Thank you, checkbook, for that detail,she thought before continuing, making sure to speak in a calm manner. “He told me he was very sick and had made plans for the end of his life. That he would know it in his gut when he found therightperson. And, well, he chose me.”
Darla wished she had a cup of coffee in her hand, something to hold to resist the urge to fidget, something she had never felt the need to do before. She waited earnestly as Wagner thought and studied her back.
“The wealthiest man in the region, who has no children of his own, decided he was going to leave his entire fortune to a random stranger?”
“Indeed, he did. Mr. VanHugh told me that, if needed, his chief of staff, Charles, would provide the last will and testament explaining the details.” Darla sat straighter, trying to avoid feeling defeated, because she wasn't. Yet.
“So what do you need my help for?” Wagner asked, leaning forward, and was clearly intrigued by her situation.
An uncomfortable knot formed in her stomach at his question.What did I need his help with?she wondered.What is wrong with me?
“After we were told to leave our departed friends at the park, I casually mentioned the news to Mr. VanHugh’s driver. He became upset, saying that the money belonged to his staff.”
“You don’t agree that the people who served him loyally for years deserve a piece of what they helped build?” Wagner raised a lone eyebrow.
Darla looked away for a moment to compose herself. She felt angry and didn’t want to have to explain why at the moment. She looked back at Wagner.
“I think that Mr. VanHugh would know best how he wanted his legacy to be honored, and it is not up to us to interpret it but to continue to honor it.”
Officer Wagner thought for a moment and nodded. “Okay, continue.”
Darla took a deep breath.Almost there,she thought. “Mr. VanHugh told me the location of a key that would unlock his vault. His will stated that whoever retrieves the key and takes it to the bank will be his successor. Seeing as how Mr. VanHugh’s driver was following me today, I need a police escort for my safety to retrieve said key.”
“What is in it for me?” Wagner smiled devilishly at her.
Of course he wants something in return. Men always want something for themselves.Darla stood suddenly.
“I knew this was a mistake. Good day, sir.” Darla turned to leave, and Wanger grabbed her wrist.
“I’m sorry. That came out wrong. I’m not looking for a payout. I swore when I took this uniform to protect and serve without selfish ambitions.” He nodded his head, asking her to sit back down. Darla reluctantly did so, but with more reserve in her tone than before.
“Then what do you want, if not money?”
“Honestly? A date … ”
Darla felt a mixture of shock and admiration. She looked down, feeling butterflies and she realized he was still holding her hand after he initially stopped her from leaving.
“I don’t know what to say. I have been through so much lately. Between my parent’s death and now my friends. I just don’t know yet.”
“I didn’t know about your parents. I’m sorry to hear that. We can take it slow. How about I take you to coffee instead?”
Darla considered his suggestion and nodded in agreement as a smile formed.I knew it would be easy to get him to help me.
Wagner smiled at her and let go of her hand. “Before we go though, can you walk me through yesterday in the park? Just one more time?”
He pulled out a pen and waited for Darla.Just talk about it one more time. Then you can get the key and start fresh in your new life. Whether or not that includes Wagner is yet to be seen.
Darla nodded and recounted the tale of her latest switch one last time.
It was late afternoon as Meg, Darla, and Charles all sat comfortably in the VanHugh study. Officer Wagner stood guard just outside the closed door. He was on the constant lookout for the driver who was trying to close in on claiming the fortune.
Darla asked Meg to come for support, also because she knew that having more witnesses there would prevent Charles from attempting anything sneaky.
“As you can see in Mr. VanHugh’s last will and testament, he listed specific instructions on who he would name as his successor. Ms. Samson claims to know the location of the key as was instructed to her by Mr. VanHugh himself,” Charles said.
“That is correct,” Darla interjected, getting impatient with the process. “If you would like, I can take all of us there now and then to the bank to open the specific vault the key is needed for.”
“Absolutely, let’s all head there now.” Charles smiled and Darla relaxed. Over the years working with Charles, she knew he was a trustworthy man and felt much better now that he was helping her get to the key.
