Part 6 - Chapter 1 - Suspicions and Doubt

The young woman knelt by a still pool. As she leaned forward to collect a bucket full of water, she caught a glimpse of her own reflection. Her face looked so tired and worn now and her clothes were drab and ragged. Not long ago she had looked like a different person, fresh and relaxed, dressed in the garb of a priestess.

As she rose to her feet, she noticed her surroundings. Instead of at a temple, she was at the edge of the marketplace, on the poorer side of town. This was where she lived now.

As she turned to collect her pail of water and go she suddenly realized she wasn't alone.

"Come with me," the man said. "I'll take you away from here. Make a better life for you."
He reached for her, but she drew back, afraid and repulsed.

"No! . . . No," Eileen mumbled in her sleep. As the intensity of her dream reached its peak, Eileen awoke with a gasp. She sat up in bed and looked around her familiar bedroom. Once she was assured of where she was and that she had just been dreaming, she laid back in bed and relaxed.

These powerful dreams had been coming to her more and more often. Almost every night. And each time she found that was able to recall more details. She had a strong feeling that these dreams meant something important, but she was still sorting out what the significance was.

Eileen's thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of the telephone.

"Eileen? It's Veronica," the voice on the other line said. "I was wondering if you would do me a favor. I left some papers on my desk at home. Could you bring them by my office for me?"

"Sure," Eileen replied groggily.

A half hour later, Eileen was in the waiting room of her stepmother's office, handing Veronica's papers to her receptionist. As she turned to leave, she noticed Cassandra sitting in the corner of the room, reading a magazine. Eileen considered going over to say hello, but she knew some people were sensitive about being seen in Veronica's office. Before Eileen could make a decision, Cassandra looked up from the magazine and smiled at her, so Eileen walked over and said hello.

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine. I'm glad I ran into you today. I never got to thank you and your friend for getting me to the hospital."

"It was no problem at all. I'm just glad you're alright."

"It was just one of those things," Cassandra shrugged. "The doctors said there was nothing wrong with me, so that was good news."

Eileen nodded. "Did they find out why you fainted?"

Cassandra hesitated and then explained, "Not exactly . . .but I know why I fainted." She looked around to make sure that no one was listening and then continued in a whisper, "I had this premonition that someone I know was going to be in an accident and I kind of... panicked."

"Did your premonition come true?" Eileen asked.

Cassandra nodded. Pleased that someone was interested in what she was saying and actually believed her, she continued, "They always do. Luckily my friend wasn't hurt, but now I have to keep regular appointments with Dr. Townsend."

"Why?" Eileen asked confused.

Cassandra sighed, "I said too much in front of the doctors and they told my dad about what I was saying. He doesn't like it when I talk about my premonitions."

Eileen nodded. She could relate with that statement.

"You see, my mom had psychic abilities. But people said she was crazy and she got sent away to a mental hospital. I think my dad's just worried that the same thing will happen to me."

"That's awful," Eileen sympathized. She was about to ask Cassandra more about her premonitions when she noticed Cassandra back up. Eileen turned to see what Cassandra was looking at and saw a man walking towards them.

"Are you ready to go, Cassie?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied. "It was nice talking to you, Eileen."

"And to you too. We should get together sometime."

Cassandra smiled brightly and replied, "I'd like that."

As Cassandra and her father left, Veronica stepped out of her office and said goodbye to another patient. She saw Eileen and walked over.

"Thanks for bringing the papers, Eileen. I don't know how I forgot them this morning."

"You're welcome," Eileen replied. When Veronica started to walk back into her office, Eileen followed her. "I didn't know Cassandra was a patient of yours."

"You know her?"

"Yeah, she's in my . . .study group," Eileen replied and quickly added, "She was the friend I had to take to the hospital one night after she fainted."

"I remember you mentioning that now."

"She said she had some kind of premonition that night and that's why she's seeing you. Do you think she's telling the truth?"

"You know I can't discuss my patients," Veronica said. When Eileen didn't say anything right away, she sensed that something else was on her stepdaughter's mind. "Is there something else you want to talk about, Eileen? You didn't come back to my office just to talk about Cassandra, did you?"

"There is something," Eileen admitted. "I've been having these dreams." When Veronica nodded at her to go on, Eileen described the reoccurring dreams she was having, where she was a woman in the past, and the two men that were also in the dreams. "What do you think they mean?"

