Episode 0003 - Home is Where the Lies Are

The night was still warm as the 2010 Toyota pulled up into the driveway of the modest, one-story stucco house with the Spanish tile roof.  Two palm trees offered minimal coverage in the front yard, and a wood fence surrounded the back.  Gregory Allen sat silent in the car, staring at his house.  The light was on in the kitchen, and he could see his wife's shadow as she washed dishes.  He had no doubt she and their son had finished dinner a while ago.  He had never expected this to run as late as it did, and he wasn't sure how he was going to tell them the news.  As far as he was concerned, it was great news - but he knew Melinda's feelings about the Devereaux family, and he knew she would not want to accept the bequest.

He got out of the car and walked slowly up to the front door.  As he let himself in, he could hear the radio coming from Thad's room.  Doing his homework, Gregory assumed. The boy always did his homework with the radio turned up.  He smiled. Thad was a good boy, made good grades, and never gave them any problems.  In a way, he could almost understand why Melinda did not want the Devereaux money.  For all their money, that family was never happy.

"Is that you, Greg?"

Melinda peeked out of the kitchen and smiled when she saw her husband.  He came up to her and planted a big kiss on her lips.  "Sorry, I'm late," he apologized.  "You will never believe what happened."

Melinda brushed back some strands of red hair and sighed.  "Oh, I have no doubt.  It's the Devereaux family," she said. "With them, there's always some new drama."

He sat down at the kitchen table while Melinda set a plate down before him.  In between bites, he related to her the story of what happened - the bequest to pay off their mortgage, the strings attached, and the revelation that Parker Quinley was actually a Devereaux.  As he finished up his plate, Melinda sat down across from him, her hands folded on the table in front of him.

"I can't believe it," she said, shaking her head.  "Our mortgage paid off.  I don't know..."

Gregory placed his hands over hers and looked her in the eye.  "I know what you think of that family.  Believe me, I, of all people, know the problems and drama they face all the time.  But, Mel, I'm telling you.  Beneath it all, Mrs. Devereaux was a good woman.  Yeah, she was stern and hard on her family and very strict with her employees, but down deep, that woman cared about people.  And besides, we could really use this right now.  Thad graduates in the Spring, and we'll need money to pay for his college.  I really would love to give him that."

Melinda smiled.  "I know. So would I.  He's done without so much.  It would be nice to be able to pay for his college, so he can actually enjoy those years and not have to work his way through like we did."

Gregory grinned.  He stood up, pulled his wife into his arms, and kissed her passionately.  "Thank you, Mel!  I love you so much!" He left to go change out of his funeral clothes.  Melinda watched him go, her smile slowly fading.  She reached into her pocket and pulled out a crinkled, folded envelope. She carefully unfolded it and looked at the writing on the front.  "To be opened only in the event of my death."  It was signed by the matriarch of the Devereaux clan.

"You'd better be right about this, Parker," she whispered to no one in particular.  "I'm putting my family's future on the line for you!"

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Meanwhile, seventeen year old Thad Allen sat at his desk typing on his computer.  The radio was blaring, but he was not listening.  He had his school books opened around him in case either of his parents walked in; but on his computer screen, an instant messenger program was opened, and he was chatting with someone.

"I should be able to get away this Friday night. There's a dance at school, so I can tell my parents I am going to the dance."

"Won't they wonder who your date is?"

"No, I'll just tell them I'm going with some friends.  They won't ask."

"If you're sure."

"I'm sure.  I just want to spend more time with you. I miss you."

"I miss you, too.  It feels like forever since we last saw each other."

"I know. But you've had plenty going on in your life.  I understand. How are you doing, by the way?"

"I'm okay. It was hard, but I got through it. None of that matters, though.  All that matters is you."

"Smile."

"So, do you want to meet at the usual spot on Friday night?"

"Sure.  Say around 8:00?"

"That works.  I look forward to seeing you.  I miss you, Thad.  I love you!"

"I love you, too, Drake!  See you Friday."