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| The Sheiks Of Kumar - Part One The Crown Prince By CJ |
| Chapter 10 Nik had been gone for almost another two weeks. Tara sat and stared at the email he’d sent her, disbelieving its message. He’d written her at the last moment telling her not to take Mystic to the horse show in Sonoma that was scheduled for this weekend. He said he would explain his reasons upon his return and that they would enter the mare in shows later. Tara thought the email strange. After all, Nik had been so supportive about her idea before, now he was flatly refusing. She’d received messages from him every few days and even a phone call on occasion. He sounded tired to her, and Tara found herself wondering again what business in Kumar was keeping him. The night they’d spent together two weeks before felt like it had happened an eternity ago. When Nik had departed, there’d been an immense sadness about him. He’d held her tightly next to the waiting car and kissed her several times before he’d reluctantly driven away. And now that he was gone, Omar kept an almost vigilant watch over she and Jenny. Something was amiss, Tara was certain. This recent email from Nik confirmed that. She felt angry for a moment, then amended her feelings and remembered that Nik was a good man. If he was changing his mind about Mystic and the horse show, it was for a valid reason. With that in mind, she replied to his email, saying that she would withdrawal her entry application and they could schedule events later. She kept the message short and only added a quick “take care” as a personal note before she signed off, though there was so much more she wanted to say. Her email done, Tara took the opportunity to explore some of the old files left on the hard drive. She needed something to keep her mind off Nik and the curious business that had taken him away. She began with the archived email messages. Many were short personal notes from her father and his friends across the country. She deleted them. Another set of stored messages were to business associates. Tara took a moment to read them more carefully, wondering if perhaps they held any clue as to what happened with her father’s investments. She read for a long while, carefully studying every word, every sentence. And as she reviewed each stock trade, each monetary transaction, something didn’t make sense. Her father’s stocks, according to these messages, had made money, not lost money. And though Tara knew that the stocks he had invested in had taken a huge drop in recent history, it looked as though he had cashed out just in time and made millions on his investments. Where then, was the money? She began looking at his accounting program files and studied carefully his records. Though accounting and number crunching had never been anything she’d excelled at, she found much of her father’s record keeping easy to decipher. From all accounts, it appeared as if there were millions of dollars stored away from stocks as well as from winery business. Tara felt her hands shake on the computer mouse as she studied each entry on her father’s computer ledger. It was becoming very clear to her that something had gone wrong. Very, very wrong. She closed out the accounting program and sat, staring at the computer screen in front of her. What was her next move? How did she go about discovering what had happened to her father’s money? Had he truly lost it all, or had Gabe made an error in her father’s final paperwork? Thinking there may be an answer to her questions in her father’s records, she again began perusing files on the computer. After an hour of reading through every letter and memo he’d composed in his word processing program, Tara found a file that surprised her. It was a diary of sorts that her father had begun keeping just a year prior. She took the time to read each and every entry he’d written. What she read shocked and dismayed her and by the time she’d finished the last entry tears were burning in her eyes. According to her father’s diary, he had known of his heart condition a year ago. That had been the reason he’d begun this cyber-diary. Tara had known nothing of his condition until he’d had a heart attack the month before his death. He’d stated in his diary that he was not going to tell his daughters of his condition because he didn’t want to complicate their lives. “I will not,” he wrote, “tell Tara and Jenny of my heart condition. It would only worry them both. I know there is a possibility that I could suffer a major heart attack, but a heart transplant at my age makes no sense. I have lived my life and raised two wonderful daughters. Why should I take a heart from someone who has yet to do what I have? It would only be selfish. So I will live my life to the fullest until the day I live no more. And to ensure my daughters have all they need in life, I have cashed out all my technology stocks and transferred the money to an overseas banking account. In my will, they will each inherit half the money. And Villa Serena will be there’s to share as well. I hope this is enough for them and I hope they remember me with fondness.” That entry had been made in April, two months before his death. Tara wondered how he could have lost all his fortune in a mere two months, especially after he’d sold his stocks and tucked the money away in a safe, secure account. The last entry left her a clue. Her father had written about an argument he’d had with Gabe