Copper Beach

your sense of family obligation is so lacking, however, you have my word that you will be compensated for your efforts.”

    Maybe it was the rare show of emotion or simply the rising panic in Orinda’s voice. Whatever the source, it triggered Abby’s intuition. She straightened in the chair and braced her elbows on the table.

    “This is as close to groveling as I have ever known you to come, Mrs. Strickland.”

    “I’m not groveling, you ungrateful woman. I’m trying to make you understand that you have a responsibility to help your brother in this crisis.”

    “Stepbrother,” Abby said automatically. “No bloodline connection, remember?”

    “That is beside the point. We are a family. Dawson says he could be looking at prison.”

    “Look, I understand that he’s facing bankruptcy, but unless he was the one who was running the Ponzi scheme, I doubt that the Feds will charge him with a crime.”

    “Don’t you understand?” Orinda said. “Whoever lured Dawson into that scheme made sure that when it fell apart, Dawson would take the fall.”

    “Okay, okay, calm down. Sounds like this all comes down to money. If Dawson is forced to pay off some clients, he can borrow the money from the Strickland trust. Surely he can get a loan from you.”

    There was a short, jarring silence.

    “That is not an option,” Orinda said in a flat voice. “The trust is almost entirely depleted.”

    “What?”

    “I had Dawson invest almost the full amount into that damned Ponzi scheme.”

    “Oh, for pity’s sake. I’m no expert on financial management, but didn’t anyone ever give you the talk on diversification of assets? And what about the if–it–looks-too-good–to–be–true–it–probably–is–too-good–to–be–true speech?”

    “Don’t you dare lecture me, Abigail.” Orinda’s voice was electrified with anger and tension. “What’s done is done. It’s not Dawson’s fault that the money is gone. Dawson was the victim of a scam. But as a result, the entire family is facing financial ruin. You have got to find that book, Abigail. It’s the least you can do after all the trouble you caused us.”

    The phone went dead in Abby’s hand. She looked at Sam.

    “In case you didn’t figure it out, that was Dawson’s grandmother, Orinda Strickland.”

    “The one who made sure you knew that you were not going to inherit a dime of her money?” Sam asked.

    “Yep. Evidently, there is no longer a dime left to be inherited. It seems that she put virtually all of the Strickland money into the Ponzi scheme.”

    Sam whistled softly and shook his head. He did not say anything.

    “I expect the next call will be from Dawson’s mother.”

    “Your stepmother.”

    “Yes.” Abby drummed her fingers on the table. “Although I suppose it’s possible they’ll get Dad to contact me. It’s not like he was going to inherit anything, because he did sign that prenup, but as long as the marriage lasts, he gets to enjoy the many benefits of the Strickland money. If he knows the faucet has been turned off and that the twins’ inheritance is at stake, he’ll pay attention.”

    “You think he’ll be worried about your half sisters’ trust fund?”

    “Jessica and Laura are Dad’s do–over kids,” Abby explained. “Part of the image of the modern family of choice. They’re attending a very expensive private college. He won’t want to see their tuition cut off.”

    “This situation,” Sam said, “is getting complicated for you.”

    “Yes, it certainly is.” She rose. “I’m going to take a walk. I need some fresh air to clear my head.”

    Newton sprang to his feet at the word walk.

    “I’ll come with you,” Sam said.

    Abby turned in the doorway. “I thought you said I’d be safe here on the island.”

    “You’re safe.” Sam put his empty mug on the counter. “I just want to go with you. Do you mind?”

    “Suit yourself.”

    “So gracious,” he said, not quite under his breath. “And after all I’ve done for you.”

    For the first time in her life, she knew what it meant to see red. She was so outraged, she could scarcely speak.

    “Don’t you dare try to guilt-trip me,” she fumed. “I’ve just spent the past few minutes talking to a world-class expert.”

    Sam grinned. “Couldn’t resist.”

    She tried to stay mad, but she just did not have the energy for it. She burst into laughter instead.

    “Your sense of humor leaves a lot to be desired,”