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Kingsport #16

“You need to talk to him.” Warren kicked off his riding boots across Will’s office. “You’ve been miserable all weekend, Billy. The way you sulked through mine and Dad’s Father’s Day dinner was embarrassing.”

Will glared at Warren over his computer monitor. “Warren, I’m busy,” snapped Will. “I don’t have time to talk about Connor.”

Warren suppressed an exasperated eyeroll. He loved his baby brother, but he knew Will could hide behind the pretense of being hurt and shocked to avoid dealing with issues which bothered him. “Billy, stop it. You love Warren. I haven’t seen you this happy in years.”

“I’m not happy with him now.”

“So?”

“He slept with India!”

“Years ago! Everyone has a past. If you expect him to be pure without a hint of a past, you’re delusional.” Warren plopped down on the sofa near the windows in Will’s office. “When you lived in New York and Amsterdam, I know you weren’t celibate. I doubt Connor holds it against you.”

“That’s different,” insisted Will.

“How?!”

“I didn’t sleep with Connor’s sister!”

“Billy, grow up. You can’t allow India to rule your life. We all know she’s obsessed with Connor. That’s old news. If they had an affair or whatever years ago, it’s none of your business.”

Will bit his bottom lip. “It is my business…”

“Billy. Come on.” Warren shook his head with annoyed love. “Let it go. Don’t throw away your relationship with Connor because of India. She’s not going anywhere. If you two can’t ignore her, then you don’t deserve each other.”

“When I was in Paris, Mother seemed to believe that the only reason India came back to Kingsport was to cause trouble with me and Connor.” Will eyed Warren carefully. “Do you think she’s right?”

Warren nodded in agreement. “It’s classic India.”

“Our parents should have had her committed when they had the chance,” Will muttered under his breath. “She’s always looking for ways to ruin my life.”

“Then stop letting her ruin your life, Billy. Right now, you’re choosing to be India’s victim. Grow a pair and fight her head on. Or, better yet, ignore her. The less power you give her, the more she’ll fade away,” reasoned Warren. “When is Connor getting back from Maine?”

“Today,” sighed Will. “But I don’t know, Warren…”

“You need to see him. Forgive him. Move on. Why don’t you make dinner for him and apologize?”

“I haven’t done anything wrong!” exclaimed Will.

“Billy, I love you, but you’re acting like Dad right now. It’s time you admitted that you overreacted and move on. Be happy with Connor. Forget about India. If you can’t do that, then you don’t deserve to be happy.”

 

 

“Why has the board approved a stock buyback?” Sheila Davenport handed her son, Dylan, a copy of an internal email that she had procured through an ally at Davenport Technology.

Dylan put on his reading glasses as he skimmed the email. “Mom, this is a matter for the board of Davenport. It has nothing to do with me.”

Sheila let out an exasperated sigh. Without Dylan in control of Davenport Technology, she felt shutout from the real decision-making process of the company. While Sheila enjoyed the dividends that came from Davenport Technology’s position as a publicly traded company, she did not enjoy having little to no say like she did when it was controlled by Larry. “Dylan,” began Sheila, “the stock price is too high. Meredith should have received board approval when the stock was trading around thirty dollars a share.” She pulled up the stock symbol of Davenport Technology’s current price. “See,” she thrust the phone into Dylan’s face. “The stock is at eighty-two dollars a share right now. This is madness!”

“Mom,” said Dylan, softly, “this isn’t my problem anymore.”

“This is about protecting the family’s legacy…”

Dylan let out a long, irritated sigh. His plan for today was to go to the gym, have lunch with Lisa’s husband, Jackson, and make dinner for a woman he’d been seeing for the last month. However, his mother’s unexpected visit to his six-bedroom, eight-bathroom, ten-room mansion in one of the few gated communities in Kingsport, had waylaid his plans. “I don’t want to hear about the family legacy,” snapped Dylan. “You only talk to me when you want to complain about how Meredith McCarthy is ruining the company, or when the stock price isn’t where you want it, or how if they didn’t ask your opinion about what type of paper on which to print the annual report! I can’t remember the last time you asked me about my personal life. Quite frankly, I’m sick of it.”

Sheila sat in her son’s Drawing Room with marked silence. She knew her eldest child could be volatile, but he’d never deigned to be so abrupt with her. “Had you not quit as the CEO of Davenport, none of this would be an issue. You abandoned the company.”

“I’ve given most of my life to the company. I’m forty-nine years old. I want more from life. I want to enjoy myself. Travel. Have a second act.”

Sheila shook her head. “Go and find yourself. Travel the world. Have your second act, Dylan. But when you’re doing all of those wonderful things, remember that it’s the company stock sitting in your trust fund which allows you to live a carefree, self-indulgent life. You were supposed to live up to your father’s legacy, not runaway because the job was too hard. I’ve never been more ashamed of you than the day you announced your resignation. Just pitiful.” Sheila stood up, collected her alligator purse, and glared at Dylan with marked contempt. “I’m calling a family meeting to discuss the company. We may not own the company outright anymore, but through our trusts, we do control thirty percent of the company. What we say goes. I want Davenport Technology to last another hundred years. You may have abandoned the company, but I most certainly have not.”