Bryant. Jenny had also mentioned that she’d thought father and Gabe had been arguing one day as well. But there was more than just the mention of an argument that caught Tara’s attention. Her father had written that he didn’t trust Gabe any longer and that he was praying Gabe’s attempts at winning Tara’s affection never succeeded. Did this mean, then, that Gabe was involved? Did Gabe have a hand in the loss of Villa Serena’s fortune? Tara stood and began to pace. What should she do? How should she proceed? Her first instinct was to call Nik. That shocked her, for she had never relied upon another person to help her solve her problems. But since the night she’d spent in Nik’s arms, she could do little but think of him—even in this moment of horror. She picked up the phone and began calling the overseas number in Kumar Nik had given her. Once she had punched in all the numbers, however, she hung up. Nik was in Kumar handling his own crisis. He certainly did not need Tara’s problems on top of that. And because Tara cared so much for him, because she was certain she was falling in love with him, she was not about to burden him further. Who, then, did she call? She suddenly realized that she had few friends. Especially since her father had died and she’d lost Villa Serena. Was her lack of companionship her fault or had she been abandoned by the old group of people she’d known because she no longer had wealth? It was an interesting train of thought that was coursing through her mind and she sat down on her couch and thought deeply about her situation. Then it struck her as to who could help her. Shawna Patrick, an old friend from high school, was a private detective in San Francisco. Certainly she would have an idea as to how to start on this situation. In fact, Shawna was a pretty good friend. They’d ridden together often when they’d been schoolmates and they’d made time to visit each other on holidays during college. And now that they were both grown adults, they still saw each other a couple times a year. Shawna had even come to the funeral in June and remained behind to assist with moving their things to the cottage house. Yes, Shawna would be able to help! And when Tara called Shawna in San Francisco and said she needed help, Shawna agreed to come out right away without any further explanation. Tara sighed with relief and hung up the phone. Shawna would arrive in just a few hours and they could begin to figure out what had transpired with her father and his finances. Until then, however, Tara didn’t want to simply sit and wait. She needed to be doing something. She made her way down to the stables and began haltering Mystic. A long ride would occupy her mind until Shawna’s arrival. In the stables, however, she ran into Jamaal. He frowned at her and asked harshly, “Where have you been all morning? I have been needing your assistance and you were no where to be found.” “I, uh, had some business to take care of,” she returned. “Business? What business do you have aside from this stable?” he challenged. Though Nik had assured her that her position was safe despite Jamaal’s attitude, the stable master had still not eased up on her. Only now, Tara could ignore his outbursts and not worry over what Nik would think. So boldly, Tara answered, “I had to email Nik regarding that horse show in Sonoma.” “Horse show!” he spat back. “I heard you would not be going to that horse show now. Things in Kumar have prevented that.” Apparently Jamaal had an inside track to Kumar as well, for he apparently already knew that Nik had changed his mind regarding the horse show. “When Nik returns,” Tara insisted, “we will enter Mystic in another horse show.” “If Sheik Nikash returns,” Jamaal taunted. “What do you mean, ‘if’?” He threw her a smile that was closer to a sneer and explained, “Nikash’s family does not want him out here right now. Things in Kumar are not right and it could be months before they are.” “Months?” The word flew from Tara’s mouth on a gasp. Nik had never indicated that he would be gone months. And after what had happened between them, after he had held her so tenderly and told her that she was home to him, how could he stay away for months? “What?” Jamaal asked, feigning concern. “Did Nikash not tell you that? I thought you two were good friends. Surely he would tell you how long he would be gone.” Tara ignored his jeer, though inside she felt a little left out of the loop. Apparently Jamaal knew more about Nik and his situation in Kumar than Tara did. Had Nik called Jamaal, or was it just that Omar and Jamaal talked since they shared the same dwelling? She reasoned it was more than likely the latter, and turned away from Jamaal for Mystic’s stall. She would simply ignore this man and go on a ride through the vineyard while she awaited her friend’s arrival. “Where do you think you are going?” Jamaal asked from behind. “For a ride.” “On Mystic?” Tara nodded, but kept her back to Jamaal. “No, I think you will not ride Mystic today. But you can clean the tack. It is in need of some more soaping.” At that, Tara turned sharply and glared at his lean form. There was a smug look upon his stern face and she frowned. “I took care of the tack last week. You can only clean it so many times, Jamaal,” Tara snapped. “Am I not in charge of these stables?” he asked. She gave him an imperceptible nod. “Then if I tell you to clean the tack, you will do as I say.” Her nerves already stretched beyond belief from what she had