Excuse me. Rising, he slid back his chair. Thats probably Shel Prescott. Ill take him to my office. Aunt Esme, will you phone Casey, then bring Noelani over after the two of you finish eating?
Im through. Noelani folded her napkin. Shall I help clear the table?
Tanya will stack dishes tonight. Betty will wash them in the morning. You run along and find your document. By the time you return, Ill have notified Cassandra of Shelburnes arrival.
Inclining her head, Noelani left the room and slowly climbed the stairs. Had Jackson been about to say they werent disputing her claim on Dukes money? She hadnt made any claim. Theyd contacted her. She wondered if his comment implied they were looking for a way to cut her out of Dukes will.
She wouldnt put it past anyone raised by Duke Fontaine. Noelani knew Bruce liked the man, but what had Fontaine ever done to earn the love her mother reserved for no one but him until the day she died?
Noelani retrieved the certificate. She detoured past the bath long enough to press a damp washcloth to her face and put on lip gloss. Making her way downstairs again, she let out a surprised Ack and threw up an arm to ward off a bulky form appearing suddenly in her path.
Careful, drawled a soft masculine voice. Were you planning to karate-chop me in the old jugular? Adam asked with a laugh.
Yes, as a matter of fact. Noelani was a master kick-boxer. Had she not recognized him when she did, Adam Ross might have been flattened by a well-placed kick. Of course, she thought wryly, in the process shed have ripped off every button from hem to waist of her red dress.
Adam eyed her, still trying to decide whether or not she was joking.
Why were you sneaking around? She deftly sidestepped him.
I wasnt sneaking. I was waiting for you. Casey and Nick showed up two seconds after you left the table. They and Esme went on to Jacksons office. Ive been appointed your escort.
Aunt Esme showed me the office on our tour. I dont need escorting, but thanks, anyway. Orwere you instructed to delay me long enough so they can plot how to get rid of me?
Get rid of you? Thats a pretty paranoid statement, dont you think?
She lifted a shoulder delicately as they fell into step. I imagine the lawful duo wishes Papa had drowned the mongrel at birth.
Cant say you look like any kind of mongrel Ive ever seen, he teased.
Their shoulders brushed as they walked down the hall. Noelani moved a step to the right to avoid touching him. The man was far too bigand far too quick with his flirtatious comments. Adam Ross made her uneasy.
There. He pointed to a door at the end of the hall. I was going to offer to go in with you if you feel you need protecting. But you give the impression you can take care of yourself. Walking backward a short distance, Adam mockingly doffed an imaginary hat, then turned and left her on her own.
Honestly, she muttered, feeling the doorknob slip under her sweaty hand. Darting a glance down the hall to make sure Adam wasnt spying on her, Noelani quickly wiped her palm down her dress. Taking a firmer grip on the knob, she threw back her shoulders and opened the door.
The instant she entered the room, her eyes landed on Cassandra Fontaine Devlin. Except for weepy, bruiselike smudges under her eyes, and a long, dark auburn ponytail, she shared the Fontaine look. A narrow face and foxlike chin proved a foil for her unsettling green eyes. At least they unsettled Noelani, because she sensed a vulnerability akin to her own in Dukes daughter. His legitimate daughter.
Jackson straightened away from an antique desk made of dark cherry. A white-haired, paunchy man sat behind it, swirling ice in a tumbler of amber liquid. The minute Jackson noticed Noelani, he came to greet her. Casey. Nick. Shelburne. This is Noelani Hana.
Nick Devlin unfolded his rangy body from a chair to extend a hand.
Flustered by the hurt expression on her half sisters face, Noelani almost didnt shake Nicks hand. She did in the end, although she clamped her teeth tight to keep her chin from quaking.
Shall we get on with this? Casey abruptly demanded in a husky, scratchy voice. Some of us get up at dawn to earn our keep.
Jackson frowned a bit. Nick sat quickly and slipped a bracing arm around his wifes narrow shoulders.
Noelani, theres a vacant seat next to Aunt Esme, Jackson said.
Actually there wasnt. Toodles had claimed the brocade cushion. But Esme scooped the dog into her lap, allowing Noelani space to sit.
Shelburne promised this wont take long. Jackson crossed the room again.
It wont, the lawyer reiterated. I already told Jackson that Duke and Angeliques property disbursement is fairly straightforward. Prescott pushed aside a stack of papers. Opening his briefcase, he removed a set of stapled documents.
Cassandra and Jackson, Angelique made a list of her jewelry for insurance purposes. With the exception of her wedding set, which was previously earmarked for the woman Jackson will one day marry, she split the items equally between you. As she did the cash in her personal account. I must say, since she financed their recent trip abroad, its a modest sum. Thirty thousand, give or take a few hundred.
Casey leaned forward, tension stiffening her slender back. Why would Maman finance their trip? Duke said he planned it as an anniversary giftor more of a second honeymoon, she said, telegraphing Noelani a smug so there message.
Ill get to that. Let me finish. Duke has allotted a yearly stipend for his sister, Esme. While technically the house passes to Jackson, a codicil gives Esme the right to live out her days at Bellefontaine. Wisteria Cottage, which belonged to Dukes mother, and its five acres, is in a separate trust for the use of current or future Fontaine heirs. I understand, Casey, that you and Nick are currently living in the cottage.
Yes. Temporarily. What about the mill and the cane fields? Casey asked, sliding to the edge of her straight-backed chair.
Shel again scolded her with a glance over his half glasses. Nick ran a hand up Caseys back and lightly massaged her neck. She automatically slumped sideways, curving into the hollow below his arm.
The cane fields, outbuildings, mill, all warehouses and the refinery Duke purchased a few weeks before his death are to be divided equally among Jackson Fontaine, Cassandra Fontaine Devlin and Noelani Hana. Ive prepared an inventory of all assets, liabilities and cash connected to the aforementioned properties. The bank has provided this independent audit, which Jackson requested. Getting up, Shelburne handed each of the three siblings a packet.
Noelani watched Jackson, Casey and Nick pore over the pages. She folded hers in half and cleared her throat. Jackson, Iahdont know if youre aware that I knew nothing of this prior to Mr. Prescotts letter. It was never my intention to intrude on your lives. I feel the best thing for everyone would be if you and your sister cashed out my part and let me be on my way.
Casey sat up in a rush. Finally, something that makes sense. Im agreeable. Arent you, Jackson?
Jackson emerged from a stupor. Casey, have you checked the bottom line? Except for the funds Maman left, which if were lucky will cover this months operating expenses, were property rich but cash poor.