Feet of Clay

By Ruby Crain

Rejection seemed almost common place to the children of Silas Montgomery, a ruthless, greedy man only after the Jon Adams estate, belonging to their mother, Lydia Adams, whom he only married to obtain.
Now Clay, the first born son, a replica of his father, in every evil thought and deed would soon learn he was not the first born and loose his coveted inheritance. Murder, if need be was not out of the question. After all it wouldnt be his first.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 20, 2017
• ISBN: 9781499042665

Ruby Crain

Ruby Ellen Massey Crain, a native Missourian reflects her love for the hills in still another novel from that locale, “Feet Of Clay.” Her first was non – fiction, “Hearts Journey,” paying tribute to her beloved parents and their ancestors going back many generations. This book was selected as a talking book for the blind by the Library of Congress. Her love for writing is unending whether it be Novels, this one being her sixth, Poetry, several having been published, even Journals for her children to one day have for their own. She and her husband, Zollie are retired and enjoy their life in Cocoa, Florida.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

T HE WIND HOWLED mournfully around the corner of the cabin, whipping the shutter with each gust. Clay had promised days ago to repair it but she’d not seen him s ince.

Miss Mattie, often stayed to help Rebecca care for her ailing father. You rest tonight Mattie maybe Papa will sleep the night through. Preacher Ben was there often, as well, mostly running errands to help Rebecca out, for Papa had said, I have no need of a preacher in my house, not now, not ever, so, keep the likes of him out of my sight. Hear?

Tonight Papa was more restless than usual, mumbling, uttering things she didn’t understand finally calling out. Where are you, Amelia?

Did he mean Lydia, her Momma?

Again he asked.

I don’t know, Amelia, she answered, which irritated him greatly.

He continued on with the whole sordid story of his great love for the woman Amelia, whom he had loved and lost, before marrying Momma and the Adam’s Estate. Later finding Amelia and learning of their child, knowing he could give them little or nothing if he walked away or provide all they would ever need or want if he stayed right where he was. On into the night he spoke until dawn finally drifting into a deep sleep.

Rebecca was shaken, feeling ill herself. So this is why Papa, you never loved us, Any of us, even Clay whom you only used, Nor Momma, especially Momma—only her Jon Adams Estate.

Perhaps Rebecca had never needed Momma more than she did now but Momma was gone. Preacher Ben would help, hadn’t he always? But Papa would haunt her forever if she told Preacher what she knew. Nor, could she tell the others, never them. Immediately, she thought of Clay, so high and mighty, better than the rest. Papa’s boy—his first borne—or was he? Or was it the child Papa just spoke of?

But would Clay Montgomery, the replica of his father Silas, in every evil thought and deed soon learn his coveted inheritance was now at stake? Would all the wealth Clay had fought for, dreamed and schemed for—go to another? For now the truth was out.

God help the one—waiting in the wings to take his place.

CHAPTER ONE

D EATH WAS NEAR for the rich and notorious real estate tycoon, Silas Ballard Montgomery. Known by many, liked and respected by few if anyone at all, only his daughter Rebecca and Miss Mattie setting on either side of his bed in his last hours were out of respect—or perhaps duty. Miss Mattie, not a family member but the best friend of Lydia Montgomery, who had passed on five years prior, had dozed and did not hear the dying man’s last words but Rebecca heard, Amelia, My Amelia. After a few harsh gasps, the man was gone.

*     *     *

Even before she opened her eyes, Rebecca Montgomery knew this day belonged to her to do with exactly as she pleased. Walk for miles along the shoreline or go for a spin in the boat even visit a smart little boutique in town. Perhaps, set up her easel and paint—or do absolutely nothing at all. None of which she’d been able to do in so long. How can I feel so happy and carefree today when we’ve just lost Papa? Still she felt the need greatly for a long walk. She pulled jeans and sweater from her closet.

