Swindled (16 page)

“Look he was a one night stand nothing more. Just because he and I talk on the phone now and then doesn’t mean anything.” Luckily before Beth had to give much more of an argument, the door bell rang. The first of the guests had arrived. She stuck her tongue out at her so called friends and family heading toward the foyer to open the front door. Wandering down the hall she weaved around the caterers scrambling to finish up and heard a comment from the kitchen about someone being saved by the bell. Boy had she ever been she thought with a grin.

Chapter 29

An hour later, Beth finally had a chance to look around. Everything seemed to be running pretty smoothly. The funeral director with his team had arrived not long after the first guests which had helped. They were currently running from one end of the house to the other trying to ensure that everything went off without a hitch. Generally the team were making a nuisance of themselves but it was working.

As for the mourners themselves, as far as Beth could tell, the serious ones were the first to arrive. In the first ten minutes. After that it was work colleagues, business connections and small town thieves (better known as Brian’s friends). Beth decided that Brian had either been more popular then they realised or everyone was looking for free booze and a meal. Definitely free booze and a meal Beth decided a few minutes later. The house was filled with people dressed from head to toe in black and not one of them looked upset.

In fact they looked downright gleeful. And most of them were complete strangers. Beth only recognised a few, most were Brian’s colleagues. Anne was there. She came in looking more groomed then ever wearing a dark black double breasted suit and pearls. Her skin was scrubbed so clean it gleamed in the light. No doubt about it, Anne had arrived in style in her utterly efficient way. She had brought one of Brian’s junior partners from the firm with her.

“Frank was kind enough to drive me,” she explained to Beth. “I don’t drive. It’s far too stressful.” A tall woman with brown upswept hair she looked 18 rather then the 26 she was. Not one hair was out of place and her sheer elegance was a sight to behold. Beth couldn’t believe that Anne had ever been a child; she was so perfectly turned out she must have been born fully grown. Beth could also believe that Anne had no problem getting any number of eager men to give her a lift when she needed it. A woman like her didn’t need to drive. A woman like her just stood still while men everywhere fawned over her every need. It would drive Beth mad to have everything done for her but for Anne it seemed perfect.

Frank smiled vacantly, murmuring that he was sorry for their loss as he steered Anne towards the buffet. Okay, so Anne didn’t pick up the brightest men around Beth had to admit. Still Frank looked like he would do anything Anne wanted him to do so it couldn’t be all bad.

Just a few minutes later a greasy fellow with slicked back, receding brown hair walked over to Beth. She had joined her sister and the two of them were standing to the side of the kitchen avoiding the crush of people around the food.

“James Vere,” he introduced himself as he reached a sweaty palm out to shake hands with Beth. “Brian was a good man and I wanted to convey my deepest regrets for your loss.” He pumped her arm up and down enthusiastically.

“Thank you.” Beth said nodding. Surreptitiously she wiped her hand on her skirt. Ugh. Vickie had turned to face the table behind them, snickering. Oh this was not going to be good, Beth thought realising she was on her own dealing with this one.

“If I can help with any problems just call me. Any at all day or night” James continued, leering openly at Beth’s red framed cleavage. He seemed completely oblivious to the less then enthusiastic reaction he was getting. Beth didn’t think he would care even if he did notice.

“Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.” Beth said elbowing Vickie who was coughing next to her in an effort not to laugh out loud.

“For instance, I understand that Brian left a business behind that might need some business advice,” he started as he rubbed his hands together. Ah that’s what he was after. Beth could practically hear him say ‘just you move over little lady and let the men folk take care of the money’.

“I’m afraid that you’ll need to speak to his business partners about that.” Beth explained as she nodded toward Frank and a few other men from Brian’s business. She watched slightly amused as he paled.

“Oh I see. Um,” James paused. “What sort of business partners are they?” he asked glancing over his shoulder. He wasn’t looking nearly as sure as he had when he first approached them. Clearly the ‘little lady’ already had a posse step into the gaping void of her man free existence. Beth shook her head. Men could be so strange sometimes.

