Billionaire's Retreat Read online

  “Oh gee thanks, I will need to think about it. I still don’t know if I should call him.”

  “By the way, Lucinda, I found out last night at the meeting that a body has been found locally. You must have known about this, however, you didn’t bother to call me. Why?”

  “I didn’t want you to worry. The identity of the body hasn’t been determined.” Lucinda noticed a few teardrops underneath Sarah’s eyes. “I’m sorry Sarah. I should have told you no matter the circumstances.”

  “Damn right, you should have!”

  At the end of the week, Sarah was back in Los Angeles. Sarah visited the castle. It was still being lived in while being renovated. She was greeted by the Butler and was escorted back to where the men were working in the rear of the house. She briefly spoke with the working crew. On her way back out, she noticed Woodrow in the dining area.

  “Hi. Woodrow.”

  “Hi. Sarah.”

  “You and the Mrs. will not recognize this room after we gut several adjacent rooms to enlarge it into the huge dining and banquet facility we outlined in our contract.”

  Sarah reached out toward Woodrow. He stood for a moment before taking hold of her outstretched soft manicured hands. He pulled her close, they embraced, a second later, they engaged in a long kiss. Eventually, Sarah said, “Woody, we have got to stop this right now. Suppose your wife walks in on us. She would probably have a heart attack. If that happens we will have to watch her die and then call the paramedics.” Woodrow complied immediately to her request.

  Shortly thereafter, Bridget entered the room. “She said, “How are my favorite two people?”

  Woodrow stated, “We are fine.”

  Sarah interjected, “I stopped in to check on my crew. Gus Willem has everything under control. I am going to be on my way.”

  Daniel Burks called Rachelle to inform her of the news. “A decomposed body has been found here in Dallas.”

  Rachelle remained silent for a moment then spoke, “Lord, I hope it is not my son.”

  “Ms. Rachelle, I am going to keep searching for him. The Coroner’s Report, when it is released, will let us know if it is Jared. Either way I intend to find the responsible party.”

  She followed his remarks by saying, “Although Dennis Summerfield has been eliminated as a suspect by the local authorities, I’m still not convinced he wasn’t involved.”

  “So you think he remained distraught after he fought with Jared and then hired someone to do his dirty work.”

  “It seems plausible. However, if he is guilty, his wife probably is connected in some way with the demise of my son.”

  “I’m going to continue to check all leads.”

  “You keep doing what you can and I’ll keep praying for my son.”

  Chapter 8

  Vincent phoned Lucinda, to his surprise, she conversed with him. Lucinda informed him of her desire to become a lawyer.

  “I have some information that you might find helpful since you are considering a law degree.”

  “Let me have your phone number. I’ll give you a call later this afternoon.”

  Four hours later, Vincent answered his cell phone, “Vincent James speaking.”

  “Hi. Vince.”

  “Hi. Lucinda. I wasn’t expecting to hear from you so soon.”

  “I know. I have been thinking. Maybe we should not meet. This is not right.”

  “Well maybe I can drop off the material at a friend’s house like you suggested before when I had your earrings. Do you remember that?”

  “Yes Vince. I remember.”

  “So what’s your decision? Shall we meet? I can always drop them off with a friend.”

  “That want be necessary. Meet me at Afaitu’s Tahitian Restaurant.”

  “Where’s your husband?”

  “You make it sounds as if we are having an affair. Don’t get things twisted or I will have to cancel our plans.”

  “No Lucinda. Why are you acting so irrational?”

  “That’s because you have me all flustered. If you must know, David is currently working a new shift from 7:00 in the evening to 3:00 in the morning.”

  “Good Mrs. Stallings, we’ll meet for dinner at 9:00.”

  At the restaurant, Vincent mentioned, “There is a part time clerk slot open in our law firm. Maybe you should apply for the job. That would give you some exposure to how the law works.”

  Lucinda submitted an application to be considered for work at the firm. Two weeks later, after a lengthy interview process, she was hired to fill an entry level legal research position.