"Well, dreams are the mind's way of working out issues from our daily lives. Is there anything you feel conflicted about?"

Eileen half-shrugged. Veronica's explanation sounded reasonable, but she still wondered if there was more to it.

As Eileen was on her way out, Veronica said to her, "Don't be in a hurry to give Hector your decision. Take your time and think it over carefully."

Hector opened the doorway to Clifford's old office a crack and peeked inside. He couldn't believe it was true, the place had been cleared out. It was completely bare. He smiled to himself. That could only mean one thing . . .Arthur was going to appoint a new vice president soon.

"It will all be mine soon," he thought to himself. "And everything I've done will have been worth it."

When Hector heard someone behind him clear their throat, he turned around quickly and tried to think of an excuse for poking around the empty office.

"What are you doing, Hector?"

When Hector saw that it was only Lawrence behind him, he relaxed. "Just making plans for my new office. It's just a matter of time now before Mr. Townsend announces his new vice president."

"You?" Lawrence completed the thought, but with a mocking edge to his voice.

"Who else? I've worked here the longest. I've got the most experience. And I'm about to become the boss's future son-in-law. The position has my name written all over it."

When Lawrence only replied with a doubtful smirk, Hector assumed he was jealous.

"Don't worry, Laurie. I won't forget about my friends when I reach the top. I'll make sure there's a promotion for you."

"Hector. Lawrence. There you are," Arthur greeted them as he and another man walked over. "I'd like you to meet our new junior executive, R.J. Majors."

As Arthur went on to list a few of R.J.'s credentials, Hector was impressed, but he didn't feel threatened by the newcomer.

"R.J. this is Lawrence Arrendale and Hector Burgess. You'll be working with both of them quite a bit and I'm sure if you have any questions, they'll be happy to help."

Hector stepped forward first to shake R.J.'s hand. "Nice to meet you. Welcome to the company."

"I'll leave you to it," Arthur said as he turned to leave. "If you need anything, just drop by my office."

"Thanks, Mr. Townsend," R.J. replied as the boss walked away.

"So, R.J.," Hector began. "You worked at Simmington's before you came here?"

"That's right," R.J. nodded.

"I had an internship there one summer when I was in college."

"Really?" R.J. remarked with interest.

"I did," Hector replied. "Is old Crumplebottom still working?"

R.J. grinned. "You know it. That man will still be working there on the day he dies. But no one's sure if even death would slow him down."

The two men laughed together. "That's what everyone always said when I was working there."

R.J. and Hector's conversation was interrupted when Amanda came over and gave R.J. some paper work to fill out.

"Well, I'd better get to work. Nice meeting you, Hector. Lawrence," he added with a nod and then started towards his desk.

"We'll have to get together at lunch some time and talk some more," Hector called after him.

Once R.J. was gone, Lawrence turned to Hector and remarked, almost bitterly. "It looks like the company is shaping up to your liking."

The remark caught Amanda's attention and she turned towards the two men, wondering what Lawrence had meant and if the comment had anything to do with her husband. Although neither one of them seemed to notice her standing there, the conversation ended, as Hector smirked and walked away.

Next

Part 6 - Chapter 2 - Suspicions and Doubt

"We're home," Amanda called out as she and Alma walked into the house. As she entered the living room, looking for Andrew, she noticed a bouquet of flowers sitting on the desk. They hadn't been there in the morning when she left. "Oh, they're so pretty," she gasped as she crossed the room to smell them. "That's so sweet of you, Andrew."

"They aren't from me," her husband replied. Noticing Amanda's confused look, he explained. "They were sent for Alma, from Dr. Wilton."

Alma who had walked past without paying much attention to the flowers, turned and took a step back. She was surprised, but refused to show it.

"Oh," Amanda said, disappointed about the mix up and, for once, a little bit jealous of her older sister.

"I don't know why he bothered," Alma grumbled.

"Well, obviously he likes you!" Amanda said sharply, annoyed at Alma's reaction. "I would be thrilled if someone made the effort to send me a bouquet of flowers," she remarked with a sideways glance at her husband.

"It's ridiculous. I barely know the man," Alma insisted.

"So? Maybe you should get to know him," Amanda hinted. "He seems like a nice man. Handsome. A doctor . . ." When Alma seemed unconvinced she suggested, "Well, you could at least give him a call and thank him for the gesture."

"I don't need you to tell me what to do," Alma replied.

"Then you'll give him a call?"

