Tag: Sheila Davenport

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Kingsport #7

It should have been a morning filled with joy, laughter, and anticipation, but for Sheila Davenport, she couldn’t muster a smile, let alone the modicum of joy on this particularly gray May day. She sipped a cup of coffee, lost in her thoughts when the sounds of childish laughter filled the air of her normally sedate mansion. A moment later, Sheila’s grandson, Oliver Collins, rushed into the Breakfast Room and threw his arms around her neck. “Oliver!” exclaimed Sheila. “This is a pleasant surprise!”

“I know! Mommy always says that I’m her little surprise.” The nine-year-old plucked a grape from the sideboard. “We’re on our way to the country club for a Memorial Day party!”

“Oh, really?” smiled Sheila.

“Oliver, don’t touch communal food with your hands,” sighed Lisa Davenport Collins as she walked into the Breakfast Room. Lisa was forty, self-assured, and beautiful without the aid of plastic surgeons. She gave her mother a light kiss on the cheek as she surveyed the maudlin surroundings. “Honestly, Mom, open the drapes. It’s so dreary in here.” Lisa pulled back the drapes to let in the few rays of morning sun.

Sheila finished her cup of coffee with a sigh. “Lisa, is there a reason you’re here?”

Lisa sat across from her mother. “Oliver, why don’t you go into the Media Room for a moment? I need to talk to Grandma.” Lisa waited until Oliver was out of earshot and said, “What’s wrong?”

“I spoke to Elijah last week,” Sheila revealed coolly.

“Oh.” Lisa took a deep breath. “Why?”

“It wasn’t my intention, but Dr. Connor Windsor asked me to talk to Elijah about India. I knew I had to do it only because other than Alison, he’s the one person in this world who she will listen to.” Sheila rose from the table, walked over to the large French doors, and stared at her immaculate estate. “Speaking to him felt like…I was speaking to a stranger. He said he had spoken to India, but he wouldn’t go any further than that.” Sheila turned to her daughter with worry in her eyes. “I’m terrified I’ve opened Pandora’s Box. The last thing I want is Elijah back in our lives.”

Lisa took in this news as the wheels spun in her head. “Mom…suppose he’s changed. We’ve all changed… At the very least, you should consider easing up on Eli. Think about how this bad blood will affect Faren. I don’t think it’s right for our family to ice out Eli. The Montgomerys have done the same thing to India and, well, we all know how well adjusted she is,” sniffed Lisa.

“Lisa,” began Sheila, “India is back in Kingsport.”

“She is?!!?”

“Connor told me she was coming back to town. I heard from Raquel Windsor that India is indeed staying at the Montgomery Estate.”

Lisa finally understood why her mother was so worried. “You’re…scared that with India back in town, Eli will decide it’s time to leave San Francisco in order for Faren to be closer to her mother.”

“That’s it. Lisa, I don’t want him to return to town. It would ruin everything.”

Lisa stood up, pondered her mother’s concern, and said, “We can’t stop him. Granted, Eli has been known to play dirty because he can, but we have to think about Faren. She barely knows India. And, maybe, the last few years in Paris have been good for her.”

“Now you’re a fan of Elijah and India?” huffed Sheila.

“No. India is a nutcase. I think Eli has mellowed out a lot. When I saw him in Gstaad in January…”

“You’re speaking to him?!?!” Sheila exclaimed with fury rising from her soul. “Lisa!”

Lisa folded her arms defensively. “Jackson had to attend a digital technology symposium in Switzerland. We ran into Eli. We spent some time together. My husband and Eli are in the same industry. It’s happened before, Mom,” snapped Lisa.

“I don’t care. After everything Elijah has done to this family, if I ever see him again, it’ll be too soon! I know he’s the reason your father went missing.”

“That’s speculation!”

