An alienated son tries to find favor in his dying father’s eyes by the retrieval of an heirloom necklacecheated away years ago. Only one thing blocks his way–the cheater’s gutsy daughter.Excerpt:The beach was deserted, except for a small yacht bobbing on the gentle waves close to shore.Heartened by her chat with David, Val remembered the fun she’d had in this place as a child runningbarefoot in the sand.The isolation was tranquil, not lonely, an opportune time to reflect on the ring in her pocketand upon a fading relationship. She’d never realized until Sally and Jeff exchanged vows,how business-like Thomas had become. He’d probably find it difficult to show up for their wedding if he didn’t stand to gain something he wanted--a trophy wife.Val deliberated over marrying the man whose ring had adorned her finger. She’d given intoThomas’ begging and accepted the huge diamond with a few misgivings. Sally hadn’thesitated to give her opinion, vague though it was: "If it’s meant to be, it will feel right." Fathelp that advice was. If she married Thomas, their marriage would satisfy a goal for each of them. On that level it seemed destined to take place, yet it
didn’t
feel right.Thomas’ words darted through her mind: "Come on Val, you want kids. I need a wife and weget along well enough together. There’s no reason for us not to tie the knot."He’d brought up the logic so many times it had begun to sound rational. They did get alongwell. She had strong feelings for him, which was why she’d given in. "But, Sally," she hadpleaded during their chat, "there’s none of the glorious excitement I always expected with truelove. And lately, he’s more interested in climbing the rungs of power than doing anything fun."Though she longed for a family of her own, she longed more for what Sally and Jeff haddisplayed looking into each other’s eyes. The disclosure had been a startling one when she’dglimpsed the emotion so graphically illuminating them. She prayed she could get out of theengagement without either her or Thomas ending up an emotional wreck. Adrift in her thoughts, she didn’t hear footsteps fall in behind her.Until he spoke."It’s peaceful down here on the beach, don’t you think?"Val stopped short and turned. "Calum!" It might as well have been the devil standing in frontof her. She glanced both ways along the shoreline. Nobody in sight. Stepping back twopaces, she stared at him a few seconds, then tried to regain her composure by agreeing withhim. "It sure is." Her heart pounded without mercy, her peace shattered with his presence.Fast footwork slipped her past him. She intended to return to the reception--to Butch. Calum’slong strides were more than a match for hers; he caught up. She stopped again and facedhim. Exasperated, she spoke without thinking. "I guess that saying is true.""Which is?" He came to a halt closer than she preferred.She hurried out her reply. "That there’s never a cop around when you need one."Calum grinned. "I don’t think you need one. I’m safe to be around."She didn’t know about that, but neither was she going to argue the point. Her best optionwould be a quick retreat.
"That’s my boat anchored there. Would you like to go out for a look, Valerie? I can carry youthat short distance. The water is as calm as you’ll ever see it. You won’t get one drop of water on you."She saw him glance at her feet. He’d be sure to notice how her toes had curled into the sand,prepared to propel into flight. Jittery, and fearing it showed, she was unsure whether toattempt leaving in a trail of smoke. "I don’t like boats or being away from land."Her head down, Val started walking, picking up her pace, but he remained at her elbow.
Why did I come here alone?
Her eyes focused on the beach ahead.
Keep yourself together. Don’t let him know you’re frightened.
"You’ve
rented
the
house on the bluff, haven’t you... the onethat’s an old winery?" Her steps increased, almost to a run."Yes. Its panoramic view of the ocean is magnificent.""Are the vats in the cellar still in use?""You’re familiar with the place?" His eyes gleamed with more interest than she thought thequestion warranted. What was going on behind his raised brow?"I don’t know it well," she replied, then consciously forced her breath to a more regular flow. "Iwas in there once as a child. It’s spooky!"He smiled. The tension drained from his face.~ * ~Slightly ahead of her, Calum stopped, pleased she stopped as well and didn’t try to go aroundhim. He hadn’t intended for her to get this far from the yacht, but he’d lost himself in thepretended warmth of her conversation. He wished she were more relaxed in his company, butshe didn’t know his plans so he couldn’t expect her to accept his suggestions with commonsense. Calum didn’t want to get physical on the beach in case anyone chose to walk downhere. He could follow plan B; it would be just as effective.Calum pointed to his home. "Those wide-arched doors allow trucks to deliver the grapesinside for fermenting. Would you like to come in and sniff the aroma? You’ve got your camera; maybe you’d like to take pictures for an assignment.""No. It’s getting late. I’m sure Butch will want to leave... how’d you know about my nextassignment? I haven’t told Dad yet.""I
didn’t
know you had another one. It was just a supposition, a coincidence, I guess." Hewatched her eyes become slits; her lips tightened. He knew she wasn’t buying his excuse,but she didn’t try to rush away, either. His brain numbed, stupefied at yet another blunder. Hewasn’t accustomed to making mistakes. His biggest mistake was that he had miscalculatedher wariness.He had researched his scheme carefully and thought he could predict her actions, but shehadn’t taken the yacht or the winery bait.
What was wrong with her?
Dammit, she’s making shambles of my plans sending my time and effort down the tubes
.At a loss, he scanned the beach. They were still alone and near where she had parked her footwear. He walked over and snatched her shoes, one in each hand, rethinking his strategy."Come over to that large rock and I’ll help you put these on." He carried them closer to thewinery, then stretching out both arms offered them as if tempting a skittery animal into acage.
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