Phoebe's Money

By Rhonda Kings

Maddie Montgomery and her mother, Phoebe meet the charming and mysterious Jack Stone at an expenses-paid weekend getaway. Completely flattered by Jack, Phoebe invites the man to a family gathering in their hometown of Quinn Dixie, Maryland. Not all are as impressed with Jack, especially Adam, a local detective who has recently returned from an undercover assignment. Adam's suspicion uncovers details about Jack that he immediately shares with Maddie. Maddie, who has found herself attracted to Jack, disagrees. Soon Jack's behavior starts to change and causes Maddie to think twice. Using information that Adam has uncovered about the mysterious Jack Stone, Maddie pieces together a puzzle that unveils startling information about Jack, the first having to do with his dead wife, Jennifer. With only the intention of finding the truth, Maddie's discoveries lead her to a startling conclusion that the charming Jack Stone may have devious intentions. Her determination lands her in a face-to-face confrontation with not only Jack Stone, but another victim who is equally dangerous and desperate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9781645848783

Book preview

1

Maddie Montgomery detected the lingering fragrance of clove cigarettes as she stepped into her mother Pheobe’s home.

Mom, are you home? Maddie called from the front door.

Soft, silky fur caressed Maddie’s legs as her mother’s cat, Mimi, greeted her warmly.

Mimi, how’s my spoiled brat? Maddie knelt and ran her hands through Mimi’s long white fur. "You are so spoiled, you know that?"

Like you aren’t? Phoebe Montgomery teased as she entered the living room. Maddie’s mother was wearing yoga pants, a tie-dyed tank top, and sneakers. Her naturally silver-gray curls proudly boasted bright purple highlights held back by an orange orchid hairclip.

I just finished my walk. Phoebe was in excellent shape for a woman in her late sixties. She had no medical problems to speak of, so Maddie gave up pestering her mother about her bad habit involving clove cigarettes. It was useless to argue with Phoebe anyway. What brings you by in the middle of the day?

Creative block, Maddie answered as she collapsed onto the overstuffed couch. Mimi leaped into her lap, circled twice, then curled into a ball. Maddie absently stroked the cat gently behind the ears.

Phoebe sat down next to her daughter. Is it a big project?

No. Just a small postcard. Maddie loved her freelance design work. At the age of thirty-two, she had an elaborate client base that kept her quite busy.

Phoebe’s eyebrows furrowed. You’ve been working hard. Maybe you need some time off.

Maddie nodded. You’re probably right. Coastal Impressions asked me to produce their fall catalog. That project starts next week, and it’s going to keep me pretty busy. I just need to get this darn postcard done first.

Phoebe patted Maddie’s leg. You will, she stated in a soft, caring voice, then changed the subject. How is Matthew?

Okay, I guess. He’s on a business trip this weekend. Maddie continued to stroke Mimi’s back, feeling the strong vibration from the cat’s purr. Looks like I’m on my own again.

Odd for a man to leave his beautiful girlfriend behind, but what do I know? Phoebe stood and headed to the kitchen. Tea?

Sure, Maddie answered while pondering her mother’s comment. It’s true. After seven years of dating, she and Matthew were spending more and more time apart. Exactly the opposite of what Maddie expected by this time.

You thought that by summer he would pop the question, Phoebe commented from the kitchen. Has the topic come up again?

Not really. We’re both working a lot…I guess we have other things on our minds.

The doorbell rang. Mimi lunged from Maddie’s lap and fled to the next room, retreating to a safe and quiet hiding place.

I’ll get it, Maddie called on her way to the front door.

A large padded envelope and a bundle of mail sat right outside the door. Thanks, Bob! Maddie called out to the postman who was already halfway down the driveway. He lifted his arm and waved politely. Bob had been delivering mail to the house since Maddie was a little girl, but he was never big on conversation. He just kept to himself.

You got a package. Maddie placed the mail on the dining room table. She recognized the Pennington Wealth Management logo on the front of the envelope. It looks like it’s from your investment company.

It must be the quarterly statement. I swear I’ve signed up for electronic delivery a million times, but it just doesn’t seem to work. You know…go green.