Hurrying into the kitchen, she glanced at the clock. Half passed nine, a shock. She hadn’t slept this late in years. Again, the guilt returned.

Tomorrow was Papa’s funeral. The family would be arriving this evening. Momma’s house was ready and waiting but today belonged to her.

Looking out over the abandon lake, a heavy mist lay low over the water. Rebecca pulled her woolen sweater tightly around her for a chill filled the air even though the sun was beginning to peep over the horizon.

This was her favorite place to be. Rather it had been years ago. Taking care of Papa these years had given her little time to enjoy, especially do the painting she loved. Certainly not take a pleasurable walk along the lake. No, she said aloud, I’ll not let anything spoil my morning. Not even you, Papa.

Her mind wandered to her childhood, as she passed the family marina and boat, although the children got to enjoy it very little. It was really Papa’s.

Rebecca had almost forgotten the fun she, Alice and Jeremiah had in the Vessel. She smiled, thinking when Papa bought the boat, how excited all the children were and wanted to give it a name. He had said, it is not for pleasure. It’s only a vessel to get me around the lake, where I need to go. It doesn’t need a name! But secretly they named it anyway. On occasion, had he let them each learn to operate it and he made sure they understood it was for emergencies only.

Rebecca chuckled, thinking how Alice had begged Jeremiah to take them for a ride when Papa and Clay had gone over to Laclede County on business for the day.

Papa’d kill us if he found out, Jeremiah told her.

But, how’s Papa to find out if we don’t tell him? asked Alice excitedly.

We have to tell Momma we’re going. Rebecca offered quickly.

Momma knew their times to enjoy the boat were few and she sent them on.

Come go with us Momma, Jeremiah begged.

I’ll take the day just to rest. You go ahead. Be careful and be home by four. Your Papa would be displeased, you know.

Rebecca knew at the time, Momma didn’t stay home to rest but to do their chores while they enjoyed the day. What a fun day it had been. Fishing, swimming and eating the sandwiches Momma had sent along.

To their dismay before turning the bend, they saw Papa’s truck through the trees at his office. Jeremiah slowed the boat to a crawl, jump out and circle around to Momma’s house.

Why Jerry? they asked.

Just do as I say hurry, which they did.

Papa never knew the girls were along but their brother took his punishment. Momma never knew of Jeremiah’s beating until later when she saw marks across the boys back.

As angry as Lydia had ever been, she walked in Silas’s office, Silas Montgomery, I gave Jeremiah permission to use the boat last week. The boat was bought with my father’s money, I might add. Don’t touch my boy or any of my children again or it will be your last.

Rebecca remembered how she and Alice had been so sorry for Jeremiah and were afraid they’d get the same from Papa if he knew they initiated the trip, which their brother or Momma never let it be known. Becky smiled, remembering the Purple Heart they made their brother for his bravery.

The path had now become overgrown, so unlike many years ago when she’d walked this very trail almost daily. That is, she and Clarke. He had become her very best friend that year. They knew practically every foot of that lake and river, as well. Clarke Danza was older than she but they enjoyed the same things, boating, fishing, swimming. They would talk for hours on end, laughing together, falling in love—but only she. How she wished he’d ask her to a movie or a dance. Never had he held her hand except when they were hiking and he helped her up the rocks. She didn’t really know what love was before but Rebecca knew she had fallen in love with Clarke. She just knew any day now he’d say, Rebecca I’ve fallen love with you. Actually, he did say, we should go see the new movie in town.

She could hardly speak, yes Clarke, we must, she finally answered.

That was the very week, Alice came home from L.A. for a visit. From the moment Becky introduced them she knew her chances with Clarke Danza were over—forever. Alice, the whole beautiful package knew all the right things to say and do. The right clothes, she turned men’s heads, especially Clarke’s.

The two would often ask Becky to join them on their dates. No I’m busy painting or I have to help Momma. Becky would reply.