  One day while Sarah was visiting Lucinda with David present, she mentioned how she sought out Vincent to get Lucinda a position with his law firm. She went on to state that Vincent is a high profile attorney.

  That night as David and Lucinda were preparing for bed, David said, “When were you going to tell me about this guy named Vincent?”

  “There is nothing to tell. We met. I told him of my plans to major in law and that I hope to be an attorney. He offered to help me. Any mentoring that he could provide should be beneficial in my quest to be a lawyer.”

  “I don’t like you keeping secrets from me.”

  “I never thought of Vincent as a secret. However, I know how jealous you are and didn’t want you worrying needlessly.”

  “I’m still not sure you need his help. Am I not man enough for you? Oh, listen at me. Forget I said that. Perhaps, I am over reacting.”

  “Yes dear, you are over reacting. You have nothing to fear.”

  The following day at work, Lucinda dropped in on Vincent in his office.

  “Come in. Close the door behind you.”

  She thanked him for helping her land the job. “I and my Assistant Lora would like to take you out for dinner to celebrate.” She agreed to meet them at the restaurant. When she got there, he informed her that Lora would not be joining them because she had a family emergency. They had dinner at an upscale seafood restaurant, bar, and grill. After dinner, they went to a nearby lake. During the process of conversing, Vincent picked up two pebbles then threw them on the surface of the water. He made an analogy which he said could surmise her and David’s marriage. “I have two pebbles in my hands. They have nothing in common. When I throw them they will hit the lake surface making a momentary big splash.”

  “I have enjoyed our conversation up until now. I feel it’s time for us to bring this night to an end. I’ll see you tomorrow at work.”

  He puts his arm around her as they continued to face the water. “You should be able to do so much better. You deserve so much more.”

  Suddenly, the heavens opened, rain poured, while off in the distance the sound of thunder could be heard. He took off his suit jacket, held it over her head, as they walked hurriedly towards her car.

  “Bye Vincent. Thank you for dinner and everything.”

  They reached the car, she got in, and then he promptly shut the door.

  Chapter 9

  The following month, Sarah and the women on her fundraiser committee arrived at a local restaurant. They stopped at the reservations desk. Sarah said, “We are the party of six for Sarah Giltry’s fundraiser committee luncheon.”

  “We are delighted to have you. Jim will show you to our private dining area?”

  During the meeting, Vera disclosed three potential golf courses where they could host the fundraiser. After she presented the details and advantages of each, they made a final selection. Ms. Shereka Oakley was chosen to be the foundation’s treasurer. They also formed a publicity team.

  The following day, Sarah was back in Los Angeles. She decided once again to check on the progress of the castle renovation. When she arrived, Woodrow informed her that Mrs. Titanimum was out of town attending a senior women convention. After her crew left, Sarah and Woodrow eluded the hired hands to spend the night in an upstairs bedroom suite. He watched as she disrobed admiring her well endowed anatomy. Sarah stood still as his hands felt her silky body. For a night
, Woodrow enjoyed making love to a young woman, something he hadn’t done in ages. As Sarah was leaving the next morning, the maid spotted her before she reached the front door. She looked back after hearing the maid sheepishly grinning. Sarah had her briefcase and a small tote bag in one hand and in the other hand the 6-inch heels that she sported when she arrived. She was now bare feet. “Ms. Sarah it’s rather early for you to be here. Did you forget something?”

  “Good morning, darling.”

  “Morning, Mrs. Giltry.”

  Snootily, Sarah said, “Do not tell anyone that I was here, so early. Remember, you didn’t see me.”

  Sarah turned up her nose, lifted her head into the air, then commenced to leaving.

  The maid shouted, “You are wrong!”

  Still walking, looking straight ahead, Sarah shouted back, “It’s none of your business! Get over it!”

  Chapter 10

  Sarah was resting at home when the doorbell rang. She peered through the peephole prior to opening the door.

