Page 29 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“I know where your interest lies, and it’s not with me, but with my money,” Simon said with a coldness that sent a shiver down Morgan’s back.

Simon turned to Morgan. “We’ll wait inside to make sure that Constance leaves.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that. I’m going,” said Constance. She snatched the purse she’d placed on the hall table and all but pushed Morgan and Simon aside as she strode to her car, huffing angrily.

They waited until Constance drove off, and then Simon said, “Come inside for a minute. I need to make a call before we go.”

Morgan stood at the sliding door of the living room, staring at the landscaping at the back of the house, admiring the fall flowers, her thoughts whirling. The extent of Constance’s greed shook her. She hoped Simon wouldn’t suffer any harm because of it.

“Ready?” asked Simon. “I actually made two calls. One to the police and one to my lawyer. I don’t think you’ll have anything else to worry about after today. If the man who’s been watching you shows up tonight, it will be the last time.”

They went outside.

Morgan waited on the porch while he locked the front door, then they walked to her car and got in.

“I’m sorry about all this,” said Simon. “Constance’s behavior is shameful. But, like I said, I don’t think her so-called spy will bother you anymore.”

“I’m staying at Brad’s house for now, so it won’t matter. But I’ll be very happy to be in my own place. And, Simon, I’m getting a dog. A Dachshund who’ll be a watchdog for me. If he’s anything like Brad’s dog, Caesar, no one will reach the front door without him barking to warn me.”

“Ah, I’m a dog lover, but have reached the stage in my life where it doesn’t make sense for me to own one. Not that Signature Senior Living allows us to have one here.”

“Are you sure? I thought I saw someone outside walking a dog,” she said.

“A support dog, no doubt,” said Simon, gazing out the window.

###

Morgan dropped Simon off at the bookstore and parked the car farther down the street. When she got out of the car, she looked around but didn’t see any sign of the dark gray car that had made her life miserable. She was relieved that the man had nothing to do with her husband’s business in Florida.

James Devlin, the owner, waved at her when she came inside. “Simon ordered coffee for you both. It’s waiting for you to pick up in the café.” He smiled at her. “It’s really nice that you’ve been such a friend to him. Moving to a new town and not knowing anyone can be difficult. Especially at his age.”

“It gives me more reason to spend Saturday afternoons here. We enjoy one another’s company.”

“And I enjoy receiving those reviews from you both,” said James. “Keep them coming.”

Morgan laughed. “We will.”

She went to the café, got Simon’s order, and carried their coffee cups to their private nook.

Simon looked at her and grinned. “Thanks. It saves me from getting up and going to the café.”

Morgan handed him a cup of coffee and settled in “her” chair. “Here’s to one less problem.”

Simon lifted his cup, but his expression was somber. “Constance should never have done that to you. It must have been frightening.”

“It was, even though her so-called spy was careless and seemed unprofessional. I don’t know where she found him.”

“Neither do I, but I’ll find out. Believe me, I’m not going to let this go. I’ll tell the people at Signature Senior Living that I need to be called first before they let her through the gate.”

“Do you think she’s that desperate for money?” asked Morgan.

“Constance is one of those people who will never have enough money. I was against my son marrying her and came to believe he’d grown unhappy with her. He proved it when he was with another woman when he died. But it’s too late to do anything about that. In the future, I’ll be careful about sharing too much information with her.”

Morgan swallowed hard and finally said what had been circling in her mind. Facing Simon, she said, “You realize I have no interest in the money you have. I think of you as a friend, nothing more. I love that we can discuss books and help each other with reviews for James. But friendship is all I have in mind.”

“Oh, yes, my dear. I know that very well,” said Simon. “You’ve given me no reason to think otherwise.”

“That makes me feel better,” said Morgan, leaning back in her chair and letting out a breath of relief. “Now, tell me, how are you feeling about the book you’re reading? I’ve heard a lot of controversy about it.”