Alma rolled her eyes and left the room without answering.

Amanda sighed and walked over to the couch. That was Alma . . . stubborn. She gave up on trying to encourage Alma's romantic life and took a seat next to her husband. "How was your day?" The look that Andrew gave her made her sorry she asked. "This situation is only temporary," she said, trying to encourage him. "I'm sure you'll find another job soon."

"Are you? Because I'm not. Everyone knows why I got fired and they won't hire someone who steals from their workplace."

The next few moments passed in silence before Andrew asked, "How was work today?"

"Fine. Mr. Townsend hired a new junior executive today."

"To fill my place?" Andrew asked bitterly. Before Amanda could object, he stood up from the couch and said, "I'm going for a walk. I'll be back in time for dinner."

The rest of the evening passed quietly at the house. Andrew was feeling sorry for himself and Amanda was afraid of saying anything that might upset someone else at the table. She was tired of getting involved and not being appreciated for trying to help.

After dinner, Alma started upstairs to finish grading some homework. When she passed by the vase of flowers that Dr. Wilton had sent, she paused to make sure that no one was looking and then took them with her to her room.

As she worked on her papers that night, every so often she would look up at the pretty flowers sitting next to her on the desk and smile to herself.

Meanwhile at the Townsend residence, Eileen was getting ready for her night class. As she stopped by her parents' room on her way out to tell them she was leaving, she overheard her father and stepmother talking.

"We're all out of sleeping pills," Arthur complained.

"Already?" Veronica replied. "How many have you been taking?"

"No more than the recommended dosage," he assured her. "There's nothing to worry about."

"Oh yes there is," Veronica insisted. "I know you haven't been feeling well lately. You really should make an appointment with the doctor and have a check-up."

"It's nothing."

"You can't be sure until you see a doctor."

"You should listen to her, Dad," Eileen said as she walked into the room.

Arthur sighed. "You two aren't going to gang up on me, now are you?" He looked from his wife to his daughter and saw that he was outnumbered. "Alright. I'll call tomorrow morning to make an appointment."

"Good," Veronica smiled. "Make sure you don't forget."

"How could I? I'm sure neither of you will let me."

"We just worry about you, Daddy," Eileen said.

"I know, dear," he said, his tone softening a bit. "And I appreciate it . . .So what are you up to?"

"Oh, I was just coming to tell you that I'm leaving to meet with my study group."

"Ok. We'll see you later."

Eileen sat through class, listening as Madame Frederika taught, but she quickly realized she was bored with the lesson. The class was moving so slowly. It didn't look like they were even going to mention the type of things she had come here to learn before the course was completed.

At the end of the class time for the evening, Eileen took a moment to talk with the instructor. "Madame Frederika, I was wondering. Are we going to be learning about seances or anything like that in this class at all?"

Frederika shook her head. "No. We aren't going to do anything like that. It's far too advanced for this level. In fact," she said sternly. "It can be very dangerous even for the most experienced."

Disappointed, Eileen gathered her books and started home. She was barely out the door before she heard someone call out her name. She turned around and saw Cassandra following after her.

"Eileen, I overheard what you and Madame Frederika were talking about. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all," Eileen said. "It wasn't exactly a private conversation."

"I think she's just being over cautious. I have some books at home of my mother's that talk about contacting spirits and stuff and it isn't such a big deal."

"You've tried it before?" Eileen asked.

"No, but I've read a lot about it."

"Do you think I could borrow those books?"

"Sure. Why don't you come over to my house sometime. If this class isn't going to get into the interesting stuff, we can study it on our own."

At the same time, the business class across the hall was concluding for the evening. Lawrence hurried out into the hall as quickly as he could to avoid an encounter with Lauren, but he didn't need to hurry. Instead of leaving with the rest of the class, Lauren was still seated in her chair, fuming about the decision the instructor had made.

When the other students had left, Lauren went to the front of the class to have a word with Walt.

"Is there any way that I could be partnered with Lawrence for our class project, instead of with Molly? I don't have any problem with Molly, but I would rather work with Lawrence, since we already know each other so well. He and I even worked at the same company."

Walt shook his head. He had expected this, since Lawrence had already talked with him outside of class and asked specifically to not be paired with Lauren. "I'm afraid it's not possible to switch. It will be good for you to work with someone you don't know as well. In your career, you'll need to be able to work with lots of different people. And you usually won't have a choice on who your co-workers are."

