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part, she d resigned herself to being ignored by the partners wives and anyone connected to the
Patterson family. They d made it plain she had neither the breeding nor the pedigree to gain
acceptance into their charmed circle. She d realized after a long time that the primary reason
Charles married her was because he thought he could control her and mold her into merely an
extension of himself. And for a long time that had worked. She d lost herself completely.
Without Claire she d never have gotten through the day. The service itself seemed
endless, and at the cemetery the minister droned on interminably while everyone surreptitiously
blotted at their perspiration. Julia felt as if she d been stuffed into an oven in a tight corset. By the
end of the graveside service, she could barely breathe.
With Andy and Beth, she took one white rose and placed it on the casket. Then she gladly
let Claire lead them away to an air-conditioned car and home. The mourners had been invited
back to the senior Pattersons after the service, but Julia begged off, using her condition as an
excuse, and insisted the children didn t need to be in such a depressing environment. It was time
for them all to move on with their lives. It wasn t as if either Charles or his parents had a warm,
affectionate relationship with the twins.
They should be coming to your house, Claire said angrily.
Forget it Julia brushed her hair away from her face. Let Howard and Eloise play the
grieving parents. These are all their people anyway. I just want to be done with it.
Julia spent most of the month of August secluded at home. She never asked about the
agency, never ventured outside. Every moment of her time was devoted to the twins and the
child about to be born.
Her seclusion was interrupted, however, by one unpleasant call from Rod McGuire.
Per Charles s instructions, I ve deposited a significant sum in your checking account, he
told her. But we do have some important things regarding the estate to handle. He cleared his
throat. I d like to wait but Charles was very specific with his instructions.
Yes, I m sure he was. She was sitting in the big chair in the family room, her swollen feet
propped up on a footstool. Just tell me when you d like to do this. I d rather you came to the
house, if you don t mind. Going out is not as easy for me these days.
Yes. I understand. The censure in his voice was hard to miss. Then it s important we
meet. I ll have my secretary call and schedule it.
Fine. Thank you. What else could she say?
He clicked off, without a goodbye.
She dreaded the meeting, knowing Charles had deposited all their secrets and his anger
with his partner, but it was an unpleasant task that couldn t be avoided.
A week later, McGuire sat facing her in the den where Charles had spent his final days.
The acrid odor of medicine and illness had been banished through Miranda s elbow grease, but
the miasma of death still hovered. Julia seldom came into the room now, but she determined it to
be the most fitting place for this discussion. She sat at the desk, McGuire across from her.
I find this somewhat uncomfortable, Julia. He opened his briefcase and extracted a file.
I m not too happy myself, she said.
You must admit, considering your& um& situation, Charles was more than
magnanimous.
Julia gritted her teeth. My pregnancy& she stressed the word, not caring if it
embarrassed Rod, is something that happened. We can at least call it what it is.
Nevertheless, Charles was very disturbed about it. I m sure you know that.
Rod, can we stop tap dancing? She shifted uncomfortably in her chair. She couldn t seem
to find any place to put herself these days. I don t have time to listen to a lecture. You and I both
know why I brought Charles into the house for those last months. My pregnancy was an
unexpected turn of events, and Charles chose the path he did so he could save face. My feelings
were never part of the equation.
I admired him for the way he handled it. He eyed her swollen body with evident
condemnation. I d have just tossed you out into the street.
I m sure you would.
Julia took a deep breath to steady her voice. Let s just get to the heart of the matter here.
I m well aware of the terms of the will and of the letters you hold, so what else is there to
discuss?
Rod s mouth became a thin line of disapproval. Julia knew full well being Charles s
executor had become a distasteful problem for him. He extracted a sheet of paper from a folder.
This is the deed to the house. It and its contents are left specifically to you. Charles
wanted to insure that Andrew and Elizabeth had a proper home to be raised in. I ve had the name
on the deed changed.
I ll be sure to cancel the rental on the mobile home, she said acidly.
McGuire ignored her remarks. There was substantial life insurance, all payable to the
estate, as well as Charles s investments. His smile was cold. He had an incredible mind when it
came to that.
Yes. What was she supposed to say?
At Charles s direction, I set up a fund to provide monthly income for the care of Andrew
and Elizabeth. Individual trust funds have been set up for them, which they will receive when
they re twenty-five, as well as separate trusts to pay for their education expenses. He raised his
eyes to look at her. He was far more generous than I felt he was obligated to be.
Obligated to? she nearly shouted. You can bet he was obligated, whatever you think.
Those are his children and he damn well better have provided for him.
Julia. Rod frowned at her. There s no need to curse.
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