Diamond in the Rough (Precious Gems) (4 page)

“Did he not realize the predicament I was in? 
My mother passes away and left my younger brother for me to raise.  I was destitute and alone.  If there had ever been a time a girl needed her father, I think that was it.  I stood by myself during her burial and watched as they lowered her body into the ground.  There was no one there for me to lean on or talk to.  I would never have asked him for anything except his support and love.  But, it makes no sense that my mom would ask him to stay away.  What motive could she have had?”   

“We never knew you had a brother.  How old was he?” Maria asked. 

“He was eleven when she passed.  After about six months, I realized I could not take care of him myself so I sent him to live with my mother’s best friend.  It was a hard decision but I did not know how to be a mom, big sister and care giver all at the same time.  She eventually adopted him and raised him as her own,” Cheyenne said. 

“Are you still in contact with your brother?” Maria asked. 

“Yes, I speak to Matthew often.  He has been in the Marine Corps for a while now and is stationed at Camp LeJeune.  My little brother has really turned out well,” Cheyenne said as she started to nestle into the comfortable bed.  Maria took that as a signal to let Cheyenne rest. 

“I can only tell you what your father relayed to me.  Apparently your mom asked him to stay away to protect you.
  Charles had enemies earlier in his career and neither one of them wanted any of that to affect you.”  Maria paused for a breath and Cheyenne noticed how haggard the older woman looked.  Her eyes were downcast and Cheyenne could see a hint of sadness in her wrinkled eyes. 

“I will see you in the morning,” said Maria as she turned out the lights and pulled the door shut. 
Cheyenne lay there quietly for a while.  She had never had the best mother and could believe that she had asked her father to stay away.   Now with both of her parents gone, she knew that she would never know the answer to that question.  It would burn her for years to come but she would have to live with the fact that there would always be questions unanswered. 

Part of her wanted so badly to believe what Maria had said and another part of her couldn’t.  She mulled everything over in he
r mind until she couldn’t think clearly.  Many things that Maria had said throughout the evening had raised red flags for Cheyenne.  The first comment that had sparked interest was Maria saying that she would know her face anywhere.  Cheyenne assumed that her father had never seen her.  If that was the case, then how would Maria have known what she looked like? That, coupled with the fact that Maria looked so familiar gave Cheyenne pause. 

Also, what had Maria meant when she stated that “they” didn’t know that she had a brother?  Who was “they” and why would they have cared about Matthew?  Cheyenne thought it odd
of herself to nitpick this woman and point out her discrepancies but she also knew that her stress level was high. 

But, for all the mystery surrounding Maria and her odd comments, there was a bright point of the afternoon.  Detective Brian Russell
definitely piqued her interest.  Cheyenne was not looking for a relationship and had not been with a man in years but he was someone who could make a nun think twice about her vows.  As she drifted off to sleep she hoped tomorrow would be a new day.

Chapter Four

Cheyenne opened her eyes just before six the next morning.  Already smelling coffee and waffles wafting up the stairs, she slipped in the robe that had been laid out on the dressing chair and walked downstairs.  Her surrounding made her feel like a princess and she enjoyed the comfort of her room, even if it was temporary.  Walking down the stairs, she thought back to her favorite book, Gone With the Wind.  She imagined herself being Scarlet O’Hara, descending down the large staircase and walking into the arms of Rhett Butler.  Of course, Rhett was Detective Russell in her daydream.  Her daydream was interrupted by Maria.

“Good morning, Cheyenne,” Maria chirped, as she continued pouring coffee. 

“I am going to look around while you finish breakfast, if that is okay,” Cheyenne stated.  Maria simply nodded her head. 

