A Tale of Deception

In late April, Marty celebrated her birthday. The children, along with Ann and Shelly spent the day at Riverfront Park in Spokane. They ate hotdogs, cotton candy, popcorn and corndogs, in-between riding the Looff Carrousel, playing miniature golf, and going to the amusement park, frolicking on all the rides, like bumper cars, tilt-a-whirl, the Dragon Coaster, and the Ferris wheel.

  Ann had never seen Jamila so happy, she acted like a kid, squealing with glee and raising her hands on the rollercoaster, like everyone else. All the children were having a wonderful time, but Marty and Jamila were reveling in it.

  Ann speculated that for Marty, it was because it was her birthday and Jamila because this was probably the first time she’s been able to play like a child.

  After the long and exhausting day for the adults, the children remain animated and happy, traveling back to the estate for cake and ice cream. They were singing ‘One hundred bottles of pop on the wall’ giggling and having a magnificent time in the back seat.

  “Where do they get all the energy?” Shelly asked, shaking her head. “If I could only bottle some of it.”

  “We’d be rich,” Ann commented, with a smile.

  “Speaking of rich, how’s it going with your assets?”

  Ann looked in the rearview mirror at the children still preoccupied and said quietly, “Mine’s fine. But, there’s been a development I’d like to talk to you about. Let’s talk back at the estate.”

  “Sure,” Shelly said, hoping it was nothing serious.

  After the party, the children, along with Emma, excitedly went into the family room to watch a new movie Marty had received for a present. She had received so many really nice things, “It’s the best birthday ever!” she shouted happily.

  Shelly and Ann went to her office and sat in front of a nice fire, which was taking the chill off the cold spring night outside.

  “What going on, Ann?” Shelly asked, after they had settled into their chairs.

  “Nessa came to me a couple of days ago, and asked me to liquidate some bonds being held for the University of Washington Hospital, in Ayden’s name. You remember… that’s Nessa’s youngest, who passed away there so many years ago?”

  Shelly acknowledged with a nod.

  “Well, I found two million dollars missing. It seems the bonds were cashed years ago, after Peter Lawrence took over Nessa’s accounts,” Ann told her, concerned.

  “Have you talked this over with Nessa?” Shelly asked.

  “No. Not yet. She’s so excited with the coming of Jamila, I’m not sure she could take any more stress at this time. I thought I’d get ahold of her good friend and lawyer, Mr. Tillman. He may be able to discreetly investigate and clear this up without alarming Mrs. Drummond. I’m sure there’s a good reason why it’s gone, and it just wasn’t recorded right.”

  “Sounds like a good plan,” Shelly said. “But, isn’t this the second time some records seem out of balance while Peter Lawrence has managed them?”

  Ann responded, “Yes, it is.”

  I’ve got a bad feeling about this Lord, Please let everything be all right.

  “I’ll let you know what I learn,” Ann told her best friend.

  Ann and Shelly joined the children in the family room. They wanted to play another movie, but were vetoed because of the late hour.

  “We should be getting home,” Shelly informed her children.

  Ah’s and pleadings issued.

  Both friends grinned, sighed and then Shelly said, “Oh, just this once - because it’s Marty’s birthday, and because there’s no school tomorrow. I’ll call your Dad and tell him not to wait up for us.”

  Emma smiled, as she stood up saying, “I’m sorry, little one, I’m too tired to stay up any longer. I’m going to bed, but Happy Birthday again, sweetheart.”

  Marty hugged her grandmother and kissed her goodnight, then she ran over to the DVD player to put on another movie.

  Jamila, sat right in among the children, immersed in the childhood experiences she was enjoying so much. Soon, they had all fallen asleep, except for her.

  Gently getting up, trying not to disturb them, she went over to the couch and sat near Ann and Shelly, who were speaking softly to each other in the back of the room.

  “Are you having fun, Jamila?” asked Ann.

  “Oh, yes. It has been a very happy and wonderful day,” she replied. “I never thought I could be so happy,” she said. “Life is so different here.”

  “I would imagine the children in Jordan have just as much fun there, it’s just that a school isn’t a very good substitute for family,” Ann commented.

  “Yes, I wish I was still with my parents. Somehow, I think it would have been different, if my father had lived,” she said intelligently.

  “Yes, I know it would have been, for your father was a very sensitive and kind man. He loved giving of himself to others and making them happy. Did you know he wanted to become a doctor?” Ann asked.

  “No! A doctor, really?” Jamila thought about it, then asked, “Do you think I could become a doctor? Would grandmother mind?”

  “Jamila! What a delightful idea. I know your grandmother would be very proud of you. And it would be a fulfillment of your father’s dreams, in her eyes. But, you must be very sure, first. It’s a hard, long road to becoming a doctor, although it is very rewarding when you get there,” Ann told her.

  Jamila smiled and said, “I like that dream. There’s something good about helping others, and I’m glad my father liked doing it too. Yes, I’ll work very hard and become a doctor.”

  Ann and Shelly laughed with joy at the blossoming of this young woman.

  “Good for you,” Shelly said.

 

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