“The letter is all I have,” Trevor said, “and she didn’t even leave it propped on my desk so I’d see it, but hid it in a drawer. It’s like she wanted me to know, but not.”
“And the note spoke of…” she encouraged him to continue.
“Chrissy feared for her life. She mentioned stalkers becoming aggressive, even suggested that her father’s shady past might have something to do with it. I was thrilled when she asked me to see if I could find out who they were. Chrissy also reminded me of her upcoming birthday, that I’d soon be free of my obligation toward her.”
“What happens on her twenty-first birthday?” Melanie asked.
“She gains control of her trust fund. But she was so adamant about taking even the monthly allowance her father’s estate allowed these past three years, I can’t see that she cares about the bulk of it.”
“Does she have a relative or old boyfriend who might be interested in taking the money off her hands?”
“Doesn’t everyone have someone who covets the easy life?”
“Not me, anymore. Although, I am starting to build a retirement fund.” Melanie laughed. “I suppose I’d only attract long range stalkers.”
“This is also of your own choosing.” Melanie noted the reprimand in his tone, and she straightened her spine to appear more self-confident. He grinned at her obvious discomfort, and continued. “Before last week, I hadn’t spoken to Chrissy since she left Georgia. She does have a sister, Chelsea. Actually, she visited the Manor shortly after you and Chrissy left last week, voicing all kinds of questions about Chrissy, and why I hadn’t invited the poor estranged girl to dinner while you were here. I supposed that to be odd behavior – Chrissy and Chelsea aren’t exactly what you would call loving sisters.” He laughed as if that were the norm. “This month is the most I’ve seen of Chelsea in ages. Her dropping in and out, playing the neglected niece and sister, did make me suspicious, but until the letter, their relationship seemed pretty normal for the lives they both led. I gave up trying to figure Chelsea out – you never know what that girl is up to – but she is twenty-five and not my responsibility. She resides not twenty minutes away and only calls in when she wants to torment me or disrupt my household.” Trevor studied Melanie closely over the rim of his cup. “A question for you: do you think that I somehow offend your generation?”
“Do you assume I am in my early twenties, Trevor?” When he raised his eyebrows, she continued, “I assure you I got a late start in life. I tried to fill the shoes my parents expected of me far too long, and after mother’s death I struck out on my own. Went back to school and started a career in law enforcement.”
“Thank you for your service,” Trevor said. “Not enough appreciation is shown to the courageous numbers which keep our streets safe.”
“To be honest, I’m having trouble readjusting after the bad guys landed on my doorstep,” Melanie admitted.
“I suppose a certain detachment at work helps to keep the emotions and mind clear of becoming too personally involved,” Trevor said. “Of course, a direct attack on you, such as this case involves, puts you right in the center, like it or not. Have you notified your father of the situation?”
“Not yet. I’d rather do it after the fact, but at the same time, I wouldn’t want him to read about it in my obituary.”
“I believe you said you had a brother – are you close?”
“Not anymore,” Melanie said. “He lives not too far from here.”
“Will you be contacting either of them while under the protection of my home?” The man was full of uncomfortable questions.
“This past week has caused me to consider making amends. A person only has one family, the good and bad of it.”
“Have you thought about joining the family of God? Seems to me you could use the Almighty to walk this road with.”
Melanie jumped at the change of subject. “Do you go to church?”
“I attend a small gospel work. They have a strong mission emphasis, and the pastor usually has new prospects for my monthly freebie.”
“Freebie?”
“Once a month: one case from the church, and one from the lower-classes who can’t afford good representation.”
“Nice to see you live your faith. Perhaps there is hope for me yet.”
“If you’d like to accompany me, I attend a weekly Bible study on Tuesday nights.”
“Tonight? You don’t waste any time.” She bit her lip. “I left my bags, packed but still on my bed in the Chanter Hotel this morning. A man was giving me the run-around, and I wanted to lose him. He will be watching for my return tonight. He doesn’t understand the meaning of get lost.”
Trevor immediately reached for a silent bell, and Spencer appeared shortly after. “Yes, sir?”
“Send the car around to the Chanter.” He looked at Melanie. “Do you have a key to your room?” Melanie rummaged through her purse and passed the key fob to him. “Secure Miss Braxton’s items from her room, check out and pay the final bill,” Trevor instructed. “In the process, do not give anyone a forwarding address and make sure you’re not followed. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good, then. Be off.” He focused on Melanie again. “When your bags arrive, Spencer will show you to your suite. Lunch today will be served on the south terrace. Meanwhile, would you care for a stroll through the gardens?”
Melanie stood. Even with her heels she had to raise her chin to meet his gaze. He was a man of authority with gentle eyes and a heart of gold – what more could a
