Love With A Stranger (25 page)

“Not if it eased your fears and worries. It’s best to deal with any doubts promptly. I did the same thing after my divorce from Brenda. Concerns like those could have been partly to blame for your anxieties and depression after his death, and I hate to say it but a negative result doesn’t mean you were wrong about him, just that he was careful.”

Cass recalled the panic and revulsion she had experienced after her vivid discovery of Tom’s betrayals, so Jason was partly accurate in his assumption. Yet, she couldn’t bring herself to confirm it to him. She realized how lucky she was that she hadn’t caught anything from Tom, since the video had shown her that he hadn’t always been careful during sex.

As they ate at Jason’s breakfast table, using the casual rather than a formal setting, they chatted about upcoming local events which had been featured in the newspaper and on television. They agreed to attend a May performance at the Ritz Theater in Brunswick where they had met. Jason told her about the HarborFest they would be going to next month with Linda. He mentioned a trolley tour of Saint Simons Island and invited her to go fishing and/or shrimping with him one day. He repeated his past invitation to take a dinner/gambling cruise on the
Emerald Princess.
They planned the May trips to Augusta and Savannah for him to visit with his children and grandsons and her visit with Kristy and the “old gang” at work.

As she chewed a bite of steak, Cass knew she wasn’t sure if she would go to Smooth Rider. Since it would be as the past owner’s widow and the current part-owner, she would be deluged with questions about Tom or her partial business interest in the company. If she didn’t want to see Kristy so badly, she wouldn’t go to Augusta and risk running into Brad. Every time she did, she either had to listen to his incessant whining and pleading to reconcile in resentful silence or wind up being
provoked to discourage him with insults and reminders of his past betrayals.

While sipping her drink, Cass thought about the many invitations Jason was extending to her tonight, as if he wanted to book her calendar completely with dates with him before she could fill it with other social or business obligations. “This is delicious, Chef Burkman, as expected,” she commented.

“Ah, so, earned me a promotion, did it? Excellent, because I always aim to please my best friends and favorite patients. But I can take only half the credit; the other half belongs to the steer. Without a good piece of meat, even the best cook in the world couldn’t make it taste like this.”

Jason grasped that his words had sounded sexually suggestive; her flush and lowered gaze told him her thoughts had raced in the same direction his had. Yet, her glow was one of desire and arousal, not modesty or embarrassment. Knowing she wanted him again increased the pulsing and heat in his crotch. Since tomorrow was April fifteenth, the tax deadline, he leapt on that subject as a cooling diversion. “If you haven’t taken care of your business matters and you need any legal assistance in that area, I can help you find a good lawyer; I know most of the local ones. Wills, finances, and taxes involved in a large estate with many diverse interests can be confusing and frustrating, especially if you aren’t knowledgeable in those areas and accustomed to dealing with them. I remember it was difficult for me after Joan died; I had to hire a lawyer to handle her affairs and appease Uncle Sam.”

He took a calming breath: “If the deceased was wealthy and prominent like your husband, distant relatives, charities, friends, business partners, and even strangers can crawl out of the woodwork to assail you with pleas for money or possessions. And I don’t know how you and Peter get along, but families often have bitter disputes over inheritances. I wouldn’t want anybody to take advantage of you, Cass, so let me know if you need help or advice from me or from a lawyer.”

“Thank you, Jason, that’s very kind and considerate; and Peter gave me this same talk and warnings. Tom’s will has already been probated by the Grantham lawyer: Simon Johnson. We also have a financial manager and accountant who pays our bills and handles our taxes. Tom had four residences elsewhere, so Harrison Dredger took care of the expenses and payments for all of them; he’s continuing to do the same for me until I get my bearings. As for my inheritance, it’s protected by a trust fund at the bank, and Peter takes care of my shares in Tom’s eight businesses; he owns their controlling interests, and he was left the other four residences around the country and Tom’s private jet. I don’t think I need a separate lawyer or accountant because Peter is being kind and cooperative about everything.”

So, her money is tied up in a trust fund; I wonder for how long and what its stipulations are and if there are any loopholes Peter can use to get his hands on it…
“He hasn’t contested the will or any of the bequests, terms, or provisions?”

