Diary of the Beloved: Book One: the Hidden

By Alesa Acorn

At 13 years old, Catherine Hepburn is described by her friends as the prettiest girl in the county. However, the description favoured by her family is that of a good girl with big ears. In fact, her mother and housekeeper often take the time to help Catherine style her hair in a manner to help hide her big ears. Gifted by her Uncle Nicholas with a diary one Christmas, Catherine begins to record in it the events and circumstances involving the lives of her family and friends. Unknowingly, she records the events of the Hidden, children of noble birth who are hidden in common households until they are of an age to inherit their nobility.
At 25 years old, trying to realize her dream as the CEO and Founder of the National Paralegal Foundation is a daunting task for Simone Devereaux. Her days are spent caring for her mother who suffers from a hereditary mental disorder. Her nights are spent in the arms of her fianc, District Attorney Jacque Parker and her lover, trust attorney Wolf Carlyle.
On the death of her grandfather, Simone inherits his private library which contains an extensive collection of books known as the Diary of the Beloved written by Catherine Hepburn, her mother's college roommate. As she reads the diaries to her mother, soon it becomes clear to Simone that Catherine's diaries hold the secrets of the Hidden, children of noble birth who are hidden amongst commoners until they are of an age to inherit their nobility. With the help of her fianc and her lover, Simone must learn the identities of the hidden in order to save the life of her mother.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 26, 2011
• ISBN: 9781463402754

Alesa Acorn

Alesa Acorn is a professional paralegal with over 25 years of paralegal experience. She has worked with the country's top law firms in the states of California, Oklahoma and Georgia. She holds an MBA with emphasis in international relations. She has travelled extensively across the United States, West Africa, Asia, Europe and parts of the Middle East. She is involved in many paralegal projects around the world. She currently resides in the State of Georgia. Readers are invited to contact the author via email to: [e-mail] and the National Paralegal Foundation via email to: [e-mail].

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© 2011 by Alesa Acorn. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 4/29/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4634-0274-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-0276-1 (dj)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-0275-4 (ebk)

Printed in the United States of America

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Contents

Prologue

Part 1: Hepburn County

Chapter 1: Girl’s Night Out

Chapter 2: The Attic

Chapter 3: The Books

Chapter 4: Misdirection

Chapter 5: Heirs, Trusts and Bastards

Chapter 6: Memories

Chapter 7: Tears of Joy

Chapter 8: The Emerald Lady

Chapter 9: Secret Love—Secret Life

Chapter 10: The Labyrinth

Chapter 11: Affair of the Heart

Chapter 12: Swordplay and Old Friends

Chapter 13: Chairman of the Board

Chapter 14: Master and Servant

Chapter 15: Before the Sun Rises

Chapter 16: Duplicity

Part 2: Forever

Chapter 17: Confessions

Chapter 18: The Beaded Gemstone

Chapter 19: Breakfast Negotiations

Chapter 20: Security Breach

Chapter 21: Seeds of Revenge

Chapter 22: Monday Presentations

Chapter 23: Lusty Betrayals

Chapter 24: House of Cards

Chapter 25: Diligence-Determination-Dedication

Chapter 26: Tasks Completed

Part 3: Noble Status

Chapter 27: End Game

Chapter 28: Secrets Revealed

EPILOGUE

Prologue

Stepping down from the helicopter, Tristan runs to the waiting Land Rover. Running, a smile covers his face mirroring the joy in his heart to be safely returned home to the South Pacific, to the Island of his lady. Climbing up beside his driver Mamoe, he says, "Take me home to my lady."

Getting down from the Land Rover, Tristan thanks Mamoe for the lift then walks around to the backside of the house. There, he takes the path that leads down to the duck pond where he will surely find his lady enjoying a day of respite on her favorite bench with the Island children playing about her. When one of the children yells out his name, Tristan’s heart skips a beat as he watches the graceful turn of his lady’s head in his direction. The smile that lights up her face is only equalled to that which lights up his heart. Kneeling in front of his lady, he takes her hands in his and looking upon her face with all the love in his heart states, "I have missed you my lady. It is I, Tristan, the one whose heart you hold in your hands has returned to you." Lifting her hand to his lips, he places a light sweet kiss on the back of it.

Still kneeling before his lady, Tristan nearly falls to the ground when a booming, powerful voice behind his lady rumbles, "You are advised young Tristan to remove your hands from my lady wife lest you force my hand in testing your skill against my blade. Scrambling to his feet only to drop to his knees again, Tristan humbly states, My Lord, forgive me. Laughing to himself, Tristan’s lord replies, Today is your lady’s birthday so your boon is your lord’s forgiveness. Now, go and greet Catalina and Braxton whom both await you in the stables and leave your lady with me so that I might share some sweet words with her."

Coming from behind the bench to stand in front of Tristan’s lady, the lord extends his hand to her. Placing hers in his, he gently lifts her up from the bench. With their arms around each other, they walk the path back to the house. At the back door, the lord reaches up to his lady to smooth her hair behind her ears. Putting her arms around his neck, she pulls him close kissing him tenderly. Whispering softly in his ear, she asks, "Beloved, what is the boon you would ask of your lady this day? Rearing his head back in full laughter, her lord answers, Only that my lady not ask her beloved to grant her permission to linger on the Island or that she not dally in her preparations to depart. Pulling her close, he kisses her passionately. Releasing her slowly, he states, I go to summon the Valor . . . we leave at first light."

Part 1: Hepburn County

Chapter 1: Girl’s Night Out

Twenty-five years ago beautiful baby girls were found wide eyed and giggling on the front steps of the Devereaux Mansion, the home of Charleston Devereaux. When the beautiful babies were introduced into the Devereaux family, no one questioned the fact that on closer inspection the children appeared slightly older than their stated months of age. Nonetheless, the beautiful babies were welcomed into the circles of high society as rightful heirs to the Devereaux name and family fortune. Today, those beautiful baby girls have grown into beautiful, independent, savvy young business women known to the Devereaux family and the world as Simone and Samantha Devereaux.

Simone! Snap out of it."

I’m sorry Samantha. What were you saying?

