Shrouded Jewels

By Jansina

Mical Benson’s father is guarded, so Davey Blake’s invitation to the Benson’s home is evidence of his good character. Still, Mical knows it is the perfect opportunity for him to work his way into their hearts before stealing her father’s great wealth.

In spite of her suspicions, Mical eventually falls into his 'trap'. As they move beyond mutual loathing, they learn that some things aren’t as obvious as they first appear. Everything is working in their favor, but when Davey’s past returns, all he has built up may be lost forever...

This modern retelling of the 1 Samuel 18 Bible story delves into the motivations and challenges Davey and Mical meet on their journey to trust and faith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jansina
• Release date: Jul 11, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476046242

Jansina

Jansina has been writing ever since she could do more than make meaningless scribbles with a crayon. She began her writing career at 13 with a newspaper column, Jansina's Journal. Her goal is to create realistic Christian fiction for young adults that will both entertain and inspire. This is her first published novel, though she has over one hundred published articles, short stories and poems in various newspapers and magazines (including the Saint Paul Pioneer Press and Brio). She is a native of Minnesota, and a few years ago discovered Backus, a little-known town of 300. Although she may never live there herself, she lives vicariously through her characters. Jansina is in the process of writing two additional novels, and several short stories-all with the setting loosely based on that little town. Many of the characters in Forgotten Memories play larger parts in those stories. When not writing, Jansina works in marketing, and also copy edits others' books, scholarly papers and articles. In her spare time she enjoys Irish and swing dancing, singing, and rereading Austen's novels. She doesn't spend much time in cemeteries.

Book preview

SHROUDED JEWELS

by Jansina

Photography by: Jaymes Grossman, my very favorite brother and supportive best friend

Cover Photo of: Christian and Joanna

Thank you!

Shrouded Jewels

by Jansina

Rivershore Books

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 by Jansina Grossman

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

Thank you to my supportive family and friends, who encouraged and gave suggestions as this was being written. You are appreciated and loved!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

FIND JANSINA ONLINE

CHAPTER 1

Who are we spying on today? Mical Benson asked, dropping to her knees on the floor beside her sister. They peered through the blinds of the massive dining room window.

Mira shrugged. I’ve never seen him before.

The dark-haired stranger walked up the long driveway to their front door. He was beyond out of place, as he stood next to their manicured lawn and perfectly trimmed bushes. His hair probably hadn’t seen a brush that morning, and his clothes—jeans and a button-up plaid shirt—were more appropriate for a day on a farm than a business meeting with their father.

Watch, Mical said. Dad will shoo him away. I wonder how he got through the front gate.

Mira didn’t respond.

Maybe Eduardo left it open.

Oh, I hope not, Mira said, with sudden concern for the security manager’s welfare.

This being your first offense, Mical said, lowering her voice in a comical rendition of her father, I won’t kill you. Cross me again… She let the words linger.

Mira shook her head. Don’t joke, Mical.

Mical returned her gaze to the approaching young man. Why is he here? She watched his stride with a touch of—she didn’t know what. You’ve at least got to admire his audacity.

He had parked his beat-up Ford truck alongside Mr. Benson’s cliché red convertible, a spot saved for their most important guests. The sisters thought perhaps parking beside their dad had been a mistake, but when Mr. Benson walked out to meet the young man, they knew there had been no mistake.

Well, Dad seems to like him, Mical said, with no attempt to disguise her disgusted tone.

Mira helped her sister to her feet and they scrambled to the table, pretending to be busy on their laptops. Mr. Benson and the stranger walked inside.

Jonathan, Mira, Micaela, come here. Mr. Benson said, his voice firm.

Mical groaned quietly and shut her laptop.

Mira shot her a knowing look before slowly making her way to the door.

As much as Mical despised these compulsory introductions, she at least enjoyed meeting and speaking to new people. She knew Mira did not. Mira motioned for Mical to go first, though it was hardly necessary. By now she knew to expect that.

Mical stepped up to the man before her dad had a chance to formally introduce them. "Hello there, I’m the middle child, Mical. Not Michael, mind you. Mih-kal. If you call me Michael, I will purposely ignore you." She pretended not to notice her father’s disapproving glare.

