The China Doll

By Deborah Nam-Krane

Hypocrisy, half truths and lies...

Sick of being treated like she's going to break, Jessie Bartolome is back to her old ways and calling everyone on their hypocrisy. Sheesh! One little breakdown and even easygoing Martin Shepard thinks she's too fragile to handle their age difference. Good thing her older and equally yummy teaching assistant Robert Lester thinks otherwise...right?

After spending so long cleaning up after everyone else, Jessie's cousin Richard has never had the time to start a life of his own. However had he managed to find his girlfriend Zainab? So what is Richard going to do now that everyone else has grown up? Marry Zainab and start a family? Things have never been that easy for a Hendrickson...just ask his cousin Michael.

Richard's mother, Lucy, is one of the most powerful women in Boston... so when is she going to put a stop to the blackmail ruthless Alex Sheldon has holding over her for years? And if Richard knows more than he's letting on, why hasn't he gone after Alex himself? The question is, how much does he- or anyone else- really know?

Welcome to the Bartolome/Hendrickson family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Deborah Nam-Krane
• Release date: Mar 29, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310479151

Deborah Nam-Krane

Deborah Nam-Krane is a Boston-based writer who has been telling stories in one way or another since she could talk. In addition to writing romance/chick lit/women's fiction, she's also intensely interested in education, history, economics, policy and media literacy- that is, when her four children (two of whom are homeschooled) allow her to be.

Book preview

Cast of Characters

Jessie Bartolome—Jessie had seen through everyone since she was fifteen. The only person she knew she could always trust was Richard

Martin Shepard—Mitch Graham's best friend

Richard Hendrickson—Jessie- and Michael's- cousin, the big brother Miranda and Emily never had, Zainab's boyfriend and finally in charge of his own life

Zainab Oginabe-Kensit—Richard's girlfriend, Emily's best friend and Jessie's former caretaker

Emily Graham—Zainab's best friend, Mitch's wife, mother of two-year-old Helen and Richard's right-hand colleague

Mitchell Graham—Emily's husband, Helen's father and a newly minted attorney

Miranda Harel—She'd do anything for Jessie to forgive her for Michael. Did that include marrying Alex?

Alex Sheldon—Once Boston's Most Eligible Bachelor, all he wanted was Miranda. (Being unavailable had its advantages.)

Joanna Hazlett—How did Alex compel the professor to betray Emily to him?

Robert Lester—Joanna's new Teaching Assistant

Lucy Bartolome Hendrickson—Richard's mother and Jessie's aunt. The only person more powerful than her was Alex

Michael Abbot—Richard's cousin, Alex's former ward and the ex-husband Miranda pined for

Gone, but not forgotten

Gerald Hendrickson—Jim and Annabelle's father

John Bartolome—The son of a Boston Leighton and a Louisiana Bartolome

Jim Hendrickson—Gerald's son, Lucy's husband and Richard's father

Tom Bartolome—Lucy's brother, Josie's husband and Jessie's father

Josie Bartolome—Tom's wife and Jessie's mother

Stephen Abbot—Michael's father and Alex Sheldon's best friend

Annabelle Hendrickson Abbot—Gerald's daughter, Stephen's wife and Michael's mother

DEDICATION

For all of those who survived…and to the memory of those who didn't

Someone Who Knew How To Get Things Done

During one morning in the fall of 1980, Gerald Hendrickson was eating breakfast alone, again. His daughter Annabelle had come home the night before, but she’d gotten in very late. Gerald had already turned in for the night, but he was still awake in bed when she came in. He heard her soft laughter and then some unintelligible whispering. He’d heard Stephen's voice too, but then Annabelle had shushed him. He heard the two of them reluctantly kiss goodnight, and then the door closed. Had it been a few hours earlier, he might have come out to lecture the both of them. However, it was quite late, and he’d been too tired to create a scene. Plus, although he was loath to admit it in the cold light of day, he liked seeing his beloved daughter happy. Stephen Abbot was absolutely not the man he would have chosen for her, but he was old enough to know that you can’t always choose for your children, even when you know what's best for them.

Stephen Abbot, in his own right, might have been tolerable. He certainly wasn’t the only young man his age who had trouble controlling his indulgences. Gerald was grudgingly impressed that since he’d started dating Annabelle, Stephen hadn’t been seen out and about with anyone else. Impressed, but not surprised—Annabelle had a very well-developed sense of dignity that demanded nothing less. And Gerald, in his day, had been known to put away his fair share of liquor, and probably in greater quantities than young Mister Abbot.

