Page 105 of The Last Resort
Royal Resorts Aspen would be fantastic. All that was left was for them to put their joint proposal to the Brocks and the planning committee. If it got approved, then the final sale negotiations for the Green Tree Resort could go ahead.
Rachel’s cell buzzed and she picked it up. “It’s Dan.” She hit receive. “Hi, Dan. Yes, we did make good choices last night.” She laughed as her brother in law squealed down the phone.I didn’t think men could squeal like that.
“You left me a voice mail message, something about an unscheduled planning committee meeting?”
“Yes, Matthew and I are wanting to know if your parents can come to a meeting next Thursday. We emailed the committee last night and the chairman sent us a reply. They are happy to arrange an extraordinary meeting if we can get the Brocks to attend.”
There was some noise on the line, and she picked up the sound of hurried whispers. “Hi, Rach, so all good, everything sorted?” asked Kellie.
Rachel held out her phone and Matthew called out. “Hi, Kellie. Hi, Dan. Everything, is sorted. We just need to know when it’d okay for us to go over the proposal with Dan’s parents.”
He put his hands over his ears as both Kellie and Dan cheered with delight. “Yes! We’re hanging up now and will call them.”
Rachel set down her cell. “I think they might be pleased that you and I have sorted things out.”
“Whatever gave you that idea?”
Matthew walked over to stand in front of the home made design model. “It’s a pity we won’t have time to get a new model built before the meeting, but as soon as we get the go ahead, we’re going back to New York to have a new one commissioned.”
“We?”
“Yes, we.”
She liked that he was thinking of her when he was making plans for the future. The past day had left them both a little bruised, but after last night they were unbroken. With love, their wounds would heal, leaving no scars.
On the table, Rachel’s phone buzzed once more.
UNKNOWN CALLER
They both glanced at the screen. When Rachel looked at him, Matthew nodded his agreement. “I have a feeling we both know who that is.” She hit the receive button and put the phone on speaker.
“Will you accept a collect call from inmate Scott Davilla at Ware State Prison, Georgia?”
“Yes, I will,” said Rachel. Her voice trembled, but her resolve was firm.Last time. Last time.
“Well, did you get the money?”
She took a deep calming breath. “No, I didn’t. I didn’t ask Matthew for the money, and I never will. He knows everything, and he is listening in on this call.”
Matthew slipped his warm hand over Rachel’s and gave a gentle squeeze. She was soverygrateful for his comfort. And support.
There was a momentary silence on the other end. She could just imagine her father trying to come up with a new angle to get the money.
Matthew cleared his throat. “This is Matthew Royal. We know about the insurance payout to the clients you defrauded.”
More lingering silence.
“My lawyers have looked into things, and even with good behavior, you are still going to have to serve a minimum of three years before you can front the parole board.”
Rachel summoned her courage. “You tried to get money out of Kellie and then out of me, just to line your own pockets. I have to ask, were you ever going to tell us the truth?”
“Now. Now you listen here. That money is to help your mother. It means she won’t have to rely on charity for the next few years. I did it for her.”
More lies.
“Rest assured Rachel’s mom will be taken care of. Family will look after her, and when it’s family, it’s not charity.”
Matthew let go of her hand, his body language clear. He’d said all he needed to say. Now it was Rachel’s turn. He trusted her to do what needed to be done.
