Starfish Island Read online

  Ellis entertained her with amusing stories of her grandmother and the generous way she dealt with people and family stories of Kirkland. “Your grandmother will be missed, especially by me. I loved her and considered her one of my closest friends. She was a good person with high morals and standards. Did I tell you she and I were working on another business deal right before she died?”

  “No, you didn’t,” Nicole said. She tried hard to keep her suspicion from reaching her eyes.

  He helped himself to more French green beans and those delicious little red potatoes in a buttery sauce. “I’m not a jealous person by nature, but if I were, it would be of Michael Edwards. Not for anything he stands for personally,” he clarified, his voice filled with contempt, “but because of his family background. No one realizes how much he owes his success to his sister and her first husband, who provided the financial backing and social connections to start his business. Add to that his family name, and it makes the competition tough for a man like myself, who’s earned every dime without connections.”

  What in the heck is he up to? They sat in silence. Did he hope she’d put up some financial backing for one of his business deals?

  To break the silence, she said, “We’ll have coffee and dessert in the library, Chester.” She resisted the urge to clench her hands together in a nervous gesture. Before standing, she took a breath, made herself relax, and straightened her shoulders.

  Once settled in the library, Ellis started in on her. “You’ve caused me a lot of trouble with this hair-brained idea of yours. I had a credit check run on the buyers for your properties, and their financial report came back first-rate. You can’t imagine my embarrassment when they came to the office expecting finalized contracts and I had to put them off with vague excuses.”

  “Put them off? I told you very clearly I didn’t want to sell,” she said, her voice just below a yell.

  “Where did you get this wild idea of yours?” he asked, his tone condescending.

  “Everything told to me was said in confidence.”

  Ellis’s eyes were like ice picks, but a moment later, he affected a benign look. “I’m your lawyer, and if we’re going to work together, you’re going to have to trust me. How do you know your information is even reliable?”

  “You’ll have to take my word for it.”

  Ellis reluctantly gave up. “Then I guess I made a mistake. You’d assured me you were more than willing to sell the Tampa properties if I could obtain a good price. And I had both of them sold for the asking price, no contingencies. Now that’s a sweet deal. Have you forgotten that you’re the one who introduced me to Templeton, who introduced me to the ladies? He seemed like a nice guy. I saw him dancing with Cecilia and talking with your fiancé.”

  “What are you talking about, my fiancé?”

  Ellis’s eyebrows shot up. “Did I say something wrong? I took it for granted you’d decided to capitulate and marry the man your grandmother chose. Another thing she did without consulting me.” His voice was tinged with resentment. “He will never make any woman happy, with his unscrupulous dealings. That, and he’s an unabashed womanizer.”

  “I suppose by ‘he’ you mean Michael Edwards. What in the world makes you think he’s my fiancé?” Nicole said.

  “It seems to be a general rumor,” he said vaguely.

  How could that be? She’d blurted out that ridiculous story of a new relationship in front of only four people: the Edwardses, Greg, and Chester. It had to have been Greg spreading the rumor. Michael would never have said anything, and anyway, he’d refused, according to Ellis. That’s what I get for making up ridiculous stories, she thought. Inevitably, they come back to take a bite out of my posterior.

  This is impossible. I can’t suddenly change my story and tell people I made up a fiancé. That would spread like wild fire, and she’d become the hot gossip, branded a liar for who knows how long. Not to mention bringing Greg buzzing back around her. No. As long as Greg was lurking around, she would stick to her story.

  “Please make it clear to anyone interested that my property is not for sale,” she said, shifting the subject back to business.

  “You’re the boss,” Ellis said. “We were both a bit upset when we talked over the phone this morning, but I hope you weren’t serious about finding a new lawyer.”

  “As long as we understand each other about what I want done, I don’t see why we shouldn’t continue.”

  “Caroline trusted me so completely, I know she would’ve wanted us to work together.

  “Did Grandmother ever ask you to hire a detective?”

