Wicked Forest by V.C. Andrews Read Free Book Online Page A

Kirby Scott is now?"
    He shrugged.
    "I've heard rumors. One of my clients claimed to have seen him at the George V in Paris last year with a woman so bedecked in furs hanging on his arm that my client thought she was a fur trader from Alaska— not to mention the diamonds she had strung around her neck, sparkling on her fingers, and dangling from her ears." He shook his head, "How that man manages to pluck a fresh fish with such consistency is truly amazing. If he had put his talents to legitimate use, why he might today be the CEO of a major corporation."
    "Sounds like he is," I said. "The Kirby Corporation," Mr. Ross laughed harder,
    "Well, there were darn few here who didn't invite him to their house parties and events in those days. Why, he even socialized with the Eatons. as I recall. In fact, now that I think of it. I'm sure it was Kirby who put it into Asher and Bunny Eaton's minds to consider renting Java del Mar from the Montgomerys. If you can say_ he had a pang of conscience, I suppose that was it."
    "What do you mean?" I asked with bated breath. Did he know of Bunny Eaton's affair? Was that what he meant?
    "Realizing he would soon bankrupt the Montgomery's, he at least instigated the rental of their property so they wouldn't be chased off. Sort of like someone who beat you up and robbed you and then arranged for your hospitalization."
    "Sounds like we're giving him too much credit for a conscience." I said. "Mary-be he was simply trying to ensure a flow of income to exploit."
    "Maybe. Probably so." He nodded, thoughtful for a moment, then snapped back to attention. "Well, here are the documents for you to peruse and sign," he said. He rose, just want to check on one thing and then I'll return to answer any questions you might have."
    "Thank you," I said, and began reading.
    When he came back. I had a few questions
    about some of the investments; then I thanked Mr.
    Ross and left. Before returning to Joya del Mar. I decided to do a little shopping and pick up some toiletries at Saks. I was also searching for what Amou used to call a piece of luz do sol , a piece of sunshine, some pretty thing that could bring joy and brightness into a gray day. My mother probably hadn't gone shopping for years and still relied on the clothing, jewelry, and accessories her mother had left her. Of course, she would claim she had no use for any of it She went nowhere, but even Daddy, who had little use for so-called romantic ideas, used to say a woman is more like a garden than a man.
    "She needs a new flower or pruning and tender loving care far more than a man. A new piece of jewelry, a bouquet of roses, a box of candy can make a woman's face blossom, and the glow from that can light up the day, not only for her, but for everyone around her." he told me.
    My mother was so fond of shawls. I decided to get her a pashmina. After I had picked out the things I wanted, the salesgirl asked me for my address.
    "So we can send you notifications of sales and new items." she explained.
    I saw no reason not to give her my address, and did so. Two women shopping together were standing nearby they both obviously turned an ear in my direction and, as soon as I gave Joya del Mar as the address, smiled at me and approached.
    "I couldn't help but overhear your address," the taller woman said. She wore a leather outfit with a fur-lined collar and had diamonds dripping from her earlobes. "Are you staying with the Eatons? We're good friends of Bunny's," she added quickly.
    "No, I'm staying with my mother and my brother. Grace and Linden Montgomery," I replied, smiling.
    They both pulled back as if I were breathing the plague. "Oh," the taller woman said. "You're the long-lost daughter."
    The shorter woman, clad in a gray skirt suit, stared at me with furious eyes. She had coal-black, curly hair and was stouter, almost without a waist,
    "I happen to work for Mangle. Orseck. and Lapolt as a paralegal," she said through barely opened, thick lips. "and I can