She put her hand on my knee. “I know it’s hard to think about the room where he died. Usually they recommend that you don’t do anything to it for a while.”
I shook my head. “I’ve already had it cleaned out. It smelled. The furniture is gone. His clothes are gone.” Val’s eyes widened as I spoke. “I’ve had a few things boxed, but honestly, I think there are charities that can benefit.” The car stopped.
“That’s nice, but you shouldn’t—”
This time I patted her knee. “Sis, I love you. I know you know what should be done. I’m doing what I need to do. If I regret it later, you can tell me I told you so.”
The door opened and the sunshine streamed in. Reaching for my dark sunglasses and securing my purse, I scooted toward the door. “Stay with me, Val. Please run interference with Mom. I can’t deal with her right now.”
Val nodded as we both stood. Under my black hat and dark glasses, my gray eyes shimmered with delight. I wanted to watch the vault close once and for all.
Stoically, we stood, Val, myself, and Travis, Mother, Marcus, and Lyle behind us as well as a few special mourners who’d been invited to this private ceremony. The minister offered more words of praise for the life lost too young. I even caught his mention of the reward in heaven for Stewart’s devoted wife. He was wrong. I would never see heaven, and my reward was the sound of the small door closing.
I’d done it. The evidence was gone and so was Stewart.
Walking back to the car, Marilyn reached for my arm and whispered. “Please, Victoria. I need to speak with you. Tell that goon to take Valerie to the other car with the boys. I need to speak to you alone.”
“Mother…” Val said.
I looked at Marilyn’s hand on my arm and slowly brought my eyes to hers. Through clenched teeth, I whispered, “This is hardly the time or the place for—”
With more spirit than she’d had since Randall’s death, since she’d truly become dependent on Stewart and me, she retaliated. “This isn’t about money. I know Marcus’ tuition is paid.”
My eyes widened. Money was our only topic of conversation. What the hell did she think I’d want to say to her? She misinterpreted my change of expression.
“Thank you for that, for the money.”
Those words of appreciation were spoken for Stewart, not for me. After the first few times of his demanding gratitude from her, she too learned her place, at least with him. The fact she’d just offered it to me was rather comical.
Her complexion paled as she leaned closer. I saw Travis approaching as her next words registered.
“You need to know something. There are things I never told you.”
Travis began to speak, but she hurriedly continued, “Your father—your biological father—was at the funeral. I saw him.”
The world went black.
ALONE WITH TRAVIS, within the cool interior of the limousine, he spoke, “I assume that catching your ass before it hits the pavement is an acceptable exception to your earlier mandate?” His dark eyes glistened as he watched my every move.
Instead of answering, I pursed my lips together, smoothed my black dress over my trembling legs, and glared at him.
With Val and Marilyn still outside of the car, Travis leaned closer as his lips quirked into a lopsided smirk. “I believe the appropriate response would be ‘well, yes, Travis, thank you for saving my ass. You’re so right. This was an acceptable exception.’”
I narrowed my glare. “You seem to have an issue with who’s in charge here. It’s still me.”
“I’m very well aware of that. If it were me, I’d throw your mother’s bony ass on the ground and back this fucking car over her. She’s a bigger pain in the ass than you.”
I couldn’t contain my laugh. “Why, Travis, I believe that’s the kindest thing you’ve ever said to me. Who knew that under that asshole exterior you had a personality?”
Pulling a bottle of water from the car’s small refrigerator, he handed it to me and asked, “What happened out there?” Was I actually hearing a genuine hint of concern in his tone?
Taking the cool water, I shrugged and made myself drink.
“Tell me, Mrs. Harrington, will Dr. Conway or Mrs. Sound be riding with you? Or both? Or neither?”
I sat taller, feeling less shaky after having a couple of sips of water. “I want to hear what my mother has to say. She wants to speak to me privately. Ask Val to ride with the boys.” I smoothed my dress again, though it didn’t need it. I looked back to his dark, questioning eyes. “Tell the drivers to go directly to my mother’s house. I don’t want her or the boys coming back to the penthouse with me. After we drop them off, Val can ride with me. She said something about spending the night.” I sighed. “Honestly, I think I might want the medication she promised.”
Travis’ brow rose in question. “Please don’t tell me that we’re going to add prescription drug use to my list of activities to oversee.”
I still had a difficult time believing that my activities were that important to him. I shook my head. “Don’t worry about it. Do you think the good Dr. Conway would do anything illegal?”
He shrugged. “I’m less likely to suspect her than others.” What the hell? “Shall I get Mrs. Sound?” he asked again, giving me another chance to change my mind.
Exhaling, I nodded. “Yes, thank you.”