Alice, we’re so glad you’re here but why not spend more time with the family? We’ve hardly seen you since you’ve been home. Momma said.

I plan to, Momma, really I do, Alice would reply but didn’t seem to get around to it.

Papa hardly saw her at all, which pleased both him and Alice. He had not forgiven her for leaving home in the first place nor did he plan to.

Rebecca remembered those days as being a hard time in their lives back when Alice ran away the year before. Momma had worried herself sick and hired a detective, by the name of Martin Millhouse out of St Louis to find her.

Alice had taken a greyhound bus to Los Angles, found a room in a rundown rooming house and got a job bussing tables.

Mr. Millhouse sat at a table next to where Alice stacked dirty dishes on a cart. Miss Montgomery, he spoke quietly.

Alice turned quickly. If you haven’t found a phone and called your mother by the time I walk out of here, I’ll be back with the sheriff and you’ll be on your way back to Danza Point—after spending time in jail for being an underage runaway. Now, it’s up to you.

Who are you? She stuttered.

Someone you don’t want to cross. So find you a phone for I’ll be leaving here shortly.

Alice hurried to the phone.

Momma, I’m safe in L. A., I have a room and a jo. I’m sorry I worried you. Please don’t bring me back, nor let Papa. I will make you proud, Momma promise.

I’m worried, Alice. I fear for your safety. When have any of you children ever had to try to make me proud? I’m proud of all of you, her voice breaking.

I never ran away because of you Momma, you know that. Please let me stay. You know how I love acting. I talked with a studio yesterday. They may give me an audition for a tiny part. I want it so Momma. I’ll call you every week, even more. Please Momma.

You may call me collect Alice. I’m going to let you do this but this doesn’t mean I won’t have someone keep an eye on you, so you better do what’s right. Do you understand me Alice?

Yes, Momma I do and I’ll call you with everything that’s going on. Thank you, Momma. Thank you a million times over.

When Alice hurried back to her duties, the man was gone. But she knew, without a doubt, he would be around for some time to come, somewhere on the sidelines.

*     *     *

Rebecca hadn’t realized how far she’d walked. Here she was at the Crossing. She hadn’t been here in over sixteen years. That day long ago just as today she’d walked the same path. Then, so in love with Clarke but Alice was now in the picture. As she came around the bend that day long ago, she saw the two hand in hand walking a ways ahead of her. They stopped, smiling into each other’s eyes. He kissed her, stood holding her close. Becky’s heart broke at that moment and she had turned and ran practically every step of the way home.

She’d never known such hurt, even hate. Alice, had known since she was born how to have her way, take whatever she wanted—or whomever.

Alice, who by now chose to be called Alyson, had planned to stay until the beginning of August, when her role in the new movie began. But suddenly two weeks early, to everyone’s amazement she was packed and ready to leave.

Momma begged her to stay a few days longer. I’ve missed you so Alice—.

Momma, I really need to get back. This will be the big break I’ve been counting on. I can’t wait to see my name in lights. You’ll be so proud of me, Momma.

Your name is stamped on my heart, that’s better than any marquee.

Momma had worried, for she could see a deep sadness in Alice’s eyes or perhaps a fear.

Becky hardly saw Clarke after that, nor did she wish to. He came by once to say goodbye. It was his last year at Columbia University. Before he left he said, by the way have you heard from Alyson?

No, Momma told him. I guess she’s busy on that new picture.

Her voice trailed off. Never has been very good at keeping in touch.

Rebecca remembered the deep hurt and shattered look in Clarkes’ eyes. He looked at her, a half smile on his lips, See ya later, pal.

Yeah see ya, she replied. And he was gone. Hurrying to her room, she watched him walk down the lane and out of her life. See how it feels to hurt, Clarke? She said aloud. But inside her heart was breaking too, not for his hurt but for her very own.

Little was heard from Alice the following year. Momma would call from time to time, are you alright Alice? We miss you. Is the movie finished yet? Please dear, call us when you can.