“I’m not sure,” Beth replied. “But I’d be happy to introduce you.” She made a move toward the work colleagues. She watched wide eyed this time at his reaction. He looked absolutely terrified.

“No! I mean no thank you. That won’t be necessary,” he responded shuffling away. He lost himself quickly in the crowd. He reminded Beth of a cockroach running for cover when the lights have suddenly been switched on.

Vickie gave up her silent battle next to her and burst out laughing, causing everyone around them to give the sisters horrified looks. Their guests obviously didn’t see the humour.

“Laughing is not appropriate for a funeral,” Beth whispered at her sister trying not to giggle back. The two were holding onto one another trying to stay upright despite their chuckles when Scott came up with drinks and asked what was so funny.

“Oh just Beth dealing with another one of the small time thieves,” Vickie said taking her drink from him. Scott smiled. “What kind of business partners did he think you were talking about I wonder?” he asked Beth with a raised eyebrow after they told him what had happened.

“Knowing Brian it could have been one of the more seedy interpretations of that one,” Beth gave Vickie and Scott a conspiratory look tapping the side of her nose.

“Oh one of those businesses,” Vickie said in a voice of exaggerated awe. They started to laugh quietly again.

“Don’t joke. They are probably around here for all we know. It’s a really interesting group of people who’ve come to give their respects to Brian,” Scott said looking around. There was a real mixture there Beth had to admit. The well dressed rubbed elbows with the badly dressed and everyone wore something expensive. There had to be no doubt that the thieves were there, probably the ones who would be least suspected.

“You’re telling me. It seems a mix of legitimate business associates and every small time thief in a 50 mile radius.” Vickie agreed looking around with Beth and Scott. “Thank goodness we locked up all the silverware just in case.” They all smiled and headed into the crowd to accept more condolences.

Beth moved into the living room. There was a cluster of people hanging close to the body. They probably thought it was what they were meant to do. Beth shivered, as far as she was concerned the body was going to stay as far away from her as possible. Moving around the back edge of the room she could see that Bee was trapped.

Bee had been cornered by a short skinny yellow haired fellow wearing what looked like a dark green suit. Beth looked at her friend fondly. Bee was the soft sweet one of the group. She would happily put up with the slimiest fellow in the room because she wouldn’t want to be rude and walk away.

Standing about three feet from her, Karin and Charlotte could barely contain their grins as they watched their friend’s predicament. No doubt they were listening in to the conversation and just as obviously this guy sounded as corny as he looked. Beth was heading over to intercede on Bee’s behalf when another man came up to introduce himself. She shot Karin and Charlotte a dirty look. Maybe she could guilt trip them into doing something to help Bee. Giving up, she turned her attention to the man standing next to her.

“Stephen Willash,” he said shaking her hand. “I’m sorry to intrude but I was just stopping by to pay my respects.” He seemed to be more of a business associate then petty thief but it was so often hard to tell these days Beth thought. He was around 50 years old, tall with grey hair and a distinguished look.

“So how did you know Brian?” she asked curious. This didn’t look like one of Brian’s normal contacts. He could actually carry out a conversation for one.

“I worked with him on a project or two,” Stephen replied readily glancing down at his drink. “After the last one though, we parted ways.” He looked serious and gave a bit of a wince as he said it. Their parting had obviously not been the most amiable.

“Oh no, did he owe you money? Beth asked wincing herself. This would be the fifth person today that had come to her chasing their mislaid funds. Brian had been thorough and Beth was not impressed. In fact, she thought she might start sending everyone with questions to Michael Wade. Let him explain just what he had done with their money at Brian’s request. Actually… it might be a good idea to send them to Michael she mused; nothing like a bit of subtle revenge.

“Actually I just showed up to make sure he was actually dead.” Stephen replied in a matter a fact tone of voice. Beth blinked and swallowed a laugh. At least he put her mind at ease about the money.

“What?” she said with a smile on her face. Had he actually just said what she thought he had said?