“You don’t know what I know, Lisa. Elijah is dangerous. Now that India is in Kingsport, I just know he’ll move here, too. I can’t let that happen, Lisa. I just can’t…”

Barbara Wilkes stepped into the foyer of the Kingsport Arms Hotel and clutched her purse tight against her body. Today was Memorial Day and it was the first time in years she had a real day off. After working for the Montgomery family for the last two weeks, she was exhausted. Muscles she’d never realized existed hurt. Her brain was fried from the smell of cleaning chemicals, French food, and scented candles. Since this was her first proper day off, Barbara decided that breakfast at Kingsport’s most exclusive hotel would ease her mind and spirit.

“Good morning,” she said to the hostess. “I’d like a table for one.”

The hostess, a weathered woman of more than sixty but less than one hundred, eyed her carefully over the rim of her bifocal glasses. “No,” was her reply.

Taken aback, Barbara cleared her throat. “I’d like…”

The woman held up a dismissive hand. “I said no.” The woman looked down at the vast reservation book. “You may go now.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” said Barbara defiantly. “I’d like a table for one.”

“Let me be clear,” began to hostess, “the Kingsport Arms is a premiere destination for the finest guests and families in the area. It’s not a place for the likes of a woman who thinks a fast fashion dress will ever compare to the lovely creations worn by the women of Kingsport society.”

Barbara could feel her hands begin to clench in the fists of rage. In her old world, she would have clocked this insipid woman right on the spot. However, this was a new world. This was Kingsport. Kingsport… Barbara already knew that such things didn’t fly in this world. If she wanted to stay in her new life, she’d have to think fast. “I’m afraid there’s a misunderstanding. I made a reservation a few days ago. Please check under ‘Barbara Wilson’.” She produced a business card with the alias on it. “I’m a junior food critic from World of Dining. I’d be more than happy to leave and let the whole world know…”

“Oh, Ms. Wilson! Yes. I do see you here on our list. Usually the manager will tell us when a critic comes in. I do apologize for the error. Right this way.”

Barbara followed the weathered hostess to a sweet table near the large picture windows which overlooked Main Street. After the hostess left and promised to comp her meal, Barbara smiled lightly. That old lie worked every time. No one every checked to make sure she was employed by World of Dining because once she threatened to leave and write a negative review, everyone bowed to her will. She relaxed into her chair, sipped a fresh cup of coffee, and took in her surroundings. While she hadn’t been entirely honest, Barbara knew that honesty was overrated. To get what she wanted, she would have to lie, cheat, and use her innate ability to deceive people to her advantage. In a town like Kingsport, perception was more important than reality. Barbara was the master at that game. She’d played it well so far, but she needed a day off from the rigors of her new life to ensure she could continue to execute her plan tomorrow. So far, she’d entered the Montgomery household and, sooner or later, she would begin to meet the family. She had a plan. She had a goal. By the time she was finished, she’d have it all…

In our next installment, India ups the stakes…

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Kingsport #4

Sheila Davenport wasn’t in the business of inserting herself into the affairs of others. Although she shared Dr. Connor Windsor’s worry about India Montgomery, the last thing she wanted to do was offend India and, by extension, her best friend, Alison Montgomery, and their shared granddaughter, Faren. Sheila knew all too well that when it came to the Montgomerys, it was better for them to sort out their assorted issues rather than get involved.

In that moment, Sheila looked around the well-appointed library at her home, the Davenport Mansion. It sat on ten acres of exquisite grounds on the same road as the Windsor Mansion and the other great, old families of Kingsport. The mansion which had eight-bedrooms, ten-bathrooms, six formal rooms, a swimming pool, and guest cottage had been in the Davenport family for nearly a century. They were one of the wealthiest black families in America who preferred living under the radar. The Davenports had a lineage which went back centuries and their wealth, though it was much newer than the Montgomerys, now earned interest on interest and kept the family in comfort and understated grace. Sheila glanced around at the assorted family photos carefully placed around the library of herself, her late husband, Larry, and their children, Dylan, Elijah, Lisa, and Nicholas. Her eye then fell on a picture of India with Faren and Elijah on the occasion of Faren’s second birthday. It seemed like a lifetime ago. They were, indeed, quite happier times…before everything became so complex where it concerned India.

