A Silken Thread - Brenda Jackson [118]
Frustration lined Griffin’s features. “But why? Why is such a union so important?”
“The only person who can answer that is Karen, and maybe Blair, depending on what condition her mind is in.”
Griffin stared at him. “Blair? But Blair’s dead.”
Wilson shook his head. “No, she’s not. Karen fabricated the story of Blair’s death, but as far as I know she’s alive and living in some exclusive private rest home.”
He could tell that bit of news had shocked the younger man.
“Blair’s alive and Mrs. Sanders has kept that information hidden all these years?”
“Yes. Karen’s not even aware that I know. I haven’t told her because knowing how her mind works, I figure she’s doing it so Blair doesn’t embarrass her in a comatose condition. Most people wouldn’t think that way, but Karen has an unusual way of seeing things. Besides, she and Blair were never close. Karen was always jealous of her sister. But at least I know that she is taking care of her. The place she has her in isn’t cheap.”
Griffin inhaled a deep breath. “I take it Erica doesn’t know.”
Wilson shook his head. “Erica has no idea what her mother is capable of, which is why I agree with what April told you. Before approaching Erica I would have my ducks in a row. She sees her mother as the victim and not the perpetrator. It’s going to hurt her deeply to discover all the stuff Karen has done, especially how she intentionally ruined her relationship with Brian.”
“What exactly happened, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“No, I don’t mind.” Wilson then told Griffin what Rita had relayed to him. He felt bad that Griffin was being overloaded with all his wife’s heartless antics and ended by saying, “That’s the gist of it. Brian has hired a private investigator and intends to find out who set him up. He is just as determined as you to find out the truth.”
“That’s good to hear, since I plan to fly to Dallas to meet with Brian. I believe at this stage that it would be wise for us to get together and compare notes.”
Wilson nodded. “Considering everything, I think that’s a good idea. A real good one.”
“I’m leaving for the day now, Mr. Lawson. Will you need anything else before I go?”
Brian glanced up at his secretary. “No, I’m fine. Have a good evening and I’ll see you in the morning.” He leaned back in his chair the moment the door was closed and thought about the call he’d gotten that morning from Griffin Hayes. The man had requested a meeting with him, preferring not to discuss things over the phone. Brian couldn’t help wondering why Hayes of all people would fly all the way to Dallas to meet with him.
Brian glanced at his watch. He had instructed security to notify him when the man arrived and then escort him up to his office. He stood and walked over to the window, thinking of the latest developments. Earlier today Matt had called with the name of the person who’d met with Donna Hardy that day at Stella’s. He was a private investigator from New York by the name of Jaye Pittman.
Brian drew in a deep breath. At least he didn’t have to put up with seeing Donna Hardy around the office any longer. The woman had turned in her resignation.
Brian had given her fair warning that she might be hearing from him again if he decided to take legal action, depending on what else Matt uncovered. He could tell she had been bothered by that, knowing she wasn’t getting a clean break. And he’d read in the paper today that Judge Meadows had officially submitted his resignation. No doubt Donna had told him about all the pictures and information Matt had collected.
The buzzer sounded on his desk and he moved across the room. It was security calling. “Yes?”
“That gentleman you were expecting is here, sir. We’re about to escort him up.”
“Thanks.” Brian was more than ready for this meeting and figured he would find out soon enough what it was about.
Timing the arrival perfectly, he was standing in front of his door when