I’m saying it’s Friday night and you’re not spending this Friday night working. I’m taking you out.

I appreciate that but I’ve got too much work to do. I need to finish these reports.

"Simone, that’s why you have assistants and secretaries . . . to finish your reports. Now turn off that laptop or I will."

A few minutes later, Simone finds herself strapped into her seatbelt and holding on for dear life as her cousin Samantha Devereaux, an attorney with the firm of Devereaux and Devereaux, speeds away from in front of her office. Making their way onto the freeway, Samantha refuses to tell Simone where they were going. All Samantha will say is, "The last place Colin will look for me, so sit back and enjoy the ride." The ride takes them out of the city and down to the docks, literally for down at the docks is the newest, hottest club outside of the city, The Docks.

Samantha, please tell me you’re not serious. There’s no way I’m getting out of this car and going in there.

Not only are you getting out of this car and going in there but you’re going to put this on first.

Have you last your mind! There’s no way I’m putting that on. It’s not even a dress, it’s a napkin.

Lucky you some handsome man just might need to wipe his mouth. Let’s go.

A little while later and horrified by the thought of her fate should she sneeze or be forced to bend over, Simone finds herself sitting at the bar looking around desperately for a familiar face in the crowd all the while wondering where Samantha has gotten herself to. She’s about to gracefully slide off the bar stool to go in search of her when Samantha suddenly appears out of thin air to grab her by the hand and yank her off the bar stool with instructions to follow her. She follows Samantha from one side of the club to the other. There, sitting at a table with all smiles are all of her friends and paralegal colleagues—Danielle West, Tracy Davenport, Carolyn Hines, Stella Appleton, Christine Peters and Miranda Marsh.

Christine, is that you? What in the world brings you here?

Danielle invited me. We’re working together on the Annual Meeting.

How’s Emily? I can’t believe she didn’t come with you.

She wanted to but grandmother insisted one of us had to stay to keep her company so Emily sacrificed this one for the team.

While Simone and Christine catch up on the paralegal association gossip concerning Hepburn County where Christine is the President, Danielle and Stella excuse themselves to catch up with a mutual friend they recognize. Within minutes, they return with Dennis Burroughs.

So Dennis, tell us how you landed the paralegal position at the prestigious Carlyle, St. James, Yarian and Montgomery.

Well, Carolyn, if you really must know, it was a piece of cake. My sister, Rachel happens to be friends with Mr. Montgomery and she put in a good word for me.

Sounds to me like Rachel and Mr. Montgomery are more than friends if a good word is all it took.

"Is it me Samantha Devereaux or is your mind always in the gutter . . . and you being a prominent attorney and from such a good family."

Don’t worry Samantha, I got your back.

Thanks Stella.

Yes, Dennis, it is you but this isn’t about you. We want to know more about the firm. This is the first time a local has ever been hired to work there. They usually bring in their own attorneys and paralegals from their other offices. So, you’re our first inside man so give us the scoop and don’t leave out any details.

Realizing there’s a story here begging to be told and all Dennis needs is just a little encouragement to get on with the telling, all the girls circle around him and besiege him with fluttering lashes and a bevy of bodacious smiles along with a drink in his hand to loosen his tongue. Not one to ever to disappoint a captive audience and certainly not one not as beautiful and attentive as the one before him, Dennis begins with a detailed physical description of each partner from their colored eyes to their manicured nails. He spends the most time on the firm’s managing partner, Wolf Carlyle, who he describes as handsome, smart, personable, approachable and eccentric. In fact, he finishes his descriptions and stories with the one thing all the partners share in common—their eccentric behavior.

What do you mean they’re all eccentric?

Miranda, what else would you call it? First of all, all the partners are our all very young, less than 30 years old, like us but they all already have their law degrees and their own firm.

Maybe they’re all super smart to have graduated law school so early and passed the bar, like us.

Sure Stella, I can buy that but for each one of them to have a collection of swords in their offices.

With everyone’s eye brows raised and looking at Dennis, he goes on to explain that each partner has an exhibit case in his office with swords and that a time or two, he’s walked into the conference room to find two or more of the partners dressed strangely and cleaning their swords. He even swears he’s sure one of the swords had blood on it.

After hearing this, I’m beginning to feel better about not applying for the position.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news Tracy but you never would have gotten the position.

Why do you say that?

It’s not a written policy but there are no women in the firm, only men. Even the nightly cleaning crew had to get rid of the women and only men are allowed to clean the offices.

Everyone is enjoying Dennis and his stories when he suddenly stops. Samantha asks him if something is wrong. While shaking his head "No, he asks, Did I mention that the firm also owns the newest, hottest, sexiest club outside the city?" Following his line of sight, everyone turns their heads toward the bar where standing side-by-side are Wolf Carlyle, Simian St. James, Tanis Yarian and Albret Montgomery.

Now it makes sense why no women are allowed to work at the firm. What girl in her right mind could get any work done with any one of those hotties as her supervising attorney?

Say it again Miranda, say it again.

It is after 3 a.m. when Simone finally pulls into the driveway. She is fishing in her bag for her house keys when the front door opens. In the next instance, she’s pulled inside the house where a deep voice whispers in her ear, "Hi Baby. I was about to give up on you. Wow! Nice dress." Smiling as she looks down at herself, Simone states, "Samantha’s idea . . . glad you like it."

*     *     *

Saturday morning Simone is awakened by banging on her front door. She opens her eyes to see a rose on the pillow to mark her lover’s passing. After placing the rose on her night stand, she hops out of bed grabbing her robe on her way to the living room. She opens the front door to the smiling faces of Tracy, Danielle, Samantha, Stella, Christine, Carolyn and Miranda. It is Tracy who says, Good morning sleeping beauty.

Within the hour, Simone is showered and dressed and climbing up into the back of Danielle’s SUV next to Christine and Tracy. Their first stop is Pete’s House of Pancakes. Over pancakes and coffee, they discuss the upcoming Annual Meeting for the Georgia Paralegal Professionals. The Annual Meeting is being co-hosted by Christine, President of the Hepburn County Paralegal Professional Association and Danielle, President of the Atlanta County Paralegal Professional Association. After much debate and discussion, it is decided, pending board approval, that the Annual Meeting will take place in Hepburn County at the Marshville Convention Center. As CEO and Founder of the National Paralegal Foundation, Simone graciously agrees to be the Keynote Speaker and premier sponsor, pending board approval.