With Connor’s plea ringing in her ears and wanting to ultimately protect her granddaughter, Sheila took a deep breath, picked up the phone, and dialed a familiar phone number. As the phone rang, Sheila wondered if she was doing the right thing because, once she made this call, nothing would be the same again.

Barbara Wilkes glanced at the clock in the huge chef’s kitchen on the Montgomery Estate. She was only two hours into her shift, but she felt like she’d been there for years. When the agency and Dane told her that this would be a tough job, Barbara should have believed them. She’d already carried several heavy breakfast trays to the Morning Room before being told to vanish before the family entered. On top of that, she’d already cleaned six bathrooms and brought bags full of dirty laundry to the onsite laundress. In that moment, Barbara knew that any family that employed its own laundry person was a family she wanted to know more about.

“Day dreaming again?”

Barbara snapped back to reality as Ada Burke, one the of senior housekeepers, walked over to her with a cup of tea. “No… Just thinking.”

Ada sipped her piping hot tea. “The family is out right now, so it should be quiet for a while. Nothing worse than when they’re all here ordering this, wanting that, pressing buttons like we ain’t got nothing better to do.”

Barbara smiled tightly. She wanted to be friendly with her coworkers, but being friends with them wasn’t in her plans. However, she knew that sometimes plans change in such a way which can work to your benefit later on. “What’re the family like?” asked Barbara.

“Just people who haven’t worked since the Revolutionary War,” cracked Ada. “The nicest one is Will. They call him ‘Billy’. He’s high strung and in love with love, but he’s nice. I’d say the worst is Alison, the Lady of the House.”

“I’ve seen pictures of her in magazines. She seems so elegant.”

“Elegant and high minded about everything. She doesn’t even live here full time; Paris is her home.”

“Paris…” Barbara uttered with a lilt to her voice. That seemed to be the most exciting, glamourous place in the world.

“She’s lived there for twenty years or so. From what I’ve been told, she never really liked it in Kingsport. Anyway, she’s old money. Older than the Montgomery family. Royalty on both sides of her family, related to dukes and whatnot. She’s what they call a six-times heiress. Inherited money from both parents and four grandparents. More money than god, that one. I read she gets a billion dollars in dividends. Imagine! She’d be tolerable if she didn’t lord her money and breeding over everyone,” scoffed Ada. “Anyway, you liking it here?”

Barbara nodded. “It kinda feels like a fantasy. Say, Ada, is it possible to move up at this house?”

“You mean has a maid ever become a secretary or something? Girl, don’t get your hopes up. Everyone has dreams when they come in here…and they die here. That’s why so many people leave.” The cell phone clipped to Ada’s waist chirped. She glanced at it with a groan. “Gotta get lunch ready for Will in the library. Thought it would be an easy day.”

“I can do it for you,” offered Barbara.

Ada gave her a curious look. “I can manage…”

“I don’t mind. Honestly.”

“Fine. Come with me. I’ll show you what needs to be done.”

“I’m sorry I missed your call.”

“This isn’t a social call,” said Sheila, briskly. “I need to talk to you.” Sheila fiddled with the sapphire ring on her right hand. “It’s about India…”

“I’m going to stop you right there. I don’t want to discuss her with you or anyone else.”

“I know,” snapped Sheila. “It’s just… I’ve heard that India is planning a return to Kingsport. She’ll be back this week.”

The line went silent.

“I said…”

“I heard you. She hasn’t told me anything. I spoke to her two days ago and she never mentioned it.”

Sheila took a deep breath. “Has she been well…?”

“I’m not discussing that with you!”

“I’m only concerned because Connor Windsor met with me… He wants someone to talk to India…make her see that she should stay in Paris.”

“I don’t give two craps about Connor Windsor. He’s done more harm to India than any of us realize. If she thinks she can handle coming back to Kingsport after all of these years, then it’s not for us to stand in her way. Connor will have to get over himself.”

