Page 8 of Roark
“Why don’t I go down to see if she hasClaudine? I know that’s one of your favorites.”
“No!” Sandra said the word so loudly and with such vehemence, Tamika jerked back and blinked at the woman who otherwise appeared frail and weak. “That was the movie your father took me to see on our first date.” Those words were spoken in a softer tone as Sandra stared up at the coffered ceiling.
Tamika had forgotten that was the reason the movie was her mother’s favorite. She wouldn’t have suggested it if she’d remembered, and now she was even more irritated with herself. The whole reason for coming in here with her mother tonight was to help Sandra snap out of whatever mood she’d been in, and so far, Tamika was doing a horrible job. “We can watch something else. I know Tuppence has lots of older movies, because she believes they’re what movie-making was really all about. Just name anything you want to see, and I’ll—”
“I don’t want to watch any more movies,” Sandra said. “I just want to rest. I’m so tired.”
“Mama, you’ve been in bed all day.” And she wasn’t sick. Tamika had no idea how a person could lay in bed for so long without being down with a high fever or in some other type of physical discomfort.
“I’m comfortable here.”
“Why don’t we take a walk? You can show me the canal pathway. I know it’s one of your favorite spots here, but Tuppence said you haven’t been out walking yet. Let’s go together.”
“No.” Not a shout like before, but just as final.
Tamika closed her eyes and tried to come up with the right words. As close as she and her mother used to be, she didn’t have a clue how to get through to her now.
“None of this is the same without him.”
She barely heard her mother’s words in the hushed tone, but her eyes opened and she stared down at Sandra once more. Her mother’s cinnamon-brown skin tone, which Tamika had proudly inherited, appeared a little ashen, her lips drawn. High cheekbones were now the dominant feature of a face Tamika had always thought was the most beautiful she’d ever seen.
“I came here because I wanted to be closer to him, but he’s not here.”
“No,” Tamika whispered. “He’s not here, Mama.” And for that, Tamika was sorrier than she could ever explain.
“He’s gone.” Sandra’s voice cracked on that last word, and Tamika felt a sharp pang in her chest. “Gone for real.”
Death was pretty final, but Tamika knew better than to remind her mother of that fact. Instead, she eased over on the bed and put her hand on top of her mother’s. “I’m here, Mama. I’m right here with you in the house you and Daddy loved so much.”
Sandra closed her eyes. She made no effort to take Tamika’s hand in return, or to hug her daughter, or any other motion that might give both of them some semblance of relief. “I want to sleep now,” her mother said. “I just want to sleep.”
Chapter 4
Dynasty Manor
Gloucestershire, England
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds—that was how his mother had always described Dynasty Manor. Roark drove through the open iron gates, tires crunching along the gravel path that lead to the front doors of the seventeenth-century estate. His father had purchased this property as an investment thirty years ago but hadn’t had time to visit frequently. It was run as a B&B, with eight luxury suites and a private clubhouse available for rent. One of his mother’s favorite hobbies was interior design. The Hyde Park house where Roark and his siblings had grown up was impeccably designed and redesigned every five years because Maxine had known how quickly trends changed. The year after she’d applied a redesign to the Hyde Park property, she’d visit Dynasty Manor for two weeks, redesigning the rooms here as well.
Roark parked his car and walked inside. He was greeted by Geoff, the concierge he’d spoken to on the phone.
“Good morning, Mr. Donovan. As I stated on the telephone, I’m honored to accommodate you for as long as you like.” Geoff was a short man who stood like a trained soldier, shoulders back, chin up. His rheumy eyes remained focused on Roark.
“Thank you.” Roark extended his hand and shook when Geoff accepted it.
“There are empty tables at the back of the Garden Breakfast room. Lily will show you the way. Will you need a workstation set up?”
Roark shook his head as he looked around. He’d never been to the manor before had never had the time or the need to get away from his life until now. “Not necessary. This won’t be a long meeting.”
“Very well, sir. I’ll take care of your bags.”
Geoff introduced Roark to Lily, a pretty brunette who chatted about the flowers and the cool summer air while they walked. Once in the breakfast room, he sat at a booth, his back against the velvet-studded seat, his gaze focused on the entryway. He wanted to see her when she walked in, wanted to take his time and assess everything about her before she joined him at the table. Before she said what she had to say about his mother.
Tamika Rayder, that was her name. She’d been calling him since the funeral last week, and yesterday, she’d sent him the first text message.
When he was settled at the table, Roark pulled his phone out of his pocket and pulled up the thread of messages from Ms. Rayder.
Mr. Roark Donovan, my name is Tamika Rayder and I need to speak to you regarding a private family matter.