  “Hi ma’am, I’m officer Ted Driggs with the Los Angeles Police. I have a message for Mrs. Sarah Giltry.”

  “Hi officer, I’m Mrs. Giltry. Is there something wrong? ”

  “May I come in?”

  “Yes.”

  “I think you might want to have a seat.”

  “I hope this isn’t about Jared.”

  The officer entered. They both sat.

  “Mrs. Giltry.”

  “You can call me, Sarah.”

  “Sarah, I have some bad news. The Los Angeles Police have been informed by law enforcement in Dallas that the decomposed body found two months ago has been identified as Jared Jones.”

  Sarah stood to her feet with tears flooding her eyes before dropping to her knees.

  “Lord no. Tell me this isn’t so Lord.”

  “I’m sorry, Ma’am.

  As she covered her nose and mouth with her hands she stated, “There has to be a mistake. It cannot be him.”

  Stooping down to her level, he put a hand around her shoulders. “I wish it was not Jared, but the report is final.”

  After awhile, still crying, she stood to her feet. “I’ll be alright officer. You may leave now. I’m sorry you had to be the bearer of bad news.”

  “Take care of yourself, Sarah.”

  “The only man I ever loved is gone. It’s going to be hard for me to go on without him.”

  Sarah completed the funeral arrangements. The body was flown to Los Angeles. The funeral was to take place the next weekend on a Saturday afternoon. When Amanda arrived in town, she spent a considerable amount of time consoling Rachelle and Sarah. Several friends of Jared from the fire department had flown in to say goodbye to their fallen comrade. The funeral took place as planned. Jared was laid to rest.

  Before leaving Los Angeles, Rachelle met with Sarah. “Sarah, I have hired a Dallas private investigator to find out who killed Jared. I think you should walk lightly. I believe you had something to do with Jared’s death.”

  “Mrs. Jones I think you should go. I know you are still hurt because of your son’s death. However, I am still moaning the loss of my husband. I wish we could have had a more civilized conversation. First, it was my sister doubting my loyalty. I don’t know how much more of this I can take.

  Before Rachelle turned to walk out the door, she said, “Remember to walk lightly. I am going to make you pay for the death of my son.”

  Chapter 11

  A month after the funeral, Sarah received an unexpected phone call while at work.

  “Mrs. Giltry. You have a phone call on line two. It’s a Mr. Johnny Davis.”

  “Thank you”

  “Hi. Johnny.”

  “It’s probably not wise to contact you so soon after Jared’s funeral, but I need to talk with you.”

  “What do you want Johnny?”

  “I have signed up to participate in your fundraiser golf tournament.”

  “That’s nice of you. I wonder if your wife is aware of this call.”

  “She doesn’t know. That being said, Vera and I would like you to know, you can always count on us.”

  “David, I think you are talking more on your behalf than that of your wife. I am glad you signed up for the tournament, but you need to give me more time. I don’t know if I can continue handling being your mistress while at the same time being a friend to your wife. Maybe we can talk when I’m through moaning the loss of my husband.”

  “I’m sorry, Sarah. Take all the time you need.”

  “Bye Johnny.”

  “Bye Sarah.”

  Sarah buzzed Chris on the phone. “I’m ready for our meeting.”

  “I’ll be right in.”

  A minute later, he peeked into her office, as she looked up from her paperwork.

  “Come in.” After he sat, she stated, “What’s the latest on the castle renovation?”

  “Everything is on schedule. The Titanimums and their hired hands will be moving out into their new mansion, in a couple of weeks.”

  “I think that is a good move on their part, not to be live in proprietors.”

  Chapter 12

  Sarah telephoned her mother in law, “Hi Mrs. Jones. How are you?”

  “Sarah. Why are you calling? I am still trying to come to grips with the loss of my son. My son was killed for no apparent reason. My boy was shot, burned, and then pushed in his car over into a retention pond. When we last met, I blamed you for his death. I still blame you for his death. How could you have done such a thing?”