“I’m sorry but I feel the need to be frank,” Stephen said shaking his head ruefully. “I always have. I thought this was another stunt to avoid paying back some of the money he owed,” he replied putting his hands in his pockets. Beth started laughing; ignoring the dirty looks shot her way. Laughing really wasn’t considered appropriate for a funeral. Well it wasn’t appreciated even if it was appropriate she amended to herself.

“Honesty is so refreshing!” she said to Stephen waiting to see if he had any other accurate insights into their brother.

“And on that vein,” he continued noting that she was far from upset by what he said. “I couldn’t help but notice the, shall we say, elegantly dressed attributes you and your friends are sporting.” Stephen paused nodding toward Bee, Charlotte and Karin. He wasn’t leering and he wasn’t being sarcastic which Beth found refreshing. She noticed the wedding ring on his finger as he pulled a business card out of his pocket.

“I assume it’s the range that Brian mentioned he was worked on. He called me looking for funding about six months ago,” Stephen explained when Beth looked surprised. “I told him where to shove it of course. But seeing that there are actual products this time I shall put my money where my mouth is… Is the line ready?” he asked. “Or is this an inappropriate time to discuss this?”

“No - Yes!” Beth exclaimed breathless. ‘I mean its fine to ask and the line is ready. Can I meet you to discuss it? The sooner the better would suit us but I’m happy to fit into your schedule.” Beth thought it was quite fitting that a buyer would approach them not only at Brian’s funeral but in the room he was laid out in. There was a sick irony to the situation. Beth crossed her fingers behind her back.

“Come and see me tomorrow and we’ll discuss terms. Say 9am? I’ll tell my secretary to set it all up.” Handing her his business card, Stephen smiled and moved back into the crowd. Beth stood stunned. Standing not ten feet from Brian’s body with people wandering around her and she had just found their break. A tiny voice was screaming inside Beth’s mind, he wants to see the range tomorrow.

It seemed far too easy. No doubt something was going to go wrong. Beth looked down at the card in her hand. She had been right. She thought she had recognised it as he had taken it from his pocket. The card was distinctive for its quality and for the embossed gold writing. Stephen Willash was the Director of Sales for one of the top exclusive chain of upper class clothes boutiques. Beth swallowed. This was it. This was the contact that they had searched high and low for. The one Brian held over their heads – the one that might, just might save their business. Before she could go and tell Vickie and Scott about the meeting, the doorbell rang again.

Chapter 30

Beth turned frustrated and headed back into the front hall to let in another so called mourner. Where was the funeral director when she needed him? Wasn’t he supposed to be answering the door?

The door pulled open and she felt the air leave her lungs in one great whoosh. There on her door step was David Andrews. And he looked just as handsome and appealing as he had in the hotel room. He also looked about as shocked as Beth was feeling. His face grew slightly lecherous as he took down at the red lace bra holding up her cleavage and the pink flush of embarrassment that warmed her cheeks.

*

David couldn’t believe it. Here she was. After all the telephone conversations and the faint memories of their night together, she was here in the flesh. To think that he had almost missed being here, it had been a toss up between him or Thomas actually appearing at the door. Pete made the decision for them in the end sure that Thomas might just offend the family members if the criminal was actually dead. Pete figured that David at least would limit himself to snide comments rather then actual violence.

David had planned to drop by in a ten minute stop over before heading on to move into Thomas’s spare room. He had had enough of the hotel. The only reason he had stayed as long as he had was that it held such delightful memories. Now here she was in the flesh, reawakening his very active imagination. David shook his head. Trust Beth to end up at the funeral of the con artist looking good enough to eat and more then good enough to keep. He couldn’t wait to hear the explanation for this one. He looked at Beth and he smiled.

*

“You look like you’ve just rolled out of bed… or are you about to roll into bed?” David asked with a grin.

“You, as usual, are quick to judge,” she retorted smiling back at him. Beth then told every nerve in her body to behave. “What on earth are you doing here? And how did you find out where I lived?” she asked slightly worried. That’s all she needed now, Beth thought, a stalker. Although he was a cute stalker if he was one. And she kind of knew him thanks to numerous phone calls. That probably meant he wasn’t a stalker. Maybe didn’t it?