Leaving Pete’s the girls head to the mall to shop for outfits for tonight. Simone’s protests that she has too much work to do to be going out falls on deaf ears. With Samantha and Stella working together, Simone knows she’s fighting a lost cause and gives herself over to them. By late afternoon, they’re exiting the mall loaded down with new outfits complete with every imaginable accessory. From the mall, they decide to spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool at the Devereaux Mansion where they’ll also prepare for their girl’s night out. Simone is in her bedroom changing into her swimsuit when her mother enters.

Hello mother, I hope it’s not too much for you to have us all here.

It’s okay darling, I’m happy to have you home for a change even if it’s just for a few hours.

How’s father? I’ve not seen him around.

Oh, you know this is his scheduled golf time with the boys.

Well, tell him I’m sorry I missed him.

*     *     *

The girls’ evening begins at Chez Dominique, a ritzy restaurant in the heart of the city. After dinner, they enter the bar for drinks. Tracy and Danielle are discussing their case loads when Tiffany Walker joins them.

Good evening ladies, fancy meeting you here.

Is that who I think it is? Why, yes, that’s Tiffany Walker. I had no idea the DA’s office now pays its paralegals enough to afford to come here. I’m sorry, I forgot, you’re now sleeping with the DA so you were let in through the back door.

Very funny Danielle; unfortunately, not all of us are members of the millionaire paralegal club with positions in our family’s law firms. Some of us actually have to work for a living.

Well, let me be the first to congratulate on your success of being a working girl because by all accounts you’re definitely working it. Since you’ve finally managed to wrap your legs around Jacque, I hear you spend more time on top of your desk than you do behind it.

Now, Danielle, be nice to Tiffany.

Is that jealousy I hear in your voice Danielle?

"Me . . . jealous of you . . . get real. By the way, try not to wrap your legs so tight around Jacque tonight that you can’t make the special meeting tomorrow . . . and for once, bring your report typed."

Knowing when to fight and when to make a strategic withdrawal, Tiffany takes the logical course of action of turning and walking away with her mouth closed. Tracy and Danielle try to return to their case load discussion but their minds are too filled with worry for Simone.

Who’s going to tell Simone that Jacque is having an affair with his paralegal?

What makes you think she doesn’t already know? Sure, Simone loves Jacque. After all, it was her money and the Devereaux name that made him the youngest DA in Atlanta County history but Simone is no fool Tracy. I’m sure she’s waiting to see how far he’s going to go with this one before she gives him the ultimatum.

I’m sure you’re right Danielle. We all know how much she loves Jacque but she deserves better. Anyway, come on. Let’s round up the girls and hit the club. I’m ready to dance my troubles away.

It’s after 11 p.m. when the girls enter the club. They’re greeted by one of the club’s managers who ushers them upstairs to the VIP Lounge. Soon, everyone who doesn’t have a drink in their hands is on the dance floor. Danielle’s sitting at the bar laughing and talking with Michael Dawson, a paralegal with the law firm of Devereaux and Devereaux when she feels a kiss on her cheek. Smiling, she looks up into the face of her cousin, Colin West. Realizing Colin wants a private word with Danielle, Michael excuses himself.

So Colin, what’s up? You’re the last person I expected to see here tonight.

I had no choice but to come out. Samantha’s refusing to return my phone calls so I had to resort to stalking.

You two are fighting again. What is it this time? Never mind. Well, at least that explains her whirlwind behavior and club hopping. Anything you need me to do?

Thanks, but no, I can handle it. Besides, I’m sure you’ve got your hands full keeping everyone else in line.

You can say that again. I’m just glad everyone’s having a good time, especially Simone.

Really, what’s up with Simone? From what I see, she’s hitting it off pretty well with Wolf Carlyle. Turn around and see for yourself.

When Danielle turns around, her mouth nearly drops to the floor. There, on the dance floor, slow dancing and looking into each other’s eyes like long lost lovers are Simone and Wolf. Danielle’s so busy staring and smiling at Simone and Wolf she doesn’t realize Colin is no longer there until she sees him on the dance floor with Samantha. The sight of those two together brings a definite smile to Danielle’s face. She turns back around on her bar stool and orders another drink. She’s just finishing it when Miranda sits down on the stool next to her.

We’re all glad to see Colin and Samantha are back together. By the way, Samantha says not to worry about her, Colin will take her home.

Thanks for message. Speaking of worrying, I’ve not seen you since we got here. Where’ve you been? Better yet, what have you been up to?

Known for her sleuthing skills though better defined as nosiness, Miranda explains to Danielle that she’s been mingling here and there. With their heads together, Miranda relays the gossip about the cat fight between Barbara Montel and Amanda Staples over the senior paralegal position at Montel and Montel; that Tiffany Walker has officially broken up with Damon Ford so he’s left the DA’s office to take the paralegal position at the Carlyle firm; and that the whole club is buzzing over Simone and Wolf slow dancing.

Why am I getting the impression there’s something you’re not telling me? Are you going to tell me or am I going to have to beat it out of you?

"I can’t tell you Danielle because you’ll tell Stella and Stella will tell Samantha and Samantha will tell Simone. Stop looking at me like that. Ok, ok . . . there’s a rumor floating around, a rumor mind you that Tiffany Walker is pregnant by Jacque Parker."

Neither Danielle nor Miranda is aware that Simone had just walked up behind them in time to hear Miranda’s statement. Without a word to either of them, Simone turns around and leaves the VIP Lounge. She’s standing outside in the parking lot sucking in gulps of fresh air when she spots Tiffany and Shantell walking to their car. Without realizing it, she balls her hand into a fist and heads toward Tiffany. She’s about 10 feet away from causing serious damage to Tiffany’s face when she suddenly feels herself in an iron clad bear hug with a voice whispering in her ear, This is not the time or the place. She turns and looks up into the smiling but serious face of Wolf Carlyle.