Sheila nodded in quiet agreement. “I suppose he will have to deal with whatever happens next on his own… I’ll let you go now.”

“Mom, I…”

“I have to prepare for a meeting,” lied Sheila.

The line went dead as Elijah Davenport stared at his cell phone, more heartbroken than furious. He hadn’t spoken to his mother in two years and now, in what he thought was an extension of an olive branch, was nothing more than his mother trying to get him to warn India to stay away of Kingsport. Eli sank into the leather chair behind his glass desk with the cityscape of San Francisco glittering behind him. It wasn’t easy for him to feel like an utter fool, but in this moment, Eli felt rejected and dejected by his mother. Had it not been for the fact that he and India had a daughter together, he knew his mother would never have called him. She didn’t love him. She never did. She blamed him for something so horrific, but if she knew the truth it would tear their family apart. That’s why he moved his life, his daughter, Faren, and his company, Davenport Investments to San Francisco. It’s why he never went home. In a way, he and India were two outsiders who found each other and thought they were happy until they realized they couldn’t find lasting happiness together. Eli closed his eyes, counted backwards from one hundred, and did everything he could to stop the onslaught of tears.

In our next installment, Barbara is put in her place…

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Kingsport #3

#3

            The sting from Will’s revelation two days ago left Warren in a state of shock. As the oldest of Charles and Alison Montgomery’s three children, he was well aware of the animosity between Will and India. Ever since they were children, they hadn’t gotten along. India, being the middle child, loathed Will for merely existing. There were many times when, as a child, Will’s life was placed in danger, only to be saved at the last minute by India. Warren knew his sister could be unstable and dangerous, but that’s why she had been living in Paris with Alison for the last three years. Warren couldn’t fathom why India would accuse Connor of rape, but the only person who could answer that question was Connor.

As Warren walked up the path to Connor’s house, he felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. He and Connor had been friends since they were children. They knew each other’s secrets. They had drifted apart after high school, but when they both returned to Kingsport after graduate school, they became fast friends again. The Connor he knew would never rape India or harm anyone else. However, Warren’s practical brain was well aware that everyone had a dark side they worked quite hard to conceal from the world.

“Warren. What’re you doing here?” Dr. Connor Windsor asked as he welcomed Warren into his house. Connor’s house was on his parents’ ten-acre estate, but it had its own entrance and felt separate from the rest of the Windsor family compound.

“I don’t want to ask you this, but if I don’t, it’ll haunt me for the rest of my life. Billy came to see me the other day and he said that India accused you of raping her.”

Connor lost all of the color in his face. He lost all feeling in his hands. He left like he would die on the spot. “Warren, I’ve never laid a hand on India. You know that.”

“Then why did she say it?”

“Because… We all know India isn’t…stable…”

“Connor…”

“Will has told me the stories, Warren. She’s been obsessed with me since we were teenagers. You know it’s true.”

Warren nodded, sadly. “I know, but…”

“I wanted a restraining order against her, but our families didn’t want anything like that in the public record, so she was allowed to keep doing it until your father sent her to Paris to live with Alison.” Connor rubbed his temples, unwilling to dredge up the past. “When your sister accused me of rape, your mother hired a private investigator who looked into her claims. They were totally false. I don’t know why India said it, Warren. You have to believe me.”

Warren sat on a bench in the foyer. “I don’t know what to believe. She’s my sister. You’re involved with my brother. It’s not a cut and dry situation.”

“It is. I’m telling you the truth.” Connor’s pager went off as he said, “I have to get to the hospital. I’m sorry Will told you, but it’s out now. I’ll talk to you later, Warren.”

Barbara Wilkes studied herself in the mirror of the staff quarters with grave sorrow. The maid’s uniform she was being forced to wear did nothing for her body. It hid all of the curves and shapeliness which made men throw themselves at her. This muted gray uniform made Barbara feel like the one thing she hated most of all: Feeling invisible. She quickly tied back her hair, slid her feet into her staff issued rubber shoes, and tied an apron around her waist. Upon closer examination, Barbara didn’t recognize herself. If she couldn’t see herself buried behind this grotesque costume of the working class, no man would desire her. In that moment, Barbara knew her sparkling charm would be the key to succeeding as a maid at the Montgomery Estate.