  “Maybe one day, you will understand how much I loved your son.”

  That afternoon, Sarah was relaxing in her jacuzzi, when her cell phone rang. After toweling off, putting on a robe, she answered. “This is Sarah Giltry speaking.”

  “Mrs. Giltry, I’m Dallas Police Detective Fred Thompson. How are you?”

  “I am doing fine. How may I help you?”

  “I’m calling to question you regarding an alleged bribery.”

  “Excuse me, detective. May I place you on hold? I have another call.”

  “Sure.”

  “Hello.”

  “Hi Sarah, this is Johnny.”

  “I’ll have to call you back. I have a detective on hold. He wants to question me.”

  “Take care, Sarah. I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Okay detective, I’m back.”

  The detective resumed speaking. “I would like to know if you had any dealings with a Mr. V. Jay Armstrong.”

  “No Sir. I have never heard of anyone by that name.”

  “I’m also thinking you may have introduced your business partner Mr. Brisband to Johnny Davis.”

  “They may have met. I’m not sure.”

  “Can you explain your relationship with Johnny Davis and how long you’ve known him?”

  “We first met in college. Every since then we’ve been friends.”

  “We believe you may have taken a trip to Malibu Beach where you met with him to celebrate the awarding of a government contract. Johnny Davis cast the deciding vote on a buildings renovation project. You benefited from the decision as a subcontractor.”

  “It wasn’t a celebration. We were vacationing.”

  “Thanks Sarah. We will keep in touch.”

  “Sure Detective Thompson, I am always available if you have further questions.”

  A few days later, Sarah spoke with Johnny on the phone, they made plans to meet up in Dallas the following month at a yet to be determined location.

  Chapter 13

  Woodrow and Bridgett finalized the details for their inaugural gala to be held at their Billionaire’s Retreat.

  The date for the fundraiser named in honor of Jared Jones was fast approaching. Five days prior to the event, Sarah arrived in Dallas. She immediately called Johnny. After determining they would be free of any afternoon engagements, she said they should meet a park in the downtown area. He took her up on the suggestion.

  During their meeting, Johnny
stated he too had been questioned by Detective Fred Thompson.

  “Johnny, I hope we didn’t provide conflicting answers to his questions. I kept denying having any bribery knowledge.”

  “Good girl. I knew you could be trusted under fire.”

  After a brief pause, she said, “Johnny it has been a while. I know how much you want me and I really want you to have me.”

  “Oh, Come on, Sarah. You must know our every move is suspect. We are taking a risk by meeting here today.” He could tell she was displeased with his response. “Okay. I give in. However, we have to be discrete. They agreed to meet at a hotel several miles from the park.

  Upon returning to her car, she waived bye to Johnny. She then checked for messages on her cell phone and noticed a text from Vera. The message simply said I know you are in town. Call me. She wondered if Vera had found out about her and Johnny. Then she suddenly snapped back to reality, Vera was merely saying they should meet as soon as possible. After all, she had told her she would be in town.

  At the hotel, dinner was ordered in for two. After dinner, a love feast was ignited. Sarah unabashedly and willingly gave into Johnny’s sexual fantasies he’d been harboring every since their last romantic encounter in Malibu Beach. She urged him on physically and vocally with every erogenous act performed.

  Chapter 14

  At a community country club tucked away in a suburb of Los Angeles, Jared Jones’ First Annual Golf Tournament was well underway. After the first four holes of play, Councilman Johnny Davis had a 2 point lead over his closest competitor. Vera was proud of her husband and could be heard bragging to fellow committee members about his performance.

  On the perimeter of the golf course the news media suddenly appeared. A few minutes later, a couple of law enforcement officers arrived. They exited their cruisers being followed closely by news reporters. Johnny was about to tee off on the fifth hole when he noticed them approaching. He was placed under arrest and charged with accepting a bribe for his vote on a government contract and also for money laundering. Vera’s joyous day suddenly was transformed into one of the worse days of her life.