Taking Simone by the hand, Wolf leads her back inside the club and straight to the VIP Lounge. There, he finds Danielle and Christine whom he tells he’s taking Simone home. Unable to speak, Simone just smiles and waives good-bye. Before leaving the club, Wolf finds his partners to let them know he’s leaving. Still holding Simone’s hand, he leads her out of the club and in his car, a gorgeous black Aston Martin. As they cruise down the expressway, a fleeting thought crosses Simone’s mind that didn’t they just pass the exit to her house. Before she can voice her thought, Wolf asks, How about a fly over the city?

Simone doesn’t realize she dozed off until she feels Wolf nudging her awake. Even as her eyes open she’s sure she’s dreaming because they are not parked in an airport hangar and that is not a helicopter on the tarmac. Convincing herself she’s dreaming with her eyes open, she lays her head back against her seat closing her eyes. She’s brought back to reality with her car door opens and Wolf’s hand reaches inside for hers. Taking her hand, he helps her from the car. As the take off running to the helicopter, he yells out across to her, Watch your head. After strapping her in, he signals the pilot Ok for lift off. Flying over the city, something stirs inside Simone, something that makes her feel like a change is coming in her life and for the first time she begins to feel alive, not just existing, but alive. When she looks over at Wolf and he smiles back at her, she is certain he is the catalyst for change in her life. Reaching out to hold her hand, he tells her to look at the window as he points out the different land marks and monuments. They fly over the city and keep flying until they’re over the ocean and onto open water. To Simone’s amazement and joy, the pilot lands the helicopter on the pad on top of a yacht. Taking her by the hand, Wolf helps her down from the chopper and down into the galley where waiting for them is the Chef who serves them the most delicious breakfast she’s ever had.

*     *     *

It’s after 2 p.m. on Sunday when Wolf’s Aston Martin drives into Simone’s driveway. They sit in the car talking for another hour before Wolf walks her to her front door. After a kiss on both cheeks, Wolf opens her door for her to walk into the house and leaves. Simone floats around the living room as if she’s walking on clouds. She’s so euphoric it takes a full five minutes before she realizes she’s not alone. Hi Baby, I’ve been waiting for you; where have you been? I thought we might spend the day together.

Chapter 2: The Attic

Over three weeks have gone by since Simone’s breath taking flight over the city with Wolf. They’ve not had another helicopter ride but when possible, they’ve enjoyed each other’s friendship whether it be cruising about the city in his Aston Martin, dinner at his place or hers, dinner at Chez Dominique or the Late Nite Diner, seeing the latest movies at the cinema, attending an opera or play, going to his favorite place, the book store or to her favorite place, the public library. Their plans for dinner tonight were cancelled when Wolf called to say he has a client emergency and will have to give her a rain check. Never having enough hours in the day, Simone takes the opportunity to work late and catch up on phone calls and mail.

It’s close to 10pm when she leaves her office and takes the elevator down to the parking garage. A few blocks from home, she stops off at the all night market to pick up a few things. By the time she enters the house, she’s bone tired with just enough strength to put the groceries away, take a hot shower then collapse into bed. As she drifts off to sleep, she tries to remember whether or not she set the alarm.

Hours later, Simone’s awakened by the feel of someone getting into bed then cozing up behind her. Lying still and quietly on her side, she doesn’t bat an eye lash when a voice whispers in her ear, Hi Baby, I’ve missed you.

*     *     *

Wednesday morning finds Simone speeding down the expressway on her way to her office. She totally overslept and completely forgot about the staff meeting. By the time she enters the conference room, her staff members are all assembled in their usual places at the table and waiting for her. The meeting begins with the financial report from Neal Hines, the Foundation’s CPA and CFO. At the end of his report, he announces his father is having heart surgery and he would like to take time off to be with his father. Simone tells him to take all the time he needs and to return when he’s ready that they’ll limp along until he returns. Next is the report from Raymond Colbert, IT Director. After Raymond’s report a break is called for Simone to take a call that her assistant and secretary, Mikyla Cartwright says is very important—a call from her mother’s maid. The meeting resumes with the report from Andrea Murphy, the Foundation’s Marketing Director followed by the report from Patrick Cline, Public Relations Director. The last report is from Simone.

Before can begin her report, Mikyla pops her head in to tell Simone her mother’s maid is on the line again and she says it’s urgent. Feeling like this one is really serious, Simone breaks up the meeting letting everyone know they’ll resume at a later date and time. Hanging up the phone, moments later, Simone is slinging her bag over her shoulder and heading for the elevator. She arrives at the Devereaux Mansion where she’s greeted by the butler, Jamison and her mother’s maid, Edith. Edith explains to her that Ms. Kitty is in the attic and refuses to come down.

It’s not what you think Ms. Simone. When you step into the attic you brain will refuse to believe what your eyes will see there. Ms. Kitty has hired the best architects in the world to do the building. Now that it’s complete, she spends all of her time there.

Then what’s so different about today?

Today, she refuses to come down to take her medication or eat and anyone that tries to go up and get her, she shoots at them.

She Shoots at them! Are you serious?

Yes, Ms. Simone, we’re serious and so is Ms. Kitty. She says the only person she wants to see is you, her darling daughter.

As she climbs the stairs to the attic, Simone can’t help but feel some responsibility for the pain and suffering her mother is going through. She abandoned her mother over a year ago and moved into her own house because she just couldn’t take it anymore of standing by and watching her mother let her father treat her the way he does. He’s all but moved his lifetime mistress Charlotte Montel into the mansion and all they do is fight amongst themselves. When she reaches the top of the stairs, Simone’s brain refuses to believe what her eyes are seeing. She doesn’t realize her mother is now standing beside her until she says, Simone darling, welcome to The Beautiful House, I’m so glad you came. It always does my heart good to see your beautiful face.