Despite his mother’s harsh words, Dylan refused to waver. “You are entitled to your opinion. Just one thing: If you do call this family meeting, you’ll have to invite Eli.”

Sheila turned to Dylan with fire in his eyes. “He normally gives you his proxy.”

“I did that to keep the peace. Eli understood. I’m not doing it anymore, Mom. If you want to wage this war with Meredith and the board, then Eli will have to be a part of that conversation.”

“I can’t believe you’d do that to me,” hissed Sheila. “I do not want to see Elijah!”

“Tough. I’ve made up my mind. I’m done being your whipping boy…your unpaid therapist. Call a meeting. Invite Eli back into our lives. Or let Meredith run the company. The choice is yours. Either way, I will not do your bidding anymore.” Dylan walked to the door of the Drawing Room and opened it without looking at Sheila. “Have a nice day, Mother.”

In our next installment, Dylan confides in Lisa…

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Kingsport #15

India Montgomery closed her eyes to consider the next move in her plan to get Connor to herself. Yes, he had rejected her outright the other week, but he had become aroused at the sight of her naked body. For India, that meant more than any string of meaningless words Connor could hurl at her. She knew that he loved her. After everything they’d been through over the last few years, India knew in her heart that Connor’s love for her was real. He may have protested and even claimed to be in love with Will to avoid his true feelings, but, luckily for him, India knew his true feelings. She and Connor had a connection that no one in this world, not even Will, could destroy. As India opened her eyes in the confines of her bedroom at the Montgomery Estate, she checked the time. According to her source at the hospital, Connor would be leaving in twenty minutes. India climbed off her bed, checked herself in the mirror, and headed off to complete her mission for the day.

Lisa Davenport Collins and Jill Stanhope Montgomery clinked their wine glasses together in the dining room of the Kingsport Arms Hotel. While a lot of women from their set chose to have breakfast and dinner at the Kingsport Country Club, it was considered terribly modern to be seen lunching at the Arms in full view of the world. Women from their set often wore new ensembles from Paris, New York, and Tokyo for lunch while being gawked at by those who swore that one day would be in their set. Everyone knew that would never happen, but it was the dream which kept towns like Kingsport running at full speed.

“I can’t keep up anymore,” sniffed Jill. “Billy runs around like the world owes him something. He acts like a child, Lisa. Warren always gets involved and then I have to hear about it.” Jill sipped her ice-cold glass of white wine. “To be honest, I don’t know why Charles and the rest of the family indulge him. Now that he’s with Connor, it’s all anyone can talk about.”

Lisa looked at her friend with a combination of concern and pity. She knew that Jill always felt ill at ease with the Montgomery family. No one in polite society talked about it, but while Jill had the pedigree of being a Stanhope, her family money had long dried up. They relied on the generosity of a third cousin in Colorado to provide them with the essentials to simply exist in a town like Kingsport. Everyone always said that Jill’s marriage to Warren was the smartest thing she had ever done. Lisa agreed. “Jill, I don’t see why everyone is up in arms about Will and Connor. It’s none of our business.”

“It’s family business, that’s why it matters,” insisted Jill. “You should have seen how self-satisfied Connor was at the family dinner the other week. He was holding onto Will like he’d claimed a great prize. It was sickening.”

Lisa eyed Jill carefully. “Be careful, Jill. Someone who doesn’t know you may think you’re a tad homophobic.”

Before Jill could respond, she and Lisa saw the same sight: Charles Montgomery, IV coming out of the private dining room with a pretty young woman of no one more twenty-five on his arm. The woman looked pleased with herself; Charles looked satisfied. Before Jill could command her mouth to speak, Charles and the young woman left in a hurry.

“Well,” Lisa said, quietly. “I thought Charles was more discrete than that.”

Jill took a long sip of wine. She loathed the fact that Charles could be so brazen in his little affair. “Lisa, if you wouldn’t mind…” Her voice trailed off.

“I won’t say a word.” Lisa meant it. She had little time for her own family, let alone the high drama of the Montgomery clan. “I’ve never been a great fan of Charles, but I’ve always liked Alison. She’s a wonderful woman.”

Jill chortled. “She’s not as wonderful as you think,” replied Jill. “Heaven forbid she doesn’t think you’re good enough for her family.”

“Who are we talking about, Jill?”

Jill cast her eyes down to her salad. She was well aware that Alison didn’t want her to marry Warren, but Jill had prevailed against the odds. “Alison and I have had our differences. It’s in the past, Lisa. Tell me all about life at the auction house.”

Lisa sighed. “Oh, it’s wonderful. It’s great to have something to do other than volunteer at Oliver’s school and plan Jackson’s business dinners. I love having a career which is rewarding, fun, and intellectually stimulating. I really am very lucky, Jill.”

