Sisters

By Nickolas Drake

Attorney Lauren Scott plans to catalog the estate of the late Janet Dracon in Sausalito, CA, but things are difficult as she must contend with resentful Katherine, a companion to the late Janet Dracon, and must supervise obnoxious Randy. Lauren finds a diary belonging to Patricia Dracon, Janet’s late identical twin sister. She reads that Janet ended a love affair between Patricia and an artist then while inconsolable, Patricia’s lover was gone but she was pregnant. When amurder takes place Lauren tries to solve the ancient Dracon mystery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nickolas Drake
• Release date: Aug 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465803191

Nickolas Drake

Nickolas Drake is a Technical Writer by profession, and lives in Arizona. When he is not writing, he enjoys playing with his dogs, gardening (not in the summer), and cooking.

Book preview

Sisters

By

Nickolas Drake

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Sisters

Chapter One

March 20, 1952

As the boy raced past her window she looked out and smiled. Even as the innocent scene unfolded before her she wondered how on such a beautiful summer day, the ghosts of the past would dare to touch him.

Pushing these thoughts into the darker corners of her mind, she looked up and saw him lying face down in the tall grass, sobbing. Without thinking, she rushed out to the small figure.

What is it Darling? What's the matter? she asked, her heart beating with a terror of its own.

He looked at her with red rimmed eyes.

He, he hurt Bob, he broke him! wailed the small boy.

She took the smashed wooden duck from the boy's hands, trying to keep the worry she felt from touching him.

Who broke Bob, honey? she asked, her voice beginning to tremble as she tried to comfort the child.

Gerry said he wanted him, and I said he was mine. He took him and smashed him! the small child whimpered.

C'mon honey, I'll fix you some nice hot chocolate, and we'll see what we can do about Bob.

She picked him up and walked rapidly to the house, not wanting the boy to sense her fear.

The Present

Lauren heaved a deep sigh, looking disdainfully at the heavy fog shrouding the tall towers of the Golden Gate Bridge.

She reached over to adjust the car's heater thankful the clinging cool mist couldn't penetrate the warm shelter. Feeling an uneasy pang, she cleared her thoughts and then started to look for the highway exit.

Turning sharply just before the Waldo tunnel cutting through the mountains to Marin, she headed down the winding road toward Sausalito. She worried about the failing light, and pressed a little harder on the accelerator pedal, wanting to reach her destination before dark.

Pulling over, she scrutinized her makeshift map then turned away from the main road, to begin the climb into the hills above the small picturesque bayside town.

Driving on, she gripped the wheel tighter in anger as her thoughts focused on the no excuses order to catalog the estate of the late Janet Dracon. Even so, it really shouldn't have come as a surprise considering she was the junior partner of the Barton Brothers Law firm.

Pulling her thoughts back to her driving, she spotted a road sign and then slowed down a bit. At one time, this area had been a haven for large Victorian summer homes, now however, there were no open spaces.

Small glass and wood houses diminished the grandeur of the once exclusive estates standing defiant to their stately neighbors. A wave of nostalgic sadness swept over her as she thought of the loss the area had sustained.

Damn, she muttered aloud, in realizing she had driven past the appointed driveway. Lauren slammed on the brakes, and put the car in reverse. Guess this is it, she mumbled. She soon found a drive identified by an ancient mossy stone marker with the single word DRACON carved on its face. Looking back for any oncoming traffic, she spun the small car around and pulled into the shrubbery obscured drive.

The roadway took an immediate turn to the left through a dense thicket of Eucalyptus trees, quickly changing its course to climb a steep hill.

'This is more like a Disneyland ride than a driveway,' Lauren thought to herself, constantly changing gears to keep up with the convolutions of the road. She shifted back into second to tackle a steep incline and suddenly the road leveled off, revealing Dracon Manor.

Large, gray, and Victorian, the early 1900's mansion appeared to have been thrown together on a whim. The main structure was a large rectangle, adorned with ornate 'A' shaped gables over the windows, and flamboyant woodwork trim.

On the right side of the house stood a turret shaped tower, made of stone, the top sealed in curved glass. A large porch, flanked by Grecian columns guarded the massive, heavily carved oak door, its imposing size defying any who might enter.

'Cold,' she thought. 'There's no warm welcome here,' noted by the lack of a porch light. A shudder rolled over her slim shoulders, but she dismissed the melodramatic notion of a house able to transmit an emotional sensation. She mentally braced against feelings of apprehension, and prepared for the cold dark trip to the door.