Allowing her mother to take her by the hand, Kitty leads her through the front gate and into the house where they take the stairs up to the bedrooms. Still holding her hand, Kitty leads her into a beautifully adorned bedroom that she proudly proclaims, This is/was her room. Leading Simone from the room, Kitty takes her into another bedroom where she proudly states, This is/was my room. Directing Simone to sit on the sofa, Kitty asks, What do you think of the house darling, do you like it? Looking around her mother’s bedroom, Simone’s memories float back to her childhood to the bedtime stories Kitty lulled her Simone into sleep on as she relived her college years and the wonderful days of her life living in The Beautiful House with her best friends. Reaching out to hold her mother’s hand, Simone asks, Mother, are you feeling okay? Is there anything I can get you? Holding onto Simone’s hand, Kitty replies, No, darling, I’m quite fine. I just wanted to spend some time here with my friends and I wanted you here with me. Putting her arms around her mother, Simone tells her, I’m here mother for as long as you need and want me to be.

The sun is setting as Simone satisfies herself that her mother is resting peacefully. Driving away from the mansion she reasons that if she hurries, she might make it to Chez Dominique in time to join other members of her family for dinner. She enters the private dining room not surprised to find her father, Charles Devereaux, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court sitting next to his life time mistress, Charlotte Montel, managing partner of Montel and Montel. She is, however, surprised to see the person sitting on the other side of her father, her lifelong boyfriend and lover, Jacque Parker, Atlanta County D.A., who for the time being she’s out on the outs with. Minding her manners, Simone greets Charlotte, kisses her father on the cheek then takes her seat next to Jacque. She’s just settled herself when in walks other members of her family—Anthony, Chief of Staff at Devereaux Hospital; Elizabeth, Curator of Devereaux Gallery; and Nathaniel, managing partner of Devereaux and Devereaux, followed closely behind by his daughter, Simone’s cousin and best friend, Samantha.

Dinner is a sombre affair. The conversation is dominated by Anthony who relays all the hospital news and gossip, alternating between which doctors and nurses are sleeping with each other to the alarming stories of break-ins in the medical record departments. When she can get a word in, Elizabeth invites everyone to the gallery to view the upcoming cultural exhibit based on Kitty’s archaeological work in Peru. Dinner ends with everyone promising to see the exhibit and meet next week for dinner.

Simone leaves the dining room, leaving Jacque and her father to discuss an old case up for appeal before the Supreme Court. She stops at the bar long enough to say hello to a colleague she recognizes then leaves. With no definite plans and not really ready to go home, she drives from the restaurant straight to her office. She’s flipping on the light when her private line rings. She answers the phone happy to hear Wolf’s voice on the line. With a smile on her face, she flips the lights off and heads to the elevator. She’s practically skipping when she passes the front desk security guard waiving bye to him over her shoulder. She walks out the door to find Wolf there waiting for her. Taking her hand, he leads her to his car and safely tucks her inside. Before long, they’re speeding down the expressway. When the car finally comes to a stop, it’s in front of a hotel that looks more like a castle. Looking over at Wolf with a question mark on her face, he smiles at her asking, What are your thoughts on jousting?

*     *     *

The next day, Thursday, Simone and her staff pick up the meeting where they left it. This time they’re joined by the Foundation’s attorney, Samantha. It’s decided the Foundation will assume its role as premier sponsor for the Annual Meeting but will leave it to the active members and the board of directors on how to liven up the meeting. Simone concludes the meeting by expressing her high ambitions for the role she wants the Foundation to play in the entire paralegal community and she assures everyone the Foundation’s events will be anything but dull and boring. When the meeting adjourns, everyone goes back to their offices and to work. Samantha follows Simone to her office and plops down on the sofa.

Shouldn’t you be in court? I thought you have a trial call.

Dad’s handling it for me. I’m on my way over to the Montel firm to meet with Richard.

Really? About what? When did the Montel firm start handling criminal defense matters? I thought they were forever and always a boutique trust fund baby firm.

You’re right, they are and need I remind you that we’re trust fund babies hence my meeting with Richard.

Samantha reminds Simone that normally Richard has one of his paralegals handle the paperwork and all they do is sign but this time around, he’s specifically asking Samantha to meet with him, leaving her a cryptic message that he’ll explain everything when he sees her. Just as Samantha gets up to leave, Mikyla buzzes into say, It’s Emily Peters on the line, she’s looking for Samantha. Samantha takes the call and after a few seconds reaches for her note pad and begins scribbling notes on it. When she finally stops writing, she hangs up the phone, looks at Simone asking, How do you feel about spending the weekend in Hepburn County?

It’s just after 7 p.m. when Simone pulls into the driveway. After a dinner of cold pizza and soda, she heads upstairs to shower then settles down for the rest of the night with a good book. She steps out of the shower and into the arms of Jacque, causing her to scream. He stifles her screams with a kiss then takes the towel to dry her off. After rubbing her down with oil and tucking her into bed with her book, he then takes a shower himself. Clean and dried, he cuddles up next to Simone. Looking into her eyes, he smiles saying, Hi Baby, I missed you. He then takes her into his arms and makes love to her like there’s no tomorrow. After their lovemaking, they cuddle and talk. Simone asks Jacque about Tiffany’s rumoured pregnancy. Jacque says this is the first he’s heard of it and says there’s no way the child can be his. Simone listens to his denial until she’s had enough then gives him the ultimatum that Tiffany has to go. Jacque then gives her the ultimatum that she’s had her last night out with Wolf Carlyle. Taking her into his arms, he holds her close and says, "I love you Simone. It’s you and me together . . . forever."

*     *     *

Friday morning finds Simone stuffing clothes into a suitcase for her weekend in Hepburn County. Feeling like she’s done all the damage she could do, she throws the suitcase into the trunk of her car then heads for the office. She arrives at the office surprised to find a frazzled Mikyla and all the phone lines ringing. Mikyla just looks up at Simone and smiles then hands her a stack of phone messages. Reading through the messages as she walks down the hall to her office, it seems as if every paralegal in the city is calling with the same message, "You’re never going to believe this . . . call me as soon as you can." Flipping her lights on then her laptop, Simone sits down at her desk and calls the person that left the first and last message—Danielle West. As soon as Danielle answers the phone, she says, I wouldn’t believe it except I got it straight from Colin. He was at the DA’s office for a meeting when it went down.