Maddie flipped through her mother’s mail—bills, several mail-order clothing catalogs, the local grocery circular. Maddie stopped when a postcard caught her attention. One side was a photograph of a luxurious hotel with the ocean in the background. The other side was a handwritten note addressed to Phoebe Montgomery, with a simple message:

Dear Ms. Montgomery. We are asking guests—by invitation only—to stay with us at our luxury hotel in Ocean City, Maryland. The Chateau Montague. We would like you to experience our newly remodeled rooms. Your stay with us is absolutely free. You can confirm your registration online at luxuryhotelstay.com/montague. We hope to see you soon.

What’s that? Phoebe asked curiously, handing Maddie a tall glass of iced tea.

A postcard. From a hotel in Ocean City. They are offering you a free stay.

Nothing is free. Phoebe laughed and took the card from Maddie. I bet it’s a scam.

It has a website address. Let’s check it out.

Maddie started up Phoebe’s computer. She examined the postcard again. This looks exactly like a postcard you would pick up from a hotel gift shop. That’s pretty clever.

What’s clever?

I just got an idea, Maddie said excitedly. I’m going to make my postcard look just like one you would buy at a gift shop. I’ll even handwrite the copy on the back. What do you think?

You’re the artist, Phoebe stated. You must have got that talent from your father’s side. You sure didn’t get it from me.

Focusing her curiosity back on the postcard, Maddie carefully typed the web address into the computer. The home page had a colorful banner at the top with a beautiful manicured lawn with the ocean in the background. The middle of the page was simple, asking for name, address, telephone number, and e-mail. The next section prompted for the desired check-in and check-out dates by selecting from one of the options. The hotel’s logo, street address, and phone number were positioned across the bottom of the web page.

It looks legit, Maddie said. She moved the mouse to the top of the page where the banner was located. She clicked the banner and a new web page loaded. It was the Chateau Montague Hotel website. It sure did look official.

Let’s go, Phoebe said playfully. How about this weekend?

Really?

Why not? And invite Beth. Just us girls.

Maddie studied the hotel’s home page and clicked through the photo gallery. The images were stunning. This upcoming weekend had been intended for Matthew. Maddie had even planned to bring up the marriage subject again—reluctantly, of course, because she knew the conversation would end in an argument like it always did. She could already hear Matthew rattling off the reasons why marriage didn’t make sense at the moment. She would end up in tears, frustrated yet resigned that her ordinary life would stay just as ordinary as usual. Marriage would mean a big change, even if she married the man she had been half living with for seven years.

Why don’t you leave him? The question shot across her mind. It wasn’t the first time, and it made so much sense, but Maddie brushed it off every time she heard that question. Leaving Matthew would be an even bigger change, one that Maddie preferred not to think about just yet.

Phoebe continued, We could go wine tasting. I hear there’s a new vineyard open on the shore. I think it’s called Chatsworth Vineyard. It’s supposed to be very nice.

Mimi appeared again, this time begging for food, making figure eight patters around Phoebe’s legs.

Plus, Phoebe added, you have nothing else going on this weekend. Just sayin’.

Her mother laughed cheerfully. Maddie admired how spontaneous her mother was, always eager to do something and never afraid to try something new. So opposite of Maddie.

Maddie slowly turned the postcard back and forth in her hands. What would it hurt? Wouldn’t it be better to be doing anything rather than sitting around thinking about Matthew? She would love to spend the weekend with her mom and her best friend.

Ah, what the heck, she muttered and picked up her cell phone to call Beth.

2

Maddie, Beth, and Phoebe cruised down Interstate 95 in Beth’s convertible bright-green VW Beetle, wind ripping through their hair. Beth was a stay-at-home mom, and honestly, Maddie could not recall the last time she spent a leisurely weekend with her best friend. This outing was long overdue.

Phoebe sat quietly in the back seat, a bright purple-and-pink-striped scarf held her short curls in place. A few gray strands accented with purple highlights peeked from underneath the scarf. Phoebe smiled at Maddie, obviously enjoying their journey. But that was Phoebe, always up for a new experience.

This is our exit. Beth signaled the compact car and coasted down the off-ramp. The women were anxious to stretch their legs after the two-hour ride. The Chateau looked even more amazing in real life than it had in the pictures.

Welcome to Chateau Montague, ladies. We hope you will enjoy your stay, a voice announced as they stepped from the car. The hotel porter, a young African American man with very short hair, transferred their luggage to a cart and escorted them through the extravagant front doors to the main lobby.

