Chapter 105
Jarrod rushed out to the desk and grabbed the telegram. Nate was coming in from outside with a brown paper folio, "Just delivered from the train for us,"
He fished in his pocket and tipped the rail boy and the telegram office runner as Jarrod stood dumbfounded at the telegram. He finally handed it to Nate.
Lisette came out of the office smoothing her hair from Jarrod's ardent kisses,
"What is wrong?"
"Let's go back into the office for some privacy."
Jarrod handed her his telegram, "Honey sit down. I wish I had a drink."
Nate started to open the rail parcel, "This may explain our telegrams better."
Lisette was white as a ghost.
Jarrod wanted an explanation desperately to his telegram but she had to be his first consideration.
"Hold on Nate. Let me go get something for Lissy."
She was staring at them both with her arms crossed and rocking slightly. Jarrod had unfortunately seen her grief before.
"Let me," Nate said as he looked at the couple.
He opened the office door and ran into Mildred, "Thank God. Lisette has had a fright. Please bring some wine and some food. Don't say anything to anyone."
"Yes sir. And some scotch?"
Nate grinned in relief, "You already know us well."
Lisette read the telegram over and over, "Paul is dead?"
"Yes. Appears to be a duel."
"Aren't they illegal?"
"Yes honey but they still happen."
Nate came back in and they opened the parcel. Six newspapers were sent post haste by Nate's junior partner.
Banker Vanlandingham Second Kills Hotelier Paul Franklin in Duel
Paul Franklin, Hotel Magnate Dead in Duel
Horatio Vanlandingham Wife Accused of Adultery by Stepson. Duel Ends life of Paul Franklin, hotel mogul...
Vanlandingham Banking Heir, Horatio Junior and his Second William Tyres released on own recognizance
Tycoons Horatio Vanlandingham and Paul Franklin duel over stepmother. Franklin dies at hand of second.
Lisette was even paler. Jarrod fixed her a glass of wine as Nate read the sordid details from the San Francisco papers.
"Apparently Horatio Junior trailed Penelope and Paul to San Francisco when she didn't return from the visit to her great aunt in the expected amount of time. He went to great aunt's house and found she hadn't been living there but at The Palace…Surprised them in a tryst and challenged him to a duel in his father's honor. Paul tried to run away."
"Of course he did," Lisette said with venom. Jarrod squeezed her hand.
Nate continued, "This friend of his, William Tyres dragged Paul out to the carriage and they took him to cliffs…outside of the city limits where they believed it was legal. According to , Paul thought he was going to be pushed off them, "Like Miller" he kept yelling, "I don't know what that means." the young woman told the police. Quoting the official report from the precinct, it says."
Jarrod's face was filled with incredulation at the detail of Paul's last moments.
"Dueling pistols were produced. Horatio Junior and Paul both missed the first shot. Horatio said it's done then. Not meant to be. Paul laughed in his face and made disparaging remarks about his father, according to Penelope. Horatio demanded his second to complete the task in his fury at the disrespect. He did and Paul died on the scene. Authorities are still investigating but no charges are likely to be filed. A thousand dollar fine will be levied to discourage the ancient practice of dueling. The body has not been released to next of kin at the time of publishing."
Nate looked from Jarrod to Lisette and back again, "I will leave you two alone. I will be ready when you decide what the next step is. Room 112 in this fine hotel you two built. I will tell Alice. Anyone else?"
"Please bring Mother. I want to talk to her before we tell the others—-and Henry," Lisette asked.
"Of course."
Jarrod put his arms around her and embraced her.
—-&—
Victoria came quickly and the men excused themselves for a smoke.
"Damn Jarrod. I never expected this."
"Me either. Divorce was to be final next month. Looks like Lissy has another casino to dispose of."
"Yep, with a hell of a lot of debt. I wonder since the judge signed it over from Lissy to Paul if it reverts back. Bet there isn't a precedent for this."
"Or will it go to Henry? His only heir."
"This started in May with selling casinos. I guess it has come full circle."
They continued to discuss the legal implications and Paul's demise.
Victoria came out after an hour, "Jarrod? Nate? Can you come back in."
Jarrod kissed his Mother on the forehead. He could tell she had shed a few tears herself.
He walked over to Lisette and sat down beside her. He took her hand and squeezed, "We will get through this and begin our new life soon."
She smiled weakly, "Will you help me tell Henry?"
"Of course my love."
Victoria made eye contact with Lissy and she continued.
"And Jarrod, we need to go and claim the body. For Henry's sake. Bury him by his parents."
Nate was surprised but when Jarrod thought about it, he wasn't. Lissy had a sense of duty and loyalty instilled in her by Sissi, equal to none.
Except Victoria Barkley's.
Jarrod patted her arm, "I will take care of the arrangements. We won't have the private car but we will get first class tickets as soon as we can."
And Nate added, "And I will take care of the estate for you. Jarrod is going to need to pony up more scotch this time."
"Thank you Nate. I can manage a case of champagne." with a sad smile.