Danielle gives the story to Simone as Colin had given it to her that he was sitting in Assistant DA Morgan Taylor’s office which is right next to Jacque’s when Jacque buzzes Tiffany into his office. The moment she enters, Jacque asks her if the rumor is true that she’s pregnant. Tiffany says, No, it’s not true; I’m not pregnant. Jacque then tells her she’s terminated effective immediately and to see human resources about her severance pay. He then gets up from behind his desk, walks over to the door and holds it open for her to leave. Finishing her story, Danielle states, That’s all I got from Colin. The rest of the story came from Damon Ford, who just happened to stop by human resources to pick up his last check.

Before Simone could put in a word, Danielle went on to relay Damon’s story that Tiffany was crying her eyes out to the Human Resource Director about how much she and Jacque love each other and had plans to be together. After listening to her woes and sorrows, the H.R. Director gave Tiffany her severance check and told her she had 15 minutes to clean out her desk and vacate the D.A.’s office.

Wow! I almost feel sorry for Tiffany.

Simone! You can’t be serious. The ingrate was poaching on your territory and she may now be carrying Jacque’s child. You did the right thing by giving Jacque the ultimatum. Next time, don’t wait so long.

In all fairness Danielle, neither Tiffany nor any of her predecessors and those who will surely follow are not the problem. The problem is Jacque. No matter how much he loves me, he’s incapable of keeping his eyes or his hands and certainly not his you know what in one place.

But you’ve always known this Simone. You and Jacque have been living this life since we were children. It’s the fact that you always turn the other cheek and welcome him back that’s the problem. If I believed in fairytales, I’d be the first to believe he has some kind of spell over you because no matter what in the end you always welcome him back and usually with open arms.

You’re right Danielle. It’s time for a change and I have to be the one to make it. If Tiffany is pregnant with Jacque’s child, he’s going to have to take responsibility and deal with it. Listen, I’ve got a ton of calls to make. Can we talk later?

"Talk later . . . are you kidding me? Surely, you didn’t think you and Samantha were sneaking out of town without us . . . did you? We’ll talk plenty on the drive to Hepburn County."

Hanging up with Danielle, Simone’s staring at two more stacks of phone messages trying to decide who to call next when Mikyla buzzes in to tell her her mom’s maid is on the line. Within minutes of hanging up the phone with Edith, Simone’s squealing her tires out of the parking garage and onto the expressway heading for Devereaux Mansion. She enters the mansion surprised to find her father there. He’s in the living room talking with Anthony and Nathaniel. After minding her manners of greeting her father and her uncles, Simone excuses herself to find Edith whom she finds at the bottom of the attic stairs.

Herself an accomplished and skilful sleuth, Simone can’t resist asking Edith about the meeting in the living room. She’s not disappointed when Edith relays they were discussing all the suspicious break-ins at the hospital concerning medical records. The latest involves someone hacking into the medical record computer data bases. The most bizarre involves a break-in of Margaret Devereaux’s old office where she was known to keep confidential patient files that were to never be a part of the official hospital records. Before Simone could voice her thoughts of who in the world would want to break into her grandmother’s old offices, Edith continues by saying the men are also waiting for Samantha to get a report on her meeting with Richard Montel regarding the family trust.

When Simone enters the attic, she finds her mother lying on her side on the bed clutching a book to her breast. She appears to be sleeping and for a moment Simone thinks about returning downstairs to wait for her to wake up. Instead, she’s suddenly overcome with an intense emotional need to comfort her mother. Removing her suit jacket and heels, she walks around to the other side of the bed, climbs in up behind her mother and wraps her arms around her. Feeling comforted and relaxed herself, she’s about to doze off when her mother says, Darling, did I ever tell you about The Beautiful House?

Hours later, Simone descends the attic stairs and enters the living room where she finds Samantha asleep on the sofa. After pinching Samantha’s nose to wake her up, she then plops herself down on the floor in front of Samantha.

How’s Kitty?

She’s better now, she’s sleeping. How was the meeting?

The meeting was fine. It was the interrogation afterwards that threw me for a loop. Hey, get up. Take me to the kitchen and feed me and I’ll tell you all about it.

In between bites of pancakes, ham and eggs, Samantha tells Simone about her meeting with Richard.

Richard wanted to know if I could have one of my paralegals go through the family files to locate a copy of grandfather’s Paris will.

"Paris will . . . as in Paris, France?"

You got it. Apparently, grandfather Charleston was a major stockholder in a Parisian company called Paris Scott Pharmaceuticals. There was a fire at the company that destroyed many of the old files. The attorney for the company contacted Montel and Montel because they couldn’t contact grandfather. On learning of grandfather’s death, they informed Montel of the purpose of their call and made a request for a copy of the will.

Am I hearing what I think you’re trying to tell me?

You got it, when we return from Hepburn County, pack for Paris and we’re taking Kitty with us. I’ll tell you about the interrogation on the way to pick up the girls.

Chapter 3: The Books

By the time Samantha pulls into the parking lot of the Peters Law Firm, she feels more like a shuttle bus driver than a prominent Atlanta County attorney. First, she drives out to the country to drop Tracy off at her grandparent’s place. From there, she drives to the other side of town to drop Miranda off at her grandmother’s who isn’t at home but at the family diner back on the other side of town. From there, she drops Danielle and Stella off at the mall. Finally, she’s able to drive to Emily’s office to handle the business she came here for. As she pulls her SUV into the parking lot, she looks over at Simone who is sound asleep. Though she looks like an angel, Samantha believes she’s the devil in disguise for her ability to sleep like the dead the moment she sits in the seat of any car she’s not driving. At war with her mischievous nature because in truth she really wants to reach over and slap Simone’s cheeks to wake her up, she instead reaches out and tweaks Simone’s nose causing her to immediately wake up. Together, they enter the Peters Law Firm where they’re greeted with smiles and open arms by Emily and Christine.

