A few minutes later, Jennifer returned to the table, looking like she had seen a ghost.
"Jennifer, you don't look ok. What's wrong?"
"Ok, so I know that earlier when I said I saw my dad, everyone thought I was nuts and that I had gotten too much sun. But this time, I really saw him. And he gave me this note".
She handed it to Susan.
"Sweetie, I thought you were with your father when he died".
"I was".
"Well as a doctor, I can assure you that in most cases, when someone dies, they don't resurface in the Dominican Republic weeks later. Especially when they are buried in California".
"I'm not asking you to tell me how he did it. I'm telling you, I saw my father. And I asked him if he was my father and he nodded and then put this note in my hand and then left".
"How much have you had to drink?"
"I've only had water since this morning".
"Well, then you know what? Let's just put him out of our minds. At least he didn't say 'meet me on the beach' or something, where you could be in danger. And when you get home, and you get the flowers, Jonathan can go with you to meet with him".
"Are you kidding? Just knowing my father is here at this resort but I can't see him or talk to him, it's going to drive me nuts. And you know how protective Jonathan is, he's liable to lock me in the attic the day I'm supposed to meet Pa".
Susan chuckled.
"Probably".
The resort was having a bonfire and dessert bar on the beach, so they decided to head down there.
Jennifer seemed like she was in the moment, but really, she was looking for her father. She was scanning every face, looking for him.
Get a grip, Jennifer. You saw him pass away. You heard the doctors, there's no way he could have made it this long, nor made the trip. It wasn't him.
And yet, with the note in her purse, she just couldn't be sure.
***Later that night***
Jennifer headed back to the room before the others under the pretense of having a headache. Really, she wanted to call Jonathan.
She needed to hear his voice.
She came into the room and put her stuff down and then grabbed her phone and called him.
"Hello?"
"Hi darling. God, it's good to hear your voice".
"Hi. I was wondering when you were going to call".
"Are you busy?"
"Not at all. Just got home. What are you beautiful ladies up to?"
"Well, we had dinner at a seafood restaurant, and then we went to the beach for a bonfire and then I came back to the room alone to call you".
"Darling, you don't sound like yourself. What's going on?"
"Well, we were at dinner and then I had to go to the bathroom. When I was coming out of the bathroom, I saw him. The man that looked just like Pa. He was standing right in front of me, staring at me. And I said 'Pa, is that you?' and he nodded yes. And then he put a note in my hand and walked away."
"What did the note say?"
"That we couldn't talk here, too many witnesses. He's going to send me some flowers next week in LA and tell me where and when to meet him so we can talk".
"Over my dead body".
"Jonathan! That's not fair".
"Yes it is. I don't want you meeting him alone".
"I never said I was going to. And we don't even know what his instructions are going to be".
"I will meet him with you".
"I want you to meet him with me. He was your dad too, in a sense".
He sighed. He couldn't find a way to tell her that this absolutely wasn't her dad, but he didn't want to hurt her or start an argument.
"Are you going to be ok, till you get back?"
"Yeah, I think so".
"Good. I miss you, the house is too quiet without you".
"I miss you too".
"I hope the next two days fly by".
"Yeah, me too".
They chatted a little while longer, and then hung up.
"I love you, I'll text you in the morning".
"I love you too".
She blew him a kiss as she hung up the phone, and then put on her pajamas.
The others came back a little while later and convinced her to join them in the living area.
One of them turned on the tv, and they were able to find a weather forecast that stated that the next day was supposed to be rainy.
"Ok, so what do you guys say about us going to the spa tomorrow here at the resort?"
"Oh, I second that idea".
"Me too".
They called and made arrangements, and then just hung out a little longer.
Laura had an issue of Cosmopolitan that talked about measuring how good your marriage was based on how often you and your spouse have sex.
It was no surprise that Jennifer and Jonathan ranked the highest out of the couples.
"Ok, so really, tell us your secret. How do you get Jonathan in the mood?"
"Honest, guys, there's really no secret. I never say no to him, and he never says no to me. Sometimes, we have to say 'later', to the other one, and we always make sure to follow through on that. But our connection to each other isn't just about sex-it's deeper than that. We are in tune with each other. Jonathan does things for me because he knows I like it, but also because he likes it too. And I'm the same way. And we do little things for each other, like I make sure not to work while he's home, if I can help it. He tries to keep the work calls to a minimum as well. We know just about everything there is to know about each other, and we always make sure to tell each other I love you, and I miss you."
"I wish Bill and I were more like that. We used to be so spontaneous, but that died years ago".
"Yeah, Drew doesn't put too much imagination into our sex life either".
"Guys, I promise you, Jonathan and I aren't the gold standard. We just have a deep love and a deep mutual respect for one another. But we have conflicts and arguments like any other couple, too. It's just…divorce is simply not an option for either of us".
"What's the most romantic thing Jonathan has ever done for you?"
"Well, it's hard to top the movie he made when he proposed to me. And I love how he sends me flowers when he can tell I need them the most, and he always puts the sweetest notes on the cards".
"So, what kind of romantic things do you do for him?"