Walking into the living room, she noticed the simplicity of the furniture.  It was all more than comfortable, but did not look exceptionally high end.  The large bay windows let in the perfect amount of light to complement the sparse artwork that hung on the log walls. 
However, everything was immaculately kept and extremely clean and looked as though it had jumped right off the pages of Modern Woodsman magazine.  The handcrafting was exceptional but was still simple and unimposing.  Cheyenne took a mental note that there were no photographs displayed anywhere in the house.  The theme of the living room carried through the entire downstairs as far as she could see. This was not just a house, it was a home.  It was obvious that every detail had been thought out.

“Breakfast is ready,” Maria called from the kitchen.

Cheyenne loved exploring but knew that the rest would have to wait for later as the coffee and waffles were too much to resist.

After breakfast Cheyenne went back upstairs to get dressed for the will reading
.  Not knowing how to dress, she threw on casual clothing from her unpacked bag and tried to do something with her hair.  Since childhood, her hair had been a source of embarrassment for her.  Always overly curly, it seemed to have a mind of its own.  She decided to pull it into a simply pony tail and went back down stairs. 

The first to arrive was Ed Crowley.  Maria met him at the door and exchanged a knowing glance with him before introducing him to Cheyenne. 

“Well, I’m glad I have finally had the chance to meet you,” he said as he pulled her to him into a big bear hug.  Ed was a short, well dressed man with a pleasant demeanor.   The fact that he was soft spoken and outgoing were two qualities Cheyenne noticed right away about him.  He was the type of man she could fondly adopt as an uncle, although he was of no relation.  Cheyenne quickly realized that for the first time since arriving, she had let her guard down but one thing bothered her. 

“How long have you known about me, Mr. Crowley?” Cheyenne asked, immediately regretting the question.  “I only ask because I get the distinct feeling that you and Maria both knew about me.” 

“You are right.  We have known about you for years.  We were the only two who knew about you though.  Charles was proud of the young woman you turned into and never missed an opportunity to brag.  ” Ed replied with a hint of pride in his voice.  The pride confused Cheyenne. 

“Cheyenne, your father has been watching over you for most of your life.  After your mother passed he held back but before then, he was watching.  “He used to send Maria in to buy flowers from you while you worked at the floral shop
after she passed.”  Alarm spread through his face as he realized his slip.

“Ed, why don’t we let Cheyenne rest while we wait on Jason?” Maria hissed as she guided Cheyenne to a nearby chair.  Cheyenne shrugged the older woman off and stepped back to Ed. 

“What do you mean, he sent Maria in to buy flowers?”  Cheyenne demanded with her hands on her hips.  “Had he ever seen me for himself?” She demanded with her hand on her hip.

“We should probably save this discussion for a more appropriate time.” The elderly gentleman implored as he walked off in the direction of the kitchen.

Cheyenne decided to let it go for now, but wondered why Maria had not mentioned last night that she had been sent to look in on Cheyenne from time to time.

  As nine o’clock came and went there was still no sign of Jason Turner. 

“It’s
just like him to be late. He has no respect,” claimed Maria.  This was the first clue Cheyenne had heard that Maria disliked Jason.  By nine-forty five Ed Crowley began to grumble about Jason’s absence.  Finally, at ten, a vehicle blasting loud music swung into the drive.  Cheyenne watched as the driver pulled his Mercedes onto the manicured grass and stepped from the car.  Jason was late for the will reading but Cheyenne could tell from his body language that he knew they would not start without him.  He sauntered into the living room.  Maria gave him a disgusted look as he passed her.  It was now more evident than ever that she did not care for him, even hated him at times.  No part of him seemed to care about her feelings one way or the other.   His eyes settled on Cheyenne sitting in the corner.  He looked her up and down and finally tipped his hat to her. She was not impressed with his bravado. 

“I’m Jason Turner,” he announced to her. 

Cheyenne took his presence in.  He was a handsome man but his demeanor was a turn off.  She could tell that this man was full of himself in the worst way possible. 

“I’m Cheyenne,” she stated
flatly with down cast eyes.  Before Jason could continue, Ed Crowley cleared his throat in an attempt to acquire everyone’s attention. 