  “A detective?” he echoed. “Certainly not, what made you ask that?”

  Nicole considered a moment. Well, what did she have to lose? She told him about the note she’d found. “I’ll show it to you.” She ran upstairs to her studio and unlocked the file where she’d hidden the piece of paper.

  When she returned to the library, she handed it to Ellis. “That’s your grandmother’s handwriting,” he said. “I wonder why she never mentioned anything to me. This is probably something she made note of a long time ago and then forgot.”

  “I don’t think so; I found this note in the pocket of the dress she wore on the day she died, according to Ava. I think I know what could’ve been bothering her,” Nicole said. “Lucia Grey paid her a visit several days before she died and informed her that she and Kirkland had been married for over a year at the time of his death. Lucia told me about it herself; she’s here now. She’s claiming she asked Grandmother for his insurance money.”

  Ellis stared at her. “That explains the withdrawal slip I found among Caroline’s personal belongings.” He nodded thoughtfully. “That clears up a lot of things. I’m not surprised; Kirkland loved Lucia. I always thought the two of them would end up together. The last time I saw Kirkland, he dropped several hints, but I had no idea what he was getting at when he asked me to look out for his interests.”

  “Then you think he really did marry her and hide it from Grandmother?”

  “You would make a good lawyer, Nicole, asking all the right questions.” Ellis chuckled. “Of course you want proof.”

  Nicole related Lucia’s story about the marriage certificate. “I don’t think Grandmother believed her story. That’s why she wanted a private investigator to check it out. The Greys would like me to write a check immediately, but I told them I would have to speak to you first.”

  “I’d like to speak with Lucia.”

  “First, I have something to tell you.” She described the conversation she’d overheard the previous night between Lucia and the unknown man who thought nothing of blackmailing her and claimed to know all about the missing will. She told him Lucia had cried long after the man left.

  “What could she be involved in?” His face was devoid of emotion.

  “I have no idea, but whatever it is, Chester knows.” She told him about being grabbed on the way back to her house. “I sent Chester out to check the grounds, and he came back in a foul mood with the black eye and scratch that you noticed at dinner. I’m positive he knows who hit him.”

  Ellis stood. “I’m going to have to do some investigating of my own before I can give you any legal advice. Tomorrow, I’ll have a talk with Lucia Alexander or Grey or whatever her legal name is. I have to be leaving now; I’m going to start making calls tonight. Next time we meet, hopefully I can answer all your questions.”

  Ellis gave Chester an appraising look as the latter showed him to the door. With a wave of his hand to Nicole, he went out into the downpour, running for his car.

  On her way back to the library, Nicole’s cell phone began ringing. She looked at the screen and smiled to see Michael’s name. The smile was still in her voice when she answered.

  “I had plans to stop by tonight, but my meeting is running late,” he said. After a pause, he added, “You okay?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “I just wanted to hear your voice, wanted you to know I didn�
�t forget about you. I’ll call you tomorrow. Tell me that you’re disappointed.”

  After they hung up, she stared at the phone and wondered if it was a good idea to rely so heavily on him. She preferred to rely on herself; that, she knew how to do.

  Chapter Nineteen

  THE STORM RAGED through the following day, thunder and lightning filling the sky. Hail the size of quarters pounded the house on and off, making the roads so dangerous that Nicole stayed home. She wandered the house fitfully, unable to settle down to anything.

  There were a few pleasant interruptions to break the monotony of the day. Cecilia called for a girl chat, and they talked about the party to introduce her to the neighbors, which was to be held the following day.

  “I’m looking forward to this,” she told Cecilia. “It means a lot to me that you’re throwing a party to welcome me here.”

  “I’m happy to have you for a neighbor. Caroline chose well,” Cecilia said. “I want you to know I’m not the only one who thinks so, either.”

  Nicole hung up, still smiling because she’d enjoyed her conversation. She found Cecilia easy to talk to. She usually found making friends an effort, but not so with this woman.