Momma I’m busy learning my script, I have to run, wardrobe just called. No Momma, they used someone else for that part but the one I’m auditioning for is far better, later Momma.

Then one day, out of the blue Alice called. I want to speak to Momma, she told Jeremiah.

She’s in the garden, he answered.

Go get Momma. I’ll call back in ten minutes.

Momma stayed by the phone the whole day. About ten o’clock that night it rang. She caught it on the first ring.

Alice, are you all right

Momma, was all she could say.

Talk to me, Alice. What is wrong?

I have a little time off, May I—may we come home, just for a short visit?

"You need never ask if you can come home.

Momma, it’s not just me now.

Is there a child, Alice?

How did you know, Momma?

Somehow I suspected it when you left so quickly last year. I thought you might tell me though, if it were so.

I did not want to shame you and Papa. Most of all you, I’ve worked very little. I was sick most of the time. I had a little girl born in the county hospital. I had planned to give her up for adoption but then I couldn’t. Her name is Rosie, she’s beautiful, Momma.

Come home child, I can’t wait to hold you and Rosie.

What about Papa? She asked fearfully.

Your Papa will be gone all next week to Jeff city. I’ll send plane tickets. Rebecca and I will meet you in St. Louis.

Alice, looking more listless and forlorn than Rebecca had ever seen her, arrived on Monday, carrying a frail little Rosie in her arms, hurrying toward her own Momma’s arms.

Time had not yet healed Rebecca. Her hands shook so hard when Alice handed her Rosie. She really did not want to hold her. She wanted to scream at Alice for her heartlessness. How could you Alice? So high and mighty last summer when you took the man I loved. He should see you now. Washed out, broke and a baby with no father. Serves you right, but she said nothing at all.

They had a wonderful week, anyway Momma and Alice did. Momma gave Alice several month rent ahead, outfitted Rosie with everything she needed and slipped extra into Alice’s purse until she could get on her feet again. The mother and daughter spent hours talking. But that would be their last.

They had planned to take Alice and Rosie back to meet her plane Friday but to everyone’s surprise, Papa’s business ended early and he walked in the door on Thursday evening.

Silas, Lydia looked up in surprise. You’re back early. Are you staying at the cottage?

I don’t know that it matters one way or the other, Lydia. I saw lights on all over the house and stopped by. I thought Clay might be here.

At that moment, not knowing Papa was home Alice hurried into the room. Momma, you have to see this, Rosie has been smiling I wanted you to see—. She stopped short. Papa, her face turned pale.

So you’re back again, he looked at her disapprovingly.

Lydia stood up, yes Silas, she’s back for a visit. She’s our daughter and I ask her to come. She reached and took Rosie from her daughter’s arms. This beautiful baby girl is our granddaughter, Rosie. She stepped toward Silas.

Don’t, his words came out in a low angry growl. Get, he waved his wife and the child she held away. Then, he looked straight at Alice. I should have known you’d drag home like this, a tramp. Get on back where you belong and take that, he pointed at Rosie, with you.

Numb, Alice reached, taking her baby and hurried from the room.

Momma stood eye to eye with Papa. How dare you, Silas Montgomery, telling me to ‘get’ in my own home. Calling your own daughter a tramp and speaking of our grandbaby like she was nothing. How could you? Her voice breaking, Some of our children just can’t seem to meet your standards, can they Silas? But neither have I, have I Silas? However, the Jon Adams Estate met your standards, didn’t it? At this point, she was screaming. No one had ever heard Momma scream before.

Lydia turned and fled from the room to find Alice and little Rosie.

Papa walked out slamming the door behind him, with Clay right on his heels.

*     *     *

Through the years while Becky was caring for Papa, he would mention one family member or the other. You’re kind Rebecca, unlike Lydia.

Silas continued on, guess I was always was to busy trying to make a living and prove to Lydia that I was as good a man as her Pa, never quite made it though.