The young man smiled, an inviting smile Mical was certain had taken years of practice, and offered his hand in greeting. It’s nice to meet you, Mical. I’m Davey.

Davey? Mical scrunched her nose slightly. That sounds like a little kid’s name.

Mr. Benson’s eyes narrowed and his scowl at her impertinence increased.

I suppose it does, but it’s what I’m used to, Davey said, his smile untouched.

Mr. Benson cleared his throat, a signal of disapproval Mical had become numb to. David, I would also like to introduce you to my older daughter, Mirabelle, and my youngest, Jonathan.

Davey shook their hands, placing his free hand over theirs as they clasped, and looked directly into each of their eyes as he said, It’s wonderful to meet you both. All three of you, actually.

David, Mr. Benson said, giving a stern look to each of his children, will be staying with us for a time.

After a moment of silence, he added, I have a meeting to attend. Please show David to the guest room.

So, Davey, Mical began, picking up his bag, what’s your story?

Why am I here, you mean? He gently but firmly pried the Mary Poppinsesque, flower print bag from her hand.

Well, I didn’t want to sound rude.

Mira cleared her throat and the signal worked as well as her father’s had; Mical remained unfazed.

Davey laughed. Why am I here—you know, I keep asking myself the same thing. I feel so blessed.

Mical raised an eyebrow. You’re not.

Mira’s mouth opened and her eyebrows went up, but Jonathan laughed. Davey didn’t react beyond a nearly imperceptible smirk.

Mical continued, Father wouldn’t let you stay with us unless you had impressed him. She crossed her arms. So, what did you do?

It’s nothing that I’ve done.

Mical could detect the hidden meaning. "It is something you plan to do."

If it works.

She put her hands on her hips in frustration at his vague responses, but Jonathan was more direct: If what works?

Davey took a deep breath. Mr. Benson would like me to improve the security of your home.

What? How was he, a boy who couldn’t be much older than twenty-years-old, qualified to put a security system into place? Even if he was, what possible reason could her father have for him to stay with them?

One question seemed more important than the rest—and also less offensive to Davey. Why does Dad want a new security system here?

That’s something you will have to ask him.

Mical shrugged. That certainly wouldn’t happen. Did you design it yourself?

You could say that.

She rolled her eyes, which elicited a side jab from Mira.

Sorry, Mical muttered, not apologetic in the least.

Mira cleared her throat. Umm... David?

Yes, Mira?

Oh I—I was just...um... She shot a look of panic at Mical.

Would you like us to take you to your room? Mical asked for her.

Davey glanced at one sister, then the other. I would like that very much; thank you.

Follow me, Mira said with a forced smile, her powers of speech returning despite her nerves.

They led him through the kitchen to the basement stairs.

What is this room for? He looked through the open doorway of the library.

Reading, Mical answered curtly. She pushed him forward.

He glanced at her. You have a room specifically for reading?

That tends to be what libraries are for, yes.

If Davey was impressed by the size of the Benson’s home, he didn’t show it. He seemed more curious about the people than about the house. None of their father’s business associates had ever shown an interest in them. To Mical, it was unnerving.

Where do you go to school, Mical? he asked.

Mical didn’t respond, and instead pointed to the basement stairs. They led to another large room.

Davey peered inside. This doesn’t look much like a school.

Jonathan laughed and Mira lifted her hand to hide a smile.

There’s a bathroom connected to your room you can use, Mical said flatly.

I will probably do that, Davey said.

Your room is the second door to the right.

And straight on till morning? he asked.

Mical turned to Mira, hoping to find an explanation in her features.

Davey smiled gently. "Peter Pan, anyone?"

Mical shrugged. Supper is at six in the kitchen; don’t be late. She retrieved her laptop from the table, leaving Jonathan and Mira to entertain the unwelcome guest. When she got to her room, she checked the chat list for online friends.

Mically: So, this is weird.

Chrissy: Hello to you, too. What’s weird?

Mically: Dad brought home a business associate.

Chrissy: Still not seeing the weirdness.

Mically: He’s twenty. At least, he looks like he is.

Chrissy: Okay, that’s young.

Mically: He’s staying here, in the basement guest room.

Chrissy: Is he cute?

Mical rolled her eyes. Of course that would be Chrissy’s first question.

Mically: Sure.