In that moment, Jill couldn’t help but feel envious of her friend. There were times when her life was so empty she wanted to cry. Jill had accepted her life as it was, but she wanted more than anything to have a life – a marriage – of meaning, not quiet desperation.

Dr. Connor Windsor turned off the alarm to his house with deft precision. He carefully walked through each room to ensure he was alone. The last thing Connor wanted was a repeat of the day India had broken into his home and accosted him in the nude. He wasn’t in the mood for her games, nor was he in the mood to deal with anyone else. Connor had the next three days off which he intended to spend at his cabin in Maine. With Will missing in action, Connor decided that the best thing for him to do was to get out of town, get away from India, and relax. Just as Connor walked into his bedroom, a knock at the door sent shivers down his spine.

Connor carefully walked towards the front door, pulled it open, and was shocked to see Will standing in front of him. He pulled Will into his arms and gave him a deeply passionate kiss. “Don’t you ever do that to me again, you bastard,” Connor mumbled into Will’s ear.

Will hugged Connor tight. “I’m sorry. My mother made me see sense. She may not be very maternal, but she is great at being forthright. I missed you, Connor.”

Connor pulled Will into the house as he closed the door behind him. “I’ve missed you so much Will. You should’ve told me you were coming back to town.”

“I didn’t want India to know. Had I used one of the family planes, someone would have told her. I flew first class for the first time ever. I won’t be doing that again,” laughed Will. He turned his head and saw a large weekend bag sitting in the foyer. “Are you going somewhere?”

“Maine,” said Connor. “I have three days off. I wanted to clear my head.”

“Because of me,” asked Will.

“A little,” teased Connor. “Come with me.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Will exclaimed, “Yes, I’ll go!”

A moment later, the sound of shattering glass ricocheted through the air.

Connor ran into the sitting room with Will behind him. There on of the floor, was a large brick which sat in the middle of piles of shattered glass. From their vantage point, they could both see an envelope wrapped around the brick. Connor eased towards it, picked up the brick, and brought it to Will. He removed the rubber band, opened the envelope, and let out a cry of agony. There, staring back at him, were photos of Connor and India having sex from years and years ago. Will spied the photographs which made him want to vomit.

“Will, I can explain!” cried Connor.

“No… You…you told me that it was all in her head!”

“It is!”

“You had sex with my sister!”

“It’s not what it looks like, Will!”

“You told me time after time that it was all in her head. That she was crazy! But… You had sex with her!”

Connor dropped the brick on the carpeted floor. He seized Will by the shoulders. “Will, listen to me. Those pictures are old. Yes, India and I had sex a few times, but it was years and years ago. That’s all! Everything else she’s said is a lie!”

Will glared at Connor with heartbreak in his eyes. “If you lied about sleeping with her, I can’t believe anything you’ve said, Connor.” Will wrenched himself from Connor’s grasp. “Have a nice time in Maine,” he said, coldly.

Connor chased Will to the front door and cut him off before he could leave. “Will, please. Let me explain.”

Will pushed his way past Connor. “No, Connor. No. You’re a liar. — I don’t think I can ever trust you again.”

From the cover of hedges, India watched as Will stormed out of Connor’s house and sped away. She couldn’t have planned it any better if she tried. And she didn’t try. That’s what made this moment so much sweeter.

 

In our next installment, Warren gets tough with Will…

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Kingsport #14

“How long do you intend to stay here?”

Will Montgomery ignored the question as he walked through the high-end jewelry store tucked along a quiet street in the middle of Paris. He looked at few diving watches, waved over a shop assistant, and asked to see three of them. “I’m not sure,” he finally replied. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

Alison Farrell Montgomery turned towards her son with a modicum of concern in her eyes. While she always enjoyed Will’s all too infrequent trips to see her, she was worried about her youngest child. He was a person who love hard, wanted it all on his terms, and never liked confrontation. For Alison, she knew Will would never have an easy life when it came to love because he made loving him very difficult. “Billy,” said Alison, “you can stay with me as long as you’d like.” She walked over to him and placed her hand on his. “I just wish you wouldn’t let India get under your skin.”

Will groaned. “I don’t want to talk about India.”

“Billy…”

“My life was terrific until you let India leave Paris,” seethed Will.

“I didn’t let India leave Paris! She’s an adult. She can do as she pleases,” snapped Alison. “Billy, don’t you think that the reason India left Paris was to get under your skin?”

Will thought about the statement for a while. He’d never considered it, but it was a possibility…and it was something India would do. “You don’t think…”

“When I spoke to Warren a few weeks ago, he mentioned how happy you were with Connor. It’s possible someone from the country club saw you with Connor and came to the same conclusion. If someone tipped off India, that may explain why she left one night without nary a goodbye.”

Will kicked himself for being so stupid…for being so blind! How could he have not seen right through India’s surprise return to town?!? She’s done this on purpose! “I didn’t even think about that!”