I don’t think Momma was too interested in riches, Papa.

She didn’t have to be interested. Her father left her rich and I’ve made her richer.

Rebecca thought who made whom richer? but said nothing.

Silas brought up Lydia again, I couldn’t always count on your Momma. Clay, I could count on, most of the time, and you, of course. But look how Dewey turned out and Alice and that little one that died, even Jeremiah.

But Papa, Dewey couldn’t help being slow.

And a murderer, he continued on. It wasn’t easy to hold my head up as a business man, with all that shame to carry and Alice, look at her.

Yes Papa, Alice hurt people, including me and walked on. But she stayed away like you wanted and made her own way. As far as I’m concerned, she can stay away. But there’s Jeremiah, he’s a doctor, worked his way through college, asking for nothing but a little help from time to time.

Lydia was free with the money when they needed it. I know she had that big trust fund but not so free to me when I needed extra cash. He had fallen asleep or perhaps into the little world he seemed to drift into more and more of late.

Later she had learned in the quiet hours before Papa’s death who his Amelia was, what and whom had shaped his life to be the bitter man he was, why he found it hard to love the children—and Momma. He had told her his story, the one he then carried to his grave. Should she carry this alone the rest of her days or should she share with the others? Perhaps this would just be her own secret for hadn’t she known heartbreak and betrayal of her own? Time would tell.

*     *     *

Becky stood silently at the Crossing. She must let go of the past. Let it be gone and forgotten but would it ever be? No, she said. It can never be forgotten, not forgiven. You ruined my life Alice. All my life, I gave in to you, played your games, went by your rules, acted out your silly plays, which I hated. How can I ever face you day after day for two whole weeks, while you flaunt yourself around as Miss Hollywood?

It was past two by her watch. This was to be her special day, this long walk along the lake had not been one of pleasure but of memories, mostly sad ones that hurt and dug deep inside her.

I wish it all could have been different, she spoke aloud. But she knew she must close the door on these memories for today.

However, she must hurry now. The wrecking crew would be soon be arriving.

CHAPTER TWO

L EAVING THE INTERSTATE, they headed east. Within the hour, they would be home. Alyson shuddered. Each had become quiet, even happy go lucky Rosie in the back seat.

To break the silence Ryan spoke, My first time across this stretch of Missouri. It’s even prettier than I imagined. These hills are something else.

Alyson shifted uneasily on the cream colored leather seat of the Jaguar convertible. You can have any part of these hills—or all of them, she said. Then, under her breath, I just want to get back where I belong.

Los Angeles was home. It had been since she’d run away many more years ago, than she cared to remember. Yes, she’d been back twice. Once sixteen years ago. Then a year later but she had sworn never to come here again. Even five years ago when she received the news of Momma’s death, she was relieved she’d fell and broken her ankle on the movie set doing a complicated scene a couple of days before. I’m in a cast, Becky. So, I won’t be able to make it. I know Momma would understand.

Of course Rebecca filled with years of hurt and anger at her sister had answered, Hasn’t Mamma always understood whatever you did? But then I have no choice in this matter or any other. I’m stuck here.

Not me, Alyson now said aloud without thinking, never.

Ryan glanced in her direction. Having no idea what was going on in her pretty head.

Alyson thought it was too bad she didn’t have another broken leg when she was notified of Papa’s death. She had stuttered, I’m not sure I can get away, we’ve just started shooting on a new film. Well, so it was only a small part. They’d never know the difference in Danza Point or even this whole County of Weber.

But her director had insisted, We won’t need you for at least a couple of weeks or more, you should attend your father’s funeral for publicity purposes, if nothing else. She then called her longtime attorney friend, Ryan Hughes to tell him the news. They’d become and remained the best of friends. They’d gone to movies, often to dinner. He’d always included her daughter, Rosie. Alyson usually ask him to accompany her to premiers, which he did but parties, no. I’m not comfortable Alyson. You go ahead, if you need a ride home, call me. It really hadn’t been a romantic relationship although people often thought them to be a couple.