Four stars for service, Maddie whispered to Phoebe, who winked right back at her.

Please check in and I will bring your bags to your room. Maddie noticed a good, old-fashioned Southern accent from the porter.

Good afternoon, ladies. Do you have a reservation? the woman behind the counter inquired.

Phoebe handed over her driver’s license and credit card. Yes, we do. And we’d like a suite with an ocean view.

I’m certain we can make that happen. The clerk smiled. Maddie noticed the name Mary on her name badge. Clicking sounds of the keyboard arose from behind the counter.

Two nights, checking out Sunday. Is that correct? Mary asked pleasantly.

While Phoebe continued checking them in, Maddie glanced around the hotel lobby, admiring the fluttering palm trees and pristine marble floors. She felt a tinge of guilt as she thought of Matthew. She hadn’t called him yet to tell him she would be away for the weekend. She thought she would just wait for him to call. What would that hurt?

We have you in suite 404 with an ocean view, Mary stated officially. Maddie and Beth grinned ear to ear while Phoebe collected the keys and hotel map.

Ladies, this way to your room. The porter reappeared out of nowhere. My name is Jerome. Whatever your needs, please do not hesitate to ask, he said politely.

After a short elevator ride and a quick walk down the hall, Jerome opened the door to the suite. Phoebe handed him a folded ten-dollar bill.

Even from the hallway, the women were stunned by the ocean view. They gravitated to the floor-to-ceiling window, mesmerized by the peacefulness of the ocean. Maddie opened the sliding glass door. Fresh air rushed into the room. The glow of the soft setting sun against the quiet Atlantic Ocean was breathtaking. Maddie watched palm branches float against the faint eastern breeze, and she closed her eyes. Off in the distance, she heard a seagull making its way along the coast. Matthew was the farthest thing from Maddie’s mind at that moment.

*     *     *     *     *

Oh, Maddie, wait till you see this. Phoebe beckoned to Maddie.

The strong fragrance of honeysuckle dominated the balcony overlooking fresh cut lawns and a perfectly manicured golf course to the South. Maddie turned her gaze toward what was causing her mother so much excitement.

The hotel patio was stunning. Decorated in rich burgundy and cobalt blue, stone, granite, and hand-painted tile covered nearly every inch of the outdoor area. Landscape lights, lanterns, and deck heaters were placed strategically among the tables on each of three dining levels, each deck boasting its own bar. Also located on each level was an elaborate display of sophisticated delicacies: clams, blue crab, shrimp, fruit, and cheese. Hotel guests, mostly couples, were already flocking to claim the prime seats closest to the ocean.

Happy hour, anyone? Beth smiled and grabbed Maddie’s arm. I’m starving.

They beelined it for the small patio nearest the ocean and almost bumped into a couple leaving a table empty for them to grab. It’s our lucky day, Mads. I sense great things in our future. Beth was always positive, a trait that Maddie admired. Nothing seemed to depress her, and she never seemed worried. Maddie vowed every New Year’s to gain an attitude more like Beth’s. But she always seemed to revert back to her plain old, ordinary life where she would go with the flow and let Matthew decide how the year would pan out.

Welcome, ladies. My name is Chelsea, and I’ll be taking care of you. The waitress handed them each a menu. All wines are half price during happy hour. The waitress was young, probably still in college, and had a sweet, innocent smile. Maddie wondered if she was even old enough to drink herself.

What can I get you, ladies, to drink?

Beth and Maddie ordered wine, Phoebe a sparkling water.

Beth leaned back in her chair. This is the life. Thank you, Phoebe, for inviting me to join you two.

Beth, you’re practically family, Phoebe said. Kyle is a great husband to let you get away like this.

Kyle and Beth had been married for twelve years. Maddie was certain that behind the scenes, Kyle and Beth probably had a few rocky moments. But it was a picture-perfect marriage in Maddie’s mind. They were kind to each other, and Kyle always showed a great deal of respect toward Beth. And Beth returned the sentiment with genuine love and faithfulness. Maddie had always wanted a relationship like that.

The ladies reminisced about the old times as they drank wine and sampled Maryland blue crab, cheese, crackers, and caviar. Around nine in the evening, they finally called it quits. With plans to enjoy the beautiful scenery tomorrow, they wanted to be full of energy.