“Why would you? You aren’t very perceptive when you’re only thinking about yourself, Billy.”

“Ouch, Mom.”

“It’s true.” Alison told the sales assistant they would take the three watches Will wanted along with a diamond tennis bracelet for herself. “Billy, if you love Connor – and I don’t know why you do – then go home and be with him. All of this drama with India is pointless. She’s always been obsessed with Connor. That will never change. However, if you do love him, then you’ll go home, be with him, and show her that you two are impervious to her machinations.”

“I will,” said Will, triumphantly. “I can’t believe I was too pigheaded to see what was right in front of me. Thank you, Mom.”

Alison smiled, lightly. “Thank me by not letting India push you around. You’re not a child anymore, Billy.

“Barbara, Miss India Montgomery is by the pool and she would like her lunch.” Ada handed Barbara a printed menu which listed the exact lunch order of India Montgomery including the precise number of croutons to be placed in her salad. “Chef is almost done with it. Get everything ready so you can take it to her without delay. You don’t wanna keep that one waiting because she’ll have you fired if you’re fifteen seconds late.”

Barbara nodded in agreement. While she hadn’t spoken to India Montgomery, she still remembered how she observed India eavesdropping outside of Will’s bedroom last week. To say Barbara was intrigued by India would have been a very accurate statement. “Oh, Ada,” Barbara called after her colleague, “which pool is India by?”

“The outdoor pool. Pay attention, Barbara!”

A few minutes later, Barbara was being sent up a service elevator she hadn’t seen before towards the outdoor preparation area near the pool. She quickly ensured everything was up to snuff on the lunch tray as she pushed open the door. The blinding afternoon sun nearly made Barbara cry out in pain. For the last few weeks, she’d been working inside of the main house which rendered her vulnerable to the unrelenting summer sun. Once she regained her composure, Barbara wheeled the cart through the oppressive humidity. She began to sweat profusely through her uniform and, for a few moments, Barbara thought she would drop dead from heat stroke and suffocation.

“Just leave the tray there.” India pointed to a spot to her left without ever lowering her sunglasses or looking up from the magazine cradled between her knees.

“Yes, Miss Montgomery,” said Barbara, quietly.

“You’re the new one.”

Barbara picked up the tray from the cart and placed it on the table to the left of India. “Yes, Miss Montgomery.”

“Your manners are too sparkling,” sniffed India. “They’ve trained you well.”

“Would you like anything else, Miss Montgomery?”

India lifted her head for the briefest of moments before lowering it once more. “If I need anything,” she began, “I certainly won’t ask you.”

Shock and humiliation coursed through Barbara. She felt like the lowest form of being in the known universe.

“You can go now,” India said with a dismissive wave of her hand.

Stunned, Barbara forced a smile onto her face as she went back to the outdoor preparation area. She could feel the tears begin to swell in her eyes while she frantically hit the buttons on the elevator. No one had ever spoken to Barbara like that before, not even when she was at her lowest moment in life. That snooty heiress didn’t even talk to her; she barked at her. She treated her worse than a dog…worse than nothing. In the elevator, Barbara held back her tears because she knew every area of the servant’s areas was awash in cameras. The last thing she wanted to do was let any of these people see her cry.

Back in the servant’s area, Barbara returned the cart to its corner and resumed her place on the stool in the chef’s kitchen. Maybe, thought Barbara, this was a bad idea after all. Before she arrived in Kingsport and during the first two weeks, everything seemed possible and full of opportunity. However, very slowly it was dawning on her that the gulf between people like the Montgomerys and everyone else in Kingsport may be too vast to ever cross. Even with all of her planning, Barbara had been dismissed by India Montgomery and made to feel like she was worth less than less. She felt inhuman. Yet, before the tears began to flow, Barbara swallowed her pride. She hadn’t come to Kingsport to make friends or become popular. It was then that she realized that India Montgomery had given her the greatest gift of all: A window into the world she lived in. If Barbara could exist around India without being the victim of her wrath, Barbara realized that she may achieve she goals quicker than anyone could have imagined. As Barbara sat on that stool to await her next assignment, a small smile formed on her lips. If she played her cards right, Barbara could learn everything she needed to know from Miss India Montgomery.

 

In our next installment, India plots her next move…

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Kingsport #13

Dylan Davenport paced throughout the library of the Davenport Mansion while he sipped a glass of iced tea. He hadn’t intended on visiting his mother today, but now that he was no longer the Chief Executive Officer of Davenport Technology, he had all the time in the world. As Dylan surveyed the first editions of tomes by Morrison, Fitzgerald, and Walker carefully displayed on perfectly decorated bookshelves, he lost himself in the moment.

“I am sorry I’m late,” Sheila stated as she walked into the library. She placed her alligator handbag on an ottoman as she gave Dylan a hug. “You look good, Dylan. I’m glad to see you’ve lost those pesky fifteen pounds. An athletic form suits you.”

