Morning Noon Night

By: Sidney Sheldon

Category: Fiction Thriller

Synopsis:

The Stanford family is one of the most respected inAmerica - but behindthe facade of fame and glamour lies a hidden web ofblackmail, drugs andmurder.. When Harry Stanford, one of the wealthiest men inthe world,mysteriously drowns while cruising on his yacht off therugged.coast ofCorsica, it sets off a chain of events that reverberatesaround theglobe. At the family gathering following the funeral inBoston, astrikingly beautiful young woman appears. She claims to beStanford'sdaughter and entitled to a share of the tycoon's estate.Is she genuine,or is she an imposter? Sweeping from the splendours of theItalianRiviera, to the fashion salons of Paris and New York, andtheopulence of Boston and Florida, Morning, Noon & Nighttwists and turnsits way through intrigue, smoke and mirrors to a surpriseending you'llnever forget... 'Sheldon is a writer working at the heightof hispower.. powerful enough to drag us along with him. I hungon till thevery end.'

Last printing: 05/06/02`:4<3' Morning, Noon & Night

Books by

Sidney Sheldon IF TOMORROW COMES MASTER OF THE GAME RAGEOF ANGELSBLOODLINE A STRANGER IN THE MIRROR THE OTHER SIDE OFMIDNIGHT THE NAKEDFACE WINDMILLS OF THE GODS THE SANDS OF TIME MEMORIES OFMIDNIGHT THEDOOMSDAY CONSPIRACY THE STARS SHINE DOWN NOTHING LASTSFOREVER

SIDNEYSHELDON Morning, Noon & Night a Harper Collins PublicationHarperCollinsPublishers 77-85 Fulham Palace Road,Hammersmith,London,W6 &JB Special overseas edition 1996 This paperbackedition 1996

1 3 5 7 9 8 6 4 2 First published in Great Britain byHarperCollinsPublishers 1995Limited partnership 1995 The Author asserts the moralright to beidentified as the author of this work

ISBN: 0-1898- 00 649806 X Set in TimesRoman by Rowland Phototypesetting Ltd, Bury St Edmunds,Suffolk Printedand bound in Great Britain by Caledonian InternationalBookManufacturing I.Ad, Glasgow All rights reserved. No partof thispublication may be reproduced, stored in a retrievalsystem, ortransmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,mechanical,photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the priorpermission ofthe publishers. This book is sold subject to the conditionthat it shallnot, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hiredout orotherwise circulated without the publishers prior consentin any form ofbinding or cover other than that in which it is publishedand without asimilar condition including this condition being imposed

on thesubsequent purchaser.

To Kimberly with love

Allow the morning sun towarm. Your heart when you are young And let the soft windsnoon Coolyour passion, But beware the night For death lurks there,Waiting,waiting, waiting.,ARTHUR RiMBAUD MORNING

Chapter One.

Dmitri asked, ' you know we're being followed, NITStanfordt '.' He hadbeen aware of them for the past twenty-four hours. The twomen and thewoman were dressed casually, attempting to blend in withthe summertourists strolling along the cobbled streets in the earlymorning, butit was difficult to remain inconspicuous in a place assmall as thefortified village of St.-Paul-de-Vence. Harry Stanford hadfirst noticedthem because they were too casual, trying too hard not tolook at him.

Wherever he turned, one of them was in the background.Harry Stanfordwas an easy target to follow. He was six feet tall, withwhite hairlapping over his collar and an aristocratic, almostimperious face. Hewas accompanied by a strikingly lovely young brunette, apure-whiteGerman shepherd, and Dmitri Kaminsky, a six-foot four-inchbodyguardwith a bulging neck and sloping forehead. Hard to lose us,Stanfordthought. He knew'who had sent them and why, and he wasfilled with a

sense of imminent danger. He had learned long ago to trusthisinstincts. Instinct and intuition had helped make him oneof thewealthiest men in the world. Forbes magazine estimated thevalue ofStanford Enterprises at six billion dollars, while theFortune 500appraised it at seven billion. The Wall Street Journal,Barron's, andthe Financial Tbnes had all done profiles on HarryStanford, trying toexplain his Mystique, his amazing sense of timing, theineffable acu-men that had created the giant Stanfofd Enterprises. Nonehad fullysucceeded. What they all agreed on was that he had analmost palpable,manic energy. He was inexhaustible. His philosophy wassimple: A daywithout making a deal was a day wasted. He wore, out hiscompetitors,his staff, and everyone else who came in contact with him.He was aphenomenon, larger than life. He thought of himself as areligious man.

He believed in God, and the God he believed in wanted himto be rich andsuccessful, and his enemies dead, Harry Stanford was apublic figure,and the press knew everything about him. Harry Stanfordwas a privatefigure, and the press knew nothing about him. They hadwritten about hischarisma, his lavish life-style, his private plane and hisyacht, andhis legendary homes in Hobe Sound, Morocco, Long Island,London, theSouth of France, and of course his 4 magnificent estate,Rose Hill, inthe Back Bay area of Boston. But the real Harry Stanfordremained anenigma. ' are we going?' the woman asked. He was too

preoccupied toanswer. The couple on the other side of the street wasusing thecross-switch technique, and they had just changed partnersagain. Alongwith his sense of danger, Stanford felt a deep anger thatthey wereinvading his plivacy. They had dared come to him in thisplace, hissecret haven from the rest of the world. St.-Paul-de-Venceis apicturesque, medieval village, weaving its ancient magicon a hilltop inthe Alps Maritimes, situated inland between Cannes andNice. it issurrounded by a spectacular and enchanting landscape ofhills andvalleys covered with flowers, orchards, and pineforests:-The villageitself, a cornu- copia of artists' studios, galleries andwonderfulantique shops, is a magnet for tourists from all over theworld. HarryStanford and his group turned onto the Rue Grande.Stanford turned tothe woman Sophia, ' you like museums?' 4yes, caro.' Shewas eager toplease him. She had never met anyone like Harry Stanford.Wait until Ifell my giry'friends about hbm I didn't think there was ''anything leftfor me to learn about sex, but my God, he's so creative!He's wearing meout! They went up the hill to the Fondation maeght artmuseum, andbrowsed through its renowned collection Of Paintings byBonnard andChagall and many other contemporary artists. When HarryStanfordcasually glanced around, he observed the woman at theother end Of thegallery, earnestly studying a Mir6. Stanford turned toSophia.

"Hungry?' '. If you are.' Must not be pushy. '. We'll havelunch at LaColombe d'Or.' La Colombe d'Or was one of Stanford'sfavoriterestaurants, a sixteenth-century house at the entrance tothe oldvillage, converted into a hotel and restaurant. Stanfordand Sophia satat a table in the garden, by the pool, where Stanfordcould admire theBraque and Calder. Prince, the white German shepherd, layat his feet,ever watchful. The dog was Harry Stanford's trademark.Where Stanfordwent, Prince went. it was rumored that at Harry Stanford'scommand, theanimal would tear out a person's throat. No one, wanted totest thatrumor. Dmitri sat by himself at a table near the hotelentrance,carefully observing the other patrons as they came andwent., Stanfordturned to Sophia. ' I order for you, my deart 611lease.1Harry Stanfordprided himself on being a gourmet. He ordered a greensaladandfricass,6e de lotte for both of them. As they werebeing served theirmain course, Danielle Roux, who ran the hotel with herhusband, Franr,ois, approached the table and smiled. '. Is everything allright,Monsieur Stanfordt ', Madame Roux.' And it was going tobe. They arepygmies, trying to fell a giant. They're in for a bigdisappointment.Sophia said, ''ve never been here before. It's such alovely village-'Stanford turned his attention to her. Dmitri had pickedher up for himin Nice a day earlier. '. Stanford, I brought someone foryou.' 'problemt. Stanford had asked. Dmitri had grinned. '." Hehad seen her in

the lobby of the Hotel Negresco, and had approached her. 'me, do youspeak English?' '.' She had a lilting Italian accent. 'man I work forwould like you to have dinner with him.' She had beenindignant. ''m nota puttana! I'm an actress she had said haughtily. n fact,she had had awalk-on part in Pupi Avati's last film, and a role withtwo lines ofdialogue in a Giuseppe Tornatore film. ' would I havedinner with astranger?' Dmitri had taken out a wad of hundred-dollarbills. He pushedfive into her hand. ' friend is very generous. He has ayacht, and he islonely.' He had watched her expression go through a seriesof changesfrom indignation, to curiosity, to interest. ' it happens,I'm betweenpictures.' She smiled. ' would probably do no harm to havedinner withyour friend."

"Good. He will be pleased.' ' is he?' '.-Paul-de-Vence.'Dmitri hadchosen well. Italian. In her late twenties. A sensuous,catlike face.Full-breasted figure. Now, looking at her across thetable, HarryStanford made a decision. ' you like to travel, Sophia?' 'adore it."

"Good. We'll go on a little trip. Excuse me a moment.'Sophia watched ashe walked into the restaurant and to a public telephoneoutside themen's room. Stanford put ajeton in the slot and dialed. 'operator,please.' Seconds later, a voice said, ' lop6atricemaritime.' ' want toput in a call to the yacht Blue Skies. Whiskey bravo limanine eightzero ...' The conversation lasted five -minutes, and when

Stanford wasfinished, he dialed the airport at Nice. The conversationwas shorterthis time. When Stanford was through talking, he spoke toDmitri, whorapidly left the restaurant. Then he returned to Sophia. 'you ready?''. ''s take a walk.' He needed time to work out a plan. Itwas a perfectday. The sun had splashed pink clouds across the horizonand'rivers ofsilver light ran through the streets..

They strolled along the Rue Grande, past the tgjise, thebeautifultwelfth-century church, and stopped at the boulangerie infront of the@Arch to buy some fresh baked bread '. When they came out,one of thethree watchers ' standing outside, busily studying thechurch.

Dmitri was also waiting for them. Harry Stanford handedthe bread toSophia. ' don't you take this up to the house? I'll bealong in a fewminutes! ' right! She smiled and said softly, ', caro!Stanford watchedher leave, then motioned to Dm itri. ' did you find ouff"The woman andone of the men are staying at Le Hameau, on the road to LaColle! HarryStanford knew the place.-. It was a whitewashed farmhousewith anorchard a mile west of St.-Paul-de-Vence. ' the other onet' Le Masd'Artigny.' Le Mas d'Artigny was a Provenw mansion on ahillside twomiles west of St.-Paul-de-Vence. ' do you want me to dowith them, sirt'. I'll take care of them.' Harry Stanford's villa was onthe Rue deCasette, next to the mairie, in an area of narrowcobblestone streets

and very old houses. The villa was a five-level house madeof old stoneand plaster. Two levels below the main house were a garageand an oldcave used as a wine cellar. A stone staircase led toupstairs bedrooms,an office, and a tiled-roof terrace.

The entire house was furnished in French antiques andfilled withflowers. When Stanford returned to the villa, Sophia wasin his bedroom,waiting for him. She was naked. ' took you so long?' shewhispered.

In order to survive, Sophia Matteo, often picked up moneybetween filmassignments as a call girl, and she was used to fakingorgasms to pleaseher clients, but with this man, there was no need topretend. He wasinsatiable, and she found herself climaxing again andagain. When theywere finally exhausted, Sophia put her 10 arms around himand murmuredhappily, ' could stay here forever, caro.' I wish I could,Stanfordthought, grimly. a They had dinner at Le C66 de la Placein Plaza duGeneral-de-Gaulle, near the entrance to the village. Thedinner wasdelicious, and for Stanford the danger added spice to themeal. Whenthey were finished, they made their way back to the villa.Stanfordwalked slowly, to make certain his pursuers followed. Atone A. m., aman standing across the street ' the lights in the villabeing, turnedoff, one by one, until the building was in total darkness.At fourthirty in the morning, Harry Stanford went into the guestbedroom whereSophia slept. He shook her gently. ' ... T She opened her

eyes andlooked up at him, a smile of anticipation on her face,then frowned. Hewas fully dressed* She sat up. ' something wrong?' ', MYdear.Everything is fine. You said you liked to travel. Well,were going totake a little trip.' She was wide awake now. ' this hourr'. We must bevery quiet.' '@i .. ! '.' Fifteen minutes later, HarryStanford, Sophia,Dmitri, and Prince were moving down the stone.

Chapter Two.

Half an hour later, at Nice airport, a converted Boeing727 was slowlytaxiing down the runway to the takeoff point. Up in thetower, theflight controller said, ' certainly are in a hurry to getthat plane offthe ground. The pilot has asked for a clearance threetimes. 9 "Whoseplane is itt ' Stanford *King Midas himself.' ''s probablyon his way tomake another billion or two.' The controller turned tomonitor a Lea@ettaking off, then picked up the microphone.

"Boeing eight nine five Papa, this is Nice departurecontrol. You arecleared for takeoff. Five left. After departure, turnright to a headingof one four zero.' Harry Stanford's pilot and copilotexchanged arelieved look. The pilot pressed the microphone button. '.Boeing eightnine five Papa is cleared for takeoff. Will turn Fight toone fourzero.' A moment later, the huge plane thundered down therunway andknifed into the gray dawn sky. 14 The copilot spoke intothe microphoneagain. 413eparture, Boeing eight nine five Papa is

climbing out of threethousand for flight level seven zero.' The copilot turnedto the pilot.

"Whew! Old Man Stanford was . anxioui for us to get offthe ground,wasn't het The pilot shrugged. ' not to reason why, oursbut to do anddie. How's he doing. back theret The copilot rose andstepped to thedoor of the cockpit, and looked into the cabin. ''sresting.' Theytelephoned the airport tower from the car. '. Stanford'splane ... Is itstill on the groundt ', monsieur. It has departed.' ' thepilot file aflight plant ' course, monsieur.' ' where?' ' plane isheaded for JKF.'' you.' He ' to his companion. '.

We'll have people there to meet him.' When the Renaultpassed theoutskirts of Monte Carlo, speeding toward the Italianborder, HarryStanford said, ''s no chance that we were followed,Dmitrit ', sir.We've lost them.' '.' Harry Stanford leaned back in hisseat and r ..There was nothing to worry about. They would be trackingthe plane. Hereviewed the situation 15 in his mind. It was really aquestion of whatthey knew and when they knew it. They were jackalsfollowing the trailof a lion, hoping to bring him down. Harry Stanford smiledto himself.They had underestimated the man they were dealing with.Others who hadmade that mistake had paid dearly for it. Someone wouldalso pay thistime. He was Harry Stanford, the confidant of presidentsand kings,powerful and rich enough to make or break the economies ofa dozen

countries. The 727 was in the skies over Marseilles. Thepilot spokeinto the microphone. ', Boeing eight nine five Papa iswith you,climbing out of flight level one nine zero for flightlevel two threezero.' '.' The R ' reached San Remb shortly after dawn.Harry Stanfordhad fond memories of the city, but it had changeddrastically. Heremembered a time when it had been an elegant town withfirst-classhotels and restaurants, and a casino where black tie wasrequired andwhere fortunes could be lost or won in an evening. Now ithad succumbedto tourism, with loud-mouthed patrons gambling in theirshirtsleeves.The Renault was approaching the harbor, twelve miles fromtheFrench-Italian border. There were two marinas at theharbor, MarinaPorto Sole to the east, and Porto Communale to the west.In Porto Sole,a 16 marine attendant directed the berthing. In PortoCommunale, therewas no attendant. ' one?" Dmitri asked. ' Communale,'Stanford directed.Ae fewer people around, the better. ', sir.' A few minuteslater, theRenault pulled up next to the Blue Skies, a sleekhundred-and7zghty-footmotor yacht.

Captain Vacarro and the crew of twelve were lined UP ondeck. Thecaptain burned down the gangplank to greet the newarrivals. ' morning,Signor Stanford,' Captain Vacarro said. ''ll take yourluggage, and .. 'luggage. Let's shove off.' ', sir.' ' a minute.' Stanfordwas studyingthe crew. He frowned. ' man on the end. He's new, isn'the?' ', sir. Our

cabin boy got sick in Capri, and we took on this one. He'shighly -' 'rid of him,' Stanford ordered. The captain looked at him,puzzled. ' ...?' ' him off.

Let's get out of here.' Captain Vacaffo nodded. ', sir.'Looking around,Harry Stanford was filled with an increasing -sense offoreboding. Hecould almost reach out and touch it. He did not want anystrangers nearhim. Captain Vacarro, and his crew had been with him foryears. He couldtrust them. He turned to look at the girl. Since Dmitrihad picked herup at random, 17 here was no danger there. And as forDmitri, hisfaithful bodyguard had saved his life. more than once.

Stanford turned to Dmitri.-'Stay close to me.' ', sir.'Stanford tookSophia's arm. ''s go aboard, my dear.' - Dmitri Kaminskystood on deck,watching the crew prepare to cast off. He scanned theharbor, but he sawnothing to be alarmed about. At this time of the morning,there was verylittle activity. The yacht's huge generators burst intolife, and thevessel got under weigh. The captain approached HarryStanford.

"You didn't say where we were heading, Signor Stanford.',, I didn't,did 1, captaint He thought for a moment. '.' ', sir.' 'the way, I wantyou to maintain strict radio silence.' Captain Vacarrofrowned. 'silence? Yes, sir, but what if ... T Harry Stanford said,"Don't worryabout'it. Just do it. And I don't want anyone using thesatellitephones.' ', sir. Will we be laying over in Portofinot

"I'll let youknow, captain.' Harry Stanford took Sophia on a tour ofthe yacht. Itwas one of his prized possessions, and he enjoyed 18vessel. It had a 91Sbowm' it off. It was a breathtaking luxuriously appointedmaster suitewith a sitting room and an office. The office was spaciousandcomfortably hirnished with a couch, several easy chairs,and a desk, ,which was enough equipment to run a small town. On thewall was a largeelectronic map with a small moving boat showing thecurrent position ofthe yacht. Sliding glass doors opened from the mastersuite onto anoutside veranda deck furnished with a chaise longue and atable withfour chairs. A tea k railing ran along the outside. Onbalmy days, itwas Stanford's custom to have breakfast on the veranda.

There were six guest staterooms, each with hand paintedsilk panels,picture windows, @and a bath with a Jacuzzi. The largelibrary was donein koa wood. The dining room could seat sixteen guests. Afullyequipped. fitness salon was on the lower deck. The yachtalso containeda wine cellar and a theater that was ideal for runningfilms. HarryStanford had one of the world's greatest libraries ofpornographicmovies. T"he furnishings throughout the vessel wereexquisite, and thepaintings -would have made any museum proud- ', now you'veseen most ofit,' Stanford told Sophia at the end of the tour. ''llshow you the resttomorrow.1 She was awed. ''ve never seen anything like it!It's ... it'slike a city!' Harry Stanford smiled at her enthusiasm. '

19 steward willshow you to your cabin. Make yourself comfortable. I havesome work todo.' Harry Stanford returned to his office and checked theelectronicmap on the wall for the location of the yacht. Blue Skieswas in theLigurian Sea, heading northeast. 7hey won't know where Fvegone,Stanford thought. They'll be waiting for me at JFK When weget toPortofino, F11 straighten everything out. Thirty-fivethousand feet inthe air, the pilot of the 727 was getting newinstructions. ' eight ninefive Papa, you are cleared directly to Delta IndiaNovember upper routeforty as filed.' '. Boeing eight nine five Papa is cleareddirect Dinardupper route forty as filed.' He turned to the copilot. 'clear.' Thepilot stretched, got up, and walked to the cockpit door.He looked intothe cabin. "How's our passenger doing?' the copilot asked.' lookshungry to me."

Chapter Three the.

Ligurian coast is the Italian Riviera, sweeping in asemicircle from theFrench-Italian border around to Genoa, and then continuingdown to theGulf of La Spezia. The beautiful long ribbon of coast andits @Wrklingwaters contain the storied ports of Portofino, Vernazza,and beyond themElba, -Sardinia, and Corsica. Blue Skies was approachingPortofino,which even from a distance was an impressive sight, itshillsidescovered with olive trees, pines, cypresses and palms.Harry Stanford,Sopbia, and Dniitri were on deck, studying -the

approaching coastline.

"Have you been to Portofino oftent Sophia asked. ' fewtimes.' 619thereis your main home?' Too personat ''ll enjoy Portofino,Sophia. It'sreally quite beautiful! Captain Vacarro, approached them.' you behaving lunch aboard, Signor Stanfordt ', we'll have lunchat theSplendido.' 21 ' good. And shall I be prepared to weighanchor rightafter lunch?' ' think not. Let's enjoy the beauty of theplace." CaptainVacarro, studied him, puzzled. One moment Harry Stanfordwas in aterrible hurry, and the next moment he seemed to have allthe time inthe world. And the radio shut down? Unheard of! Pazzo.When Blue Skiesdropped anchor in the outer harbor, Stanford, Sophia andDmitri took theyacht's launch ashore. The small seaport was charming,with a variety ofamusing shops and outdoor trattorie lining the single roadthat led upto the hills. A dozen or so small fishing boats werepulled up onto thepebbled beach. Stanford turned to Sophia. ''ll be lunchingat the hotelon top of the hill. There's a lovely view from there.' Henodded towarda taxi stopped beyond the docks. ' a taxi up there, andI'll meet you ina few minutes.' He handed her some lire. ' well, caro."His eyesfollowed her as she walked away; then he turned to Dmitri.' have tomake a call.' But notfrom the ship, Dmitri thought. Themen went to thetwo phone booths at the side of the dock. Dmitri watchedas Stanfordstepped inside one of them, picked up the receiver, andinserted a

token. 40perator, I would like to place a call to someoneat the UnionBank of Switzerland in Geneva.' A woman was approachingthe second phonebooth. 22 Dhlitri stepped in front of it, blocking herway.

"Excuse me,' she said. ' .. ''m waiting for a call.' Shelooked at himin surprise. '.' She glanced hopefully at the phone boothStanford wasin. , wouldn't wait,' Dmitri grunted. ''s going to be -onthe telephonefor a long time., ' woman shrugged and walked. away.

6Hello?9 Dmitri was watching Stanford speaking into themouthpiece.@Peter? We have a little problem.' Stanford closed thedoor to thebooth. He was speaking very fast, and Dmitri could nothear what he wassaying. At the end of the conversation, Stanford replacedthe receiverand opened the door. ' everything -all right, Mr.Stanford?" Dmitriasked. ''s get some lunch.' The Splendido is the crownjewel ofPortofino, a hotel with a magnificent panoramic view ofthe emerald baybelow. The hotel caters to the very rich, and jealouslyguards itsreputation. Harry Stariford and Sophia had lunch out onthe terrace.

"Shall I order for yout Stanford asked. ' have somespecialties herethat I think you might enjoy.' ',' Sophia said. Stanfordordered thetrenelle al pesto, the local pasta, veal, andfocaccia, thesalted breadof the region. 23 ' bring us a bottle of SchramEighty-eight." He turnedto Sophia. ' received a gold medal in the InternationalWine Challenge

in London. I own the vineyard.' She smiled. ''re lucky."Luck hadnothing to do with it. 11 believe that man was meant toenjoy thegustatory delights that have been put on the earth.' Hetook her hand inhis. ' other delights, too.' ''re an amazing man.' ' you.'It excitedStanford to have beautiful women admiring him. This onewas young enoughto be his daughter and that excited him even more. Whenthey hadfinished lunch, Stanford looked at Sophia and grinned. ''sget back tothe yacht.' ', yes!' Harry Stanford was a protean lover,passionate and.. His enormous ego made him more concerned aboutsatisfying a womanthan about satisfying himself He knew how to excite awoman's eroticzones, and he orchestrated his lovemaking in a sensuoussymphony thatbrought his lovers-to heights they had never achievedbefore. They spentthe afternoon in Stanford's suite, and when they wefinished makinglove, Sophia was exhausted. Harry Stanford dressed andwent to thebridge to see Captain Vacarro. @`Would you like to go onto Sardinia,Signor Stan- T the captain asked. ''s stop off at Elbafirst.' ery good,sir. Is everything satisfactory?' ' Stanford said.

"Everything is satisfactory! He -was feeling arousedagain. He went backto Sophia's ,,,@stateroom. They reached Elba the followirsafternoon andAR anchored at Portoferraio. '@', M As the Boeing 727entered NorthAmerican airspace, the pilot checked in with groundcontrol. ' YorkCenter, Boeing eight nine five Papa is with you, passingflight level

two six zero for flight Jevel two four zero.' The voice ofNew YorkCenter came on. ', you are cleared to one two thousand,direct JFK. Callapproach on one two seven point four.' From the back ofthe plane came alow growl. ', Prince. That's a good boy. Let's get thisseat belt aroundyou.' There were four men waiting when the 727 landed.

They stood at different vantage points so they could watchthepassengers descend from the plane. They waited for half anhour. Theonly passenger to come out was a white German shepherd. 2425portofcrraio is the main shopping center of Elba. Thestreets are linedwith elegant, sophisticated shops, and behind the harbor,theeighteenth-century buildings are tucked under the craggysixteenth-century citadel built by the Duke of Florence.Harry Stanfordhad visited the island many times, and in a strange way,he felt at homehere. This was where Napoleon Bonaparte had been sent intoexile. ''regoing to look at Napoleon's house,' he told Sophia. ''llmeet youthere.' He turned to Dmitri. ' her to the Villa deiMulini.' ', sir.'Stanford watched Dmitri and Sophia leave. He looked at hiswatch. Timewas running out. His plane would already have landed atKennedy. Whenthey learned that he was not aboard, the manhunt wouldbegin again. Itwill take thenr a while to pick up the trail, Stanfordthought. By then,everything will have been settled. He stepped into a phonebooth at theend -of the dock. ' want to place a call to London,"Stanford told theoperator. ' Bank. One seven one ...' Half an hour later,

he picked upSophia and brought her back to the harbor. ' go aboard,'Stanford toldher. ' have another call to make.' She watched him strideover to thetelephone booth 26 beside the dock. "y doesn't he use thetelephones onthe )wchi? Sophia wondered. Inside the telephone booth,Harry Stanfordwas saying, ' Sumitomo Bank in Tokyo .. Fifteen minuteslater, when hereturned to the yacht, he was in a fury. ' we going to beanchoring herefor the nightt Captain Vacarro asked. ',' Stanfordsnapped. '! Let'shead for Sardinia. Now!' The Costa Smeralda in Sardinia isone of themost ' places along the Mediterranean coast. The ' town ofPorto Cervois a haven for the wealthy, with a large part of the areadotted withvillas built by Aly Khan. The first thing Harry Stanforddid when theydocked was to head for a telephone booth.. Dmitri followedhim, standingguard outside the booth. ' want to place a call to Banca.d'Italia inRome The phone booth door closed- , The conversationlasted for -almosthalf an hour. When Stanford came out of the phone booth,he was grim.Dmitri wondered what was going on. Stanford and Sophia hadlunch at thebeach o f Liscia di Vacca. Stanford ordered for them. ''llstart withmalloreddus.' Flakes of dough made of hard-grain 27 wheat.' theporceddu.' Little suckling pig, cooked with myrtle and bayleaves. ' awine, we'll have the Vemaccia, and for dessert, we'll havesebadas."Fried fritters filled with fresh cheese and grated lemonrind, dustedwith bitter honey and sugar. gbene, signor.' The waiter

walked away,impressed. As Stanford turned to talk to Sophia, his heartsuddenlyskipped a beat. Near the entrance to the restaurant twomen wereseated at a table, studying him. Dressed in dark suits inthe summersun, they were not even bothering to pretend they weretourists. Arethey after me or are they innocent strangers? I mustn'tlet myimagination run away with me, Stanford thought. Sophia wasspeaking.

"I've never asked you before. What business are you intStanford studiedher. It was refreshing to be with someone who knew nothingabout him.

"I'm retired,' he told her. ' just travel around, enjoyingthe world."

"And you're all by yourselff Her voice was filled withsympathy. ' mustbe very lonely.' It was all he could do not to laughaloud. ', I am. I'mglad you're here with me.' She put her hand over his. ',too, caro.' Outof the comer of his eye, Stanford saw the two men leave.When luncheonwas over, Stanford and Sophia and Dmitri returned to town.28 Stanfordheaded for a telephone booth. ' want the Cr6dit Lyonnaisin Paris ...'Watching him, Sophia spoke to Dmitri. ''s a wonderful man,isn't het ''sno one like him.' ' you been with him long?' ' years,'Dmitri said. ''relucky.' ' know.' Dmitri walked over an@ stood guard rightoutside thetelephone booth. He heard Stanford saying,'Ren& You knowwhy I'mcalling ... Yes ... Yes ... You will? ... That'swonderful!' His voice

was filled with relief. ' ... not there.

Let's meet in Corsica. That's perfect. After our meeting,I can returndirectly home. Thank you, Renv Stanford put down thereceiver. He stoodthere a moment, smiling, then dialed a number in Boston. Asecretaryanswered. "Mr. Fitzgerald's office.' ' is Harry Stanford.Let me talk tohim.' ', Mr. Stanford! I'm sorry, Mr. Fitzgerald is onvacation.

Can. someone else ... ?' .'No. I'm on my way back to-theStates. You.tell him 1 want him in Boston at Rose Hill at nine o'clockMondaymorning.

Tell him to bring a copy of my will and a notary.' ''lltry to -I "Don'ttry. Do it, my dear.' He put down the reoeiver and stoodthere, his mindracing. When he stepped out of the telephone booth, hisvoice was calm.' have a 29 little business to take care of, Sophia. Go tothe HotelPitrizza and wait for me.' ' right,' she saidflirtatiously. ''t be toolong.' ' won't.' The two men watched her walk away. ''sget back to theyacht,' Stanford told Dmitri. ''re leaving.' Dmitri lookedat him insurprise. ' about ... T ' can screw her way back home.'When theyreturned to the Blue Skies, Harry Stanford went to seeCaptain Vacarro.''re heading for Corsica,' he said. ''s shove off.' @ 'just received anupdated weather report, Signor Stanford.. I'm afraidthere's a badstorm. It would be better if we waited it out and -' 'want to leavenow, captain.' Captain Vacaffo hesitated. ' will be a

rough voyage, sir.It's a libecdo - the southwest wind. We'll have heavy seasand squalls.'' don't care about that.'The meeting in Corsica was goingto solve allhis problems. He turned to Dmitri. ' want you to arrangefor ahelicopter to pick us up in Corsica and take us to Naples.Use thepublic telephone on the dock."

"Yes, sir.' Dmitri Kaminsky walked back to the dock andentered thetelephone booth. Twenty minutes later, Blue Skies wasunder weigh.

Chapter Four.

His idol was Dan Quayle, and he often used the name as histouchstone. @, ' don't care what you say about Quayle, he's the onlypolitician withreal values. Family - that's what it's all about. Withoutfamily values,this country would be up the creek even worse than it is.All theseyoung kids are living together without being married, -andhavingbabies. It's shocking. No wonder there's so much crime. IfDan Quayleever runs for president, he's sure got my vote.' It was ashame, hethought, that he couldn't vote because of a stupid law,but, regardless,he was behind Quayle all the way.. He had four children:Billy, eight,and the girls - Amy, Clarissa, and Susan, ten, twelve, andfourteen.

They were wonderful children, and his greatestjoy wasspending what heliked to call quality time with them. His weekends weretotally devoted.

to the children. He barbecued for them, played with them,took them tomovies and ball games, and helped them with theirhomework. All theyoungsters in the neighborhood adored him. He repairedtheir bikes andtoys, and 31 invited them on picnics with his family. Theygave him thenickname of Papa. On a sunny Saturday morning, he wasseated in thebleachers, watching the baseball game. it was apicture-perfect day,with warm sunshine and fluffy cumulus clouds dappling thesky. Hiseight-year-old son, Billy, was at bat, looking veryprofessional andgrown up in his Little League uniform. Papa's three girlsand his wifewere at his side. It doesn't get any better than this, hethoughthappily. Why can't all fwnifies be like ours? It was thebottom of theeighth inning, the score was tied, with two outs and thebases loaded.

Billy was at the plate, three balls and two strikesagainst him. Papacalled out, encouragingly,'Get'em, Billy! Over the fence!'Billy waitedfor the pitch. It was fast and low, and Billy swung wildlyand missed.

The umpire yelled, ' threel' The inning was over. ' weregroans andcheers from the crowd of parents and family friends. Billystood theredisheartened, watching the teams change sides. Papa calledout, ''s allright, son. You'll do it next time!' Billy tried to forcea smile. JohnCotton, the team manager, was waiting for Billy. ''reoutta the game!'he said. 32 ut, Mrcotton ...' @Go on. Get off the field.'Billy's father

watched in hurt amazement as his son the field.

He can't do that, he thought. He has to give pilly anotherchance. ruhave to speak to Mr. Cotton and At that instant, thecellular phone hecarried Valig. He let it ring four times before heanswered it. Only oneperson had the number..He knows I hate to

"W be disturbed on weekends, he thought angrily. R I tly,he lifted theantenna, pressed a button, e uctan And spoke into themouthpiece. ' Iline voice at the other end spoke quietly for severalminutes. Papalistened, nodding from time to time. Pinally lie said, '.I understand.I'll take care of it.' He put the phone away. ' everythingall right,darling?' his wife asked. '. I'm afraid it isn't. Theywant me to workover the weekend. I was planning a nice barbecue for ustomorrow., Hiswife took his hand and said lovingly, ''t worry about it.Your work ismore important.' Not as important as my family, he thoughtstubbornly.Dan Quayle would understand His hand began to itchfiercely and he=atched it. Why does it do that? he wondered. r1l have tosee adermatologist one of these days. John Cotton was theassistant managerat the local supermarket. A burly man in his fiffies, hehad agreed 33to manage the Little League team because his son was aballplayer. His.

team had lost that afternoon because of young Billy. Thesupermarket hadclosed, and John Cotton was in the parking lot, walkingtoward his car,when a stranger approached him, carrying a package. ' me,

Mr. Cotton.''?' ' wonder if I could talk to you for a moment?' `1Thestore isclosed.' ', it's not that. I wanted to talk to you aboutmy son. Billyis very upset that you took him out of the game and toldhim he couldn'tplay again.' ' is your son? I'm sorry he was even in thegame. He'llnever be a ballplayer.'_ Billy's father said earnestly,,"You're notbeing fair, Mr. Cotton. I know Billy. He's really a fineballplayer.You'll see. When he plays next Saturday - t ' isn't goingto play nextSaturday. He's out.' ' ... % ' buts. That's it. Now, ifthere's nothingelse ... ', there is.'Billy's father had unwrapped thepackage in hishand, revealing a baseball bat. He said pleadingly, "Thisis the batthat Billy used. You can see that it's chipped, so itisn't fair topunish him because -' ', mister, I don't give a damn aboutthe bat. Yourson is out!' Billy's father sighed unhappily.

"You're sure you won't change your -mind?' 34 ' chance.'As Cottonreached for the door handle of his car, Billy's fatherswung the batagainst the rear window, gmashing it. Cotton stared at himin shock.

"What ... what the bell are you doine.' e ' up,' Papaexplained.

He raised the bat swung it again, smashing it againstCotton's pjohnCotton screamed and fell to the ground, writh- in pain.''re crazy!" heyelled. '!' s father knelt beside him and said softly, 'more sound, andI'll break your other kneecap.' -Cotton stared up at him

in agony,terrified. ' my son isn't in the game next Saturday, I'llkill you andI'll kill your son. Do I make myself cleart Cotton lookedinto the man'seyes and nodded, , to keep from screaming with -pain.

"Good. Oh, and I wouldn't want this to get out. I@ve gotfriends.' Helooked at his watch. He had just enough time to catch thenext flight toBoston. His hand @6egan to itch again. At seven o'clockSunday morning,dressed in a vested sint and carrying an expensive leatherbriefcase, hewalked past Vendome, through Copley Square, and on toStuart Street. Ahalf block past the Park Plaza Castle, he entered theBoston TrustBuilding and approached the guard. With dozens of tenantsin the 35 hugebuilding, them would be no way the guard at the rcceptiondesk couldidentify him. Good morning,' the man said. ' morning, sir.May I helpyout He sighed. ' God can't help me. They think I havenothing to do butspend my Sundays doing the work that someone else shouldhave done.' Theguard said, sympathetically, ' know the feeling.' Hepushed a log bookforward. ' you sign in, pleaset He signed in and walkedover to the bankof elevators. The office he was looking for was on thefifth floor. Hetook the elevator to the sixth floor, walked down aflight, and moveddown the corridor. The legend on the door read, RENQuist,RENQuis-r &Fffz- GMALD, ATMRNEYS AT LAw. He looked around to makecertain thecorridor was deserted, then opened his briefcase and tookout a smallpick and a tension tool. It took him five seconds to open

the lockeddoor. He stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

The reception room was furnished in old-fashioned,conservative taste,as befitted one of Boston's top law firms. The man stoodthere a moment,orienting himself, then moved toward the back, to a filingroom whererecords were kept. Inside the room was a bank of steelcabinets withalphabetical labels on the front. He tried the cabinetmarked R-S. Itwas locked. From his briefcase, he removed a blank key, afile, and apair of pliers. He pushed the blank key inside 36 smacabinet lock,gently turning it from side to side. After a moment, hewithdrew it andexamined @':jbe black markings on it. Holding the key withthe pliers,he carefully filed off the black spots. put the key intothe lock again,and repeated the ure. He was humming quietly to himself ashe the lock,and he smiled as he suddenly realized he was humming: 'Away.

Places'. I'll take ",;fty family on vacation, he thoughthappily. A realI'll bet the kidy w6uld love Hawaii. ' cabinet drawer cameopen, and hepulled it toward him. It took only a moment to find thefolder hewanted. He removed a small, Pentax camera from @;,hisbriefcase and wentto work. Ten minutes later he was finished. He tookseveral pieces ofKleenex from the briefcase, walked over to the watercooler, and wetthem. He returned to the filing room and wiped up thesteel shavings onthe floor. He locked the file cabinet, made his way out tothe corridor,

locked. the front door to the offices, and left thebuilding.

Chapter Five.

At sea, later that evening, Captain Vacarro came to HarryStanford'sstateroom. ' Stanford .. '?' The captain pointed to theelectronic mapon the wall. ''m afraid the winds are getting worse. Thelibecdo iscentered in the Strait of Bonifacio. I would suggest thatwe takeshelter in a harbor until -' Stanford cut him short. ' isa good ship,and you're a good captain. I'm sure you can handle it."Captain Vacarrohesitated. ' you say, signor. I will do my best.' ''m sureyou will,captain.' Harry Stanford sat in the office of his suite,planning hisstrategy. He would meet Ren6 in Corsica and get everythingstraightenedout. After that, the helicopter would fly him to Naples,and from therehe would charter a plane to take him to Boston.

Everything is going to be fine, he decided. All I need isforty-eighthours. Justfoqy-eight hours. 38 lie was awakened at 2 A.m.by the wildpitching of the yacht and a howling gale outside. Stanfordhad been instorms before, but this was one of the worst. CaptainVacarro had beenright. Harry Stanford got out of bed, holding on to thenightstand tosteady himself, and made his way to the wall map. The shipwas in theStrait of Bonifacio. We should be in Ajaccio in thenexifiew hours, hethought. Once we're there, we'll be safe. The events thatoccurred laterthat night were a matter of speculation. The papers strewn

around theveranda suggested that the strong wind had blown some ofthe others away,and ' Harry Stanford had tried to retrieve them, butbecause of thepitching yacht he had lost his balance and fallenoverboard. DmitriKaminsky saw him fall into the water and immediatelygrabbed theintercom. ' overboard!"

Chapter Six.

Captaine Frangois Durer, chef de Police in Corsica, was ina foul mood.

The island was overcrowded with stupid summer tourists whowereincapable of holding onto their passports@ their wallets,or theirchildren. Complaints had comd streaming in all day long tothe tinypolice headquarters at 2 Cours Napol6on off Rue SergentCasalonga. ' mansnatched my purse.' ' ship sailed without me. My wife ison board.' 'bought this watch from someone on the street. it hasnothing inside.' 'drugstores here don't carry the pills I need.' Theproblems wereendless, endless, endless. And now it seemed that thecapitaine had abody on his hands. ' have no time for this now,' hesnapped. ' they'rewaiting outside,' his assistant informed him.

"What shall I tell them?, Capitaine Durer was impatient toget to hismistress. His impulse was to say, ' the body to some other40 ut he was,after all, the chief police official the island. e well.'He sighed.''ll see them briefly.' moment later, Captain Vacarro andDmitri

@@]Kaminsky were ushered into the office. ;1".. &S. t 1down,' CapitaineDurer said, ungraciously. The two men took chairs. ' me,please, exactlywhat occurred.' Captain Vacarro said, ''m not sureexactly. I didn't seeit happen.' He turned to Dmitri Kaminsky. ' E;1% was aneyewitness.Perhaps he should explain it.' Dmitri took a deep breath.

"It was terrible. I work worked for the man.' ' what,monsieurt"Bodyguard, masseur, chauffeur. Our yacht was caught inthe storm lastnight. It was very bad. He ' me to give him a massage torelax him.

Afterward, he asked me to get him a sleeping pill. Theywere in thebathroom. When I returned, he was standing out on theveranda, at therailing. The storm was tossing the yacht around. He hadbeen holdingsome papers in his hand. One of them flew away, and hereached out tograb for it, lost his balance, and fell over the side. Iraced to savehim, but there was nothing I could do. I called for help.CaptainVacarro immediately stopped the yacht, and through thecaptain's heroicefforts, we found him. But it was too late. He haddrowned.' ' am verysorry.' He could not have cared less. 41 captain vacarrospoke, up. 'wind, and the sea carried the body back to'the Yacht. Itwas pure luck,but'now we would like permission to take the body home.' 'should be noproblem.' He would still have time to have a drink withhis mistressbefore he went home to his wife. I will have a deathcertificate and anexit visa for the body prepared at once.' He picked up a

yellow pad.

-The name of the victim?' ' Stanford.' Capitaine Durer wassuddenly verystill. He looked up. ' Stanfordr '.' ' Harry Stalnford?,"Yes.' AndCapitairke Durer's future suddenly became much brighter.The gods haddropped manna in his lap. Harry Stanf,'Ord was aninternational legend!The news of his deatil would reverberate around the world,and he,Capitairle Durer, was in control of the situation. Theimmediatequestion was how to manipulate it for the maximi4m benefitto himselfDurer sat there, staring into spac@e, thinking. ' soonc.-an you releasethe bodyt Captain Vacarro asked. He looked up-_ '. That'sa goodquestion.' How much time will it lake for the press toarrive?

Should I ask the yacht's c-,aptain to participate in theinterview? No.

Why share Athe glory with him? I will handle this 42 ' ismuch to bedone,' he said regretfully. rs to prepare ...' He sighed.' could wellbe a ,"Rape k or more.' Captain Vacarro was appalled. 'week or more?"'But you said ' are certain formalities to be observed,"Durer saidsternly. ' matters can't be rushed. He picked . the yellowpad again. 'is the next of kint Captain Vacarro looked at Dmitri forhelp. I guessyou'd better check with his attorneys in Boston.' 'names?9 ', Renquist& Fitzgerald."

Chapter Seven.

Although the legend on the door read RENQuw, RENQuist &Fffzgmald, thetwo Renquists had been long, deceased. Simon Fitzgeraldwas still verymuch alive, and at seventy-six, he was the dynamo thatpowered theoffice, with sixty attorneys working under him. He wasperilously thin,with a full mane of white hair, and he walked with thesternly straightcarriage of a military man. At the moment, he was pacingback and forth,his mind in a turmoil. He stopped in front of hissecretary. ' Mr.Stanford telephoned, didn't he give any indication of whathe wanted tosee me about so urgently?' ', sir. He just said he wantedyou to be athis house at nine o'clock Monday morning, and to bring hiswill and anotary.' ' you. Ask Mr. Sloane to come in.' Steve Sloanewas one of thebright, innovative attorneys in the office. A Harvard LawSchoolgraduate in his forties, he was tall and lean, with blondhair, amusedlyinquisitive blue eyes, and an easy, graceful 44 He was thetroubleshooter for the firm, and Fitzgerald's choice totake over oneday. If I on had a son, Fitzgerald thought, I would havewanted -A to belike Steve. He watched as Steve Sloane walked ''resupposed to be salmonfishing up in New- Steve said. ' came up. Sit down, Steve.We have aproblem.' Steve sighed. ' else is new?' ''s about HarryStanford.' HarryStanford was one of their most prestigious clients. Half adozen otherlaw firms handled various Stanford Enterprisessubsidiaries, butRenquist, Renquist & Fitzgerald handled his personalaffairs. Except forFitzgerald, none of the members of the firm had ever met

him, but hewas a legend around the office.