Chrissy: Is he kind?

Mically: Idk. He tries to be funny.

Chrissy: It doesn’t work?

Mically: I don’t like that he’s here.

Chrissy: What’s he there for?

Mically: *shrugs* He’s doing something with the security system.

Chrissy: How’s his smile?

Mically: Davey’s?

Chrissy: Oh, that’s his name?

Someone tapped on the frame of the doorway. Mical looked up, and didn’t bother to hide her annoyance when she saw it was him. She turned back to the screen.

Um…Mical?

Mically: Hey, Chrissy, I’ve gotta go. Bye.

Mical exited the window. When do you start being productive? she asked, unapologetic of her tone.

Davey just laughed. Tomorrow, but regardless, I won’t be able to begin until someone shows me to the security system. I’m assuming it’s by the vault.

The vault? Now Mical laughed. We don’t have a vault.

Are you sure about that?

I think I would know.

Yes, I suppose you would. Do you have an indoor swimming pool?

She tilted her head slightly at the strange question, but pointed to the floor. Downstairs.

Davey turned to leave, turned back to Mical, and turned around again. After taking a few steps toward the door, he spun around on his heel, bowed low, and, upon returning to his normal stance, offered a hand.

Mical raised an eyebrow and kept her hands to herself.

My dear lady, would you do me the great honor of escorting me to said swimming pool?

Mical did not get up. Why are you so interested in our pool?

Do you people not swim?

She shrugged. It’s down the stairs and to the left. It’s the big rectangle full of water.

Davey smiled, withdrawing his hand. You might be overestimating my powers of observation.

Whatever, Mical said, giving in. She slid her laptop under the bed, stood, and walked out of the room without another word.

Davey followed, quickly matching her step.

Mical said nothing until they reached the room. Davey opened the door to let her through, but she stayed outside. What is it you want, Davey?

I’m not sure I know your meaning.

Mical sighed. Here’s the pool. See you at dinner.

Davey caught her hand as she turned to go.

She gave him an accusing look until he released his hold.

His tone was gentle. If you stay, I’ll show you.

Mical frowned. Okay.

Davey gave her a mischievous look. How do you feel about adventures?

She shrugged in response. Depends what kind.

Davey paused for a moment, then said confidently, The adventurous kind.

She rolled her eyes.

Ever gone exploring throughout your house?

I know what’s in my house, if that’s what you mean. Mical crossed her arms and leaned, disinterested, against the doorframe.

That’s not what I asked.

What, then?

Davey appeared pleased that she was allowing him to continue. Have you explored every nook and cranny?

Of course. When Mira and I were little we used to run all over.

Find any secret passageways?

Her laugh was cut short as she noticed the candid look in his eyes. Is he being serious? Only in our imaginations.

No real ones, then.

Of course not.

Well, Davey said, moving further into the room and taking in his surroundings, that’s why I’m here.

Sure Davey, she said. Sure.

You doubt me? He feigned shock.

I do.

Humph!

Mical laughed, and said in a sarcastic tone, Good comeback.

Why, thank you.

Okay, so if you’re so convinced that we have secret passageways around here, where are they, and why have Mira, Jonathan, and I never seen them?

Follow me, Davey said with a cocky grin.

Mical scowled and remained by the door, but couldn’t resist watching him as he walked around the inside wall of the poolroom, brushing his hand against the wood.

What are we looking for? she said in a whisper.

Davey gave her a curious look. Are you worried someone will hear us?

Maybe. Mical felt her cheeks grow warm and her volume increased. You didn’t answer my question.

What I’m looking for? You’ll see.

You’re looking for a secret passageway.

Davey didn’t respond as he continued to run his fingers over the slats in the paneling.

Mical’s scowl increased. You can just stop looking, because those don’t exist in this house.

If that’s the case, then what is this? Davey slid a section of wood away from the wall, and gave her a smug look.

Mical smirked. That, Davey, is a loose board I have been intending to fix for the past three years. She rolled her eyes. Brilliant.

Oh... So it is. Davey continued his search.

You really think you’re going to find something.

He nodded.

Why in the pool room?

"Why not in the pool room?"

Mical narrowed her eyes at him.

Will you do what I’m doing please?

You want me to pet the wall? She remained in place. That isn’t going to happen.