“I would like to start out by saying that this is a very somber task for me.  My dearest friend has had his life stolen and we are here to witness his last will and testament.  Charles recorded his will by video and I would like to play that for you now.” 

The lights were turned out and a television screen above the fireplace came on.  Suddenly, Cheyenne came face to face with her father.  He appeared bigger than life, just as she had always thought that he would.  They looked similar and even had the same color eyes.  She would like to have thought that she would have recognized him had she ever passed him on the street.

“This is my last will
and testament,” his voice echoed through the large office.  It was a strong voice and not one to be ignored.  “If you are watching this, it can’t be good news for me,” he joked.  “Seriously though, I’ve been blessed with a wonderful life and I would like, at this time, to share my good fortune.  To Maria, who has been a wonderful employee and friend, I leave my vacation home on Galveston Island.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I always did.  To Jason, who has been like a son to me for the past twelve years I leave forty-nine percent of Wingate Drilling.  And finally, to my beloved Cheyenne,” he started.

Jason sat confused.  The most horrible look came upon his face as though he had been tricked.  Mr. C
rowley noticed and paused the video.

  “Jason, do you need a minute
?” Mr. Crowley asked.  Jason shook his head as though he were in shock.  Mr. Crowley pressed play and the video resumed. 

“I never got to meet you.  You could call it
cowardice but I truly was respecting your mother’s wishes.  I can never make up for missing your entire life but I would like to try.  I am leaving you everything else that I own in this world including a controlling share of fifty-one percent of Wingate Drilling.  I hope that this eases your burden and you can bring yourself to forgive me one day.  I have wanted my whole life to speak these words to you, I love you.  Please take care of yourself and always remember that I you have never been far from my thoughts or prayers.” 

The video ended and everyone sat
stunned. A single tear streaked Cheyenne’s face.  Jason jumped from his chair, clearly upset. 

“Who
was Cheyenne to Charles?” he demanded, pointing his finger at Ed Crowley.  Ed did not know what to say at this sudden onslaught. 

Maria shrieked, “She is his d
aughter you selfish man.  For all of your brownnosing and conniving, this is what you deserve!” 

It was obvious that she had been waiting year
s to explode on Jason.  The arrogant man appeared stunned and Cheyenne could see it.  She studied his face, trying in vain to figure out his thoughts. 

“
How could this happen?  I have known Charles for twelve years and he had never mentioned a daughter.  I did not know Charles had any living relatives.  I want a blood test, immediately!” he demanded.

“That
won’t be necessary, Jason.  Can’t you look at her and see Charles?”  Ed stated, gesturing toward Cheyenne.  Jason quieted down and studied Cheyenne for a moment.  The look of dismay on his face revealed that he knew she was Charles Wingate’s daughter.

  “Forgive me, Cheyenne.  It comes as quite a shock that Charles
has….I mean had a daughter,” he conceded.

  Cheyenne eyed him stubbornly.  “Forgive y
ou?” she questioned.  “What should I forgive you for?  Making a scene at my expense, insinuating that I am not who I claim to be, or just plain making an ass of yourself?” she demanded as she silently dared him to look away. 

“Please forgive me for all of it,” he said.

Cheyenne nodded and walked from the room.  She needed fresh air to clear her mind. 

Maria started to follow her but Ed reached out and took her hand
, signaling her to give Cheyenne a moment alone.

Outside, she walked toward the horse stables.  She knew that if there were anything on earth that would settle her nerves, this would be it.  The smell of hay and horse feed instantly calmed her.  The first stall she came to had a beautiful stud
horse inside.  He was solid white and had a black star on his forehead.  He moved his head toward her outreached hand and she began stroking him.  His soft nose felt like silk against her palm.  “You’re such a pretty boy,” Cheyenne cooed.  She breathed deeply, savoring the familiar scent of dry hay lining the stalls.  As the animal nuzzled her palm, she sighed.