Page 30 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

Soon, they were in a deep discussion about the pros and cons of the book.

But, as they got ready to leave the bookstore, Morgan couldn’t help feeling as if Simon’s troubles with Constance were far from over.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Morgan dropped Simon off at his house and drove to her apartment. She wanted to get things ready for the dog. She’d thought of spending the night there but decided to wait one more day. Simon had said that after tonight, the man would be gone. And if the spy was upset about getting caught, he might do something rash to her if she were around.

As she drove up the driveway, she noticed Ashley in the backyard and stopped the car so she could give her an update on the situation.

Ashley noticed her and walked over. “Hi! What’s up?”

“I know why someone has been watching me. It’s Simon Weaver’s daughter-in-law. She thinks I’m being kind to Simon because I’m after his money.”

“If she knew you, she’d understand that’s ridiculous. You’re the least greedy person I know,” said Ashley, shaking her head. “Do you have time for a cup of coffee?”

“Yes, but please come to my apartment. I have to get things ready for the dog I’m picking up tomorrow.”

“Will you be staying here tonight?” asked Ashley.

“No, because Simon indicated by tomorrow, the so-called spy will be off the case. Besides, it’s easier for me to be at Brad’s house since we’ll leave from there tomorrow morning to get the dog.”

“Go ahead and park your car. I’ll meet you at the apartment. I need to tell the kids and my mother-in-law where I’ll be,” said Ashley.

###

As Morgan unlocked the door to her apartment, she felt a sense of relief at having the mystery of the man in the dark gray car solved. Constance didn’t really have Simon’s welfare at heart, or else she’d be glad he found a new friend.

She gazed at all the equipment she’d bought for the dog and grinned. It was just like preparing for a baby. She hoped she hadn’t made a mistake. It was a big responsibility.

At a knock at the door, Morgan went to answer it.

Ashley held up a small bag with a ribbon attached. “Here’s something the kids and I picked out for your dog.”

Morgan opened the bag and pulled out a stuffed blue dinosaur. “Oh, how cute!” she said, holding it up.

“It’s blue because that’s the name of the dog,” said Ashley with a smile. “The salesperson said it was durable and might do for a Dachshund. Apparently, they like to shred their toys.”

Morgan hugged her. “I think he’ll love it. Thanks so much. Be sure to tell the kids how much I appreciate it.”

“I’m sure you’ll be able to tell them yourself as soon as you bring the dog home,” said Ashley. “They’re very excited about it.”

Morgan chuckled. “How soon until you get a dog?”

“Sooner than I thought,” said Ashley, grinning. “We’re discussing a variety of breeds.”

Morgan fixed cups of coffee for each of them and sat at the kitchen table opposite Ashley.

Ashley took a sip of coffee and then said, “Okay, spill. What happened with Simon’s daughter-in-law?”

Morgan told her the story of how Constance met her at the doorway and might not have even let her inside if Simon hadn’t come to the door. Then, she filled her in on everything that followed.

“Elder abuse is a real issue,” said Ashley. “It was smart of Simon to move to a place like Signature Senior Living, where he’ll receive excellent care as he ages.”

“Simon is a very savvy man. He told me that Constance thinks she’ll get a lot of money following his death, but that isn’t the case. His grandson, Jake, is bound to receive something, but I believe most of his money will go to charities, which is always nice. He knows I have no interest in any of it. I had to make it clear after Constance made such a scene about having someone tail me.”

“She sounds like an unstable person,” said Ashley.

“A spendthrift. Simon said she likes to be part of New York City society.” Morgan felt a tremor race across her shoulders. Constance was such a cold, devious person that Morgan suspected she might have to protect Simon from any false accusations of mental incapacity that might be leveled at him in the future.