"He would tell you he loves it when I hold his hand in the car, or read him directions to wherever we are going. And he likes how I turn the bed down for him at night".
They stayed up a little longer and then headed to bed. Jennifer was so exhausted that she fell right to sleep.
***Two days later***
The ladies took a shuttle to the airport around 9 a.m., and boarded the plane. Jack was waiting to fly them home.
They landed just before dinner time, and all their husbands were waiting for them.
"Hi honey".
Jennifer went to Jonathan and kissed him a few times.
"Hi gorgeous".
All the husbands had brought their wives flowers. The other ladies all looked suspicious.
"Ok, what happened? What did you guys do while we were gone?"
"Well….we played poker last night and things sort of got out of hand".
"Out of hand, how?"
"Well, let's just say it was more like a bachelor party than a poker party".
Jennifer looked at Jonathan.
"Where did this party take place?"
"At Bill's."
"Enough said".
All the ladies said goodbye to each other and headed home with their husbands.
"Ladies-lunch and pedicures tomorrow?"
"Yes", they said in unison.
"Come to the house around 11, I'll have my nail person come to us".
"Great!"
One by one, each couple headed out.
As soon as they turned onto the highway, Jennifer turned to Jonathan.
"Ok, so what's the big deal about the party?"
"Well, Bill hired a stripper to come as a surprise for James because his birthday is coming up. And Drew got a little out of hand".
"Out of hand, how?"
"He drank way too much, threw up in the bushes and had to take a cab home".
"I see".
"And I let it slip that I was picking you up at the airport, and I had planned on dropping everyone off but all the husbands wanted to come, so we planned that".
"So, you all thought we would be mad that you had a party with a stripper and alcohol?"
"Not really. I think they felt guilty, and I think they thought I was showing them up by picking everyone up at the airport".
"I would agree with that, based on what the ladies said to me".
"What do you mean?"
"They kept asking me what our secret was. I kept telling them that there was no secret, that you and I love and respect each other mutually, but I never felt like they believed me".
"Maybe they're just jealous".
She laced her fingers through his and he kissed the back of her hand.
"How are things coming along at the office?"
"Wonderfully well. The crew cleared away the final pieces and brought about 25 bags of stuff to the house yesterday. Construction on the new building starts tomorrow".
"What do you mean, stuff?"
"Like pictures, mementos, whatever they found in the rubble that wasn't destroyed".
"Jonathan, all that stuff might be toxic. We should probably just toss it all".
"Yeah, that's a good point. I didn't think of that".
They pulled up in front of the house and parked and he carried her bags in.
"Dinner will be ready in an hour, if you want to go take a bath".
"Great idea".
She leaned up and kissed him and then headed upstairs.
For the next hour, she soaked and relaxed and tried to just calm her mind and her nerves.
She got out and put some pajamas on, and then came downstairs to find Jonathan.
He was in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on their dinner.
"Can I help?"
"It's all done, baby. Steaks, grilled just the way you like them, with blue cheese crumbles and garlic butter, chopped salad, and honey-roasted cinnamon sprinkled sweet potatoes".
"You're wonderful".
He lit them some candles and poured her some wine, and then took their plates to the table.
"Max called today. He'll be home tomorrow".
"Great. I bet he's having a good time in Vegas".
"He sounded like it".
They had a nice, romantic dinner, and then did the dishes together.
"Max is going to be upset he missed this wonderful meal".
"Yeah, but he'll get over it".
After the dishes were done, he took her hand and led her to the living room.
He made her a cocktail, and then kissed her.
"I'll be right back".
He ran upstairs and put on his pajamas and then came back down.
He turned on some music and then held his hands out to her.
She took his hands and they started to dance in the living room.
"Wonder if the others are dancing right now?"
"I doubt it. Did you see the way that Susan was shooting daggers in Drew's direction?"
"Well, Laura will join her when she finds out how much James lost at poker".
"How much did he lose?"
"Let's just say he could have bought a brand-new Porsche, or he could have played poker with us".
"Wow. Who won?"
"You're dancing with him".
"Good job, darling".
She leaned up and kissed him.
They danced for several songs, and then took a break.
He pulled a gift out from behind the bar and brought it to her.
"What's this?"
"Darling, the night that the building exploded, we were supposed to celebrate our anniversary, and we never did".
"That's right. We never did".
She got up and went to the cabinet by the piano and got his gift out.
"Happy anniversary, darling".
She kissed him and handed it to him.
"You go first, baby".
She unwrapped her present, and then opened the box. She found a pair of thin diamond bands to go on either side of her wedding set.
"Oh, I love these! Thank you, darling".
"You're welcome. There's more".
She lifted the velvet and found a beautiful tanzanite bracelet and necklace.
"Darling, it's gorgeous!"
She leaned over and kissed him and then put the necklace on her and helped her put the bracelet on.
"I love it". She kissed him again.
"Ok, your turn".
He opened his present and found some new linen handkerchiefs that had his monogram on them, and a keychain that looked like an old bronze clock, and it had a bronze bar that was engraved with their wedding date, and a note that said "I still love you after all this time".
