Returning to the safe haven of the limousine, Jana sank back into the plush velvety seat.  Her appearance was that of the classy and sophisticated Victoria but the fine perspiration that covered the palms of her hands betrayed her outward coolness.

            She tried to convince herself that she had nothing to be nervous about, because the meeting with her banker had gone unexpectedly well.  Her feeling of obligation to help the people of The Great Wheel Tire Company had caused her to be overly concerned about arranging the money transfer.  Fortunately, when she arrived at the bank, she found that the $2,900,000.00 had already been placed on deposit in the bank by Victoria.

            Before her meeting and after an indecisive struggle over what she should wear, Jana had pulled out Victoria's most conservative looking suit and dressed herself like the mogul that Victoria had been.  She then sat at the desk and diligently practiced, over and over again, the signature that had been Victoria's.  She was somewhat surprised when suddenly, the signature just seemed to flow naturally out of her like she had been signing it all of her life.  How glorious it would be if she could pick-up all of Victoria's traits that easily.

            The whole process, at the bank, had actually been easy. The signing of the papers, the notarizing of her signature and the transfer of the funds to the other bank.  Her banker had even arranged for the paperwork to be sent back to the lawyer.

            The banker had acted in a totally professional manner and seemed genuinely interested in Victoria and how she was doing. But, it wasn't easy for Jana to judge his sincerity when so much money was involved, especially when she had no experience in separating the sincere from the dishonest.

            "Jake, I'd like to go to my lawyers now."  Jana said.

            Having seen how the banker dropped everything to take care of Victoria when she entered the bank, Jana was beginning to feel the power that went with the millions.  So why should the lawyer care, if she just dropped in?

            "Your wish is my command." Jake said.  The car accelerated and within five minutes the limousine was parked in front of a small modern single story building with Sweeney, Rice & Parker on the door in executive style gold lettering.

            Jana started to worry, wondering if she would be able to fake her way into the right office without making an utter fool out of herself.

            As she confidently entered the front door, "Mrs. Davenport, how nice to see you."  The pretty petite receptionist behind the desk commented.

            Even though it seemed a little petty to Jana, she couldn't help but compare the young lady's looks to her own.  She had never been able to compete with other women although she never really had to, with Michael being a totally devoted husband; But now, she had the looks and the self-confidence to outshine the best of romantic rivals.  She was satisfied that the young sexy receptionist, though gorgeous in her own right, didn't hold a candle to her own sensuous beauty.  She mentally slapped herself; thinking, I mustn't let my new looks go to my head!

            Getting back to the matter at hand, "Thank You.  I know I didn't call in advance for an appointment but would you check to see if I can skip that formality today?  I really need some advice." Jana stated, trying to disguise the fact that she didn't even know who to ask for.

            "Certainly, I'll let Mr. Sweeney know you're here."  The receptionist stated, as she reached for the phone and using her sweetest voice said.  "Mrs. Davenport is here to see you."

            As she replaced the receiver in its cradle, she told Jana that she could go right in.

            "Mr. Sweeney, I hope I haven't inconvenienced you by just dropping in like this," Jana stated, as she entered the most magnificent mahogany office that she had ever seen.  Standing across the room, next to a huge bookcase was an impeccably dressed, polished looking man about Jana's age.  She was immediately attracted to the soft and friendly eyes that belied his aristocratic face.  A big smile dawned his lips reflecting the true pleasure he felt by seeing "Victoria".

            "Well, this certainly is a pleasant surprise.  I don't think in our many years of association that you have ever done anything quite so spontaneous."  He stated.  "And what is this Mr. Sweeney business?  I thought that we got past that years ago.  Now, you know we agreed before that when a lawyer knows practically everything there is to know about his client, that kind of relationship shouldn't be formal.  I do wish I could get you to tell me about your life prior to our association, but I guess that is one secret you want to keep to yourself."

All of this sort of shook Jana.  Mr. Sweeney was the first person who had shown any true familiarity with Victoria and Jana wasn't prepared for it.  She took a deep breath and consciously tried to relax with very little success. She then proceeded to act the way she thought a very rich married woman should act while in the company of a male friend.  After all Victoria was Jana and Jana was Victoria, so she should be able to react based on her own feelings, without seeming unusual.

Sitting down and using her ingenuity, she looked at some papers on the desk, and saw that his name was Paul Sweeney.

"I'm sorry Paul, but I have had a really unbelievable day."  And noticing that he was about to become inquisitive about that, she continued.  "And I really don't want to discuss it."

"OK, OK.  But you'll have to admit, you do have a very interesting life.  What I would give to be able to tell everyone at the Country Club some of the things I know about you.  Like the story about the pet kennel, and how you would go out there everyday and talk to the pets just like you thought they understood you.  Boy, you sure had some of the people there believing that you really could communicate with them.  Tell me Victoria, what kind of trick did you play to get the animals to do what you wanted them to?"

