Page 40 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

Simon shook his head. “In addition to being Morgan’s boyfriend, Brad works in family law. Maybe he can help us both in the future.”

Constance narrowed her eyes at Morgan. “So, you’re the one behind all this. I knew you were after Simon’s money. Who wants to sit and read with an old man?”

Morgan’s eyes stung with fury. “You don’t know me at all. Or your father-in-law, for that matter.”

“Hold on, Constance,” said Brad, quietly but firmly. “You’re making accusations about a situation you don’t know. That’s dangerous in a case like this. I suggest you calm down. If Simon wants me to review the papers, I will, or I’ll hand them over to someone else. But trying to force someone to sign something without reading it might be construed as excessive pressure. That wouldn’t go well for you.”

Constance let out an agitated sigh. “I’ll be back, Simon, when you and I can talk alone. Bringing these people into our family business is unacceptable. C’mon, Jake. Let’s go.”

Jake shook his head. “I’m staying with Grandfather until tomorrow afternoon. I’ve already cleared it with him.”

“I bet you have,” said Constance. She turned away from them, grabbed her purse, and stomped out of the house, leaving a heavy silence behind her.

“I’m sorry, Grandfather,” said Jake.

“No need for you to apologize for your mother’s behavior,” Simon said. “I’m disappointed she can’t appreciate what she already has been given.” He turned to Morgan and Brad. “Will you both please sit down? What can I serve you? I think I’m ready for a shot of whiskey.”

“I’ll have coffee,” said Morgan, then hesitated. “Maybe with a little shot of something in it.”

“Brad? Will you join me?” asked Simon.

“Sure,” said Brad. “I understand how difficult your situation is. But that doesn’t mean you should be bullied into something you don’t want. I’ll be glad to look over the paperwork for you if that will help.”

“Thank you,” said Simon. “You’re a decent man. Jake, can you help serve our guests?”

Morgan lowered herself onto the couch. Blue came over to her and sat at her feet. Looking down at him, she thought of Simon’s shoes. Perhaps they, not Simon’s carelessness, were the reason he’d fallen.

“Simon, would you mind me taking a look at your shoes?” Morgan asked. “The ones you were wearing when you fell?”

“Not at all, why?” he said.

“I had a thought,” she answered. She went into his bedroom and picked up the brown shoes he’d told her about. She studied their thick, smooth rubber soles and rubbed them across the thick carpet and then on the wooden floor outside the room. In both cases, the shoes were slippery.

Carrying the shoes, she returned to the living room. “Where did you get these shoes?” she asked Simon.

“They were a gift from Constance. Why?” he asked. “They’re comfortable.”

“The soles on these shoes are slippery. No wonder you fell. I’d advise you not to wear them.” Morgan glanced at Brad and then faced Simon. Whether Constance had purposely chosen them for that reason was something she’d never ask Simon. The thought was too horrifying.

“Oh, dear,” said Simon, accepting the shoes from her. “You’re right. I’ll get rid of them.”

Jake came into the living room with a small tray holding glasses, a bottle of bourbon, and a cup of coffee for Morgan.

After everyone had been served, Simon raised his glass. “Here’s to new friends and my special grandson, Jake.”

Jake smiled at his grandfather and lifted his glass.

Morgan looked on, satisfied that Simon had someone like Jake in his life.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

After spending some time socializing with Simon, Morgan could see that he was growing tired. “Why don’t I plan to pick you up next Saturday for our reading session? It’s been a difficult day, and you have company, with Jake visiting you.”

Simon’s face lit with pleasure. “That would be ideal. It’s always a stressful time when Constance is here, and I don’t feel up to reading right now.”

“Okay. I’ll check on you during the week and will plan on seeing you next Saturday,” said Morgan, getting to her feet and attaching the leash to Blue’s harness.

Brad joined her. “I’ll take these papers with me and let you know what I think about them,” he told Simon. “Then, you’ll be able to talk to your financial advisor about how you want to handle the situation.”