"What's Stanford done now?' Steve asked. ''s gottenhimself dead." Stevelooked at him, shocked. ''s whatt ' just received a faxfrom the. Frenchpolice in Corsica. Apparently Stanford fell off his yachtand drownedyesterday.' ' God!' ' know you've never met him, but I'verepresentedhim for more than thirty years. He was a difficult man."Fitzgeraldleaned back in his chair, thinking about the past. ' werereally twoHarry Stanfords - the 45 public one who could coax thebirds off themoney tree, and the sonofabitch who took pleasurelindestroying people.He was a charmer, but he could turn on you like a cobra.He had a splitpersonality - he was both the snake charmer and thesnake.' 'fascinating.' ' was about thirty years ago - thirty-one,to be exact -when I joined this law firm. Old Man Renquist handledStanford then. Youknow how people use the phrase "larger than life"? Well,Harry Stanfordwas really larger than life. If he didn't, exist, youcouldn't haveinvented him. He was a colossus. He had an Ing energy andambition. Hewas a great athlete. He boxed in college and was aten-goal polo player.But even when he was young, Harry Stanford was impossible.He was theonly man I've ever known who wag totally withoutcompassion. He wassadistic and vindictive, and he had the instincts of avulture. He lovedforcing his competitors into bankruptcy. It was rumoredthat there wasmore than one suicide because of him.' ' sounds like a

monster.' ' theone hand, yes. On the other hand, he founded an orphanagein New Guineaand a hospital in Bombay, and he gave millions to charity- anonymously.No one ever knew what to expect next.' ' did he become sowealthyt ''syour Greek mythologyt ''m a -little rusty.' 46 of Oedipust' know thestory Steve nodded. ' killed his father to get hismother.' '. Well,that was Harry Stanford. Only he killed his father to gethis mother'svote.' Steve was staring at him. ' Fitzgerald leanedforward. ' theearly thirties, E""Harry's father had a grocery store herein Boston. Itdid so well that he opened a second one, and pretty soonhe had a smallchain of grocery stores. When H411M finished college, hisfather broughthim into the business as a partner and put him on theboard ofdirectors. As I said, Harry was ambitious. He had bigreams Instead ofbuying meat from packing houses, he wanted the chain toraise its ownlivestock. He wanted it to buy land, and grow its ownvegetables, canits own goods. His father disagreed, and they fought alot. ' Harry hadhis biggest brainstorm of all. He told his father hewanted the companyto build a chain of supermarkets that sold everything fromautomobilesto furniture to life insurance, at a discount, and chargecustomers amembership fee. Harry's father thought he was crazy, andhe turned downthe idea. But Harry didn't intend to let anything get inhis way. Hedecided he had to get rid of the old man. He persuaded hisfather totake a long vacation, and while he was away, Harry went to

work charmingthe board of directors. ' was a brilliant salesman and hesold them on47 his,-concept. He persuaded his aunt and uncle, who wereon the board,to vote for him. He romanced the other members of theboard. He tookthem to lunch, went fox hunting with one, golfing withanother. He sleptwith a board membees wife who had influence over herhusband. But it washis mother who held the largest block of stock and had thefinal vote.Harry persuaded her to give it to him and to vote againsther husband.',"Mat's unbelievable!' ' Harry's father returned, helearned that hisfamily had voted him out of the company.' GMy God! s ''smore. Harrywasn't satisfied with that.

When his father tried to get into his own office, he foundthat he wasbarred from the building. And, remember, Harry was only inhis thirtiesthen. His nickname around the company was the Iceman. Butcredit wherecredit is due, Steve. He single-handedly built. StanfordEnterprisesinto one of the biggest privately held conglomerates inthe world. Heexpanded the company to include timber, chemicals,communications,electronics, and a staggering amount of real estate. Andhe wound upwith. all the stock.' ' must have been an incredible man,'Steve said.

"He was. To men - and to wornen.' ' he marriedt SimonFitzgerald satthere for a long time, remembering. When he finally spokehe said,"Harry Stanford 48 married to one of the most beautifulwomen I've

,',,4ver seen. Emily Temple. They had three children, twoboys and agirl. Emily came from a very social family ""In HobeSound, Florida. Sheadored Harry, and she to close her eyes to his cheating,but one day itC. tot to be too much for her. She had a governess for 4hechildren, awoman named Rosemary Nelson. Young and attractive. Whatmade her evenmore 4ttractive to Harry Stanford was the fact that sherefused to go tobed with him. It drove him crazy. He wasn't used torejection. Well,when Harry Stanford turned on the charm, he wasirresistible. He finallygot Rosemary into bed. He got her pregnant, and she wentto see adoctor. Unfortunately, the doctor's son-in-law @was acolumnist, and hegot hold of the story and printed it. There was one hellof a scandal.

You know Boston. It, was all over the newspapers. I stillhave clippingsabout it somewhere.' ' she get an abortiont Fitzgeraldshook his head.'. Harry wanted her to have one, but she refused. They hada terriblescene. He told her he loved her and wanted to marry her.Of course, hehad told that to dozens ofwomen. But Emily overheard theirconversation,and in the middle of that same night she committedsuicide.' ''s awful.What happened to the governess?' ' Nelson disappeared. Weknow that shehad a daughter she named Julia, at St. Joseph's Hospitalin Milwaukee.She sent a note to Stanford, but, I 49 don't believe heeven bothered toreply. By then, he was involved with someone new. Hewasn't interestedin Rosemary anymore.' ' ... "

"The real tragedy is what happened later. The childrenrightfully blamedtheir father for their mother's suicide. They were ten,twelve, andfourteen at the time. Old enough to feel the pain, but tooyoung tofight their father. They hated him. And Harry's greatestfear was thatone day they would do to him what he had done to his ownfather. So hedid everything he could to make sure that never happened.He sent themaway to different boarding schools and summer camps, andarranged forhis children to see as little of one another as possible.They receivedno money from him. They lived on the small trust thattheir mother hadleft them. All their lives he used the carrot-and stickapproach withthem. He held out his fortune as the caffot, then withdrewit if theydispleased him.' ''s happened to the children?' ' is ajudge in thecircuit court in Chicago. Woodrow doesn't do anything.He's a playboy.He lives in Hobe Sound and gambles on golf and polo. A fewyears ago, hepicked up a waitress in a diner, got her pregnant, and toeveryone'ssurprise, married her. Kendall is a successful fashiondesigner, marriedto a Frenchman. They live in New York.' He stood up.

"Steve, have you ever been to Corsica?' 50 No.' Stan- ''dlike you tofly there. They're holding Harry 0is body, and the policerefuse torelease it. I want u to straighten out the matter.' 'right.' If there'sa chance of your leaving today ... '. I'll work it out."fthank s. Iappreciate ' the Air France commuter flight from Paris to

COr- a travelbook about Corsica. st Sloane read eve ,".,He learned thatthe islandwas largely mountainous, that its principal port city wasAjaccio, andthat it was te. The book was the birthplace of NapoleonBonapar filledWith interesting statistics, but Steve was totally As.

the plane unprepared for the beauty Of the islandapproached Corsica,far below he saw a high solid wall te Cliffs of Dover. ofwhite rockthat resembled the Whi It was breathtaking- and a taxitook The planelanded at Ajaccio airport the Cours Napol6on, the mainstreet that Stevedown stretched from place General de Gaulle northward tothe trainstation. He had made arrangements for a plane to stand byto fly HarryStanford's body back to Paris, where the coffin would betransferred toa plane to Boston. All he needed was to get a release forthe body. Stehad the taxi drop him off at the Pruccturc building onCours Napol6on.

He went up One flight 51 of stairs and walked into thereception office.

A uniformed sergeant was seated at the desk. '. Puisjevous aider?' ' isin charge heret ' Durer.' ' would like to see him,please.' ' what is itof concern in relationship tot The sergeant was proud ofhis English.Steve took out his business card.

"I'm the attorney for Harry Stanford. I've come to taikehis body backto the States.' The sergeant frowned. ', please.' Hedisappeared intoCapitaine Durer's office, carefully closing the door

behind him.

The office was crowded, filled with reporters fromtelevision and newsservices from all over the globe. Everyone seemed to bespeaking at thesame time. ', why was he out in a storm when ... ?' 'could he fall offa yacht in the middle of ... T ' there any sign of foulplayt ' you donean autopsy?, ' else was an the ship with ... ',gentlemen.' CapitaineDurer held up his hand. ', gentlemen. Please.' He lookedaround the roomat all the reporters hanging on his every word, and he wasecstatic. Hehad dreamed of moments like this. If I handle thisproperly, it willmean a big promotion and - The sergeant interrupted histhoughts. '.' 52,,He whispered in Durer's ear and handed him SteveSloane's card.

Capitaine Durer studied it and frowned. ' can't see himnow,' hesnapped. ' him to come back tomorrow at ten o'clock.' ',sir." CapitaineDurer watched thoughtfully as the sergeant left the room.He had nointention of -letting anyone take away his moment ofglory. He turnedback to the reporters and smiled. ', what were you asking... T I In theouter office, the sergeant was saying to Sloane, ' amsorry, butCapitaine Durer is very busy immediately. He would likeyou to exposeyourself here tomorrow morning at ten o'clock. SteveSloane looked athim in dismay. ' morning? That's ridiculous - I don't wantto-wait thatlong.' The sergeant shrugged. ' is of your chosen,monsieur.' Stevefrowned. ' well. I don't have a hotel reservation. Can you

recommend ahotelt 16mais oui. I am pleased to have recommended theColomba, eightAvenue de Paris.' T Steve hesitated.

"Isn't there some way ... ' o'clock tomorrow morning.1 -Steve turned andwalked out of the office. In Durer's office, the capitainewas happilycoping with the barrage of reporters' questions.

53 A television reporter asked, ' can you be sure it wasan accidentt ,Durer looked into the lens of the camera. ', there was aneyewitness tothis terrible event. Monsieur Stanford's cabin has an openveranda.Apparently some important papers flew out of his hand,onto the terrace,and he ran to retrieve them. When he reached out, he losthis balanceand fell into the water. His bodyguard saw it happen andimmediatelycalled for help. The ship stopped, and they were able toretrieve thebody.' ' did the autopsy showt ' is a small island,gentlemen. We arenot properly equipped to do a full autopsy.

However, our medical examiner reports that the cause ofdeath wasdrowning. We found seawater in his lungs. There were nobrvises or anysigns of foul play.' ' is the body nowt - , ' are keepingit in the coldstorage room until authorization is given for it to betaken away! Oneof the photographers said, ' you mind if we take a pictureof you,capitainet Capitaine Durer hesitated for a dramaticmoment. '.

Please, gentlemen, do what you must.' And the camerasbegan to flash. He

had lunch at La Fontana on Rue NOtre Dame, and with therest of the dayto kill, started exploring the town. 54 -Ajaccio was acolorfulMediterranean town that still basked in the glory ofhaving beenNapoleon Bonaparte's birthplace. I think Harry Stanfordwould have-identfied with this place, Steve thought. it was thetourist season inCorsica, and the streets were crowded with visitorschatting away inFrench, Italian, German and Japanese. That evening Stevehad anItaliaii'dinner at Le Boccaccio and returned to his hotel.' messagesthe asked the room clerk, optimistically. ', monsieur.' Helay in bedhaunted by what Simon Fitzgerald had told him about HarryStanford. Didshe get an abortion? No. Harry wanted her to have one, butsherefusedThey had a terrible scene. He told her he loved her andwanted to marryher. Of course, he had told that to dozens of women. ButEmily overheardtheir conversation, and in the middfe of that same nightshe commit-ted suicide. Steve wondered how she had done it. Hefinally fell asleep.At ten o'clock the following morning, Steve Sloaneappeared again at thePr6fecture. The same sergeant was seated behind the desk.' morning,'Steve said. 55 ', monsieur. Can I help to assist youtSteve handed thesergeant another business card. ''m here to see CapitaineDurer.' 'moment.' The sergeant got up, walked into the inneroffice, and closedthe door behind him. Capitaine Durer, dressed in animpressive newuniform, was being interviewed by an RAI television crewfrom Italy. He

was looking into the camera. ' I took charge of the case,the firstthing I did was to make certain that there was no foulplay involved inMonsieur Stanford's death.' The interviewer asked, ' youwere satisfiedthat there was none, capitainet "Completely satisfied.There is noquestion but that it was an unfortunate accident.' Thedirector said, '.Let us cut to another angle and a closer shot.' Thesergeant took theopportunity to hand Capitaine Durer Sloane's businesscard. ' isoutside.' ' is the matter with yout Durer growled. ''t yousee I'm busy?Have him come back tomorrow.' He had just received wordthat there werea dozen more reporters on their way, some from as far awayas Russia andSouth Africa. '.' '.' ' you ready, capitaine?' thedirector asked.Capitaine Durer smiled. ''m ready.' The sergeant returnedto the outeroffice. ' am sorry, monsieur. Capitaine Durer is out ofbusiness today.'56 ' am I,' Steve snapped. ' him that all he has to do issign a paperauthorizing the release of Mr. Stanford's body, and I'llbe on my way.That's not too much to ask, is itt - ' am afraid, yes. Thecapitaine hasmany responsibilities, and ''t someone else give me theauthorizationt', no, monsieur. Only the capitaine can do the authority-,ISteve Sloanestood there, seething. ' can I see himt ' suggest if youtry againtomorrow morning. The phrase ' again' grated on Steve'sears. ''ll dothat,'he said. ' the way, I understand there was aneyewitness to theaccident - Mr. Stanford's bodyguard, a Dmitri Kaminsky.''. es.@ ' would

like to talk to hiin. Could you tell me where he'sstaying. '.' ' that ahoteff ', monsieur.' There was pity in his voice. ' is acountry.,Steve's voice rose an octave.

"Are you telling me that the only witness to Stanford'sdeath wasallowed by the police to leave here before anyone couldinterrogatehimt ' Drurer interrogated him.' Steve took a deep breath.

"Thank you.' 57 "No problems, monsieur.' When@ Stevereturned to hishotel, he reported back to Simon Fitzgerald. ' looks likeI'm going tohave to stay another night here.9 ''s going on, Stevet"The man incharge seems to be very busy. It's the tourist season.He's probablylooking for some lost purses. I should be out of here bytomorrow."

"Stay in touch.' In spite of his irritation, Steve foundthe island ofCorsica enchanting. It had almost a thousand miles ofcoastline, withsoaring, granite mountains that stayed snow-topped untilJuly. Theisland had been ruled by the Italians until France took itover, and thecombination of the two cultures was fascinating. Duringhis dinner atthe Cr8perie U San Carlu, he remembered how SimonFitzgerald haddescribed Harry Stanford. He was the only man I've everknown who wastotally without compassion ... a sadistic and vindictiveman. Well,Harry Stanford is causing a hell of a lot of trouble evenin death,Steve thought. On the way to his hotel, Steve stopped at anews- standto pick up a copy of the International Herald Tribune. The

headlineread: WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE STANFORD EMPIRE? He paid forthenewspaper, and as he turned to leave, his eye was caughtby theheadlines 58 V@ some of the foreign papers on the Stand.He picked themup and looked through them, stunned. Every tories aboutthe singlenewspaper had front-page s death of Harry Stanford, and ineach one ofthem, his photocapitaine Durer was prominently featuredaravh beamingfrom the pages. So that's what's keeping him so busy!We'll see aboutthat. At nine forty-five the followini' morning, Stevereturned toCapitaine Durer's reception office. The sergeant was notat his desk,and the door to the inner office was ajar. Steve pushed itopen andstepped inside. The capitaine was changing into a newuniform, preparingfor his morning press interviews. He looked up as Steveenteread.

"Quest-ce que vous jaites ici? Cest un bureau privoAllez-vous-en!' ''mwith the New York Times" Steve Sloane said. Instantly,Durer brightened.

"Ali, come in, come in. You said your name is ... T '.John Jones."

"Can I offer you something, perhaps? Coffee? Cognac?' ',thanks" Stevesaid. ', please, sit down.' Durer's voice became somber.

"You are here, of course, about the terrible tragedy thathas happenedon our little island. Poor Monsieur Stanford.' 59 ' do youplan torelease the body9'Steve asked. Capitaine Durer sighed. ',I am afraid

not for many, many days. There are a great number of formsto fill outin the case of a man as important as Monsieur Stanford.There areprotocols to be followed, you understand.' ' think I do,'Steve said.

"Perhaps ten days. Perhaps, two weeks.' By then theinterest of thepress will have cooled down. ''s my card,' Steve said. HehandedCapitaine Durer a card. The capitaine glanced at it, thentook a closerlook. ' are an attorney. You are not a reportert '. I'mHarry Stanford'sattorney.' Steve Sloane rose. ' want your authorization torelease hisbody.' ', I wish I could give it to you,' Capitaine Durersaid,regretfully. ',.my hands are tied. I do not see how"Tomorrow.' ' isimpossible! There is no way ...' ' suggest that you get intouch withyour superiors in Paris. Stanford Enterprises has severalvery largefactories in France. It would be a shame if our board ofdirectorsdecided to close all of them down and build in othercountries.'Capitaine Durer was staring at him. ' ... I have nocontrol over suchmatters, monsieur.' ' I do,' Steve assured him. ' will seethat Mr. 60Stanford, s body is released to me tomorrow, or you'regoing to findyourself in more trouble than you can possibly imagine."Steve turned toleave. '! Monsieur! Perhaps in a few days, I can"Tomorrow.' And Stevewas gone. Three hours later, Steve Sloane received atelephone call athis hotel. ' Sloane? Ali, I have w@nderful news for you! Ihave managedto arrange for Mr. Stanford's body to be released to you

immediately. Ihope you appreciate the trouble ' you. A private planewill leave hereat eight o'clock tomorrow morning to take us back. Iassume all theproper papers will be in order by then.' ', of course. Donot worry. Iwill see to '.' Steve replaced the receiver. CapitaineDurer sat therefor a long, time.

Merdef What bad luck! I could have been a celebrityfor atleast anotherweek. When the plane carrying Harry Stanford's body landedat LoganInternational Airport in Boston, there was a hearsewaiting to meet it.

Funeral services were to be held three days later. SteveSloane reportedback to Simon Fitzgerald. ' the old man is finally home,'Fitzgeraldsaid. ''s going to be quite a reunion. 61 ' reuniont '. Itshould beinteresting,' he said. ' Stanford's children are cominghere tocelebrate their father's death. Tyler, Woody and Kendall."

Chapter Eight.

Judge Tyler Stanford had first seen' the story onChicago's stationWBBM. He had stared at the television set, mesmerized, hisheartpounding. There was a picture of the yacht Blue Skies, anda newscommen- tator was saying, in a storm, in Corsican waters,when thetragedy occurred. Dmitri Kaminsky, Harry Stanford'sbodyguard, was awitness to the accident, but was unable to save hisemployer. HarryStanford was known in financial circles as one of theshrewdest ...

Tyler sat there, watching the shifting images,remembering, remembering... It was the loud voices that had awakened him in themiddle of thenight. He was fourteen years old. He had listened to theangry voicesfor a few minutes, then crept down the upstairs hall tothe staircase.

In the foyer below, his mother and father were having afight. Hismother was screaming, and he watched his father slap heracross theface. 63 "It', The picture on the television set shifted.There was ascene of Harry Stanford in the Oval Office of the WhiteHouse, shakinghands with President Ronald Reagan. ' of the cornerstonesof thepresident's new financial task force, Harry Stanford hasbeen animportant adviser to.. They were playing football in backof the house,and his brother, Woody, threw the ball toward the house.Tyler chasedit, and as he picked it up he heard his father, on theother side of thehedge..'I'm in love with you. You know thatv He stopped,thrilled thathis mother and father were not fighting, and then he heardthe voice oftheir governess, Rosemary. ''re married. I want you toleave me alone.'And he suddenly felt sick to his stomach. He loved hismother and heloved Rosemary. His father was a terrifying stranger. Thepicture on thescreen flashed to a series of shots of Harry Stanfordposing withMargaret Thatcher ... President Mitterrand ... MikhailGorbachev ... Theannouncer was saying, ' legendary tycoon was equally athome withfactory workers and world leaders.' He was passing the

door to hisfather's office when he heard Rosemary's voice. ''mleaving.' And thenhis 64 father's voice, ' won't let you leave. You've gotto bereasonable, Rosemary! This is the only way that you and Ican ' won'tlisten to you. And I'm keeping the baby!' Then Rosemaryhad disappeared.

The scene on the television set shifted again. There wereold clips ofthe Stanford family in front of a church, watching acoffinbeing liftedinto a hearse. The commentator was saying,'... HarryStanford and thechildren beside the coffin ... Mrs. Stanford's suicide wasattributed toher faili pig health. According to police investigators,Harry Stanford...' In the middle of the night, he had been shaken awakeby his father.' up, son. I have some bad news for you., Thefourteen-year-old boybegan to tremble. ' mother had an accident, Tyler.' It wasa lie. Hisfather had killed her. She had committed suicide becauseof his fatherand his affair with Rosemary. The newspapers had beenfilled with thestory. It was a scandal that rocked Boston, and thetabloids took fulladvantage of it. There was no way'to keep the news fromthe Stanfordchildren. Th? ir classmates made their lives hell. In justtwenty-folirhours, the three young children had lost the two peoplethey loved most.And it was their father who was to blame. 65 ' don't careif he is ourfather.' Kendall sobbed. ' hate him.' ', too!' "Me, too!'They through -htabout running away, but they had nowhere to go. Theydecided to rebel.

Tyler was delegated to talk to him. ' want a differentfather. We don'twant you.' Harry Stanford had looked at him and said,coldly, ' think wecan arrange that.' Three weeks later, they were allshipped off todifferent boarding schools. As the years went by, thechildren saw verylittle of their father. They read about him in newspapers,or watchedhim on television, escorting beautiful women or chattingwithcelebrities, but the only time they were with him was onwhat he called'' - photo opportunities at Christmas time or otherholidays - to showwhat a devoted father he was.

After that, the children were sent back to their differentschools andcamps until the next ''. Tyler sat hypnotized by what hewas watching.On the television screen was a montage of factories indifferent partsof the world, with pictures of his father. '... one of thelargestprivately held conglomerates in the world. Harry Stanford,who createdit, was a legend ... The question in the minds of WallStreet expertsis, What is going to happen to the family-owned company 66now that itsfounder is gone? Harry Stanford left three children, butit is not knownwho will inherit the multibillion-dollar fortune thatStanford leftbehind, or who will control the corporation He was sixyears old. Heloved roaming around the large house, exploring all theexciting rooms.The only place that was off-limits to him was his father'soffice. Tylerwas aware that important meetings went on in there.Impressive-looking

men dressed in dark suits were constantly coming andgoing, meeting withhis father. The fact that the office was off-limits toTyler made itirresistible. One day when his father was away, Tylerdecided to go intothe office. The huge room was overpowering, awesome. Tylerstood there,looking at the large desk and at the huge leather chairthat his fathersat in. One day Im going to sit in that chair, and I'mgoing to beimportant like Father. He moved over to the desk andexamined it. Therewere dozens of official-looking papers on it. He movedaround to theback of the desk and sat in his father's chair. It feltwonderful. I'mimportant now, too! '91hat the hell are you doing? Tylerlooked up,startled. His father stood in the' doorway, furious. 'told you youcould sit behind that desk?' The young boy was trembling.' ... I justwanted to see what it was like." 67 His father stormedover to him. ',you'll never know what it's like! Never! Now get the hellout of hereand stay outv Tyler ran upstairs, sobbing, and his mothercame to hisroom. She put her arms around him. ''t cry, darling. It'sgoing to be.all right.' ''s ... it's not going to be all right,' hesobbed. ' ... hehates me!' '.

He doesn't hate you.' ' I did was to sit in his chair.'''s his chair,darling. He doesn't want anyone to sit in it.' He couldnot stop crying.She held him close and said, ', when your father and Iwere married, hesaid he wanted me to be part of his company. He gave meone share of

stock. It was kind of a family joke. I'm going to give youthat share.I'll put it in a trust for you. So now you're part of thecompany, too.All rightt There were one hundred shares of stock inStanfordEnterprises, and Tyler was now a proud owner of one share.When HarryStanford heard what his wife had done, he scoffed, ' thehell do youthink he's going to do with that one share? Take over thecompany?'Tyler switched off the television set and sat there,adjusting to thenews. He felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Traditionally,sons wantedto be successful to 68 please their fathers. TylerStanford had longedto be a success so he could destroy his father. As achild, he had arecurring dream that his father was charged with murderinghis mother,and Tyler was the one who would pass sentence. I sentenceyou to die inthe electric chair! Sometimes the dream would vary, andTyler wouldsentence his father to be hanged or poisoned or shot. Thedreams becamealmost real. The military school he was sent to was inMississippi, andit was four years of pure hell. Tyler hated the disciplineand the rigidlife-style. In his first year at school, he seriouslycontemplatedcommitting suicide, and the only thing that stopped himwas thedetermination not to give his father that satisfaction. Hekilled mymother. He's not going to kill me. It seemed to Tyler thathisinstructors were particularly hard on him, and he was surehis fatherwas responsible. Tyler refused to let the school breakhim. Although he

was forced to go home on holidays, his visits with hisfather grew moreand more unpi_(@sant. His brother and sister were alsohome forholidays, but there was no sense of kinship. Their fatherhad destroyedthat. They were strangers to one another, waiting for theholidays to beover so they could escape. Tyler knew that his father wasamulti billionaire but the small allowance that Tyler,Woody, and Kendallhad came frqm their mother's estate. As he grew older, 69Tyler wonderedwhether he was entitled to the family fortune. He was surehe and hissiblings were being cheated. I need an attorney. That, ofcourse, wasout of the question, but his next thought was, rm going tobecome anattorney. When Tyler's father heard about his son's plans,he said, ',you're going to become a lawyer, huh? I suppose you thinkI'll give youa job with Stanford Enterprises. Well, forget it. Iwouldn't let youwithin a mile of id' When Tyler was graduated from lawschool he couldhave practised in Boston, and because of the family namehe would havebeen welcomed on the boards of dozens of companies, but hepreferred toget far away from his father. He decided to set up a lawpractice inChicago. In the beginning, it was difficult. He r&fused totrade on hisfamily name, and clients were scarce. Chicago politicswere run by theMachine, and Tyler very quickly learned that it would beadvantageousfor a young lawyer to become involved with the powerfulcentral CookCounty Lawyers Association. He was given a job with thedistrict

attorney's office. He had a keen mind and was a quickstudy, and it wasnot long before he became invaluable to them. Heprosecuted felonsaccused of every conceivable crime, and his record ofconvictions wasphenomenal. He rose rapidly through the ranks, and finallythe 70 daycame when he* received his reward. He was appointed CookCounty circuitcourt judge. He had thought his father finally would beproud of him. Hewas wrong. '? A circuit court judge? For God's sake, Iwouldn't let youjudge a baking contest!' Judge Tyler Stanford was a short,slightlyoverweight man with sharp, calculating eyes and a hardmouth. He hadnone of his father's charisma or attractiveness. Hisoutstanding featurewas a deep, sonorous voice, perfect for pronouncingsentence. TylerStanford was a private man who kept his thoughts tohimself. He wasforty years old, but he looked much older than his years.He pridedhimself on having no sense of humor. Life was too grim forlevity. Hisonly hobby was chess, arth once a week he played at alocal club, wherehe invariably won. Tyler Stanford was a brilliant jurist,held in highesteem by his fellow judges, who often came to him foradvice. Very fewpeople were aware that he was one of the Stanfords.

He never mentioned his father's name. The judge's chamberswere in thelarge Cook County Criminal Court Building at Twenty-sixthand Californiastreets, a fourteen-storey stone edifice with stepsleading up to thefront entrance. It was in a dangerous neighborhood, and anotice outside

stated: BY JUDICIAL 71 ORDER, ALL PERSONS ENTERING THISBUILDING S14ALLSUBMIT TO SEARCH. This was where Tyler spent his days,hearing casesinvolving robbery, burglary, rape, shootings, drugs andmurders.

Ruthless in his decisions, he became known as the HangingJudge. All daylong he listened to defendants pleading poverty, childabuse, brokenhomes, and a hundred other excuses. He accepted none ofthem. A crimewas a crime and had to be punished. And in the back of hismind, always,was his father. Tyler Stanford's fellow judges knew verylittle abouthis personal life.. They knew that he had had a bittermarriage and wasnow divorced, and that he lived alone in a smallthree-bedroom Georgianhouse on Kimbark Avenue in Hyde Park. The area wassurrounded bybeautiful old homes, because the great fire of 1871 thatrazed Chicagohad whimsically spared the Hyde Park district. He made nofriends in theneighborhood, and his neighbors knew nothing about him. Hehad ahousekeeper who came in three times a week, but Tyler didthe shoppinghimself. He was a methodical man with a fixed routine. OnSaturdays, hewent to Harper Court, a small shopping mall near his home,or to Mr. G'sFine Foods or Medici's on Fifty-seventh Street. From timeto time, atofficial gatherings, Tyler would meet the wives of hisfellow jurists.

They sensed that 72 he was lonely, and they offered tointroduce him towomen friends or invite him to dinner. He always declined.''m busy that

evening.' His evenings seemed to be full, but they had noidea what hewas doing with them. ' isn't interested in anything butthe law,' one ofthe judges explained to his wife. ' he's just notinterested in meetingany women yet. I heard he had a terrible marriage.' He wasright. Afterhis divorce, Tyler had. sworn to himself that her wouldnever becomeemotionally involved again. And then he had met Lee, andeverything hadsuddenly changed. Lee was beautiful, sensitive and caring- the oneTyler wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Tylerloved Lee, butwhy should Lee love him? A successful model, Lee haddozens of admirers,most of them wealthy. And Lee liked expensive things.Tyler had feltthat his cause was hopeless. There was no way to competewith others forLee's affection. But overnight, with the death of hisfather, everythingcould change. He could become wealthy beyond his wildestdreams. Hecould give Lee the world. Tyler walked into the chambersof the chiefjudge. ', I'm afraid I have to go to Boston for a few 73days. Familyaffairs. I wonder if you would have someone, take over mycaseload forme.' ' course. I'll arrange it,' the chief judge said. 'you.' Thatafternoon, Judge Tyler Stanford was on his way to Boston.On the plane,he thought again about his father's words on that terribleday: I knowyour dirty little secret.

Chapter Nine.

it was raining in Paris, a warm July rain that sentpedestrians racing

along the street for shelter or looking for nonexistenttaxis. Insidethe auditorium of a large gray building on a comer of RueFaubourg St.Honor6, there was panic. A dozen half-naked models wererunning aroundin a kind of mass hysteria, while ushers finished setting,up chairs andcarpenters pounded away at last-minute bits of carpentry.@veryone wasscreaming and gesticulating wildly, and the noise level 'painful. Inthe eye of the hurricane, trying to bring order out ofchaos,,was themaitresse herself, Kendall Stanford Renaud. Four hoursbefore thefashion show 4s scheduled to begin, everything Nyasfalling apart.

Catastrophe: John Fairchild. of Wwas unexpectedly going tobe in Paris,and there was no seat for him. Tragedy: the speaker systemwas notworking. Disaster: one of the top models was ill.Emergency: two of themake-up artists were fighting backstage and were farbehind schedule. 75Calamity: all the seams on the cigarette skirts weretearing. In otherwords, Kendall thought wryly, everything is normal KendallStanfordRenaud could have been mistaken for one of the modelsherself, and atone time she had been a model. She exuded carefullyplotted elegancefrom her golden chignon to her Chanel pumps. Everythingabout her - thecurve of her arm, the shade of her nail polish, the timbreof her laugh- bespoke well-mannered chic. Her face, if stripped of itscarefulmake-up, was actually plain, but Kendall took pains to seethat no oneever realized this, and no one ever did. She was

everywhere at once.

"Who lit that runway, Ray Charlest ' want a blue backdrop...' ' liningis showing. Fix it!' ' don't want the models doing theirhair andmake-up in the holding area. Have Lulu find them adressing room!"Kendall's venue manager came hurrying up to her. ', thirtyminutes istoo long! Too long! The show should be no more thantwenty-fiveminutes.' She stopped what she was doing. ' do yousuggest, Scott?' 'could cut a few of the designs and '. I'll have the modelsmove faster.'76 She heard her name called again, and turned.

"Kendall, we can't locate Pia. Do you want Tami to switchto thecharcoal gray jacket with the trouserst '. Give that toDana. Give thecat suit and tunic to Tami.' ' about the dark grayjersey?"

"Monique. And make sure she wears the dark graystockings.' Kendalllooked at the board holding a set of Polaroid pictures ofthe models ina variety of gowns. When they were set, the pictures wouldbe placed ina precise order. She ran a practiced eye over the board.''s changethis. I want the beige cardigan, out first, then theseparates, followedby the strapless silk jersey, then the taffeta eveninggown, theafternoon dresses W) th matching jackets ...' Two of herassistantshurried up to her. ', we're having an argument about theseating. Do youwant the retailers together, or do you want to mix themwith thecelebritiest The other assistant spoke up. ' we could mix

thecelebrities and press together.' . Kendall was hardlylistening.

She had been up for two nights, checking everything tomake sure nothingwould go wrong. ' it out yourselves,' she said. She lookedaround at allthe activity and thought about the show that was about tobegin, and thefamous names from all over the world who would be there toapplaud whatshe had created. I should thank 77 my father for all this.He told me Iwould never succeed ... She had always known that shewanted to be adesigner. From the time she was a little girl, she had hada naturalsense of style. Her dolls had the trendiest outfits intown. She wouldshow off her latest creations for her mother's approval.Her motherwould hug her and say, ''re very talented, darling.Someday you're goingto be a very important designer.' And Kendall was sure ofit. In school,Kendall studied graphic design, structural drawing,spatial conceptions,and color coordination. ' best way to begin,' one of herteachers hadadvised her, ' to become a model yourself. That way, youwill meetallthe top designers, and if you keep your eyes open, youwill learn fromthem.' When Kendall had mentioned her dream to her father,he had lookedat her and said, '? A model! You must be joking!' WhenKendall finishedschool, she returned to Rose Hill. Father needs me to runthe house, shethought. There were a dozen servants, but no one wasreally in charge.Since Harry Stanford was away a good deal of the time, thestaff was

left to its own devices. Kendall tried to organize things.

She scheduled the household activities, served as hostessfor herfather's parties, and did everything she could to make himcomfortable.

78 She was longing for his approval. Instead, she suffereda barrage ofcriticisms. ' hired that damned chef? Get rid of him.' 'don't like thenew dishes you bought. Where the hell'is your taste ... 9'' told youyou could redecorate my bedroom? Keep the hell out ofthere.' No matterwhat Kendall did, it was never good enough. __1 It was herfather'sdomineering cruelty that finally drove her out of thehouse. It hadalways been a loveless household, and her father had paidno attentionto his children, except to try to control and disciplinethem.

One night, Kendall overheard her father saying to avisitor, ' daughterhas a face like a horse. She's going to need a lot ofmoney to hook somepoor sucker.' It was the final straw. The following, day,Kendall leftBoston and headed for New York. Alone in her hotel room,Kendallthought, All right. Here I am in New York. How do I becomea designer?How do I break into the fashion industry? How do I getanyone even tonotice me? She remembered her teacher's advice. I'll startas a model.That's the way to begin. The following morning, Kendalllooked throughthe yellow pages, copied a list of modeling agencies, andbegan makingthe rounds. I have to be honest with 79 them, Kendallthought.

r1l tell them that I can stay with them only temporarily,until Igetstarted designing. She walked into the office of the firstagency on herlist. A middle-aged woman behind a desk said, ' I helpyout '. I want tobe a model.' ' do I, dearie. Forget it.' '?' ''re tootall.' Kendall'sjaw tightened. ''d like to see whoever is in charge here.'''re lookingat her. I own this joint.' The next half a dozen stopswere no moresuccessful. ''re too short.' ' thin.' ' fat.' ' young.' 'old.' ' type.'By the end of the week, Kendall was getting desperate.There was onemore name on her list.

Paramount Models was the top modeling agency in Manhattan.There was noone at the reception desk. A voice from one of the officessaid, ''ll beavailable next Monday. But you can have her for only oneday. She'sbooked solid for the next three weeks.' Kendall walkedover to theoffice and peered inside. 80 A "Man in a tailored suit wastalking onthe phone. '. I'll see what I can do.' Roxanne Marinackreplaced thereceiver and looked up. ', we aren't looking for yourtype." Kendallsaid desperately, ' can be any type you want me to be. Ican be talleror I can be shorter. I can be younger or older, thinnerRoxanne held upher hand. ' it.' ' I want is a chance. I really needthis.' Roxannehesitated. There was an appealing eagerness about the girland she didhave an exquisite figure. She was not beautiful, butpossibly with theright make-up ... ' you had any experiencet "Yes. I've

been wearingclothes all my life.' Roxanne laughed. ' right. Let me seeyourportfolio..' Kendall looked at her blankly. ' portfolio?'Roxannesighed. ' dear girl, no self-respecting model walks aroundwithout aportfolio. It' s your bible. It's what your prospectiveclients aregoing to look at.' Roxanne sighed again. ' want you to gettwo headshots - one smiling and one, serious. Turn around."

"Right.' Kendall began to turn. '.' Roxanne studied her. 'bad.

I want a photo of you in a bathing suit or lingerie,whatever is themost flattering for your figure.' ''ll get one of each,'she saideagerly. Roxanne had to smile at her earnestness. ' right.81 You're ...er ... different, but you might have a shot.' ' you.' ''tthank me toosoon. Modeling for fashion magazines isn't as simple as itlooks. It's atough business.' ''m ready for it.' ''ll see. I'm going totake a chanceon you. I'll send you out on some go-sees.' ''m sorry?, 'go-see iswhere clients catch up on all the new models. There willbe models fromother agencies there, too. It's kind of a cattle call.' 'can handleit.' That had been the beginning. Kendall went on a dozengo-sees beforea designer was interested in having her wear his clothes.She was sotense, she almost spoiled her chances by talking toomuch.' ' reallylove your dresses, and I think they would look good on me.I mean, theywould look good on any woman, of course. They'rewonderful! But I think

they'll look especially good on me.' She was so nervousthat she wasstammering. The, designer nodded sympathetically.

"This is your first job, isn't itt ', sir.' He had smiled.' right. I'lltry you. What did you say your name wast ' Stanford." Shewondered if hewould make 82 the connection between her and theStanfords, but ofcourse, there was no reason for him to. Roxanne had beenright. Modelingwas a toujlh business. Kendall had to learn to acceptconstantrejdction, go-sees that led nowhere, and weeks withoutwork. When shedid work, she was in make-up at six A. M., finished ashoot; went on tothe next, and often didn't get through until aftermidnighl,, Oneevening, after a long day's shoot with half a dozen other,models,Kendall looked in a mirror and groaned, 11 won't be ableto worktomorrow. Look how puffy my eyes are!' One of the modelssaid, "Putcucumber slices over your eyes. Or you can put somecamomile tea bags inhot water, let them cool, and put them over your eyes forfifteenminutes.' In the morning, the puffiness was gone. Kendallenvied th@models who were in constant demand. She would hear Roxannearrangingtheir bookings: ' originally gave Scaasi a secondary onMichelle. Calland tell them that she will be available, so I'm movingthem up to atentative.' Kendall quickly learned never to criticize theclothes shewas modeling. She became acquainted with some of the topphotographersin the business, and had a photo composite made to go withher

portfolio. She carried a model's bag filled withnecessities - clothes,83 make-up, a nail-care bag, and jewelry. She learned toblow-dry herhair upside down to give it more body, and to add curl toher hair withheated rollers. There was a lot more to learn. She was afavorite of thephotographers, and one of them pulled her aside to giveher some advice.

"Kendall, always save your smiling shots for the end ofthe shoot. Thatway, your mouth will have less creasing.' Kendall wasbecoming more andmore popular. She was not the conventional drop-deadbeauty that was thehallmark of most models, but she had something more, agracefulelegance. ''s got class,' one of the advertising agentssaid. And thatsummed it up. She was also lonely. From time to time shewent out ondates, but they were meaningless. She was workingsteadily, but she feltshe was no nearer to her goal than she was when she hadfirst arrived inNew York. I have to find a way to make contact with thetop designers,Kendall thought. ' have you booked for the next fourweeks," Roxannetold her. ' loves you.' ' ...' ', Kendall?"

"I don't want to do this anymore.' Roxanne stared at herdisbelievingly.

"What!' ' want to do runway modeling.' 84 Runway modelingwas what mostmodels aspired to. It was the most exciting and the mostlucrative formof modeling. Roxanne was dubious. ''s almost impossible tobreak intoand ''m going to.' Roxanne studied her. ' really mean it,don't you?'

'.' Roxanne nodded. ' right. If you'fe serious about this,the firstthing you have to do is learn to walk the beam.' ' Roxanneexplained.That afternoon, Kendall bought a six-foot narrow woodenbeam,sandpapered it to avoid splinters, and placed it on herfloor. The firstfew times she tried to walk on it, she fell off. This isnot going to beeasy, Kendall decided. But I'm going to do it' Eachmorning she got upearly and practiced walking the beam on the balls of herfeet. Lead withthe pelvis. Feel with the toes. Lower the heel. Day by dayher balanceimproved. She strode up and back in front of a full-lengthmirror, withmusic playing. She learned to walk with a book on herhead. Shepracticed changing rapidly from sneakers and shorts tohigh heels and anevening gown. 85 When Kendall felt that she was ready, shewent back toRoxanne. ''m sticking my neck out for you,' Roxanne toldher. ' islooking for a runway model. I recommended you. He's goingto give you achance.' Kendall was thrilled. Ungaro was one of the mostbrilliantdesigners in the business. The following week, Kendallarrived at theshow. She tried to seem as casual as the other models.Ungaro handedKendall the first outfit she was to wear and smiled. 'luck."

"Thanks.' When Kendall went out on the runway, it was asthough she hadbeen doing it all her life. Even the other models wereimpressed. Theshow was a big success, and from that time on- Kendall wasa member ofthe elite. She started working with the giants of the

fashion industry -Yves Saint Laurent, Halston, Christian Dior, Donna Karan,Calvin Klein,Ralph Lauren, St. John. Kendall was in constant demand,traveling toshows all over the world. In Paris, the haute coutureshows took placein January and July. In Milan, the peak months were March,April, Mayand June, while in Tokyo, shows peaked in April andOctober. It was ahectic, busy life, and she loved every minute of it. 86Kendall keptworking and she kept learning. She modeled the clothes offamousdesigners and thought about the changes she would make ifshe were thedesigner. She learned how clothes were supposed to fit,and how fabricwas supposed to move and swing around the body. Shelearned about cutsand drapes and tailoring, and what body parts women wantedto hide, andwhat parts they wanted to show. She made sketches at home,and the ideasseemed to. flow. One day, she took a portfolio of hersketches to thehead buyer at I Magnin's. The buyer was impressed. 'designed theset sheasked. , did! ''hey're good. They're very good! Two weekslater, Kendallwent to work for Donna Karan as an Issistant and began tolearn thebusiness side of the garment trade. At home, she keptdesigning clothes.One year later, she had her first fashion show. It was adisaster. Thedesigns were ordin4ry and nobody cared. She gave a secondshow, and noone came. I'm in the wrong profession, Kendall thought.One day you'regoing to be a very famous designer. What am I doing wrong?

Kendall wondered. The epiphany came in the middle of the

night. Kendallawakened and lay in bed, thinking, I'm designing dressesfor models -towear. I should be designing for real women with realjobsandrealfamilies. Smari, but comfortable. Chic, but practical.87 It tookKendall about a year to get her next show on, but it wasan instantsuccess. Kendall rarely returned to Rose Hill, and whenshe did, thevisits were dreadful. Her father had not changed. Ifanything, he hadgotten worse. ''t hooked anybody yet,, eh? Probably neverwill.' It wasat a charity ball that Kendall met Marc Renaud. He workedat theinternational desk of a New York brokerage house, where hedealt withforeign currencies. Five years younger than Kendall, hewas anattractive Frenchman, tall and lean. He was charming andattentive, andKendall was immediately attracted to him. He asked her todine the nextevening, and that night Kendall went to bed with him. Theywere togetherevery night after that. - One evening, Marc said,'Kendall,I'm madly inlove with you, you know.' She said softly, ''ve beenlooking for you allmy life, Marc.' ' is a serious problem. You are a bigsuccess.

I don't make anywhere near as much money as you. Perhapsone day -"Kendall had put her finger to his lips. ' it. You've givenme more thanI could ever have hoped for.' On Christmas Day, Kendalltook Marc toRose Hill to meet her father. ''re going to marry him?'Harry Stanfordexploded. ''s a nobody! He's marrying you for the money hethinks you're

going to get.' If Kendall had needed any further reason tomarry Marc,that would have been it. They got married in Connecticutthe followingday. And Kendall's marriage to Marc gave her happiness shehad neverknown before. ' mustn't let your father bully you,' he hadtold Kendall.' his life, he has used his money as a weapon. We don'tneed his money.'And Kendall had loved him for that. Marc was a wonderfulhusband - kind,considerate, and caring. I have everything, Kendallthought happily. Thepast is dead. She had succeeded in spite of her father. Ina few hours,the fashion world was going to be focused on her talent.The rain hadstopped. It was a good omen. The show was stunning. At itsend, withmusic playing and flash bulbs popping, Kendall walked outonto therunway, took a bow and received an ovation.

Kendall wished that Marc could have been in Paris with herto share hertriumph, but his brokerage house had refused to give himthe time off.

