Spider's Web

By Geraldine Bass

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 3, 2007
• ISBN: 9781469101187

Geraldine Bass

The author, Geraldine Bass, was born in Kansas City, Missouri. In her thirties she moved to Olathe, Kansas, where she now resides. After raising three children, she started writing and entering writing competitions - receiving several Honorable Mentions -just enough encouragement to keep her writing. This is her fourth book. She has written a collection of short stories, TORNADOS AND ANGELS, and two mystery novels, COVE OF THE NAKED LADY and A FATHER’S DAUGHTER.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Stephanie could hear the music in the distance as she strolled around the pool. Other couples, with romance in mind, were nearby. Greg had been with her until a few minutes ago when his father had pulled him from her side.

Greg, we’re having a family picture taken with our new son-in-law, said Mr. Douglas.

Wasn’t this the time for Greg to tell his father of their engagement? Shouldn’t she be included in the portrait? What would Mr. Douglas think when he heard of their plans to be married? Stephanie knew he didn’t approve of her, he had made that clear in the past—the reason being that her family’s wealth wasn’t up to the elder Douglas’s expectations for his only son.

Stephanie had drunk much more than usual, as the waiters continued to fill her flute with champagne as fast as she emptied it. Had her consumption of liquor caused her to say Yes to Greg’s proposal? When she looked at that beautiful engagement ring what else could her answer be? Also the romance of the day, her best friend Diana’s wedding, Greg’s sister, left her wanting the same. Now strolling through the gardens, she remembered her first meeting with the Douglas family.

It was four years ago when Stephanie met the first two members of the Douglas family. Actually, Greg was the first Douglas she met. He was boyish looking with rosy cheeks, big blue eyes, light brown hair and a slight build.

Stephanie’s parents had driven her—and her belongings—to the University of Missouri in Columbia. It seemed that summer didn’t want to end its hold that year as the temperature had soared to one hundred degrees. Stephie, as she was called, was wearing very little, cut off shorts and a halter top, her answer to the extreme heat of the day. Her golden blonde hair was pulled loosely into a ponytail. She wore no makeup. Her lipstick had worn off hours ago. Not at her best, but nothing could mar her natural beauty.

Greg was pulling the front of a large trunk. Reaching the door, he dropped the heavy item and pulled his handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his brow.

Hi, I’m Stephie. Are you helping my roommate move in?

Looking up at this slightly dressed young lady in front of him, he answered, It looks like you’ve solved that problem. In that outfit you won’t be stuffy for long.

Stephie thought his comment was rude and was about to tell him so when in walked her roommate carrying a box of books.

You must be Diana Douglas, said Stephie. We’re to be roommates.

Stephie, gushed Diana, I’m so happy to meet you. Look at you—you look like a Miss America contestant. Doesn’t she, Greg?

I’m looking, he replied.

Diana laughed as she put the heavy box she was carrying on top of her trunk.

This is my brother, Greg.

Greg merely nodded, making no attempt to shake her hand as his was soiled.

Greg, said Diana, isn’t this wonderful. Stephie and I are going to be roommates for the next four years.

Wish I could take your place. Where do you want this trunk? he asked, as he looked for a spot for the large trunk.

Which one is my room? asked Diana, as Stephanie pointed her in the right direction. After placing the trunk in her room, Diana and Greg returned to their van to complete the move. Stephie’s items were few, Diana’s were many, making her room look like grandma’s attic.

Greg stayed long enough to accept a soft drink from Stephie. His eyes seemed never to leave her body. Meeting him for the first time was something Stephanie would like to forget. Diana and Stephie became more than roommates—the best of friends. Stephanie’s father was a member of the Missouri State Legislature. He spent a good portion of his year living in Jefferson City or commuting back and forth from Independence. Now that Stephanie was away at college, her mother would accompany her husband to Jefferson City, where they would rent an apartment for the duration of the legislative session. Their home in Independence would be closed a good part of the year. For that reason, Stephanie was often asked to Diana’s home for weekends.

Stephanie wouldn’t have referred to it as a home, it was more like a mansion. Diana’s father, Ralph Douglas, was the founder of a pharmaceutical firm. They lived in a six bedroom, eight bathroom, mansion that resembled a country inn more than a family home.