Maybe you’ll find something I’ve missed. Davey glanced at her with a smile.

I won’t, because there’s nothing to find.

He returned his attention to the wall in front of him. Are you always such a naysayer?

When the ideas are stupid, yes.

Wait. Davey held up a hand. Wait just a minute...

Mical frowned.

Davey, using all his strength, pushed against the wall. He waited. He held up a hand for her to be quiet, and he waited some more.

Nothing happened.

Mical shook her head in annoyance and started walking out of the poolroom.

Wait, Davey said again.

"Look, Davey, going on wild goose chases is not my idea of fun, and I don’t care how exciting you think it is. I’ve lived in this house my whole life. There’s nothing new, nothing I haven’t seen yet, no—what...what is that?"

Davey grinned. He had managed to take a small section of the wall completely out. This, Mical, is what I like to call a secret passageway.

Mical walked closer to the hole, which was barely a foot wide. Maybe if we were five.

Just watch. Davey stuck his hand into the open space and started feeling along the left side. A minute later he pulled his hand out, closed the panel, and stepped away.

Mical’s hands moved to her hips. Giving up?

Just watch. Just listen.

A series of beeps was followed by a computerized voice, granting access. One moment please, the stilted woman’s voice said.

A section of the wall began pulling itself in, then slid sideways, revealing a—

Secret passageway. Davey bowed dramatically, clearly pleased with proving her wrong.

Mical nearly slapped him.

Instead, she peered into the newly discovered doorway. Okay, she said with a frown. You win. It’s a secret passageway. So what? She crossed her arms and stepped back out. She was surprised by the discovery, but refused to let this man see it. You want a cookie for a prize, or is knowledge of your supposed success enough?

Davey chuckled. Actually I wouldn’t mind a cookie, especially if it’s peanut butter.

Mical huffed.

Before any snack breaks happen, though, I’d like to explore this. He gave her an infuriating half smile. I think you would, too.

How did you know where this would be? Mical risked another peek inside. There are so many other rooms in this house. You knew how to open it, too.

I figured it out, yes.

You didn’t answer my question.

Davey shrugged. I have my ways.

Are you a thief? Mical was unashamed of her lack of diplomacy.

Davey laughed unreservedly. Do I seem like a thief?

I wouldn’t know, she said coolly. I don’t associate with thieves.

Well, you’re associating with me. If you don’t associate with thieves, it follows that I therefore must not be a thief. Davey straightened, pleased with his conclusion.

Mical scowled. Your dizzy reasoning is faulty.

Do you want to lead, or shall I?

Mical stepped inside the opening. You’ve done enough leading today. If he is a thief, at least I can keep an eye on him, she reasoned. Giving in had no connection to her curiosity, of course.

Mical had expected the opening to lead to a room, and she had expected large amounts of dust. What greeted her was quite different. Sterile, metal walls formed a thin hallway. She used her cell phone as a flashlight, and saw the path stopped in a T.

The hall to the right led to a vertical, silver ladder; she couldn’t make out the end of the other. She turned left. The small light from her phone wasn’t enough, so she lifted her free hand up to the wall. It was cold and smooth, but it didn’t help her see. Mical sighed and turned around.

I can’t see anything.

Neither can I, Davey admitted.

Mical tried to squeeze between Davey and the wall, but there wasn’t space.

Davey didn’t move. You’re not giving up, are you?

Do I look like a quitter? I need a flashlight. Unless you happen to have one with you, we need to backtrack. She tried again to push past him.

Davey was amused by her failed attempts, and he let his voice show it. Unfortunately no, I do not have a flashlight with me.

Mical crossed her arms and leaned against the wall, tilting her head up in exasperation. "Turn around, and move."

Now just wait, little lady.

If the hallway weren’t so dark, Davey would have realized he was treading on risky ground. He should have known by her tone of voice, but he continued, unaware. Would this be of any assistance? He turned on the light.

Mical spun to face him. Her eyebrows knit together, and she clenched her fist and tensed her arm. "There was a light switch, and you just—you just—you just stood there?"

Davey hung his head, as though that would make him more forgivable in her eyes. I’m sorry.

Mical muttered something, then abruptly turned away.