89 When the crowd had left, Kendall went back to heroffice, feelingeuphoric. Her assistant said, ' letter came for you. Itwashand-delivered.' Kendall looked at the brown envelope herassistanthanded her, and she felt a sudden chill. She knew what itwas aboutbefore she opened it. The letter read: Dear Mrs. Renaud, Iregret toinform you that the Wild Animal Protection Association isshort Of fundsagain. We will need $100,000 immediately to cover ourexpenses. Themoney should be wired to account number 804072-A at the

Cr6dit Suissebank in Zurich. There was no signature. Kendall sat there,staring atit, numb. It's never go M*g to stop. The blackmail isnever going tostop. Another assistant * came hurrying into the office.'! I'm sosorry. I just heard some terrible news.' I can't bear anymore terriblenews, Kendall thought. ' ... what is it?' ' was anannouncement onRadio-T616 Luxembourg. Your father is ... dead. Hedrowned.' It tookKendall a moment for it to sink in. Her first thought was,I wonder whatwould have made him prouder? My success or the fact thatI'm a murderer?

Chapter Ten.

Peggy Malkovich had been married to, Woodrow '' Stanfordfor two years,but to the residents of Hobe Sound, she was still referredto as 'thatwaitress'. Peggy had been waiting on tables at the RainForest Grillewhen Woody first met her. Woody Stanford was the goldenboy of HobeSound. He lived in the family villa, had classical goodlooks, wascharming and greganous, and a target for all the eagerdebutantes inHobe Sound, Philadelphia, and Long Island. It wastherefore a seismicshock when he suddenly eloped with a twenty-five-year-oldwaitress whowas plainlooking, a high-school dropout, and the daughterof a daylaborer and a housewife. It was even more of a shockbecause everyonehad been expecting Woody to marry Mimi Carson, abeautiful, intelligentyoung heiress to a timber fortune who was madly in lovewith Woody. As a

rule, the residents of Hobe Sound preferred to gossipabout, theaffairs of their servants rather than' their peers, but inWoody's case,his marriage was so. outrageous that they made anexception. The 91information quickly spread that he had gotten PeggyMalkovich pregnantand then married her. They were quite sure which was thegreater sin. 'God's sake, I can understand the boy getting her pregnant,but you don'tmarry a waitress!' The whole affair was a classic case ofWja vu.Twenty-four years earlier, Hobe Sound had been rocked by asimilarscandal involving the Stanfords. Emily Temple, thedaughter of one ofthe founding families, had committed suicide because herhusband hadgotten the children's governess pregnant. Woody Stanfordmade no secretof the fact that he hated his father, and the generalfeeling was thathe had married the waitress out of spite, to show that hewas a morehonorable man than his father. The only person invited tothe weddingwas Peggy's brother, Hoop, who flew in from New York. Hoopwas two yearsolder than Peggy and worked in a bakery in the Bronx. liewas tall andemaciated, with a pockmarked face and a heavy Brooklynaccent. ''regetting' a great girl,' he told Woody after the ceremony.

"I know,' Woody said tonelessly. ' take good care of mysister, huh?"

"I'll do my best.' '. Cool.' An unmemorable conversationbetween a bakerand the son of one of the wealthiest men in the world. 92Four weeksafter the wedding, Peggy Jost the baby. Hobe Sound is a

very exclusivecommunity, and Jupiter Island is the most exclusive partof Hobe Sound.The island is bordered on the west by the IntercoastalWaterway and onthe east by the Atlantic Ocean. It is a haven of privacy -wealthy,selfcontained and protective, with indife police percapita than almostany other place in the world. Its residents pridethemselves on beingunderstated. They drive Tauruses or station wagons, andown smallsailboats, an eighteen-foot Lightning or atwenty-four-foot Quickstep.If one was not born to it, one had to earn the right to bea member ofthis Hobe Sound community. After the marriage betweenWoodrow Stanfordand ' waitress',' the burning question was, what were theresidentsgoing to do about accepting the bride into their society?Mrs. AnthonyPelletier, the doyenne of Hobe Sound, was the arbiter ofall social d.isputes, and her devout mission in life was to protect hercommunityagainst parvenus and the nouveaux riches. When newcomersarrived at HobeSound and were unfortunate enough to displease Mrs.Pelletier, it washer custom to have delivered to them, by her chauffeur, aleathertraveling case. It was her way of informing them that theywere notwelcome in the community. 93 Her friends delighted intelling the storyof the garage mechanic and his wife who had bought a housein HobeSound. Mrs. Pelletier had sent them her ritual travelingbag, and whenthe wife learned its significance, she laughed. She said,"If that oldharridan thinks she can drive me out of this place, she's

crazy!' Butstrange things began to happen. Workmen and repairmen weresuddenlyunavailable, the grocer was always out of items that' sheordered, andit was impossible to become a member of the Jupiter IslandClub or evento get a reservation at any of the good local restaurants.

And no one spoke to them. Three months after receiving thesuitcase, thecouple sold their home and moved away. So it was that whenword ofWoody's marriage got out, the community held itscollective breath.

Excommunicating Peggy Malkovich would also mean excom-municating herpopular husband. There were bets being quietly, made. Forthe first fewweeks, there were no invitations to dinners or to any ofthe usualcommunity functions. But the residents liked Woody and,after all, hisgrandmother on his mother's side had been one of thefounders of HobeSound. Gradually, people started inviting him and Peggy totheir homes.

They were eager to see what his bride was like. ' old girlmust havesomething special orwoody never would have married her.'94 They were infor a big disappointment. Peggy was dull and graceless,she had nopersonality, and she dressed badly. Dowdy was the wordthat came topeople's minds. Woody's friends were baffled. ' on earthdoes he see inher? He could have married anyone.' One of the firstinvitations wasfrom Mimi Carson. She had been devastated by the news ofWoody's marriage, but she was too proud to reveal it. Whenher closest friend had

tried to console her by saying, ' it, Mimi! You'll getover him," Mimihad replied, ''ll live with it, but I'll never get overhim." Woodytried hard to make a success of the marriage. He knew hehad made amistake, and he did not want to punish Peggy for it. Hetrieddesperately to be a good husband. The problem was thatPeggy had nothingin common with him or with any of his friends. The onlyperson Peggyseemed comfortable with was her brother, and she and Hoopspoke on thetelephone every day. ' miss him,' Peggy complained toWoody. ' you liketo have him come down and stay with us for a few days?' 'can't." Andshe looked at her husband and said spitefully, ''s got ajob.' Atparties, Woody attempted to bring Peggy into theconversations, but itwas quickly apparent that she 95 had nothing tocontribute. She sat incorners, tonguetied, nervously licking her lips, obviouslyuncomfortable. Woody's friends were aware that even thoughhe wasstaying at the Stanford villa, he was estranged from hisfather and thathe was living off the small annuity that his-mother hadleft him. Hispassion was polo and he rode the ponies owned by friends.In the worldof polo, players are ranked by goals, with ten goals beingthe best.

Woody was nine goals, and he had ridden with MarianoAguerre from BuenosAires, Wicky el Effendi from Texas, Andres Diniz fromBrazil, and dozensof other top goals. There were only about twelve ten-goalplayers in theworld, and Woody's driving ambition was to be thethirteenth. ' know

why, don't you?' one of his friends remarked. ' father wasten goals.'Because Mimi Carson knew that Woody could not afford tobuy his own poloponies, she purchased a string for him to play. Whenfriends asked why,she said, ' want to make him happy in any way I can.@When, newcomersasked what Woody did for a living, people just shrugged.In reality, hewas living a secondhand life, making money playing skinsat golf,betting on polo matches, borrowing other people's poloponies and racingyachts, and on occasion, other people's wives. 96 Themarriage withPeggy was deteriorating rapidly, but Woody refused toadmit it.

"Peggy,'he would say,'when we go to parties, please try tojoin in theconversation.' ' should I? Your friends all think they'retoo good forme.' ', they're not,' Woody assured her. Once a week, theHobe SoundLiterary Circle met at the country club for a discussionof the latestbooks, followed by a luncheon. On this particular day, asthe ladieswere dining, the steward approached Mrs. Pelletier. '.Woodrow Stanfordis outside. She would like to join you.' A hush fell overthe table. 'her in,' Mrs. Pelletier said. A'moment later, Peggy walkedinto thedining room. She had washed her hair and pressed her bestdress. Shestood there, nervously looking at the group. Mrs.Pelletier gave her anod, then said pleasantly, '. Stanford.' Peggy smiledeagerly, ',ma'am.' ' won't need you. We already have a waitress." AndMrs.Pelletier turned back to her lunch. When Woody heard the

story, he wasfurious. ' dare she do that to yoiu!'He took her in hisarms.

"Next time, ask me before you do a thing like that, Peggy.You have tobe invited to that. luncheon.' 97 11 didn't know,' shesaid sullenly.

"It's all right. Tonight we're having dinner at theBlakes', and I want"I won't go!' ' we've accepted their invitation.' ' go.' 'don't want togo without you.' ''m not going.' Woody went alone, andafter that, hebegan going to every party without Peggy. He would comehome at allhours, and Peggy was sure he had been with other women.The accidentchanged everything. It happened during a polo match. Woodywas playingthe number one position, and a member of the opposingteam, trying tostroke the ball in close quarters, accidently hit the legsof the ponythat Woody was riding. The pony went down and rolled ontop of him. Inthe pile-up that followed, a second pony kickedwoody. Atthe emergencyroom of the hospital, the doctors diagnosed a broken leg,threefractured ribs, and a punctured lung. Over the next twoweeks, therewere three separate operations, and Woody was inexcruciating pain. Thedoctors gave him morphine to ease it. Peggy came to visithim every day.

Hoop flew in from New York to console his sister. Ifisphysical pain wasunbearable, and the only relief Woody had was from thedrugs the doctorskept prescribing for him. It was shortly after Woody gothome that he

seemed to change. He began to have violent mood swings.One minute hewas his usual ebullient self, *nd the next minute he wouldgo into asudden rage or a deep depression. At dinner, laughing andtellingjokes,Woody would suddenly become angry and abusive toward Peggyand stormout. In the middle of a sentence he would drift off into adeep reverie.

He became forgetful. He would make dates and not show up;he wouldinvite people to his home and not be there when theyarrived. Everyonewas concerned about him. Soon, he became abusive to Peggyin public.

Bringing a cup of coffee to a friend one morning,,Peggyspilled some andWoody sneered, ' a waitress, always a waitress.' Peggyalso began toshow signs of physical abuse, and when people asked herwhat happened,she would make excuses. ' bumped into, a door' or ' felldown,' and shewould make light of it. The community was outraged. Now itwas Peggythey were feeling sorry for. But when Woody's erraticbehavior offendedsomeone, Peggy would defend her husband. ' is under a lotof stress,',Peggy would insist. ' isn't himself.' She would not allowanyone to sayanything against him. 98 99 It was Dr. Tichner who finallybrought itout into the open. He asked Peggy to come see him in hisoffice one day.She was nervous. ' something wrong, doctor?' He studiedher a moment.She had a bruise on her cheek, and her eye was swollen. ',are you awarethat Woody is doing drugst . Her eyes flashed withindignation. '! I

don't believe it!' She stood up. ' won't listen to this!'' down, Peggy.It's about time you faced the truth. It's becoming obviousto everyoneelse. Surely you've noticed his behavior. One minute he'son top of theworld, talking about how wonderful everything is, and thenext minutehe's suicidal.' Peggy sat there, watching him, her facepale. ''saddicted.' Her lips tightened.

"No,' she said stubbornly. ''s not.' ' is. You've got tobe realistic.Don't you want to help himt ' course, I do!' She waswringing her hands.''d do anything to help him. Anything.' ' right.

Then let's start. I want you to help me get Woody into arehabilitationcenter. I've asked him to come in and see me.' Peggylooked at him for along time, then nodded. ''ll talk to him,' she saidquietly. 100 Thatafternoon, when Woody walked into Dr. Tichner's office, hewas in aeuphoric mood. ' wanted to see me, doc? It's about Peggy,isn't iff-'No. It's about you, Woody.' Woody looked at him insurprise. '?

What's my problemt ' think you know what your problem is.'' are youtalking abouff ' you go on like this, you're going todestroy your lifeand Peggy's life. What are you taking, Woodyt '.' ' heardme.' There wasa long silence. ' want to help you.' Woody sat there,staring at thefloor. When he finally spoke, his voice was hoarse.

"You're right. I've ... I've tried to kid myself, but Ican't anylonger.' ' are you ont '.' ' Goff ' me, I've tried to

stop, but I ... Ican't.' ' need help, and there are places where you canget it.' Woodysaid wearily, ' hope to God you're right.' ' want you togo to theHarbor'Group Clinic in Jupiter. Will you try iff There wasa briefhesitation. '.' ''s supplying you with the heroint Dr.Tichner asked.101 Woody shook his head. ' can't tell you that.' ' well.I'll makearrangements for you at the clinic.' -- The followingmorning, Dr.Tichner was seated in the office of the chief of police. 'is supplyinghim with heroin,' Dr. Tichner said, ' he won't tell mewho.' Chief ofPolice Murphy looked at Dr. Tichner and nodded. ' think Iknow who.'There were several possible suspects. Hobe Sound was asmall enclave,and everyone knew everyone else's business. A liquor storehad openedrecently on Bridge Road that made deliveries to their HobeSoundcustomers at all hours of the day and night. A doctor at alocal clinichad been fined for overprescribing drugs. A gymnasium hadopened a yearearlier, on the other side of the waterway, and it wasrumored that thetrainer took steroids and had other drugs available forhis goodcustomers. But Chief of Police Murphy had another suspectin mind. TonyBenedotti had served as a gardener for many of the homesin Hobe Soundfor years. He had studied horticulture and loved spendinghis dayscreating beautiful gardens. The gardens and lawns hetended 102 were theloveliest in Hobe Sound. He was a quiet man who kept tohimself, and thepeople he worked for. knew very little about him. He

seemed to be toowell educated to be a gardener, and people were curiousabout his past.Murphy sent for him. ' this is about my driver's license,I renewed it,'Benedotti said. ' down,' Murphy ordered. ' there some kindof problemt'. You're an educated man, rightt SY es.

The chief of police leaned back in his chair. ' how comeyou're agardenert ' happen to love nature.' ' else do you happento love?"

"I don't understand.' ' long have you been gardening?'Benedotti lookedat him, puzzled. ' any of my customers been complaining?"

"Just answer the question.' ' fifteen years.' ' have anice house and aboatt '.' ' can you afford all that on what you make as agardenertBenedotti said, ''s not that big a house, and it's notthat big a boat.'' you make a little money on the side.' 103 @What do you... T ' workfor some people in Miami, don't yout '.1 "There's a lot ofItaliansthere. Do you ever do them some little favorst ' kind offavorst 'pushing drugs.' Benedotti looked at him, horrified. ' God!Of coursenot.' Murphy leaned forward. ' me tell you something,Benedotti. I'vebeen keeping an eye on you. I've had a talk with a few ofthe people youwork for. They don't want you or your mafia friends hereanymore. Isthat cleart Benedotti squeezed his eyes shut for a second,then openedthem. ' clear.' '. I'll expect you out of here bytomorrow. I don't wantto see your face again.' Woody Stanford went into theHarbor Group

Clinic for three weeks, and when he came out, he was theold Woody -charming, gracious, and delightful to be with. He wentback to playingpolo, riding Mimi Carson's ponies. Sunday was the PalmBeach Polo &Country Club's eighteenth anniversary, and South ShoreBoulevard washeavy with traffic as three thousand fans converged on thepolo grounds.They rushed to fill the 104 box seats on the west side ofthe field andthe bleachers at the opposite end. Some of the finestplayers in theworld were going to be in the day's game. Peggy was in abox seat nextto Mimi Carson, as Mimi's guest. ' told me that this isyour first polomatch, Peggy.

Why haven't you been to one beforet Peggy licked her lips.' ... I guessI've always been too nervous to watch Woody play. I don'twant him toget hurt again. It's a very dangerous sport, isn't ittMimi saidthoughtfully, ' you get eight players, each weighing aboutone hundredand seventy-five pounds, and their nine-hundred-poundponies racing ateach other over three hundred yards at forty miles an hour- yes,accidents can happen.' Peggy shuddered.- .'I couldn'tstand it ifanything happened to Woody again. I really couldn't. I gocrazy worryingabout him.' Mimi Carson said gently, ''t worry. He's oneof the best.

He studied under Hector Barrantas, you know.' Peggy waslooking at herblankly. ' ''s a ten-goal player. One of the legends ofpolo." 60h.@There was a murmur from t he crowd as the ponies moved

across the field.''s happening?' Peggy asked. ' just finished a practicesession beforethe game. They're ready to begin now.' 105 On the field,the two tearnswere starting to line up under the hot Florida sun,getting ready forthe umpire's throw-in. Woody looked wonderful, tan and fitand lithe -ready to do battle. Peggy waved and blew him a kiss. Bothteams werelined up now, side by side. The players held their malletsdown for thethrow-in. ' are usually six periods of play, calledchukkers,' MimiCarson explained to Peggy. ' chukker lasts seven minutes.The chukkerends when the bell rings. Then there's a short rest. Theychange poniesevery period. The team that scores the most goals wins.''.' Mimiwondered just how much Peggy understood.

On the field, the players' eyes were fixed on the umpire,anticipatingwhen the ball would be tossed. The umpire looked around atthe crowd,then suddenly bowled the white plastic ball between thetwo rows ofplayers. The game had begun. The action was swift. Woodymade the firstplay, getting possession of the ball and hitting anoffside forehand.

The ball sped toward a player on the opposing team. Theplayer gallopeddown the field after it. Woody rode up to him and hookedhis mallet tospoil his shot. ' did Woody do thatt Peggy asked. MimiCarson explained.' your opponent gets 106 the ball, it's legal to hook hismallet so hecan't score or pass. Woody will use an offside stroke nextto control

the ball.' The action was happening so fast that it wasalmostimpossible to follow. There were cries of, '.' '."

"Leave it.. And- the players were racing doivn the fieldat full speed.

The ponies - usually pure or three-quarter thoroughbred -wereresponsible for seventy five percent of their riders'successes. Theponies had to be fast, and have what players call polosense, being ableto anticipate their rider's every move. Woody wasbrilliant during thefirst three chukkers, scoring two goals in each one andbeing cheered onby the roaring crowd. His mallet seemed to be everywhere.It waslhe@ oldWoody Stanford, riding like the wind, fearless. By the endof the fifthchukker, Woody's team was well ahead. The players went offthe field forthe break. As Woody passed Peggy and Mimi, sitting in thefront row, hesmiled at both of them. Peggy turned to Mimi Carson,excitedly. ''t hewonderfult She looked over at Peggy. '. In every way.'Woody's teammateswere congratulating him. ' on the mark, old boy! You werefabulous!' 107' plays!' '.' ''re going out there and rub their noses init some more.They haven't got a chance!' Woody grinned.

"No problem.' He watched his teammates move out to thefield, and hesuddenly felt exhausted. I pushed myse4r too hard, hethought. I wasn'treally ready to go back to the game yet. rm not going tobe able to keepthis up. If I go out there, ra make a fool of myself Hebegan. to panic,and his heart started to pound. What I need is a little

pick-me-up. No!

I won't do that. I can't. I promised But the team iswaiting for me. I'lldo it just this once, and never again. I swear to God,this is the lasttime. He went to his car and reached into the glovecompartment. WhenWoody returned to the field, he was humming to himself,and his eyeswere unnaturally bright. He waved to the crowd, and joinedhis waitingteam. I don't even need a team, he thought. I could beatthose bastardssingle-handedly. rm the best damnedplayer in the world. Hewas gigglingto himself. The accident occurred during the sixthchukker*, althoughsome of the spectators were to insist later that it was noaccident. Theponies were bunched together, racing toward the goal, andWoody hadcontrol of the ball. Out of 108 the corner of his eye hesaw one of theopposing players closing in on him. Using a tail shot, hesent the ballto . the rear of the pony. It was picked up by Rick Hamil-@ton, thebest player on the opposing team, who began racing towardthe goal.

Woody was after him at full speed. He tried to hookHamilton's malletand missed. The ponies were getting closer to the goal.Woody keptdesperately trying to get possession of the ball, andfailed each time.

As Hamilton neared the goal, Woody deliberately swervedhis pony tocrash into Hamilton and ride him off the ball. Hamiltonand his ponywent tumbling to the ground. The crowd rose to its feet,screaming. The

umpire angrily blew the whistle and held up a hand. Thefirst rule inpolo is that when a player has possession of the ball andis headingtoward the goal, it is illegal to. cut across the line inwhich theplayer is traveling. Any player who crosses that linecreates adangerous situation and commits a foul. Play stopped. Theumpireapproached Woody, anger in his voice. ' was a deliberatefoul,Mr..Stanford!' Woody grinned. ' wasn't my fault! Hisdamned pony - "Theopponents will receive a penalty goal.' The chukker turnedinto adisaster. Woody committed two more blatant violationswithin threeminutes of each other. The penalties resulted in two moregoals for theother team. In each case the opponents were 109 awarded afree penaltyshot on an unguarded goal. In the last thirty seconds ofthe game, theopposing team scored the winning goal. What had been anassured victory,had turned into a rout. In the box, Mimi Carson wasstunned by thesudden turn of events. Peggy said timidly, ' didn't gowell, did ittMimi turned to her. ', Peggy. I'm afraid it didn't.' Astewardapproached the box. '. Carson, may I have a word with youtMimi Carsonturned to Peggy. ' me a moment.1 Peggy watched them walkaway. After thegame, Woody's team was very quiet. Woody was too ashamedto look at theothers. Mimi Carson hurried over to Woody. - ', I'm afraidI have someterrible, terrible news.' She put a hand on his shoulder.' father isdead.' Woody looked up at her and shook his head from sideto side. He

began to sob. ''m ... I'm responsibleit's m ... my fault.''. Youmustn't blame yourself. It isn't your fault."

"Yes,, it is,' Woody cried. ' it weren't for my penalties,we would havewon the game."

Chapter Eleven.

Julia Stanford had never known her father, and now he wasdead, reducedto a black headline in the Kansas, I City star: TYCOONHARRY STANFORD"DROWNS AT SEA. She sat there, staring at his photographon the frontage of the newspaper, filled with conflicting emotions. DoI hate himbecause of the way he treated my mother. or do I love himbecause he'smy father? Do Ifeel guilty because I never tried to get intouch withhim, or do I feel angry because he never tried to find me?It doesn'tmatter anymore, she thought. He's gone. Her father hadbeen dead to herall her life, and now he had died again, cheating her outof somethingshe had no words for. Inexplicably, she felt anoverwhelming sense ofloss. Stupid! Julia thought. How can I miss someone Inever knew? Shelooked at the newspaper photograph again. Do I haveanything of him inme? Julia stared into the@mirror on the wall. The eyes.have the samedeep gray eyes. Julia went into her bedroom closet,removed a batteredcardboard box, and from it lifted a leather-boundscrapbook. She sat onthe edge of her bed and opened the box. For the next twohours, shepored over its familiar contents. There were countlessphotographs of

her mother in her governess's uniform, with Harry Stanfordand Mrs.Stanford and their three young children. Most of thepictures had beentaken on their yacht, atkose Hill, or at the Hobe Soundvilla. Juliapicked up the yellowed newspaper clippings recounting thescandal thathad happened so many years before in Boston. The fadedheadlines werelurid: LOVE NEST ON BEACON HILL BILLIONAIRE HARRY STANFORDIN SCANDALTYCOON'S WIFE COMMITS SUICIDE GOVERNESS ROSEMARY NELSONDISAPPEARS Therewere dozens of gossip columns filled with innuendos. Juliasat there fora long time, lost in the past. She had been born at St.Joseph'sHospital in Milwaukee. Her earliest memories were ofliving in drearywalk-up apartments and constantly moving from city tocity. There were,times when there was no money at all, and little to eat.Her mother wascontinually ill, and it had been difficult for her to findsteady work.

The young girl quickly learned never to ask for toys ornew dresses. 112Julia started school when she was five, and her classmateswould mockher because she wore the same dress "'and scruffy shoesevery day.

When the other children 1@111,teased her, Julia foughtthem. She was arebel, and she *as always being brought up before theprincipal. Herteachers didn't know what to do with her. She was intonstant trouble.

She might have been expelled except for one thing: she wasthe brighteststudent in her class. Her mother had told Julia that her

father wasdead, and she had accepted that. But when Julia was twelveyears old,she stumbled across a picture album filled withphotographs of hermother with a group of Strangers. ' are these people?'Julia asked.

And Julia's mother decided that the time had come. ' down,my darling.'She took Julia's hand and held it tightly. There was noway to break thenews tactfully.-'That is your father, and your halfsister, and your twohalf brothers.' Julia was , looking at her, puzzled. 'don'tunderstand.' The truth had finally come out, shatteringJulia's peace ofmind. Her father was alive! And she had a half sister andtwo halfbrothers. It was too much to comprehend.'Why ... why didyou lie to me?'' were too young to understand. Your father and I ... hadan affair. Hewas married, and I ... I had to leave, to have you.' 'hate him!' Juliasaid. 113 ' mustn't hate him.' ' could he have done thisto yout shedemanded. ' happened was my fault as much as his." Eachword was agony.' father was a very attractive man, and I was young andfoolish. I knewthat nothing could ever come of our affair. He told me heloved me ...but he was married and had a family. And ... and then Ibecamepregnant.' It was difficult for her to go on. ' reportergot hold of thestory and it was in all the newspapers. I ran away. Iintended for youand me to go back to him, but his wife killed herself, andI ... I couldnever face him or the children again. It was my fault yousee. So don't

blame him.' But there was a part of the story Rosemarynever revealed toher daughter. When the baby was born, the clerk at thehospital said,''re filling out the birth certificate. The baby's name isJulia NelsontRosemary had started to say yes, and then she thoughtfiercely, No!She's Harry Stanford's daughter. She's entitled to hisname, and hissupport. ' daughter's name is Julia Stanford.' She hadwritten to HarryStanford, telling him about Julia, but she had never had areply. Juliawas fascinated by the idea that she had a family she hadnot knownabout, and also by the fact that they were famous enoughto be writtenabout in the pre ss. She went to the public library andlooked up 114everything she Could, about Harry Stanford. There , dozensof articlesabout him. He was a billionaire, "and he lived in anotherworld, a worldthat Julia and her mother were totally excluded from. oneday, when oneof Julia's classmates teased her , being poor, Julia saiddefiantly, ''mnot poor! My father is one of the- richest men in theworld. We have ayacht and an airplane, and a dozen beautiful ,.' Herteacher heard her.', come up here.' Julia approached the teacher's desk. 'must not ttella lie like that."

"It's not a lie,' Julia retorted. ' father is abillionaire! He knowspresidents and kings!' The teacher looked at the younggirl standingbefore her in her shabby cotton dress and said, ', that'snot true.@ '1st' Julia said stubbornly. She was sent to theprincipal's office. She

never mentioned her father at school again. , Julialearned that thereason she and her mother kept moving from city to citywas because ofthe news media. Harry Stanford was constantly in thepress, and thegossip newspapers and magazines kept digging up the oldscandal.Investigative reporters would eventually discover whoRosemary Nelsonwas and where she arrived, and she would have to takeJulia and flee. 115Julia read every newspaper story that appeared about HarryStanford, andeach time, she was tempted to telephone him. She wanted tobelieve thatduring all those years he had been desperately searchingfor her mother.I'll call and say, ' is your daughter. If you want to seeus . And hewould come to them and fall in love all over again, andmarry hermother, and they would all live happily together. JuliaStanford grewinto a beautiful young woman. She had lustrous dark hair,a laughing,generous mouth, the luminous gray eyes of her father, anda gentlycurved figure. But when she smiled, people forgot abouteverything elsebut that smile. Because they were forced to move so often,Julia went toschools in five different states. During the summers sheworked as aclerk in -a department store, behind the counter in adrugstore, and asa receptionist. She was always fiercely independent.

They were living in Kansas City, Kansas, when Juliafinished college ona scholarship. She was not sure what she wanted to do withher life.

Friends, impressed by her beauty, suggested that she

become a movieactress. ''d be a star overnight!' Julia had dismissed theidea with acasual, ' wants to get up that early every morning?' Butthe real reasonshe was not interested was 116 use she wanted, above all,her privacy.It seemed to Julia that all their lives, she and hermother had been@hoiinded by the press because of what had happened somany yearsearlier. Julia's dream of one day uniting her mother andfather ,,endedthe day her mother died. Julia felt an overpowering senseof loss.

Myjather has to know, Julia thought. Mother was a part ofhis life. Shelooked up the telephone number of his businessheadquarters in Boston. Areceptionist answered. ' morning, Stanford Enterprises.'Juliahesitated. ' Enterprises. Hello? May I help yout SlowlyJulia replacedthe receiver. Mother wouldn't have wanted me to make thatcall.

She was alone now. She had no one. Julia buried her motherat MemorialPark Cemetery in Kansas City. There were no mourners.Julia stood at thegraveside and thought, It isn'tfair, Mama You made onemistakeandpaidjor it-the rest of your life. I wish I could havetaken some ofyour pain away. I love you very much, Mama. I'll alwayslove you. Allshe had left of her mother's years on earth was acollection of oldphotographs and clippings. With her mother gone, Julia'sthoughts turnedto the Stanford family. They were rich. She could go tothem 117 _LL-for help. Never, she decided. Not after the way Harry

Stanford treatedmy mother. But she had to earn a living. She was facedwith a careerdecision. She thought wryly, Maybe I'll become a brainsurgeon. Or apainter? Opera singer? Physicist? Astronaut? She settledfor asecretarial course at night school at Kansas City, Kansas,CommunityCollege. The day after Julia finished the course, shevisited anemployment agency. There were a dozen applicants waitingto see theemployment counselor. Sitting next to Julia was anattractive woman herage. '! I'm Sally Connors.' ' Stanford.' ''ve got to get ajob today,'Sally moaned. ''ve been kicked out of my apartment.' Juliaheard hername called. ' luck!' Sally said. '.' Julia walked intothe office ofthe employment counselor. ' down, please.' ' you.' ' seefrom yourapplication that you have a college education and summerworkexperience. And you have a high recommendation from thesecretarialschool.' 118 she looked at the dossier on her desk. ' takeshort. handat ninety words per minute, and type at sixty ,..,wordsper minutet ',ma'am.' ' might have just the thing for you. There's asmall firm ofarchitects that's looking for a secretary. The -salaryisn't very large,I'm afraid.' ''s okay,' Julia said quickly. ' well. I'mgoing to sendyo@ over there.' She handed Julia a slip of paper with atyped name andaddress on it. ''ll interview you at noon tomorrow.1 Juliasmiledhappily. ' you.' She was filled with a sense ofexcitement. When Juliacame out of the office, Sally's name was being called. '

hope you getsomething,' Julia said. '! On an impulse, Julia decided tostay andwait. Ten minutes later, when Sally came out of the inneroffice, shewas grinning. ' got an interview! She telephoned, and I'mgoing to theAmerican Mutual Insurance Company, tomorrow for areceptionist job. Howdid you dot ''ll know tomorrow, too.' ''m sure we'll makeit. Why don'twe have lunch together and celebratet '.' 119 At lunchthey talked, andtheir friendship clicked instantly. @ ' looked at an,apartment inOverland Park,' Sally said. ''s a two-bedroom and bath,with a kitchenand living room. It's really nice. I can't afford italone, but if thetwo of us.. Julia smiled. ''d like that.' She crossed herfingers. ' Iget the job."

"You'll get it!' Sally assured her. On the way to theoffices of Peters,Eastman & Tolkin, Julia thought, This could be my bigopportunity. Thiscould lead anywhere. I mean, this isn't just a job. r1l beworking forarchitects. Dreamers who build and shape the city'sskyline, who createbeauty and magic out of stone. Maybe ril studyarchitecture myse#@,' sothat I can help them and be a part of that dream. Theoffice was in adingy old commercial building on Amour Boulevard. Juliatook theelevator to the third floor, got off and stopped at ascarred doormarked PETERS, EASTMAN & TOLKIN, ARCHITECTS. She took adeep breath tocalm herself and entered. ' men were waiting for her inthe receptionroom, examining her as she walked in the door. ''re here

for thesecretarial jobt ', sir.' ''m Al Peters.' The bald -one.

"Bob Eastman.' The ponytail. 120 ' Tolkin.' The potbelly.They allappeared to be somewhere in their forties. ' understandthis is yourfirst secretarial job,' Al Peters said. ', it is,' Juliareplied.

Then quickly she added, ' I'm a fast learner. I'll workvery hard.'Shedecided not to me ntion her idea about going to school tostudy yet. Shewould wait unt'il they got to know her better. ' right,we'll try youout,' Bob Eastman said,'and see how it goes.' Julia felt asense ofexhilaration. ', thank you! You won't be - 9 ' thesalary,' Max Tolkinsaid. ''m afraid we can't pay very much at the beginning.'''s allright,' Julia said. ' ...' ' hundred a week,' A] Peterstqld her. Theywere right. It was not much money. Julia made a quickdecision. ''lltake it.' They looked at one another and exchanged smiles.'!' Al Peterssaid. ' me show you around.' The tour took only a fewseconds. There wasthe little reception room and three small offices thatlooked as thoughthey had been furnished by the Salvation Army. Thelavatory was down thehall. They were all architects, but Al, Peters was thebusinessman, BobEastman was the salesman, and Max Tolkin handledconstruction. ''ll beworking for all of us,' Peters told her. 121 '.' Juliaknew she wasgoing to make herself indispensable to them. Al Peterslooked at hiswatch. ''s twelve thirty. How about some lunch?' Juliafelt a little

thrill. She was part of the team now. they're inviting meto lunch. Heturned to Julia. ''s a delicatessen down the block. I'llhave a cornedbeef sandwich on rye with mustard, potato salad, and aDanish.' '.' Somuch for ''re inviting me to lunch.' Tolkin said, ''llhave a pastramiand some chicken soup: ', sir.' Bob Eastman spoke, up.''ll have the potroast platter and a soft drink.' ', make sure the cornedbeef is lean,'Al Peters told her. ' corned beef.' Max Tolkin said, 'sure that thesoup is hot.' '. Soup hot.' Bob Eastman said, ' my softdrink a dietcola.' ' cola.' ''s some money.'Al Peters handed her atwentydollarbill. Ten minutes later, Julia was in the delicatessen,talking to theman behind the counter. ' want one lean corned beefsandwich on rye withmustard, potato salad, and a Danish. A pastrami sandwichand very 122hot chicken soup. And a pot roast platter and diet cola.,he man nodded.' work for Peters, Eastman, A Tolkin, huh?' and Sallymoved into theapartment in Overland the following week.

The apartment consisted of ro small bedrooms, a livingroom withfurniture that ' seen too many tenants, a kitchenette,dinette, and abathroom. 7hey'll never confuse this place with the AM,Julia thought.

"We'll take turns at cooking,' Sally suggested. '.' Sallyprepared thefirst meal, and it was delicious. The next night wasJulia's turn.

Sally took one bite of the dish that Julia had made andsaid, ', I don't

have a lot of life insurance. Why don't I do the cookingand you do thecleaning?' The two roommates got along well. On weekendsthey would goto see movies at the Glenwood 4, and shop at the BannisterMall. Theybought their clothes at the Super Flea Discount House. Onenight a weekthey went out to an inexpensive restaurant for dinner -Stephenson's OldApple Farm or the cafe Max for Mediterranean specialties.When theycould afford it, they would drop in at Charlie Charlies tohear jazz.123 Julia enjoyed working for Peters, Eastman & Tolkin. Tosay that thefirm was not doing well was an understatement.

Clients were scarce. Julia felt that she wasn't doing muchto help buildthe skyline of the city, but she enjoyed being around herthree bosses.

They were like a surrogate family, and each one confidedhis problems toJulia. She was capable and efficient, and she very quicklyreorganizedthe office. Julia decided to do something about the lackof clients. Butwhat? She soon had the answer. There was an item in theKansas City Starabout a luncheon for a new executive secretaryorganization. Thechairperson was Susan Bandy. The following day, at noon-,Julia said toAl Peters, ' may be a little late coming back from lunch.'. He smiled.

"No problem, Julia.' He thought how lucky they were tohave her. Juliaarrived at the Plaza Inn and went to the room where theluncheon wasbeing given. The woman seated at the table near the doorsaid, ' I help

Your '. I'm here for the Executive Women's luncheon.' 'name?' 'Stanford.' The woman looked at the list in front of her.

"I'm afraid I don't see your -' Julia smiled. ''t thatjust like Susan?I'll have to 124 have a talk with her. I'm the executivesecretary withPeters, Eastman, & Tolkin.' The woman looked uncertain.

"Well .. ''t worry about it. I'll just go in and find ,.'In the banquetroom was a group of well-dressed women chatting amongthemselves. Juliaapproached one of them. ' one is Susan Bandy?"

"She's over there.' She indicated, a tall, strikinglooking woman in herforties. Julia went up to her. '. I'm Julia Stanford.' '.'''m withPeters, Eastman, & Tolkin. I'm sure you've heard of them.'', I ...'''re the fastest growing architectural firm in KansasCity." 41 see.1 'don't have a lot of time to spare, but I would like tocontributewhatever I can to the organization.' ', that's very kindof you, Miss... '.' That was the beginning. The Executive Women'sorganizationrepresented most of the top firms in Kansas City, and inno time at all,Julia was networking with them. She had lunch with one ormore of theindividual members at least once a week.

125 ' company is going to put up a new building inOlathe.' And Juliawould immediately report back to her bosses. @ '. Hanleywants to builda summer home in Tonganoxie.' And before anyone else foundout about it,Peters, Eastman & Tolkin had the jobs. Bob Eastman calledJulia in one

day and said, ' deserve a raise, Julia. You're doing agreat job.

You're one hell of a secretary!' ' you do me a favortJulia asked.

"Sure.' ' me an executive secretary. It will help mycredibility." Fromtime to time, Julia would read newspaper articles abouther father, orwatch him being interviewed on television. She nevermentioned him toSally or to her employers. When Julia was younger, one ofher daydreamshad been that, like Dorothy, she would one day be whiskedaway fromKansas to some beautiful, magical place. It would be aplace filled withyachts and private planes and palaces. But now, with thenews of herfather's death, that dream was ended forever. Welli I gotthe Kansaspart right, she thought wryly. I have nofamily left. But Ido, Juliacorrected herself. I have two halfbrothers and aha#sister. They'refamily.

126 Should I go visi t them? Good idea? Bad idea? I wonderhow wewouldfeel about one another? Her decision turned out to bea matter oflife or death.

Chapter Twelve.

It was the gathering of a clan of strangers. It had beenyears sincethey had seen or communicated with one another. JudgeTyler Stanfordarrived in Boston by plaiie Kendall Stanford Renaud flewin from Paris.

Marc Renaud took the tram from New York. Woody Stanfordand Peggy drove

up from Hobe Sound. The heirs had been notilied that thefuneralservices would take place at King's Chapel. The streetoutside thechurch was barricaded, and there were policemen to holdback the crowdthat had gathered to watch - the dignitaries arrive. Thevice presidentof the United States was there, as well as senators andambassadors andstatesmen from as far away as Turkey and Saudi Arabia.During hislifetime, Harry Stanford had cast a large shadow, and allseven hundredseats in the chapel would be occupied. 128 '.Tyler andWoody andKendall, with their spouses, met inside the vestry. It wasan awkwardmeeting. They were alien to one another, and the onlything they had .common was the body of the man in the hearse outside thechurch. ' is myhusband, Marc,' Kendall said. ' is my wife, Peggy. Peggy,my sister,Kendall, . my brother, Tyler.' There were polite exchangesof hellos.They stood there, uncomfortably studying one another,until an ushercame up to the group. ' me,' he said in a hushed voice. 'services areabout to begin. Would you follow me, please?' He led themto a reservedpew at the front of the chapel- They took their seats andwaited, eachpreoccupied with his or her own thoughts. I To Tyler, itfelt strange tobe back in Boston. The only good memories he had of itwere when hismother and Rosemary were alive. When he was eleven, Tylerhad seen aprint of the famous Goya painting Saturn Devouring HisSon, and he hadalways identified it with his father. And now, Tyler,looking over at

his father's coffin as it was carried into the church bythepallbearers, thought, Saturn is dead. V know your dirtylittle secret.'The minister stepped into the chapel's historic wineglassshaped pulpit.- 129 "'Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and thelife: he thatbelieveth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:and whosoeverliveth and believeth in me shall never die."' Woody wasfeelingexhilarated. He had taken a hit of heroin before coming tothe church,and it had not worn off yet. He glanced over at hisbrother and sister.Tyler has put on weight. He looks like a judge. Kendallhas turned intoa beauty, but she seems to be under a strain. I wonder ifit's becauseFather died? No. She hatedhim as much as Idid. He lookedat his wife,seated next to him. Im sorry I didn't get to show her offto the oldman. He would have died of a heart attack. The ministerwas speaking."'Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lordpitieth them thatfear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that weare dust."'Kendall was not listening to the service. She was thinkingabout the reddress. Her father had telephoned her in New York oneafternoon.

"So you've become a big-shot designer, have you? Well,let's see howgood you are. I'm taking my new gir#'riend to a charityball Saturdaynight. She's your size. I want you to design a dress forher.""Saturday? I can't, Father. I.. ''ll do it.' 130 @And shehad designedthe ugliest dress she could conceive of. It had a large

black bow infront and yards of ribbons and lace. It was a monstrosity.She had sentit to her father, and he had telephoned her again. ' gotthe dress. Bythe way, my giry'riend can't make it Saturday, so you'regoing to be mydate, and you're going to wear that dress.' ' And then theterriblephrase: ' don't want to dbgppoint me, do yotc?' I And shehad gone, notdaring to change the dress, and had spent the mosthumiliating eveningof her life. 4,For we brought nothing into this world, andit is certain we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave, andthe Lord hath takenaway;blessed be the name of the Lord!"' Peggy Stanford wasuncomfortable. She was awed by the splendor of the hugechurch and theelegantlooking people in it. She had never been to Bostonbefore, and toher it meant the world of Stanfords, with all its pomp andglory. Thesepeople were so much better than she was. She took herhusband's hand."'All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is asthe flower ofthe field ... The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; butthe word ofour God shall stand forever." 131 Marc was thinking aboutthe blackmailletter that his wife had received. It had been worded verycarefully,very cleverly. It would be impossible to find out who wasbehind it. Helooked at Kendall, seated next to him, pale and tense. Howmuch morecan she take? he wondered. He moved closer to her. "'UntoGod's graciousmercy and protection we commit you. The Lord bless you andkeep you.The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be graciousunto you. TheLord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and

give you peace,now and forever. Amen."' With the service finished, theministerannounced, The burial services will be private - familymembers only.*Tyler looked at the coffin and thought about the bodyinside. Lastnight, before the casket was secured, he had gone straightfrom Boston'sLogan International Airport to the viewing at the funeralhome. Hewanted to see his father dead. Woody watched as the coffinwas carriedout of the church past the staring mourners, and he.smiled: Give thepeopk what they want. The graveside ceremony at the oldMount AuburnCemetery in Cambridge was brief. The family watched HarryStanford'sbody being lowered to its final resting place, and as thedirt was beingthrown onto the casket 132 the minister said, "There's noneed for youto stay any longer if you don't wish to.' Woody nodded.'.' The effectof the heroin was beginning to wear off, and he wasstarting to feel-Jittery. ''s get the hell out of here.' Marc said, ' arewe going?'Tyler turned to the group. ''re staying at Rose Hill. It'sall beenarranged.,We'll stay there until the estate is settled.' 'few minuteslater, they were in limousines on their way to the house.Boston had astrict social hierarchy. The nouveaux riches lived onCommonwealthAvenue, and the social climbers on Newbury Street.

Less affluent old families lived on Marlborough Street.Back Bay was thecity's newest and most prestigious address, but BeaconHill was stillthe citadel for Boston's oldest and wealthiest families.

It was a richmixture. of Victorian townhouses and brownstones, oldchurches and chidshopping areas. Rose Hill, the Stanford estate, was abeautiful oldVictorian house that stood amid three acres of land onBeacon Hill. Thehouse that the Stanford children had grown-up in wasfilled withunpleasant memories. When the limousines arrived in frontof the house,the passengers got out and stared up at the old mansion. 'can't believeFather isn't going to be inside, waiting for us,' Kendallsaid.

133 Woody grinned. ''s too busy trying to run things Inhell.' Tylertook a deep breath. ''s go.' As they approached the frontdoor itopened, and Clark, the butler, stood there. He was in hisseventies, adignified, capable servant who had ' at Rose Hill for morethan thirtyyears. He had watched the children grow up, and had livedthrough allthe scandals. Clark's face lit up as he saw the group. 'afternoon!'Kendall gave him a warm hug. ', ifs so good to see youagain-' ' been along time, Miss. Kendall.' ''s Mrs. Renaud now. This is myhusband,Marc.' ' do you do, sir?' "My wife has told me a greatdeal about you.'' too terrible I hope,'sir.' , the contrary.