Are you sure I can’t tempt you with some of our famous Southern pecan pie? the waitress asked when Phoebe called for the check.

Thank you, but no. Everything was just wonderful. Phoebe handed over her American Express Gold card.

3

Chelsea was in fact in college, needing tip money to afford her lavish taste in expensive clothing, primarily shoes and specifically boots. The Montague was a fine place to work. The menu was pricey, and she made pretty good tip money. The Montague also attracted rich single men. For this fact, Chelsea hated having to wear the all-black uniform of linen pants, button-down shirt, and half apron. There seemed no possibility of attracting one of these fine catches while in this garb. In fact, she had her eye on one gentleman sitting solely at the bar for most of the evening.

He was dressed in business attire, dark-blue slacks, and pinstripe shirt and tie. The tie loosened after the third scotch, but they were going down slowly as if the man were waiting for someone. He was seated near the end of the bar, out of the way, almost like he did not want to be noticed.

Chelsea had just received the credit card from the table of women and was on her way toward the pay station when she passed the lone businessman at the bar. He was attractive, but not stunning. His hair was dark brown and very short, his face rugged yet handsome. Chelsea guessed him to be at least ten years older than she.

Chelsea smiled at the man as she walked by. He looked at her, and she was immediately taken by his bright-blue, crystal clear eyes. She must have flinched because she dropped the check wallet right in front of him.

Way to make a first impression, klutz. Chelsea lashed at herself.

Let me get that. The man moved from the barstool with surprising speed and gathered the wallet for her. When he stood up, Chelsea caught a breath of his cologne—fresh, clean, and masculine. He handed the wallet to her and smiled.

Thank you, she muttered, obviously flustered. She felt her cheeks warm and knew she was blushing. The man just smiled at her. Embarrassed, she retreated quickly to the pay station. She decided to take the long way back to the women’s table, avoiding the man until she got her nerves under control.

She flipped opened the wallet to run the woman’s credit card and stared. The card was gone. Chelsea’s heart sank as she hurried back to the bar, dropped to her hands and knees, and frantically searched for the missing credit card.

Losing a customer’s credit card would most certainly get her fired, and she really needed this job. Although she was panicked about the situation, she did notice that the man who had been sitting at the bar most of the evening, the very man who picked up the wallet when she awkwardly dropped it, was gone.

*     *     *     *     *

Excuse me. Ms. Montgomery?

Yes, Maddie and Phoebe said in unison. Beth laughed.

The women glanced up to see a man smiling politely at them. He had the clearest bluest eyes Maddie had ever seen. He was dressed in business attire and stood about six feet tall. Maddie guessed him to be somewhere in his late thirties.

Pardon me for intruding, but I believe this must belong to you? The man placed Phoebe’s credit card on the table and slid it in front of her.

It does. Phoebe gasped. The waitress just came by and told me she lost it.

I was on my way to turn it in to the front desk when I overheard her, the man replied. I thought it would be best if I got it safely into the owner’s hands instead of trying to track her down.

Well, thank you, Mr.—

Stone. Jack Stone.

The man looked directly at Maddie. She was mesmerized by those beautiful blue eyes.

Mr. Stone. Thank you, Phoebe said, and Jack turned his attention back to her.

Pardon me again for interrupting. You ladies have a wonderful evening. Jack Stone turned and walked away.

*     *     *     *     *

What an interesting young man, Phoebe stated as the three left the patio to return to their room.

Did you see how he looked at you, Mom? I think he likes you.

Don’t be ridiculous. He’s half my age.

Beth giggled. I don’t know, Phoebe. He sure went out of his way to make sure you got your credit card back.

I have to admit, he was quite a gentleman, Phoebe sighed. His smooth, charming charisma…he reminded me of Jesse.

Maddie’s father, Jesse, died in an unfortunate accident when Maddie was only two years old. Phoebe didn’t speak of him often, but when she did, her voice softened, and her eyes glazed. Maddie knew she had been deeply in love with him.

One day you’ll find true love, Maddie. Phoebe patted her daughter’s shoulder. If it’s not Matthew, it will be someone else.

Is Matthew avoiding the marriage subject again? Beth asked delicately.