It was the older Mister Abbot that Gerald really did not approve of. He’d heard some frankly ugly rumors about Michael Abbot. He wasn’t concerned about any of them where Annabelle was concerned—if the rumors held true, she was too old for him, and Michael had the ability to control himself in public. Still, it was evident even to Gerald how much Stephen visibly withered in his father’s presence. It was evident to Annabelle as well, and Gerald couldn’t help but wonder if that contributed to Stephen’s charm. Was marriage imminent? If so, Gerald hoped without any remorse that Michael Abbot’s health was indeed as poor as it looked to be.

Good morning, father, Jim said cheerfully when he came in.

Good morning, Jim, Gerald replied, suppressing his smile. He loved Annabelle for being headstrong and independent. He loved his oldest Jim for being agreeable, dependable and otherwise always doing the right thing. And what are you off to today?

Jim chuckled as he sipped his coffee. Same thing as always, Dad. Duty calls.

Jim had no taste for finance. He’d inherited his late mother’s intense curiosity, and had gone into engineering, much to his father’s dismay. However, he had been gratified to see him promoted to Chief Technical Officer of his company. The Hendrickson name, he thought, should be recognized for something.

The Hendrickson name should also be carried on. And when was the last time you spoke to Lucy Bartolome?

Jim stopped eating his toast and looked up. Last week, Dad, he said quietly. As I told you. And as I told you then, I don’t think she’s interested in me.

Don’t settle, Jimmy, Gerald said in a rare show of exasperation. Sometimes you have to work hard to get what you want.

Maybe, Dad, Jim said as he put on his coat, "but you shouldn’t have to work too hard. I’ll be home same time, alright?"

Have a good day, Jimmy. Jim smiled as he walked out the door. Gerald sighed. He was proud of his son, but there were some things he’d change if he could. Gerald knew that Jim had been in love with Lucy Bartolome since they’d gone to college together. She’d been the University’s It Girl, and not least because her Grandfather Leighton was one of the founders. Maybe most of her would-be suitors weren’t good enough for John Bartolome, but Jim was. Still, she showed no interest in his son. But that was fine for now, because Gerald wasn’t nearly as good at taking "no" for an answer as Jim was.

Gerald knew that his time on this earth was limited. Death was not imminent, but he could certainly see it. Annabelle wasn’t going to have any Hendricksons, obviously. That duty fell to Jim. Lucy, blonde, bright and dynamic, would be a perfect Hendrickson mother. And really, who was she to be so picky? Her mother had been a Leighton, but she’d married this Bartolome from Louisiana—Louisiana! Gerald had no tolerance for John’s airs. Plus there was Tom, Lucy’s older brother. He was yet another subject of ugly rumors. So who was Lucy to look down her nose at Jim?

Frustrated, Gerald pushed away his food and walked over to the window. All of these kids—and that’s what they’d always be to him—had trouble seeing everything clearly. Not one of them knew how to get things done. Then Gerald smiled. There was one: Alex Sheldon. Gerald knew Annabelle didn’t like him, but she’d have to accept that he came with the Stephen package. Not even a bad thing as far as Gerald was concerned, because he’d attributed most of Stephen’s cleverness, such as there was, to Alex’s influence. And Alex had a special something that none of the other kids did. He was ambitious, and God love him for it. He needed to be. He was a young man waiting for his opportunity, but Gerald could see that he didn’t just wait. He measured, calculated, tested. He was someone who knew how to get things done.

Possibly, he murmured to himself at last, and then he smiled.

CHAPTER 1

Stop hogging the birthday girl! Miranda Harel said playfully as she swept little Helen Louise Graham out of Richard Hendrickson’s arms. You want to see your Aunty Randy, don’t you, Baby? Miranda said as she rubbed noses with the little girl.

Richard sighed. I guess Uncle Rich should help Daddy with the cake now anyway. He kissed Helen on the cheek, and then looked back over his shoulder at the two of them as he walked away. He would have liked to play with Helen for a few more minutes, but he didn’t want to begrudge his oldest friend time with her. From the day she was born, little Helen was the magic charm that kept Miranda’s heart together.

He shuddered when he remembered how devastated and broken she’d been in the months after she’d ended her marriage to his cousin Michael Abbot. She wouldn’t eat, leave her room or talk to anyone. At that point she couldn’t even cry anymore. And she was in his house. Richard had always been able to fix things with Michael and Jessie, no matter how awful or wild they’d been. But he had thought that he was going to have to watch Miranda literally die before his eyes. That’s why he’d called Alex. He imagined what Michael would have done if he’d known. It hadn’t been Richard’s first choice. But he knew that there were only two people who would ever get her to leave her room, and Michael was not an option, obviously. And Richard told himself, guiltily, that Alex owed all of them. It was the least he could do.