She has only fond memories of YOU. ' you, sir.1 Clarkturned to Tyler. 'afternoon, Judge Stanford.' ', Clark.' . ''s a pleasure tosee you, sir.' ' you. You're -looking very well.' ' are you,sir. I'm so sorryabout what has happened.' ' you. Are you set up here totake care of allof us?' 134 Goh, yes. I think we can make everyone

comfortable. ' I inmy old room?' Clark smiled. ' right.' He turned to Woody.411m pleasedto see you, Mr. Woodrow. I want to -' Woody grabbedPeggy's arm. ' on,'he said curtly. ' want to get freshened up.' The otherswatched as Woodypushed past them ' took Peggy upstairs. The rest of thegroup walkedinto the huge drawing room. The room was dominated by apair of massiveLouis XIV armoires.

Scattered around the room were a giltwood console tablewith a moldedmarble top, and an array of exquisite period chairs andcouches. An oluchandelier hung from the high ceiling. On the walls weredark medievalpaintings. Clark turned to Tyler. ' Stanford, I have amessage for you.Mr. Simon Fitzgerald would like you to telephone him totell him when itwould be convenient to arrange a meeting with the family.'' is SimonFitzgeraldt Marc asked. Kendall replied. ''s the familyattorney. Fatherhas been with him forever but we've never met him.' 'presume he wantsto discuss the disposition of the estate,' Tyler said.

He turned to the others. ' it's all right with all of you,I'll. arrangefor him to meet us here tomorrow morning.' ' w;ll befine,' Kendallsaid. 135 ' chef is preparing dinner,'Clark toldthem.'Will eighto'clock be satisfactory?' ',' Tyler said. ' you.' ' andMillie will showyou to your rooms.' Tyler turned to his sister and herhusband. ''llmeet down here at eight, shall we?' As Woody and Peggyentered theirbedroom upstairs, Peggy asked, ' you all right?' ''m

fine,' Woodysnapped. ' me alone.' She watched him go into the bathroomand slam thedoor shut. She stood there, waiting.

Ten minutes later, Woody came out. He was smiling. ',baby.' '."

"Well, how do you like the old house?' ''s ... it'senormous.' ''s amonstrosity.' He walked over to the bed and put his armsaround Peggy.

"This is my old room. These walls were covered with sportsposters - theBruins, the Celtics, the Red Sox. I wanted to be anathlete. I had bigdreams. In my senior year in boarding school, I wascaptain of thefootball team. I got offers of admission from half a dozencollegecoaches.' ' one did you take?' He shook his head. ' ofthem. My fathersaid they were only interested in the Stanford name, thatthey justwanted money from him. He sent me to an engineering schoolwhere theydidn't play football.' 136 He was silent for a moment.Then he mumbled,' could'a been a contenda .. She looked at him puzzled.

"Whaff He looked up. ''t you ever see On the Waterfront?'6NO. t ' was aline that Marlon Brando said. It means we both gotscrewed.' ' fathermust have been touih.' Woody gave a short, derisive laugh.

"That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said about him. Iremember whenI was just a kid, I fell off a horse. I wanted to get backon and rideagain. My father wouldn't let Ine..You'll never be arider," he said.

"You're too clumsy."' Woody looked up at her. ''s why Ibecame anine-goal polo player.' They came together at the dinnertable,,strangers to one another, seated in anuncomfortable silence,their only connection childhood traumas. Kendall lookedaround the room.

Terrible memories mingled with an appreciation for itsbeauty. Thedining table was classical French, an early Louis XV,surrounded byDirectoire walnut chairs. In one comer was ablue-and-cream. painted .

French provincial comer armoire. On the walls weredrawings by Watteauand Fragonard. Kendall turned to Tyler. ' read about yourdecision inthe Rorello case. He deserved what you gave him.' 137 'must be excitingbeing a judge,' Peggy said. ' it is.' ' kind of cases doyou handletMarc inquired. ' cases - rapes, drugs, murder.' Kendallturned pale andstarted to say something, and Marc grabbed her hand andsqueezed it as awarning. Tyler said politely to Kendall, ''ve become asuccessfuldesigner.' Kendall was finding it hard to breathe. '.' 'fantastic,'Marc said. ' Marc, what do you do?' ''m with a brokeragehouse.' ',you're one of those young Wall Street millionaires.' ',not exactly,judge. I'm really just getting started.' Tyler gave Marc apatronizinglook. ' guess it's lucky you have a successful wife.'Kendall blushedand whispered in Marc's ear, ' no attention. Remember Ilove you.' Woodywas beginning'to feel the effect of the drug. He turned tolook at hiswife.

"Peggy could use some decent clothes,' he said. ' shedoesn't care howshe looks.'Do you, angelt Peggy sat there, embarrassed,not knowing whatto say. ' a little waitress costume?'Woody suggested. 138said, ' me.'She got up from the table Red upstairs. They were allstaring at Woody.He grinned. ''s oversensitive. So, we're having adiscussion about thewill tomorrow, eh?' ''s right,' Tyler said.

"I'll make you a bet the old man didn't leave us onedime.' Marc said,"But there's so much money in the A*ate .. Woody snorted.' didn't knowour father. He probably left us his old jackets and a boxof cigars. Heliked to use his money to control us. His favorite, linewas I I Youdon't want to disappoint me, do yotc? " And we all behavedlike goodlittle children because, as you said, there was so muchmoney.

Well, I'll bet the old man found a way to take it withhim.' Tyler said,"We'll know tomorrow, won't we?' Early the followingmorning, SimonFitzgerald and Steve Sloane arrived. Clark escorted theminto thelibrary. ''ll inform the family that you're here,'he said.' you." Theywatched him leave. The library was huge and opened onto agarden throughtwo large French doors. The room was paneled indark-stained oak, andthe walls were lined with bookcases filled with handsomeleather-boundvolumes. There was a scattering of comfortable chairs andItalianreading lamps. In one comer stood a 139 customizedbeveled-glass and

ormolu-mounted mahogany cabinet that displayed HarryStanford's enviablegun collection. Special drawers had been designed beneaththe displaycase to house the ammunition. ''s going to be aninteresting morning,'Steve said. ' wonder how they're going to react.' ''llfind out soonenough.' Kendall and Marc came into the room first. SimonFitzgeraldsaid," Good morning. I'm Simon Fitzgerald. This is myassociate, SteveSloane.' ''m Kendall Renaud, and this is my husband,Marc.' The menshook hands. Woody and Peggy entered the room. Kendallsaid, ', this isMr. Fitzgerald and Mr. Sloane.' Woody nodded. '.

Did you bring the cash with YOUT ', we really ...' ''monly kidding!

This is my wife, Peggy.' Woody looked at Steve. ' the oldman leave meanything or ... T Tyler entered the room. ' morning.' 'Stanfordt - '.'''m Simon Fitzgerald, and this is Steve Sloane, myassociate. It wasSteve who arranged to have your father's body brought backfromCorsica.' Tyler turned to Steve. ' appreciate that. We'renot 140 whathappened exactly. The press has had so many differentversions of thestory. Was there foul @'.`play involved?' 7. '. It seemsto have been anaccident. Your father's was caught in a terrible storm offthe coast of_@Xorsica. According to a deposition from Dmitri Kamv-1 y,hisbodyguard, your father was standing on the outside verandaof his cabinand the wind blew some Oapers out of his hand. He reachedior them, losthis R@ balance and fell overboard. By the time they

recovered W body, itwas too late.' ' a horrible way to die.' Kendallshuddered.

"Did you talk to this Kaminsky person?'Tyler asked. ', no.

By the time I arrived in Corsica, he had left.' Fitzgeraldsaid, 'captain of the yacht had advised your father not to sailinto thatstorm, but for he was in a hurry to return here. He hadsome reasonarranged for a helicopter to bring him back. There wassome kind ofurgent problem-' Tyler asked, ' you know what the problemwast backhere. '. I cut short my vacation to meet him 1 don't knowwhat Woodyinterrupted. ''s all very interesting, but it's ancienthistory, isn'tit? Let's talk about the will. Did he leave us anything ornott Hishands were twitching. ' don't we sit down?' Tylersuggested. They tookchairs. Simon Fitzgerald sat at the desk, 141 facing them.He opened abriefcase and started to take out some papers. Woody wasready toexplode. '? For God's sake, did he or didn't het Kendallsaid, Woody...' ' know the answer,'Woody said angrily. ' didn't leaveus a damncent.' Fitzgerald looked into the faces of the children ofHarryStanford. ' a matter of fact,' he said, ' of you willshare equally inthe estate.' Steve could feel the sudden euphoria thatswept through theroom. Woody was staring at Fitzgerald, openniouthed. '?

Are you seriousr Hejumped to his feet. ''s fantastic!' Heturned to theothers. ' you hear that? The old bastard finally camethrough!" He

looked at Simon Fitzgerald. ' much money are we talkingabouff ' don'thave the exact figure. According to the latest issue ofForbes magazine,Stanford Enterprises is worth six billion dollars. Most ofit isinvested in various corporations, but there is roughlyfour hundredmillion dollars available in liquid assets.' Kendall waslistening,stunned. ''s more than a hundred million dollars for eachof us. I can'tbelieve it!' Fmfree, she thought. I can pay them off andbe rid ofthemforever. She looked at Marc, her @ace shining, andsqueezed hishand. ',' Marc said. He knew more than 142 1.1be otherswhat the moneywould mean. Simon Fitzgerald spoke up. ' you know,ninety-nine percent ofthe shares in Stanford Enterprises was held by yourfather. So thoseshares will be divided . among you. Also, now that hisfather isdeceased, Judge Stanford owns outright that other onepercent that hadbeen held in trust. Of course, there will be certainformalities.Furthermore, I should inform you that there is apossibility of anotherheir being involved.' ' heirt Tyler asked.

"Your father's will specifically provides that the estateis to bedivided equally among his issue.' Peggy looked puzzled. '... what doyou mean by issuet Tyler spoke up. '-born descendants andlegallyadopted descendants.' Fitzgerald nodded. ' is correct. Anydescendantborn out of wedlock is deemed a descendant of the motherand the father,whose protection is established under the law of thejurisdiction.? , -

' are you saying?' Woody -asked impatiently. ''m sayingthat there maybe'another claimant.' Kendall looked at him. ' SimonFitzgeraldhesitated. There was no way to be tactful. ''m sure thatyou are allaware of the fact that a number of years ago, your fathersired a childby a governess who worked here.' ' Nelson," Tyler said.143 '. Herdaughter was born at St. Joseph's Hospital in- Milwaukee.She named herJulia.' The room was thick with silence. "Hey!" Woodyexclaimed. ' wastwenty-five years ago-P '-six, to be exact., Kendallasked, ' anyoneknow where she is?' Simon Fitzgerald could hear HarryStanford's voice:' wrote to tell me that it was a girl. Well, ifshe thinksshe's going toget a dirne out of me, she can go to hell.' ',' Fitzgeraldsaid slowly.' one knows where she is."

"Then what the hell are we talking about?' Woody demanded.' just wantedall of you to be aware that if she does appear, she willbe entitled toan equal share of the estate.' ' don't think we haveanything to worryabout,' Woody said confidently. ' probably never even knewwho herfather was.' Tyler turned to Simon Fitzgerald. ' say youdon't know theexact amount of the estate. May I ask why not?"

"Because our firm handles only your father's personalaffairs. Hiscorporate affairs are represented by two other law firms.I've been intouch with them and have asked them to prepare financialstatements assoon as possible.' ' kind of time frame are we talkingaboutt 144 @'p

Xendall asked anxiously. We will need $100.000 immediatelyto cover ourexpenses. ' two to three months.' Marc saw theconsternation on hiswife's face. He Wrned to Fitzgerald. ''t there some way tohurry,.,things along?' Steve Sloane answered. ''m afraid not.The will has iogo through probate court, and their calendar is ratherheavy right now.'' is a probate court?' Peggy asked. ' is from the pastparticiple ofprobare - to prove. it's the act of -' ' didn't ask youfor a damnedEnglish lesson!' Woody exploded. ' can't we just wrapthings up no Tylerturned to his brother. ' law doesn't work that way. Whenthere's adeath, the will has to be filed in the probate court.There has to be anappraisal of all assets - real estate, closely heldcorporations, cash,jewelry - then an inventory has to be prepared and filedin the court.Taxes have to be taken care of, and specific bequestspaid. After that,-a petition is filed for permission to distribute thebalance of theestate to the beneficiaries.' Woody grinned, ' the hell.I've waitedalmost forty years to be a millionaire. I guess I can waitanother monthor two.' Simon Fitzgerald stood up. ' from your father'sbequests toyou, there are some minor gifts, 145 but they don't affectthe bulk ofthe estate." Fitzgerald looked around the room. ', ifthere's nothingelse ..

Tyler rose. ' think not. Thank you, Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr.Sloane. If thereare any problems, we'll be in touch.' Fitzgerald nodded tothe group.

%adies and gentlemen.' He turned and went toward the door,Steve Sloanefollowing him. Outside, in the driveway, Simon Fitzgeraldturned toSteve. ', now you've met the family. What do you think?' 'was more likea celebration than a mourning. I'm puzzled by something,Simon. If theirfather hated them as much as they seem to hate him, whydid he leavethem all that money?' Simon Fitzgerald shrugged. ''ssomething we'llnever know. Maybe that's why he was coming to see me, toleave the moneyto someone else.' None of the group was able to sleep thatnight-, eachlost in his or her own thoughts. Tyler was thinking, It'shappened. It'sreally happenedl I can afford to give Lee the worldAnything!Everything! Kendall was thinking, As soon as I get themoney, ru find away to buy them off permanently, and I'll make sure theynever bother meagain. Woody was thinking, I'm going to have the beststring 146 of poloponies in the world. No more borrowing other people'sponies. rm goingto be ten goals! He glanced over at Peggy, sleeping at hisside.Thefirst thing I'll do is get rid of this stupid bitch.Then he thought,No, I can't do that ... He got out of bed and went intothe bathroom.When he came out, he was feeling wonderful. The atmosphereat breakfastthe next morning was exuberant. ',' Woody said happily, 'suppose all ofyou have been making plans.' Marc shrugged. ' does oneplan forsomething like this? It is an unbelievable amount ofmoney.' Tylerlooked up. ''s certainly going to change all ur live..

Woody nodded. ' bastard should have given it to us whilehe was alive,so we could have enjoyed it then. If it's not impolite tohate the dead,I have to tell you something ...' Kendall saidreproachfully, "Woody...' ', let's not be hypocrites.- We all despised him, andhe deservedit. Just look what he tried to -' Clark came into theroom. He stoodthere, apologetically, ' me,' he said.- ' is a Miss. JuliaStanford atthe door."

Chapter Thirteen.

Julia Stanfordp' They stared at one another, frozen. 'hell she is!"Woody exploded. Tyler said quickly, ' suggest we adjournto thelibrary.'He turned to Clark.'Would you send the young ladyin there,pleaset ', sir.' She stood in the doorway, looking at eachof them,obviously ill at ease. ' ... I probably shouldn't havecome,' she said.

"You're damn right!' Woody said. ' the hell are YOUT ''mJuliaStanford.' She was, almost stammering in her nervousness.'. I mean whoare you really?' She started to say something, then shookher head.

"I ... My mother was Rosemary Nelson. Harry Stanford wasmy father.' Thegroup looked at one another. ' you have any proof of thatTyler asked.151 She swallowed. ' don't think I have any real proof.' 'course youdon't,' Woody snapped. ' do you have the nerve to -TKendallinterrupted. ' is rather a shock to all of us, as you can

imagine. Ifwhat you're saying is true, then you're ... you're ourhalf sister.'Julia nodded. ''re Kendall.'She turned to Tyler. ''reTyler.' She turnedto Woody. ' you're Woodrow. They call you Woody."

"As People Magazine could have told you,' Woody saidsarcastically.

Tyler spoke up. ''m surd you can understand our position,Miss ... er... Without some positive proof, there's no way we couldpossibly accept...' ' understand.' She looked around nervously. 41 don'tknow why Icame here.' ', I think you do,' Woody said. ''s calledmoney.' ''m notinterested in the money,' she said indignantly. ' truth isthat I ... Icame here hoping to meet my family: v Kendall was studyingher. ' isyour mothert ' passed away. When I read that our fatherdied .. 'decided to look us up,'Woody said mockingly.

Tyler spoke. ' say you have no legal proof of who youare.' '9l ... Isuppose not. I didn't even think about 152 t. But thereare things. Icouldn't possibly know about unless I had heard them frommy mother.' 'examplet Marc said. She stopped to think. ' remember mymother used totalk about 4 greenhouse in the back. She loved plants andflowers, andshe would spend hours there.' Woody spoke up. ' of thatgreenhouse werein a lot of magazines.' ' else did your mother tell yo@!'Tyler asked.', there were so many things! She loved to talk about allof you and thegood times you used to have.' She thou t for a moment. 'was the day s -

gh he took you on the swan boats when you were very young.One of youalmost fell overboard. I don't remember which one.' Woodyand Kendalllooked over at Tyler. ' was the one,' he said. ' took youshopping atFilene's. One of you got lost, and everyone was in apanic.' Kendallsaid slowly, ' got lost that day.' '? What elset Tyler,asked. ' tookyou to the Union Oyster House and you tasted yo@r firstoyster and gotsick.' ' remember that." They stared at each other,silent. She lookedat Woody. ' and Mother went to the Charlestown Navy Yardto see the USSConstitution, and you wouldn't leave. She had to drag youaway.' Sheturned to Kendall. ' in the Public 153 Garden one day, youpicked someflowers and were almost arrested.' Kendall swallowed. ''sright! Theywere all listening to her intently now, fascinated. ' day,Mother tookall of you to the Natural History museum, and you wereterrified of themastodon and sea serpent skeleton.' Kendall said slowly, 'of us sleptthat night.' Julia turned to Woody. ' Christmas, she tookyou skating.You fell down and broke a tooth. When you were seven yearsold, you fellout of a tree and had to have your leg stitched up. Youhad a scar.'Woody said reluctantly, ' still do.' , She turned to theothers.

"One of you was bitten by a dog. I forgot which one. Mymother rushedyou to the emergency room at Massachusetts General.' Tylernodded. ' hadto have- shots against rabies.' Her words were coming outin a torrentnow. ', when you were eight years old, you ran away. You

were going toHollywood to become an actor. Your father was furious withyou. He madeyou go to your room without -dinner. Mother sneaked somefood up to yourroom.' Woody nodded, silent. ' ... I don't know what elseI can tellyou. I ... She suddenly remembered something. ' have aphotograph in mypurse.' She opened her purse and took it out. She handedthe picture toKendall. 154 They all gathered around to look at it. Itwas a picture ofthe three of them when they were children, standing nextto anattractive young woman in a governess's uniform.

"Mother gave me that.' Tyler asked, ' she leave youanything else?" Sheshook her head. '. I'm sorry. She didn't want anythingaround thatreminded. her of Harry Stanford.' ' you, of course,' Woodysaid.

She turned to him, defiantly. ' don't care whether youbelieve me ornot. You don't understand ... I ... I was so hoping -'Slid, broke off.

Tyler spoke. ' my sister said, your sudden appearance israther a shockfor us. I mean ... someone appearing out of nowhere andclaimingto be amember of the family ... you can see our problem. I thinkwe need alittl e time to discuss this.' ' course, I understand.' 'are youstaying?, ' the Tremont House.' ' don't you go backthere,? We'll have acar take you. And we'll be in touch shortly.' She nodded.' right.' Shelooked at each of them for a moment, and then said softly,"No matterwhat you think - you're my family.' ''ll walk you to the

door,' Kendallsaid. She smiled. ''s all right. I can find my own way. Ifeel as-if Iknow every inch of this house.' 155 They watched her turnand walk outof the room. Kendall said,'Welll It ... it looks as thoughwe have asister.' 11 don't believe it,' Woody retorted. ' seems tome ... ' Marcbegan. They were -all talking at once. Tyler raised ahand. ' isn'tgetting us anywhere. Let's look at this logically. In asense, thisperson is on trial here and we're her jurors. It's up tous to determineher innocence or guilt. In a jury trial, the decision mustbe unanimous.We must all agree.' Woody nodded.

"Right.' Tyler said, ' I would like to cast the firstvote. I think thelady is a fraud! ' fraud? How can she be?'Kendalldemanded. ' couldn'tpossibly know all those intimate details about us if sheweren't real.'Tyler turned to her. ' how many servants worked in thishouse when wewere childrent Kendall looked at him, puzzled.

"Why?' ', right? And some -of them would have knowneverything thisyoung lady told us. Over the years, there have been maids,chauffeurs,butlers, chefs. Any one of them could have given her thatphotograph aswell.' ' mean ... she could be in league with someone?2"One or more,'Tyler said. ''s not forget that there's an enormous amountof moneyinvolved.' 156 ' says she doesn't want the money.

Marc reminded them. Woody nodded. ', that's what shesays.' He looked atTyler. "But how do we prove she's a fake? There's no way

that - ' is away,' Tyler said thoughtfully. They all turned to him.

"How?' Marc asked. ''ll,,have the answer for youtom6rrow.' SimonFitzgerald said slowly, ' you saying that Julia Stanfordhas appearedafter all these yearst - ' woman who claims she's JuliaStanford hasappeared.' Tyler corrected him. ' you don't believe hertSteve asked.

"Absolutely not. The only so-called -proof of her identitythat sheoffered were some incidents from our childhood that atleast a dozenformer employees could have been aware of and an oldphotograph thatreally doesn't prove a thing. She could be in league withany one ofthem. I intend to prove she's a fraud.' Steve frowned. 'do you. proposeto do that?' ' I t s ve I ' ry simple. I want a DNA testdone.' SteveSloane was surprised. ' would mean exhuming your father'sbody.' '.'Tyler turned to Simon Fitzgerald. ' that be a problemt 'thecircumstances, I could probably obtain an exhumationorder. Has sheagreed to this test?' 157 ' haven't asked her yet. If sherefuses, it'san affirmation that she's afraid of the results! Hehesitated. ' have toconfess that I don't like doing this. But I think it's theonly way wecan determine the truth.' Fitzgerald was thoughtful for amoment.'Verywell.' He turned to Steve, ' you handle thist ' c9urse.'He looked atTyler. ''re probably familiar with the procedure. The nextof kin - inthis case, any of the deceased's children - has to apvlyto the

coroner's office for an exhumation permit. You'll have totell them thereason for the request. If it's approved, the coroner'soffice willcontact the funeral home and give them permission to goahead. Someonefrom the coronees office has to be present at theexhumation! ' longwill this take?' Tyler asked. ''d say three or four daysto get anapproval. Today is Wednesday. We should be able to exhumethe body onMonday.' '! Tyler hesitated. ''re going to need. a DNAexpert, someonewho will be convincing in a courtroom, if it ever goesthat far. I washoping you might know someone! . Steve said, J know justthe man. Hisname is Perry Winger.

He's here in Boston. He's given expert testimony in trialsall over thecountry. I'll call him.' ''d appreciate it. The sooner weget this overwith, the better it will be for all of us! 158 -tenO'clock thefollowing morning, Tyler walked to the Rose Hill library,where Woody,Peggy, Kendall and Marc were waiting. At Tyler's side wasa stranger. 61want you to meet Perry Winger,' Tyler said. ' is hetwoodyasked.

"He's our DNA expert.' Kendall looked at Tyler. ' in theworld do weneed a DNA expert fort Tyler said, ' prove that thisstranger, who soconveniently appeared out of nowhere, is an impostor. Ihave nointention of letting her get away with this.' 6you@ regoing to dig theold man upon'Woody asked. ''s right. I have our attorneysworking on theexhumation order now. If the woman is our half sister, the

DNA willprove it. If she's not - it will prove that, too. Marcsaid, ''m afraidI don't understand about this DNA.' Perry Winger clearedhis throat.

"Simply put, deoxyribonucleic acid - or DNA - is themolecule ofheredity. It contains each individual's unique geneticcode., it beextracted from traces of blood, semen, saliva, hair roots,and evenbone. Traces of it can last in a corpse for more thanfifty years.' 'see. So it is really quite simple,' Marc said. PerryWinger frowned.

"Believe me, it is not. There are two types of DNAtesting. A PCR test,which takes three days to get results, and the morecomplex RFLP 159test, which takes six to eight weeks. For our purposes,the simpler testwill be sufficient.' ' do you do the test?' Kendall asked.' are severalsteps. First, the sample is collected and the DNA is cutinto fragments.The fragments are sorted by length by placing them on abed of gel andapplying an electric current. The DNA, which is negativelycharged,moves toward the positive and, several hours later, thefragments havearranged themselves by length.' He was just getting warmedup. 'chemicals are used to split the DNA fragments apart, thenthe fragmentsare transferred to a nylon sheet, which is immersed in abath, andradioactive probes -' The eyes of his listeners werebeginning to glazeover. ' accurate is this testt Woody interrupted. ''s onehundredpercent accurate in deteriniffing if the man is not the

father. If thetest is positive, it's ninety-nine point nine percentaecurate. Woodyturned to his brother. ', you're a judge. Let's say forthe sake ofargument that she really is Harry Stanford's child. Hermother and ourfather were never married. Why should she be entitled toanything?' 'the law,' Tyler explained, 'if our father's paternity isestablished,she would be entitled to an equal share with the rest ofus.' ' I saylet's go ahead with the damned DNA test and expose her!'160 0",Tyler,Woody, Kendall, Marc and Julia were seated a table in thedining-roomrestaurant at the Tremont House. Peggy remained behind atRose Hill. 'this talk about digging up a body gives me the creeps,'she said. Nowthe group was facing the woman claiming to -be JuliaStanford. 11 don'tunderstand. what you're asking me to do.' ''s really verysimple,' Tylerinformed her. ' doctor will take a skin sample from you tocompare withour father's. If the DNA molecules match, it's positiveproof thatyou're really his daughter. On the other hand, if you'renot willing totake the test ..

"I ... I don't like it.' Woody closed in. ' nott ' don'tknow.' Sheshuddered. ' idea of digging up my father's body to ... to...' ' provewho you are.' She looked into each of their faces. ' wishall of youwould - '?' ''s no way I can convince you, is theret ',"Tyler said. 'to take this test.' There was a long silence. ' right.I'll do it.' tThe exhumation order had been more difficult to obtain

than anyone hadanticipated. Simon Fitzgerald had spoken to the coronerpersonally. 161'! For God's sake, Simon! I can't do that! Do you knowwhat a stink thatwould cause? I mean, we aren't dealing with John Doe here;we're dealingwith Harry Stanford. If this ever leaked out, the mediawould have afield day!' ', this is important.

Billions of dollars are at stake here. So you make sure itdoesn't leakout.' ''t there some other way you can ... T ''m afraidnot. The womanis very convincing.' .'But the family is not convinced.''.' ' you thinkshe's a fraud, Simont ', I don't know. But my opiniondoesn't matter. Infact, none of our opinions matters. A court will demandproof, and theDNA test will provide that.' The coroner shook his head. 'knew oldHarry Stanford. He would have hated this. I reallyshouldn't let ...' -' you will.' The coroner sighed. ' suppose so.

Would you do me a favort ' course.' ' this quiet. Let'snot have a mediacircus.' ' have my word. Top secret. I'll have just thefamily there.' 'do you want to do thist ' would like to do it on Monday.'162 Thecoroner sighed again. ' right. I'll call the neral home.You owe me one,Simon.' ' won't forget this.' At nine o'clock Mondaymorning, theentrance to the section of Mount Auburn Cemetery whereHarry Stanford'sbody was buried was temporarily closed off ' maintenancerepairs'. Nostrangers were allowed into the grounds. Woody, Peggy,Tylei', Kendall,Marc, Julia, Simon Fitzgerald, Steve Sloane, and Dr.

Collins, arepresentative from the coroner's office, stood at thesite of HarryStanford's grave, watching four employees of the cemeteryraise , hiscoffin. Perry Winger waited off to the side. When thecoffin reachedground level, the foreman turned to the group. ' do youwant us to donowt ' it, please,' Fitzgerald said. He turned to PerryWinger. ' longwill this taket ' more than a minute. I'll just get aquick skinsample.' I ' right,' Fitzgerald said.

He nodded to the foreman. ' ahead.' The foreman and hisassistants beganto unseal the coffin. I ' don't want to see this,' Kendallsaid.

"Do we have tot '!' Woody told her. ' really do.' They allwatched,fascinated, as the lid of the coffin 163 was slowlyremoved and pushedto one side. They stood there, staring down. ', my God!'Kendallexclaimed. The coffin was empty.

Chapter Fourteen.

Back at Rose Hill, Tyler had just gottei off the phone. 'says therewon't be any media leaks. The cemetery certainly doesn'twant that kindof bad pubficity. The coroner has ordered Dr. Collins tokeep his mouthshut, and Perry Winger can be trusted not to talk.' @Woody wasn'tpaying any attention. ' don't know how the bitch did it!'he said. ' sheisn't going to get away with it!' He glared at the others.' suppose youdon't think she arranged itt Tyler said slowly, ''m afraidI have to

agree with you, Woody. No one else, possibly could havehad a reason fordoing this. The woman is clever and resourceful, and she'sobviously potworking alone. I'm not sure exactly what we're upagainst.' ' are wegoing to do now?' Kendall asked. Tyler shrugged.

"Frankly, I don't know. I wish I did* I'm sure she plansto go to courtto contest the wilu ' she have a chance of winning?' Peggyaskedtimidly. 165 ''m afraid she does. She's very persuasive.She had -someof us convinced.' ' must be something we can do,' Marcexclaimed.

"What about bringing the police in on this?, ' saysthey're alreadylooking into the disappearance of the body, and they'vecome to a deadend. No pun intended,' Tyler said. ''s more, the policewant this keptquiet, or they'll have every weirdo in town turning up abody.' ' canask them to investigate this phony!' Tyler shook his head.' is not apolice matter. It's a private -' He stopped for a moment,then saidthoughtfully, ' know ...' '?' ' could hire a privateinvestigator to tryto expose her.' ''s not a bad idea. Do you know onet ',not locally. Butwe could ask Fitzgerald to find someone. Or ...' Hehesitated. ''venever met him, but I've heard about a private detectivethe districtattorney in Chicago uses a great deal.

He has an excellent reputation.' Marc spoke up. ' don't wefind out ifwe can hire him?' Tyler looked around. ''s up to the restof you.' ' canwe loset Kendall asked. ' could be expensive,' Tyler

warned. Woodysnorted. '? We're talking about billions of dollars.' 166Tyler nodded.' course. You're right.' ''s his namet Tyler frowned. 'can't remember.Simpson. Simmons ... No, that's not it. It soundssomething like that. Ican call the district attorney's office in Chicago.' Thegroup watchedas Tyler picked up the telephone @on the console anddialed a number.Two minutes later, he was speaking to an assistantdistrict attorney. 'is Judge Tyler Stanford. I xifiderstand that your officeretains aprivate detectivelrom, time to time who does excellentwork for you. Hisname is something like Simmons or =' The voice on theother end said, ',you must mean Frank Timmons.' '! Yes, that's it.' Tylerlooked at theothers and smiled. ' wonder if you could give me histelephone number soI can contact him directly?' After he wrote down thetelephone number,Tyler replaced the receiver. He turned to the group, andsaid, "Well.,then, if we all agree, I'll try to reach him.' Everyonenodded.

The following afternoon, Clark came into the drawing room,where thegroup was waiting. '. Timmons is here.' He was a man inhis forties,with a pale complexion and the solid build of a boxer. Hehad a brokennose and bright, inquisitive eyes. He looked from Tyler to167 Marc andWoody, questioningly. ' Stanford?' Tyler nodded. ''m JudgeStanford.' 'Timmons,' he said. ' have a seat, Mr. Timmons."

"Thank you.' He sat down. ''re the one who telephoned,right?' '."

"To be honest, I don't know what I can do for you. I don'thave anyofficial connections here.' ' is purely unofficial,' Tylerassured him.' merely want to trace the background of a young woman.' 'told me onthe phone she claims to be your half sister, and there'sno way ofrunning a DNA test.' ''s right,' Woody said. He looked atthe group. 'you don't believe she's your half sistert There was amoment'shesitation. ' don't,' Tyler told him. ' the other hand,it's justpossible that she is telling the truth. What we want tohire you to dois provide irrefutable evidence that she is either genuineor a fraud.'' enough. It will cost you a thousand dollars a day and-expenses.'Tyler said, ' thousand ... T ''ll pay it.' Woody cut in.

"I'll need all the information you have on this woman.'Kendall said,"There doesn't seem to be very much.' 168 IQ `@Tyler spokeup. ' has noproof of any kind. She cam in with a lot of stories thatshe saysbermother told her about our childhood, and He held up aband. ' it.

Who was her mothert ' purported mother was a governess wehad aschildren named Rosemary Nelson.' ' happened to her?' Theylooked at oneanother uncomfortably. Woody spoke up. ' had an air withour father andgot pregnant. She ran away and had a baby girl.' Heshrugged.

"She disappeared.' ' see. And this woman claims to be herchild?"

"That's right.' ''s not a lot to go on.' He sat there,thinking.

Finally he looked up. ' right. I'll see what I can do.'''s all we ask,'Tyler said. The first move he made was to go to the BostonPublicLibrary and read all the microfiche about thetwenty-six-year-oldscandal involving Harry Stanford, the governess, and Mrs.Stanford'ssuicide. There was enough material for a novel. His nextstep was tovisit Simon Fitzgerald. ' name is Frank Timmons. I'm 'know who youare,. Mr. Timmons. Judge Stanford asked me to cooperatewith you. Whatcan I do for yout ' want to trace Harry Stanford'sillegitimatedaughter. She'd be about twenty-eight, right?' 169 '. Shewas bornAugust ninth, 1969, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Milwaukee,Wisconsin.Her mother named-her Julia.' He shrugged. ' disappeared.I'm afraidthat's all the information we have.' ''s a beginning,' hesaid. ''s abeginning.' Mrs. Dougherty, the superintendent at St.Joseph's Hospitalin Milwaukee, was a gray-haired woman in her sixties. ',of course, Iremember,' she said. ' could I ever forget it? There was aterriblescandal. There were stories in all the newspapers. Thereporters herefound out who she was, and they wouldn't leave the poorgirl alone."

"Where did she go when she and the baby left heret ' don'tknow. Sheleft no forwarding address.' ' she pay her bill in fullbefore she left,Mrs. Dougherty?' ' a matter of fact ... she didn't.' ' doyou happen to

remember thatt .'Because it was so sad. I remember she satin that verychair you're sitting in, and she told me that she couldpay only part ofher bill, but she promised to send me the money for ther9st of it.Well, that was against hospital rules, of course, but Ifelt so sorryfor her, she was so ill when -she left here, and I saidyes."

"And did she send you the rest of the moneyt ' certainlydid. About twomonths later. Now 170 I recall she had gotten a job atsome secretarialservice.' ' wouldn't happen to remember where that was,would yout '.Goodness, that was about twenty-five years ago, Mr.Timmons.' '.Dougherty, do you keep all your patients' records on filet' course.'She looked up at him. ' you want me to go through therecordst He smiledpleasantly. ' you wouldn't mind.' ' it help Rosemaryt 'could mean agreat deal to her.' ' you'll excuse me." Mrs. Doughertyleft the office.She returned fifteen minutes later, holding a paper in herhand. ' itis. Rosemary Nelson. The return address is, The EliteTyping Service.Omaha, Nebraska.' The Elite Typing Service was run by aMr. OttoBroderick, a man in his sixties. ' hire so many temporaryemployees,' heprotested. ' do you expect me to remember someone whoworked here thatlong agot ' was a rather special case. She was a singlewoman, in herlate twenties, in poor health. She had just had a baby and'!' ''sright. Why do you remember hert 171 ', I like to associatethings, Mr.Timmons. Do you know what mnemonics 1st '.' ', that's what

I use. Iassociate words. There was a movie out called Rosemary'sBaby. So whenRosemary came in and told me she had a baby, I put the twothingstogether and * * *' ' long was Rosemary Nelson with yout', about ayear, I guess.

Then the press found out who she was, somehow, and theywouldn't leaveher alone. She left town in the middle of the night to getaway fromthem.' '. Broderick, do you have any idea where RosemaryNelson wentwhen she left here?' ', I think. She wanted a warmerclimate. Irecommended her to an agency I knew there.' ' I have thename of thatagencyt '. It's the Gale Agency. I can remember it becaugeI associatedit with the big storms they have down in Florida everyyear." Ten daysafter his meeting with the Stanford family, he returned toBoston. Hehad telephoned ahead, and the family was waiting for him.

They were seated in a semicircle, facing him as he enteredthe drawingroom at Rose Hill. ' said you had some news for us, Mr.Timmons," Tylersaid. ''s right.' He opened a briefcase and pulled out 172papers. ' hasbeen a most interesting case,' e said. ' I began "Cut tothe chase,'Woody said impatiently. ' she ",a fraud or noff He lookedup. ' youdon't mind, Mr. Stanford, I y uld like to present this inin own way.'Tyler gave Woody a warning look. ''s fair enough. Pleasego ahead.',They watched him consult his noiis. ' Stanford governess,RosemaryNelson, had a female child sired by Harry Stanford. She

and the childwent to Omaha, Nebraska, where she went to work for TheElite TypingService. Her employer told me that she had difficulty withthe weather.', I traced her and her daughter to Florida, where sheworked for theGale Agency. They moved around a great deal. I followedthe trail to SanFrancisco, where they were living up to ten years ago.That was the endof the trail. After that, they disappeared! ' looked up.''s it,Timmonst Woody demanded. ' lost the trail ten years agot', that is notit! He reached into his briefcase and took out anotherpaper. 'daughter, Julia, applied for a driver's license when shewas seventeen!' good is that Marc asked. ' the state of California drivers arerequired to have their fingerprints taken.' He held up acard. ' are thereal Julia Stanford's fingerprints! 173 Tyler said,excitedly, ' see! Ifthey match -' ,'Then she would really be our sister.'Woody interrupted.He nodded. ''s right. I brought a portable fingerprint kitwith me, incase you want to check her out now. Is she heret Tylersaid, ''s at alocal hotel. I've been talking to her every morning,trying to persuadeher to stay here until we get this resolved.' ''ve gother!' Woody said.''s get over there!' Half an hour later, the group wasentering a hotelroom at the Tremont House. As they walked in, she waspacking asuitcase. ' are you going?' Kendall asked. She turned toface them.

"Home. It was a mistake for me to come here in the firstplace.' Tyler

said, ' can't blame us for ... T She turned on him,furious. ' since Iarrived, I've been met with nothing but suspicion. Youthink rcame hereto take some money away from you. Well, I didn't. I camebecause Iwanted to find my family. I ... never mind.' She returnedto herpacking. _Tyler said, ' is Frank Timmons. He's a privatedetective.' Shelooked up. ' what? Am I being arrested?' ', ma'am.

Julia, Stanford obtained a driver's license in SanFrancisco when shewas seventeen years old.' 174 : stopped. ''s right. Isthat against thelaw?' ', ma'am. The point is ' point is'- Tylerinterrupted -'that JuliaStan- ','ford's fingerprints are on that license.' Shelooked at them. 'don't understand. What ... T Woody spoke up. ' want tocheck themagainst your fingerprints.' Her lips tightened. '! I won'tallow id' 'you saying that you won't kf us take your fingerprintst''s right.' 'not?' Marc asked. Her body was rigid. ' all of you make mefeel like I'msome kind of criminal. Well, I've had enough! I want youto leave mealone.' Kendall said gently, ' is your chance to prove whoyou reallyare. We've been as upset by all this as you have. We wouldlike tosettle it." She stood there, looking into their faces, oneby one.Finally she said wearily, ' right. Let's get this overwith.' '.' '.Timmons ..

. `:4<3' ' Tyler said. '.' He took out a small fingerprintkit and set it up onthe table. He opened the ink pad. ', if you'll just stepover here,

please.' The others watched as she walked over to thetable. He pickedup her hand and, one by one, pressed her fingertips ontothe pad.

Next, hepressed them onto a 175 piece of white paper. '.That wasn't sobad, was itt He placed the drivees license next to thefreshfingerprints. The group walked over to the table andlooked down at thetwo sets of prints. They were identical. Woody' was thefirst to speak.

"They're ... the ... same.' Kendall was looking at herwith a mixture offeelings. ' really are our sister, aren't yout She wassmiling throughher tears. ''s what I've been trying to tell you.'Everybody -wassuddenly talking at once. ''s incredible ... !' ' allthese years .. 'didn't your mother ever come back ... T ''m sorry we gaveyou such a badtime.' Her smile lit up the room. '? s all right.

Everything's all right now.' Woody picked up thefingqrprint card andlooked at it in awe. ' God! This is a billion-dollarcard.' He put thecard in his pocket. ''m going to have it bronzed.' Tylerturned, to thegroup. ' calls for a real celebration! I suggest we all goback to RoseHill.' He turned to her and smiled. ''ll give you awelcome home party.Let's get you checked out of here.' She looked around atthem, and hereyes were 176 shining. It, s like a dream come true. Ifinally have afamily!' Half an hour later they were back at Rose Hill,and she wassettling into her new room. The others were downstairs,talking

excitedly. ' must feel as though she's just been throughtheInquisition,' Tyler mused. ' has,' Peggy replied. ' dodiknow how shestood it.' Kendall said, ' wonder how she's going toadjust to her newlife.' ' same way we're all going to adjust,' Woody saiddryly.

"With a lot of champagne and caviar.' Tyler rose. ', forone, am gladit's finally settled. Let me go up and see if she needsany help.' Hewent upstairs and walked along the corridor to her room.He knocked ather door and called loudly, ' ''s open. Come in.' He stoodin thedoorway, and, they stared silently at each other. And thenTylercarefully closed the door, held out his hands, and brokeinto a slowgrin. When he spoke, he said, ' did it, Margo! We did it!"

Chapter Fifteen.

He had plotted it with the ineffabl& skill of a chessmaster. Only thishad been the most lucrative chess game in history, withstakes ofbillions of dollars - and he had won! He was filled with asense ofinvincible power. Is this how you felt when you closed abig deal,Father? Well, this is a bigger deal than you ever made.rve planned thecrime of the century, and rve gotten away with it. In asense, it hadall started with Lee. Beautiful, wonderful Lee. The personhe loved mostin the world. They had met in the Berlin, the gay bar onWest BelmontAvenue. Lee was tall and muscular and blond, and he wasthe mostbeautiful man Tyler had ever seen. Their meeting had

started with, ' Ibuy you a drink?' Lee had looked him over and nodded. 'would be nice.'After the second drink, Tyler had said, ' don't we have adrink over atmy placet Lee had smiled. ''m expensive.' 181 '1@e 'expensivet 'hundred dollars for the night.' Tyler had not hesitated.''s go.' Theyspent the night at Tyler's home. Lee was warm andsensitive and caring,and Tyler felt a closeness to him that he had never hadwith any otherhuman being. He was flooded With emotions he had not knownexisted. Bymorning, Tyler was madly in love. In the past, he hadpicked up youngmen at the Cairo and the Bijou Theater and several othergay hangouts inChicago, but now he knew that all that was going tochange. From now on,he wanted only Lee. In the morning, while Tyler waspreparing breakfast,he said, ' would you like to do tonightt Lee looked at himin surprise.'. I have a date tonight." Tyler felt as though he hadbeen hit in thestomach. ', Lee, I thought that you and I ...' ', dear,I'm a veryvaluable piece of merchandise. I go to the highest bidder.I like you,but I'm afraid you really can't afford me.' ' can give youanything youwant,' Tyler said.

Lee smiled lazily. '? Well, what I want is a trip to St.Tropez on abeautiful white yacht. Can you afford thatt ', I'm richerthan all yourfriends put together.' 182 '? I thought you said you are ajudge..' ', Iam, yes, but I'm going to be rich. I mean ... very rich.'Lee put hisarm around him. ''t fret, Tyler. I'm free a week from

Thursday. Thoseeggs, look delicious.' That was the beginning. Money hadbeen importantto Tyler before, but now it became an obsession. He neededit for Lee.He could not get him out of his mind. The thought of himmaking 16-4ewith other men was unbearable. rve got to have him for myown. From theage of twelve, Tyler had known that he was homosexual.

One day, his father had caught him fondling and kissing aboy from hisschool, and Tyler had borne the full brunt of his father'sfury. ' can'tbelieve I have a son, who's a faggot! Now that I know yourdirty littlesecret, I'm going to keep a close eye on you, sister.'Tylet's marriagewas a cosmic joke, perpetrated by a god with a macabresense of humor.''s someone I want you, to meet,' Harry Stanford said. Itwas Christmasand Tyler was at Rose Hill for the holidays. Kendall andWoody hadalready made their departures and Tyler was planning hiswhen thebombshell dropped. ''re going to get married.' '? That'sout of thequestion! I don't .. 183 ' to me, sister. People arebeginning to talkabout you, and I can't have that. It's bad for myreputation. If you getmarried, that will shut them UP-0 Tyler was defiant. 'don't care whatpeople say. This is my life.' ' I want it to be a richlife for you,Tyler. I'm getting older. Pretty soon ...'- He shrugged.The carrot andthe stick. Naomi Schuyler was a plain-looking woman, froma middle-classfamily, whose flaming desire in life wasto'better'herself. She was soimpressed by Harry Stanford's name that she would probably

have marriedhis son if he were pumping gas instead of being a judge.Harry Stanfordhad taken Naomi to bed once.

