Bronson’s shoulder. “What’s going on?”
“That son of a bitch killed my sister. He’s the one who pulled the trigger.”
Mike thought that nothing in this business would ever surprise him. Yet, he still felt the air sucked out of him. He gasped. “How do you know that?”
Bronson indicated the bedroom. “Mrs. Jenkins confessed. She’s there with Daniel Jr.”
“Detective Randig and Trooper Cannady are here. I’ll go get them.”
It was Bronson’s turn to hold Mike back. “Not yet.”
“Why not?” Mike’s eyes narrowed. “What are you planning to do?”
“I only need three minutes at the most alone with Durango. I want to hear what he has to say. Then I want to beat the shit out of him.”
“That’s not a good idea.”
“Then get Randig and Cannady there, but not before I get the chance to throw at least one good punch.”
“Bronson, don’t.”
But Bronson ignored Mike. He turned and headed for the living room. Soon as he entered, he spotted Durango, sitting on the couch. Bronson caught his eye and signaled for him to join him outside. Durango’s twisted grin didn’t get past Bronson.
Durango picked up the cup of coffee he had prepared and headed outside. “I was just going to get you.” He led Bronson down the driveway and to his car, a black Mercedes. He clicked his key and unlocked the car. “We won’t be bothered if we’re inside my car.” Durango opened the car door for Bronson. “I know you like coffee and you probably have been too stressed to fix yourself a cup. So I took the liberty of pouring you a cup.” He handed the still steaming cup to Bronson. “Hope you like it.”
Bronson stared at the cup. Durango was right about that. He hadn’t drunk his coffee, and it did smell good. He reached for the cup.
Chapter 89
Wellington half-smiled at the chamber maid. “How long have you worked for me?”
“Twenty-four years, sir.”
Twenty-four years, and he couldn’t remember her name. He was sure that at one time he had known it. “You’ll find that my will takes very good care of you, and the butler, and the cook, and the chauffeur, and the downstairs maid.”
“Thank you, sir, but we aren’t expecting anything.”
“You should be. You and the rest of the staff have always been kind to me, even more so than my own daughter.”
“I’m sorry about Ms. Amanda, sir.”
“It’s my fault. Lorraine used to tell me that I spoiled her too much. As always, Lorraine was right.” A tear pearled in his eye. “Today is her funeral.”
“I’m sorry your health prevented you from going.”
“Don’t feel sorry for me. Lorraine is here with me. She’s ready to take me home.”
The chamber maid gasped. “Oh, sir, don’t say that.” She placed her opened hands on her chest like the heroine of a silent movie.
“Before I go, I need for you to promise me you’ll give Bronson the letter.”
“Of course, sir.” She patted her pant pocket. “I have it right here, and I will personally give it to him.”
“Thank you.” Wellington smiled and focused his gaze at the far end of the wall in his bedroom. “I’m ready. Take me home.” He closed his eyes and took his last breath.
*****
“If you don’t mind, I rather not get in the car,” Bronson leaned back on the Mercedes, brought the coffee cup up to his lips, and smelled it. “You don’t mind if we just stay out here, do you?”
“No, of course not. It’s just that we’d have more privacy inside the car.” Durango left the front door opened. “Is something wrong with your coffee? I noticed you’re not drinking it.”
“No, absolutely nothing wrong. I have a ritual I follow. I enjoy its aroma for several minutes before I enjoy its taste.” He brought it up to his nose and smelled it again. “Ahhh.” He lowered the cup. “You were going to tell me if you fathered Lorraine’s child.”
“Why is that so important to you?”
“Lorraine would have wanted me to follow up on that. Make sure her baby is well taken care of.”
Durango took a deep breath. “You’re right. Lorraine did get pregnant. This was shortly before she changed careers, from escort to nanny.”
“Why would Jenkins hire her with the history she had?”
Durango eyed Bronson’s coffee. Bronson once again brought it to his nose and smelled it.
“Jenkins knew Lorraine was my girlfriend. I told him Lorraine would be great for the job. He took my word for it, never checked her out. And as it turned out, she did a fantastic job. Even up to now, Jenkins doesn’t know about Lorraine’s past.”
“Where’s the baby?”
“Lorraine said she wasn’t worthy to raise a child. She wanted to cleanse herself and prove she could be a good person, but until then, she didn’t want anything to do with raising our child. I wanted to get married and raise our baby. Lorraine said, ‘No.’ She had an abortion. We were never the same after that. We still loved each other, but that special spark vanished.”
Bronson drew a deep slow breath. Durango told a pretty convincing story, but so had Mrs. Jenkins. He thought of Daniel Jr., so much like Lorraine but with Jenkins’ build and features. “Is there anythin’ you wouldn’t say or do to protect Jenkins?”
Durango eyed the still untouched coffee then looked into Bronson’s eyes of steel.
A loud crash resonated from inside Ellen’s house, followed by a woman’s piercing scream.
Durango bolted toward the house, Bronson close behind him.
Chapter 90
“My whole life has been nothing but a lie.” Daniel Jr. continued to stand by the bathroom door, glaring at the woman he had been led to believe was his Mother.
Mrs. Jenkins took a hesitant step toward him. “Daniel, I’m sorry. I didn’t want you to hear it like this. If I’d known you were in the bathroom—”
“Doesn’t matter, does it? It doesn’t change anything. Dad killed Nanny.” Daniel’s eyes widened as the words sank in. He placed his opened hand on his forehead. “He killed her.” He bolted toward the bedroom door, threw it open, and ran down the hallway.
Behind him, Mrs. Jenkins smiled.
*****
Daniel stood shaking in the entryway leading to the living room. The more he watched his father, the faster his breathing became. His lips trembled and his fists shook.
Jenkins Sr. stood among a group of people, laughing and talking with them.
Daniel took a baby step fo
rward and then another step until he found himself running toward his father. His hands formed fists and he held them in front of his chest, a prize fighter entering the arena.
Jenkins saw him coming and his eyebrows furrowed. He stepped around some people. “Excuse me.”
People cleared a path between the two.
“Son, what’s wrong?”
“You killed my mother.” He spat the words out, loud and clear.
Jenkins half-smiled, half frowned. “What are you talking about?” He pointed to the entry way where Mrs. Jenkins stood, her arms crossed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “She’s right there.”
“Not her. My real mother, Nanny, Lorraine Bronson.”
Jenkins gasped and bit his lip. He straightened up, puffing himself up like a proud peacock.
“It’s no use lying anymore,” Mrs. Jenkins said from the doorway. “Your little game is over. He knows the truth.”
Jenkins opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
“You killed my mother.” Daniel’s face contorted into an ugly grimace and continued his advance toward his father. “You killed her.” He pounded his father’s chest.
“Daniel, I didn’t. She—”
“You lie.” He threw him a punch that sent Jenkins crashing down to the floor.
Someone screamed.
Mike, Cannady, and Randig, who had been on their way out, turned to stop the fight.
The front door opened and Durango stepped in. In a matter of seconds, he assessed the situation and grabbed the woman nearest to him. As he did, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a revolver, and held it to the woman’s temple.
She screamed and panic broke out in the room. People scattered in all directions in an attempt to get away from Durango.
Randig and Cannady drew their weapons and pointed them at Durango. “Drop it. Now.” Randig’s authoritative voice clearly told Durango he was in control, not the other way around.
Bronson stepped in and Durango waved him away from him. “This is your fault. You wouldn’t let go until you found the truth. Now it’s too late for me. I ruined my life, but I want to set the record straight so no more lives are wasted. The congressman always trusted me and it’s time I earn that trust.”