Daniel knew the house well because when it was built Alistair loved to boast its progress to his father and he would tag along, with the repeated stern warnings not to touch anything.
There were more bushes since the last time he’d been there and he noticed a few trees had been chopped down, including the one outside the dining room where he’d planned to hide. He heard muffled talking and his ears pricked up. He couldn’t hear anything distinctly and felt himself begin to sweat. He needed to calm down and think. He knew there was no other way inside Alistair’s house other than from the front and back doors. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. He needed to be there to help Ruth. He stopped and began to feel at peace as he prayed silently,Lord, there has to be another way to help Ruth.I need Your help; please show me what I need to know.
He opened his eyes and began to look around and heard rustling from behind the house. Daniel followed the sound and found two women exiting the house.
“Miss Todd?” Daniel greeted her with a surprised frown, “I was not aware you still worked for Alistair.”
She shrugged and her voice was dull. “Yes, my betrothed passed away from tuberculosis.”
“I am deeply sorry to hear that,” Daniel could hear the pain in her voice. He exhaled deeply, his heart pounding. “Are you not going inside with Alistair and Ruth?”
Miss Todd shook her head, “No, Dr. Nagle told us to leave right after we served the meal and to come back later to clean up.”
“Oh?” Daniel was not amused, “I would like to surprise them. Would you mind if go inside through the kitchen door?”
“Why not go inside through the front door?” Miss Todd said as though it made all the sense in the world. He had known her for a number of years, but wondered if he could trust her. She did work for Alistair, after all, and he intimidated his staff to act as moles on his behalf.
“Miss Todd,” Daniel said, his voice soft, “what if I told you that Alistair could be involved in some trouble—would you help him?”
She seemed to think for a moment and the corner of her lip raised and tightened, her light hazel eyes gleaming. “No, of course, not, I definitely would not help him. I do not want to be involved in any trouble of his.”
Daniel did his best to suppress a smile, “So you would not mind if I go inside?”
“Not at all, Dr. Grant,” Miss Todd smiled, and added with a wink, “I am sure he’ll be delighted to see you.”
“Thank you,” Daniel tipped his head, “much obliged. Have a good evening. Actually, Miss Todd, before you leave, may I ask something of you?”
“Yes, Dr. Grant,” Miss Todd replied curiously and listened to Daniel carefully.
***
Without a second thought, Daniel entered the house through the oversized kitchen and quietly entered the parlor, where he found the familiar two-tone red brocade velvet chaise lounge with gold leafing that stood prominently at the parlor entrance.Perfect, he thought with a smile and the corners of his mouth tipped upward; he could hear everything. He listened closely and began to frown, which deepened the more he heard Alistair and Ruth speak.
He despised Alistair’s affected baritone laugh and heard him say, “No, my dear, I only wanted what was most desirable to Alexander, which became impossible when Daniel took over the clinic.”
“I don’t understand,” he heard Ruth say worriedly. “What has any of this to do with me or even Daniel? His father is deceased.”
The ensuing silence was deafening. Daniel’s mouth went dry, and there was a bitter taste in his mouth.
“Surely you think the clinic could be better managed?” Alistair prodded, and Daniel heard the sound of a glass being filled with liquid. “Are you certain you do not want wine, my dear?”
“Again, no, thank you. I’m happy with apple juice,” Ruth sounded even-tempered, but Daniel could tell her patience was wearing thin. “I think the clinic is well-run; I have not noticed any problems. What makes you think it is not managed well?”
Alistair shifted in his seat as he snorted, “Hah! You already know what I think about the incident with Richard. If it were me, I would never have allowed such a thing, which means Daniel is incapable of managing the clinic. He errs too often.”
“I really do think you should be careful what you say, Alistair,” Ruth cautioned. “Even I have to accept that death comes to us all. What happened was not Daniel’s fault and with all due respect, I do not think you could have saved Richard either.”
Daniel appreciated Ruth’s words and it meant she must have come to terms with Richard’s death, which made him admire her all the more. His death had been hard on everyone, except for Alistair, it seemed.
“You misunderstand me, my dear,” Alistair sounded frustrated, and Daniel hoped he would not need to step in before Ruth had the chance to eke out a confession. “I will be frank. I will take over the clinic and you will be able to have the opportunity that every woman desires.”
Daniel heard the sound of silverware against china plates and Ruth’s amused voice. “And what is it that every woman desires?”
“Wealth, status and a grand lifestyle,” Alistair boasted. “Would you like a tour of the house so you can see what awaits you?”
Ruth deferred the subject. “Tell me how you plan on taking over the clinic, Alistair.” There was a small pause. “The clinic belongs to Daniel. You can’t just take it from him.”
“It will not belong to him for much longer,” Alistair stated flatly, elevating his self-importance. “He doesn’t deserve it. I have worked hard for the clinic, and itwillbe mine. I am offering you the opportunity to never work again for the rest of your life. Imagine yourself as a rich independent doctor’s wife. Who would not want such a life?”