The first time Stephanie visited their home, her shock was evident. Their driveway started at the edge of a busy road and meandered along a tree lined drive to the colonnaded front of the house. The landscaped lawn was perfectly manicured with late blooming mums adorning the front porch area. Entering the home, the elegance was startling with the walls decorated with paintings one would only see in a museum.

When Stephanie visited for the weekend, she shared a twin bedroom with Diana. The room was at the back of the house, overlooking the swimming pool and the tennis court. The nearest neighbor couldn’t be seen due to the many trees and the enclosing fence. Stephie always felt welcome when she visited. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas were very social and seldom around.

Greg, who was six years older than his sister, worked at his father’s firm with the intent of some day taking over the reigns. If Greg was around, he often spent time with the two girls. If he didn’t have a date, he would accompany them wherever they went. He was fun loving, often flirting with the attractive Stephanie.

One weekend Greg begged Diana to help him rid himself of his latest girlfriend. Come on, Diana. You promised.

I can’t, Greg. I have a date with Jeff. Take Stephie with you. Since Mom and Dad are going out, she’d rather go with you than make a third wheel with Jeff and I.

How about it, Stephie? Would you be able to stand a night of crying and pleading? Margie just doesn’t understand that I’m no longer interested in her, especially since she keeps mentioning marriage.

Then why are you taking her out tonight if you’ve already told her it was over? asked Stephie.

She’s a nice girl, I don’t want to hurt her. Being cruel isn’t one of my faults.

Since I don’t want to stay in this enormous place by myself, I guess I could come along. How will Margie feel about my being there?

Jealous, I’m sure. Maybe that’ll do the trick.

When spending the weekend at the Douglas’s home, Stephanie always included one of her better dresses to bring with her, as the family often had dinner parties. She’d feel comfortable wearing that dress this evening.

Arriving at the restaurant, they found Margie already seated at a table in the center of the room.

I thought you said you were bringing your sister along, said Margie as she saw Greg accompanied by a beautiful woman. Is this woman the reason you want to break up with me?

Before Greg could answer, Stephie said, Margie, I’m Stephanie St. Clair, I’m happy to meet you. I’m Greg’s sister’s college roommate. I’m here for the weekend. Greg and I are only friends.

Now, darling, I told you to be nice, but is it necessary to lie?

Stephie was shocked by Greg’s insinuation that she was his date, which she felt was far from the truth.

Greg, how can you be so mean? cried Margie. I never want to see you again. Margie ran from the restaurant in tears.

How could you do that to her? asked Stephanie.

What did I do? She refused to realize it was over. Even though you told her of our relationship, she refused to believe you. Who wouldn’t, looking at you? It turned out perfect. I didn’t plan it, it was Margie’s idea.

Are you interested in me, Greg? asked Stephie.

No more so than I am my sister. So don’t get any ideas. I’ve had enough trouble with women lately. I’m not looking for more. But if I was, you’d be a good choice.

You do have a cruel streak. Your one fault whether you admit it or not.

Call it a protection streak. I’m not interested in getting married now, any more than you are. Dad insists that I marry soon, to a wealthy woman who is in our social circle, as if we didn’t have enough money of our own. If I meet a young lady who happens to appeal to me and is rich at the same time, fine. If not, I plan to marry the woman I love.

The woman you love? Do you know this woman now?

Possibly, but at this time I’m enjoying my freedom, while I’m learning more about this woman. Anyway, she’s not ready for marriage. I plan to give it time.

This is sooo interesting. Tell me who she is. I’m just dying of curiosity. I can keep your secret.

This secret isn’t one you’re likely to find out. I know better than to tell a woman a secret.

Please, Greg. Tell me. This is part of your cruel side, telling me this much and no more.

I promise you. One day I’ll tell you.

Diana was always trying to put Stephanie and Greg together. Now that Greg is free of Margie, I think you two would make a good couple.

He already has someone else in mind, answered Stephanie as she put the final coat of polish on her toenails.

Who? Did he tell you?

No, he wouldn’t give me her name. He said women couldn’t keep a secret. Who is it, Diana? Do you know?

I have a good idea, but if he doesn’t want to tell, then I won’t either.

The next day Diana cornered Greg. You’re in love with Stephanie, aren’t you?

Quiet. I don’t want Dad to know.

Then it’s true! I knew it. Will you let me tell Mom?