“No, none of them. Why?”

Jason shrugged as he tried to sound casual with his queries, but was determined to protect her from that scum. “It’s just that you and his father weren’t married for very long and considering how some people will try to con or take advantage of grieving widows, nothing would surprise me.”

“But Peter got a fifty-one-percent controlling interest in all companies, forty-five percent of the liquid assets and other funds, Tom’s jet, four expensive residences and their furnishings, and lots of other possessions. Charities and foundations preselected by Tom received twenty-five-percent of the liquid assets. I was given the balances. Since he inherited a larger portion, why would he fight me for my lesser share? Besides, it was Tom’s money and belongings, so he could disperse them in any way he desired. In addition, inheritance taxes were paid by the estate before the three divisions were made; so, since
his tax bill would have been higher than mine if done otherwise, in a way, I helped him pay his, right?”

As Jason nodded, he tallied her shares: forty-nine percent and thirty-five percent, the house and its contents, and other items; all tax-free.
But that still means Peter only gets twelve percent more, which isn’t much for a greedy and devious man like that bastard is.
“If Thomas Grantham was as wealthy as I imagine, your share is a hefty one to result from a short marriage. Some children might resent that and go to court to recover what they feel is rightfully theirs by birth.”

“I’m sure you’re right in some cases, but Peter couldn’t be any nicer to me than he’s been since Tom’s death. He’s been keeping me informed in all areas, and Mr. Johnson and Mr. Dredger told me the same things he had when I met with them last week.”

“Both men worked for your husband and now for Peter, correct?”

“Yes, so what’s your point?”

“It might be wise if you have your own lawyer and accountant, Cass. Since Johnson and Dredger work for Peter and he’s a bigger client of both, wouldn’t they side with him if a conflict arose between you two? I’m not saying one will come up, but it could when millions of dollars are at stake. I know you don’t want to think the worst of him, but neither do you want to get caught off-guard and unprepared if trouble arises.”

Cass blurted out, “Peter would be furious and hurt if I acted as if I don’t trust him or as if I’m trying to snag a larger share than I deserve.”

“Are you afraid of him?” He saw her stare at him oddly.

“No, why? Should I be?”

“It’s just that you looked and sounded as if you were.”
If you aren’t wary of him, you should be; he’s a snake in the grass, a poisonous one.

Whether or not she believed her words, she felt she had to
say, “I didn’t mean to give you that impression. I only meant that things have been going so well between us that I don’t want to do or say anything that Peter might misconstrue and could cause trouble. As business partners, family, and friends, we need to stay close to work together for both of our sakes, and for the employees who depend on us for their jobs.”

“I understand, Cass, and you’re smart and considerate to do so. I’m sorry if I upset you by sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong. Forgive me? Please. My only concern, as your doctor and friend, is in protecting you from all harm. I don’t want you to get stressed out again over anything or anyone and have to go back on medication.”

“I know, Jason, and I’m grateful. Except for you, Peter, and Linda, I’m alone here on Sea Island, so I depend on my few friends for comfort and advice. But if I encounter any future crisis with my estate, I will call you for assistance with hiring a separate attorney.”

“If a difficulty arises, please deal with it however necessary before you get anxious and depressed and exhausted. If you do that favor for me to safeguard your health, I won’t intrude again; I promise. Now, how about a piece of low-fat, no-sugaradded apple pie and a cup of decaf coffee?”

Cass was glad he dropped the upsetting subject. “Sounds scrumptious, Doc. Do you have any cheese slices?”

Jason grinned after he swallowed the remainder of his drink. “Don’t tell me you also put cheese instead of ice cream globs on yours?”

“Absolutely, since childhood; that’s how my mother served it.”

“The more I get to know you, Cass, the more I realize how much we have in common. Apple pie with melted cheese coming up.”

“Right.”
Just like sex, which would be my dessert of choice.

* * *

Jason walked Cass to her back door and waited until the alarm system was switched off and she was poised in the opening before he said, “I had a wonderful time today. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Good night, Jason, and I also enjoyed myself. Thanks for everything.”