Leaning over to reach for her purse, she noticed a dim light go out in the turret room. While making a mental note of it, a brochure spilled out of her purse, bringing with it a new flood of resentment as thoughts of yesterday's conversation with Peter Barton, her boss.

With clenched fists, she exploded. Damn it Peter, you know I had my vacation planned for next week! I can't go on that assignment! Lauren's agitation was evident in her white knuckles grasping the back of the chair.

Peter answered her placating. I'm sorry honey, but that's the way it is in this business. I'll make it up to you when you get back. Besides, think of it as a small extra vacation, Peter's quick explanation and attention to reshuffling the mass of papers on his desk, let her know the subject was closed.

Knowing negotiation wasn't an option, she quipped. I'd rather think of the vacation I'd planned, thanks. Just what's expected, and how long is this going to take? she exasperated, resignation entering her voice.

Peter put down the pencil in his hand, and looked up at her over his half glasses. I need someone up at the Dracon place I can trust. It's out of the way, and stocked with art treasures, so we need to get the place catalogued fast, before the state starts to descend for its share. It has been years since Janet would let us in for an update. You and Randy will work together on this one, he finished quickly, avoiding her eyes, knowing what her reaction would be.

Lauren slammed her fist down on the desk. Randy? Who said anything about Randy? First you steal my vacation out from under me, now you're turning me into a baby sitter for that creep. I know he's your nephew, but for God's sake, will you give me a break? she said, pushing her heavy blond hair back in frustration.

Peter's face turned hard at her unprofessional remark. Look Lauren, Randy's young, and I need someone competent to show him the ropes, he explained, seeing her face flush crimson at his reprove. Peter knew his irritating nephew well and this was the perfect opportunity to get rid of him for a few weeks, at least. Noticing her frustration, in his own way he pitied the young woman before him, she'd have her work cut out for her keeping an eye on that little bastard. 'I must be getting soft,' thought Peter to himself, musing at his feelings of concern, and remembered the first time he'd seen her.

Fresh out of law school, he'd taken a chance on this young spitfire and hadn't been disappointed. As eager to learn the functions of the office as she was to climb the professional ladder, she earned a junior partnership in record time. Now faced with her dejection, he felt regret for her, almost. Considering what he'd placed before her, he didn't envy her task. He knew his nephew well, but he'd never let her know his true feelings. Leaving his musings behind he gave Lauren the folder on the Dracon estate, and then picked up the phone. Grim faced, she strode from his office.

Suddenly a light went on over the front door, breaking her from her daydreaming. Pushing these irritating memories from her mind and bracing herself for the cold blast that would assail her the moment she opened the door, she looked up and saw Randy, drink in hand, calling for her to hurry up. Biting back the angry retort forming in her mind, she struggling with a heavy suitcase while Randy gallantly held the door open while he waited for her.

Once inside, he slammed the door behind them, and turned to her. You sure took your sweet time, don't you realize you could freeze your ass off out there? he asked, oblivious to his shoddy manners.

Lauren couldn't hold back any longer. What do you think? The least you could've done when you saw me from upstairs, was to come down and help me lug this stuff in. Some gentleman! she retorted.

Randy looked at her, puzzled. I just noticed you out the front window. What do you mean upstairs? I left my bags in the car until I could check things out around here. There's a real no nonsense Estate Manager around here who's been keeping me in her sights, so I haven't been able to do any real exploring. Now, how about a drink, so we can get to know each other a little better, unprofessionally I mean? he asked, leering at her with a look that instantly set her off.

Angered at his sexist attitude, Lauren unloaded on him. Look Randy, in spite of what your Uncle may have told you, this little assignment wasn't my idea. I'd prefer we keep it professional, and get this over as soon as possible. Not waiting for his reply, she pushed past him, unsure of where she was going, only trying to put some distance between herself and the annoying character. Her footsteps echoed across the smooth white marble floor, their staccato rapping a reflection of her short temper. Turning from the entry hall into a large room off to the right, found herself in what seemed to be the main Salon.

In contradiction to the cold demeanor of the old mansion, there was a blazing fire reflecting on the white marble hearth, and a riveting painting of the most beautiful woman Lauren had ever seen. The serene gaze entranced her, making her forget the frustrations of the last few hours, warming, making her feel welcome in this house which up until now had offered no hospitality.