"Now Paul, you know that's my secret; and, I'm not about to tell anybody, not even you.  Why do you even dare to ask?"  Jana said.  From the way the conservation was going she knew that the more secretive she seemed, the more Paul seemed to like it.  It was almost as if he was enchanted by the "mystery woman".  But she was really wondering how Victoria had done it.

When he responded "Ever the mystery woman" it confirmed what Jana had been thinking.  But it also kind of surprised her that he used the same words that she had just been thinking.

"I guess we'll have to get down to business since you won't share any more of your secrets with me."  Paul stated, sounding somewhat disappointed.

Actually that statement worried Jana since she didn't know how much Paul actually knew about Victoria.  She wished there was some way she could get information out of him without giving herself away but she couldn't think of a safe way of doing it.

"I guess we'll have to," Jana replied confirming to Paul that he wasn't going to get anything more out of her.  "I just added The Great Wheel Tire Company land and buildings to my holdings and I would like to look at my assets now to confirm what I own."

"That is sort of an unusual thing for you to do, Victoria"

"Well, the company needed me to invest the money so they could restructure."

"No, I mean, it's sort of strange that you didn't bring the paperwork by for me to look at before the acquisition.  I thought that my little speech at the time you retained our firm, regarding the importance that everything was to be looked over by me, had convinced you that with your enormous wealth people would take advantage of you at the drop of a hat and that you needed to be protected.  I'm surprised that you didn't bring it by this time."

"Well,  it was sent to me by Charles and I thought that everything would be in order."  Jana was beginning to get worried.  It was very important that Paul didn't get suspicious since he had valuable information about Victoria that she wasn't sure she could obtain anywhere else.  He must not guess that she wasn't Victoria.

"Now I know you've gone bonkers!"  He exploded.  "I keep telling you not to trust that idiot!  And, I use the term lightly."

"But . . . he is my husband."

"If you want to call him that. I like idiot better.  I know how he treats or I guess I should say ignores you. When are you going to wise up?  Sure, I'll have to admit he knows how to put a deal together but there needs to be more to a marriage than that."

Jana's head was whirling.  She knew she should say something back but what she had learned here was almost too much for her to handle.  Her enormous wealth.  A husband that's not really a husband.  Oh, how she wished she could just tell Paul the truth and end this agonizing whirlwind she was constantly in.  How desperately she wanted the knowledge that Paul had.

"I'm sorry,"  Paul said. "I know you have your reasons for being married to Charles, and you have told me often enough that he is an important part of your "great plan" whatever that is.  Please just chalk it up to the frustration I sometimes feel about the 'mystery woman'.  I guess I should find consolation in the fact that you say I'll understand everything someday."

"That's all right, Paul."

"Now let's see about your request."  He stated as he quickly returned to business realizing that he had stepped out of bounds again.

He stepped over to a large wall safe and pulled out a folder containing a computer printout about one-half inch thick.  He motioned her over to a large round table that was in the corner of the room.  They sat down next to each other and he opened the folder. As their arms brushed, he felt Victoria’s warmth. His eyes passed hers, traveling across her cheek and down to her neckline. Her hand instinctively moved up to the lapel of her jacket and she pulled it semi-closed to obstruct his line of sight, which was directly down the neck of her loose fitting blouse. Jana wasn’t really use to those looks by men especially by men as attractive as Paul. And she could feel his attraction to Victoria and his disappointment when she closed her jacket. Trying to break  the awkward silence Jana said clumsily “O.K., now talk to me.”

"As you requested, this is a new printout that is listed in the order of that rather crazy code you sprang on me last week."

Jana couldn't believe her eyes.  There was page after page of land and businesses that Victoria owned in her name only.  And yes, it did seem that they weren't in any particular order.  Except that at the beginning of each section was a code.  A combination of letters and numbers.

"I guess there is no way that I can just look this over while I'm here and get what information I'm after.  Maybe I'll wait until later when I can take some time to really study it." Jana said as he closed the book.  Suddenly she got a brainstorm and said, "I've been thinking about changing my will.  Could I take a look at it now?"

"Sure, I have it right here.  But I'll have to seal it back up again after you look at it."  He said pulling an envelope out of the safe.

Taking the envelope she noticed that it had a rather strange looking seal protecting it.  Thinking he must have the sealing apparatus, she opened the envelope and pulled out the rather short will.

I, Victoria J. Davenport, being of sound mind and body do hereby bequeath my entire holdings to J.D. Kline.  This is done because of the knowledge that he is doing the same work as myself and I wish my work to continue if I should leave this earth before I am finished.

The foregoing is with one exception that Charles Davenport, my husband, is to receive the $1,000,000.00 on deposit in the account specified below in the Regional Cayman Bank and Trust.  If Charles Davenport contests this will he will thereby forfeit any money of the estate and all money will go to the JMK Foundation to be used at the said party's discretion.

J.D. Kline, who the heck was he, Jana wondered.  The more she found out the more confused she became and realized how little she really knew.  It was all pretty discouraging.

As she passed the will back to Paul, he asked, "Do you have the amulet so I can reseal this?"