When someone asked him why, Stanford replied, ' she wasthere." Shequickly bored him, and he decided she would be perfect forTyler.

What Harry Stanford wanted, Harry Stanford got. Thewedding took placetwo months later. It was a small wedding - one hundred andfifty people- and the bride and groom went to Jamaica for theirhoneymoon. It was afiasco. On their wedding night Naomi said, ' kind of manhave I married,for God's sake? What have you got a dick fort 184 Tylertried to reasonwith her. ' don't need sox. We can live separate lives.

We'll stay together, but we'll each have our own ...friends.' ''redamned right, we will!' Naomi took out her vengeance onhim by becominga black-belt shopper. She bought everything at the mostexpensive storesin the city, and took shopping trips to New York. 11 can'tafford yourextravagances on my income,5 Tyler protested. ' get araise.

I'm your wife. I'm entitled to be 5 supported. Tyler wentto his fatherand explained the situation. Harry Stanford grinned. ' canbe damnedexpensive, can't they9 You'll just have to handle it.' ',Father, I needsome - 5 ' you'll have all the money in the world.' Tylertried toexplain it to Naomi, but she had no intentions of waitinguntil ''. Shesensed that that '' might never come. When Naomi had

squeezed what shecould out of Tyler, she sued for divorce, settled for whatwas left ofhis bank account, and disappeared.

, When Harry Stanford heard the news, he said,'Once afaggot, always afaggot.' And that was the end of that. His father went outof his way todemean Tyler. One day, when Tyler was on the bench, in themiddle of a185 trial, his bailiff came up to him and whispered, ' me,Your Honor...' Tyler had turned to him, impatiently. ' ''s atelephone call foryou.' '? What's the matter with you? I'm in the middle of-' ''s yourfather, Your, Honor. He says it's very urgent and he musttalk to youimmediately.' Tyler was furious. His father had no rightto interrupthim. He was tempted to ignore the call. But on the otherhand, if it wasthat urgent..'. Tyler stood up. ' is recessed for fifteenminutes.'Tyler hurried into his chambers and picked up thetelephone. ' ' hopeI'm not disturbing you, Tyler.' There was malice in hisvoice. ' amatter of fact, you are.

I'm in the middle of a trial and -' ', give him a trafficticket andforget it.' ' .. ' need your help with a serious problem.'' kind ofproblemt ' chef is stealing from me.' Tyler could notbelieve what hewas hearing. He was so angry he could hardly speak. 'called me off thebench because ... T ''re the law, aren't you? Well, he'sbreaking thelaw. I want you to come back to Boston and 186 check outmy whole staff.They're robbing me blind!' It was all Tyler could do to

keep fromexploding. ' ...' ' just can't trust those damn employmentagencies.'''m in the middle of a trial. I cantpossibly go to Bostonnow.$ Therewas a moment of ominous silence. ' did YOU' sayt ' said...' ' aren't todisappoint me again, are you, 90mg Tyler? Maybe I shouldtalk toFitzgerald abodt some changes in my will.' And there wasthe carrotagain. The money. His share of the billions of dollarswaiting for himwhen his father died. Tyler cleared his throat. ' youcould send yourplane for me ...' ', no! If you play your cards right,judge, that planewill belong to you one day.

Just think about that. Meanwhile, fly commercial likeeveryone else. ButI want you to get your ass back here!' The Fine went dead.Tyler satthere, filled with humiliation. My father has done this tome all mylife. To hell with him! I won't go. I won't go.. Tylerflew to Bostonthat evening. 187 Harry Stanford employed a staff oftwenty-two. Therewas a phalanx of secretaries, butlers, housekeepers,maids, chefs,chauffeurs, gardeners, and a bodyguard. ', every damnedone of them,'Harry Stanford complained to Tyler. ' you're so worried,why don't youhire a private detective or go to the policet ' I haveyou,' HarryStanford said. ''re a judge, right? Well, you judge themfor me.' It waspure malevolence. Tyler looked around the huge house withits exquisitefurniture and paintings, and he thought of the drearylittle house helived in. This is what I deserve to have, he thought.

And one day, r1l have it. Tyler talked to the butler,Clark, and othersenior members of the staff. He interviewed the servants,one by one,and checked their resumes. Most of the employees werefairly new becauseHarry Stanford was an impossible man to work for. Thestaff turnover atthe house was extraordinary. Some of them lasted only aday or two. Afew new employees were guilty of petty pilfering, and onewas analcoholic, but other than that, Tyler could see noproblem. Except forDmitri Kaminsky. Dmitri Kaminsky had been hired by hisfather as abodyguard and masseur. -Sitting on the bench ' had madeTyler a goodjudge of character, and there was 188 something aboutDmitri that Tylerinstantly mistrusted - He was the most recent employee.Harry Stanford'sformer bodyguard had quit -, Tyler could imagine why - andhe hadrecommended Kaminsky. The man was huge, with a barrelchest and large,muscular arms. He spoke English with a thick Russianaccent. ' want tosee met '.' Tyler gestured to a chair. ', down.' He hadlooked at theman's employment record, and it had told him very little,except thatDmitri had come from Russia recently. ' were born inRussiat '.' He waswatching Tyler warily. ' part?' '."

"Why did you leave Russia to come to Americat Kaminskyshrugged. ' ismore opportunity here.' Opportunity for what? Tylerwondered. There wassomething evasive _about the man's manner. They spoke fortwentyminutes, and at the end of -that time , was convinced that

DmitriKaminsky was concealing something. Tyler telephoned FredMasterson, anacquaintance of his with the FBI. ', I want you to do me afavor."

"Sure. If I'm ever in Chicago, will you fix my trafficticketst ''mserious.' 189 '.' ' want you to check on a Russian whocame over heresix months ago.' ' a minute. You're talking CIA, aren'tyout "Maybe, butI don't know anyone at CIA.' ' do U ', if you could dothis for me, Iwould really be grateful.' Tyler heard a sigh.

"Okay. What's his namet ' Kaminsky.' ''ll tell you whatI'll do.

I know someone at the Russian Embassy in DC. I'll see ifhe has anyinformation on Kaminsky. If not, I'm afraid I can't helpyou.' ''dappreciate it.' That evening, Tyler had dinner with hisfather.

Subconsciously, Tyler had hoped that his father would haveaged, wouldhave become more fragile, more vulnerable with time.Instead, Harry Stan*ford looked hale and hearty, in his prime. He's going tolive forever.

Tyler thought despairingly. He'll outlive all of us. Theconversation atdinner was completely one sided. ' just closed a deal tobuy the'powercompany in Hawaii ... - ''m flying over to Amsterdam nextweek tostraighten out some GATT complication ... 190 ' secretaryof state hasinvited me to accompany him to China-' Tyler scarcely gotin a word.

At the end of the meal, his father rose. ' are you comingalong with theservant problem?' ''m still checkin g them out, Father.'', don't takeforever,' his father growled, and walked out of the room.The followingmorning, Tyler received a call from Fred Masterson at theFBI.

"Tyler?' '.' ' picked a real beauty.' 40ht ' Kaminsky wasa hit man forpolgoprudnenskaya.' ''t@e hell is that ''ll explain.

There are eight criminal groups that have taken over inMoscow. They allfight among themselves, but the two most powerful groupsare thechechens and the polgoprudnenskaya. Your friend Kaminskyworked for thesecond group. Three months ago, they handed him a contracton one of theleaders of the chechens. Instead of carrying out thecontract, Kaminskywent to him to make a better deal. The polgoprudnenskayafound out aboutit and put out a contract on Kaminsky. Gangs have a quaintcustom overthere. First they chop off your fingers, then they 191 letyou bleed fora while, and then they shoot you.' ' God!' ' got himselfsmuggled- outof Russia, but they're still looking for him. And lookinghard.' ''sincredible,' Tyler said. ''s not all. He's also wanted bythe statepolice for a few murders. If you know where he is, they'dlove to havethat information.' Tyler was thoughtful for a moment. Hecould notafford to get involved in this. It could mean givingtestimony andwasting a lot of tirne. ' have no idea. I was justchecking him out fora Russian friend. Thanks, Fred.' Tyler found Dmitri

Kaminsky in hisroom, reading a hardcore porno magazine. Dmitri rose asTyler walkedinto the room. ' want you to pack your things and get outof here.'Dmitri stared at him. ''s the mattert Tm giving you achoice. You'reeither out of here by this afternoon, or I'll tell theRussian policewhere you are.' Dmitri's face turned pale. ' youunderstand?' '. Iunderstand.' Tyler went to see his father. He's going tobe pleased, hethought. rve done him a realfavor. He found him in thestudy. 192 'checked on all the staff,' Tyler said, ' ... " "I'm im.Did you find anylittle boys to take to bed with yout Tyler's face turnedred. '.. ''re aqueer, Tyler, and you'll always be a queer. I don't knowhow the hellanything like you came from my loins. Go on back toChicago with yourgutter friends.' Tyler stood there, fighting to controlhimself. ',' hesaid stiffly. He started to leave. ' there anything aboutthe staff youfound out that I should knowt Tyler turned and studied hisfather amoment. ',' he said slowly. '.' When Tyler -went toKaminsky's room, hewas packing.

, ''m going,' Kaminsky said sullenly. ''t. I've changed mymind." Dmitrilooked up, puzzled. ' ' don't want you to leave. I wantyou to stay onas my father's bodyguard.' ' about ... you know, the otherthing?' ''regoing to forget about that.' Dmitri was watching him,warily. '? What doyou want me to dot ''d like you to be my eyes and earshere. I needsomeone to keep an eye on my father, and let me know what

goes on.' 193.'Why should IT ' if you do as I say, I'm not going toturn you over tothe Russians. And because I'm going to make you a richman.' DmitriKaminsky studied him a moment. A slow grin lit his face.''ll stay.' Itwas the opening gambit. The first pawn had been movea d.That had beentwo years earlier. From time to time, Dmitri had passed oninformationto Tyler. It was mostly unimportant gossip about HarryStanford's latestromance or bits of business that Dmitri had overheard.Tyler had begunto think he had made a ims-, take, that he should haveturned Dmitri into the police. And then the fateful telephone call hadcome fromSardinia, and the gamble had paid off. ''m with yourfather on hisyacht. He just called his attorney. He's meeting On inBoston Monday tochange his will.' Tyler thought of all the humiliationshis father haddheaped on him through the years, and he was filled with aterrible rage.Ifhe changes his will, I've taken all those years ofabusefor nothing.-rm not going to let him get away with this!

There is only one way to stop him. ', I want you to callme again onSaturday.' '.' Tyler replaced the receiver and sat there,thinking. Itwas time to bring in the knight.

Chapter Sixteen.

In the Circuit Court of Cook C6unty, there was a constantebb and flowof defendants accused of arson, rape, drug dealing,murder, and avariety of other illegal and unsavory activities. In the

course of amonth, Judge Tyler Stanford dealt with at least half adozen murdercases. The majority never went to trial since theattorneys for thedefendant would offer to plea bargain, and because thecourt calendarsand prisons were so overcrowded, the State would usuallyagree. The twosides would then strike a deal and go to Judge Stanfordfor hisapproval. The case of Hal Baker was an exception. HalBaker was a manwith good intentions and bad luck. When he was fifteen,his olderbrotherhad talked him into helping him rob a grocerystore. Hal hadtried to dissuade him, and when he couldn't, he went alongwith him. Halwas caught, and his brother escaped. Two years later, whenHal Baker gotout of reform school, he was determined never to get introuble with 195the law again. One month later, he accompanied a friend toa jewelrystore. ' want to pick out a ring for my, girlfriend.' Onceinside thestore, his friend pulled out a gun and yelled, ', is aholdup!' . In theensuing excitement, a clerk was shot to death. Hal Bakerwas caught andarrested for armed robbery. His friend escaped. WhileBaker was inprison, Helen Gowan, a social worker who had read abouthis case andfelt sorry for him, went to visit him. It was love atfirst sight, andwhen Baker was released from prison, he and Helen weremarried. Over thenext eight years, they had four lovely children. Hal Bakeradored hisfamily. Because of his prison record, he had a difficulttime findingjobs, and to support his family he reluctantly went to

work for hisbrother, carrying out various-acts of arson, robbery andassault.

Unfortunately for Baker, he was caught flagrante delictoin thecommission of a burglary. He was arrested, held in jail,and tried inJudge Tyler Stanford's court.- It was time for sentencing.Baker was asecond offender with a bad juvenile record, and it wassuch a clear-cutcase that the assistant district attorneys were makingbets on how manyyears Judge Stanford would give Baker. ''ll throw the bookat him!" oneof them said. ''ll bet he gives him twenty 196 years.Stanford's notcalled the Hanging Judge for nothing.' Hal Baker, who feltdeep in hisheart that he was innocent, was acting as his ownattorney. He stoodbefore the bench, dressed in his best suit, and said, 'Honor, I know Imade a mistake, but we're all human, aren't we? I have awonderful wifeand four children. I wish you could meet them, Your Honor- they'regreat. What I did, I did for them.' Tyler Stanford sat onthe bench,listening, his face impassive. He was waiting for HalBaker to finish sohe could pass sentence. Does thisfool-really think he'sgoing to get offwith that stupid sob story? Hal Baker was finishing, '...and so yousee, Your Honor, even though I did the wrong thing, I didit for theright reason: family. I don't have to tell you howimportant that is. IfI go to prison, my wife and children will '. I know I madea mistake,but I'm willing to make up for it. I'll do. anything youwant me to do,

Your Honor ...' And that was the phrase that caught TylerStanford'sattention. He looked at the defendant before him with anew interest. 'you want me to do.' Tyler suddenly had the same instincthe had hadabout Dmitri Kaminsky. Here was a man who might be veryuseful one day.To the prosecutor's utter astonishment, Tyler said, "Mr.Baker, thereare extenuating circumstances in this case. Because ofthem and becauseof your family, I 197 am going to put you on probation forfive years. Iwill expect you to perform six hundred hours of publicservice. Comeinto my chambers, and we will discuss -it.' In the privacyof hischambers, Tyler said, ' know, I could still send you toprison for along, long time.' Hal Baker turned pale. ', Your. Honor!You said ...'Tyler leaned forward. ' you know the most i D mpressivething about youtHal Baker sat there, trying to think what was impressiveabout himself.', Your Honor.' ' feelings about your family,' Tyler saidpiously. 'really admire that.' Hal Baker brightened. ' you, sir.They're the mostimportant thing in- the world to me. I ' you wouldn't wantto lose them,would you? If I sent you to prison, your Ichildren wouldgrow up withoutyou; your wife would probably find another man. Do you seewhat I'mgetting all Hal Baker was baffled. ' ... no, Your Honor.Not exactly.'''m saving your family for you, Baker. I would think you'dbe grateful.'Hal Baker said fervently, ', I am, Your Honor! I can'ttell you howgrateful I am."

"Perhaps you can prove it to me in the future. I may becalling on youto do some little errands for ine.' 198 '! '. I'm placingyou onprobation, and if I should find anything in your behaviorthatdispleases me ...' ' just tell me what you want,' Bakerbegged.

"I'll let you know when the time comes. Meanwhile, thiswill be strictlyconfidential between the two of us.' Hal Baker put hishand over hisheart. ' would die before I'd tell anyone.' ''re right,'Tyler assuredhim. It was a short time after that when Tyler receivedthe phone callfrom Dmitri Kaminsky. ' father just called his attorney.

He's meeting him in Boston on Monday to change his will.'Tyler knewthat he had to see that will. It was time to call HalBaker. '... thename of the firm is Renquist, Renquist, & Fitzgerald. Makea copy of thewill and bring it to me.' ' problem. I'll take care of it,Your Honor.'Twelve hours, later, Tyler had a copy of the will in hishands.

He read it and was filled with a sense of elation. He andWoody andKendall were the sole heirs. And on Monday Father isplanning to changethe will. The bastard is going to take it away from justTyler thoughtbitterly. After all we've gone through.. , those billionsbelong to us.

He's made us earn them! There was only one way to stophim. 199 WhenDmitri's second telephone call came, Tyler said, 1 wantyou to kill him.

Tonight.' There was a long silence. ' if I'm caught .. ''tget caught.You'll be at sea. A lot of things can happen there.' 'right.

When it's over ... T ' money and a plane ticket toAustralia will bewaiting for you.' And then later, the last wonderful phonecall. ' didit. It was easy.' '! No! No! I want to hear the details.Tell meeverything. Don't leave anything out ...' And as Tylerlistened, hecould visualize the scene unfolding before his eyes. 'were in a badstorm on our way to Corsica. He called and asked me tocome to his cabinand give him a massage .. Tyler found himself gripping thephone. '.

Go on ...' Dmitri had fought to keep his balance againstthe wildpitching of the yacht as he headed for Harry Stanford'sstateroom. Heknocked at the cabin door and, after a, moment, he heardStanford'svoice. ' in!' Stanford yelled. He was stretched out on themassagetable. ''s my lower back.' ''ll take care of it. Justrelax, Mr.Stanford.' Dmitri went over to the massage table andspread oil onStanford's back. His strong fingers went to work, 200skillfullykneading the tight muscles. He could feel Stanford beginto relax. 'feels good.' Stanford sighed. ' you.' The massage lastedan hour, andwhen Dmitri was through, Stanford was almost asleep. ''mgoing to run awarm bath for you,' Dmitri said. He went into thebathroom, stumblingwith the motion of the ship. He turned on the warmseawater tap in the

black onyx tub and returned to the bedroom. Stanford wasstill lying onthe table, his eyes closed. '. Stanford .. Stanford openedhis eyes. 'bath is ready.' ' don't think I need'.. ' will really makesure you geta good night's sleep.' He helped Stanford off the tableand steered himtoward the bathroom. Dmitri watched Harry Stanford lowerhimself into,the tub. Stanford looke&up into Dmitri's cold eyes, and inthat instant,his instinct told him what was aboutto happen. '!' hecried. He startedto get up. Dmitn put his huge hands on top of Harry.Stanford's head andpushed him under the water.

Stanford struggled violently, trying to come up for air,but he was nomatch for the giant. Dmitri held him under while theseawater got intohis victim's lungs, and finally all movement stopped. Hestood there,201 breathing hard, then staggered into the other room.Dmitri went overto the desk, fighting the rolling motion of the ship,picked up somepapers and slid open the glass door to the outsideveranda, letting inthe howling wind. He scattered some of the papers OPI theveranda andthrew some overboard. Satisfied, he returned to thebathroom once moreand pulled Stanford's body out of the tub. He dressed himin hispajamas, robe and slippers, and carried the body out ontothe veranda.

Dmitri stood at the railing a moment, then heaved the bodyoverboard. Hecounted to five seconds, then picked up the telephone andshouted, 'overboard!' Listening to Dmitri recount the story of the

murder, Tylerfelt a sexual thrill. He could taste the seawater fillinghis father'slungs and feel the gasping for breath, the terror. Andthen nothingness.

It's over, Tyler thought. Then he corrected himself. No.The game isjust beginning. It's time to play the queen.

Chapter Seventeen.

The last chess piece fell into place by accident. Tylerhad beenthinking about his father's will, and he felt outragedthat Woody andKendall were getting an equal share of the estate withhim. They don't_deserve it. If it had not been for me, they both wouldhave been cut outof the will completely. They would have had nothing. It'snot fair, butwhat can I do about it? He had the one share of stock thathis motherhad given him long ago, and he remembered his father'swords: ' do youthink he's going to do with that share? Take over thecompany?"Together, Tyler thought, Woody and Kendall have two-thirdsof Father'sStanfordunterprises stock. How can I get control with onlymy one extrashare? And then the answer came to him, and it was soingenious that itstunned him. ' should inform you that there is apossibility of anotherheir being involved ... Your father's will specificallyprovides thatthe estate is to be divided equally among 203 his issue.Your fathersired a child by a governess who worked here ...' If Juliashowed up,there would be four of us, Tyler thought. And if I couldcontrol her

share, I would then havefifty percent of Father's stockplus the onepercent I already own. I could take over StanfordEnterprises. I couldsit in my father's chair. His next thought was, Rosemaryis dead, andshe probably never told her daughter who her father was.Why does it haveto be the real Julia Stanford? The answer was MargoPosner. He had firstencountered her two months earlier, as court was calledinto session.

The bailiff had turned to the spectators in the courtroom.', oyez.

The Circuit Court of Cook County is now in session, theHonorable JudgeTyler Stanford presiding. All rise.' Tyler walked in fromhis chambersand sat down at the bench. He looked down at the docket-.The first casewas State of Illinois v. Margo Posner. The charges wereassault andattempted murder. The prosecuting attorney rose. ' Honor,the defendantis a dangerous person who should be kept off the streetsof Chicago. TheState will prove that the defendant has a long criminalhistory. She hasbeen convicted of shoplifting, larceny, and is a knownprostitute. Shewas one of a stable of women working for a notorious pimpnamed Rafael.In January of this 204 year, they got into an altercationand thedefendant willfully and cold-bloodedly shot him and hiscompanion.' IDid either victim diet Tyler asked. ', Your Honor.

They were hospitalized with serious injuries. The gun inMargo Posner'spossession was an illegal weapon.' Tyler turned to look atthe

defendant, and be felt a sense of surprise. She did notfit tho-image ofwhat he had just heard about her. She was a well-dressed,attractiveyoung woman in her late twenties, and there was a quietelegance abouther that completely belied the charges against her. Thatjust goes toprove, Tyler thought wryly, you never know. He listened tothe argumentsfrom both sides, but his eyes were drawn to the defendant.There wassome- thing about her that reminded him of his sister.When thesummations were finished the case went to the jury, and inless thanfour hours they returned with a verdict of guilty on allcounts. Tylerlooked down at the defendant and said, ' court cannot findanyextenuating circumstances in this case. You are herewithsentenced to.

five years at Dwight Correctional Center. Next case.' Andit was notuntil Margo Posner was being led away that Tyler realizedwhat it wasabout her that reminded him so much of Kendall. She hadthe same darkgray eyes. The Stanford eyes. 205 Tyler did not thinkabout Margo Posneragain until the telephone call from Dmitri. The beginningchess game hadbeen successfully completed. Tyler had planned each movecarefully inhis, mind. He'd used the classical queen's gambit: Declineopening,moving the queen pawn two squares. It was time to moveinto the middlegame. Tyler went to visit Margo Posner at the women'sprison. ' youremember met Tyler asked. She stared at him. ' could Iforget you?

You're the one who sent me to this place.' ' are yougetting along?"Tyler asked. She grimaced. ' must be kidding! It's ahellhole here."

"How would you like to get outt ' would I ... ? Are youserioust ''mvery serious. I can arrange it.' ', that ... that's great!Thanks.

But what do I have to do for itt ', there is something Iwant you to dofor me.' She looked at him, flirtatiously. '. That's noproblem."

"That's not what I had in mind.' She said, warily,'Whatdid you have inmind, judge?' ' want you to help me play a littlejoke onsomeone.'-"What kind of joke?' ' want you to impersonate someone.'206"Impersonate someone? I wouldn't know how to -' ''stwenty-five thousanddollars in it for you.' Her expression changed. ',' shesaid quickly. 'can impersonate anyone. Who did you have in mindt Tylerleaned forwardand began to talk. Tyler had Margo Posner released intohis custody. Ashe explained to Keith Percy, the chief judge, ' learnedthat she's avery talented artist, and she's eager to live a normal,decent life. Ithink it's important that we rehabilitate that type ofperson wheneverwe can, don't yout Keith was impressed and surprised.

"Absolutely, Tyler. That's a wonderful thing you'redoing.' Tyler movedMargo into his home and spent five full days briefing heron theStanford family. ' are the names of your brotherst ' andWoodruff.' '.'''s right - Woodrow.' ' do we call himt "Woody.' ' you

have a sistert '.Kendall. She's a designer.' ' she married?' ''s married toa Frenchman.His name is ... Marc Renoir.' '.' 207 '.' ' was yourmother's narnet"Rosemary Nelson. She was a governess to the Stanfordchildren.' ' didshe leavet ' got knocked up by ...' '!' Tyler admonishedher.

"I mean, she became pregnant by Harry Stanford.' 'happened to Mrs.Stanfordt ' committed suicide.' ' did your mother tell youabout theStanford childrent Margo stopped to think for a minute. '"There was thetime you fell out of the swan boat.' ' didn't fall out!"Tyler said. 'almost fell out.' '. Woody almost got arrested for pickingflowers inthe Public Garden.' ' was Kendall ...' He was ruthless.They went overthe scenario again and again, late into the nights, untilMargo wasexhausted. ' was bitten by a dog.' ' was bitten by thedog.' She rubbedher eyes. ' can't think straight anymore. I'm so tired. Ineed somesleep.' ' can sleep later!' ' long is this going to go ontshe askeddefiantly. 208 ''I think you're ready. Now let's gothrough it again.'And on it went, over an dover, until Margo became letterperfect. Whenthe day finally - arrived that she knew the answer toevery questionTyler asked, he was satisfied. ''re ready,' he said. Hehanded her somelegal documents.

"What's thist ''s just a technicality,' Tyler saidcasually. What he hadher sign was a paper giving her share of the Stanfordestate to a

corporation controlled by a second corporation, which inturn wascontrolled by an offshore subsidiary -of which TylerStanford was thesole owner. There was no way they could trace thetransaction back toTyler. Tyler handed Margo five thousand, dollars in cash.''ll get thebalance when the job is done,' he told her. ' convincethem that you'reJulia Stanford.' From the moment Margo had appeared atRose Hill, Tylerhad played the devil's advocate. It was the classicantipositional chessmove. Irm sure you can understand our position, Miss ...er ... Withoutsome Positive proof, there's no way ... I think the ladyis afraud ... 'many servants worked in this house when we were children?... Dozens,right? And some of them would have known everything thisyoung lady toldus ... 209 Any one of them could have given her thatphotograph Let'snot forget that there's an enormous amount Of moneyinvolved' Hiscrowning move had been when he had demanded a DNA test. Hehad calledHal Baker and given him his new instructions: ' up HarryStanford's bodyand dispose of it.' And then his inspiration of calling ina privatedetective. With the family present, he had telephoned thedistrictattorney's office in Chicago.

"This is Judge Tyler Stanford I understand that youroffice retains aprivate detective from time to time who does excellentworkfor you. Hisname is something like Simmons or -' ', you must meanFrank Timmons."

"Timmons! Yes, that's it. I wonder if you could give me

his telephonenumber so I can contact him directly?' Instead, he hadsummoned HalBaker and introduced him as Frank Timmons. At first Tylerhad plannedfor Hal Baker merely to pretend to go through the motionsof checking onJulia Stanford, but then he decided it would make a moreimpressivereport if Baker really pursued it. The family had acceptedBaker'sfindings without question. Tyler's plan had gone offwithout a hitch.

Margo Posner had played her part perfectly, and thefingerprints hadbeen the crowning touch. Everyone was convinced that shewas the realJulia Stanfor-d. 210 7, for one, am glad it's finallysettled Let me goup and see if she needs any help.' He went upstairs andwalked along thecorridor to Julia's room. He knocked at her door andcalled loudly,Vulia?' ''s open. Come in.' He stood in the doorway andthey staredsilently at each other. And then Tyler carefully closedthe door, heldout his hands, and broke into a stbw grim When he spoke,he said, ' didit, Margo! We did it!"

Chapter Eighteen.

In the offices of Renquist, Renquist & Fitzgerald, SteveSloane andSimon Fitzgerald were having coffee. ' the great hard oncesaid,"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."' ''sbothering you?"Fitzgerald asked. Steve sighed. ''m not sure. It's theStanford family.

They puzzle me! Simon Fitzgerald snorted. ' the club.' '

keep comingback to the same question, Simon, but I can't find theanswer to it-.'''s the question?' ' family was anxious to exhume HarryStanford's bodyso they could check his DNA against the woman's. So Ithink we have toassume that the only possible motive for getting rid ofthe body wouldbe to ensure that the woman's DNA could not be checkedagainst HarryStanford's. The only one who could have anything to gainfrom that wouldbe the woman herself, if she were a fraud! '.' ' yet thisprivatedetective, Frank Timmons - I 212 checked with the districtattorney's-)ffice in Chicago, and he has a great reputation - ca ieup withfingerprints that prove she is the real 3ulia Stanford.,My question is,who the hell dug up Harry Stanford's body and whyt "That'sabillion-dollar question. If .. The intercom buzzed. Asecretary's voicecame over the box. '. Sloane, there's-a call for you ontwo., SteveSloane picked up the telephone on the desk. ' ..

The voice on the other end of the line said, '. Sloane,this is JudgeStanford. I would appreciate it if you could drop by RoseHill thismorning.' Steve Sloane glanced at Fitzgerald. '. In aboutan hourt "Thatwill be fine. Thank you.' Steve replaced the receiver. 'presence isrequested at the Stanford house.' ' wonder what theywant."

"Ten to one they want to speed up the probate so they canget theirhands on all-that beautiful money.' '? It's Tyler. How areyout "Fine,

thanks.' ' really miss you.' There was a slight pause. 'miss you too,Tyler.' The words thrilled him. ', I have some reallyexciting news. Ican't discuss it over the phone., but it's 213 somethingthat's going tomake you very happy. When you and I -' ', I have to go.Someone'swaiting for me.' ' ... I The line went dead.

Tyler sat there a moment. Then he thought, He wouldn'thave said hemissed me if he didn't mean it. With the exception ofWoody and Peggy,the family was gathered in the drawing room at Rose Hill.Steve studiedtheir faces. Judge Stanford seemed very relaxed. SteveSlanced atKendall. She seemed unnaturally tense. Her husband hadcome up from NewYork the day before for the meeting. Steve looked over atMarc. TheFrenchman was good-looking, a few years younger than hiswife. And thenthere was Julia. She seemed to be taking her acceptanceinto the familyvery calmly. I would have expected someone who had justinherited abillion dollars or so to be a little more excited, Stevethought. Heglanced at their faces again, wondering if one of them wasresponsiblefor having Harry Stanford's body stolen, and if so, whichone? And why'?

Tyler was speaking. '. Sloane, I'm familiar with theprobate laws inIllinois, but I don't know how much they differ from thelaws inMassachusetts. We 214 were wondering whether there -wasn't some way toexpedite the procedure.' Steve smiled to himself. I shouldhave madeSinwn take that bet. He turned to Tyler. ''re already

working on it,Judge Stanford.' Tyler said pointedly, ' Stanford namemight be usefulin speeding things up.' He's right about that, Stevethought. He nodded.''ll do everything I can. If it's at all possible to Therewere voicesfrom the staircase. ' shut up, you stupid bitch! I don'twant to hearanother word. Do you understandt Woody and Peggy came downthe stairsand into the room. Peggy's face was badly swollen, and shehad a blackeye. Woody was grinning, and his eyes were bright. ',everybody. I hopethe party's not over.' The group was looking at Peggy inshock. Kendallrose. ' happened to yout '. I ... I bumped into a door.'Woody took aseat. Peggy sat next to him. Woody patted her hand andaskedsolicitously, ' you all right, my deart Peggy nodded, nottrustingherself to speak. '.' Woody turned to the others. ', whatdid I miss?'Tyler looked at him disapprovingly. ' just asked Mr.Sloane if he couldexpedite the probating of the will.' Woody grinned.

"That would be nice.' He turned to 215 Peggy. ''d likesome new clothes,wouldn't you, darlingt ' don't need any new clothes,' shesaid timidly.''s right. You don't go anywhere, do yout He turned to theothers. ' isvery shy. She doesn't have anything to talk about, do youtPeggy got upand ran out of the room. ''ll see if she's all right,'Kendall said. Sherose and hurried after her. My Godf Steve thought. IfWoody behaves likethis in front of others, what must it be like when he andhis wife arealone? Woody turned to Steve. ' long have you been with

Fitzgerald's lawfirmt, ' years.' ' they could stand working for my father,I'll neverknow.' Steve said carefully, ' undeistand your father was... could bedifficult.' Woody snorted.

.'Difficult? He was a two-legged monster. Did you know hehad nicknamesfor all of us? Mine was Charlie. He named me after CharlieMccarthy, adummy that a ventriloquist named Edgar Bergen had. Hecalled my sisterPony, because he said she had a face like a horse. Tylerwas called ..

.' Steve said, uncomfortably, ' really don't think youshould -' Woodygrinned. ''s all right. A billion dollars heals a lot ofwounds.' 216Steve rose. ', if theres nothing else, I think I hadbetter be going.'He could not wait to get outside, into the fresh air.Kendall foundPeggy in the bathroom, putting a cold cloth to her swollencheek.

"Peggy9 Are you all right?' Peggy turned. ''m fine. Thankyou. I ... I'msorry about what happened down there.' -- ''reapologizing?. You shouldbe furious. How long has he been beating YOUT ' doesn'tbeat me,' Peggysaid obstinately. 11 bumped into a door.' Kendall movedcloser to her.', why do you put up with this? You don't have to, youknow.' There wasa pause. ', I do.' Kendall looked at her, puzzled. ' Shetumea. ' I lovehim.' She went on, the words pouring out. ' loves me, too.Believe me,he doesn't always act like this. The thing is, he - some-times he's nothimself.' ' mean, when he's on drugs.' 6NO3 ' .. '!' ' ..

Peggyhesitated. ' suppose so.' ' did it startt ' ... rightafter we gotmarried." Peggy's voice 217 was ragged. ' started becauseof a pologame. Woody fell off his pony and was badly hurt. While hewas in thehospital, they gave him drugs to help with the pain. Aeygot himstarted.' She looked at Kendall, pleadingly. ' you see, itwasn't hisfault, was it? After Woody got out of the hospital, he ...he kept onusing drugs. Whenever I tried to get him to quit, he would... beat me.'', for God's sake!

He needs help! Don't you see that? You can't do thisalone. He's a drugaddict. What does he take? Cocamet '.' There was a smallsilence.

"Heroin.' ' God! Can't you make him get some help?' ''vetried.' Hervoice was a whisper. ' don't know how I've tried! He'sgone to threerehabilitation hospitals.' She shook her head. ''s allright for awhile, and then ... he starts again. He ... he can't helpit.' Kendallput her arms around Peggy. ''m so sorry,' she said. Peggyforced asmile. ''m sure Woody will be all tight. He's trying hard.He reallyis.' Her face lit up. ' we were first married, he was somuch fun to bewith. We used to laugh all the time. He would bring melittle presentsand Her eyes filled with tears. ' love him so much!' 'there's anythingI can do.. ' you,' Peggy whispered. ' appreciate that.'Kendall squeezedher hand. ''ll talk again.' 218 Kendall started down thestairs to jo .

the others. She was thinking, When we were children,bef6re Mother died,we made such wonderful pkms ''re going to be a famousdesigner, Sis, andrm going to be the world's greatest athlete!' And the sadpart of it,Kendall thought, is that he could have been. And now this.- Kendall wasnot sure if she felt-more sorry for Woody or for Peggy. AsKendallreached the bottom of the stairs, Clark approached her,carrying a traywith a letter on, it.

"Excuse me, Miss. Kendall. A messenger just delivered thisfor you.' Hehanded her the envelope. Kendall looked at it in surprise.' ... T Shenodded. ' you, Clark.' Kendall opened the envelope, and asshe began toread the letter, she turned pale. '!' she said, under herbreath. Herheart was pounding, and she felt a wave of dizziness. Shestood there,bracing herself against a table, trying to catch herbreath. After amoment, she turned and walked into the drawing, room, herface pale. Themeeting was breaking up. ' ...' Kendall forced herself toappear calm. 'I see you for a momentt - He looked at her, concerned. ',certainly.'Tyler asked Kendall, ' you all right?" She forced a smile.''m fine,thank you.' She took Marc's hand and led-him upstairs.When 219 theyentered the bedroom, Kendall closed the door. Marc said, 'is iffKendall handed him the envelope. The letter read: DearMrs. Renaud@Congratulations! Our Wild Animal Protection Associationwas delighted toread of your good fortune. We know how interested you arein the work we

are doing, and we are counting on your further support.Therefore, wewould appreciate it if you would deposit I million USdollars in our,numbered bank account in Zurich within the next ten daysWe look forwardto hearing from you shortly. As in the other letters, allthe Es werebroken. ' bastards!' Marc exploded. - ' did they know Iwas heretKendall asked. Marc said bitterly, ' they had to do waspick up anewspaper.' He read the letter again and shook his head. 'aren't goingto quit. We have to go to the police.' '!'Kendallcried.'Wecan't! It'stoo late! Don't you see? It would be the end ofeverything. Everything!'Marc took her in his arms and held her tightly. ' right.We'll find away.' But Kendall knew that there was no way. 220 It hadhappened a fewmonths earlier, on what had started out to be a gloriousspring day.Kendall had gone to a friend's birthday party inRidgefield,Connecticut. It had been a wonderful party, and Kendallhad chatted withold friends. She had had a glass of champagne. In themiddle of aconversation, she had suddenly looked at her watch. ', no!I had no ideait was so late.

Marc is waiting for me.' There were hasty good-byes, andKetiaall hadgotten into her car and driven off. Driving back to NewYork, she haddecided to take a winding country road over to 1684.1 Shewas travelingat almost fifty miles per hour as she rounded a sharpcurve and spotteda car parked on the right side of the road. Kendallautomatically

swerved to the left. At that moment, a woman carrying ahandful offreshly picked flowers started to cross the narrow road.Kendall triedfrantically to avoid her, but it was too late. Everythingseemed tohappen in a blur. She heard a sickening thud as she hitthe woman withher left front fender. Kendall brought the car to ascreeching stop, herwhole body trembling violently. She ran back to where thewoman waslying in the road, covered with blood. Kendall stoodthere, frozen.

Finally she bent down and turned the woman over, andlooked into hersightless eyes. ', my God!' Kendall whispered. - She feltthe bilerising in her throat. She looked up, desperate, notknowing what to do.

She swung around in a panic. There were no cars in sight.She's dead,Kendall 22j, thought. I can't help her. This was not myfault, butthey'll accuse me of reckless dnink driving. My blood willshow alcohol.

hi go to prison!' She took one last look at the body ofthe woman, thenhurried back to her car. The left front fender was dented,and therewere blood spots on it. I've got to put the car away in agarage,Kendall thought. The police will be searching for it. Shegot into thecar and drove off. For the rest of the drive into NewYork, she keptlooking into the rearview mirror, expecting to seeflashing red lightsand to hear the sound of a siren. She drove into thegarage onNinety-sixth Street where she kept her car. Sam, the owner

of thegarage, was talking to@ Red, his mechanic. Kendall got outof the car.

"Evenin', Mrs. Renaud,' Sam said. ' ... Good evening.' Shewas@fightingto keep her teeth from chattering. ' it away for thenight?' ' ... yes,please.' Red was looking at the fender. ' got a bad denthere, Mrs.Renaud. Looks like there's blood on it.' The two men werelooking ather. Kendall took a deep breath. '. I ... I hit a deer onthe highway.'''re lucky it didn't do more damage,' Sam said. ' friendof mine hit adeer and it ruined his car.' He grinned. ''t do much forthe deereither.' 222 , you'll just put it away,' Kendall, saidtightly. '.'Kendall walked over to the garage door, then looked back.The two menwere staring at the fender. When Kendall got home and toldMarc about theterrible thing that had happened, he took her in his armsand said,'Oh,my God! Darling, how could ... T Kendall was sobbing.

"I ... I could(In't help it. She started across the roadright in frontof me. She ... she had been picking flowers and '! I'msure it wasn'tyour fault. It was an accident. We've got to report thisto the police."- 11 know. You're right. I . @.. I should have stayedthere and waitedfor them to come. I just ... panicked, Marc. Now ifs ahit-and-run. Butthere wasn't anything I could do for her. She was dead.You should haveseen her face. It was awful.' He held her for a long time,until shequieted down. When Kendall spoke, she said tentatively, '... do we have

to go to the policet He frowned. ' do you men?' She wasfightinghysteria. ', it's over, isn't it? Nothing can bring herback. What goodwould it do for them to punish me? I didn't mean to do it.Why couldn'twe just pretend it never happenedt ', if they ever traced-' - ' canthey? There was no one around..' ' about your car? Was itdamagedt 223''s a dent. I told the garage attendant I hit a deer.' Shewas fightingfor control. ', no one saw the accident. Do you know whatwould happento me if they arrested me and sent me to prison? I'd losemy business,everything I've built up all these years, and for what?For somethingthat's already done! It's over!' She began to sob again.He held herclose. '! We'll see. We'll see.' The morning papers gavethe story a bigplay. What gave it added drama was the fact that the deadwoman had beenon her way to Manhattan to be married. The New York Timescovered it asa straight news story, but the Daily News and Newsdayplayed it up as aheart-tugging drama: Kendall bought a copy of eachnewspaper, and shebecame more and more horrified at what she had done. Hermind was filledwith all the terrible ifs. if I hadn't gone toConnecticut-formy-friends birthday ... If I had stayed home that day ...If I hadn'thad anything to drink.

. If the woman had picked the flowers a few secondsearlier or a fewseconds later ... rm responsible for murdering anotherhuman being!

Kendall thought of the terrible grief she had caused the

woman's family,and her franck's family, and she felt sick to her stomachagain.

According to the newspapers, the police were asking 224for informationfrom anyone who might have a clue about the hit-and-run.They have noway offinding me, Kendall thought. All I have to do is actas if nothinghappened.' When Kendall went to the garage to pick up hercar the nextmorning, Red was there. 11 wiped the blood off the car,'he-.said. ' youwant me to fix the dentt . Of course! She should havethought of itsooner. ', please.' Red was looking at her strangely. Orwas it herimagination? ' and I talked about it last night,' he said.It's funny,you know. A deer should have done a lot more damage. 9 1 .

Kendall's heart began to beat wildly. Her mouth wasIsuddenly so dry shecould hardly speak..'It was ... a small deer.' Red noddedlaconically.'Must have been real small.' Kendall couldfeel his eyes onher as she drove out of the garage. When Kendall walkedinto her officeher secretary, Nadine, took one look at her and said, 'happened to youtKendall froze. ' ... what do you meant ' look shaky. Letme get you somecoffee.' '.' 225 Kendall walked over to the mirror.

Her face looked pale and drawn. They're going to know justby looking atme! Nadine came into the office with a cup of hot coffee.'. This willmake you feel better.' She looked at Kendall curiously. 'everything allright?' ' ... I had a little accident yesterday," Kendallsaid. '? Wasanyone hurt?' In her mind, she could see the face of the

dead woman. '.I ... I hit a deer.' ' about your car?"

"It's being repaired.' ''ll call your insurance company.'', no, Nadine,please don't.' Kendall saw the surprised look in Nadine'seyes.

It was two days later that the first letter came: DearMrs. Ren=4 rm thechairman of the Wild Animal Protection Association, whichis indesperate need, I'm sure that you would like to help usout. Theorganization needs money to preserve wild animals. We areespeciallyinterested in deer. You can wire $50,000 to "count number804072-A atthe Credit Suisse bank in Zurich. I would strongly suggestthat themoney be there within the nextfive days. 226 It wasunsigned. All the Esin the letter were broken. Enclosed in the envelope was anewspaperclipping about the accident. Kendall read the lettertwice. The threatwas unmistakable. She agonized over what to do. Marc wasright, shethought. I should have gone to the police. But noweverything was worse.

She was a fugitive. If they found her now, it would meanprison anddisgrace, as well as the end of her business. Atlunchtime, she went toher bank. ' want to wire fifty thousand dollars toSwitzerland.' WhenKendall got home that evening, she showed the letter toMarc. He wasstunned. ' God!' he said. ' could have sent thist ' ...nobody knows.'She was trembling. ', someone knows.' Her body wastwitching. '"here wasno one around, Marc! I ' a minute. Let's try to figure

this out. Exactlywhat happened when you returned to townr "Nothing. I ... Iput the carin the garage, and She stopped. ' got a bad dent here,Mrs. Renaud.Looks like there's blood on it.' Marc saw the expressionon her face.'?' She said slowly, ' owner of the garage and hismechanic were there.They saw the blood on the fender. I told them I hit adeer, and theysaid there 227 should have been a lot more damage.'Sherememberedsomething else. '.. CYCST "Nadine, my secretary. I toldher the samething. I could see that she didn't believe me either. Soit had to beone of the three of them." "No,' Marc said slowly. Shestared at him. 'do you meanr ' down, Kendall, and listen to me. If any ofthem wassuspicious of you, they could have told your story to adozen people.The report of the accident has been in all the newspapers.Someone hasput two and two together. I think the letter was a bluff,testing you.It was a terrible mistake to send that money.' ' whyt 'now they knowyou're guilty, don't you see? You've given them the proofthey needed.'', God! What should I dot Kendall asked. Marc Renaud wasthoughtful fora moment. ' have an idea how we can find out who thesebastards are.' Atten o'clock the following morning, Kendall and Marc wereseated in theoffice of Russell Gibbons, vice president of the ManhattanFirstSecurity Bank. ' what can I do for you, todayt Mr. Gibbonsasked. Marcsaid, ' would like to check on a numbered bank account inZurich.' GYest228 Ve want to know whose account it is.' - Gibbons rubbed

his handsacross his chin. ' there a crime involvedt Marc saidquickly, '! Why doyou ask?' ', unless there's some kind of criminalactivity, such aslaundering money or breaking the laws of Switzerland orthe UnitedStates, Switzerland will not violate the secrecy of itsnumbered bankaccounts. Their reputation is built on confidenti@iity: ',there's someway to ... T gilm sorry. I'm afraid not.' Kendall and Marclooked ateach other.