Tearing her eyes away from the portrait, she admired the walls, paneled in rich dark oak, noting the garish motif of adornment carried throughout the room. Surprisingly however, the color scheme was soft pastel colors, with several deep Aubusson carpets strewn across the intricate parquet floor. The obvious focal point of the room was the illuminated painting above the black marble mantle, but Lauren's attention was pulled irresistibly from it.

Turning slowly to her left, momentarily she was tricked into thinking someone else was beside her. A giant beveled mirror standing from the gleaming floor to the top of the ornate twelve foot ceiling was her only companion, holding her image. In its depths was a perfect reflection of the room, the perimeter of the mirror was surrounded by a dramatically embellished gold leafed frame. It wasn't the magnetism of the object alone which fascinated Lauren, but the feeling she was looking at the room, and herself, brightly reflected through glowing crystal ice.

I see you've met the house's main attraction, at least for the late Janet Dracon, that is, Randy's voice broke into her trance, at once dissipating the pleasant daze like quality she was experiencing.

Startled, Lauren reacted like a child caught in some forbidden act, and whirled on him. Look, we have to work together over the next couple of weeks, so let's get one thing straight right from the top. I don't want you following and walking up behind me. I was admiring this beautiful room, and see no reason to include you in every move I make. Seeing the hard look cross his features, she gentled her tone, to try being a little more congenial. Now, since you're here, maybe you can be of some use after all. I'd like to see my room and get settled, so if you can find the Estate Manager you labeled so well earlier, I'll let you carry my luggage up to my room, she promised noting his face color.

He moved toward her and started to apologize. Look Lauren, I'm sorry we got off on the wrong foot. I didn't mean to upset you. I've been looking forward to working with you. I guess I saw a good thing and tried too hard. I've been here most of the day, and to be honest with you, being here alone has given me the creeps. I'm just glad to have some company. Truce, ok? Randy's boyish good looks and obvious contrition softened Lauren's mood.

Knowing there was no point continuing the argument, she recanted. Truce, I shouldn't have snapped. I'm tired from the drive over here, and you probably know about the trip I had planned, before I was drafted into this little assignment. I shouldn't take it out on you, but what do you mean you've been here alone all day? I thought you mentioned a housekeeper when I first got here, asked Lauren, a little confused by his statement.

He shook his head, understanding her confusion. Alone in the sense of having someone to talk to. Katherine Adams doesn't talk. She only answers what you ask, and only if she sees fit. Several times I knew she was watching me, and when I went outside this afternoon to look around in back, I caught her staring at me through one of the upstairs windows. She gives me the creeps.

Even though Lauren felt the same way about the place, she tried to set his mind at ease. I'm sure a lot of it is your imagination. She's probably as threatened by you as you are by her. After all, we're strangers to her, in her home. She'll just have to get used to our being here for a while, that's all.

Both Lauren and Randy whirled around startled, at the intrusion of the new voice. I have adjusted to your presence; any hostility you feel is the house itself. Naturally I don't like having strangers poking around, disturbing me. Lauren and Randy met the belligerent gaze of Katherine Adams.

Flustered, Lauren spoke up. I'm sorry; I didn't hear you come in. I'm Lauren Scott. I didn't mean anything by what I said, she fumbled. We can keep our disturbance in the house down to a minimum, but for now, if you don't mind, I'd like to see my room and freshen up. Randy will help with my bags, she said, changing the subject.

Of course. All the rooms except yours are locked, so if you need access, I'll let you in. Don't explore on your own. Dinner is at seven every night, for that's the way Miss Dracon wanted it, and I see no reason whatsoever to go against her wishes. If you need anything just ask, but remember, you're servants in her house, the same as I. Now follow me, she swept out of the room, ending the conversation as abruptly as it started.

Lauren bit back her rejoinder, following the caustic heavy set woman out of the Salon and back into the main hall, leading them underneath a giant glistening crystal chandelier gracing the main floor landing, and then up the curved staircase and on to the second floor. I've placed the two of you in rooms next to each other, but keep in mind, Miss Dracon was a very ethical woman, immorality will not be tolerated, she said, her tone insinuating.

Lauren had all she could take of her snide remarks. "Look, we're here to do a job and just that. If you have a problem, I can call Peter Barton and he'll explain it to you. As for your other worries, Randy and I only work together, nothing