"Oh no, I forgot to bring it with me."  Jana tried to cover her lack of knowledge with forgetfulness.

"There's another first, you forgot something.  How reassuring to find out that your not perfect.  I'll just tape it closed and you can come back later and we'll seal it.  Or if you like I can bring it over to your penthouse."  He stated with a hopeful look in his eyes.

The last thing Jana wanted to do was give this nice man false hope so she said she would drop by later in the week.  Besides she had to find the amulet and didn't want him coming by before she had a chance to search for it.

Paul seemed disappointed but Jana could tell that he was an honorable man and would never say anything untoward to her.

Just as Jana was considering her graceful exit, the receptionist came over the intercom.  "Richard Andrews is here to see you, Mr. Sweeney."

"Oh, good!  Send him in," Paul said, before Jana could say anything.  "Dick!  It's so nice to see you.  Your timing couldn't be more perfect," he continued, as he extended his arm for a handshake.

Dick shook Paul's hand briefly, but his attention was focused on the tawny beauty staring nervously into his steel gray eyes.  He took her hand and held it with a tender, yet firm grip.  Jana Smiled graciously and felt the interest even this strange man had in her as his eyes started to wander over her voluptuousness .  Jana couldn't help thinking that maybe her new look just could turn out to be the Midas touch, that is if every man she came in contact with was Ga-Ga over her, which seemed to be the case.

"I'm glad that you're here."  Dick said, "Besides the profuse pleasure I get in seeing my lovely boss, I do need some information from Charles.  And now, I see that I won't have to just leave this stuff with Paul."  He handed her a large envelope; instructing her that Charles should give him a call upon his return with the answers to the questions on the briefs.  Saying good-bye to Paul and Victoria, he turned and made his exit.

"Well, Paul, that was sure short and sweet."  Jana said, secretly relieved.

"He's a busy man, as you should know, after all he works for a slave driver."  Paul remarked, with a definite smile to show he wasn't serious.

Not feeling in a humorous mood, Jana had to force a sincere looking smile.  "It has been a pleasure once again to see you."  Jana stated as she arose to leave.  "Each time I come I feel that I made a good choice in placing my legal business in your hands."

"Why thank you Victoria, that's the nicest complement you've ever given me and you know I think the world of you.  The things you have done for charity and the giving to those who have so much less than you is an inspiration for us all”, He said with a very serious look on his face.  The first serious look Jana had seen since she had stepped into his office.

Jana was touched that Victoria was such a good person and was proud that she was a part of her, if only a small part.  They talked small talk for a minute more, allowing Jana to relax.  Saying good-bye again, she turned to go and as she walked across the office to leave, she made sure to wiggle a little, figuring that was the least she could do for Paul.  He seemed to have such a mundane existence.  And besides, it made her feel good to know, without even looking back that Paul was noticing.

 Jana, still feeling the glow from Paul's closing remarks and caressing eyes, crossed the floor of her large bedroom.  She thought about his subtle flirtations and hoped he would maintain his distance; she had enough problems right now.  Reaching the desk, she sat down and opened the middle drawer.  Pulling out the antique box, she opened it and took out the key.  Maybe if she could hold it for a little bit some memory of what it was used for would return.

As she turned the key over and over in her hand, she thought about Victoria.  Where did she get all that money?  Did this key hold the answer?  Was it true that the marriage to Charles was in name only?  She sure hoped so.  Victoria owned so much property and so many businesses, what was Victoria's so called plan.  Was her only ulterior motive to make money?  Jana couldn't believe that.  She couldn't imagine why any one person would want to possess so much.  And if Victoria was Jana wouldn't Victoria also feel the same way?  And who was J.D. Kline?

Putting the key away, after finding that holding it was doing absolutely no good, Jana pulled out the address book.  There was no listing for J.D. Kline.  She then pulled out the book with the code in it and went through it page by page but could find no reference to J.D. Kline.  Victoria wasn't the only "mystery person".  She checked through the rest of the desk but couldn't find anything relating to him and even took the scrapbook out but to no avail.

She strolled over to the couch, opened the bar and took out a soft drink.  Being Victoria sure had it's advantages, she thought, but, it had its disadvantages too, she realized, as thoughts and feeling for Michael flooded back into her awareness.  During all of her investigating, Michael was not far away from her thoughts, but at least she was able to keep herself busy enough that the ache in her heart for him had subsided some, for a little while.

As she fought back the tears of frustration, Jana felt so helpless.  There was so much she didn't know and she missed Michael so much it was almost unbearable.  She was afraid, but she had a few things to find out here before she could go running off to Missouri to look for him.  She had thought that she could just leave, but now she realized that Victoria had so many responsibilities and so many people counting on her that Jana would have to plan things carefully.

It was at that moment, she noticed a new entry in the appointment book. Suzanne must have jotted it down while Jana was out.  "Dr. Pierson!  Now why was Victoria going to see a doctor?"

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Beginning     Chapter 4

Copyright 1990 by Anita and David Mathews