He came into his kitchen to find Mitchell Graham struggling with the cake box. He looked up, exhausted. Okay, Richard. You can build solar cars, but can you open this thing without destroying the cake? Because I’m out of ideas and Emily will beat me up if anything happens to this cake.

Richard laughed. Mitch had just graduated from law school two months ago, and in addition to starting a new job with extreme hours, he was also cramming for the bar. On top of that, they’d just closed on their condo in Brookline. Richard had overheard Emily complaining to Zainab that Mitch had the nerve to try and beg off of his own daughter’s birthday party. Richard had stayed out of that conversation. It did seem to him that everything should take a backseat to Helen, but he also understood how much pressure Mitch was under.

I think I’ve got that, Richard said, patting Mitch on the shoulder. After a minute, he had the intricate cake box open. "Voila!"

Ahem! Jessie Bartolome, Richard’s younger cousin, strode into the kitchen and put her hands on her hips. Do you think we can get this show on the road here, guys? People are whining, and I’m not talking about the two-year-old.

Mitch nodded. Yeah, sorry. Can you get the ice cream? And don’t forget the soy stuff because the doctor hasn’t cleared Hellie for dairy yet.

Jessie snickered and shook her head. Like mother, like daughter, huh? Richard smiled when she said that, because Jessie had no idea how much she resembled her own mother right now.

At last, everything was ready. Richard ran out to turn off the lights, and Mitch came in, balancing the cake and candles, while Jessie followed with the ice cream.

Happy Birthday, Hellie! everyone shouted. She clapped and everyone laughed while she tried to blow out her candles. Zainab took Helen onto her lap while Emily cut the cake to keep her out of harm's way.

Emily Graham handed the first slice to her daughter. Okay, Hellie, let Auntie Zainab help, Emily said. She really didn’t want anything to happen to Richard’s very nice furniture. Richard looked at Zainab and shook his head. Only Zainab understood how much it meant to Richard to have laughter in his house; he couldn’t care less about the furniture.

Next slice to Martin Shepard, Mitch’s best friend. Hmm, good cake, he said between mouthfuls. But how come we didn’t get one of your super vegan specialties, Em?

Next slice to Richard. For the same reason we’re abusing Richard’s home today. Our kitchen is not ready to be christened with cake baking just yet. Maybe for Richard’s birthday though.

Richard smiled. I will hold you to that.

Next slice to Jessie. And you’ll come, too, Martin, won’t you? Jessie said, seating herself next to Martin on the couch. To Richard’s birthday, I mean.

Martin swallowed uncomfortably. Jessie wasn’t any easier to avoid at eighteen than she had been at sixteen. Well, of course, he said with an exaggerated enthusiasm. I’ll follow Emily’s baked goods anywhere.

Whatever it takes, Jessie said quietly.

Wow, Martin, we have so not had a chance to catch up yet, Miranda said after she’d grabbed her slice. She forced herself in between Martin and Jessie. Martin smiled, a little grateful, a little resentful. How’s grad school treating you?

Martin involuntarily looked in Jessie’s direction. She was leaning over to listen. Martin blushed. Poli-sci is even more of a commitment in grad school than it was as an undergrad. We’re way past major—it’s a way of life. Miranda laughed. And how’s the new job?

Miranda rolled her eyes. God, can I just tell you, Richard is a God damned slave driver.

Can we watch the language a little bit? Mitch said testily as he looked in his daughter’s direction. Fortunately, Helen was too busy stuffing cake and frosting into her mouth to notice anything.

Miranda smiled. Sorry, she whispered, then kissed Helen on the forehead. I’m kidding of course. Richard and his team are wonderful to work with. Of course, the fact that Emily is with me is a huge plus.

Emily flashed a big smile to Miranda. It’s not a real job, just so we’re clear. I consider myself more of a technobabble translator than anything else. And by the way, where is the team? I told them four!

Richard looked at his watch and shook his head. It was five-thirty. "It’s either Carlos wanted to bounce some prototype ideas off of someone, Vijay wanted to adjust the cells, or Jordan found an episode of The Black Adder online."

Here’s hoping it’s the latter, Zainab said quietly, looking at Richard.

Richard smiled slightly. I really do have faith in Jordan to come through for us. Zainab tried to hold Richard’s eyes, but he walked away. Miranda, who saw the silent exchange, looked at Zainab. Zainab shook her head, and Miranda nodded. She’d follow up later.

Martin went into the kitchen and before anyone could say anything Jessie followed him. Richard started walking in their direction, but Mitch held him back. I don’t think that’s necessary.

He’s twenty six!

Which is why I don’t think it’s necessary.