Don’t you dare. You know how important society is to Mom. She might influence Dad even more against Stephie. After all, I’m not sure of what Stephie thinks of me. I don’t want to scare her off. Just leave it as it is for now. She needs to finish her education and it will give me time to learn our business, as I plan to run it on my own some day.

Diana would respect her brother’s wishes.

To reciprocate for the many nights Stephanie spent at Diana’s home, she invited Diana to her home during the summer months while the Missouri legislature was not in session. They often spent their time campaigning for Stephanie’s father. The two friends learned much about politics by going to rallies and working at the campaign headquarters. Stephanie’s father hoped his daughter would follow him into politics.

Stephanie had been elected vice-president during her junior year of high school, and class president her senior year, plus keeping a 4.0 grade point average.

Her father hoped she would do as well in college and admitted pushing her to always do better.

Her mother often worried that her husband expected too much of their daughter, often keeping her from social activities. Stephanie complained to her mother that she had many things she wanted to do besides study. When she started college, she would be out of her father’s sight and would feel free to do as she pleased.

One day, while staying at Stephanie’s home, Diana had purposely left one of the items she needed behind so that Greg would have to bring it to her. When he drove up to the modest home in a middle class neighborhood in Independence, he was not impressed, but then he knew he wouldn’t expect much more than what he found. He was greeted cordially by Mr. St. Clair, who asked him to stay for dinner.

Being a politician, Mr. St. Clair was very gregarious. The dinner conversation explained Stephanie’s interest in historical research, which was her college major.

Did you know, young man, that our family name has been associated with Jesus Christ?

After reading Dan Brown’s book, I learned of the association.

Stephanie started researching our family history several years ago and has gone back as far as the first century when Mary Magdalene supposedly arrived in France. This is the reason Stephanie decided to major in historical research. She plans to continue her studies on the family name. I’m not sure I believe any of this, but it has definitely sparked my daughter’s interest.

It’s fascinating. Have you found any truth in the theory? Greg asked Stephanie.

I’ve researched about as far as I can. I plan to some day visit the South of France where it is believed Mary Magdalene settled, and see if I can find any more hidden information. Documents are being found every so often that were believed to be hidden for centuries. There are rumors that more have been found that have not been revealed. I hope I will be able to discover them, or get more information from the families who have kept these revelations from the public. Perhaps with our family name of St. Clair, they will be more open-minded about sharing.

Is that what you plan to do with your education? asked Greg.

Since the Harry S. Truman Presidential Museum and Library is located here in Independence, I wish to work there or at one of the other presidential libraries located around the nation.

You know, young man, said Mr. St. Clair, Independence was the starting point for the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails wagon trains. Wagon trains met here so they could form a caravan before beginning their trip to the Pacific Ocean. Have you ever paid a visit to the Truman Library, or the beautiful antebellum home he lived in? Which actually belonged to his mother-in-law, who sadly, didn’t approve of her daughter Bess’s marriage to Harry.

No, sir, I don’t believe I have. It seemed he had a sudden closeness to Harry Truman.

You should spend some time in our city and learn its history.

In our pharmaceutical business, research into the past is very important. If an opening doesn’t occur in a library, perhaps Stephie, you could work for us.

Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind, answered Stephie.

Mr. St Clair had found a new person to impress. Did you know, Gregory, that Harry Truman was assisted in politics by Tom Pendergast? Have you ever heard of him? Pendergast was later put in prison for tax evasion. This was the man who started the progression of Truman to the position of President of our great country.

I believe everyone who lives in Kansas City has heard of Pendergast. Wasn’t he responsible for paving Brush Creek, at least the part that runs through the Plaza area? My history teacher taught us about him. I was impressed enough to write a term paper about the man. It’s amazing that Truman was able to rise above the disgrace of his mentor.

Yes, amazing. Truman went on to sign the treaty to end the Second World War.

I think Truman will always be remembered for his part in dropping the atomic bombs in Japan to help in ending that war. I wouldn’t want that on my plate when I met with Peter at the Golden Gates of Heaven, answered, Greg.

This had always been a sore spot for Mr. St. Clair, who believe Truman should be remembered for all the good he did—dropping atomic bombs was not a good thing in anyone’s mind.

Wasn’t it Truman, asked Greg, who started the Central Intelligent Agency?

"That’s true. A good intelligent man, growing up right here in our little community. Which, by the way, is no longer so little. It’s growing bigger