discovered on her father’s computer, Tara could not handle such a confrontation now with Jamaal. Through clenched teeth, she said forcefully, “I will not do as you say when you are being unreasonable.” “Very well. Do not clean the tack, but do not expect to ride Mystic either. At least not while Nikash is away.” With those words, he turned from her and began to walk away. Tara was angered and she felt the pulse in her brain as she stared after his disappearing form. “How dare you!” Tara cried. “How dare you treat me with such disdain simply because Nik is away.” Jamaal turned quickly and returned, “How dare you, Ms. Malone, act like you are mistress of this estate. You are simply a hired hand, remember that. Sheik Nikash may treat you as if you are different, but the novelty of an American woman will surely wear off and you will be gone from here. I can practically guarantee it.” His words were spoken with such confidence that Tara almost believed him for a moment. She wanted to hate Nik for allowing this man on the estate and began to think that maybe, just maybe Jamaal was right. What if she were simply a novelty for Nik? But then she closed her eyes and remembered the way Nik had touched her. The way he had nearly begged her to follow him to Kumar. And when she thought of all that, she knew Jamaal’s words were not prophecy. They were simply the words of a man who disliked her and her culture. She was about to retort, about to tell him she didn’t care what his opinion of her was, when another form entered the barn. It was Gabe and Tara suddenly lost all fight. The sight of him in his pin stripped suit, as plastic looking as him, crushed her heart. Had he really been part of some evil scheme against her father? She had thought he was a friend of her family’s. She had trusted him. “Tara,” he said with a smile. “What a pleasant surprise.” Tara turned and stared at him. Jamaal remained in his spot as well. “Am I interrupting something?” Gabe inquired as he looked from one to the other. Finally, Jamaal broke his stare and turned toward Gabe. Giving a polite bow of his head, he answered, “Just stable business, Mr. Bryant. We are finished now. Please excuse me.” His air was polite and reserved and Tara was certain it only had to do with the fact that Gabe was a man. For she had never seen Jamaal speak with such disdain toward a man as he used toward her. As Jamaal left the stable, Gabe stepped toward her and asked, “How have you been, Tara?” Tara didn’t answer, she was still remembering her father’s words in his diary. She stood there and stared at Gabe, wondering if he could really be so heartless as to steal from her father. “Tara?” he asked when she failed to answer. “Did you hear me?” Tara was about to quip that she didn’t want to hear anything from him when she realized that putting Gabe on the defensive would not be wise if he had done something wrong. If he had stolen her family fortune as she was beginning to suspect, she needed to keep him on good terms until she could find out the truth. For to accuse him now, would give away her only advantage and that was surprise. “Uh, yeah,” she finally said. “I’m fine. I’m just a bit out of it. Jamaal and I…well, we don’t always get along.” “So I’ve heard,” he returned. “Is Sheik Nikash doing anything to remedy that?” “Nik is out of the country right now,” Tara informed him. “So there hasn’t been any opportunity to solve our stable disputes.” “I have heard that also,” Gabe said. “That’s partly why I’m here. I wanted to see you since the sheik was away. He seems to occupy much of your time. It’s been a long while since I’ve seen you, Tara. Hasn’t it?” Tara nodded. “Yes, it has.” She hoped she sounded cordial and not disgusted. “And the last time we were alone together was nearly two months ago. I asked you a question then, if you remember, and I have not yet received an answer.” Yes, he had asked her a question. He had asked her if she would marry him. She had briefly considered the proposal, but after loving a man like Nik, how could she ever consider marrying a man like Gabe? “No, I haven’t answered you,” Tara agreed. “But…I can’t answer you now either.” She stalled, hoping to put Gabe off until Shawna arrived and they could formulate a game plan. “Then can you at least answer me if you would have dinner with me tonight?” he questioned. Tara hesitated, thinking, then said, “I have a friend coming in from out of town tonight. How about if I call you in the morning? We can make plans then. I would like to see you. It has been a while.” She forced those words out and held a stiff smile on her lips. Her heart was breaking inside from what she now instinctively knew had become of her heritage. Gabe had stolen it, she was positive. And he had wanted to steal her too and make her his wife. Well, he wouldn’t get away with it. Tara would not allow it to happen! “All right,” he said with an easy smile. “That will work just fine. Call me.” He left and Tara wanted to scream and cry and kick something. But it wasn’t in her nature to throw a tantrum, so she saddled up Colonel instead of Mystic and raced through the pastures, trying to forget all that she had discovered and fearing all that she would surely find out in the future. ** Shawna Patrick had arrived and Tara had never felt such relief. Her old friend from high school had barely changed. She was still a tomboy of sorts in action, but a beautiful, vibrant woman in looks. Her dark blonde hair swung around her face