Page 72 of Weeping Roses
“I see.” Marsha’s voice is tight, and I can only imagine the anger boiling away inside her now.
“You see, it’s a lot to think of, and I am still coming to terms with what happened. I’m sure you agree, any decisions made would be ones made in haste. I need more time. I hope you understand.”
Marsha says quickly, “I disagree, this is the perfect time.”
“Excuse me.” Polly sounds surprised and Marsha goes in for the kill.
“You may not be aware and your solicitor may have already explained this, but Veronica was a wealthy woman when she died.”
“I can tell that.” Polly replies with no emotion, and Marsha says roughly.
“You will be liable for several hundreds of thousands in death duties.”
“I see.” I detect the uncertainty in Polly’s voice as realization bites and Marsha softens her voice as she senses her prey cowering before her.
“You will need to sell one, if not two, of the properties to pay what you owe because I’m doubtful Veronica had much in the way of investments to help. To be honest, she was a little strapped for cash most of the time, which is why she took up my offer of employment.”
She pauses to let her words sink in and then says in a kinder voice. “So, it appears you have a choice to make, darling. Sell up and pay what you owe, or work for it in my establishment.”
As she waits for Polly to respond, I push my way in through the door and as Marsha turns, I relish the blood draining from her face.
“Good morning, Miss Steele. I don’t believe we’ve met before.”
I hold out my hand and as hers falls into mine, I make sure to crush it, relishing the pain enter her eyes.
“Valentin Romanov, otherwise known as Polly’s husband.”
As announcements go, this one should win an award because the sight of the blood draining from her face and the bitter edge of defeat in her expression gives me more pleasure than I thought it would.
I drop her hand and move to Polly’s side and take her hand in mine as I smile at Marsha.
“I overheard your last comment, Marsha, and can assure you Polly will not be requiring a job, or need to sell anything to pay her aunt’s death duties. It is all in hand and Polly’s property empire will remain in the family for as long as she wants it to.”
I love how Marsha’s eyes narrow and her lips twitch with anger and then I turn to Polly and say smoothly, “Darling, I’m sorry to interrupt, but I need you for a minute. It shouldn’t take long, but there is a problem in the coach house.”
Polly nods and smiles apologetically at Marsha. “I’m so sorry, please, I know you loved this house. I shouldn’t be long, so maybe take a walk around and remember my aunt. I’m sure you had many happy times here and I would hate for your visit to be futile.”
As we make to leave, she says softly, “I won’t be long. I’ll come and find you.”
As we make our way outside, she grips my hand tightly, which is the only indication she is on edge. I must commend Polly for her acting skills because she didn’t bat an eyelash the entire time and I am so proud to call her my wife.
CHAPTER 40
POLLY
We make our way to the coach house and I whisper, “Do you think it will work?”
Valentin shrugs. “It’s fifty-fifty. Marsha isn’t stupid. She will guess this is a set up, but she will also realize this is her final chance to discover what she is looking for. If I had to make a guess, I’d say she’ll go for it and hope to get away with it.”
We turn the corner and head straight for the coach house where Artem has set up a camera so we can observe Marsha’s progress through the house.
As we step inside, he says without taking his eyes off the screen. “She moved fast.”
We crowd around the screen and I can see that Marsha has left the living room and is walking with purpose toward Aunt Veronica’s study.
My breath catches as she opens the door, glancing around as if checking she isn’t being watched, and I whisper, “Where are the cameras?”
“Invisible to the naked eye.” Artem assures me, and I peer closer as Marsha heads straight for the walnut desk.