“You’re more than welcome, and we’ll do it again very soon.” Jason gave her a light kiss on the lips, exchanged smiles with her, and left.

While turning off the downstairs lights, Cass checked her answering machine when she saw the red light blinking. Linda had phoned that afternoon and evening, but, after glancing at the clock, she realized it was too late to return the call tonight, since the phone could disturb her elderly patient.

As Cass prepared herself for bed, she remembered Jason’s hint—or slip—about Brenda. She wondered if it meant his ex-wife had been unfaithful to him and her adultery had provoked their divorce and his need for STD blood tests. If so, that would give them something else in common. She warmed when she recalled Jason’s words: “No woman has ever affected me like you just did,” and “If you’re willing to give me a chance…”

Cass stopped brushing her hair and stared at her reflection in the mirror as she pondered if “no woman” included his two past wives. Perhaps he had meant what he said, or maybe it was only pillow talk, or maybe it was a natural reaction during a golden afterglow to such a splendid lovemaking.

“A chance” for what, Doc? To win me lock, stock, and barrel? Why did you mention my wealth tonight? And why were you concerned about Peter trying to steal it? Do you have an ulterior motive for trying to plant seeds of doubt about him and for delving into my money yourself? Or am I reading your intentions wrong? Letting my imagination run wild? That must be it; you’re only concerned about me like you said.

Cass got a cup of water and took her birth control pill. Just in case she lost her wits again, she warned, she had better not forget to take them daily!
When and if I get pregnant, I want to be married. A baby…Jason’s baby…Our baby…How glorious and fulfilling that would be.

On Monday at eight o’clock, her new housekeeper arrived to begin her new job. Cass went over her instructions, showed Mary Ellis where everything was located, and took down the woman’s Social Security number and tax information for Harrison Dredger.

While Mary was busy downstairs, Cass phoned David Hines to solve the mystery nagging at her. When the receptionist told her he was busy and asked to take a message or to let her speak with one of the nurses, Cass insisted on talking with Hines.

“What is it, Mrs. Grantham?” Hines sounded annoyed. “I was told Burkman is treating you now.”

Cass used a pleasant tone to say, “He is, Doctor Hines, because he was my physician before Peter called you in after I became so ill. If I had been thinking clearly that day, I would have told Peter to call Dr. Burkman because he’s familiar with my medical history. I’m sorry if you were offended by the switch; it wasn’t intentional and I should have called you sooner to explain.”
Did he just sigh with relief?

“That’s fine, Mrs. Grantham, and I appreciate the clarification and apology. Thanks for calling. Good—”

“Wait a minute, sir! I want to ask you a question.”

“What…’question’?”

He sounds a little nervous and hesitant. That’s odd.
“Why did you order those STDs and that AIDS tests for me? Is that routine?”

“Routine? Ah, yes, I remember; I ordered a full screen to be done so I wouldn’t overlook any possible cause for your condition: they’re included in a full screen. Don’t worry, all of your bloodwork was normal.”

“I know; Doctor Burkman told me. I was just embarrassed
that he might think there was a particular reason for running them.”

“Don’t worry about that; Burkman knows they’re routine for a full screen”—
thank God
—“so he won’t think anything peculiar about it. I would have discussed your tests and treatment with you after you improved, but I wasn’t given the time and opportunity. How are you progressing? You should be off of all medication by now and back to your old self again. Are you?”

“Yes, I am, and thank you for asking.”

“How is”—
that sonofabitch
—“Peter doing these days?”

Cass was surprised when Hines seemed to drift into chitchat. “He’s fine, too.”

“That’s good to hear. He was worried about you and your collapse.”

“Peter’s a good friend and a kind person.”

“Yes, he is. Well, was there anything else? I have patients waiting and they get antsy if I delay them too long from the golf course or office.”

“No, that was all. Thank you for taking time to speak with me.”

“You’re welcome. Good-bye, Mrs. Grantham. Take care of yourself,”
if you want to stay alive and healthy! Maybe I should tell Peter your curiosity is aroused. Hellfire, we had to run those tests with Tom screwing you, too!