“I didn’t. I’m here to find out if a thieving simpleton is actually dead. He owed me money.” David rocked back on his heals with his hands in his pockets. He had a look of polite inquiry on his face. Beth could practically hear him thinking ‘and what are you doing here’?

“Oh so you’re looking for my brother Brian,” she replied relishing the news. The look on David’s face when he put two and two together was priceless and well worth it. This was turning out to be a good day she thought.

“Come in. And yes he is actually dead,” Beth laughed. Opening the door wider David walked in. He dropped his bag and jacket on the floor and stood up to look at her again. Face to face at last. She had to stop herself from just throwing herself in his harms and saying, take me now. Around them people milled in to the living room and back out toward the kitchen and gardens.

“How are you?” David asked reaching out to take her hand. He couldn’t help himself. There she was not a foot away from him and he had to touch her.

“I’m okay and you?” Beth tried desperately to keep her voice even while every cell in her body felt like it was doing cartwheels and screaming. She curled her hand around his as he moved closer. She had been dreaming of seeing him up close and personal again. Her brain was refusing to function now that it was actually happening.

“Good. Much better now that I know that it was justifiable,” he said quietly smiling down at her. She could feel the heat radiating from his body and felt her body melt in response.

“What was justifiable?” Beth asked desperately trying to keep track of what he was talking about while her heart pounded faster. Standing so close to his body was a sweet agony. She wanted to run her hands over his body again. She wanted to do everything again.

“You threatening to kill your brother,” David said cheerfully tugging her even closer to him.

She laughed, “Funny how it becomes abundantly clear to anyone who met Brian exactly why I would want to kill him.” As Beth answered David, she felt a sharp push between her shoulder blades and stumbled into David’s chest.

“Oops sorry,” a voice slurred behind them and the pressure on Beth’s back fell away. Beth turned in David’s arms and together they stood looking at a curvy blond listing in front of them. Beth raked her mind to remember who the woman was. She knew her but couldn’t for the life of her place the face. Not that the face was staying still enough to easily identify. This woman was putting new meaning into the word sway.

“Can’t believe it. That he’s gone,” she muttered at them looking through her highly styled fringe. “It issnn’t going to be the same without him,” she slurred with a sniff. “Not going to be stuck in any closets for one. He liked his games he did,” she gave an exaggerated wink and laughed. It sounded scratchy and on the brink of complete break down. Big tears welled up in her eyes and just as Beth took a step forward a man appeared at the woman’s elbow. It was one of Brian’s senior partners. Beth frantically dragged through her mind trying to remember his name. Patrick. Yes that was it she thought relieved that it had come back to her. He gave them an uneasy smile as he handed a tissue to the blond.

“Hello Patrick,” Beth said. “How are you keeping up?”

“Patrick Preston,” he said nodding and reached out a hand to shake David’s hand. “I’m sorry about this,” he continued to Beth. “Tina has been hit hard by Brian’s passing. I’ll just make sure she gets a taxi home.” He steered a now crying Tina toward the front door while Beth stood back in the shelter of David’s arms watching them. She remembered who Tina was. She was the junior secretary in the company and as rumour had it Brian’s latest conquest. Tina’s attributes were more physical then mental but she did look upset. Beth wondered what she could do to make it easier for her. It wasn’t Tina’s fault after all that she had been one of Brian’s playthings, the last of a long string of them.

“Stuck in closets?” David murmured into her ear, a question in his voice.

Beth patted the hand he had put around her waist, “There is actually a logical explanation… or at least an explanation.” And, Beth thought, it cleared up who belonged to the bra in Brian’s closet. She would have to remember to tell the girls she thought. At least they had solved one small mystery from their adventure.

“And?” he asked a smile in his voice.

“Well there was this closet and a bra and Karin and I and oh it’s a long story,” she responded waving a dismissive hand. She leaned a bit more against David relishing the feel of his warm body against hers. Beth marvelled how easy it was to relax against him. It felt like she had known him for years. They fit together.