Dylan smiled through his mother’s backhanded compliment. She provided these toxic bon mots so regularly he rarely noticed them anymore. “It’s nice to see you, too, Mom.” He cleared his throat. “You said you wanted to talk about something important…”

Sheila pursed her lips. “I’m not happy with the way Meredith is running Davenport Technology.”

“The Board of Directors selected her as the new CEO of Davenport. She’s just started her three-year contract. Give her time.”

“In theory that sounds lovely, but I’m concerned, Dylan. The stock price rose from thirty-eight dollars a share to one hundred and fifty dollars a share thanks to the pandemic, but now it’s languishing around eighty-four dollars a share.”

Dylan eyed his mother carefully. While Sheila claimed to be the steward of Davenport Technology, she was more concerned about a steady stock price and quarterly dividends more than anything else. “Mom, the company is in fine shape. It’s better than when I left it.”

“You provided the groundwork for Meredith. I fear that once she’s done coasting on your strategy, she’ll be adrift and take the company down with her.” Sheila wrung her hands together as she often did when she was forming a plan. “Dylan, I think you should come back to Davenport as the Chairman of the Board.”

Dylan shot his mother an incredulous stare. “No!” he exclaimed. “My days at Davenport are well and truly behind me!”

“Dylan, be serious. This is your legacy! It’s Faren and Oliver’s legacy, too!”

“Mom, don’t talk to me about legacies. My marriage fell apart because I spent four years trying to save the company from hostile takeovers, bad business deals, and rapacious investors. I’m not willing to give up my life for Davenport. Not this time.”

Sheila narrowed her eyes on Dylan. She knew he was right, but for Sheila, the good of the company always outweighed the family’s personal lives. “I think your father would want you to be the guiding force at the company…”

“Mom, don’t even…”

“Larry always wanted you to be the steward of Davenport Technology. We knew it may not be easy once we took the company public, but you exceled in the role. I think it may be time for you to, well, reclaim your birthright.”

“No, Mom. I’m out. Lisa, Nicholas, or Eli can assume the position!”

“Lisa is busy at the auction house. Nicholas has a life – if you can call it that – of his own in Manhattan. As for Elijah, I’d rather sell the company before he had any role in it.”

Dylan shook his head with great disappointment. “Eli is smarter than all of us put together. He’s proven himself as a Silicon Valley investor. He’s been on the covers of Forbes and Fortune on his merit and acumen alone. If you want one of us to become the Chairman of the Board, then call Eli.”

“That’s out of the question,” snapped Sheila, hotly.

“But it’s perfectly fine to call him when you want someone to persuade India Montgomery to stay out of town.”

Sheila’s eyes went wide. “Did he tell you that?!?”

“No, Lisa told me.” Dylan placed the crystal glass on a coaster. “Mom, you can’t use Eli for your personal use on one hand and shun him with the other. It’s cruel.”

“I don’t want to talk about Elijah, Dylan.” Sheila turned her back to Dylan as her eyes searched the grounds of her ten-acre estate.

“Fine. I need to get going anyway… I have a conference call in an hour.” Dylan reached for his keys and started for the doorway of the library when he stopped dead in his tracks. He turned to his mother and said, “You and I both know that whatever happened when Dad disappeared may never be solved. Whether or not Eli had anything to do with it is beside the point. It’s been thirty years. He’s your son. He’s my brother. You can keep shutting him out, but one day, you may need him and he won’t be there.” Dylan took a deep breath as Sheila kept her back to him. “Have a nice day, Mom,” he said with a sigh.

When Sheila heard the door to the library close, she wiped a stray tear from her cheek. She wasn’t sure if the tear was for her, Larry, or Eli, but for some reason on that oddly lonely Monday afternoon, Sheila Davenport allowed herself to feel emotions she had suppressed for a very, very long time.

Dr. Connor Windsor climbed down from Will’s horse, Sir Galahad, with a heavy sigh. The blinding afternoon sunlight combined with the heavy humidity made Connor more irritable than he’d been in days. He removed his riding helmet, handed it to the groom, and made his way across the fields of the King’s Polo Club. When Will was in town, they often rode together providing Connor had time in his schedule. Now that Will was in Paris for an undetermined amount of time, Connor agreed to ride Sir Galahad as often as he could. However, being at the club and away from Will made Connor’s heart heavy with sorrow. While Connor hadn’t truly loved anyone before, he had loved Will from the moment of their first kiss. It was something Connor couldn’t describe, but he was truly, madly, deeply in love with William Montgomery.

Connor made his way into the locker room when he spotted Warren Montgomery putting on his riding boots. “Warren,” called Connor. “This is a nice surprise.”

Warren stood up, gave Connor a hug, and replied, “The big case I was working on settled out of court, so I decided to come for a ride before going home.” Warren surveyed Connor carefully. In all of their years of friendship, he’d never seen Connor so glum. “Are you doing all right?”

