The Legacy (41 page)

For what?

First, for never being around.

Its all right. We both know

Second, his father interrupted, for your mothers death. I should have been there to protect Andrea, but I was away so much. Its been very hard for me all these years to think of her being attacked. I could have prevented that if Id been around.

Cole glanced down at the floor. Did you actually see her body when you got back?

No. His eyes narrowed as he sensed something in Coles voice.

Was anyone ever arrested for the crime?

No, Jim said. If I had ever found out who they were . . . His voice trailed off.

Cole took a sip of his drink, wondering whether to tell his father what he suspected. Dad, I dont know if this will make you feel better or worse.

What?

Was Mom ever sick?

Jim hesitated. Come to think of it, yes. A couple of times while I was away. It seemed to get worse over time. It was pretty bad right before she was attacked.

I dont think Mom was attacked, Dad, Cole said quietly. I think the long-haired hippie story was made up.

What are you talking about?

I think Mom was poisoned. There was a massive amount of arsenic in her body when she died.

How the hell do you know that?

I visited the Thomases before I went to Wisconsin, and I saw Moms brush in her old room. It was among the things you had sent them after she died. I called Anita, my receptionist at Gilchrist, from Montana and had her take the brush to a lab. The lab analyzed the

the hair in the brush, Jim Egan finished the sentence. Ice clinked against the side of his glass as his fingers began to tremble.

Yes. They must have put it in her food or something so they could search the house.

For what I had taken from her in Dealey Plaza. Coles father shut his eyes.

Yes. Im going to present that lab analysis to someone in Washington.

No, you arent, Jim said quickly.

But, Dad

Cole, leave it alone. No good can come of you opening those wounds.

Cole hesitated several moments, then nodded. Okay.

Jim pointed at the television. Lets go back and sit down.

But Cole caught his father by the arm. Just one more thing, Dad.

What, son?

Why did you do it?

Jim raised an eyebrow. Do what?

Why did you pass the tape on to me the way you did? Why didnt you just sell it yourself? And why did you go to so much trouble to fake your own death? The dimple appeared in Coles cheek. You put me in a couple of tight spots.

Yes, I suppose I did, but I knew you could handle it. He chuckled as he took a sip from his glass. I knew I had to make that tape available at some point. I couldnt have lived with myself if I hadnt. I also knew that the odds of me getting to either copy were very small after the DIA knew I was sick. They were watching me closely. Even if I had managed to get to one of them and sell it, I would have been killed very soon afterward. He swallowed hard, then nodded at the television. I never would have been able to enjoy this moment with my son.

They both looked down at the floor, neither one certain of what to say.

Finally, Jim broke the silence. Besides, if Id been the one to sell it, the Internal Revenue Service would have taken most of your inheritance.

Cole looked up. Huh?

You sold the tape for fifteen million dollars, right?

Yes.

And you probably have eight or nine million left over?

Yes.

If I had sold it, the IRS would have taken their chunk of income taxes and a huge inheritance tax when I died, and youd only have about four million left. This way you avoided the inheritance tax and saved five million dollars. I think five million is worth a few tight spots.

Maybe.

His father smiled. I cant believe you didnt think of that. I thought you were supposed to be the financial genius in the family.

Cole shook his head, and they both laughed.

Well, Im going to bed, Jim finally said. Im tired. Cole had rented his father a separate room in the hotel. Good night, Nicki, he called.

Nicki rose from the sofa and met Jim and Cole at the door of the suite. Good night, Mr. Egan. She kissed Jim gently on the cheek.

He smiled at her, then turned to Cole. See you in the morning, son.

Right.

They shook and he was gone.

As Cole closed the door, Nicki slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply.

That was nice, he murmured when their lips had parted.

Well, theres more where

So nice, Cole interrupted, that Ive decided I want it permanently.

Nickis eyes widened and she took a step back. Do you mean?

Cole lifted a small jewelry box from his suit pocket, opened it, and smiled broadly. I sure do. He glanced down at the diamond shimmering atop the gold band. Will you marry me?

Once again Nicki put her arms around Cole and kissed him. Just tell me where and when.

The End of LEGACY