Lauren frowned. How dare he? Instead of showing her anger, she sighed dejectedly and pouted. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't make a big deal of this," she said, adding a sniffle at the end for effect. "It's just that I've had a tough time lately and it's just so hard for me to find someone that I can trust enough to really connect with. But I shouldn't let my personal issues interfere with class."

"I'm sorry things have been hard for you," Walt said sympathetically as Lauren looked at him with tear filled eyes. He touched her shoulder, comfortingly. "If you ever need someone to talk to . . ."

At that moment the door opened as one of the students come back to the class room for a forgotten book. Lauren suddenly jumped back, away from Walt, and ran out into the hallway. As she stood next to the lockers waiting for the other student to come out, she already had a plan in mind. She knew just how to get back at Walt for getting in her way.

After talking to the other student for a moment and convincing him to be her witness, Lauren happily walked towards the exit and headed home. When she got to the door, what she saw outside stopped her in her tracks. Her man, Lawrence, was outside chatting with some brunette.

Lauren carefully opened the door a crack, just enough so she could hear what they were saying.

Lawrence had decided to take a huge chance and asked Eileen, "Would you like to go get a cup of coffee?"

"Sure," Eileen smiled. "I don't have to be home for awhile."

Lauren watched, jealously, as the pair walked off together. She wanted to get a good look at that girl Lawrence was with. They would be seeing each other again soon.

Next

Part 6 - Chapter 3 - Suspicions and Doubt

When Lucy opened her eyes in the morning, the first thing she saw were the boxes from her father's office that she had left sitting on the desk across the room. She groaned and quickly closed her eyes again. She didn't want to think about it, especially first thing in the morning, but she couldn't seem to get the news out of her mind.

She wished she had never found out her father's secret. The more she thought about it, the worse it seemed. How much of her home and her belongings had been paid for with stolen money? How many other things had he kept from her? And what was she going to do about it know that she knew?

The thoughts going around her head were starting to make her crazy, so Lucy decided to get out of bed and look for something to keep her mind off of it.

Lucy wandered around the house, looking for something to do and instead ended up hanging around Jordan as he worked.

"Is there something on your mind, Miss Stuart," Jordan asked casually.

Lucy sighed and admitted there was. "Jordan, you've worked for a lot of wealthy people. I'm sure you must have seen or overheard lots of things that were meant to be secret."

"Yes, I have," Jordan admitted. "But I wouldn't be at liberty to discuss such matters."

"Of course not. That isn't what I meant," Lucy said. "I'm not asking for gossip. I was just thinking in general. If I ever ran across a problem, you might be able to help me solve it, based on what you've observed from your past employers."

Jordan looked in the eye and promised her, "I would certainly do my best, ma'am."

Lucy smiled. "Thank you. It's good to know that I have you to count on."

Lucy decided to get ready for work and leave Jordan to his. When she walked out of the dining room she nearly ran into Craig, who was on the other side of the door. "Good morning," she greeted him with a kiss on the cheek.

Craig returned the greeting and followed Lucy as she went upstairs.

"So I guess having a butler is working out," he asked.

"Yes. It's working out better than I imagined. I don't know what I would do if Jordan wasn't here to help out."

"Are you sure you really need him?"

"Of course," Lucy said, surprised that Craig would even ask that. "You were right when you said that I needed someone to help. I would never be able to get everything done on my own. So, thank you, Craig. I would be a mess right now if you hadn't come into my life," Lucy said, giving Craig a hug.

Craig hugged her back and decided to let the subject of Jordan drop. "I know things have been tough for you lately. This weekend, let's go out for a romantic evening. How does that sound?"

"Wonderful," Lucy replied, giving Craig a kiss, before getting changed for work.

After Lucy had left, Craig went into the dining room to have a few words with the butler. "Listen, Jordan. I don't think I've said this before, but I've got to thank you for all the help you've been around here. It really means a lot to Lucy and me."

"You're welcome, Mr. Sexton. It's my job."

"Yeah, well," Craig said and cleared his throat. "I just wanted to let you know that we appreciate everything, but I don't think you'll be needed around here much longer. I just thought you should know."

Jordan eyed Craig skeptically. He could see right through the man's act, but he was too professional to let him know that. "I appreciate your consideration," he said, carefully masking his sarcasm. "But I work for Miss Stuart and when there is to be a change in my employment I'm sure she will give me adequate notice. If you'll excuse me," Jordan said as he turned to return to his work.