Kendall's face was filled with despair. Marc rose. ' youfor your time.'41@m sorry I couldn't help you.' He ushered them out ofhis office. %When Kendall drove into the garage that evening, neitherSam nor Red wasaround. Kendall parked her car, and as she passed thelittle office,through the window she saw a typewriter on a stand. Shestopped, staringat it, wondering if it had a broken letter E. I have tofind out, shethought. She walked over to the office, hesitated amoment, then openedthe door and stepped inside. As she moved toward thetypewriter, Samsuddenly appeared out of nowhere. 4 "Evenin', Mrs.Renaud,' he said. ' Ihelp you?' She spun around, startled. '. I ... I just leftmy 229 111@car. Good night.'- She hurried toward the door. ' night,Mrs. Renaud.'In the morning, when Kendall passed the garage office, thetypewriterwas gone. In its place was a personal computer. Sam sawher staring at.it. ', huh? I decided to bring this place into thetwentieth century.'Now that he could afford it? When Kendall told Marc about

it thatevening, he said thoughtfully, ''s a possibility, but weneed proof.'Monday morning, when Kendall went to her office, Nadinewas waiting forher. ' you feeling better, Mrs. Renaudt '. Thank you.' - 'was mybirthday. Look what my husband got me!' She walked over-to, a closetand pulled out a luxurious mink coat. ''t it beautiful?"

Chapter Nineteen.

Julia Stanford enjoyed having Sally as a roommate. She wasalways upbeatand fun and @heerful. She had had a bad marriage and hadsworn never toget involved with a man again. Julia wasn't sure whatSally's definitionof never was, because she seemed to be out with adifferent man everyweek. ' men are the best,' Sally philosophized. ' feelguilty, sothey're always buying you presents. With a single man, youhave to-askyourself, why is he still singlet She said to Julia, 'aren't datinganyone, are YOUT '.' Julia thought of the men who hadwanted to take herout. ' don't want to go out just for the sake of goingout, Sally. Ihave to be with someone I really care about.' ', have Igot a man foryou!' Sally'said. ''re going to love him! His name is TonyVinetti. Itold him all about you, and he's dying to meet you.' 'really don'tthink -' ''ll pick you up tomorrow night at eighto'clock.' 231 TonyVinetti was tall, very tall, in an appealing, ungainlyway. His hair wasthick and dark, and his smile exploded disarmingly as helooked atJulia. ' wasn't exaggerating. You're a knockout!' ' you,'

Julia said.She felt a little shiver of pleasure. ' you ever been toHouston'st - Itwas one of the finest restaurants in Kansas City. '.' Thetruth was thatshe could not afford to eat at Houston's. Not even withthe raise shehad been given.

"Well, that's where we have a reservation.' At dinner,Tony talkedmostly about himself, but Julia did not mind. He wasentertaining andcharming. ''s drop-dead gorgeous,' Sally had said. And hewas. Thedinner was delicious. For dessert, Julia had orderedchocolatesouffl6and Tony had ice cream. As they were Imigering overcoffee, Juliathought, Is he going to ask me to his apartment, and if hedoes, will Igo? No. I can't do that. Not on the first date. He'llthink rm cheap.

When we go out the next time ... The check arrived. 'scanned it andsaid, ' looks right.' He ticked off the items on thecheck. ' had thepfm and the lobster.. 6yes.9 ' you had the French friesand salad, andthe souft rightt She looked at him, puzzled. ''s right...' 232 '.' Hedid some quick addition. ' share of the bill is fiftydollars and fortycents.' Julia sat there in shock. ' beg your pardont Tonygrinned.'Iknow how independent you women are today.

You won't let guys do anything for you, will you?There,'he saidmagnanimously, ''ll take care of your share of the tip.'''m sorry itdidn't work out,' Sally a@ologized. ''s really a honey.Are you going to

see him again?, ' can't afford him,' Julia said bitterly.', I havesomeone else for you. You'll love '. Sally, I really don'twant ...' 'me.' Ted Riddle was a man in his late thirties and, Jubahad to admit,quite attractive. He took her to Jennie's Restaurant onHistoricStrawberry Hill, famous for its authentic Croatian food. 'really did mea favor,' Riddle said. ''re very lovely.' ' you."

"Did Sally tell you I have an advertising agency?' '. Shedidn't."

"Oh, yes. I have one of the biggest firms in Kansas City.Everybodyknows me.' ''s nice. I ' handle some of the biggestclients in thecountry.' 233 ' do? I'm not '. yes. We handle celebrities,banks, bigbusinesses, chain stores ', I -' ,... supermarkets. Youname it, werepresent them all.' ' - ' me tell you how I got started.'He neverstopped talking during dinner, and the only subject wasTed Riddle. 'was, probably just nervous,' Sally apologized.

"Well, I can tell you, he made me nervous. If there'sanything you wantto know about the life of Ted Riddle since the day he wasborn, just askme!' ' Mckinley.' '"att ' Mckinley. I just remembered. Heused to date agirlfriend of mine. She was absolutely crazy about him?

"Thanks, Sally, but no..' ''m going to call him.' "Mefollowing night,Jerry Mckinley appeared. He was nice-looking, and he had asweet andengaging personality. When he walked in the door andlooked at Julia hesaid,'I know blind dates are always difficult. I'm rather

shy myself, soI know. how you must feel, Julia.' 234 She liked himimmediately. Theywent to the Evergreen Chinese Restaurant on State Avenuefor dinner.

"You work for an architectural firm. That must beexciting. I don'tthink people realize how important architects are.' He'ssensitive,Julia thought happily. She smiled. ' couldn't agree withyou more.' Theevening was delightful, and the more they talked, the moreJulia likedhim. She decided to be bold. ' you like to come back tothe apartmentfor a nightcapt she asked. '. Let's go back to my placd."

"Your placer He leaned forward and squeezed her hand. ''swhere I keepthe whips and chains.' Henry Wesson owned an accountingfirm in thebuilding where Peters, Eastman & Tolkin was quartered. Twoor threemornings a week, Julia would find herself in the elevatorwith him.. Heseemed. a pleasant enough man. He was in his thirties,quietlyintelligentlooking, sandy-haired, and he wore black-rimmedglasses. Theacquaintance began with polite nods, then, ' morning,'then, ''relooking very well today,' and after a few months, ' wonderif you'd liketo have dinner with me some evenine.' He was 235 watchingher eagerly,waiting for an answer. Julia smiled. ' right.' It was-instant love onHenry's part. On their first date, he took Julia to EBT,one of the toprestaurants in Kansas City. He was obviously thrilled tobe out withher. He told her a little about himself. ' was born righthere in good

old KC. My father was born here, too. The acorn doesn'tfall far fromthe oak. You know what I meant Julia knew what he meant. 'always knew Iwanted to be an accountant. When I got out of school, Iwent to work forthe Bigelow & Benson Financial Corporation.

Now I have my own firm.' ''s nice,' Julia said. ''s aboutall there isto tell about me. Tell me about you.' Julia was silent fora moment. rmthe illegitimate daughter of one o I , the richest men inthe world. Youve probably heard of him. Hejust drowned. I'm an heiressto his estate.She looked around the elegant room. I could buy thisrestaurant, if Iwanted to. I couldprobably buy this whole town, if Iwanted to. Henrywas staring at her. '?' '! I ... I'm sorry. I was born inMilwaukee. My .my father died when I was young. My mother and I traveledaround thecountry a great deal. When she 236 passed away, I decidedto stay hereand get a job.' I hope my nose isn't growing- Henry Wessonput a handover hers. ' you've never had a man to take care of you.'He leanedforward and said earnestly, ' would like to take care ofYOU for therest of your life.' Julia looked at him in surprise. 'don't mean tosound like Doris Day, but we hardly know each other.' 'want to changethat.' When Julia got home, Sally was waiting forher.'Well?' she asked.' did your date got Julia said, thoughtfully, ''s verysweet, and .. ''scrazy about you!' Julia smiled. ' think he proposed.'Sally's, eyeswidened. ' think he proposed? My God! Don't you know ifthe man proposed

or not?' ', he said he wanted to take care of me for therest of mylife.' ''s a proposal!' Sally exclaimed. ''s a proposal!Marry him!Quick! M arry him before he changes his mind!' Julialaughed. ''s thehurry?"

"Listen to me. Invite him over here for dinner. I'll cookit,, and youtell him you made it.' Julia laughed. ' you. No. When Ifind the man Iwant to marry, we may be. eating Chinese food out 237 ofcartons, butbelieve me, the dinner table will be beautifully set withflowers andcandlelight.' On their next date, Henry said, ' know,Kansas City is agreat place to bring up kids.' ', it is.' Julia's onlyproblem was thatshe wasn't sure that she wanted to bring up his children.He wasreliable, sober, decent, but.. She discussed it withSally. ' keepsasking me to marry him,' Julia said. ''s he liket Shethought for amoment, trying to think of the most romantic and excitingthings shecould say about Henry Wesson. ''s reliable, sober, decent... " Sallylooked at her a moment. ' other words, he's dull.' Juliasaiddefensively, ' isn't exactly dull.' Sally nodded,knowingly. ''s dull.Marry him.' ' ' him. Good dull husbands are hard to find.'Getting fromone payday to the next was a financial minefield.

There were paycheck deductions, and rent, and automobileexpenses, andgroceries, and clothes to buy. Julia owned a ToyotaTercel, and itseemed to her that she spent more on it than she did onherself. She was

constantly borrowing money from Sally. 238 One evening,when Julia wasgetting dressed, Sally said, ''s another big Henry night,huh? Where'she taking you tonigliff ''re going to Symphony Hall. CleoLaine isperforming.' ' old Henry proposed against Julia hesitated.The truth wasthat Henry proposed every time they were together. Shefelt pressured,but she could not bring herself to say i6s. ''t lose him,"Sally warned.Sally is Probably right, Julia thought. Henry Wesson wouldmake, a goodhusband He's ... She hesitated. Be's sober, reliable,decent ... Is thatenough? As Julia was going out the door, Sally called, CanI borrow yourblack shoest '.' And Julia was gone. Sally went intoJulia's bedroom andopened the closet door- The pair of shoes she wanted wason the topshelf As she reached for them, a cardboard box that wassittingprecariously on the shelf fell down, and its contentsspilled out allover the floor. '!' Sally bent down to, gather up thepapers.

They consisted of dozens of newspaper clippings,photographs, andarticles, and they were all about the Harry Stanfordfamily. Thereseemed to be hundreds of them. Suddenly, Julia camehurrying back intothe room. ' forgot my -' She stopped as she saw the paperson the floor.' are you doing?' 61@m sorry,' Sally apologized. ' boxfell down.' 239Blushing, Julia bent down and started putting the papersback in thebox. ' had no idea you were so interested in the rich andfamous,' Sallysaid. Silently, Julia kept shoving the papers into the

box. As shegathered a handful of photographs, she came across a smallgoldheart-shaped locket ; her mother had given her before shedied. Juliaput the locket aside. Sally was studying-her, puzzled.

"Juliat '.' ' are you so interested in Harry Stanfordt ''mnot. I ...This was my mother's.' Sally shrugged. '.' She reached fora paper. Itwas from a scandal magazine, and the headline caught hereye: TycoonGETS cmldrm's GOVERNESS PREGNANT - BABY BORNOUT-017-WEDLOCK - MOTHERAND BABY DISAPPEAR! Sally was staring at Julia,openmouthed. ' God!You're Harry Stanford's daughted' Julia's mouth tightened.She shook herhead and contmued putung the papers back. ''t yout Juliastopped. ', I'drather not talk about it, if you don't mind." Sallyjumpedto her feet.''d rather not talk about it? You're the daughter of oneof the richestmen in the world, and you'd rather not talk about it? Areyou insane?'240 '.. sm you know how much he was worth? Billions.' Thathas nothingto do with me.' ' you're his daughter, it has everythingto do with you.You're an heiress! All you have to do is tell the aim ywho you are, and.$No.' "No ... whaff ' don't understand.' Julia rose andthen sank downon the bed. ' Stanford was an awful man. He abandoned mymother. Shehated him, and I hate ' don't hate anyone with that muchmoney. Youunderstand them." Julia shook her head.' ' don't want anypart of them.'', heiresses don't live in crunnny apartments and buyclothes at fleamarkets, and borrow to pay the rent. Your family would

hate knowing youlive like this. They'd be humiliated.' ' don't even knowI'm alive."

"Then you've got to tell them.' '. ' ' the subject.' Sallylooked at herfor a long time. '. By the way, you couldn't loan me amillion or twotill payday, could you ... �Chapter Twenty.

Tyler was becoming frantic. For the past twenty-four hourshe had beendialing Lee's home number, and there had been no answer.no is he with?

Tyler agonized. What is he doing? He picked up thetelephone and dialedonce again. The phone rang for a long time, and just asTyler was aboutto hang up, he heard Lee's voice'. '.' '! How are You?, 'the hell isthis?' ''s Tyler.' '?' There was a pause. ', yes." Tylerfelt a twingeof disappointment. ' are you?' ',' Lee said.

"I told you I was going to. have a wonderful surprise foryou.' '?' Hesounded bored. ' you remember what you said to me aboutgoing to St.Tropez on a beautiful white yacht?' ' about it?' ' wouldyou like toleave next month?' 242 ' yo , serioust ' bet I am.' ', Idon't know.You've got a friend with a yacht?' ''m about to buy ayacht.' ''re noton. something, are you, judget ' ... ? No, no!

I've just come into some money. A lot of money.' '.Tropez, huh? Yeah,that sounds great. Sure, I'd love to go with you.' Tylerfelt a deepsense of relief. ' Meanwhile, don't ...' He couldn't bringhimself evento think about it. ''ll be in touch with you, Lee.' He

replaced thereceiver and sat on the edge of his bed. ' love to go withyou.' He couldvisualize the two of them on a beautiful yacht, cruisingaround theworld together. Together. Tyler picked up -the telephonebook and turnedto the yellow pages. he offices of John Alden Yachts Inc.are locatedon Boston's Commercial Wharf. The sales manager came -upto Tyler as heentered. ' can I do for you today, sirt Tyler looked athim and saidcasually, ''d like to buy a yacht.' The words rolled offhis tongue. Hisfather's Yacht would probably be part of the estate, butTyler had nointention of sharing a ship with his brother and sister.

243 ' or sailt ' ... er ... I'm not sure. I want to beable to go aroundthe world in it.' ''re probably talking motor.' ' must bewhite.' Thesales manager looked at him strangely. ', of course. Howlarge a boatdid you have in mindt Blue Skies is one hundred and eightyfeet. 'hundred feet.' The sales manager blinked. '. I see. Ofcourse, a yachtlike that would be very expensive, Mr. - ...' ' Stanford.My father wasHarry Stanford.' The man's face lit up. ' is no object,'Tyler said. 'not! Well, Judge Stanford, we're going to find you a yachtthat everyonewill envy. White, of course.

Meanwhile, here is a portfolio of some available yachts.Call me when-you decide which ones you're interested in.' WoodyStanford was,thinking about polo ponies. All his life he had had toride his friends'ponies, but now he could afford to buy the finest string

in the world.

-He was on the telephone, talking to Mimi Carson. ' wantto buy yourponies,'Woody said. His voice was filled with excitement.He listened amoment. ''s right, the whole stable. I'm very serious.Right.' Theconversation lasted half an hour, and when 244 Woodyreplaced thereceiver, he was grinning. He went to find Peggy. She wasseated aloneon the veranda. Woody could still see the bruises on herface where hehad hit her. tpeggy ... I She looked up, warily. ' ' haveto talk toyou. I ... I don't know where to She sat there, waiting.He took a deepbreath. ' know I've. been a rotten -husband. Some of thethings I'vedone are inexcusable. But, darling, all that is going tochange now.Don't you see? We're rich. Really rich. I want to makeeverything up toyou.' He took her hand. ''m going to get off drugs thistime. I reallyam. We're going to have a Whole different life.' -Shelooked into hiseyes, and said tonelessly, ' I promise. I know I've saidit before, butthis it's really going to work. I've made up my minding toa clinicsomewhere where they can cure nt to get out of this hellI've been in.Peggy .. e was desperation in his voice. ' can't do itwith- "Out you.,You know I can't.' he looked at him a long time, thencradled him in ras. ' baby. I know,'she whispered. ' know. 111 help you...' 245 It wastime for Margo Posner to leave. Tyler found her in thestudy. He closedthe door. ' just wanted to thank you again, Margo.' Shesmiled. it's

been fun. I really had a good time.' she looked up at himarchly. ' Ishould become an actress! He smiled. ''d be good at it.You certainlyfooled this audience! 11 did, didn't IT "Here's the restof yourmoney.'He took an envelope out of his pocket.

"And your plane ticket back to Chicago.' ' you.' He lookedat his watch.''d better get going! '. I just want you to know that Iappreciateeverything. I mean, your getting me out of prison and all!He smiled.''s all right: Have a good trip.' '! lie watched her goupstairs topack. The game was over. Check and check mate. MargoPosner was in herbedroom finishing packing when Kendall walked in. ',Julia. I justwanted to She stopped. ' are you doing?' ''m going home.'Kendall lookedat her in surprise. ' soon? Why? 1 246 was hoping we mightspend sometime together and get acquainted. We have so many years tocatch up on.''. Well, some other time.' Kendall sat on the edge of thebed. ''s likea nuracle, isn't it? Finding each other after all theseyears- Margowent on with her packing. '. It's a miracle, all right! 'must feel likeCinderella. I mean, one minute you re living a perfectlyaverage lifeand the next minute someone hands you a billion dollars!Margo stoppedher packing. ' ' said ...' ' billion dollarst '. Accordingto Father'swill, that's what we each inherit. Margo was looking atKendall,stunned. ' each 4 get a billion dollarst ''t they tellyout ','Margosaid slowly.'They didn't tell me.'There was a thoughtfulexpression on

her face. ' know, Kendall, you're right. Maybe -we shouldget betteracquainted! 4111., Tyler was in the solarium, looking atphotographs ofyachts, when Clark approached him. ' me, Judge Stanford.There's atelephone call for you.' ''ll take it in here.' 247 _711,@It was KeithPercy in Chicago. ' '.' J have some really great news foryou!" 60ht 'that I'm retiring, how would you like to be appointedchiefjudge?' Itwas all Tyler could do to keep from giggling. ' would bewonderful,Keith.' ', it's yours!' ' ... I don't know what to say.'What should Isay? ' don't sit on the bench in a dirty little courtroomin Chicago,handing out sentences to the misfits of the world?' Or '1lbe too busysailing around the world on my yacht?' ' soon can you getback toChicagot ' will be a while," Tyler said. ' have a lot todo here.' ',we'll all be waiting for you.' Don't holdyour breath.'-bye.' Hereplaced the receiver and glanced at his watch. It wastime for Margo tobe leaving for the airport. Tyler went upstairs to see ifshe was ready.When he walked into Margo's bedroom, she was unpacking hersuitcase. Helooked at her in surprise. ''re not ready.' She looked upat him andsmiled. '.

I'm unpacking. I've been thinking. I like it here. Maybe Ishould stayawhile.' 248 He frowned. ' are you talking about?- You'recatching aplane to Chicago., ''ll be another- plane along, judge.'She grinned. 'I'll even buy my own., ' are you saying?' 4YOu told me Youwanted me to

help you play a little joke on someone ' "Well, thejokeseems to be onme. I'm worth a billion ..' Tyler's expression hardened. 'want you toget out of here. Now.' ' you? I think I'll go when I'mready,, Margosaid. ' I'm not ready., Tyler stood there, studying her. '... what isIt u wantt I She nodded.

"That's better. The billion dollars I'm supposed to get.You wereplanning to keep it for yourself, right? I figured Youwere pulling alittle scam to Pick UP some extra money, but a billiondollars! That's adifferent ball game. I think I deserve a share of that.'There was aknock at the bedroom door. ' me,' Clark said. ' is served.

Margo turned to Tyler. ' go along. I won't be joining you.I have someimportant errands to run.' Later that afternoon, packagesbegan toarrive at Rose Hill. There were boxes of dresses fromArmani, 249 -sportswear from Scaasi-Boutique, lingerie from JordanMarsh, a sablecoat from Neiman Marcus, and a diamond bracelet fromCartier. All thepackages were addressed to Miss. Julia Stanford. WhenMargo walked inthe door at four thirty, Tyler was waiting to confronther, furious. 'do you think you're doing?' he demanded. She smiled. 'needed a fewthings. After all, your sister has to be well dressed,doesn't she? It'samazing how much credit a store will give you when you'rea Stanford.

You will take care of the bills, won't yout ' ...' '.' Shereminded him.' the way, I saw the pictures of yachts on the table.

Are you planning to buy onet ' none of your business.' ''tbe too sure.Maybe you and I will take a cruise. Weill name the yichtMargo. Orshould we name it Julia? We can go around the worldtogether.

I don't like being alone.' Tyler took a deep breath. 'seems that Iunderestimated you. You're a very clever young woman.' 'from you,that's a big compliment.' ' hope that you're also areasonable youngwoman.' ' depends. What do you call reasonablet ' milliondollars.Cash.' Her heart began to beat faster, ' I can keep thethings I boughttodayt ' of them.' 250 e oo t k a deep breath. ' have adeal.' d. I'llget the money to you as quickly as I can. going back toChicago in thenext few days.' He k a key from his pocket and handed itto her. ere'sthe key to my house. I want you to stay there wait for me.And don'ttalk to anyone! right! She tried to hide her excitement.Maybe Id haveasked for more, she. thought. ''ll book you on the nextplane out ofhere.' _4 What about the things I bought ... T "I'll havethem sent onto you.' Good. Hey, we both came out of this great, didn't3 *,E, Henodded. '. We did! Tyler took Margo to Logan InternationalAirport tosee her off. At the airport she said, ' are you going totell i kr,'theothers? About my leaving, I mean.' 10 I'll tell them thatyou had to govisit a very good nd who became ill, a friend in SouthAmerica! e lookedat him wistfully. ' you want to know thing, judge? Thatyachting trip

would have been un.' Over the loudspeaker, her flight wasbeing called.''s me, I guess! ' a nice flight.' '. I'll see you inChicago.' Tylerwatched her go into the departures terminal 251 and stoodthere, waitinguntil the plane took off. Then he went back to thelimousine and said tothe driver, ' Hill.' When Tyler arrived back at the house,he wentdirectly to his room and telephoned Chief Judge KeithPercy. ''re allwaiting for you, Tyler. When are you coming back? We'replanning alittle celebration in your honor.' ' soon, Keith,' Tylersaid.

"Meanwhile, I could use your help with a problem I've runinto."

"Certainly. What can I do for yout ''s about a felon Itried to help.

Margo Posner. I believe I told you about her.' ' remember.What's theproblemt ' poor woman has deluded herself into believingshe's mysister. She followed me to Boston and tried to murder me.'' God!

That's terrible!' -'She's on her way back to Chicago now,Keith. Shestole the key to my house, and I don't know what she plansto do next.

The woman is a dangerous lunatic. She's threatened to killmy wholefamily. I want her committed to the Reed Mental HealthFacility. Ifyou'll fax me the commitment papers, I'll sign them. I'llarrange forher psychiatric examinations myself.' ' course. I'll takecare of itimmediately, Tyler.' ''d appreciate it. She's on United

Airlines Flight307. It arrives at eight fifteen tonight. I suggest that252 ave peoplethere at the ai Mort to pick her up. be to be careful. Sheshould put inmaximum Item rity at Reed, and not allowed any visitors.''111 see toit. I'm sorry you had to go through this, Tyler.' Therewas a shrug inTyler's voice. ' know what they say, Keith: "No good deed,no matter howsmall, unpunished."' goes ed At dinner that eveningKendall ask "Isn'tJulia join Ing us tonightt Tyler said regretfully,"Unfortunately, no.She asked a ke ae to s y good-bye to all of you.

She's gone to ta care o a friend in South America who'shad a stroke. ft was r at her sudden.' t the will has not been.. ia hasgiven me herpower of attorney and wants to arrange for her share to gointo a trustfund.' ant placed a bowl of Boston clam chowder in ront oTyler. A "Ah,'he said. ' looks delicious! I'm hungry *... tonight.'nited AirlinesFlight 307 was making its final roach to O'HareInternational Airport onsched- metallic voice came over the loudspeaker. ies andgentlemen,would you fasten your seat ts, pleaset Margo Posner hadenjoyed theflight tremendously. 253 -She had spent most of the timedreaming aboutwhat ' was going to do with the million dollars and allthe clothesandjewelry shehadbought. Andallbecause I was bustedl Isn'tthat a kick!When the plane landed, Margo gathered the things she hadcarried onboard and started to walk down the ramp. A flightattendant stayeddirectly behind her. Near the plane was an ambulance,

flanked by twoparamedics in white jackets, and a doctor. The flightattendant saw themand pointed to Margo. As Margo stepped off the ramp, oneof the menapproached her. ' me,' he said. Margo looked up at him. '' you MargoPosnert ', yes. What's ... T ''m Dr. Zimmerman.' He tookher arm. ''dlike you to come with us, please.' He started leading hertoward theambulance. Margo tried to jerk away.

"Wait a minute! What are YOU doing?' she demanded. Theother two men hadmoved to either side of her to hold her arms. ' come alongquietly,Miss. Posner,' the doctor said. '!' Margo screamed. ' me!'The otherpassengers were standing there, gaping. ''s the matterwith all of youtMargo yelled. ' you blind? I'm being kidnapped! I'm JuliaStanford! I'mHarry Stanford's daughted' 254 course, you are,' Dr. ZiIntnerman saidsooth- 1191y. ' calm down.' e o Th bservers watched inastonishment asMargo @"was cam ed into the back of the ambulance, kickingscreaming.,side the ambulance, the doctor took out a syringe dpressed the needleinto Margo's arm. ',' he id.

"Everything is going to be all right.' sy ou must becrazyl' Margo said.

"You must be .@@,Her eyes began to droop. e ambulancedoors closed, andthe ambulance c, away. Tyler got the report, he laughedout loud..He uldvisualize the greedy bitch being carried off. He uldarrange for her tobe kept in a mental health ity for the rest of her life.Now the game is

really over, he thought. rve done it! The old man wouldturnover in hisgrave fhestillhad one -- #'he knew that I was gettingcontrol ofStanford Enterprises. I'll give Lee everything he's everdreamed of.

Pcrfect - Everything was perfect. The evcnts of the dayhad filled Tylerwith a sexual f @xcitement. I need some refie . He openedhis suitcase-and from the back of it took out a copy of Damron's VFp.Guide. Therewere several gay bars listed in Boston, He chose the Queston BoylstonStreet. I'll skip dinner. 255 t, What ril go straight tothe chib. Andthen he though an oxymoron! Julia and Sally were gettingdressed to goto work. Sally asked, ' was your date with Henry lastnight?' 61mesame.9 ' bad, huh? Have the marriage banns been postedyet?' ' forbiffJulia said. ' is sweet, but ... 9 She sighed. ' isn't forme.' she mightnot be,' Sally said, ' these are for you.' She handedJulia fiveenvelopes. I They were all bills. Julia opened them. Threeof them weremarked overdue and another was marked Tiurd NOTICE. Juliastudied them amoment. ', I wonder if you could lend me ... 71 Sallylooked at her inamazement. ' don't under- stand YOU- 9 ' do you mean?,''re working likea galley slave, you can't pay your bills, and all you haveto do is liftyour little finger and you could come up with a fewmillion dollars,give or take some change.' ''s not my. money.' ' course,it's yourmoney!' Sally snap*. ' Stanford was your father, wasn'the? Ergo, you'reentitled to a share of his estate. And I don't use the

word ergo veryoften.' 256 it. I told you how he treated my mother. Hen'thave left mea dime.' ly sighed. '!

And I was looking forward tong with a millionaire!' Theywalked down tothe parking lot where they Wt their cars. Julia's spacewas empty. Shestated at in shock. ''s gonep 4A worked your car here lastnightt re yousure you pa Sally asked. '.' ' stole it!" Julia shook herhead. ',' shesaid slowly. "AZ ' do you meant IMq-;". She turned to lookat Sally. 'must have repos- it. I'm three payments behind.' ',' Sallysaidtonelessly. ''s just nderful.' was unable to get herroommate'ssituation out her mind. It's like a fairy tale, Sallythought. A 22 whodoesn't know she's a princess. Only in this ' knows it,but she'stooproud to do anything t it. It's not fair! The familyhas all thatmoney, she has nothing.

Well, if she won't do something t it, I damn well will.She'll thankme for it. @r,,'That evening, after Julia went out, Sallyexamined box ofclippings again. She took out a recent news- articlementioning that theStanford heirs had se back to Rose Hill for the funeralservices. 257If the princess won't 90 10 them, Sally thought, they-aregoing to cometo the princess. write a letter. it was She sat down andbegan toaddressed to Judge Tyler Stanford.

Chapter Twenty-one.

Tyler Stanford signed the commitment papers putting Margo

Posner in ReedMental Health Facility. Three psychiatrists were requiredto agree tothe commitment, but Tyler knew that that would be easy forhim tohandle. reviewed everything he had done from the veryning, and decidedthat there had been no flaws his game plan. Dmitri haddisappeared inAustralia, d argo Posner had been disposed of. That leftHal Baker, buthe would be no problem. Everyone had an4h,','.Achilles'heel, and hiswas his stupid family. No, Baker ,:jwu never talk becausehe couldn'tbear the thought of 7 from his dear ones. his life inprison, awayfEverything was perfect. T he minute the will is probated,1`11 return toChicago pick up Lee. Maybe we'll even buy a house in 4tTropez. He beganto get aroused at the thought. Wkv',@`,We'll sail aroundthe world in myyacht. I've always te to "'Wan d see Venice ... andPositano ... andCapri We'll go on safari in Kenya, and see the Taj Mahal259 together inthe moonlight. And who do lowe all this to? To Daddy. Dearold Daddy.''re a queer, Tyler, and you 111 always be a queer. Idon't know how thehell anything like you came from my loins.' Well, who hasthe lastlaugh-now, Father? Tyler went downstairs to join hisbrother and sisterfor lunch. He was hungry again. ''s really a pity thatJulia had toleave so quickly,' Kendall said. ' would have liked tohave gotten toknow her better.' ''m sure she plans to return as soon asshe can,' Marcsaid. That's certainly true, Tyler thought. He would makesure shenevergot out. The talk turned to the future. Peggy said,

shyly, ' isgoing to buy a group of polo ponies.' ''s not a group!'Woody snapped.''s a string. A string of polo ponies.' ''m sorry,darling. I just 'it!' Tyler said to Kendall, ' are your planst We arecounting onyourfurther support ... We would appreciate it if youwould deposit Imillion US dollars ... within the next ten days.' '?' '.I'm going to... to expand the business.

I'll open shops in London and in Paris.' 260 hat soundsexciting,' Peggysaid. ' have a show in New York in two weeks. I have K d 'run downthere and get it ready.' A ''.' to do with your share ofthe estate?,all looked over at Tyler. ' are you going ', mostly. Thereare so Tylersaid piously, Y worthy organizations that need help.' ewas only halflistening to the conversation at the table. He lookedaround the tableat his brother and "":.sister. If it weren't for me, you'dbe gettingnothing. '@-"Nolhing! He turned to look at Woody. Hisbrother had @t,become. a dope addict, throwing his life away. Money ''thelp h* Tylerthought. It will only buy him more '40pe He wondered whereWoody wasgetting the Tyler turned to his sister. Kendall was brightandsuccessful, and she had made the most of her talents. Marcwas seatednext to her, telling an amusing -@,Anecdote to Peggy. He'sattractiveand charming. Too he's married. And then there was Peggy.He thought ofher as 0 Why she put up with Woody was beyond e must lovehim very much.She certainly hasn't tten thing out of her marriage. He

wondered whatthe expressions on their faces would be if he stood up andsaid, 'control Stanford ..... Enterprises. I had ourfathermurdered, his bodydug up. I hired someone to impersonate our ha#sister.' He261 smiled atthe thought. It was difficult holding a secret asdelicious as the onehe had. After lunch, Tyler went to his room to telephoneLee again.There was no answer. He's out with someone, Tyler thought,despairingly.He doesn't believe me about the yacht.

Well, I'll prove it to him! When is that damn will goingto be probated?

F/I have to call Fitzgerald, or that young lawyer, SteveSloane. Therewas a knock at the door. Clark stood there. ' me, JudgeStanford.

A letter arrived for you.' Probably from Keith Percy,congratulating me.

"Thank you, Clark.' He took the envelope. It had a KansasCity returnaddress. He stared at it a moment, puzzled, then opened itand began toread the letter. Dear Judge Stanford, I think you shouldknow that youhave a hay sister named Julia. She is the daughter ofRosemary Nelsonand your father. She lives here in Kansas City. Heraddress is 1425Metca4(Avenue, Apartment 3B, Kansas City, Kansas. I'm sureJulia wouldbe most happy to hear from you. Sincerely, A Friend Tylerstared at theletter disbelievingly, and he felt a cold chill. ' hecried aloud.

"No!' I won't have it! 262 now! Maybe she's a fake. But he

had aterrible beling that this Julia was genuine. And now thebitch iscomingforward to claim her share of the estate! My h re, ya T lercorrected himself. It doesn't belong to her. I can't lether come here.

It would ruin everything. I would have to explain theother Julia, and..

He shuddered. '!' I have to have her taken care of. Fast.He reached forthe telephone and d. ialed Hal Baker's number.

Chapter Twenty-two.

The dermatologist shook his head. ''ve seen cases similarto yours, butnever one this bad.' Hal Baker scratched his hand andnodded. ' see, Mr.Baker, we were confronted with three possibilities. Youritching couldhave been caused by a fungus, an allergy, or it could beneurodermatitis. The skin scraping I took from your handand put underthe microscope showed me that it wasn't a fungus. And yousaid youdidn't handle chemicals on the job .. ''s right.' ', we'venarrowed itdown. What you have is lichen simplex chronicus orlocalizedneurodermatitis.' ' sounds awful. Is there something youcan do aboutitt ', there is.' The doctor took a tube from a cabinet ina comer ofthe office and opetied it. ' your hand itching nowt HalBaker scratchedagain. '. It feels like it's on fire.' ' want you to rubsome of thiscream on your hand.' 264 Hal Baker squeezed out some ofthe cream andbegan to rub it into his hand. It was like a miracle. 'itching has

stopped!' Baker said. '. Use that, and you won't have anymore V,problem.' ' you, doctor. I can't tell you what a reliefthis is 11,11give you a prescription. You can take the tube with you."

"Thank you.' P vin ri i g home, Hal Baker was singingaloud. It was thefirst time since he had met Judge Tyler Stanford that hishand had notitched. It was a wonderful feeling of freedom. Stillwhistling, hepulled into the garage, and walked into the kitchen. Helenwas waitingfor him. ' had a telephone call,' she said. ' Mr. Jones.He said it wasurgent.9 His hand began itching. 1w, Re had hurt somepeople, but he haddone it for the love of his kids. He had committed somecrimes, but "Atwas for the -family. Hal Baker did not believe he reallyhad been atfault. This was different. This was a cold-blooded murder.When he hadreturned the phone call, he had protested. ' can't dothat, judge.

You'll have to find someone else.' 265 There had been asilence. Andthen, ''s the family?' The flight to Kansas City wasuneventful.

Judge Stanford had given him detailed instructions. ' nameis JuliaStanford You have her address and apartment number. Shewon't beexpecting you. All you have to do is go there and handleher.' He took ataxi from the Kansas City Downtown Airport to downtownKansas City.

"Beautiful day,' the taxi driver said. '.' ' did you comein from?' 'York. I live here.' ' place to five.' ' is. I have a

little repair workto do around the house. Would you drop me off at ahardware storet '.'Five minutes later, Hat Baker was saying to a clerk in thestore, ' needa hunting knife.' ' have just the thing, sir. Would youcome this way,pleaset The knife was a thing of beauty, about six incheslong, with asharp pointed end and serrated edges.

"Will this do?' ''m sure it will,' Hal Baker said. ' thatbe cash orcharget 266 '.' His next stop was at a stationery store.Hal Bakerstudied the apartment building at 1425 Metcalf Avenue forfive minutes,examining exits and entrances. He left and returned at 8P. m., when itbegan to get dark. He wanted to make sure that if JuliaStan- ,ford hada job, she would be home from work. He had noted that theapartmentbuilding had no doorman. There was an elevator, but hetook the stairs.It was not smart to be in small enclosed places. They weretraps. Hereached the third floor. Apartment 3B was down the hall onthe left. Theknife was taped to the inside pocket of his jacket. Herang thedoorbell. A moment later, the door opened, and he foundhimself facingan attractive woman. '.', She had a nice smile. ' I helpyout She wasyounger than he had expected, and he wondered fleetinglywhy JudgeStanford wanted her killed. Well, that's none of mybusiness.

He took out a card and handed it to her. ''m with the A.C.NielsenCompany,' he said smoothly. ' don't'have any of theNielsen family in

this area, and we're looking for people who might beinterested.' Sheshook her head. ', thanks.' She started to close the door.Ve pay onehundred dollars a week.' The door stayed half open. 267 'hundreddollars a week?' 6yes, ma'am.' The door was wide open now.' you have todo is record the names of the programs you watch. We'llgive you acontract for one year.' Five thousand dollars! ' in,' shesaid. Hewalked into the apartment. ' down, Mr. -' '. Jim Allen.''. Allen. Howdid you happen to select met ' company does randomchecking. We have tomake sure that none of the people is involved intelevision in any way,so we can keep our survey accurate. You don't have anyconnection withany television production programs or networks, do youtShe laughed. ',no. What would I have to do exactly99 ''s really verysimple. We'll giveyou a chart with all the television programs listed on it,and all youhave to do is make a check mark every time you watch aprogram. That wayour computer can figure out how many viewers each programhas. TheNielsen family is scattered around the United States, sowe get a clearpicture of which shows are popular in which areas and withwhom. Wouldyou be interestedt ', yes.' He took out some printed formsand a pen. 'many hours a day do you watch televisiont 268 ' very many.I work allday., ' you do watchsome television?' ', certainly. Iwatch the news atni lit, and some- 9 times an old movie. I like LarryKing.' He made anote. ' you watch much educational television?' ' watchPBS on Sundays.'

' the way, do you live alone here?' ' have a roommate, butshe's xi@there.' So they were alone. His hand began to itch. Hestarted to reachinto his inside pocket to untape the knife. He heardfootsteps in thehall outside. He stopped. ' you say I get five thousanddollars a yearjust for doing this?' ''s right. Oh, I forgot to mention.We also giveyou a new color TV set.' ''s fantastid' The footsteps weregone. Hereached inside his pocket again, and felt the handle ofthe knife-. ' Ihave a glass of water, please? It's been a long day.' '.'He watchedher. get up and go over to the small bar in the corner. Heslipped theknife out of its sheath and moved up behind her. She wagsaying, 'roommate watches PBS more, than I do.' He lifted theknife, ready tostrike. ' Julia's more intellectual than I am.' Baker'shand froze inmidair. ' 269 ' roommate. Or she was. She's gone. I founda note when Igot home saying she had left and didn't know when she'd be-' She turnedaround, holding the glass of water, and saw the upraisedknife in hishand. ' ... T She screamed. Hal Baker turned and fled. HalBakertelephoned Tyler Stanford. ''m in Kansas City, but thegirl is gone.' 'do you mean, gonet ' roommate says she left.' He wassilent for amoment. ' have a feeling she's headed for Boston. I wantyou to get uphere right away.9 ', sir.' Tyler Stanford slammed down thereceiver andbegan to pace. Everything had been going so perfectly! Thegirl had tobe found and disposed of. She was a loose cannon. Evenafter he received

control of the estate, Tyler knew he would not rest easyas long as shewas alive. rve got to find her, Tyler thought. rve got to!But where?Clark came into the room.

"Excuse me, Judge Stanford. There is a Miss. JuliaStanford here to seeyou.' 270

Chapter Twenty-three.

it was because of Kendall that Julia decided to go toBoston. Returningfrom lunch one day, Julia passed an exclusive dress shop,and in thewindow was an original design by Kendall. Julia looked atit for a longtime. That's my sister, Julia thought. I can't blame herfor whathappened to my mother. And I can't blame my brothers. Andsuddenly shewas filled with an overpowering desire to see them, tomeet them; totalk to them, to have a family at last. When Juliareturned to theoffice, she told. Max Tolkin that she would be gone for afew days.

Embarrassed, she said, ' wonder if I could have an advanceon my salarytTolkin smiled. '. You have a vacation coming. Here. Have agood time.'Will I have a good time? Julia wondered. Or am I making aterriblemistake? When Julia returned home, Sally had not arrivedyet. I can'twait for her, Julia decided. If I don't go now, I'll 271never go.

She packed her suitcase and left a note.. On the way tothe busterminal, Julia had second thoughts. What am I doing? Whydid I make

this sudden decision? Then she thought wryly, Sudden? It'staken mefourteen years! She was filled with an enormous sense ofexcitement.

What was her family going to be like? She knew that one ofher brotherswas a judge, the other was a famous polo player, and hersister was afamous designer. It's afwnily of achievers, Julia thought,and who am PI hope they don't look down on me. Merely thinking aboutwhat lay aheadmade Julia's heart skip a beat. She boarded a Greyhoundbus and was onher way. When the bus arrived at South Station in Boston,Julia found ataxi. ' to, ladyt the driver asked. And Julia completelylost - hernerve. She had intended to say, ' Hill.' Instead, shesaid, T don'tknow.' The taxi driver turned around to look at her. ', Idon't know,either.' ' you just drive around? I've never been toBoston before.' Henodded. '.' They drove west along Summer Street until theyreached theBoston Common. The driver said, ' is the oldest publicpark in theUnited States. They used to use it for hangings! 272 AndJulia couldhear her mother's voice. V used to take the children tothe Common inthe winter to iceskate. Woody was a natural athlete. Iwish you couldhave met him, Julia He was such a handsome boy. I alwaysthought he wasgoing to be the successful one in thefwnily.' It was asthough hermother were with her, sharing this moment. They hadreached CharlesStreet, the entrance to the Public Garden. The driversaid, ' thosebronze ducklings? Believe it or not, they've all got

names.' ' used tohave picnics in the Public Garden. There are cute bronzeducklings atthe entrance. They're named Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack,Ouack, Pack,and Quack.' Julia had thought that was so funny that shehad made hermother repeat the names over an dover again. Julia lookedat the meter.The drive was getting expensive. ' you recommend aninexpensive hotelt'. How about the Copley Square Hoteff ' you take me there,pleaset '.'Five minutes later, they pulled up in front of the hotel.' Boston,lady.' ' you.' Am I going to enjoy it, or will it be adisaster? Juliapaid the driver and went into the hotel. She approachedthe young clerkbehind the desk. 273 '," he said. ' I help you? ''d like aroom,Please.' ' '. ' long will you be staying?' She hesitated.An hour? Tenyears? ' don't know.' '.' He checked the key rack. ' havea nice singlefor you on the fourth floor.' ' you.' She signed theregister in a neathand- Julia Stanford. The clerk handed her a key. ' youare. Enjoy yourstay., The room was small, but neat and clean. As soon asJuliaunpacked, she telephoned Sally. '? My God! Where are you?,''m inBoston.' ' you all rightt She sourided hysterical. '. Whyt"Someone cameto the apartment, looking for you, and I think he wantedto kill you!' 'are you talking about?' ' had a knife and ... you shouldhave seen tholook on his face - ..'She was gasping for breath.

"When he found out I wasn't you, he ran!' ' don't believeit!' ' said hewas with A.C. Nielsen, but I called their' office, and

they never heardof him! Do you know anyone who would want to harm yout 274' course not,Sally! Don't be ridiculous! Did you call the police?' 'did. Buttherewasn't much they could do except tell me to be morecareful.' ', I'mjust fine, so don't worry.' She heard Sally take a deepbreath. ' right.As long as you're okay. Juliat '.' ' careful, will you?' 'course.'Sally and her inuiginatiorli Who in the world would wantto kill me? 'you know when you're coming back?' The same kind ofquestion the clerkhad asked her. '.' ''re there to see your family, aren'tyout '.' ' Iuck.' ', Sally.' ' in touch.' ' will.' Julia replaced thereceiver. Shestood there, wondering what to do next. If I had anybrains, I would getback on the bus and go, home. I've been stalling. Did Icome to Bostonto see the sights? No. Icame here to meet my family. Am Igoing to meetthem? No ... Yes ... She sat on the edge of the bed, hermind in aturmoil. What if they hate me? I must not think that.They're ing tolove me, and Im going to love them. She looked thetelephone andthought, Maybe it would be better 275 see I called them.No. Then theymight not want to me. She went to the closet and selectedher best dress.If I don It do it now, I'll never do it, Julia decided.Thirty minuteslater, she was in a taxi on her way to Rose Hill to meether family.