“I guess. Considering.” Connor removed his sweat soaked polo shirt, tossed it into the hamper, and wiped down his hairy chest with a towel. “I miss him.”

“Yeah. Billy’s missable.”

“I spoke to him on Saturday. He seems happy…like he’s calmed down a bit.”

Warren nodded politely. “If we give Billy space, he’ll come around. He’s just…in his feelings…or whatever they say now.”

Connor poured a glass of cucumber water. “I hope so. It’s such a mess. I didn’t want it to be this way.”

Warren gave Connor a curious stare. “Didn’t you?”

“What?”

“You had whatever relationship you had with India and then you date Billy. Going between a brother and a sister, Connor? That’s a little macabre, no matter the spin you put on it.”

Connor could feel the heat rising in his soul. “I didn’t have a relationship with India!”

“You have a history with her,” stressed Warren. “Everyone knows India’s fragile… But dating Billy? I know you two are serious, but you wouldn’t have kept it a secret for so long if you weren’t embarrassed by the whole thing, Connor.”

“Warren, I love Billy. Everything that happened in the past with India was a big mistake.”

“I guess.” Warren grabbed a towel as he started for the door of the locker room. “India and Billy have always had a fraught relationship. Always. You should’ve known that, Connor. If anyone is responsible for Billy going to Paris, it’s you.” With that, Warren strode out of the locker room leaving Connor to ponder his scathing words.

In our next installment, Barbara meets India…

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Kingsport #12

News of Will Montgomery’s escape from Kingsport first rippled through the Montgomery Estate followed by whispers at the country club and exaggerated rumors among the masses. He had left town with one suitcase and not a word of goodbye to anyone. Many found this odd; others found it exciting. Warren Montgomery wasn’t amused by his brother’s decision to abscond without a goodbye and he told him so that morning on the phone.

“Is Billy all right?” asked Jill with faux concern.

Warren placed the phone on the receiver with a weary sigh. “He’ll be all right. Mother is in Lisbon right now, so he’s staying at The Ritz until she gets back on Thursday.” Warren returned to the table, poured another glass of water, and let out an exasperated sigh.

“I think this is a lot of sound and fury for a lot of nothing,” intoned Jill. “Billy could have simply sorted out whatever needing sorting without causing all of this drama.”

“You don’t know the whole story. He had his reasons, Jill.”

“Warren, everyone coddles Billy like he’s made of glass. He loves the attention. No one but an attention whore would leave town like that without saying goodbye,” sniffed Jill.

Before Warren could respond, there was a knock at the door. He stood up to answer it, but one of his maids got there first and showed in his uninvited guest.

“I haven’t slept in days,” Connor told Warren, wearily. “I’m furious with him.”

Jill scrunched up her nose at the sight of an unshaven Connor. While she found his look quite rough, the more she looked at him, the more she wanted to make love to him on the dining room table as Warren watched them. “Coming to someone’s home uninvited is the height of incivility, Connor!”

Connor glared at her. “He won’t tell me where he is, Warren. We talked last night, but he…”

“He’s in Paris. I just got off the phone with him. He’ll be just fine. Billy needs a few days to calm down,” explained Warren. “Jill, would you mind giving us a moment?”

Jill let out a livid huff as she stormed out of the dining room and into the garden.

“Connor, I didn’t want you to say this in front of Jill, but Billy told me he may very well stay in Paris…indefinitely.”

Connor’s eyes went wide. His head fell into his hands as he suppressed a scream. “This is all because of India! She’s trying to ruin my life…again!”

“Connor…”

“Warren, I love your brother. Billy is the best thing to ever happen to me. I want him here with me, not off in Paris.”

“It’s out of our hands. Dad flew over there the minute he heard Billy was leaving for Paris, but it wasn’t any use. Billy said he was staying there indefinitely. He’s made up his mind, Connor.”

“No. This is because of India. Billy and I were happy and content before she showed up in town with her lies. Your sister broke into my house last week. She’s up to her old tricks again, Warren. It’s no wonder Billy left town without a word.”

Warren stared at his friend with mounting worry. “Maybe dating my brother after your past with our sister wasn’t your best idea, Connor.”

“I didn’t plan it. I never thought I’d see India again. I never wanted to see her again, Warren. Can you go to Paris and make Billy see sense? Let him know that I love him and I will protect him.”

“I have a full caseload. The trouble with Uncle Walt isn’t over yet and then I have to handle a case of corporate malfeasance. I can’t drop everything to chase after Billy. If you love him so much, you need to go to Paris.”

