Chapter 8

 Jennifer had returned to work and buried herself among stacks of reports with lingering thoughts of Noah on her mind. How could she help him she wondered? Was there more to this story about Eric than Noah was willing to tell? Why were they so distant? So many questions with no answers.

R..i..n..g, r..i..n..g, sounded the telephone on Jennif3er's desk and she pulled herself away from the computer in front of her.

Hello! Jennifer answered.

Miss Winters, I presume! Came a strange voice.

I have a package for you. It will be worth your while to meet with me.

Who are you? Jennifer asked quite puzzled.

Never mind who I am for now answered the voice. Meet me at Quino's Coffee Shop on Third Street in one hour.

But how will I know you? Inquired Jenifer.

I will find you! The stranger replied.

Angela, I've got to go out for a while. Take my message will you. Jenifer remarked as she strolled past the desk of her receptionist.

As Jennifer crawled into her car she made note of the time. Quino's was just a few blocks away. Who was this persona and what was in the package she thought? Was this about the Landour case she presumed? Who knew she was back in town... and interested in the Landour case?

The parking lot at Quino's was quite full but she managed to find one small space at the back of the coffee shop. She had almost reached the door when she heard the same alarming voice.

I'm quite glad you were able to make it Miss Winters. Here allow me, said the elderly gentlemen as he held open the large brass trimmed door.

I assume you can tell me now just what this is all about. Jennifer questioned anxiously.

But of course, I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Felix Bordeaux, private detective extrodinair at your service, replied the gentleman.

But I did not hire a private detective.

No, you didn't but someone else did. A mutual friend, Noah Jacobs.

But why...

Yes, I know you thought he was the murderer, didn't you, so he hired me to find out who the real murderer is and to ease your mind.

I see, well that does sound just like Noah doesn't it.

He really does care for you my dear! Now, let's get down to business shall we. Here's the package I was talking about.

But its from Noah!

Ah yes, some family history. Noah seems to think its someone in the family although he's not sure whom. So I thought with your help we'd go through this information and rule out any family members before we search elsewhere.

Sounds like a good idea to me, said Jennifer. The only person I've met was his father, the maid, Timothy and the butler.

Trust me, there are some other characters lurking about that old castle, answered Felix.

What started out as a one-hours meeting turned into a two-hour investigation. Felix and Jennifer looked over documents and pictures but came no closer to a suspect.

Oh my, look at the time, remarked Jennifer as she looked at her watch. I must get back to work. Please stay in touch. There just has to be a clue somewhere. Jennifer hurried out of the coffee shop back to her car, unaware of a figure in the distance watching her. No, not the detective but someone else.

I'm so sorry I'm late Angela, any calls.

Just one, a Mr. Fairbanks from Atlantic City National Bank.

Hmmmmmm, wonder what he wants? Guess I'll give him a buzz.

Jason Fairbanks please! Mr. Fairbanks I had a message to call you how can I assist you?

I was just reviewing Margaret Landour's estate and your name was listed on one of her bank accounts.

Really, but I hardly knew the lady!

Well, its seems you must have made a great impact on her. It would seem that she may not have changed her will but she did change some of her holdings. The bank account in question contains over $2,000,000.00 in it and she also left you stock in the Landour Mining Corporation.

Jennifer dropped the phone on the desk in awe that Margaret would leave anything to her let alone two million dollars. When she heard Mr. Fairbanks voice shouting over the receiver, she picked it back up.

I'm sorry Mr. Fairbanks, I'm just in shock. The way she lived I didn't think she had any money and why did she leave it to me.

Well, it seems that she had a child she didn't want anyone to know about and she wanted to make sure she didn't get any of her inheritance.

Yes, a daughter. She must be in her mid sixties now. Never saw the child but did see a picture of her once. Beautiful girl, but Margaret was just sixteen at the time so her parents sent her off to some God forsaken home for unwed mothers. She had the child there but never saw her again. Guess she just wanted to make sure it didn't come back to haunt her.

But why not leave it to her sons.

Ah, she always felt they had enough. Greedy b******s they are sometimes. She always said that she would give it to the first person that made her feel good. Guess that just happened to be you! Just come by my office when you get a chance and we'll finalize the paperwork.

Sure, I'll fly down tomorrow.

Three o'clock ok?

Sure, I'll tell my secretary to make reservations for you at the Regency.

Thanks, you're very kind.

Jennifer hung up the phone.... Two million dollars!!! The words echoed in her brain. Why me, she thought! Yes she did visit Margaret on occasion but nothing to maker her give her two million dollars and stock in a multi million-dollar company! It was too much to think about. She called the air port and made arrangement for a 6 AM flight to Atlanta.

She buried herself in the mounds of paperwork on her desk, trying not to think about what Jason Fairbanks had told her. Jennifer was one of the top accountants in the city with no lack of clients so she was hardly desperate for money.

Angela, would you bring me last month's balance sheet for the Peterson account?

Sure, coming right up.

And send a letter to Ralph Chambers and A&I Industries requesting their tax reports would you.

Right on boss.

Angela took care of the task assigned her quickly and stepped back into Jennifer's office with a fresh pot of coffee and a bagel.

Can't let a girl go hungry, now can we! Angela said laughingly.

Now just what would I do without you, replied Jennifer.

Angela smiled and she turned and walked out of the office. It was obvious she really enjoyed her job and Jennifer really appreciated her hard work. Jennifer sat buried in her work till Angela appeared in her office door later in the day to say good night.

Have a good evening boss!

Sure, the same to you, Jennifer answered with her head still bowed hovering over papers on her desk. It became deafening quiet. Jennifer failed to notice a human shadow lurking outside the office door.