“It’s because of that that she’s been picked to help me. They seem to think that with her help, they can use us more.” Steele only laughed. “I think it’s great. I’m looking forward to the help.”
Not too long ago, Steele had decided to give up helping the dead. He hated it, he’d told Nick, telling him that because of them, he’d been angry with his sister the morning that she was killed. He also blamed them for him not being there when she needed him. Now, and Nick supposed it was because of Kari, not only was he helping them more, but he was stronger as well, and much more relaxed. Nick thought he was as well.
As they loaded in the car an hour later, Nick thought about what they were about to do. He had no idea how much Addie was worth, didn’t really care, but he knew from the conversation he’d had with her lawyer that Addie was worth a great deal. When they pulled up in front of the house that she’d grown up in after their short drive, he stared at it before turning to her.
“How much?” She frowned at him and he looked at the house before continuing. “This is about twice the size of Steele’s house. So either this is a hotel with several hundred more people in it than are at the Grand Hotel, or you’re worth a good deal more than him.”
“It’s not mine. What I had when you found me is all I have.” He nodded and grabbed her arm when she started to get out of the car. “My parents are going to inherit the money, Nick. Grandma is very wealthy, sure, but I already told her that I don’t want it. I’m happy with what she’s already given me.”
Nick let her go and thought perhaps he might get an answer from Evie. He also thought that Evie had her own plans when it came to her money, thus the reason for her being kidnapped from her own car. As they entered the house with Benson, Nick had a feeling that there was a great deal going on behind these closed doors other then what poor Evie had stirred up when she’d left her home.
“What is the meaning of this?” A very well dressed man met them in the grand hall when their coats were taken. He was standing there like he had no idea who they were, when Nick knew for a fact that he’d been told they were coming. “Benson, what have you done? This is my home, not a show house for you to bring every person you know off the streets.”
“I didn’t tell him.” It took a few moments for what Benson whispered to him to sink in. Then Benson walked toward Mr. West. When he turned to the man, he introduced him to Nick, but not Addie. “Mr. West, I did tell you I was bringing a couple with me to use as witnesses. These are my witnesses. Where is Mrs. Simon-English? You said that she would be here.”
“I’m here, Benson. Hello Nick. Darling.” Addie nodded to her grandmother, who had been put in a wheelchair. Nick would bet anything that she was tied to it rather than in need of it. When he leaned down to kiss her cheek, she showed him that not only was she tied to the thing, but she’d been hurt too. Her arm was bruised badly. “So, we’re going to do this the hard way, are we? I don’t know why you think the presence of Benson is going to make me sign things, but you always were stupid, Dalton.”
“You’ll do as you’re told, or so help me, I’ll have you declared unfit to live alone and have you shoved into a nursing home. The worst in the state. You’ll sign them now, Evangeline, or else.” Evie winked at him. “Benson, I do hope you’ve briefed them on what is going on here. I don’t have time for this nonsense. Addison has taken to her bed, she’s so upset. She had to miss her garden meeting when all this came out. And I don’t think they’re going to be having her back. She is most annoyed with this.”
“Poor Mother. Whatever will she do without her garden club? Do they still have those meetings at the country club, Father? I bet missing out on all that free liquor has really put a damper in her day.” Dalton stared at Addie as if he had no idea who she was. Addie must have seen his look, because she laughed before speaking again. “Don’t you know me, Father? I’m your daughter. Your long lost daughter, Addie West.”
“I have no daughter.” He turned his back on her and glared at Benson. “Is this your idea of a joke, Benson? If so, I’m not finding it particularly funny. Get her out of here. I’ve told you before, she’s not ever welcome here.”
“I can’t throw her from her own house, Dalton. Not even you can have that done.” Benson left them standing there and moved to the wheelchair. “How have you been, Mrs. E.? I do hope that they’ve treated you with some respect.”
Benson pulled out a small knife and cut the ropes at her arms. As he cut her legs loose from the chair, Nick held her hand to help with the circulation that seemed to be painful to her small hands. Addie came over to her grandmother and kissed her cheek as he helped Evie from the chair.