San Joaquin Valley, California
Sometimes the best place to start is at the beginning. When thinking of Kinsey, I realize there are several moments that were “ the beginnings”. Seeing her for the first time at Melbourne’s Government House luncheon was the beginning of discovering a missing family member. Murdoch’s letter was the beginning of dealing with a cousin I wanted no parts of. The poker game was the beginning of our cross-country adventure to Philadelphia. Meeting Fletcher Garrett was the beginning of admitting how much I had grown fond of Kinsey and then watching her mourn his death was the beginning of knowing how much I cared for her. Observing this young lady go head-to-head with my grandfather was the beginning of the pride I felt for her streak of independence and determination. And now as we work our way through these current decisions, which will impact our family, I believe this will be the beginning of an unbreakable bond between two cousins.
~S.
“I tried to let you know what was happening in the telegram I sent. I didn’t have the luxury of time to put thought into my words.” Scott decided the best place to start at this latest beginning with Murdoch was the point when they left for Boston.
“I was able to read between the lines, Scott. Knowing your grandfather was involved I was confident you were doing what was necessary.” In truth, Murdoch was confident of nothing when it came to Harlan Garrett.
“I was buying time, Sir. My hope was to appease Grandfather by allowing him to show Kinsey the benefits of Boston and to have me back home for a few days. I hoped we could come to an agreement and he would cease the notion to legally protest the revisions to his brother’s will. It became obvious this was not going to be the case. I was foolish to assume he would change his mind.”
Murdoch nodded thinking back to the times Harlan Garrett had said one thing but then did another. “Well, something changed his mind.”
“Without our knowledge, Kinsey hired a lawyer and gained the advantage.”
Murdoch raised an eyebrow. “She hired a lawyer?
Scott nodded.
“Without your knowledge.”
Scott smiled.
“And your reaction?”
“Talk to the priest at the Old North Church. He can tell you all about my reaction.”
Murdoch joined his son with a smile.
Scott continued, “The lawyer was a contact we had in place, if needed. I couldn’t blame her; all she heard were two men in one long escalating disagreement with no resolve. She took the initiative and presented a very convincing point of view. Grandfather chose to agree with her way of thinking.”
Not knowing how to proceed, Scott unexpectedly ran out of words.
“Your hesitation, son, makes me think Kinsey should once again be presenting her convincing point of view.”
“You may be right.” Taking a deep breath, Scott proceeded. “Sir, she wishes to invest in a vineyard, establish a winery. Once the papers for Fletcher Garrett’s estate are finalized, I plan to help her with this venture by being a part of it.”
“So, you and Kinsey would be business partners.”
Scott cleared his throat. “Actually, Sir, there would be three business partners; Kinsey, myself…and Harlan Garrett.
Without a word, the young man watched his father rise, approach the liquor cabinet and pour himself a drink. Instead of returning to the chair across from his son, Murdoch chose to seat himself behind his desk. Dismayed, Scott watched the scene play out before him. ‘Well, actions certainly do speak louder than words.’
Rising himself, Murdoch Lancer’s oldest son approached the same liquor cabinet and held up an empty glass as if to toast his father. “Thank you, Sir. Don’t mind if I do. Kind of you to offer.” Pouring himself a healthy portion of the amber liquid, Scott occupied a chair in front of the large carved desk that represented the first barrier of many to come.
“I agree. This is the perfect setting to continue our conversation.”
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