"Did you have a parent conference this afternoon?" Bernice asked Alma as they stood outside after school, watching their students as they started home.

"No, why?" Alma asked. Bernice motioned towards the street. When Alma turned she saw Dr. Wilton walking towards her. "Oh."

"Hello," Edward greeted Alma when he got closer. "I hope I'm not bothering you. But I was taking a walk and wondered if you would like to join me if you weren't busy."

"Well," Alma hesitated.

"Oh, go ahead," Bernice insisted. "I'll make sure the kids get on their buses safely."

Edward and Alma walked in silence until they were away from the busy schoolyard. "Did you get the flowers I sent? I hope they were alright."

"They were very nice. Thank you," Alma replied politely. "But I'm not sure why you sent them."

Edward stopped walking and turned to face Alma. "Alma, I think you're a lovely woman and I would like the chance to get to know you better." He paused, waiting for Alma's response, but she didn't know what to say. "It's been a long time since I've asked anyone on a date. I just haven't met anyone that I was interested in, but I think you're a very special woman, Alma. And if it would be alright, I would like to give you a call this weekend and ask you out for dinner. You can think it over and let me know your answer then. What do you think?"

For a moment, Alma was almost too stunned to speak, finally she managed to reply. "Fine."

"Good," Edward smiled. "I'll give you a call."

Eileen had some free time in the afternoon between classes, so she decided to stop by her father's office to see Lawrence.

She had been surprised by Lawrence when he invited her out for coffee after their night classes. She agreed to go and was glad that she did. That evening he had seemed less aloof than he had when she had talked to him before, though he was still more reserved than any of the guys she knew. The guys she hung out with tended to be funny and flirty, while Lawrence was serious and intellectual, but surprisingly interesting as well.

Over coffee they had talked about classes and school. Eileen mentioned her struggling grades and when she jokingly suggested that Lawrence should be her tutor, he said that he would. Now they just had to set up a time.

"Hey," Eileen greeted Lawrence as she walked up to his desk.

Lawrence rose from his seat to return the greeting, pleasantly surprised to see her. "Hi."

"I just wanted to thank you for the coffee the other night and for offering to be my tutor. Unless you've changed your mind about that," Eileen said with a grin.

"No, I'd be glad to do it," Lawrence assured her.

"Good. Because I just had my social science class and I'm going to need all the help I can get."

"Sure. Just let me know when you want to do it."

"How about Friday night?" Eileen suggested. "Are you free then?"

"Friday will be fine."

"What's this about Friday night?" Hector asked, as he walked over to the pair.

When Eileen didn't speak up right away, Lawrence answered, "I'm going to tutor Eileen, help her with her classes."

"That's great," Hector replied. He nudged Lawrence and added with a laugh, "I was starting to worry that you were trying to steal my girl." He didn't seem to notice that neither Lawrence and Eileen appreciated the remark. He continued, "Can I talk to you for a minute, Eileen? Unless you'd really rather chat with old Laurie here than me," he said with a smile.

"I guess I can give you a minute," Eileen said coolly, but with a teasing glint in her eye. Before she walked off with Hector, she thanked Lawrence again for his help. "I'll see you the library on Friday around seven?"

"I'll see you then."

"I don't have a lot of time to chat right now, Hector," Eileen said apologetically. "I really should get some studying in before my next class."

"I know," Hector said with a smile. He didn't believe that she would really spend that time studying, even if she meant to. "I was just wondering if you've made up your mind yet." When Eileen looked hesitant and didn't answer right away, he assumed the answer was no. "I know it's a big decision, but you've got to give me something soon. Don't keep me waiting."

Eileen studied Hector critically, trying to decide if there was something sinister behind his last remark or if it was just her imagination.

Before she could decide, Hector said brightly, "This weekend, when you're not busy with a tutoring session, we should go out. Give me a chance to win you over. What do you say?"

"Ok," Eileen agreed. "If I'm not too busy studying."

Hector grinned, "Of course."

Next

Part 6 - Chapter 4 - Suspicions and Doubt

Audrey stood along the sidewalk, waiting in the dark. The night air wasn't all that cold, but she felt almost chilled. She crossed her arms in front of her and rubbed her bare arms for warmth. "I must be crazy," she thought to herself with a sigh. She just hoped the person she was meeting would show up soon.

"Audrey."

When she heard a familiar voice call out he name, Audrey turned and saw a man standing underneath the street light. "It's about time you got here."