Much like Christine and Simone, Samantha and Emily also met in college and instantly became lifelong friends. Each shares in common the fact they are from law family dynasties. Though Emily and Samantha live and breathe the law each day with it running through their veins, neither Christine nor Simone have any intentions of ever practicing law. They are both, however, in their own way, committed to serving the law, upholding everything it stands for and maintaining their family’s honor and prominence in the legal communities in which they serve. It is to this end they listen intently to the discussion between Emily and Samantha.

I’m putting a land purchase deal together for my client, James Ashbury. The long and short of it is he came home early and found his wife, Virginia, in bed with her lover, Jimmy Woodbury. While Jimmy hurried to put his pants on, James ran out to his truck and got his shotgun. He caught up with Jimmy running through the pasture and filled his rear end with buck shot. I’ve asked you to come because you’re the best criminal defense attorney I know and he’s going to need the best.

Where’s Jimmy now?

He’s locked up in the county.

What are the charges from the DA’s office?

Well, that’s the interesting part. The DA didn’t file charges against James for shooting Woodbury.

"Definitely interesting . . . I’m listening."

Well, while Woodbury was lying in the pasture bleeding from his buck shot wounds, James went back to the house. The truth is he messed Virginia up pretty bad. It’s on behalf of Virginia that the DA’s bringing the charges.

"Let me guess . . ."

You got it. Virginia is DA Reynolds baby sister.

After a trip to the county to visit James Ashbury and a trip to the Marshburn Hospital to see Virginia Reynolds-Ashbury and Jimmy Woodbury, the girls then travel back to Marshville to visit the DA. Being that it is Saturday the DA isn’t in his main office but at his other office, Marsh Diner. There, Emily and Samantha speak privately with DA Reynolds while Christine and Simone enjoy coffee and cake on the other side of the diner, near the window. When Simone comments that Marshville feels like a ghost town, Christine says, That’s because everybody’s over at the gym at the town council meeting. Before Simone can ask what they’re meeting about, she sees the DA get up from the table and leave. Without asking questions, she and Christine also get up when Emily motions for them to come. A few minutes later, they’re pulling up and into the gym parking lot where it seems as if a thousand and one cars are parked. When the girls enter the gym, it’s complete chaos with everyone shouting and screaming at each other. Looking about the gym Simone is surprised to see the girls waiving at her to come join them. Heading in their direction, she doesn’t realize she’d lost Emily until a male voice asks everyone to please stay calm and take their seats so Councilwoman Emily Peters can take the podium.

The moment after Emily calls the meeting to order, the gym erupts into chaos and confusion. Amongst the screaming and the shouting are insults being hurled back and forth from one side of the gym to the other. To Simone’s utter amazement the leaders of the insult mob are Tracy, Miranda and Christine. If that wasn’t shock enough the rebounding insult mob leaders are Shantell Colbert and Raymond Colbert, the Foundation’s IT Director and a woman Christine later tells Simone is Yolanda Colbert, the new president of the Georgia Paralegal Professionals and cousin to Shantell.

Finally, Emily’s able to calm everyone down and get them back into their seats. After hours of hostile debating, discussion and more insults the meeting concludes. As everyone else begins leaving, the girls head to the podium to huddle around Emily. With a cheerful smile, Emily thanks them for their support and says, The worst of it is over. The girls are leaving the podium when a young boy makes his way over to Emily and Christine. After speaking to them privately, he turns and leaves. It’s then Emily says, We’ve all been invited over to the Big House for dinner.

The Big House turns out to be a full two hours ride from Emily’s office. It’s located deep in the countryside and is the sole sign of civilization in all directions. The good news is Emily apparently knows exactly where she’s going. When she pulls up to the house, the porch light immediately comes on and out walks the young boy from the gym followed by a feisty elderly lady who Emily and Christine greet in unison as Grandmother.

Walking into the house all the girls are immediately drawn to its coziness and feeling of home. Emily and Christine then officially introduce the girls to their grandmother as Grandma Pat. Grandma Pat then invites everyone onto the back porch where a feast is set up. More surprising than the feast are all the members of the Peters clan whose numbers nearly rival all the attendees at the council meeting. Sprinkled amongst the Peters clan are a few Davenports and Marshes that Tracy and Miranda know. Once everyone is settled with food and drink, Emily’s hit with the questions of what happened at the council meeting.

Honey, I hope they weren’t too hard on you.

It was okay Grandma. I think I handled it just fine.

I’m sure you did honey. Tell us what the council has decided to do.

It’s then the girls learn what all the commotion had been about. Many years ago there was a prominent family in Hepburn County, the Hepburns. Through the years, the Hepburns married, moved away or just plain died out. There are two sets of memories regarding the last known surviving Hepburns. One set involves two young boys believed to have been killed by an uncle. The other involves a Hepburn mother and her young son who went away with plans to return but never did. The commotion centers on the Crawford clan. No one seems to recall exactly when the Crawford clan took control but none dispute they are in total control of what used to be Hepburn land. It’s the Crawfords that now want to change the name of the county from Hepburn County to Crawford County. The whole county is now split into two factions—those who want it to remain Hepburn County and those who want it to be renamed Crawford County.

The council has decided to buy more time. We believe in our hearts a Hepburn male heir exists and if we can find him, he can restore the Hepburns and the county back to their glory days. We’re doing everything we can and using all the resources at our disposal to find him.

That’s all well and good honey but it sounds like you’re looking for a needle in a hay stack. Where in the world would you begin to look for this missing Hepburn heir?

After thanking Grandma Pat a thousand times for the wonderful meal and hospitality, the girls climb back into Emily’s and Samantha’s SUVs and settle in for the two hour ride back to civilization. It’s after 10 p.m. when the girls reach Emily’s house in Marshville. By 10:30 p.m., some are passed out on the sofa, on the floor, or upstairs in the guest rooms. Those whose minds have become intrigued by the possibility of a missing Hepburn heir found it impossible to sleep.

There’s not been a Hepburn in Hepburn County in my lifetime but people still speak of them with reverence.

Tracy’s right. When she was alive, our great Grandma raised us Marsh kids on bed time stories of how much she loved the Hepburns. Hey, didn’t one of you Peters marry a Hepburn?

Yes, Miranda, we did. It was one of our cousins but they didn’t ever have children and she and her husband died before we were born.