Chapter Twenty-four.

Tyler was staring at Clark in disbelief' ' Stanford ... isheret "Yes,

sir.' There was a puzzled tone in the butler's voice. ' itisn't thesame Miss. Stanford who was here earlier.' Tyler forced asmile. 'course not. I'm afraid it's an impostor.' ' impostor,sir?"

"Yes. They'll be coming out of the woodwork, Clark, allclaiming a rightto the family fortune.' ''s terrible, sir. Shall I callthe policet"No,' Tyler said quickly. That was the last thing hewanted . I'llhandle it. Send her into the library.' ', sir.' Tyler'smind was racing.So the real Julia Stanford had finally showed up. It wasfortunate thatnone of the other members of the family was. home at themoment. Hewould have to get rid of her immediately. Tyler walkedinto the library.Julia was standing in the middle of the room, looking at aportrait ofHarry Stanford. Tyler stood there a moment, studying 277the woman. Shewas beautiful. Jt was too bad that ... ' Julia turnedaround and sawhim. '.' cyou're Tyler.' ''s right. Who are yout Her smilefaded. ''t... ? I'm Julia Stanford.' '? Yool forgive my asking, butdo you haveany proof of thatt '? Well, Yes ... I ... that is ... noproof. I justassumed - He moved closer to her.

"How did you happen to come heregg ' decided that it wastime to meet myfamily.' ' twenty-six yearst '.' Looking at her, listeningto her speak,there was no question in Tyler's mind. She was genuine,dangerous, andwould have to be disposed of quickly. Tyler forced asmile. ', you canimagine what a shock this is to me. I mean, for you to

appear here outof the blue and. 11 know. I'm sorry. I probably shouldhave calledfirst.' Tyler asked casually, ' came to Boston alonet '.'His mind wasracing. ' anyone else know you're heret "No. Well, myroommate, Sally,in Kansas City.' 278 ' are you staying?' . ' the CopleySquare Hotel.'''s a nice hotel. What room are you int ' nineteen.' 'right. Why don'tyou go back to your hotel and wait there for us? I want toprepare Woodyand Kendall for this. They're going to be as surprised asI was.' 61@ insorry. I should have ' problem. Now that we've met, I knowthateverything is going to be just fine.' ' you, Tyler.' ''rewelcome' - healmost choked on the word. '. Let me call a taxi for you.'Five minuteslater, she was gone. Hal Baker had just returned to hishotel room indowntown Boston when the telephone call came. He picked itup. '"I'm-sorry. I have no news yet, judge. I've combed thiswhole town. Iwent to the airport and ''s here, stupid!' ' ''s here inBoston. She'sstaying at -the Copley Square Hotel, room four nineteen. Iwant hertaken care of tonight. And I don't want any more bungling,do youunderstandt ' happened was not my 279 ' you understandt4Yes, sir.' ' doid' Tyler slammed down the receiver. He went to findClark. ', aboutthat young woman who was here pretending she was mysistert ', sirt 'wouldn't say anything about it to the other members of thefamily. Itwould just upset them.' ' understand, sir.

You're very thoughtful.' Julia walked over to the

Ritz-Carlton fordinner. The hotel was beautiful, just as her mother haddescribed it. OnSunday, I used to take the children there for brunch.Julia sat in thedining room and visualized her mother there at a tablewith young Tyler,Woody and Kendall. I wish I could have grown up withthem,-Juliathought. But at least rm going the meet them now. Shewondered whetherher mother would have approved of what she was doing.Julia had beentaken aback by Tyler's reception. He had seemed ... cold.But that'sonly natural, Julia thought. A stranger walks in and says,' yoursister.' Of course he would be suspicious. But rm sure Ican convincethem. When the check came, Julia stared at it in shock. Ihave to becareful, she thought. I have to have enough money left totake the busback to Kansas. As she stepped outside the Ritz-Carlton, atour bus wasgetting ready to leave. On an impulse, she boarded 280 it-She wanted tosee as much of her mother's city as she could. Hal Bakerstrode into thelobby of the Copley Square Hotel as though he belongedthere and tookthe stairs to the fourth floor. This time there would beno mistake.

Room 419 was in the middle of the corridor. Hal Bakerscanned thehallway to make sure no one was around, and knocked on thedoor. Therewas no answer. He knocked again. '. Stanfordt Still noanswer. He took asmall case from his pocket and selected a pick. It tookhim only secondsto open the door. Hal Baker stepped inside, closing thedoor behind him.

The room was empty. '. Stanfordt He walked into thebathroom. Empty. Hewent back into the bedroom. He took a knife out of hispocket, moved achair in back of the door, and sat in the dark, waiting.It was one hourlater when he heard someone approaching. Hal Baker rosequickly andstodd behind the door, the knife in his hands. He heardthe key turn inthe lock, and the door started to'swing open* ' He raisedthe knife highover his head, ready to strike. Julia Stanford stepped inand pressedthe light switch on. He heard her say, ' well. Come in.' Acrowd ofreporters poured into the room.

Chapter Twenty-five.

it was Gordon Wellman, the night manager at the CopleySquare Hotel, whoinadvertently saved Julia! s life. He had come on duty atsix o'clockthat evening, and had automatically checked the hotelregister, When hecame across the name of Julia Stanford, he stared at it insurprise.

Ever since Harry Stanford had died, the newspapers hadbeen full ofstones about the Stanford family. They had dredged up theancientscandal of Stanford's affair with the children's governessand thesuicide of Stanford-s wife. Harry Stanford had anillegitimate daughternamed Julia. There were rumors that she had come to Bostonin secret.

Shortly after going on a shopping spree, she hadreportedly left forSouth America. Now, it seemed that she was back. And she'sstaying at my

hotel! Gordon Wellman thought excitedly. He turned to thefront-deskclerk. ' you know how much publicity this could mean forthe hotelt Aminute later, he was on the telephone to the press. 282When Juliaarrived back at the hotel after her sightseeing tour, thelobby wasfilled with reporters, - eagerly awaiting her. As soon asshe walkedinto the lobby, they pounced. '. Stanford! I'm from theBoston Globe.

We've been looking for you, but we heard that you had lefttown. Couldyou tell us.. I T A television camera was pointed at her.'. Stanford,I'm with WCVB-TV. We'd like to get a statement from you...' '.Stanford, I'm from the Boston Phoenix. We want to knowyour reaction to.

- .' ' this way, Miss. Stanford! Smile! Thank you.'Flashes werepopping. Julia stood there, filled with confusion. Oh, myGod, shethought. Thefainfly is going to think that rm some kind ofpublicityhound. She turned to the reporters. ''m sorry. I havenothing to say."She fled into the elevator. They piled in after her. 'magazine wants todo a story on your life, and what it feels like to beestranged fromyour family for over twenty-five years.' -Ve heard you hadgone to SouthAmerica.' ' you planning to live in Boston ... T ' aren'tyou staying atRose Hill ... T She got out of the elevator at the fourthfloor andhurried down the corridor. They were at her heels.

There was no way to escape them. Julia took out her keyand opened the

door to her 283 room. She stepped inside and turned on thelight. 'well. Come in.' Hidden behind the door, Hal Baker wascaught bysurprise, the knife in his raised hand. As the reportersshoved pasthim, he quickly put the knife back in his pocket andmingled with thegroup..Julia turned to the reporters. ' right. Onequestion at a time,please.' Frustrated, Baker backed toward the door andslipped out.

Judge Stanford was not going to be pleased. For the nextthirty minutes,Julia answered questions as best she could. Finally, theywere gone.

Julia locked the door and went to bed. In the morning, thetelevisionstations and newspapers featured stories about JuliaStanford. Tylerread the papers and was furious. Woody and Kendall joinedhim at thebreakfast table. ''s all this nonsense about some womancalling herselfJulia Stanfordt Woody asked. '? s a phony,' Tyler saidglibly.

"She came to the door yesterday, demanding money, and Isent her away. Ididn't expect her to pull a cheap publicity stunt likethis. Don'tworry. I'll take care of her.' He put in a call to SimonFitzgerald.

"Have you seen the morning paperst '.' 284she'T'shisurconistaerrtist isgoing around town claiming that Fitzgerald said, ' youwant me to haveher arrested?' '! That would only create more publicity".I want you toget her out of town.' ' right. I'll take care, of it,Judge Stanford.' '

you.' Simon Fitzgerald sent for'Steve Sloane. ''s aproblem,' he said.Steve nodded. ' know. I've heard the morning news and seenthe papers.Who is shet ' someone who thinks she can horn in on thefamily fortune.Judge Stanford suggested we get her out of town. Will youhandle hert 'pleasure,' Steve said grimly. One hour later, Steve wasknocking onJulia's hotel room door. When Julia opened the door andsaw him standingthere she said, ''m sorry. I'm not talking to any morereporters. I ''mnot a reporter. May I come int "Who are yout ' name isSteve Sloane. I'mwith the law firm representing the Harry Stanford estate.''. I see.Yes. Come in." Steve walked into the room. 285 ' you tellthe press thatyou are Julia Stanford?' ''m afraid I was caught offguard. I didn'texpect them, you see, and. - .' ' you didclaim to be HarryStanford'sdaughtert '. I am his daughter.' He looked at her and saidcynically,"Of course, you have proof of that.' ', no,' Julia saidslowly. 'don't.' ' on,' Steve insisted. ' must have some proof.' Heintended tonail her with her own lies. ' have nothing,' she said. Hestudied her,surprised. She was not what he had expected. There was adisarmingfrankness about her. She seems intelligent. How could shehave beenstupid enough to come here claiming to be ffarryStanford's daughterwithout any proof? ''s too bad,' Steve said. ' Stanfordwants you to getout of town.' Julia's eyes widened. ' "That's right.' '... I don'tunderstand. I haven't even met my other brother orsister.' So she's

determined to keep up the bluff, Steve thought. ', I don'tknow who youare, or what your game is, but you could go to jail forthis. We'regiving you a break. What you're doing is against the law.You have achoice. Either you can get out of town and stop botheringthe family, orwe can have you arrested.' 286 Julia stood there in shock.'? I ... Idon, t know what to say.' ''s your decision.' ' don't evenwant to seemet Julia asked numbly. ''s putting it mildly.' She took adeep breath.' right. If that's what they want, I'll go back to Kansas.I promiseyou, they'll never hear from me again.' Kansas. You came along way topull your little scam.

"That's very wise.' He stood there a moment, watching her,puzzled.

"Well, good-bye.' She did not reply. Steve was in SimonFitzgerald'soffice. ' you see the woman, Stevet '. She's going backhome.' Heseemed distracted. '. I'll tell Judge Stanford. He'll bepleased."

"Do you know what's bugging me, Simont ' ' dog didn'tbark.' ' beg yourpardont ' Sherlock Holmes story. The clue was in whatdidn't happen.' ',what does that have to do with ' came here without anyproof. IFitzgerald looked at him, puzzled. ' don't understand.

That should have convinced you.' ' the contrary. Why wouldshe comehere, all the 287 way from Kansas, claiming to be HarryStanford'sdaughter, and not have a single thing to back it upt ' area lot of

weirdos out there, Steve.' ''s not a weirdo. You shouldhave seen her.And there are a couple of other things that bother me,Simon."

"Yes?' ' Stanford's body disappeared. When I went to talkto DmitriKaminsky, the only witness to Stanford's accident, he haddisappeared... And no one seems to know where the first JuliaStanford suddenlydisappeared to.' Simon Fitzgerald was frowning. ' are yous . T aying.Steve said, slowly, ''s something going on that needs tobe explained.I'm going to have another talk with the lady.' SteveSloane walked intothe lobby of the Copley Square Hotel and approached thedesk clerk. 'you ring Miss. Julia Stanford, pleaset The clerk lookedup.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Miss. Stanford has checked out.' ' sheleave aforwarding address?' ', sir. I'm afraid not.' Steve stoodthere,frustrated. There was nothing more he could do. Well,maybe I was wrong,he thought philosophically. Maybe she really is animpostor. Now we'llnever know. He turned and went out into the 288 street.The doorman wasushering a couple into a taxi. ' me,' Steve said. Thedoorman turned. ',sir?' '. I want to ask you a question. Did you see Miss.Stanford comeout of the hotel this morning?.' ' certainly did.

Everybody was staring at her. She's quite a celebrity. Igot a taxi forher.' ' don't suppose you know where she went?' He foundthat he washolding his breath. '. I told the cab driver where to takeher." "And

where was that Steve asked impatiently. ' the Greyhoundbus terminal atSouth Station. I thought it was strange that someone asrich as thatwould ...' ' do want a taxi.' Steve walked into thecrowded Greyhoundbus terminal and looked around. Julia was nowhere to beseen.

She's gone, Steve thought despairingly. A voice on aloudspeaker wascalling out the departing buses. He heard the voice say,'... and KansasCity,' and Steve hurried out to the loading platform.Julia was juststarting to get on the bus. ' it!' he called. She turned,startled.Steve hurried up to her. ' want to talk to you.' Shelooked at him,angry. ' have nothing more to say to you.' She turned togo.

289 IRL He grabbed her arm. ' a minute! We really have totalk.' ' busis leaving.' ''ll be another one.' ' suitcase is on it."Steve turned toa porter. ' woman is about to have a baby. Get hersuitcase out ofthere. Quick!' The porter looked at Julia in surprise.

"Right.' He hurriedly opened the luggage compartment. ' isyours, lady?'Julia turned to Steve, puzzled. ' you know what you'redoing?"

"No,' Steve said. She studied him a moment, then made adecision. Shepointed to, her suitcase. ' one.' The porter pulled itout. ' you wantme to get you an ambulance or anything?"

"hank you. I'll be fine." Steve picked up the suitcase,and they headedfor the exit. ' you had breakfastt ''m not hungry,' she

said coldly. ''dbetter have something. You're eating for two now, youknow.' They hadbreakfast at Julien. Julia sat across from Steve, her bodyrigid withanger. When they had ordered, Steve said, ''m curiousabout something.What made you think you could 290 claim part of theStanford estatewithout any proof at all of your identity?' She looked athimindignantly. ' didn't go there to claim part of theStanford estate. Myfather wouldn't have left anything to me. I wanted to meetmy family.Obviously they didn't want to meet me.' ' you have anydocuments ... anykind of proof at all of who you are?' She thought of allthe clippingspiled up in her apartment and shook her head. '. Nothing.'''s someone Iwant you to talk to.' ' is Simon Fitzgerald.' Stevehesitated. ' ... 'Stanford.' Fitzgerald said skeptically, ' down, miss.'Julia sat on theedge of a chair, ready to get up and walk out. Fitzgeraldwas studyingher. She had the Stanford deep gray eyes, but so did lotsof otherpeople. ' claim you're Rosemary Nelson's daughter.' 'don't claimanything. I am Rosemary Nelson's daughter.' ' where isyour mother?' 'died a number of years ago.' ', I'm sorry to hear that.

Could you tell us about her?' ','Julia said. ' reallywould rathernot.'She stood up. ' want to get out of here.' ', we'retrying to helpyou,' Steve said. 291 She turned on him. ' you? My familydoesn9t wantto see me. You want to turn me over to the police. I don'tneed thatkind of help.' She started toward the door. Steve said, '!

If you are who you say you are, you must have somethingthat will proveyou're Harry Stanford9s daughter.' ' told you, I don't,'Julia said.

"My mother and I shut Harry Stanford out of our lives.' 'did. yourmother look liket Simon Fitzgerald asked. ' wasbeautiful,' Julia said.Her voice softened. ' was the loveliest ...' Sheremembered something. 'have a picture of her.' She took a small gold heart shapedlocket fromaround her neck and handed it to Fitzgerald. He looked ather a moment,then opened the locket. On one side was a picture of HarryStanford, andon the other side a picture of Rosemary Nelson. Theinscription read TOR.N. wrrh LOVE, H.s. The date was 1969. Simon Fitzgeraldstared at thelocket for a long time. When he looked up, his voice washusky. ' oweyou an apology, my dear.' He turned to Steve.

"This is Julia Stanford."

Chapter Twenty-six.

Kendall had been unable to get the conversation with Peggyout of hermind. Peggy seemed incapable of coping with the situationby herself"Woody's trying hard. He really is ... Oh, I love him somuch!' He needsa lot of help, Kendall thought. I have to do something.He's mybrother., I must talk to him. Kendall went to find Clark.' Mr. Woodrowat homet ', ma'am. I believe he's in his room.' ' you.'She thought ofthe scene at the table, with Peggy's bruised face. 'happened.?' '

bumped into a door ...'How couldshe haveput up with it allthis time?Kendall went upstairs and knocked on the door to Woody'sroom. There wasno answer. '?' She opened the door and stepped inside. Abitteralmondsmell permeated the room. Kendall stood there a moment,then movedtoward the bathroom. She could see Woody through the opendoor. He washeating heroin on a pibce of aluminum foil. As it began toliquify andevaporate, she watched Woody inhale 293 t the smoke from arolled upstraw he held in his mouth. Kendall stepped into thebathroom. ' ... THe looked around and grinned. ', Sis!' He turned andinhaled deeplyagain. ' God's sake! Stop thatv ', relax. You know whatthis is called?Chasing the dragon. See the little dragon curling up inthe smoke?' Hewas smiling happily. ', please let me talk to you. ', Sis.What can I dofor you? I know it's not a money problem. We'rebillionaires! What areyou looking so depressed about? The sun is out, and it-s abeautifulday!' His eyes were glistening. Kendall stood therelooking at him,filled with compassion. ', I had a talk with Peggy. Shetold me howyou got started on drugs at the hospital.' He nodded. '.Best thing thatever happened to me.' '. It's the most terrible thing thatever happenedto you. Do you have any idea what you're doing with yourli fet "Sure Ido. It's called living it up, Sis!' She took his hand andsaid,earnestly, ' need help.' '? I don't need any help. I'mfine!' ', youaren't. Listen to me, Woody. This is your life we'retalking about, and

it's not only your life. Think of Peggy. For years you'veput herthrough a living hell, and she stood for it because sheloves you 294 somuch destroyin-gyhoeur'sre ''vnelygdoetstrooydiong yourlife, you, resomething about this now, before it's too late. It's notimportant howyou got started on drugs. The important thing is that youget off them.'Woody's smile faded. He looked into Kendall's eyes andstarted to saysomething, then stopped. ' . '?" He licked his lips. ' ...I know you'reright. I want to stop. I've tried. God, how I've tried.But I can't.'Cof course, you can,' she said fiercely.

"You can do it. We're going to beat this together. Peggyand I arebehind you. Who supplies you with heroin, Woody?' He stoodthere,looking at her in astonishment. ' God! You don't know?'Kendall shookher head. '.' 4peggy.

Chapter Twenty-seven.

Simon Fitzgerald looked at the gold locket for a longtime. ' knew yourmother, Julia, and I liked her. She was wonderful with theStanfordchildren, and they adored her.' ' adored them, too,' Juliasaid. ' usedto talk to me about them all the time.' ' happened to yourmother wasterrible. You can't imagine what a scandal it created.Boston can be avery small town. Harry Stanford behaved very badly. Yourmother had nochoice bui to leave.' He shook his head. ' must have beenvery difficultfor the two of you.' ' had a hard time. The awful thingwas that 1

-think she still loved Harry Stanford, in spite ofeverything.' Shelooked at Steve. ' don't understand what's happening.

Why doesn't my family want to see met The two menexchanged a look. ' meexplain,' Steve said. He hesitated, choosing his wordscarefully. 'short time ago, a woman showed up here, claiming . beJulia Stanford."296 ' that's impossible!' Julia said. ''m ...' Steve heldup a hand. 'know. The family hired a private detective to make sureshe wasauthentic.' ' they found out that she wasn't.' '. Theyfound out thatshe was.' Julia looked at him, bewildered. '?' ' detectivesaid he foundfingerprints that the woman had taken when she got a-driver's licensein San Francisco when she was seventeen and they matchedthe prints ofthe woman calling herself Julia Stanford.' Julia was morepuzzled thanever. ' I ... I've never been in Indiana." Fitzgeraldsaid, ', there maybe an elaborate conspiracy going on to get Part of theStanford estate.I'm afraid you're caught in the middle of it.' 'can'tbelieve it" ' isbehind this can't afford to have two Julia Stanfordsaround.' Steveadded, ' only way the plan can work successfully is to getyou out ofthe way.' ' you say "out of the *ay ... "' She stopped,rememberingsomething. ', nol' ' is itt Fitzgerald asked. ' nights agoI talked tomy roommate; and she was hysterical. She said a man cameto ourapartment with a knife and tried to attack her. He thoughtshe was me!'It was difficult for Julia to find her voice. ' ... who'sdoing thist

297 ' I had to guess, I'd say it's probably a member ofthe family,'Steve told her. ' ... whyt ''s a large fortune at stake,and the will isgoing to be probated in a few days.' ' does that have todo with me? Myfather never even acknowledged me. He wouldn't have leftme anything."Fitzgerald said, ' a matter of fact, if we can prove youridentity, yourshare of the overall estate is more than a billiondollars.' She satthere, numb. When she found her voice, she said, ' billiondollarst"That's right. But someone else is after that money.That's why you'rein danger.' ' see.' She. stood there looking at them,feeling a risingpanic. ' am I going to dot ''ll tell you what you're notgoing to do,'Steve told her. ''re not going back to a hotel. I want youto stay outof sight until we find out what's going on.' ' could goback to Kansasuntil.,. Fitzgerald said, ' think it would be better ifyou stayed here,Julia. We'll find a place to hide you. ' could stay at myhouse,' Stevesuggested. ' one will think of looking for her there.' Thetwo menturned to Julia. She hesitated..'Well ... yes. That willbe fine.' '.'298 , Julia said slowly, ' of this would be happening ifmy fatherhadn't fallen off his yacht.' ', I don't think he fell,'Steve told her.' think he was pushed.' They took the service elevator tothe officebuilding garage and got into Steve's car. ' don't wantanyone to seeyou,' Steve said. ' have to keep you out of sight for thenext fewdays.' They started driving down State Street.

"How about some luncht Julia looked over at him andsmiled. ' alwaysseem to be feeding me.' ' know a restaurant that's off thebeaten path.

It's an old house on Gloucester Street. I don't thinkanyone will see usthere.' L'Espalier was an elegant nineteenth-centurytownhouse with oneof the finest views in Boston. As Steve and Julia walkedin, they weregreeted by the captain. ' afternoon,' he said. ' you comethis way,please? I have a nice table for you by the window.' ' youdon't mind,'Steve said, ''d prefer some- thing against the wall.' Thecaptainblinked. ' the wallt '. We like privacy.' ' course." Heled them to atable in a comer. ''ll send your waiter right over." Hewas staring -atJulia, and his face suddenly lit up. '! Miss. Stanford.It's 299 11. , apleasure to have you here. I saw your picture in thenewspaper.' Julialooked at Steve, not knowing what to say. Steve exclaimed,' God! Weleft the children in the car! Let's go get them!" And tothe captain,''d like two martinis, very dry. Hold the olives.

We'll be right back.' ', sir.' The captain watched the twoof them hurryout of the restaurant. ' are we doing?, Julia asked. ' outof here. Allhe has to do is call the press, and we're in trouble.

We'll go somewhere else.' They found a little restauranton DaltonStreet and ordered lunch. Steve sat there, studying her. 'does it feelto be a celebrity?' he asked. ' don't joke about that. ITeel terrible.'' know,' he said contritely. ''m sorry.'He was finding it

very easy tobe with her. He thought about how rude he had been whenthey first met.' you ... do you really think I'm in danger, Mr. SloanetJulia asked. 'me Steve. Yes. I'm afraid you are. But it will be for onlya littlewhile. By the time the will is probated, we'll know who'sbehind this.In the meantime, I'm going to see to it that you're safe.'' you. I ...I appreciate it.' They were staring at each other, andwhen an 300approaching waiter saw the looks on their faces, hedecided not tointerrupt them. In the car, Steve asked, ' this your firsttime inBostont 4yes.@ ''s an interesting city.' They were-passing the old JohnHancock Building. Steve pointed to the tower.

"You see that beacont '.' ' broadcasts the weather.' ' cana beacon ...T I ''m glad you asked. When the light is a steady blue,it means theweather is clear. If it's a flashing blue, you can expectclouds to benear. A steady red means rain ahead, and flashing red,snow instead.'Julia laughed. They reached the Harvard Bridge. Steveslowed down. ' isthe bridge that links Boston and Cambridge. It's exactlythree hundred,sixty-four point four Smoots and one ear long.' Juliaturned to stare athim.,'I beg your pardon'T Steve grinned,. ''s true.' ''s aSmooff 'Smoot is a measurement using the body of Oliver ReedSmoot, who was-five feet seven inches. It started as a joke, but when thecity rebuiltthe bridge, they kept the marks. The Smoot became astandard of lengthin 1958.' 301 She laughed. ''s incredible!' As they passed

the BunkerHill, Monument, Julia exclaimed, "Oh! That's where thebattle of BunkerHill took place, isn't iff '," Steve said. ' do you mean?'' battle ofBunker Hill was fought on Breed's Hill.' Steve's home wasin the NewburyStreet area of Boston, a charming two-storey house withcomfortablefurniture and colorful prints hanging on the walls. ' youlive herealonet Julia asked. '. I have a housekeeper who comes intwice a week.I'm going to tell her not to come in for the next fewdays. I don't wantanyone to know you're here." Julia looked at Steve andsaid warmly, 'want you to know I really appreciate what you're doing forme.' 'pleasure. Come on, I'll show you your bedroom.' He led herupstairs tothe guest room. ' is it. I hope you'll be comfortable.' ',yes. It'slovely,' Julia said. ''ll bring in some groceries. Iusually eat out.' 'could -' she stopped.

"On second thought, I'd better not. My roommate says mycooking islethal.' ' think I'm a rair hand at a stove,' Steve said.''ll do somecooking for us.' He looked at her and said slowly, 'haven't had anyoneto cook for for a while.' 302 hf-;,'-Back off, he toldhimself. You'reway off base. You couldn't keep her in handkerchiefs. 'want you to makeyourself at home. You'll be completely safe here.' Shelooked at him along time, then smiled. ' you., They went back downstairs.

Steve pointed out the amenities. ', VCR, radio, CD player... you'll becomfortable.' ''s wonderful.' She wanted to say, ' like

Ifeel with you.'', if there's nothing else,' he said awkwardly.

Julia gave him a warm smile. ' can't think of anything.' 'I'll begetting back to the office. I have a lot of questionswithout answers."She watched him walk toward the door. '?' He turnedaround. ' "Is it allright if I call my roommate? She'll be worried about me.'He shook hishead. ' not. I don't want you to make any telephone callsor leave thishouse. Your life may depend on it."

Chapter Twenty-eight.

"I'm Dr. Westin. Do you understand that this conversationis going tobe tape-recordedt ', doctor.' ' you feeling calmer nowt''m calm, butI'm angry.' ' are you angry aboutt ' shouldn't be in thisplace. I'm notcrazy. I've been framed.' '? Who framed yout ' Stanford.'' TylerStanfordt ''s right.' ' would he want to do thatt 'money.' ' you havemoneyt '. I mean, yes ... that is ... I could have had it.He promisedme a million dollars, and a sable coat, and jewelry.' 'would JudgeStanford promise you thatt ' me start at the beginning.I'm not reallyJulia Stanford. My name is Margo Posner.' 304 .,'When youcame in here,you insisted you were Julia Stanford.' ' that. I'm reallynot. Lookhere's what happened. Judge Stanford hired me to pose ashis sister.' 'did he do thatt ' I could get a share of the Stanfordestate and turn itover to him.' ' for doing that he promised you a milliondollars, asable coat, and some jewelryt ' don't believe me, do you?

Well, I canprove it. He took me to Rose Hill. That's where theStanford familylives in Boston. I can describe the house to you, and Ican tell you allabout the family.' ''re aware that these are very seriouscharges you'remaking?' ' bet I am. But I suppose you won't do anythingabout itbecause he happens to be a judge.' ''re quite wrong. Iassure you thatyour charges will be very thoroughly investigated.' '! Iwant thebastard locked away the same way he has me locked away. Iwant out ofhere!' ' understand that besides my examination, two of mycolleaguesalso will have to evaluate your mental statet ' them. I'mas sane as youare.' '. Gifford will be in this afternoon, and then we'lldecide howwe're; going to proceed.' 305 ' sooner the better. I can'tstand thisdamned place!' When the matron brought'Margo her lunch,the matron said,' just talked to Dr. Gifford. He'll be here in an hour.' 'you.' Margowas ready for him. She was ready for all of them. She wasgoing to tellthem everything she knew, from the very beginning. Andwhen rm through,Margo thought, they're going to lock him up and let me go.The thoughtfilled her with s atisfaction. I'll be free! And thenMargo thought,Free to do what? I'll be out on the streets again. Maybethey'll evenrevoke my parole and put me back in the joint! She threwher lunch trayagainst the wall. Damn them! They can't do this to me!Yesterday I wasworth a billion dollars, and today ... Wait! Wait! An ideaflashedthrough Margo's mind that was so exciting that it sent a

chill throughher. Holy God! What am I doing?

rve already proved that I'm Julia Stanford. I havewitnesses. Thewholefamily heard Frank Timmons say that my fingerprintsshowed that Iwas Julia Stan- - ford. Why the hell would I ever want tobe MargoPosner when I can be Julia Stanford? No wonder they haveme locked up inhere. I must have been out of my mindf She rang the bellfor the matron.

When the matron came in, Margo said excitedly, ' want tosee the doctorright away!' ' know. You have an appointment with him in306 '.

Right now!' The matron took one look at Margo's expression-'and said,"Calm down. I'll get him.' Ten minutes later, Dr. FranzGifford walkedinto Margo's room. @You asked to see met '.' She smiledapologetically,''m afraid I've been playing a little game, doctor."

"Reallyt '. It's very embarrassing. You see, the truth isthat I wasvery upset with my brother, Tyler, and I wanted to punishhim. But Irealize now that that was wrong. I'm not upset anymore,and I want to gohome to Rose Hill..' ' read the transcript of yourinterview thismorning. You said that your name was Margo Posner and thatyou wereframed.' Margo laughed. ' was naughty of me. I just saidthat to upsetTyler. No. I'm Julia Stanford.' He looked at her. ' youprove thatt Thiswas the moment Margo had been waiting for. ', yes!' shesaidtriumphantly. ' proved it himself. He hired a private

detective namedFrank Timmons, who matched my. fingerprints with prints Ihad made for adriver's license when I was younger. The)@re the same.

There's no question about it.' ' Frank Timmons,.you sayt307 "That'sright. He does work for the district attorney's officehere in Chicago.'He studied her a moment. ', you're certain of this? You'renot MargoPosner you're ulia Stanfordt '.' ' this private detective,FrankTimmons, can verify that?' She smiled. ' already has. Allyou have to dois call the district attorney's office and get hold ofhim.' Dr. Giffordnodded. ' right. I'll do that.' At ten o'clock thefollowing morning,Dr. Gifford, accompanied by the matron, returned toMargo's room. 'morning.' ' morning, doctor.' She looked at him eagerly. 'you talk toFrank Timmonst - "Yes. I want to be sure that I understandthis. Yourstory about Judge Stanford's, involving you in some kindof conspiracywas falset "Completely. I said that because I wanted topunish mybrother. But everything is all right now. I'm ready to gohome.' 'Timmons can prove that you're Julia Stanfordt '.' Dr.Gifford turned tothe matron and nodded. She 308 signaled to someone- Atall, lean blackman walked into the room. He looked at Margo and said,'I'mFrankTimmons.

Can I help you?" He was a complete, stranger.

Chapter Twenty-nine.

The fashion show was going well. The models moved

gracefully along therunway, and each new design received enthusiasticapplause. Theballroom- was packed. Every seat was occupied, and therewere standeesin the rear. Backstage there was a stir, and Kendallturned to see whatwas happening. Two uniformed policemen were making theirway toward her.

Kendall's heart began to race. One of the policemen said,' you KendallStanford Renaudt '.' ''m placing you under arrest for themurder ofMartha Ryan.' '!' she screamed.1 didn't mean to do it! Itwas anaccident! Please! Please! Please ... !' She woke up in apanic, her bodytrembling. It was a recurring nightmare. I can't go onlike this,Kendall thought. I can'd I have to do something. Shewanted desperatelyto talk to Marc. He had 310 reluctantly returned to NewYork. ' have ajob to dop darling. They won't let me take any more timeoff.' 'understand, Marc. I'll be back there in a few days. I haveto get a showready.' Kendall wits leaving for New York that morning,but before shewent there was something she felt she had to do. Theconversation withWoody had been very disturbing. He's blaming his problemson Peggy.Kendall found Peggy on the veranda. ' morning," Kendallsaid. 'morning.' Kendall took a seat opposite her. ' have to talkto you.' ' Itwas awkward. ' had a talk with Woody. He's in bad shape.He ... hethinks that you're the one who's been supplying him withheroin.' ' toldyou thatt There was a long pause. ', it's true.' Kendallstared at her

in disbelief. '? I ... I don't understand. You told me youwere tryingto get him off drugs. Why would you want to keep himaddictedt IL oureally don't understand, do yout Her tone was bitter. 'live in your ownlittle god damned world. Well, let me tell you something,Miss. Famous311 Designer!, I was a waitress when Woody got mepregnant. I neverexpected Woodrow Stanford to marry me. And do you know whyhe did? So hecould feel he was better than his father. Well, Woodymarried me, allright. And everybody treated me like dirt. When mybrother, Hoop, camedown for the wedding, they acted like he was some kind oftrash.' '. 'tell you the truth, I was dumbfounded when your brothersaid he wantedto marry me. I didn't even know if it was his baby. Icould have been agood wife to Woody, but no one even gave me a chance. Tothem I wasstill a waitress. I didn't lose the baby, I had anabortion. I thoughtmaybe Woody would divorce me, but he didn't. I was histoken symbol ofhow democratic he was. Well, let me tell you something,lady. I don'tneed that. I'm as good as you or anyone else.' Each wordwas a blow. 'you ever love Woody?' Peggy shrugged. ' was good-lookingand fun, butthen he had that bad fall during the polo game, andeverything changed.The hospital gave him drugs, and when he got out, theyexpected him tostop taking them. One night, he was in pain, and I said,"I have alittle treat for you." And after that, whenever he was inpain, I gavehim his little treat. Pretty soon he needed it, whether hewas in pain

or not. My brother is a pusher, and I was able to get allthe heroin Ineeded. I made Woody beg me for it. And sometimes I'd tell312 I was outof it just to watch him sweat and cry - oh, how Mr.Woodrow Stanfordneeded me! He wasn't so ig 'hi hand mighty then! I goadedhim intohitting me, and then he'd feel terrible about what he haddone, and he'dcome crawling back to me with gifts. You sm. when Woody isoff dope, I'mnothing. When he's on it, I'm the one who has the power.He may be aStanford, and maybe I was only a waitress, but I controlhim.' Kendallwas staring at her in horror.

"Your brother's tried to quit, all right. When it got realbad, hisfriends would get him into a detox center, and I'd govisit him andwatch the great Stanford suffer the agonies of hell. Andeach time hecame out, I'd be waiting for him with my little treat. Itwas paybacktime.' Kendall was finding it hard to breathe. ''re amonster,' she saidslowly. ' want you to leave.' ' bet! I can't wait to getout of thisplace.' She grinned. ' course, I'm not leaving fornothing. How much ofa settlement will I gett ' it is,' Kendall said; ' will betoo much. Nowget out of here.' '.' Then she added with an affectedtone, ''ll have mylawyer call your lawyer.' ''s really leaving met '.' 'means ...' 313 'know what it means, Woody. Can you handle it?' He lookedat his sisterand smiled. ' think so. Yes. I think I can.' ''m sure ofit.' He took adeep breath. ', Kendall.

I would never have had the courage to get rid of her.' Shesmiled. ' aresisters fort That afternoon, Kendall left for New York.The fashionshowing would be in one week. Clothing is the singlebiggest business inNew York. A successful fashion designer can have an effecton theeconomy all around the world. A designer's whim has afar-flung impacton everyone from cotton pickers in India to Scottishweavers tosilkworms in China and Japan. It has an effect on the woolindustry andthe silk industry. The Donna Karans and Calvin Kleins andRalph Laurensare a major economic influence, and Kendall had arrived inthatcategory. It was ru- mored that she was about to be namedthe Women'sWear Designer of the Year by the Council of FashionDesigners ofAmerica, the most prestigious award a designer couldreceive.. KendallStanford Renaud led a busy life. In September she lookedat largeassortments of fabrics, and in October she selected theones she wantedfor her new designs. December and January were devoted todesigning thenew fashions, and February to refining 314 ""Iheni InApril, she wasready to show her fall coi- lection. Kendall StanfordDesigns waslocated at 550 Seventh Avenue, sharing the building withBill Blass andOscar de la Renta. Her next showing was going to be at theBryant Parktent, which could seat up to a thousand people. WhenKendall arrived ather office, Nadine said, 619 ve got good news. The showingis completelybooked" ' you,' Kendall said absently. Her mind was onother things. '

the way, there's a letter marked urgent for you on yourdesk. It wasjust delivered by messenger.' The words sent a joltthrough Kendall'sbody. She walked over to, her desk and looked at theenvelope.

The return address was Wild Animal Protection Association,3000 ParkAvenue, New York, New York She stared at it for a longtime. There wasno 3000 Park Avenue. Kendall opened the letter withtrembling fingers.

Dear Mrs. Renaud, My Swiss banker informs me that he hasnot yetreceived the million dollars that my association requestedIn view ofyour delinquency, I must inform you that our needs havebeen increasedto 5 million 315 dollars. If thispayment is made, Ipromisewe will notbother you again. You have fifteen days to deposit themoney in ouraccount.

Ifyoufail to do so, I regret that we shall have tocommunicate with theappropriate authorities. It was unsigned. Kendall stoodthere in apanic, reading it over an dover, again and again. Fivemillion dollars!

It's impossible, she thought@. I can never raise that kindof money thatquickly. What a fool I was! When Marc came home thatnight, Kendallshowed him the letter. ' million dollars!' he exploded.''s ridiculous!Who do they think you aret ' know who I arn,' Kendallsaid. ''s theproblem. I've got to get hold of some money quickly.

But howt ' don't know ... I suppose a bank would loan you

money againstyour inheritance, but I don't, like the idea of ...' ',it's my life I'mtalking about. Our fives. I'm going to see about gettingthat loan.'George Meriwether was the vice president in charge of theNew York UnionBank. He was in his forties and had worked his way up froma juniorteller. He 316 ' ambitious man. One day I'll be on theboard of "s an.@,,zkrectors, he thought, and after that ... who knows?His thoughtswere interrupted by his secretary. '. Kendall Stanford ishere to seeyou.' He felt a small frisson of pleasure. She had been agood customeras a successful designer, but now she was one of thewealthiest women inthe world. He had tried for several years to get HarryStanford'saccount, without success. And now ... ' her in,"Meriwether told hissecretary. When Kendall walked into his office, Meriwetherrose andgreeted her with a smile and a warm handshake. ''m sopleased to seeyou,' he said. ' sit down. Some coffee, or somethingstrongert '.thanks,' Kendall said. ' want to offer my condolences onthe death ofyour father.' His voice was suitably grave. ' you."

"What can I do for yout He knew what she was going to say.She was goingto turn her billions over to him to invest ... ' want toborrow somemoney.' He blinked. ' beg your pardont ' need five milliondollars." Hethought rapidly. According to the newspapers, her share ofthe estateshould be more than a billion dollars. Even with taxes ...He smiled.

"Well, I don't think there will be any problem. You'vealways been 317one of our favorite customers, you know. What securitywould you like toput up7' 61@m an heir in my father's will.' He nodded. '.I read that.'''d like to borrow the money against my share of theestate.' ' see. Hasyour father's will been probated yeff ', but it will besoon.' ''sfine.' He leaned forward. ' course, we'd have to see acopy of thewill.' ',' Kendall said eagerly. ' can arrange that."

"And we would have -to have the exact amount of your shareof theinheritance.' ' don't know the exact amount,' Kendallsaid. ', thebanking laws are quite strict, you know. Probates can takesome time.

Why don't you come back after the probate, and I'll behappy to -' 'need the money no*,' Kendall said desperately. She wantedto scream.

"Oh, dear. Naturally, we want to do everything we can to,accommodateyou.' He raised his hands in a helpless gesture. 'unfortunately,ourhands are tied until -' Kendall rose to her feet. 'you.' ' soon as.. She was gone. When Kendall returned to the office,Nadine saidexcitedly, ' have to talk to you.' 318 She was in no moodto hearNadine's problems. ' is itt Kendall asked. ' husbandcalled me a fewminutes ago. His company is transferring him to Paris. So,I'll beleaving.' ''re go ... going to Parist Nadine beamed. '!Isn't thatwonderful? I'll be sorry to leave you. But don't worry.I'll stay in

touch.' So it was Nadine. But there's no way to prove it.First the minkcoal and now Paris. With five million dollars, she canafford to liveanywhere in the world How do I handle this? Ifilellherthat Iknow,she'lldeny it. Maybe she'll demand more. Marc will knowwhat to do.

"Nadine.. One of Kendall's assistants came in. '! I haveto talk to youabout the bridge collection. I don't think we have enoughdesigns forKendall could bear no more. ' me. I don't feel well. I'mgoing home.'Her assistant looked at her in amazement. ' we're in themiddle of ..''m sorry ...' And Kendall was gone. When Kendall walkedinto herapartment, it was empty. Marc was working late. Kendalllooked around atall the beautiful things in the room, and thought, They'llnever stopuntil they take everything. They're going to bleed me dry.

Marc was right. I should have gone to the police thatnight. Now I'm acriminal. I've 319 got to confess. Now, while I have thecourage. Shesat there, thinking about what this was going to do toher, to Marc, andto her family. There would be lurid headlines, and atrial, and probablyprison. It would be. the end of her career. But I can't goon like this,Kendall thought. rfl go crazy. Almost in a daze, she gotup and walkedinto Marc's den. She remembered that he kept histypewriter on a shelfin the closet. She took it down and put it on the desk.She rolled asheet of paper into the platen and began to type. To WhomIt MayConcern: My name is Kendall She stopped. The letter E was

broken.

Chapter Thirty.

"Why? Marc? For God's sake, why?' Kendall's voice wasfilled withanguish. ' was your fault.' '! I told you. It was anaccident! I ..."I'm not talking about the accident. I'm talking aboutyou! The bigsuccessful wife who was too busy to find time for herhusband.' It was asthough he had slapped her. ''s not true. I ...' ' you everthought aboutwas yourself, Kendall. Everywhere we went, you were alwaysthe star. Youlet me tag along like a pet poodle.' ''s not fair!' shesaid. ''t it?You go off to your fashion shows all over the world so youcan get yourpicture in the papers, and I'm sitting here alone, waitingfor you toreturn. Do you think I liked being "Mr. Kendall?" I wanteda wife. Don'tworry, my darling Kendall. I consoled myself with otherwomen while youwere gone.' Her face was ashen. ' were realflesh-and-blood women, whohad 321 time for me. Not some damned made-up empty shell.'"Stop it!'Kendall cried. ' you told me about the accident, I saw away to becomefree of you. Do you want to know some- thing, my dear? Ienjoyedwatching you squirm when you read those letters. It paidme back alittle for all the humiliation I've gone through.' ''senough! Pack yourbags and get out of here. I never want to see you again!'Marc grinned.''s very little chance of that. By the way, do you stillplan to go tothe police?' ' out!" Kendall said. '!' ''m leaving. Ithink I'D go back

to Paris. And, darling, I won't tell if you won't. You'resafe.' An hourlater, he was gone. At nine o'clock in the morning,Kendall put in acall to Steve Sloane. ' morning, Mrs. Renaud. What can Ido for YOUT ''mreturning to Boston this afternoon,' Kendall said. ' havea confessionto make." She was seated across from Steve, looking paleand drawn. Shesat there frozen, unable to begin. Steve prompted her. 'said you had aconfession to make.' '. I ... I killed someone.' She beganto cry.