  Her smiled faded as she thought about Cecilia telling her at Michael’s request that something had come up and he wouldn’t be able to stop by; she let it slip that it had to do with Edwards Inc. business and he’d been working long hours on whatever it was. Nicole hoped it wasn’t too serious, not just for his sake but for hers. She had really wanted to see him today, she thought, her cheeks warming. No use deceiving yourself, you like Michael. He was smart, funny, and had a spark in those serious eyes and a laugh that produced little butterflies in the pit of her stomach. She realized she’d never really been kissed until Michael. Most men used it as a quick way to get you in bed; they didn’t spend nearly the time on it that he did.

  She hoped she wasn’t only a game to him, another conquest. Just in case, she wouldn’t make a fool of herself by confessing her feelings. When he’d asked if she missed him, she’d come close to telling him how much. I need to stop daydreaming about him and get back to painting. Her agent had called, wanting to know when she’d be ready for a showing, and planned to fly in soon so they could visit a few galleries in the Miami area.

  Nicole wandered up to her studio, flopped onto the down-filled chaise, and went through her mail, thinking about everything that had happened since her arrival.

  Chester entered after a perfunctory knock, interrupting her thoughts. “You left your phone downstairs,” he said, handing it to her.

  She took it from him and waited until he’d left to look at it. Ellis’s name showed on the screen, and she immediately called him back.

  His voice was tense as he said, “I need to see you as soon as possible. There are some new developments we need to talk over. Very unexpected ones, I might add. I need a few days to check on some loose ends, and then we’ll set up an appointment.”

  “Have you seen…” She hesitated to mention Lucia’s name, knowing that Chester might be lurking close by to listen in.

  “I talked to her. Some unexpected revelations came out of my conversation with her. They came as quite a shock, but I don’t want to upset you without checking on them first. After all, it could turn out to be nothing. I certainly hope so, for your sake.”

  “What are you talking about?” Nicole asked. His evasiveness made her want to scream.

  “We’ll get together in my office to discuss this in a few days. I’ll see you tomorrow at the party.” He hung up before she could say another word.

  He doesn’t want to upset me? Well, too late.

  She hit the redial button, but the call went to voicemail. “Call me back,” she said tersely.

  How did life get so complicated? Every person she met wreaked their own little bit of havoc in her life.

  ~ ~ ~

  The next day, it seemed to Nicole that nothing could put a damper on her spirits. The rain had washed the landscape clean, and the sun shone brightly again.

  She wasn’t happy that Ellis had apparently turned off his phone and wasn’t returning her calls. She’d given serious thought to getting a new lawyer, who would treat her like a client and not a small child who had to be kept on a need-to-know basis, but now she swept those annoying thoughts from her mind; she wouldn’t let anything spoil her day.

  She rummaged through her closet, not as organized as her grandmother’s, and settled on a little black dress that hit mid-thigh—a must-have in any woman’s wardrobe. She pulled on black stockings, fitting the lace tops around her thighs, and slipped into a pair of stilettos. Her red hair hung down her back in long curls. She lifted some of it off her neck and clipped it in a pearl-studded hair clip, put on her mother’s diamond earrings, and added her own diamond tennis bracelet, which she’d purchased with her first gallery show earnings.

  From the moment she arrived at the Edwards house, she knew it would be a great party. Cecilia greeted her at the door in her own little black dress. “You look fabulous,” she said, hugging Nicole. “We’ll stay close to the door so I can introduce you to everyone.”

  The next hour was a succession of handshakes, laughing comments, and words of welcome. For the first time, Nicole felt part of the island, her new neighbors making her feel as though she was really one of them. There were too many names and faces to remember.

  Michael looked handsome in black silk pants and a black shirt. He smiled and looked rested, as though he didn’t have business problems, while he made the rounds, speaking to everyone. When he looked over and saw Nicole, he immediately excused himself from the conversation he was in and cut across the room. He took her hand in his and kissed her palm as he looked intently into her eyes.