Connor shook his head. “I can’t. I’m swamped at the hospital for the next six weeks.” Connor felt like he was going to be sick. “I’ll keep trying to convince him that he belongs in Kingsport with me. I can’t lose him, Warren. I just can’t…”

Jill Stanhope Montgomery sat at her usual table at the Kingsport Arms Hotel without a worry in the world. While she detested the way in which Connor interrupted her quiet breakfast with Warren, she was secretly glad to have been able to see him…smell him in such a raw state. Jill tried to push the thought out of her mind, but it was useless. For all of her breeding and education, she couldn’t help but want Connor in her bed and inside of her. Warren gave Jill everything she needed; Connor had given her what she wanted. That meant sex. Lots of it. Multiple times a day. Life as a bored, wealthy housewife wasn’t in Jill’s original life plan, but she was content in her sexless marriage to Warren. Yes, he was attractive, wealthy to the point of excessive, and a wonderful father, but they hadn’t had sex in three years and she minded more than her husband. Jill had her share of affairs and anonymous sex throughout the years, but no one did to her what Connor had done to her all those years ago. Her whole body ached for him. God, she wanted that man…

“Jill?”

Jill snapped out of her reverie to find Lisa Davenport Collins standing before her. “Lisa,” she said, lightly. “Join me.”

“I can’t. I have to get to the auction house. My work is never done.”

“You don’t need to work…”

“I like working. It gives me something to do…and I enjoy being one of the few people who uses their Master’s in Art History. We should have a drink or dinner one of these nights.”

Jill smiled. “I’d like that.”

“Great. I’ll text you.” With that, Lisa walked out of the hotel.

Jill watched her friend go. She always admired Lisa Davenport Collins. She was the kind of woman who was born into generations of money, had a wonderful family, worked, and traveled the world. On some level, Jill was jealous of her friend, but in the best way possible. A moment later, Jill groaned internally as she saw India Montgomery walking towards her.

“Jill,” hissed India. “Dining alone. How appropriate.”

“It’s nice to see you, too, India. I should be going…”

“Stay. Have a drink with me. I saw you were chatting with Lisa Davenport. She has a lot of big ideas about herself.”

“Lisa is one of the nicest people I know. I don’t understand why you have to be frosty towards her. She’s your daughter’s aunt!”

India sat at the table, plopped the napkin on her lap, and ordered a glass of white wine from a passing waiter. “She’s of no bearing in my life.”

“India, I should get going…”

“Connor and Warren are friends, yes?”

Jill felt her throat tighten. “You know they’re friends…”

“It seems odd to me that no one knows where Billy has disappeared to. I think it says a lot about how he feels about Connor if he’s willing to vanish without telling anyone where he went… Don’t you agree, Jill?”

Jill couldn’t stop feeling as if she was caught in the black widow’s web. “I think… Billy likes attention.”

“He does. The little queen,” laughed India. She narrowed her eyes on Jill with such intensity she knew she was making Jill squirm in her chair. “I’ve always thought of us as friends, Jill. I do hope you aren’t lying to me about where Billy is right now.”

“I haven’t the slightest clue.”

“And Warren…”

“Ask your brother. I’m sorry, India, but I do have to go.”

India sipped the white wine as she watched Jill scurry out of the dining room. A curled smile formed on India’s lips. She couldn’t have planned this any better herself. Will had removed himself from Connor’s life and no one knew where he was hiding. India knew Connor would be grief stricken. Connor needed someone in his life. Connor couldn’t exist without someone to worship him. In that moment, India knew now was the right time to do whatever was necessary to make Connor hers. She didn’t care if Billy lived or died as long as he stayed away from Connor. India raised her glass and toasted her brother for making her next move entirely too easy…

In our next installment, Dylan takes a stand with Sheila…

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Posted on

Kingsport #11

“Billy, I really wish you would reconsider moving into the cottage,” Charles told his son.

Will moved a poached egg around his plate with sheer indifference. He didn’t want to have breakfast with his dad, but Charles had heard the rumor from the staff, so he wanted to ensure it wasn’t true. For Will, living under the same roof with India was unbearable. Will sighed as he took in the sight of the glorious Morning Room. “Dad, it’ll be for the best. I’m a little too old to live with my dad.”

“You are looking a bit rough around the neck, Billy.” India strode into the Morning Room, poured a cup of coffee, and bit into a croissant. “But that’s my opinion…”

“India, now is not the time,” insisted Charles.

“I haven’t said anything that isn’t true. Billy spends too much time in the sun on those horses. It’s bound to age anyone,” explained India, breathlessly.

Will rolled his eyes. “I’ve lost my appetite.”

“Oh, calm down, Billy,” laughed India. “I like having fun with you.” India sat at the table, unfurled a monogrammed linen napkin, and buttered her croissant. “Actually, I heard quite the noise coming from your room the other day. I was on my way to the library when I heard the worst grunting and groaning. I thought you were in trouble, but then I realized that Connor was here, so I knew you were in big, strong safe hands. Tell me, Billy, does he still have that small mole on his inner right thigh?”

Will slammed his napkin down on the table and stormed out of the Morning Room.

“Someone’s touchy this morning,” trilled India.

“India, darling,” began Charles, “I don’t think it’s necessary to goad Billy.”