“I’m all ears,” David said with a smile in his voice. He was obviously enjoying their closeness as much as she was as he was showing no sign of releasing her. Beth smiled. He also sounded like he was going to get the story out of her one way or another.

“I bet you are but it’s a long story and I have to deal with all these guests,” Beth trailed off looking around. She sighed. It was time to go back to work.

“Go do the hostess thing,” David said understanding her reluctance to head back into the foray. “I’ll pay my respects,” he added as they moved slowly apart.

“Will I see you later?” Beth asked hating that she needed to know. She wanted to keep David close now that he was here. She wanted to tell him everything and share with him. It seemed so unfair that just as they were thrown together again, life interrupted. She had to get back to the guests. The funeral was the last thing she and Vickie could do for Brian as a family and they had promised that they would do it right. That meant there was no help for it and she would have to move on. After she had paid her dues though, well that was another story.

“Oh yes. I’m not letting you out of my sight until we have a normal conversation,” David said with a laugh as he gently rubbed her back. She was surprised how much she enjoyed it. Far too much in fact, she could get use to this.

“This one didn’t count?” Beth raised an eyebrow and leaning back to get a better look at him. So he was planning on sticking around was he?

“No this one didn’t count,” he replied giving her a wink and smiling. “And I will need the details of the story about you, a closet, a bra and Karin.” Beth laughed with him drawing more frowning looks from the so called mourning guests. She rested her forehead against his chest for a moment just relishing the support. It was a moments reprieve from facing the rest of the day.

She waved towards the living room and said, “The body is in there.” Regretfully they parted and David went into the front room shooting one last look over his shoulder at her. She stood for a minute in the hall ignoring the occasional comment from a passing mourner. She was fed up with it all. She was surrounded by a pack of money hungry beggars with the occasional pocket of humanity scattered between. It was exhausting. All Beth wanted to do was take the time to talk to David. Was that really too much to ask?

Turning back toward the kitchen, Beth suddenly spotted someone she needed to talk to amongst the crowd of people. Michael Wade. Just the very man that she needed to speak to, just the man who could tell all these wonderful people just what Brian had done with their money. Perfect. She let a small contented smile escape.

Walking quietly up behind him, she said, “Have you figured out how you’re going to get us out of the mess yet?” Michael choked on the cocktail sausage he had just shoved in his mouth and swung around.

“Nnnnoo. Not yet,” he finally managed to stutter looking sheepish. “But I’m working on it,” he rushed to reassure her his face flushed a dark red from the choking fit and sheer embarrassment. One of the best numbers men in the business and he had stitched himself up so well that he hadn’t figured a way out yet. There was a sick and twisted irony to that Beth thought.

“I didn’t think so,” she replied breathing an exaggerated sigh. “There is just no such thing as a knight in shining armour anymore.” She patted Michael on the arm and said, “Well do the best you can. Oh and in the meantime,” Beth added as a seeming after thought just as she turned away. “Could you explain to Mr. Brough exactly what happened to the funds he invested with Brian?” She gently tugged the sleeve of a man standing at the buffet. Short and balding he looked innocuous enough but he happened to be one of Brian’s more irate clients. He was also more then happy to express his feelings on the matter. Peter Brough had pounced on Beth within minutes of arrival, incensed that Brian had stashed Peter’s money ‘someplace’ and that Brian had not had the decency of telling anyone where. Peter Brough was not a happy man. Perfect Beth thought wickedly.

“I believe you handled that transaction,” Beth added as she stepped back. She walked away smiling to herself. The two of them deserved each other. Poor Michael, she thought, he was going to have a lot of explaining to do. There were several other people who had overheard her comment descending on the hapless accountant in search of their missing funds. Revenge was sweet.

Finally twenty minutes later, Beth realised that she had spoken to nearly everyone there and that she, at last, had done everything that was expected of her. The caterers were handling all food decisions, the bar was running without any glitches, the funeral parlour team were keeping a watchful eye on the mourners and generally everything was in full swing. Wine was flowing despite the early hour and there was a general buzz as people talked and ate. Mourning aside, the party was looking to be a success.