"It was an accident, but ... I ran away.' Her face was a322 C, ofanguish. ' ran away . and left her there: T Ake it easy,'Steve said. 'at the beginning., She began to talk. Thirty minuteslater, Steve lookedout his window, thinking about what he had just heard. 'you want to goto the police?'. '. It was what I should have done in thefirst place. I... I don't care what they ao' to me anymore.' Steve saidthoughtfully,'Since you're giving yourself up voluntarilyand it was anaccident, I think the court will be lenient.' She wastrying to controlherself ' just want it over with.' ' about your husbandtShe looked up.' about him?' ' is against the law. You have the number ofthe accountin Switzerland where you sent the money he stole from you.All you haveto do is press charges and -' '!' Her tone was fierce. 'don't wantanything more to do with him. Let him go on with his life.I want to geton with mine.' Steve nodded. ' you say. I'm going to takeyou down topolice headquarters. You. may have to spend the night injail, but I'll

have you bailed out very quickly.' Kendall smiled wanly. 'I can dosomething I've never done before.' 323 ''s thatt "Design adress instripes.' That evening, when he got home, Steve told Juliawhat hadhappened. Julia was horrified. ' own husband wasblackmailing her?That's terrible.' She studied him for a long moment. 'think it'swonderful that you spend your life helping people introuble.' Stevelooked at her and thought, rm the one m trouble. SteveSloane wasawakened by the aroma of fresh coffee and the smell ofcooking bacon. Hesat up in bed, startled. Had the housekeeper come intoday? He had toldher not to. Steve put on his robe and slippers, andhurried down to thekitchen. Julia was in there, preparing breakfast. Shelooked up as Steveentered. ' morning,' she said cheerfully. ' do you likeyour eggst ' ...scrambled.' '.

Scrambled eggs and bacon are my specialty. As a matter offact, my onespecialty. I told you, I'm a terrible cook.' Steve smiled.' don't haveto cook. If you wanted to, you could hire a few hundredchefs.' ' Ireally going to get that much money, Stevet 324 ''s right.Your share ofthe estate will be over a billion dollars.' She found itdifficult toswallow. ' billion. ? I don't believe id' ''s true."

"There's not that much money in the world, Steve.' ', yourfather hadmost of what there was.' ' ... I don't know what to say.'' may I saysomething?, ' course.' ' eggs are burning.' '! Sorry.' Shequickly took

them off the stove. ''ll make another batch.' ''t bother.The burnedbacon will be enough., She laughed. ''m sorry." Stevewalked over to thecabinet and took out a box of cereal. ' about a nice coldbreakfast?'',' Julia said. He poured some cereal into a bowl for eachof them, tookthe milk out of the refrigerator, and they sat down at thekitchentable. ''t you have someone to cook for yout Julia asked.' mean, am Iinvolved with anyonet She blushed. ' like that.' . '. Iwas in arelationship for two years, but it didn't work out.' ''msorry.' ' aboutyout Steve asked. 525 She thought of Henry Wesson. ' don'tthink so. Helooked at her, curious. ' aren't sure?' ''s difficult toexplain. One ofus wants to get married,' she said tactfully, ' one of usdoesn't.' 'see. When this is over, will you be going back to Kansas?'- ' honestlydon't know. It seems so strange, being here. My mothertalked to me sooften about Boston. She was born here, and loved it. In away, it's likecoming home. I wish I could have known my father.' No, youdon't, Stevethought. ' you know him?' '. He dealt only with SimonFitzgerald.' Theysat there talking for more than an hour, and there was aneasycamaraderie between them. Steve filled Julia in on whathad hippenedearlier - the arrival of the stranger who called herselfJulia Stanford,the empty. grave and Dmitri Kaminsky's disappearance. ''sincredible!'Julia said. ' could be behind thist ' don't know, but I'mtrying to findout,' Steve assured her. ' the meantime, you'll be safehere. Very

safe.' She smiled, and said, ' feel safe here. Thank you.'He started tosay something, then stopped.

He 326 looked at his watch. ''d better get dressed and getdown to theoffice. I have a lot to do.' Steve was meeting withFitzgerald. 'progress yeff Fitzgerald asked. Steve shook his head. ''sall smoke.

Whoever planned this is a genius. I'm trying to traceDmitri Kaminsky.

He flew from Corsica to-Paris to Australia. I spoke to theSydneypolice. They were stunned to learn that Kaminsky is intheir country.

There's a circular out from Interpol, and they're lookingfor him. Ithink Harry Stanford signed his own death warrant when hecalled hereand said he wanted to change his will. Someone decided tostop him. Theonly witness to what happened on the yacht that night isDmitriKaminsky. When we find him, we'll know a lot more.', 'wonder if weshould bring our police in on thist Fitzgerald suggested.Steve shookhis head. ' we know is all circumstantial, Simon. The onlycrime we canprove is that someone dug up a body - and we don't evenknow who didthat.' ' about the detective they hired, who verifiedthe'woman'sfingerprints?' ' Timmons. I've left three messages forhim. If I don'thear back from him by six o'clock tonight, I'm going tofly to Chicago.I believe he's deeply involved.' 327 ' do you suppose wasmeant tohappen to the shires of the estate that the impostor was

going to gett 'hunch is that whoever planned this had her sign her shareover to them.The person probably used some dummy trusts to hide it. I'mconvincedthat we're looking for a member of the family ... I thinkwe caneliminate Kendall as a suspect.' He told Fitzgerald abouttheconversation he had had with her. ' she were behind this,she wouldn'thave come forth with a confession, not at this time,anyway. She wouldhave waited until the estate was settled and she had themoney. As faras her husband is concerned, I think we can eliminateMarc. He's asmall-time blackmailer. He isn't capable of setting upanything likethis.' ' about the otherst - ' Stanford. I talked to afriend of minewith the Chicago Bar Association. My friend says everyonethinks veryhighly of Stanford. In fact, he's just been appointedchief judge.

Another thing in his favor: Judge Stanford was the one whosaid that thefirst Julia who appeared was a fraud, and he was the onewho insisted ona DNA test. I doubt he'd do something like this. Woodyinterests me. I'mpretty sure he's on drugs, and that's an expensive habit.I checked onhis wife, Peggy. She isn't smart enough to be behind thisscheme. Butthere's a rumor she has a brother who's bad business. I'mgoing to lookinto it.' Steve spoke to his secretary on the intercom. '328 get meLieutenant Michael Kennedy of the Boston police., A, fewminutes later,she buzzed Steve. ' Kennedy is on line one.' Steve pickedup the phone.

'. Thank you for taking my call. I'm Steve Sloane withRenquist,Renquist, & Fitzgerald. We're trying to locate a relativein the matterof the Harry Stanford estate.' '. Sloane, I'd be glad tohelp if I can.'', you please check with the New York City police to seeif they haveany files on Mrs. Woodrow Stanford's brother. His name isHoopMalkovich. He works in a bakery in the Bronx.' ' problem.I'll get backto you.' '.' After lunch, Simon Fitzgerald stopped bySteve's office.''s the investigation going?' he asked. ' slow to suit me.Whoeverplanned this covered his or her tracks pretty thoroughly.'' is Juliaholding upt Steve smiled. ''s wonderful.' There wassomething in thetone of his voice that made Simon Fitzgerald take a closerlook at him.''s a very attractive young lady.' ' know,' Steve saidwistfully. 'know.' 329 An hour later, the call came in from Australia.'. Sloanet '.' Inspector Mcphearson here from Sydney.' ', ChiefInspector.' ' foundyour man.' Steve felt his heart jump. ''s wonderful! I'dlike to arrangeimmediate extradition to bring him ...' ', I don't thinkthere's anyhurry. Dmitri Kaminsky is dead.' Steve felt his heartsink.

'91hat?' ' found his body a little while ago. His fingershad beenchopped off, and he had been. shot several times.' 'Russian gangs havea quaint custom. First they chop off your fingers, thenthey let youbleed, and then they shoot you.' ' see. Thank you,inspector! Dead endSteve sat there, staring at the wall. All his leads were

disappearing.

He realized how heavily he had been counting on DmitriKaminsky'stestimony. Steve's secretary interrupted his thoughts. ''sa Mr. Timmonsfor you on line three.' Steve looked at his watch. It was5:55 P.m. Hepicked up the telephone. '. Timmonst ' ... I'm sorry Icouldn't returnyour calls earlier. I've been out of town for the past twodays. Whatcan I do for yout 330 A lot, Steve thought. You can tellme how youfakedthosefingerprints. Steve chose his words carefully. ''mcalling aboutJulia Stanford. When you were in Boston recently, youchecked out herfingerprints and .. '. Sloane ...' ' ''ve never been inBoston.' Stevetook a deep breath. '. Timmons, -according to the registerat theHoliday Inn, you were here on .. ' has been using myname.' Stevelistened, stunned. It was the final dead end, the lastlead. ' don'tsuppose you have any idea who it is?, ', it's verystrange, Mr. Sloane.A woman claimed that I was in Boston and that I couldidentify her asJulia Stanford. I'd never seen her before in my life.'Steve felt asurge of hope. ' you know who she 1st '. Her name isPosner. MargoPosner.' Steve picked up a pen. ' can I reach hert ''s atthe ReedMental Health Facility in Chicago., ' a lot. I reallyappreciate this.'''s keep in touch. I'd like to know what's going onmyself. I don't likepeople going around impersonating me.' '.' Steve replacedthe receiver.Margo Posner. 331 When Steve got home that evening, Juliawas waiting to

greet him. ' fixed dinner," she told him. ', I didn'texactly fix it. Doyou like Chinese foodt He smiled. ' it!' '. We have eightcartons ofit.' When Steve walked into the dining room, the'table wasset withflowers and candles, "Is there any newst Julia asked.Steve saidcautiously, ' may have gotten our first break. I have thename of awoman who seems to be involved in this. I'm flying toChicago in themorning to talk with her.

I have a feeling we may have all the answers tomorrow.' 'would bewonderful!' Julia said excitedly. ''ll be so glad whenthis is over.""So will I,' Steve told her. Or will P She'll be a realpart of theStanford fainfly - way out of my reach. Dinner lasted twohours, andthey were not even aware of what they were eating. Theytalked abouteverything and they talked about nothing, and it was asthough they hadknown each other forever. They discussed the past and thepresent, andthey carefully avoided talking about the future. There isnofutureforus, Steve thought unhappily. Finally, reluctantly, Stevesaid, ', we'dbetter go to bed., 332 She looked at him with raisedeyebrows, and theyboth burst out laughing. ' I meant ...' ' know what youmeant.

Good night, Steve.' ' nigh t, Julia."

Chapter Thirty-one.

Early the following morning, Steve boarded a United Ilightfor Chicago.

From Chicago's O'Hare Airport he took a taxi. ' to?' thedriver asked. 'Reed Mental Health Facility.' The driver turned around andlooked atSteve. ' you okay?' '. Why?' ' asking.' At Reed, Steveapproached theuniformed security guard at the front desk. The guardlooked up. ' Ihelp yout '. I? d like to see Margo Posner.' ' she anemployeet That hadnot occurred to Steve. ''m not sure.' The guard took acloser look athim. ''re not sure?' ' I know is that she's here.' Theguard reached ina drawer and took out a roster with a list of names. Aftera moment, hesaid, ' 334 doesn't work here. Could she be a patientt 61I ... I don'tknow. It's possible.' The guard gave Steve another look,then reachedinto a different drawer and pulled out a computerprintout. He scannedit, and in the middle, he stopped. '. Margo.' ''s right.'He- wassurprised. ' she a patient here?' '-huh. Are you arelative?"

"No ...' ' I'm afraid you can't see her.' ' have to seeher,' Stevesaid. ''s very important.' '. I have my orders. Unlessyou've beencleared beforehand, you can't visit any of the patients.'''s in chargehere?' Steve asked. 61 am.1 ' mean, in charge of thehospital."

"Dr. Kingsley.' - ' want to see him.' '! The guard pickedup thetelephone and dialed a number. '. Kingsley,.this is Joe atthe frontdesk. There's a gentleman here who wants to see you. Helooked up atSteve. ' namet ' Sloane. I'm an attorney.' ' Sloane. He'san attorney

... right.' He replaced the receiver and turned to Steve.

"Someone will be along to take you to his office.' Fiveminutes later,Steve was ushered into the office 335 of Dr. GaryKingsley. Kingsley wasa man in his fifties, but he looked older and careworn. 'can I do foryou, Mr. Sloaner ' need to see a patient you have here.Margo Posner.'', yes. Interesting case. Are you related to hert ', butI'minvestigating a possible murder, and it's very importantthat I talk toher. I think she may be a key to it.' ''m sorry. I can'thelp you." "Youhave to,' Steve said. ''s .. '. Sloane, I couldn't helpyou even if Iwanted to.' ' nott ' Margo Posner is in a padded cell. Sheattackseveryone who goes near her. This morning, she tried tokill a matron andtwo doctors.' '? ' keeps changing her identity andscreaming for herbrother, Tyler, and the crew of her yacht. The only way wecan quiet heris to keep her heavily sedated.' ', my God," Steve said. 'you have anyidea when she might come out of it?' Dr. Kingsley shookhis head. ''sunder close observation. Perhaps in time she'll calm down,and we canreevaluate her condition. Until then ... " �ChapterThirty-two.

At Six A. M., a harbor patrol boat was cruising along theCharles River,when one of the policemen aboard spotted an objectfloating in the waterahead.. ' the starboard bow!' he called. ' looks like alog. Let's pickit up before it sinks something.' The log turned out to bea body, andeven more startling, a body that had been embalmed. The

policemen stareddown at it and said, ' the hell did an embalmed body getinto theCharles Rivert Lieutenant Michael Kennedy was talking- tothe coroner. 'you sure of that?' The coroner replied, '. It's HarryStanford. Iembalmed him myself. Later, we had an exhumation order,and when we dugup the coffin ... Well, you know, we reported it to thepolice. ' askedto have the body exhumed?' ' family. They handled itthrough theirattorney, Simon Fitzgerald.' 337 11 think I'll have a talkwith Mr.Fitzgerald.' When Steve returned to Boston from Chicago,he wentdirectly to Simon Fitzgerald's office. ' look beat,"Fitzgerald said. 'beat - beaten. The whole thing is falling apart, Simon. Wehad threepossible leads: Dmitri Kaminsky, Frank Timmons, and MargoPosner. Well,Kaminsky is dead, it's the wrong Timmons, and Margo Posneris lockedaway in an asylum. We have nothing to The voice ofFitzgerald'ssecretary came over the intercom. ' me. There's aLieutenant Kennedyhere to see you, Mr. Fitzgerald.' ' him in." MichaelKennedy was arugged-looking man with eyes that'had seen everything. '.Fitzgeraldt '.This is my associate Steve Sloane. I believe you two havespoken on thephone. Sit down. What can we do for yout Ve just found thebody of HarryStanford.' '? Where?' ' in the Charles. You ordered hisbody dug up,didn't you?' '.' ' I ask whyt Fitzgerald told him. WhenFitzgerald, wasfinished, Kennedy said, ' 338 have no idea who it was thatposed as thisinvestigator, Timmons. '. I talked to Timmons. He has no

idea, either.'Kennedy sighed. ' gets curiouser and curiouser.' ' isHarry Stanford'sbody nowt Steve asked. ''re keeping him at the morgue forthe present. Ihope he doesn't disappear again.' 11 do, too,' Steve said.

"We'll have Perry Winger run DNA test on Julia.' WhenSteve called Tylerto tell him that his father's body had been found, Tylerwas genuinelyshocked. ''s terrible!' he said. ' could have done a thinglike thatt''s what we're trying to find out,' Steve told him. Tylerwas furious.That incompetent idiot, Baker! He's going to pay for this.I have to getthis settled before it gets out of hand '. Fitzgerald, asyou may beaware, I've been appointed chief judge of Cook County. Ihave a veryheavy caseload, and they're pressuring me to return. Ican't delay muchlonger. I'd appreciate it if you could do. something toget the probatefinished quickly.' ' put in a call this morning,' Stevetold him. Itshould be closed within the next three days.' ' will befine. Keep meinformed, please.' ''ll do that, judge.' 339 Steve sat inhis officereviewing the events of the past few weeks. He recalledthe conversationhe had had with Chief Inspector Mcphearson. I Wejound hisbody a littlewhile ago. Hisfingers had been chopped off and he had beenshot severaltines.' But wait, Steve thought. There's something hedidn't tell me.He picked up the telephone and put in another call toAustralia. Thevoice on the other end of the telephone said, ' is ChiefInspectorMcphearson.' gym, inspector. This is Steve Sloane. I

forgot to ask you aquestion. When you found Dmitri Kaminsky's body, werethere any paperson him?... I see ... that's fine. Thank you very much.'When Steve hungup the phone, his secretary's voice came over theintercom. ' Kennedyholding on line two.' Steve punched the phone buttion. '.Sorry to keepyou waiting. I was on an overseas call.' ' NYPD gave mesome interestinginformation on Hoop Malkovich. He seems to be quite aslipperycharacter.' Steve picked up a pen. ' ahead.' ' policebelieve that thebakery he works for is a front for a drug ring.' Thelieutenant paused,then continued.

"Malkovich is probably a drug pusher. But he's clever.They haven't beenable to nail him yet.' ' else?' Steve asked. 340 ' policebelieve theoperatio , is tied into the French mafia with a connectionthr, ughMarseilles. If I learn anything else, I'll call.' ',Lieutenant. That'svery helpful.' Steve put down the phone and headed out theoffice door.When Steve arrived home, filled with anticipation, hecalled, '?' Therewas no answer. He began to panic. '!" She's been kidnappedor killed, hethought, and he felt a sudden sense of alarm. Juliaappeared at the topof the stairs. '?' He took a deep breath. ' thought ...'He was pale. 'you all right?' 6yes.1 She came down the stairs. ' thingsgo well'inChicago?' He shook his head. ''m afraid not.' He told herwhat hadhappened. ''re going to have a reading of the will onThursday, Julia.That's only three days from now. Whoever is behind this

has to get ridof you by then or his - or her - plan can't work.' Sheswallowed. ' see.Do you have any idea who it is?, ' a matter of fact...'The telephonerang. ' me.

9Steve picked up the telephone. '?' ' is Dr. Tichner inFlorida.

Sorry I didn't call earlier, but I've been away.' 341 '.Tichner. Thankyou for returning my call. Our fir Mi represents theStanford estate."

"What can I do for yout ''m calling about WoodrowStanford. I believehe's a patient of yours.' '.' ' he have a drug problem,doctort "Mr.Sloane, I'm not at liberty to discuss any of my patients.'' understand.I'm not asking this out of curiosity. It's very important.

..' ''m afraid I can't .. ' did have him admitted to theHarbor GroupClinic in Jupiter, didn't yout There was a longhesitation. '.

That's a matter of record.' ' you, doctor. That's all Ineeded to know.'Steve replaced the receiver ' stood there a moment. ''sunbelievable!' 'Julia asked. ' down.' Thirty minutes later, Steve was inhis car headedfor Rose Hill. All the pieces had finally fallen intoplace. He'sbrilliant. It almost worked. It could still work ifanything happened toJulia, Steve thought. At Rose Hill, Clark answered thedoor. ' evening,Mr. Sloane.' ' evening, Clark. Is Judge Stanford int 342''s in thelibrary. I'll tell him you're here."

"Thank you.' He watched Clark walk off. A minute later,the butlerreturned. ' Stanford will see you now.' ' you.' Stevewalked into thelibrary. Tyler was sitting in front of a chess board,concentrating. Helooked up as Steve walked in. ' wanted to see met "Yes. Ibelieve theyoung woman who came to see you several days ago is thereal Julia. Theother Julia was a fake.' ' that's not possible."

"I'm afraid it's true, and I've found out who's behind allthis.' Therewas a momentary silence. Then Tyler said slowly, ' havet'. I'm afraidthis is going to shock you. it's your brother, Woody.,Tyler was lookingup at Steve in amazement. Are you saying that Woody isresponsible forwhat's been happening?' ''s right.' ' ... I can't believeit.'. ' could1, but it all checks out. I talked to his doctor in HobeSound. Did youknow your brother is on drugst ' ... I've suspected it., 'areexpensive. Woody isn't working. He 343 needs money, and hewas obviouslylooking for a bigger share of the estate. He's the one whohired thefake Julia, but when you came to us and asked for a DNAtest, hepanicked and had your father's body removed from thecoffin because hecouldn't afford to have that test made.

That's what tipped me off. And I suspect that he sentsomeone to KansasCity to have the real Julia killed. Did you know thatPeggy has abrother who's tied into the mob? As long as Julia's aliveand there aretwo Julias around, his plan can1t work.' ' you sure of all

thist"Absolutely. There's something'else, judge.' 4Yest ' don'tthink yourfather fell off his yacht. I believe that Woody had yourfathermurdered. Peggy's brother could have arranged that too.I'm told he hasconnections with the Marseilles mafia. They could easilyhave paid acrew member to do it. I'm flying to Italy tonight to havea talk withthe captain of the yacht.' Tyler was listening intently.When he spoke,he said approvingly, ''s a good idea.' Captain Vacarroknows nothing.''ll try to be back by Thursday for the reading of thewill." - Tylersaid, ' about the real Julia? ... Are you sure she's safet"Oh, yes,'Steve said. ''s staying where no one can find her. She'sat my house."

Chapter Thirty-three.

"The -gods are On MY side. He could not believe his goodfortune. Itwas. an incredible stroke of luck. Last night, SteveSloane haddelivered Julia into his hands. Hal Baker is anincompetent fool, Tylerthought. ru take care of Julia myse#' this time. He lookedup as Clarkcame into the room. ' me, Judge Stanford. There's atelephone call foryou.' It was Keith Percy. '?' ', Keith.' ' just wanted tobring you upto date on the Margo Posner matter.' ' '. Gifford justcalled me. Thewoman is insane. She's carrying on so badly that they haveto have herlocked away in the violent ward.' Tyler felt a sharp senseof relief.''m sorry to hear that.' ', I wanted to ease your mind andlet you know

that she's no longer any danger to you or your family! 34511 appreciatethat,' Tyler said. And he did. Tyler went to his room andtelephonedLee. There was a long delay before Lee answered. '?' Tylercould hearvoices in the background. 61-=?V "Who is this?' ''sTyler.' ', yeah.Tyler.' He could hear the tinkling of glasses. ' youhaving a party,Leet '-huh. Do you want to join just Tyler wondered whowas at the party.' wish I could. I'm calling to tell you to get ready to goon that tripwe talked about." Lee laughed. ' mean, on that great bigwhite yacht toSt. Tropez?" "That's right.' '. I can be ready anytime,'he saidmockingly. ', I'm serious.' ', come off it, Tyler. Judgesdon't haveyachts. I have to go now. My guests are calling me.' ' aminute!' Tylersaid desperately. ' you know who I am?' ', you're -' ''mTyler Stanford.My father was Harry Stanford.' There was a moment ofsilence.

"Are you kidding me?9 '. I'm in Boston now, settling upthe estate." 346"My God! You're that Stanford. I didn't know. I'm sorry. I... I've beenhearing stuff on the news, but I didn't pay muchattention. I neverfigured it was you., ''s all right.' ' really meant itabout taking meto St. Tropez, didn't you?' ' course I did. We're going todo a lot ofthings together,' Tyler said. ' is, if you-want to.' 'certainly dopLee's voice was suddenly filled with enthusiasm. ', Tyler,this isreally great news ...' When Tyler replaced the receiver,he was smiling.Lee was taken care of. Now, he thought, it's time to take

care of myha4(sister. Tyler went into the library where HarryStanford's guncollection was kept, opened the case, and removed amahogany box. From adrawer below the case, he took out some ammunition.

He put the ammunition in his pocket and carried the woodenbox upstairsto, his bedroom, locked the door behind him and opened thebox. Insidewere two matching Ruger revolvers, Harry Stanford'sfavorites. Tylerremoved one, carefully loaded it, and then placed theextra ammunitionand the box containing the other revolver in his bureaudrawer. One shotwill do it, he thought. They had taught him to shoot wellat themilitary school his father had sent him to. Thank you,Father. Next,Tyler picked up a telephone directory and looked for SteveSloane's homeaddress. 347 280 Newbury Street, Bostom Tyler made his wayto thegarage, where there were half a dozen cars. He chose theblack Mercedesas being the least conspicuous. He opened the garage doorand listenedto see if the noise had disturbed anyone. There was onlysilence. Onthe drive to Steve Sloane's house, Tyler thought aboutwhat he was aboutto do. He had never physically committed a murder before.But this timehe had no choice. Julia Stanford was the last obstaclebetween him andhis dreams. With her gone, his problems would be over.Forever, Tylerthought. He drove slowly, careful not to attractattention. When hereached Newbury Street, Tyler cruised past Steve'saddress. A few carswere parked on the street, but no pedestrians were around.

He parked thecat a block away and walked back to the house. He rang,the doorbell andwaited. Julia's voice came through the door. ' is iff ''sJudgeStanford.' Julia opened the door. She looked at him insurprise. ' areyou doing here? Is anything wrong@' ' ', not at all,' hesaid easily. 'Sloane asked me to have a talk with you. He told me youwere here. May Icome int ', of course.' Tyler walked into the hall andwatched Juliaclose 348 the door behind him. She led the way into theliving room. 'isn't here,' she said. ''s on his way to San Remo.' 'know.' He lookedaround. ' YOU alone? Isn't there a housekeeper or someoneto stay withyout '. I'm safe here. May I offer you something?, ',thanks.' ' did youwant to talk to me abouff ' came to talk about you, Julia.I'mdisappointed in you.' ' ... T ' should never havecomehere. Did youreally think you could walk in and try to collect afortune that doesn'tbelong to yout She looked at him a moment. ' I have aright to -, ' havea right to nothing!' Tyler snapped. ' were you all thoseyears when wewere being humiliated and punished by our father? He wentout of his wayto hurt us every chance he got. He put us through hell.You didn't haveto go through any of that. Well, we did, and we deservethe money. Notyou.' ' ... what do you want me to dot Tyler gave a shortlaugh. ' do Iwant you to do? Nothing. You've done it already. Youdamned . spoiledeverything, do you know that ' don't understand.' 349 ''sreally quitesimple.' He took out the revolver. ''re going to

disappear.' She took astep back. ' I ... ''t say anything. Let's not waste time.You and I aregoing on a little trip.' She stiffened.

"What if I won't go?' ', you'll be going. Dead or alive.Suit yourself.'In the moment of silence that followed, Tyler heard hisvoice boom outfrom the next room. ', you'll be going- Dead or alive.Suit yourse@r'Hewhirled around. ' ... 9' Steve Sloane, Simon Fitzgerald,LieutenantKennedy, and two uniformed policemen stepped into theliving room. Stevewas holding a tape recorder. Lieutenant Kennedy said, ' methe gun,judge.' Tyler froze for an instant, then he forced asmile.

"Of course. I was just trying to scare this woman intogetting out ofhere. She's a firmid, you know.' He put the gun in thedetective'soutstretched hand. ' tried to claim part of the Stanfordestate.

Well, I wasn't about to let her get away with it. So I ..''s over,judge,' Steve said. ,'What are you talking about? You saidWoody wasresponsible for ...' ' wasn't up to planning anything asclever as this,and Kendall was already very successful. So I startedchecking up onyou. Dmitri Kaminsky was killed in Australia, but theAustralian policefound your telephone number in his pocket. You used him350 to murderyour father. You're the one who brought in Margo Posnerand theninsisted she was an impostor to throw suspicion offyourself. You're theone who insisted on the DNA test and arranged to have the

body removed.

And you're the one who put in the phony call to Timmons.You hired MargoPosner to impersonate Julia, then had her committed to apsychiatricward.' Tyler looked around the room, and when he spoke,his voice wasdangerously calm. ' a phone nwnber on a dead man isyourevidence? Ican't believe this! You set up your pitiful little trapbased. on that?

You don't have a shred of proof. My telephone number wasin Dmitri'spocket because I thought my father might be in danger. Itold Dmitri tobe careful. Obviously, he wasn't careful enough. Whoeverkilled myfather probably killed Dmitri. That's who the policeshould be lookingfor. I called Timmons because I wanted him to find out thetruth.

Someone impersonated him. I have no idea who. And unlessyou can findhim and tie him to me, you have nothing. As far as MargoPosner isconcerned, I really believed that she was our sister. Whenshe suddenlywent crazy, going on a buying spree and threatening tokill us all, Ipersuaded her to go to Chicago. Then I arranged to haveher picked upand committed. I wanted to keep all this out of the pressto protect thefamily.' Julia said, ' you came here to kill me.' Tylershook his head.' had no intention of killing 351 you. You're an impostor.I just wantedto scare you away- ''re lying.' He turned to the others.

"There's something else you might consider. IVs possiblethat none of

the family is involved. It could be some insider who'smanipulatingthis, someone who put in an impostor and planned toconvince the familyshe was genuine and then split a share of the estate withher. Thatdidn't occur to any of you, did iff He turned to SimonFitzgerald. ''mgoing to sue you both for slander, and I'm going to takeaway everythingyou've got. These are my witnesses. Before I'm throughwith you,you'llwish you had never heard of me. I control billions,and I'm goingto use them to destroy you.' He looked at Steve. ' promiseyou that yourlast act as a lawyer will be the reading of the Stanfordwill. Now,unless you want to charge me with carrying an unlicensedweapon, I'll beleaving.' The group looked at one another uncertainly. '?Well, goodevening, then.' They watched helplessly as he walked outthe door.

Lieutenant Kennedy was the first one to find his voice. 'Goff he said.

"Do you believe that ''s bluffing,'Steve said slowly.'Butwe can'tprdve it. He's right. We need proof. I thought he wouldcrack, but Iunderestimated him.' Simon Fitzgerald spoke. ' looks likeour littleplan 352 backfired. Without Dmitri Kaminsky or thetestimony of thePosner woman, we have nothing but suspicions.' ' about thethreat on mylife?, Julia protested. Steve said, ' heard what he said.He was justtrying to, scare you because he thought you were animpostor. ' wasn'tjust trying to scare me,' Julia said. ' intended to killme."

"I know. But there isn't a thing we can do. Dickens had itright: "Thelaw is a ass ... " We're right back where we started.'Fitzgeraldfrowned.

"It's worse than that, Steve. Tyler meant what he saidabout suing us.

Unless we canprove our charges, we're in trouble.' Whenthe others hadleft, Julia said to Steve, ''m so sorry about all this. Ifeelresponsible in a'way. If I hadn't come ...' ''t be silly,'Steve said.

"But he said he's going to ruin you. Can he do that Steveshrugged.

"We'll have to see.' Julia hesitated. ', I'd like@ to helpyou: Helooked at her, puzzled. ' do you mean?' ', I'm going tohave a lot ofmoney. I'd like to give you enough so you can -' . He puthis hands onher shoulders. ' you, Julia. I can't take your money. I'llbe fine.' '... I ''t worry about it., 353 She shuddered. ''s an evilman.' `It wasvery brave of you to do what you did.' ' said there was noway to gethim, so I thought if you sent him here, that could be theway to traphim.' ' looks as though were the ones who fell into thetrap, doesn'tiff That night, Julia lay in her bed, thinking about Steveand wonderinghow she could protect him. I shouldn't have come, shethought, but if Ihadn't come, I wouldn't have met him In the next room,Steve lay in bed,thinking about Julia. It was frustrating to think that shewas lying in

her bed with only a thin wall between them. What am Italking about?That wall is a billion dollars thick. Tyler was in anexuberant mood. Onthe way home, he thought about what had just taken place,and how he hadoutwitted them. They're pygmies trying to fell a giant, hethought. Andhe had no idea that these were once his father's thoughts.When Tylerreached Rose Hill, Clark greeted him. ' evening, JudgeTyler. I hopeyou're well this evening.' ' better, Clark. Never better.'' I get youanythingt "Yes. I think I'd like a glass of champagne.'354 ' course,sir.' It, was a celebration, the celebration of hisvictory. Tomorrowr1l be worth over two billion dollars. He said the phraselovingly overan dover.

"Two billion dollars ... two billion dollars ...' Hedecided to callLee. This time Lee recognized his voice immediately. '!How are you?'His -voice was warm. ', Lee.' ''ve been waiting to hearfrom you: Tylerfelt a little thrill. ' you? How would you like to come toBostontomorrowt ' ... but what fort ' the reading of the will.I'm going toinherit over two billion dollars.' , ... that'sfantastic!' ' want youhere at my side. We're going to pick out that yachttogether.' ', TylerlThat sound's wonderful!' ' you'll comet "Of course, Iwill.' When Leereplaced the receiver, he sat there saying lovingly overan dover, 'billion dollars ... two billion dollars."

Chapter Thirty-four.

The day before the reading of the will, Kendal l and Woodywere seatedin Steve's office. ' don't understand why we're here,.Woody said. 'reading is supposed to be tomorrow.' ''s someone I wantyou to meet,'Steve told them. ' ' sister.' They were both staring athim. ''vealready met her,' Kendall said. Steve pressed a button onthe intercom.' you ask her to come in, pleaset Kendall and Woody lookedat eachother, puzzled. The door opened, and Julia Stanford walkedinto theoffice. Steve stood up. ' is your sister, Julia."

"What the hell are you talking aboutt Woody exploded. 'are you tryingto pulff ' me explain,' Steve said quietly. He spoke forfifteenminutes, and finished by saying, ' Winger confirmed thather DNA matchesyour father's.' 356 When he was through, Woody said,"Tyler! I can'tbelieve it!' ' it.' ' don't understand. The other woman'sfingerprintsprove that she is Julia,' Woody said. ' still have thefingerprmt card.'Steve felt his pulse pounding. ' dot "Yeah. I kept it askind of ajoke,-' ' want you to do me a favor," Steve said. At teno'clock thenext morning, a large group was gathered in the conferenceroom ofRenquist, Renquist & Fitzgerald. Simon Fitzgerald sat atthe head of atable. In the room were Kendall, Tyler, Woody, Steve, andJulia. Inaddition, there were several strangers present. Fitzgeraldintroducedtwo of them. ' is William Parker and Patrick Evans.They're with the lawfirms that represent Stanford Enterprises. They've broughtwith them the

financial report on the company. I'll discuss the willfirst, then theycan take over the meeting.' ''s get on with it,' Tylersaid impatiently.He was sitting apart from the others. I'm not only goingto get themoney, but Im going to destroy you bastards. SimonFitzgerald nodded. 'well.' In front of Fitzgerald was a large file markedHARRY STANFORD -LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT. ''m going to give each of you acopy of thewill so it won't be 357 necessary to wade through all thetechnicalities. I 9ve already told you that HarryStanford's childrenill equally inherit the estate.' Julia glanced over atSteve, a look ofbemusement on her face.

Fm gladfor her, Steve thought. Even though it puts her wayout of myreach. Simon Fitzgerald was going on. ' are a dozen or sobequests, butthey're all minor.' Tyler was thinking, Lee will be herethis afternoon.I want to be at the airport to meet him ' you were toldearlier,Stanford Enterprises has assets of approximately sixbillion dollars.'Fitzgerald nodded toward William Parker.'I'll let Mr.Parker take itfrom here.' William Parker opened a briefcase and spreadsome papers outon the conference table. ' Mr. Fitzgerald said, there aresix billiondollars in assets. However ... 9 , was a pregnant pause.He lookedaround the room. ' Enterprises is in debt in excess offifteen billiondollars.' Woody was on his feet. ' the hell are yousayine.' Tyler'sface turned ashen. ' this some kind of macabre joket ' hasto be!'Kendall said hoarsely. Mr. Parker turned to one of the men

in the room.'. Leonard Redding is with the Securities and ExchangeCommission. I'lllet him explain.' 358 Redding nodded. ' the last twoyears, HarryStanford was convinced that interest rates were going tofall. In thepast, he had made millions by betting on that. Wheninterest ratesstarted to rise, he was still convinced they would dropagain, and hekept leveraging his bets. He did massive borrowing to buylong-termbonds, but the interest rates went up and his borrowingcosts jumped,while the value of the bonds tumbled. The banks werewilling to dobusiness with him because of his reputation and his vastfortune, butwhen he tried to recoup his losses by starting to investin high-risksecurities, they began to get worried. He made a series ofdisastrousinvestments. Some of the money he borrowed was pledged bysecurities hehad bought with borrowed money as collateral for' furtherborrowing.' 'other words,' Patrick Evans interjected, ' was pyramidinghis debts,operating illegally.' ' is correct.

Unfortunately for him, interest rates underwent one of thesteepestclimbs in financial history. He had to keep borrowingmoney to cover themoney he had already borrowed. It was a vicious circle.'They sat there,hanging on Redding's every word. ' father gave hispersonal guarantee tothe company's pension plan and illegally used that moneyto buy morestock. When the banks began to question what he was doing,he set updecoy companies and provided false records of solvency and

fake sales ofhis 359 properties to drive up the value of his paper. Hewas committingfraud. In the end, he was counting on a consortium ofbanks to bail himout of trouble., They refused. When they told theSecurities andExchange Commission what was happening, Interpol wasbrought into thepicture.' Redding indicated the man seated next to him.

"This is Inspector Patou, with the French Sftret6.Inspector, would youexplain the rest of it, pleaset Inspector Patou spokeEnglish with aslight French accent. ' the request of Interpol, we tracedHarryStanford to St.-Paul-de-Vence, and I sent three detectivesthere tofollow him. He managed to elude them. Interpol had put outa green codeto all police departments that Harry Stanford was undersuspicion andshould be watched. If they had known the extent of hiscrimes, theywould have circulated a red code, or top priority, and wewould haveapprehended him.' Woody -was in a state of -shock. ''s whyhe left ushis estate. Because there was nothing in it!' WilliamParker said,"You're right about that. You were all in your father'swill because thebanks refused to go along with him and he knew that, inessence, he wasleaving you nothing. But he spoke to Ren6 Gautier atCr6dit Lyonnais,who promised to help him. The moment Harry Stanfordthought that he wassolvent again, he planned to change his will to cut youout of it., 360"But what about the yacht, and the plane, `:4<3' and thehousest Kendall asked.

"I'm sorry,' Parker said. ' will be sold to pay off partof the debt.'Tyler sat there, numb. It was a nightmare beyondimagining.

He was no longer Tyler Stanford, Multibillionaire. He wasmerely ajudge. Tyler got up to leave, shaken. ' I don't know whatto say.

If there's nothing else.. He had to get to the airportquickly to meetLee and try to explain what had happened. Steve spoke up.' is somethingelse.' He turned. '?' Steve nodded to a man standing atthe door. Thedoor opened, and Hal Baker walked in. ', judge-' Thebreakthrough hadcome when Woody told Steve that he had the fingerprintcard. ''d like tosee it,' Steve told him. Woody had been puzzled.

"Why? It just has the woman's two sets of fingerprints onit, and theymatched. We all checked it.' ' the man who called himselfFrank Timmonstook the fingerprints, right?' '.' ' if he touched thecard, hisfingerprints will be on it.' 361 Steve's hunch had provedto be right.Hal Baker's prints were all over the card, and it hadtaken less thanthirty minutes for the computers to reveal his identity.Steve hadtelephoned the district attorney in Chicago. A warrant wasissued, andtwo detectives had appeared at Hal Baker's house. He wasin the yardplaying catch with Billy. '. Bakert '.' The detectivesshowed theirbadges. ' district attorney would like to talk to you.' '.I can't.' Hewas indignant. ' I ask whyt one of the detectives asked.

"You can see why, can't you? I'm playing ball with myson!' The districtattorney had read the transcript of Hal Baker's trial. Helooked at theman seated in front of him and said, ' understand you're afamily man.""That's right,' Hal Baker said proudly. ''s what thiscountry is allabout. If every family could -' '. Baker. He leanedforward. ''ve beenworking with Judge Stanford.' ' don't know any JudgeStanford."

"Let me refresh your memory. He put you on parole. He usedyou toimpersonate a private detective named Frank Timmons, andwe have reasonto believe he also asked you to kill a Julia Stanford.' 'don't knowwhat you're talking about.' 362 ' I'm talking about is asentence of tento twenty years. I'm going to push for the twenty.' HalBaker turnedpale. ' can't do that! Why, my wife and kids would ...' '.On the otherhand,' the district attorney said, ' you're willig to turnstate'sevidence, I'm prepared to arrange for you-to get off verylightly.' HalBaker was beginning to pefspire. ' ... what do I have todot - ' to me.'Now, in the conference room of Renquist, Renquist &Fitzgerald, HalBaker looked at Tyler, and said, ' are you, judget Woodylooked up andexclaimed, '! It's Frank Timmons!' Steve said to Tyler, 'is the man youordered to break into our offices to get you a copy ofyour father'swill, to dig up your father's body, and to kill JuliaStanford.' It tooka moment for Tyler to find his voice. ''re crazy! He's aconvictedfelon. No one is going to take his word against mine!' '

one has to takehis word,' Steve said. ' you seen this man beforet 'course. He wastried in my court.' ''s his namet "His name is ...' Tylersaw the trap.' mean ... he probably has a lot of aliases.' 363 ' youtried him inyour courtroom, his name was Hal Baker.' ' ... that'sright.' ' when hecame to Boston, you introduced him as Frank Timmons.'Tyler wasfloundering. ', I ... I ... ' had him released into yourcustody, andyou used him to try to prove that Margo Posner was thereal Julia.' '! Ihad nothing to do with that. I never met that woman untilshe showed uphere.' Steve turned to Lieutenant Kennedy. ' you get that,Lieutenant?''." Steve turned back to Tyler. ' checked on Margo Posner.She was alsotried in your courtroom and released into your custody.The districtattorney in Chicago issued a search warrant-this morningfor yoursafe-deposit box. He called a little while ago to tell methat theyfound a document giving you Julia Stanford's share of yourfather'sestate. The document was signed five days before thesupposed JuliaStanford arrived in Boston.' Tyler was breathing hard,trying to regainhis wits. ' ... I ... This is preposterous!' LieutenantKennedy said,"I'm placing you under arrest, Judge Stanford, forconspiracy to commitmurder. We'll arrange for extradition papers. You'll besent back toChicago.' 364 Tyler stood there, his world collapsingaround him. ' havethe right to remain silent. If you choose to give up thisright anythingyou say can and will be used against you in a court of

law. You have theright to talk to a lawyer and have him present with youwhile you arebeing questioned. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer,one will beappointed to represent you before any questioning, if youyvish one. Doyou understandt Lieutenant Kennedy asked. '.' And then aslow triumphantsmile lit his1ace. I know how to beat them! he thoughthappily. ' youready, judget He nodded and said calmly, '. I'm ready. I'dlike to goback to Rose. Hill to pick up my things.' ''s fine. We'llhave these twopolicemen accompany you.% Tyler turned to look at Julia,and there wasso much hatred in his eyes that it made her shudder.Thirty minuteslater, Tyler and the two policemen reached Rose Hill. Theywalked intothe front hall. , will take me only a few minutes topack,' Tyler said.They watched as Tyler went up the staircase to his room.In his room,Tyler walked over to the bureau containing the revolverand loaded it.The sound of the shot seemed to reverberate forever.

Chapter Thirty-five.

Woody and Kendall were seated in the drawing room at RoseHill. Half adozen men in white overalls were taking down paintingsfrom the wallsand starting to dismantle the furnishings. ''s the end ofan era,"Kendall sighed. ''s the beginning,' Woody said. He smiled.' wish Icould see Peggy's face when she finds out what her half ofmy fortuneis!' He took his sister's hand. ' you okay? About Marc, Imean.' Shenodded. ''ll get over it. Anyhow, I'm going to be very

busy. I have apreliminary hearing in two weeks. After, that, I'll seewhat happens."

"I'm sure everything will be all right.' He rose. ' havean importanttelephone call to make,' Woody told her. He had to breakthe news toMimi Carson. ',' Woody said apologetically, ''m afraid I'mgoing to haveto go back on our deal. Things haven't worked out as I hadhoped theywould.' ' you all right, Woodyt 366 '. A lot has beengoing on here.Peggy and I are finished.' There was a long pause. '? Areyou comingback to Hobe Sound?' ', I don't know what I'm going todo.' Voody?' Hervoice was soft. ' back, please.' Julia and Steve were outon the patio.''m sorry about the way things turned out," Steve said. 'your notgetting the money, I mean.' Julia smiled at him. ' don'treally need ahundred chefs.' ''re not disappointed that your trip herewas wastedtShe looked up at him. ' it wasted, Stevet They never knewwho made thefirst move, but she was in his arms, and he was holdingher, and theywere kissing. ''ve been wanting to do this since the firsttime I sawyou. Julia shook her head. ' first time you saw me, youtold me to getout of town!' He grinned. ' did, didn't I? I don't everwant you toleave.' And she thought of Sally's words. ''t you know ifthe manproposep"Is that a proposal?' Julia asked. 367 He held hertighter. 'bet it is. Will you marry me? v ', yes!' Kendall came outto the patio.She was holding a piece of paper in her hand. ' ... I justgot this in

the mail.' Steve looked at her, worried. ' another. 9' '.I've beennamed Women's Wear Designer of the Year.' Woody andKendall and Juliaand Steve were seated at the dining-room table. All aroundthem workmenwere moving chairs and couches, and carrying them off.Steve turned toWoody. ' are you going to do TIOVOP ''m going back to HobeSound. First,I'm going to check in with Dr. Tichner. Their a friend ofmine has astring of ponies that I'm going to ride.' Kendall lookedat Julia. ' yougoing back to Kansas City?' When I was a little girl,Julia thought, Iwished that someone would take me out of Kansas and bringme to amagical place where I wouldfind my prince. She tookSteve's hand. ','Julia said.

"I'm not going back to Kansas.' They watched two men takedown the hugeportrait of Harry Stanford. ' never did like thatpicture,' Woody said.

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