  “You look beautiful, but then you always do.” His eyes twinkled, and he brushed her lips with his.

  Her heart did a flip-flop, and she leaned into him.

  Cecilia whispered in exasperation, “Michael, please. Go be a good host! You can’t monopolize the guest of honor.”

  “Don’t go anywhere,” he said as he ran his fingers down the column of Nicole’s neck. “I have to go say a couple of hellos, but I’ll be right back. Then we’ll have a long, private talk.” He held her hand tightly the whole time, not releasing it even when a stranger strolled up. “Before Cecilia runs me off, I’d like you to meet my business partner, Sebastian Brant.”

  Nicole smiled at the blond giant who stood before her. He had a commanding presence, ruggedly handsome and completely comfortable in his skin. He murmured a few polite words before turning away, and she noticed his eyes never left Cecilia. Good. She deserved to find someone who would make her happy.

  Victoria Peters, wearing a black-net dress, hurried through the door in a frenzy, looking younger than her years. Her manner was stiff and openly hostile, so much so that Cecilia noticed and looked at her in shock.

  “Victoria,” she said in a low, warning voice, but Victoria turned away as if she hadn’t heard. “I’m sorry, Nicole. If Jake were here, we wouldn’t be subjected to one of her infamous temper tantrums. He seems to be the only one who can control her outbursts.”

  “Don’t give it a thought,” Nicole said. “I know the reason she’s so hostile. Look.”

  They watched as Victoria floated across the room, greeting people as she hurried over to Greg, who was leaning against the fireplace. His blond hair sleek and smooth, his face arrogant, he watched with amusement as Victoria made her way straight to him, holding out his arms in an intimate welcome familiar to Nicole.

  Victoria arrived out of breath, throwing herself into his arms. He pulled her face to his and laid a long, thorough kiss on her lips. Finally, he broke off, whispering something in her ear. Her cheeks flushed with color, and he tucked her hand under his arm as they disappeared through the terrace doors.

  “I didn’t invite Greg,” Cecilia seethed between smiling introductions.

  “Victoria probably extended the invitation,�
� Nicole said, feeling guilty. He’d only come to South Florida because of her and now refused to leave.

  Cecilia turned to the next guest. “Mr. Sadler, nice of you to come.” There was no trace of her opinion of the man in her manner.

  “You’re my favorite Edwards.” He smiled at her, then turned to Nicole and lowered his voice. “Be careful of this family.” Then he moved away rapidly, as though he didn’t want her to start asking questions.

  “Nicole, what should I do about Greg?” Cecilia asked.

  Nicole pushed Ellis and his games to the back of her mind. She would deal with him tomorrow. She glanced around and spotted Michael returning with a determined look on his face. “Why don’t you ask Michael to throw him into the bushes?” A giggle escaped her.

  After a startled exclamation, Cecilia burst into laughter.

  Katrina interrupted, hurrying to catch up with Michael as he joined them. “What’s so funny? I could use a good joke.” Her black leather dress clung to her voluptuous curves, and she wore knee-high black leather boots. “There you are, sweetheart,” she cooed at Michael. “Listen, it’s our favorite song. Dance with me.”

  Cecilia had hired Raven, the singer from the Beach Club, whose voice could easily be heard floating in from the terrace.

  Michael glared at Katrina. “I promised every dance to the guest of honor.” He held out his hand to Nicole and led her out the French doors, where he pulled her firmly against him. “I know you hate to dance. So we’ll stand in one place and move around,” he murmured, laughing in her ear. “I never want to dance any other way with you.”

  The scent of the flowers, the music, being held in Michael’s arms, the night had been perfect so far. She stared up into his blue eyes, hoping for another kiss.

  He nibbled her bottom lip. “You didn’t answer my question,” he teased. “Miss me a little?”

  She had to stop herself from screaming, “Yes!” Instead, she said, “A lot of things have happened. I’ve got a lot to tell you.”