"What's wrong?" the man asked with a laugh. "Afraid of the dark."

"No, just of what might be lurking in the dark," she said with a pointed look at her companion.

"Then let's go inside," he said, motioning to the building behind them.

Audrey wasn't sure she liked the look of the place any better, but she nodded and followed the man to the bar upstairs.

They took a seat at a quiet table in the corner. A waitress came over almost immediately to ask if they wanted anything. The man ordered a drink, but Audrey declined.

After the waitress brought over the drink and went back to the bar, Audrey asked. "So why did you want to see me?"

The man smirked, "Just because you messed up once and didn't get the job, doesn't mean you're out for good."

"I already told you what happened," Audrey defended herself. "If those references you gave me had checked out, I would have gotten the job."

"It doesn't matter now. You would have been fired anyway. The other girl was. The point is, I've got another task for you."

"What is it?" Audrey asked warily.

"I want you to get as much information as you can about the Stuarts. That should be easy enough for you, since your brother works in the late Clifford Stuart's household."

Audrey frowned. She didn't like the idea of involving her brother in this. "Why should I?"

The man stared at her sharply from across the table. "Don't be like that, Audrey. You already know why you should go along. But it's up to you," he said with a shrug as he rose from his chair. "Get the information or don't. You'll find out what happens either way."

Audrey watched as the man dropped the money for the table and walked out of the bar.

As Eileen rang the doorbell, she turned and looked over her shoulder. The last few days she had been having an unsettling feeling, like she was being watched or followed. But, as usual, when she looked around no one was in sight. It was starting to get really annoying.

When she heard the door open, Eileen turned back to the house.

"Hey, Eileen," Cassandra greeted her. "I'm glad you could make it. Come in. The books are up in my room."

Eileen followed Cassandra inside and upstairs to her bedroom. Cassie motioned towards a stack of books on her desk. "They're right there. You can borrow any of them you want."

As Eileen sorted through the books, Cassandra made comments about each one. Eileen was impressed with the collection.

"Where did you get all of this?" Eileen asked.

"They're my mom's. She had more, but my dad got rid of most of them. He'd have a fit if he knew I'd saved these."

Eileen nodded. She and Cassandra had more in common than she had expected. "How long has it been since your mom was sent away?" she asked carefully.

"I was ten when everything happened, so eight years, almost nine," Cassie replied. "You lost your mother too when you were young. It's the reason you got interested this, isn't it?"

Eileen looked stunned, "How did you know that?"

Cassandra shrugged, "I just pick up on things sometimes. . . Did you decide which books you want to take with you?"

"Yeah," Eileen said, startled by the sudden change of subject. "I want to read about interpreting dreams and past lives."

"Oh," Cassie said, reaching for one of the books and handing it to Eileen. "Then you'll want this one." As Eileen took the book Cassandra had another insight, "Does this have something to do with that guy you were talking to after class last time?"

Eileen looked confused. "Who? Lawrence? No . . .I don't think so."

"Hmm," Cassandra frowned. "I wonder what made me think of him."

"I'm meeting him at the library later to study," Eileen suggested. "Maybe that's it?"

"I don't know," Cassie said, mostly to herself, then changing the subject she said to Eileen. "Let me know when you're finished with the books. Then we can get together and talk about them."

"Sure."

When Cassandra walked her to the door, Eileen thanked her again for lending her the books.

"No problem. Take as long as you want with them. And have fun on your study date with Lawrence."

Eileen laughed as she walked outside. "I will. I'll see you later."

As soon as the door shut behind Eileen, Cassandra heard her father's voice behind her. "Who was that?"

"Eileen. She's a friend from school."

Her father nodded, "The person you mentioned, Lawrence, his last name wouldn't be Arrendale, would it?"

Cassandra shrugged. "Eileen didn't say. Why?"

"No reason. I just knew someone with that name once," he said with a thoughtful frown as he turned and walked back out of the room.

Andrew was sitting in front of the television, watching daytime game shows and feeling sorry for himself when the phone rang. He pulled himself up from the couch and walked into the next room to answer it.

"Hello?"

"May I speak to Andrew Martin, please?"

"This is him."

"Hello, Mr. Martin. This is Alex Hanson from Bay Pointe Community College. We had a position open up recently and I was wondering if you would be interested in coming in for an interview."

"Of course," Andrew said eagerly.