Maddie nodded. She didn’t bring up the subject with Beth too often, even though Beth had been her best friend since they were kids. For one thing, she was embarrassed. But mostly, she knew Beth would tell her as it is and persuade Maddie to get on with her life.

It’s just that it’s easy with Matthew, Maddie sighed, preparing her excuse. I know what to expect. I guess you can say I’ve gotten very comfortable, marriage or not.

There’s no hurry. I’m keeping that money your father left you very safe. And when you get married, you get to take ownership, Phoebe said as she got into bed.

Did Dad really say that? He wanted me to be married before I take over control of the inheritance?

Not exactly. Phoebe yawned and rolled over. He only asked that a man love you unconditionally before you get the money. I just don’t see that in Matthew, that’s all.

Maddie rolled over, willing herself to sleep. As she dozed off, she saw those striking blue eyes—the blue eyes of Jack Stone.

4

Wow, this is impressive, Maddie sighed as she gazed around the expansive building housing the Chatsworth Winery. From the outside, it looked like the barn would be full of hay and horses. Instead, the interior was immaculate with stained concrete floors and oversized pane windows on each wall. The ceilings were tall, and the trusses contained oak wine barrels and antique farm relics. This place would make an incredible set for a photo shoot, she said to no one in particular.

The tasting area was located at the rear of the barn just past the gift shop. The deli encompassed the entire area to the right with a backdrop of french windows leading to a huge deck with picnic tables and umbrellas. In the deli, a seemingly unlimited variety of cheese, crackers, olives, salamis, and chocolate-covered treats were displayed proudly in cases. Gift baskets begged for purchase on top of straw bales and oak barrels. Maddie caught a waft of delicious fresh-baked bread. She realized she was starving.

How about a quick wine taste and we can grab a glass to have with lunch? Beth was already making her way to the tasting bar. Maddie and Phoebe obediently followed. There were half a dozen employees behind the bar pouring wine, and three times that many guests spread out on the other side, swirling glasses and peering through clear and ruby-colored liquid.

There’s quite a few more people in here than on the walking tour. Maddie laughed. Beth squeezed around a group of college-aged men, finding an open space at the bar.

Are we all tasting today? Before they could answer, the tasting attendant placed three crystal clear wine glasses in front of them. The man seemed to be the same age as Maddie and Beth. He dressed in jeans and a striped button-down shirt. His hair was neatly combed, and he smiled broadly. This man loved his job, or at least he put on a great act.

I recommend starting with the sparkling wines and end with the reds. Once again not caring for an answer, he turned to grab the closest bottle of sparkling wine and tipped a scant bit into each glass.

The women swirled their glasses and sipped. Their cheeks became rosy as they progressed from white to red.

Did I tell you Adam is coming home? Beth asked. Adam was Beth’s older brother. Like Beth, Adam felt like a part of Maddie and Phoebe’s family. They had known each other since elementary school.

He’s been undercover almost eighteen months, right? Phoebe asked.

I think so. It’s been a long time. They finally arrested the drug dealer they’ve been tracking for years. Adam finally gets to come home. Relief showed in Beth’s voice.

Is he staying in Quinn Dixie? Maddie asked.

Yes. He’s going to stay with Pop for a while. He rented out his condo in Annapolis when he started his undercover work, Beth explained. He’ll probably move back there when the renters move out.

When will he be home? Let’s throw a party. Phoebe clapped her hands.

Maddie and Beth laughed.

That sounds great, Beth said. I’ll try to find out what day he’s coming.

Phoebe went on and on planning a summer BBQ in Adam’s honor, the food she would serve, the decorations, the guest list.

Beth whispered to Maddie, Remind me to tell you about the shooting incident. In private.

Shooting incident? Maddie exclaimed.

Shhh… Beth held her finger to her lips, nodding toward Phoebe. Later, she whispered.

*     *     *     *     *

This is fun and exactly what I needed! Maddie exclaimed. As she held up her wine glass to toast with her mother and best friend, she caught a glimpse of a man at the other end of the bar. He was looking directly at her. She immediately recognized those blue eyes.

Oh gosh, don’t turn around and don’t look, Maddie whispered, more excitedly than she expected, immediately blaming it on the wine.

Where? Who? Is it a man? Beth immediately began scanning