"How clever! I love it, thank you, darling".
He gave her a few sweet kisses.
He helped her take the rings out and put them on. One had diamond-shaped diamonds and the other had an infinity twist made of diamonds. They were both platinum, and complimented her 4-carat platinum Ascher cut diamond engagement ring and diamond wedding band perfectly.
He made himself a cocktail, and then rejoined her on the couch.
She snuggled up to him, and he wrapped his arms around her.
"8 ½ years ago, did you think we would be married?"
"I was hoping we would be. I remember the first time I saw you, I knew you were the one for me".
"How sweet".
"How long did it take you to know?"
"I knew I wanted to marry you, but I didn't think you would ask me to marry you that fast".
They spent a few minutes kissing passionately, until the phone rang.
He picked up the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hi, it's Herschel. Is Jennifer back from her trip yet?"
"Herschel…this better be good".
"I promise it is".
"Yes, she's back".
"Great. I need to talk to both of you. There have been some developments".
"Ok, I'll open the gate".
"Thanks, I'll be there in about 10 minutes".
He hung up the phone and filled Jennifer in.
"Now? I don't want to deal with that tonight".
"I know. But he said it was important".
"Fine. But we are limiting him to an hour, darling. And I mean it. Tonight is for you and me".
"It's a deal".
They snuggled up till Herschel knocked on the door.
"Come in".
He came in and sat down across from them.
"Hi".
"Hi".
"Hello".
"Ok, so there have been some developments. We ran the prints on Antony Frederickson, and they match the ones we had for Marcus Pedroli. He's currently in custody, and we think he's about to talk and spill who he's working with. There's no easy way to say this. We think that he has more than one co-conspirator, and we think that one or both of them worked for you at Hart Industries".
"Any leads on who you think it is?"
"Not just yet. Jennifer, did anyone set up a meeting with you about buying the gallery?"
"Not yet. But I was approached by someone on vacation that I think might be connected".
"Who was that?"
"My father."
"I thought your father died".
"That's the problem."
"Jonathan, you didn't see him. I did".
"Tell me what you saw".
"I was in Santo Domingo, with some friends and we were laying by the pool. I looked up and could have sworn I saw my dad across the way".
"Across the way?"
"Yeah, the pool was kind of shaped like a really wide zig-zag, and it was like he was at one end, and I was at the other".
"Ok, so did you talk to him?"
"I got up and walked over there and spoke to him, but when he turned around, it wasn't him. So, I chalked it up to having been in the sun too long. But then, we went to dinner the next night, and this same person approached me outside of the bathroom. And I asked him if he was my dad and he nodded, and then put a note in my hand and walked away".
"What did the note say?"
"Just that we couldn't talk there, that he would send me flowers this week to tell me when and where we could talk".
"Darling, I called the resort. And nobody checked in using the name of Stephen Edwards. And nobody checked in resembling your father".
"I know what I saw, Jonathan."
"Ok, so here's what I want you to do. When you get the flowers, call Jonathan. He'll call me, and you two can meet him together with us watching".
"Got it".
"Jonathan, I brought some more mugshots. I want you to look through them and see if you recognize anyone".
Jonathan leafed through them, with Jennifer looking over his shoulder.
Finally, on the last page, he recognized one.
"There. That one. I know him".
"William Lewis. How do you know him?"
"He works at Hart Industries in data processing. And I know him as Sean Foxwell".
"His real name is Tomas Frederickson, he is Antony Frederickson's brother. He goes by William Lewis when he's booked and processed, but when he's served, he goes by another name every single time. Now, we think there is at least one more person, maybe two, working with them".
Jennifer put her head in her hands and sighed.
"We'll get them, I promise. The main thing is that you call Jonathan when the flowers come, and then you call us. And Jonathan, business as usual with Foxwell. We don't want him to get suspicious".
"I will, I promise".
"Got it".
"And if you get any offers on the gallery, I want to be notified".
"Got it".
Jennifer and Jonathan walked him to the door, and told him goodnight, and then headed upstairs.
Jonathan carried Jennifer's bags upstairs and she dug out her hygiene and makeup bags. He changed into some pajamas while she washed her face and put on some baby oil.
He was in the bed watching the news when she came out of the bathroom in a purple paisley robe.
"New robe?"
"Yes, it is."
"I like it".
"Thank you. If you're a good boy, I'll let you untie it".
She climbed in bed and scooted over towards him.
"How are you going to tell if I'm a good boy or not?"
"Well…I'm going to ask you some questions".
"Ok, go ahead".
"How much did you miss me while I was gone?"
"100%"
"I'm sorry, that's incorrect".
"What?!"
"It's a 1-10 scale, darling".
"Oh. 10".
"And, did you eat really healthy while I was away?"
"Yes. Well, sort of".
"Good boy. You may untie my robe".
He rolled on top of her and untied her robe. Underneath was a raspberry colored lace spaghetti strap nightgown.
"Now, I've never seen this one before".
"Well, it's our 8th anniversary and we are supposed to give each other lace or linen, so happy anniversary darling".
"Happy anniversary for sure".
He kissed her as he reached up and turned out the light.