in a simple cut and her hazel eyes were soft and friendly as always. When Shawna jumped out of her car and hugged Tara fiercely, Tara was positive she was in sure hands. Shawna would discover what had happened to her father’s money. She had to. They spent the evening going over the computer files and Tara sent Jenny off to Rachel’s house so they could discuss everything in peace. Shawna was busy examining each entry in the accounting program when the phone rang. Tara answered it and nearly began crying when she heard the voice on the other end. She was so weak right now, that the sound of Nik’s voice nearly broke her resolve. “Tara, hello,” he said. “Nik,” she said with surprise, her voice breaking in that instant. She hadn’t heard his voice in a week and it had been twice as long since she’d seen him. “Darling, are you all right?” he asked with concern at the strained sound in her voice. Tara breathed deeply before answering. “I suppose. I just…” She paused because she realized Nik had his own problems to deal with in Kumar—whatever those problems may be. As she had determined earlier that day, she didn’t want to burden him with her situation now. She could wait until he returned home. “I just really miss you,” she finally decided to say. It was true. She missed his face, his voice, his touch and his kiss. She needed him back, but wouldn’t insist. She had no right to insist he return. “And I miss you,” he returned. “I hope you are not too upset about the horse show.” “No, not at all.” In fact, she had forgotten all about the horse show. “I just wanted to make certain,” Nik told her. He hesitated for a moment then added, “And I wanted to make certain you and Jenny were still all right. I have been gone for two weeks and it looks as if I will not return immediately either.” Jamaal’s words from earlier flew through her head. He’d insisted Nik would be away for months. Could it be true? “What do you mean? How much longer?” Tara asked. “I do not know,” he said with a heavy sigh. “There is no way to know.” Tara was silent and she was afraid that if she spoke at that moment, she would surely cry. What she wanted to tell him was that she needed him back at Villa Serena. But even though they had made love, she didn’t feel she had the right to tell him she needed him when it was obvious his family needed him in Kumar. “I see,” she said instead. “I’ll still welcome you home no matter how long.” He laughed but there was no joy in his laughter as there usually was. He sounded drained, stressed, then said, “Oh, Tara, how I wish you were here. I take it you still will not come to Kumar?” “Nik, I can’t. I really, really can’t. Jenny’s doing so well in school now and…” She almost told him that she was also in the middle of a family tragedy, but held her tongue. “I know,” he said with understanding. “But a man can always hope.” “I’m glad you are thinking of me so far away,” she said. “I am thinking of you always,” he told her and his voice was filled with resolve. They said their farewells not long after that, and when Tara hung up the phone, Shawna was sitting in the computer chair with a grin on her cupid doll face. “Who was that?” she inquired. “Sheik Nikash Armanjani,” Tara said with a smile. “He owns Villa Serena now.” “So I’ve heard. But I haven’t heard that you and he were an item.” Tara shrugged. “Not an item really. I mean, we both are attracted, that’s for certain. But…well, I don’t know if there can be a future. He comes from blue blood and his brother is certainly against our match. And though Nik wants to stay here in America and live like everyone else, I sometimes think that can’t happen.” “Why’s that?” Shawna inquired. Tara took a moment to tell Shawna all that had happened since Nik had bought Villa Serena. She spoke of his generosity and showed her the Arabic pendant. By the time she was finished, Tara missed Nik even more than she had when he’d called. “Wow!” Shawna said with a crooked girlish grin. “Sounds to me like you’re in love with this sheik.” Tara sighed. “I don’t know. But our worlds are so very different.” “Not really. It seems to me that both your worlds revolve around Villa Serena.” Her friend had a way of simplifying everything. Shawna was a no nonsense type of woman. She was fearless and bold and spoke her mind in every situation. And if she saw that Tara and Nik’s worlds collided, then perhaps she was correct. “Perhaps,” Tara reasoned. “But Villa Serena is his now.” “It is,” Shawna acknowledged, “yet it shouldn’t be.” “Why? What did you find?” Tara inquired. “I’m pretty sure your father’s money was illegally transferred from his accounts. And I think I know who did it. The only thing I have to figure out, is how it was done and how to prove it.” Shawna had been there only a few hours and already, all of Tara’s suspicions had been confirmed. “So, who was it?” Tara asked already knowing the answer. “You know.” “Gabe Bryant,” Tara said, finally believing it entirely. Shawna nodded. “I always thought he was a plastic, good for nothing scoundrel.” Tara smiled though all she felt was worn. “How do we proceed?” Tara inquired. “You said your sheik is out of the country, right?” Tara nodded. “Good,” Shawna said. “Because we won’t want him around for a while if we’re going to solve this.” “Why not?” Tara asked, thinking that Nik would surely help. “Because, Tara, you’re going to have to spend some time with Gabe.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The Crown Prince - Chapter 11 |