I frown and do as he asks. He takes a white envelope from his jacket and slides it into my purse. He closes the clasp for me. "Wait till you get home to read it."
I gasp in surprise. "It's Mom's favorite stationery."
He nods. "I found the envelope addressed to you in her study. I hid it before Dad and Richard saw it." He holds my gaze. "I've done bad things, Beatrice, and I expect to spend the rest of my life paying for my sins." He swallows hard. "I promise you; I will not let your mother's death go unpunished. I just need time."
I look at him warily. "Why should I believe you?"
"I never gave you a reason to. Actions speak louder than words anyway. Just be careful with Richard. He's angry about something and I have no idea what."
"He usually talks to you."
David shakes his head. "Not this time. Be careful."
I nod slowly, feeling a sense of unease settle in the pit of my stomach. David's words linger in the air as I turn and leave, not sure what to make of his warning about Richard, who I already know is dangerous. I know I must proceed with caution, but I can't shake the feeling that this time might be different.
I take a seat up front and continue to ignore everyone. None of these people really liked my family. At that thought, I turn my head and immediately find Essex and his brothers. They are staring forward, and I know they are watching me. Maggie Redd gives me a subtle nod. She is sitting next to Evelyn, who is crying quietly into a handkerchief. Daisy and her husband, Scott, sit behind the Redds.
My eyes are on Evelyn. David sits next to me and follows my gaze. He sighs. "Give me a minute."
To my surprise, he walks over to Evelyn and gently takes her arm, bringing her to sit beside me. He sits on her other side and winces when Judge appears, none too happy.
Richard looks at me and clenches his jaw. As he sits down, he says, "You are being immature.”
"She's family. What do you think the townspeople will say if she's not with us?"
"That's not the point!" he snaps. "Not only that, but people from Den Hollows are here! They have no right."
"Everyone has the right to pay their respects." I feel a gentle hand on my shoulder and find Violet sitting behind me. Tears hover in my eyes, and Violet stands and pulls me to my feet as we embrace. My eyes wander over her shoulder to Essex, his gaze on mine.
"I'm glad you're here," I tell my friend.
"Where else would I be?" Violet wipes her own eyes. "Gorgeous, huh?" she whispers, her eyes darting to the side.
I'm grateful for Violet and her teasing. It's what I need.
"Beatrice, sit down," Richard says.
I roll my eyes. "I'll talk to you later."
As I take my seat, Richard asks, "You wouldn't happen to know the name of your mother's lawyer, would you?" He holds my gaze, anger in the tic at the corner of his mouth.
"Why should I know? Isn't it the same one as you?"
"I thought so," he mumbles and sits up, his back ramrod straight.
I rub my eyebrows, wondering what kind of mess AJ Hitchcock is going to unveil after the funeral.
24
RIDGE
The small serviceat Nichol's funeral home had made me nervous. The last funeral I'd attended was my father's. When Essex asked for our support today, I knew it would be difficult.
Beatrice needed us, and that had gotten me through it. Kept me from jerking at the noose around my neck. The tie, now undone, dangles around my neck.
Hands tucked into my pockets, I stand with my brothers, sneaking glances at Violet. The girl has made her point by not once looking my way. She'd spent most of her time fixated on Galen.
Jailbait is gorgeous, with a curvy, womanly figure that makes my mouth water. She had done nothing but tease me yesterday and I liked it. I liked it a lot. I considered it foreplay. But I couldn't go there with her. I had to remember that at seventeen she is jailbait. Hence the nickname. It was a reminder to keep my hands to myself. It didn't stop me from imagining her naked, her mouth slightly parted, her eyes staring back at me with desire.