The man on the phone asked Andrew a few questions about his professional background before asking him to come to the college for an interview. He was in a hurry to fill the position, so he asked Andrew to come in that afternoon and Andrew agreed without hesitation.

"Who was that on the phone?"

Andrew could have smacked himself in the head, he felt so stupid. How could he have forgotten all about his mother-in-law. Amanda and Alma wouldn't be home in time for his interview and there was no one else to stay with Mona.

"Someone offered me a job," he replied.

"Well, you don't sound very happy about it. I guess you like sitting around the house all day like a bum, mooching off my daughters."

"You're the reason I'm not happy," Andrew snapped at the older woman. "If it wasn't for you, I could go to this interview."

"So go. I'm not standing in your way."

Andrew sighed and calmly explained. "If I leave there's not going to be anyone here with you."

"So? I can take care of myself. I've been doing it for years. I don't need a babysitter."

Andrew thought it over. He knew Amanda would be furious with him if she found out he left her mother alone, but he couldn't skip this interview. It could be his only chance to find a decent job.

Maybe Amanda and Alma were just over protective of their mother. In the entire time he lived there, Mona seemed to be fine to him. "She'll probably be napping or watching TV while I'm gone," Andrew told himself. "What's the worst that could happen?"

Andrew got cleaned up and dressed for his interview. On the way out, he checked with Mona to make sure she would be alright and she urged him to go. So he did.

Ten minutes later he was walking into Mr. Hanson's office.

"Thank you for coming in on such short notice, Mr. Martin," he said as they shook hands. "The instructor for our evening business courses had to be dismissed unexpectedly."

"What for?" Andrew asked.

"We received a complaint that he acted inappropriately towards one of his female students," Mr. Hanson said as he shuffled the papers on the desk. He quickly changed the subject and began questioning Andrew to find out if he would be qualified for the job.

Andrew felt that the interview went very well, but at the end, Mr. Hanson didn't give him a hint as to whether he had the job or not. He shook Andrew's hand again and promised to call him as soon as he had made his decision. "As I said, we're looking for someone to fill this vacancy as soon as possible. So expect a call within the next few days."

Andrew walked home, feeling more optimistic than he had in a long time. Things were really starting to look up for him. As he unlocked the front door, he sniffed at the air. He thought he smelled something burning. As soon as he opened the front door a gust of smoky air blew into his face.

Panicked, Andrew rushed into the house. "Mona?" he called out for his mother-in-law, but he didn't wait for her answer. Instead he followed the source of the smoke to the kitchen. Nothing appeared to be on fire, but thick black smoke was wafting out of the toaster oven. And passed out on the kitchen floor, was his mother-in-law.

Andrew stared in disbelief, his heart racing. "What have I done?"

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Part 6 - Chapter 5 - Suspicions and Doubt

"Stuart-Townsend Corporation," Amanda answered the phone at her desk.

"Amanda?"

"Oh hi, honey," Amanda said, recognizing her husband's voice. "I'm glad you called, I was just looking into some information-"

"Amanda," he interrupted her.

"What's wrong?" She asked, noticing his serious tone.

"I'm at the hospital."

"Oh my gosh. Are you alright? What happened?"

Andrew took a deep breath. "I'm fine. I need you and Alma to meet me here as soon as you can. I'll explain everything then," he said and hung up.

When Amanda got off the phone, she was in a nervous panic, imagining every awful thing that could have happened. With Mr. Townsend's permission, she left work a few minutes early and went to pick up Alma at the school before heading to the hospital.

"I'm so worried," Amanda said as they walked up to the hospital. "Why wouldn't Andrew tell me what happened over the phone?"

"He's probably drunk again," Alma remarked, which got her a dirty look from her sister.

When they walked inside, they found Andrew sitting in the lobby. Amanda hurried over and hugged him.

"I'm so glad you're alright," she gushed. "You had me so worried."

Andrew hugged her and then stepped back. "I have bad news . . . about your mother," he had been running the words over and over through his mind, but he still wasn't sure how to tell them the news. "There was an accident at the house today and I got her to the hospital as soon as I could, but they couldn't revive her. I'm sorry, but your mother's gone. She passed away."

For a moment, no one moved or said a word. Amanda stood gaping in disbelief as Alma was still trying to make sense of what Andrew had just said.

"What happened?" Alma asked slowly.

"She tried to cook something in the toaster oven and it put out a lot of smoke . . ."