It was just too amusing, Davey said, and she could hear a smile in his words. You know, watching you scramble and stumble around in the dark, refusing to ask for help.

Mical refused to look at him, but was also too angry to focus on anything else. "For your information, I wasn’t stumbling."

Right. You were jumping, not tripping. My mistake.

She turned and glared at him for a moment.

Davey grinned. Hey, look! It’s the vault you don’t have.

Mical couldn’t hide her curiosity, though she tried. They walked toward the large, metal door. It reminded Mical of something from the back room of a bank, or at least the banks she had seen in movies.

Davey stepped up to the keypad and immediately began to punch numbers into it.

Stop it.

He didn’t.

Davey, stop.

Why? Don’t you trust me?

No, I don’t. Please stop. Mical frowned. She wasn’t used to pleading. If you don’t get in, I’m sure some sort of alarm will go off.

I’ll get in.

That would be even worse!

Davey patted the top of her head, earning an elbow jab.

There’s no need to be like that, Davey rubbed his side. This is a rudimentary system. Anyone could crack it.

I couldn’t.

Davey chuckled and continued pressing numbers. After another electronic voice of approval, the vault doors opened.

After the elaborate way to get inside, Mical had expected the vault to be much larger than it was. It looked more like a small coat closet than a vault, and there was a single metal shelf along the back wall. The room was empty aside from six black boxes on the middle rung of the shelf. They were the width of shoeboxes, but half that height.

Mical lifted the lid of the nearest one and gasped.

Inside were at least twenty diamonds; small, as those used in rings, but perfectly cut, and separated by a fabric of black velvet. The second, third, and fourth boxes she opened produced the same result, with only a slight variation in the sizes. The fifth and sixth boxes had a small selection of colored stones: sapphires, amethyst, and amber were the jewels Mical recognized.

Davey watched in confusion as she moved from one box to the next, like a child on Christmas morning.

You really didn’t know about this.

She shook her head, and temporarily forgot her distrust of the stranger. Obviously I knew Father had money, I just didn’t know what he invested it in. Father never talks to us about his work. I had no idea. She glanced once more at one of the boxes that contained the colorful stones, then looked at him. "How did you know?"

Davey offered no explanation.

She looked again at the row of boxes on the shelf. Her hand hovered over the nearest diamond, and she nearly touched it.

How did you get in here?

Mical cursed under her breath, but her body stiffened; her hand remained suspended over the once-tempting jewel.

Mr. Benson, Davey smiled charmingly at Mical’s father. Clearly you need a new security system.

CHAPTER 2

Mical’s father grinned. I knew I hired you for a reason. It takes a brilliant mind to crack this system. Though, I must admit that having you this close to the gems I am aiming to protect is rather unnerving.

We were just leaving, Mr. Benson. Davey turned to Mical and offered his hand.

She remained frozen in place, and the movement brought her father’s attention onto her.

"Mical, why are you down here?" His anger was returning.

Seeing Mical’s terrified stance, Davey stepped between them. Mical was kind enough to show me the way here. That is, the way to the pool. He turned to her and smiled.

Mical did not return his smile as she replaced the cover on the box.

I thought it only right that she be included in my investigation.

Well, don’t let me catch you in here without permission again.

They hurried out, leaving Mr. Benson with his treasure. Mical stayed by Davey’s side until they reached the freedom of the poolroom, then headed upstairs.

So, that’s it? Davey frowned at her retreating form, and followed her out.

Mical stopped on the staircase, turning slightly, but not looking at him. What do you want from me? Her tone was quiet, hopeless.

Davey was surprised at her changed demeanor. Are you pretending nothing happened?

I don’t really have a choice, do I?

Davey frowned, wishing he knew a way to comfort her. She had been so confident just a few moments before. Her father’s words weren’t that harsh.

Are we done? Mical asked, defeated.

Davey followed her up the stairs.

Mical frowned and turned away, walking ahead of him until she reached her room.

He put a gentle hand on her arm before she could close the door. Mical, talk to me.

She kept her gaze averted. "I don’t even know you, she said. Why would I talk to you?"

I want to help.

You can’t.

How can you be sure? Davey stepped through her door.

Mical turned to him, narrowing her eyes. Get out.

Davey backed up, and Mical’s eyes softened, and her