He knew something or someone had hurt her deeply in her past, possibly Rosie’s father. But certainly, the deepest hurt had come from Alyson’s own father. That was the only area of her life she kept a barrier tightly around. Any and everything else she discussed openly, every detail. The men in her life—more than a few movie producers, some leading men. Some walked away from her. Others she led on, only to kick to the curb when she grew tired. Even a few, who treated her with the greatest respect, she could never seem to let go of her past and fall in love. Often, she would smile and in her teasing voice tell him, They just don’t measure up to you, Ryan.

However, he knew it wasn’t him at all that she was speaking of but someone from her long lost past. At times she would ask him why he never became interested in anyone. He would only tease her, with about the same answer as she’d given him. But, he felt safe with Alyson. Maybe she put on airs around everyone else in Tinsel Town but with him she was totally honest, nothing fake. Perhaps, that’s why he had been so drawn to her.

Sometimes, she’d tell him, I just love you, Ryan. He knew she did, just as he loved her. But there was perhaps a barrier around his heart, as well, for he had loved and lost someone also.

A dark haired beauty, Laura, he’ met when he was in law school at Berkley, who seemed to feel the same as he or so he had believed. She was a year ahead of him and a whole heck-of-a-lot smarter.

Even before she finished her last year, a big law firm in Chicago was ready to hire her and she accepted, without a backward glance. Before he was even through law school, she had moved right on up the corporate ladder.

After finally struggling through his last year and passing the boards, he was hired on by a small firm in L.A. Here, he practiced law for years, finally going out on his own, giving up on his Laura and trying not to look back.

It was in those years he’d met Alyson Adams, a struggling actress, blonde and beautiful but finding leading rolls had been few and far between.

Neither one crowded the other, making it a perfect relationship for both.

Ryan had watched her daughter, Rosie, growing up. He’d loved her like his own, now a beautiful young fifteen year old, looking nothing like her mother. Long dark hair and eyes even darker where Alyson was a striking blonde with blue eyes that shone like diamonds, skin like porcelain and a smile that turned heads, wherever she went.

What should I do, Ryan? She asked.

If not for your own sake, Alyson, you should go back for your daughter’s. She needs to know her family, he had told her kindly.

I’ll drive you and Rosie.

No, if we go, we’ll take the Jag. So the trip was on, much to her dismay.

Her brother, Dr. Jeremiah Montgomery had called, the family all need to be there together once again. It’s been a long time Alice—Alyson, he corrected himself.

I know Jeremiah. What about Dewey?

I rather doubt he can be there but I’m trying my best to get him released from the Institution, for a short visit.

You know Clay won’t want me there.

Will Clay really want any of us there, Sis? But Momma would want us all together.

Alyson had thought as little as possible of her family these years, wanting to forget Papa completely. But the nights she wasn’t partying or away on location shooting into the wee hours, the haunting memories returned. Her love for Momma and her siblings, except for Clay and the hatred she felt for Papa.

Some nights, when she was home, she’d go quietly to Rosie’s bed. However, if Rosie was awakened, she would cry for Tess, who had taken care of the child most of the time, since she was born.

Now, Rosie was fifteen and still Tess was close by when Alyson was away actually being the mother figure that young Rosie needed in her life. Certainly, being more of a mother than Alyson had ever been.

*     *     *

She laid her head back against the soft leather seat and closed her eyes to shut out any thoughts of the days ahead.

Once, Alice Montgomery from Weber County in the hills of Missouri, was now the rich and famous Alyson Adams, or so they could believe. And here she was going back home. No, not home but back to attend her father’s funeral. The father, who had looked at her with cold eyes and a voice to match, hasn’t this family had enough shame without you bringing in more? How many times in the