“All the wrong ones have.” Trevor laughed. “Think my heart was waiting for another brand of woman to bring it new life.”
“Me – a new brand,” Melanie mused. “You’re probably right, but look at the trouble I get into. I’d need to acquire your services constantly.”
“And you, my dear, would get a discounted rate.” He grinned, and her heart leaped into her throat. “I prefer the right kind of spark to keep my adrenalin pumping. And with you, I suspect I shall never know a dull moment.”
They were treading dangerous territory, and his forwardness made her insides squirm. Was she so embarrassed in her own skin that she could not enjoy some innocent banter with a man? Likely that was one of the reasons she remained single.
“Trevor, can we stay focused on Chrissy? I feel disloyal, enjoying lunch with you while her killer runs free.”
He tousled his hair, disturbing a lock of the perfectly combed dark strands, causing it to stick up. His boyish features completed the picture. Melanie’s face broke into a smile and she smothered a giggle.
“What now?”
Melanie leaned closer and flattened the mane standing erect. Even as she did it, she realized the move was brazen and inappropriate, contradicting her attempt to return to the serious subject of Chrissy. But she did it anyway. Her hand stopped mid-air on the return, as their eyes locked, holding the moment captive. He definitely did not regard her as his niece’s roommate, and for the first time in a long time, Melanie felt drawn to a man.
Trevor surprised her by grabbing her hand and diving it into his thick mane, messing his entire hairdo.
“There. I like that better. Do you?” he asked.
“It doesn’t compliment your three-piece suit.”
“Then I shall have to remedy that. At church, people have me that I come across a bit snobby at times, though they say it with a most gracious attitude. I repent, of course, but it gives a man cause to wonder if stuffy formality, which tends to define the upper-class, is as necessary as our ancestors have led us to believe. How do you feel about that, Miss Braxton?”
“I’m in complete agreement. I think I’ll like the members of your congregation.” Melanie grinned. “In my new world, I tend to treat everyone the same and dress to please myself or the occasion.”
“Money and position can be a curse,” Trevor stated.
“Only the rich would say that. Now that I’m living on the other side of the money tree, I’m beginning to suspect access to funds can also be a blessing. It’s all up to the person holding the purse.”
“Chrissy’s mother would agree. My sister-in-law loved to bless everyone and anyone and wouldn’t hurt a fly. In fact, whenever she could, she’d take a stray bug found in the house and transfer it safely to the great outdoors to set it free.”
“Sounds like something Chrissy would do, too.”
“Yes, I’m partial to my youngest niece.”
“I’m not surprised – I’ve met the elder one, remember?”
“Yes, Chelsea is cold and calculating. We clash at every encounter, except when she is trying to bewitch me into getting her own way.” He cast a challenge Melanie’s way. “Have you decided to visit your home while in Georgia?”
“My father and I have been on the outs since Mother’s death, but yes, I believe I shall try to make amends. Life is too short to carry grudges, and I believe your God would frown on such lack of forgiveness.”
“I’m pleased to see that you are soul searching during this troubled time.”
“Lessons in the valley, I believe I heard a preacher say that phrase once.”
“Have you made your peace with God? I sense a change in you.”
“I’m considering it. I see the strength in your faith that keeps you steady on your feet and provides blessings for you to share.”
“Will you test your new theories after you forgive your father and become heir to his fortune?”
“As far as I know, he hasn’t taken me out of the will.” She laughed. “But I suspect that money and power will look different in my near future.”
“I regret not taking more opportunity to speak with you when you visited last time. I am enjoying your company and would have insisted that Chrissy bring you back often.”
“In an unexpected way, she has.”
“I may as well be blunt with you – I don’t know the identity of the other woman in the trunk and have nothing tangible to back this sixth sense, but I suspect we’ll find it wasn’t Chrissy.”
Melanie brightened. “I’m so glad to hear you say that. My head wants to wrap this mess up in a tidy bow, but my gut still senses that she’s alive.”
“There. Where two or three agree, it will be done. I shall consider your alignment as a sign from the Lord that we are on the right track.”
“But we shouldn’t get our hopes up too high, just in case,” Melanie said.
“Doubt cannot travel the same road with trust. There is plenty of grace available, should we be forced to face the first scenario.” Trevor reached for her hand. “How about a walk on the beach?” When she nodded, he added, “meet you back here in ten, dressed in suitable attire for the adventure.”
Melanie laughed. “Only you would label walking along a sandy beach as an adventure.”
When Melanie and Trevor returned from their walk, relaxed and refreshed, Chelsea had returned and was standing, armed and ready. “Get cleaned up you two and meet me in the office promptly.”
“You’re giving the orders now?” Trevor asked.
“You will not be disappointed, Uncle Trevor.” She twirled on her heels and disappeared from view.
The innocent shall know freedom and peace in their hearts.
Chapter 13
Melanie stood