“Daddy, he’s always been sensitive. Always. We can’t have any fun for fear for upsetting Billy. The last time I checked, this wasn’t the William Montgomery Sad Sack Hour.” India gently sipped her coffee. “He’ll get over it. I’m sure Connor will find a way to calm him down.”

Charles shook his head. He couldn’t imagine why his children were interested in the same man. It belied his entire belief system. “India, I think you may be better served if you re-route your energy elsewhere.”

“Daddy, that’s not very nice,” pouted India.

“I have to meet with Sheila later today. We have a meeting at the bank concerning Faren’s trust.”

India cast her eyes down towards her plate. How she missed her daughter… How she wished she could be the mother Faren deserved… In spite of that, India wasn’t ready to be that mother… “Oh.”

“That’s all you can muster regarding your daughter?”

“I spoke with Eli over the weekend. He said she’s fine!”

“You didn’t speak to her? India…”

“She had a ballet lesson! Eli is her father. She’s in safe hands.”

“India, maybe it’s time that you and Eli came to…an arrangement concerning Faren’s care…”

“Eli lives in San Francisco. He’s not going to uproot Faren for me.”

“Have you asked him?”

“Daddy, please mind your business!” snapped India. “Oh, Daddy…” sighed India. “I love Faren so much. I miss her, but Eli is the better parent. Everyone knows it.”

“She’s your daughter. Whatever you and Eli think, she needs you, India. Stop goading Billy and thinking about Connor. It’s time you put your daughter first before it’s too late.”

Sheila Davenport and Charles Montgomery, IV walked into the dining room of the Kingsport Country Club after their meeting at West Haven Valley Private Bank and Trust, the premiere bank to the best families in Kingsport. You had to have a minimum of five million dollars cash to open an account to ensure you were worthy of this esteemed private bank. Sheila and Charles settled into the star table which shielded them from public view yet gave them a prime view of the entire dining room. “I think that was productive,” said Sheila, crisply.

“Sheila, I know you don’t like Mavis Andre, but she did have a point,” replied Charles as he motioned for the waiter.

“I did not appreciate her tone. She acts as if this is her money. Some people,” sniffed Sheila.

“Mr. Montgomery. Mrs. Davenport. Would you like to place an order?” asked one of the musty waxwork waiters.

“I’d like an extra dry gin martini with two olives,” said Sheila.

“I’ll have the same.” Charles waited until the waiter had walked off before he said, “I had a rather interesting conversation with India this morning.”

Sheila pursed her lips. “Charles, I don’t think we should discuss her.”

“She’s Faren’s mother. We have to discuss her. I’m sure you and Alison talk about India all the time.”

“Alison is my dearest friend. I’d never break her confidence, nor she mine. When it comes to India, I don’t know what to do, Charles. She’s shown no interest in Faren for years and it’s beginning to take a toll on her.”

“I’m aware of it. It’s time for her to become a mother whether she likes it or not. I thought sending her to Paris to be with Alison would have helped, but India’s the same person.”

“That’s not a good thing.” Sheila stopped talking as the waxwork waiter delivered their martinis and left without a word. “Charles, we should probably defer to Elijah where Faren and Alison are concerned. Apparently, he and India are in regular contact.”

Charles gave Sheila a curious look. “Then I take it you’ve been in touch with Eli?”

“It’s not like it sounds. I heard that India was in town and I called Eli to see if he knew why.”

“You could’ve called me…or Alison…”

Sheila took a long sip of her cold, perfectly shaken martini. “It’s not my place, but I will say this: Alison has done a lot for India. I think it’s time she had a break.”

Charles knew what Sheila meant. Even though he and his estranged wife spoke infrequently, he was well aware that India’s time in Paris had been trying for Alison. “What are we going do when it comes to Faren and India?”

“We’re going to do the hardest thing of all.”

“Which is?”

“Nothing. This is up to Elijah and India to straighten out. Maybe it’s best if Faren is three thousand miles away from her mother right now. Let’s see how India fares in the next few months. Once we see that, we can make alternate plans…”

The sound of Charles ringing cell phone interrupted Sheila’s train of thought. Normally, Charles wouldn’t answer his phone, but something told him to answer the call from his office. He picked up the call and listened intensely to his Chief of Staff, Xander Holm. “I see… Please keep me updated, Xander.” With that, Charles ended the call, a look of concern painted across his face.

“Charles… Is everything all right?”

“That was my office… It’s Billy.”

“Is Billy all right?” asked Sheila, carefully.

“He’s leaving.”

Sheila gave Charles a curious look. “Where is he going?”

“He… Billy called the family office to book the private pane from Kingsport to Paris leaving first thing.”

“Charles, I’m sure it’s nothing. He probably wants to spend some time with Alison…”

“It’s not that, Sheila. There’s no return flight. Billy is leaving town for good and… God, I should’ve seen this before…”

“Seen what?”

“He’s leaving town for good to get away from India. I can’t let this happen, Sheila. I can’t lose my son.”

In our next installment, India prods Jill for information…

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