*     *     *

Sunday morning finds Samantha taking roll call to get everyone that’s heading back to Atlanta County out of bed and into her SUV. After hugs and kisses, the Atlanta County girls say good-bye to Emily and Christine and head out of Marshville. They’ve only driven a few blocks when Miranda insists they stop at Marsh Diner for her to say good-bye to her Grandmother. While Miranda goes inside, the rest of the girls stay in the SUV. When Miranda’s taking too long, Samantha volunteers Simone to go inside to get her. Simone finds Miranda in the kitchen talking to her grandmother.

Child, I’m too old and half blind and I never had a good memory to start with. I can remember the farm in its glory days more than I can remember any of the Hepburns.

Try to remember grandmother, it’s important. Emily says there was an arsonist years ago that set fire to the schools and the hospital records so any hope of searching old records is gone. She has to now rely on people’s memories to help her.

Ok child, I’m doing my best. It’s just hard for me to think when I can’t see.

Take your time grandmother. Just close your eyes and try to remember.

Yes, yes, now I remember. There was a girl, a Hepburn girl. She was a writer, she wrote lots and lots of books. When she came home, she had a child, a boy. I remember the books because there was so many of them and because she didn’t want to leave them but she had to leave with her son to join her son’s father. She said she’d come back for the books but she never did.

Do you remember what happened to the books grandmother?

No child, I don’t remember.

Chapter 4: Misdirection

Driving into the office on Monday, Simone’s thoughts are troubled by the memory of Shantell and Raymond Colbert hurling insults at the council meeting. She admits to herself that she and Shantell are far from ever being friends but she thinks she knows more about Raymond. They’ve been good friends since college. When she started the Foundation and realized she needed a good IT person, Raymond was the first and only person that came to mind. When she finally caught up with him, he was going through a rough patch and welcomed the chance for a new start. With Raymond still in her thoughts, she steps off the elevator and heads straight for his office. She’s about to knock on the door when Mikyla appears and says, Good morning boss. Raymond’s not here. He called earlier to say something came up and will be out for the next few days. He says he’ll call you later.

Later, Simone’s hard at work when Mikyla buzzes in to let her know Samantha’s on the line. A few minutes later, Simone’s walking out the front door of her office building and into Samantha’s waiting car. When she tries to question Samantha for more details all she gets is, Let’s just get there and get all the information together at one time. There turns out to be Devereaux Hospital, an exact replica of the ones in New York, Chicago, California and other parts of the country. On entering the hospital, Samantha and Simone are met at the reception desk by their uncle, Anthony, who immediately ushers them into his office.

I know what you’re planning Samantha and it won’t work.

Uncle, I think it’s worth a try. Until last week none of us even knew about this Paris will. Kitty has a right to her inheritance. It’s apparently what grandfather Charleston wants.

I’m telling you to leave it alone Samantha. You will only cause Kitty and the family more pain. Besides, medically, I cannot give my consent for Kitty to travel to Paris and Charles will never allow it.

Uncle, why am I getting the impression you’re hiding something? Never mind, if you want to play hardball on this we can. I’m Kitty’s lawyer and Simone is her legal guardian. You and Uncle Charles may keep Kitty from going to Paris but you can’t stop Simone or me. Together, we will handle this Paris matter for Kitty.

Before Simone can voice her opinion on the matter, the receptionist buzzes Anthony to let him know his next appointment is waiting for him in the lobby. Anthony excuses himself but not before telling them, Wait here, we’re not done with this. During Anthony’s absence, Samantha takes the opportunity to return phone calls while Simone paces the floor wondering to herself what’s really going on with the Paris will that her uncle and father don’t want her to know about. It’s inconceivable to her that this Paris will has been around all these years and no one has heard of it until now. In fact, as she contemplates the internal workings of her family, Simone’s not surprised when her uncle Anthony re-enters his office with his next appointment in tow, her father, Charles.

Charles doesn’t waste time in making it crystal clear that under no circumstances whatsoever will Kitty be travelling to Paris or anywhere else. Though he concedes he has less control over Samantha and Simone, he nonetheless, flat out asks them not to go to Paris. He does, however, offer up a logical solution—invite the attorney for the pharmaceutical company to come to Atlanta. If need be, he can stay at Devereaux Mansion and spend as much time with Kitty as he feels necessary. The meeting concludes with Samantha stating she will work with Richard Montel to make the arrangements.

Simone arrives back at her office to find a beautiful vase filled with red and white roses on her desk with a card from Jacque. She’s standing over the roses taking in their aroma when Mikyla buzzes in that Miranda Marsh is on the line. Simone, I’m so glad you’re there. Listen, we need to talk but I don’t want to do it over the phone. Can you meet me at the restaurant after work around 7pm? Agreeing to meet with Miranda, Simone then sits down to focus on the work in front of her but she can’t. She has too much on her mind about her mother and Paris and her estranged relationship with her father that she blames totally on him and his mistress. Deciding a breath of fresh air might do her good, she tells Mikyla she’s going for a short walk and will be back in 15-20 minutes.

With no clear destination in mind, she walks out of the building taking a right at the first corner she comes to. After walking several blocks, she stops at the Courthouse Cafe for a pastry and mocha taking a seat in the back near the window. Simone’s intently scrutinizing the rim of her coffee cup when something catches her intention. She looks up and across the street where she sees Wolf Carlyle escorting an elderly but very distinguished gentleman to a waiting black limousine. Following closely behind Wolf is one of his partners, Tanis Yarian who is engaged in conversation with an equally distinguished gentleman, probably the son of the elderly man. Behind them is an entourage of men who all flank both gentlemen as they enter the limousine. It’s not until the limousine is completely out of sight that Wolf and Tanis turn and walk back into their building.

At exactly 7 p.m., Simone enters Chez Dominique. She’s escorted to the balcony where she finds Miranda already seated and waiting for her. Miranda appears so flushed and excited that for a moment Simone fears the news Miranda wants to share with her is that she’s doing drugs. Calming her over active imagination, Simone takes her seat and waits for Miranda to start talking.

"It’s a good thing I work at a family business or I’m sure I would have been fired today for investigating