Richard sighed and grabbed another piece of cake. This all your fault, he said, waving his fork accusingly at Emily.

She held out her hands in confusion. Because I invited him to the party?

No, because you’ve been interviewing him as a potential boyfriend for Jessie since she was fifteen.

Emily made a face. I haven’t offered him the job yet, and by the way, I never said anything to Jessie about that. She shrugged. Can I help it if I’m always right?

Jessie found Martin in the refrigerator. Something I can help you with?

Martin jumped and hit his head on the freezer handle. Oh, God! Jessie tried to open the door to get some ice but hit him in the nose in the process. Oh no! she laughed, and after a second, he laughed too.

Wow, he said, rubbing his head. I guess you’re pretty dangerous when you want something.

Jessie shrugged. I don’t know; I don’t usually want things. I usually just take whatever strikes me as interesting. I never have to think about it long enough to form an opinion.

You’ll excuse me if that doesn’t seem very flattering right now.

I’ll excuse you, if you really want me to, Jessie said quietly. She took a deep breath, making herself brave. That was also something she didn’t usually have to do. Did I ever tell you that when I had my little breakdown a few years ago I thought Mitch was you?

Martin stopped rubbing his head but kept his hand there. No, you didn’t. Mitch said something though—at the time I didn’t really get it.

That’s fair, since that whole period is sort of blurry for me too.

I was really sorry when it happened, Martin said, putting his hand down. I would have come for a visit, but Mitch said it wasn’t a good idea.

Jessie smiled and closed the refrigerator door. I guess it wasn’t. But it was sweet of you anyway.

Martin smiled in spite of himself. She was just about as tall as he was. She had such beautiful grey eyes, and such a nice, husky voice. I try.

I don’t think so. I think that’s just the way you are. Before he could say anything, Jessie pulled him in for a kiss. He was surprised, but he didn’t stop her. He put his hand on her cheek and pulled her closer.

She pulled away after a minute. That was nice, she said softly.

Martin grimaced and pulled back himself. And that’s something I am too, Jess. I’m a nice guy, and there’s kind of an unwritten rule about men my age and girls your age.

I’ll have you know that I am now a sophomore in college. Not only that, I voted in the last election, and I refuse to be called a girl after that.

Martin smiled. But I’m afraid you’re still not allowed into a bar.

Then I guess you’d be surprised at the things I’ve gotten away with...or just done.

Martin blinked. He needed to leave the kitchen. Jess, I’m too old for you.

I’m just a year younger than Emily was when she married Mitch.

And I’m three years older than Mitch was.

You know, there’s nothing I can do about that, right? Is it fair to penalize me because I have to drink at home?

I’m not trying to penalize you, Jess, Martin said softly. I’m just trying to do the right thing.

And why are you so sure this isn’t it?

I guess it’s that nice guy thing again, he said a little sadly.

She shrugged. The thing about not being in the habit of wanting things was the memory of how that felt. Enjoy that then. Before Martin could say anything, Jessie walked out of the kitchen. He followed. Everyone was looking at the two of them. Jessie frowned. Oh for God’s sake! I kissed him, okay? He was a perfect gentleman though, so perfect that it’s not going to happen again. She grabbed her jacket and kissed Helen. I’ll see you tomorrow sweetie, and then she slammed the door behind her.

Richard folded his arms and looked at Martin. You kissed my eighteen year old cousin?

She kissed me! Martin said pleadingly.

And of course you stopped her, right?

Zainab and Miranda couldn’t contain their laughter. They knew exactly who had run that show. Emily was looking down at the floor so she wouldn’t break out too. Oh, quiet you two! Richard said scornfully.

Richard, Mitch said calmly, nothing happened.

Since when is a kiss nothing? Richard said with a fury so uncharacteristic even Helen stopped what she was doing. Before anyone could say anything, Richard’s phone rang. Hello? he answered. Okay, he said before he hung up and looked at Zainab. I’m sorry, I have to go, something—

Zainab forced a smile. Something came up at work, she said for him. He blinked, and then smiled. It’s alright. Just go—make sure it doesn’t get out of hand.

Thanks sweetheart, he said, kissing her forehead. She closed her eyes and patted his arm. Sorry guys, do you mind cleaning up?

Emily waved him away. We’ve got this—go put out your fire.

Thanks—see you all later. He grabbed his coat and then left. Zainab turned around after the door shut and Miranda and Emily looked at each other.

So, um, why don’t Mitch and I watch Helen while you guys clean up? Martin suggested awkwardly.

That sounds great, Mitch said, collapsing onto the couch and closing his eyes.

Emily sighed with exasperation. Yeah, Hellie, just listen to Uncle Martin and don’t get frosting on anything, okay?