Dane Hurley gave her the lay of the land while walking Barbara to the kitchen. “Charles Montgomery and his youngest child, Will, live at the estate full-time. You are to call Charles and Will ‘Mr. Montgomery’. Alison Montgomery lives in Paris with their daughter, India. Alison is ‘Mrs. Farrell Montgomery’ and India is ‘Miss Montgomery.’ Oh, their son, Warren lives across town with his wife, Jill, and their daughters. Again, the family is always addressed formally. They are not your friends. Never refer to them by their first names. Is that understood?”

“Yes,” smiled Barbara.

“Charles’ two sisters and his brother drop-in whenever they feel like it. It’s a great nuisance, so we always have the cottages ready for them along with the White Suite.” Dane opened the servant’s door to the kitchen as Barbara entered the vast commercial grade space. “You’ll be based in here for the time being. The family will either call down their orders on that phone, text, or send an email. There are plenty of alerts so you never miss anything. Mrs. Taplin, the housekeeper, will let you know when bathrooms or the like need to be cleaned. Otherwise, stay down here. Stay out of sight. When it’s time for your meal breaks and breaks, just ask the chef for a meal. It’s fine. Oh, and if you have any questions that binder is full of dos and don’ts. Any other questions ask me or Mrs. Collins.” With that, Dane left Barbara in the bustling kitchen full of cooks and a chef who took no time to notice her.

Barbara sank into a chair near the phone with a heavy heart. Nothing today had gone according to her plan. Here she was stuck in the kitchen which meant the smell of food would cling to her. If she wanted that life, she would have worked at fast food joint. Barbara knew she would have to devise a way to get upstairs, out of this unflattering uniform, and into the opulent rooms above.

Dr. Connor Windsor came out of surgery having successfully saved the life of a sixteen-year-old victim of a hit and run. While he should have been in a heady mood, a dark cloud engulfed him and refused to let go. Had he only been able to silence India Montgomery when he had the chance, he would have done so. That girl was a nuisance of the tallest order and she showed no signs of ever leaving him alone. Her baseless lies, her stalking, and her obsession with him had made Connor’s life a living hell for the better part of a decade. Quite frankly, he was sick of her. He finally managed to find happiness with Will only to now have it threatened by India’s return to Kingsport.

Connor walked into the staff room, grabbed his phone, and contemplated what to do next. He wondered why India would want to come back to town when her family thought she’d be happier in Paris. Will didn’t give a lot away when it came to the inner workings of his illustrious family, but Connor had a feeling that something was amiss. If India’s accusations ever got out, they could ruin him. That was one thing Connor would not let India Montgomery do to him. After what seemed like an eternity, Connor made a Hail Mary call with a desperate plea to have coffee within the hour. For Connor knew that the only way to deal with India was to give her something else…or someone else…to obsess about…

 

Sheila Davenport sat in the drawing room of the Kingsport Country Club with a feeling of dread in her soul. While she was friendly with Dr. Connor Windsor through his mother, Raquel, he wasn’t one of her favorite people. “Connor,” said Sheila softly as he approached her, “I hope you’ve been well.”

“Actually, I haven’t been well.” Connor waved over a waiter, ordered two coffees, and let his head fall into his hands. “It’s India. She’s coming back to town.”

Sheila stiffened. “Alison didn’t mention it…”

“I’m worried about what she’ll do this time, Sheila. You know as well as I do that India is unstable.”

Sheila reached for her purse as she said, “Connor, I’m not comfortable discussing India with you.”

“Sheila, please. India is the mother of your granddaughter. If anyone can talk India into staying in Paris, it’s Alison. Alison is your best friend. Please, Sheila. You’ve got to convince Alison to keep India in Paris or else she’ll ruin my life.”

 

In our next installment, Barbara learns a thing or two…

 

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