Alma nodded. That had happened a lot when she had been looking after Mother. If Alma didn't watch her carefully, she would start cooking something in the kitchen and then forget all about it. And that stupid toaster oven didn't work right anymore. They should have gotten rid of it long ago.

"I can't believe it," Amanda sobbed.

As Andrew comforted his wife, Alma stood alone trying to make herself believe that it was true. That her mother was really gone. When someone touched her on the shoulder she jumped.

"I'm sorry," Dr. Wilton apologized. "I just wanted to tell you that I'm very sorry about your loss. If there is anything I can do . . ."

"Just leave me alone," Alma said sharply, before turning and walking out of the hospital.

At the library Eileen looked through the books that Cassandra had given her while she waited for her first tutoring session to begin. She was just getting into an interesting section when she saw Lawrence walk into the room. She quickly hid the book at the bottom of the stack as he approached her table.

"Hi, I'm glad you made it," Eileen said as she stood to greet him.

"I hope you weren't waiting long."

"No, I got here early to do some extra studying," Eileen said as she sat down and motioned for Lawrence to take the seat next to her. "Have a seat."

"What were you studying?" Lawrence asked as he sat down.

"I was just going to start reviewing for my political science class," she said with a frown. "I hope you can help me."

"I'll do what I can."

Eileen opened her text book to a section that she was having trouble with. She passed the book over to Lawrence and let him take a look at it.

After Lawrence read it over, he explained what he had read to Eileen and answered her questions. As Eileen started to understand the subject, she really started to get into it.

She leaned over the desk, to point out something on the page in front of Lawrence. When she looked up to say something to him, their eyes met and she completely lost her thought. Finally she managed to look away and moved back. Keeping her eyes down, she stuttered as she asked her question about the textbook, but she had lost interest in the subject. Her mind was somewhere else.

Meanwhile, Hector was spending a quiet evening at home, alone. He wandered through the empty living room absently, and picked up the daily newspaper from the coffee table. As he read the headline, he took a seat on the couch.

"New Hospital Wing Dedicated to Clifford Stuart"

Hector skimmed over the article before tossing the newspaper aside. He was relieved that the article mentioned that there were still no suspects in Clifford's murder, but the reminder of what he had done, left him feeling uneasy.

He had never meant for things to go as far as they did. And at moments like this, his conscience made him feel almost sick.

Hector reminded himself that there was nothing that could be done about it now and even if he could go back, he wasn't sure if he would change his actions. He wanted to get ahead more than anything and Clifford had been a threat.

"Besides," he thought to himself wryly. "If it wasn't for me, they never would have named the new hospital wing after him."

Hector's thoughts were interrupted by the telephone. He rose to answer it, glad for a distraction.

"Is this Hector Burgess?"

"Yes. Who's asking?" he asked cheerfully.

"Did you know that your girlfriend is out with some other guy, even as we speak?"

"Who is this?" Hector asked again, this time with more concern. He knew he had heard the feminine voice on the other end of the line before, but he couldn't place it.
"You might want to do something before you lose her. Just thought you should know."

Before Hector could respond, the woman hung up.

That night, as promised, Craig took Lucy out for a romantic dinner. They took a seat at a private table on the patio and chatted as they waited for their entree to be served.

As Lucy talked about her day at the hospital, Craig leaned over the table, staring at her as if he were hanging on her every word, but she wasn't sure if he even heard what she was saying. When she noticed how captivated he seemed, she stopped talking and smiled at him.

"I never get tired of looking at you," he said. "I wonder how I got to be so lucky."

"Oh please," Lucy replied coyly.

"No, I mean it, really," Craig insisted, as he reached over the table to hold her hands in his own. "I never dreamed I would meet anyone like you. Meeting you has changed everything for me.

"I feel the same way about you," Lucy replied softly, looking into his eyes.

"I'm glad to hear it," Craig said with a smile, before leaning across the table to kiss her.

After dinner, the couple went for a walk around the patio of the restaurant.

When they reached a secluded corner of the patio, where they could be alone, Craig pulled Lucy close and gave her a long, lingering kiss.

"I want to ask you something," he said, still holding her close.

"Ok," Lucy agreed with a smile.

Craig reached into his jacket pocket and held up a diamond ring. "Will you marry me?"

Lucy was struck speechless. She stared at the ring for a moment, then looked at Craig. When she finally found her voice again, her reply was unhesitating. "Yes, of course I will."

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