Mysterious Millionaire

Her green eyes shone with a steady light, encouraging him to wax poetic about the lure of open sea. “In a different era, I could have been a captain on a tallship.”

“Or a pirate,” she said. “A renegade.”

“Aye, matey.”

Though he probed, she avoided saying much about herself, claiming that her dreams generally revolved around mundane issues like paying her rent and having groceries. “What about your family?” he asked.

“Raised by a single mother.” She shrugged. “Her only dream for me was that I’d find a man to marry me and take care of me. And her.”

“You don’t share that dream.”

“Nightmare,” she corrected. “I don’t like people telling me what to do.”

“Nobody does.”

“Your family is a lot more interesting.” She refilled his beer glass. “From what I hear, you’re in the midst of the divorce from hell.”

He wasn’t surprised that she knew about Victoria. The staff overheard everything. Talk about his miserable marriage evolved into memories of better times. With his beloved daughter. With his grandpa.

Though their conversation was frequently interrupted by Charlene’s friends, he and Liz seemed to be afloat on an island of calm. When he looked at his wristwatch, he could hardly believe that it was after one.

The party had begun to wind down. In a dark corner, Bloody Mary and Baldy carried on a breathy conversation with a lot of groping. Others played pool. Charlene swayed and danced by herself while Ramon watched with eager eyes.

Ben was surprised when Patrice and Monte joined him at the bar. His sister was visibly upset, with makeup askew and eyes glowing like hot embers. She snarled at Liz. “Vodka and pomegranate juice in a tall glass. Make it a double.”

“Same for me,” Monte said.

“I didn’t expect to see you down here,” Ben said.

“Couldn’t sleep,” Patrice complained. “I can’t believe Jerod intends to leave everything to that witch.”

“We’re family,” Monte whined. “We deserve that inheritance. We need it.”

Ben filled his mouth with beer to keep from commenting. His sister had a healthy annual income from trust funds, owned houses and cars and anything else her greedy heart desired. Not exactly living in the gutter.

“Maybe I should get pregnant.” Patrice patted her concave belly. “Then Jerod would leave my child big bucks. The way he’s done with your kid.”

Anger clenched Ben’s throat. “What about Natalie?”

Charlene sidled up to them. “She’s the other big winner in the new will. A third for me. A third for your darling daughter. And the rest to be divided with dozens and dozens of others.”

Beside him, Patrice scraped her fingernails on the bar. “The new will won’t stand up in court. You tricked my grandpa.”

“I love him,” Charlene said. “That’s something you wouldn’t understand. Love. True love.”

Ramon had appeared behind her shoulder. It didn’t take a behavioral scientist to see that this conversation was about to turn nasty.

“Love?” Patrice spat the word. “Is that why you were humping Tony Lansing in the back hallway?”

Charlene tossed her head. “Just a congratulations kiss. No big deal.”

Liz placed the drinks for Patrice and Monte on the bar. “Here you go, folks. Drink up. And settle down.”

“Shut up,” Patrice snapped. “When I need advice from a maid, I’ll ask for it.”

His sister closed her talons around her glass, and Ben guessed her intention. Patrice was about to throw her drink, just like a soap-opera diva. Before he could stop her, she let fly.

Charlene ducked.

Ramon got drenched.

Ben waded in to stop the scuffle. Fortunately, Liz had come around the bar and helped. Between them, they subdued the women and their partners.

Patrice and Monte flounced back up the stairs.

Charlene stood at the bar beside him. Her chest heaved as she breathed heavily. “Go to bed, Ben. I’m not going to do anything naughty.”

He had absolutely no reason to believe her.

THOUGH LIZ HAD BEEN DRINKING nothing but ginger ale all night, she felt unsteady on her feet. It had been a long day; she was pooped.