Rachel From the Edge

Rachel From the Edge Pt. 07

by G. Lawrence

Rachel is thrust into the limelight

Having attended Daniel Benson's funeral, Rachel must now appear at the reception, being revealed to the public for the first time since the scandal broke. But before that, we get a flashback of who Danny Benson was, and more importantly, Sheila Marbury, who will play a large role in future episodes. This section continues to explore the aftermath of Benson's sudden death and the surrounding scandal. All characters are over 18 years old.

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Chapter Seven

AULD LANG SYNE

Danny Benson walked down the long wooden pier toward the yacht anchored at the end. It was a graceful forty-foot sloop named Catarina's Moon. He found Sheila Marbury on the top deck sunning herself in a skimpy black bikini. In her mid-thirties, she was looking great, with an ample bustline, thin waist, shapely hips, and long slinky legs. She liked wearing her black hair short and curly.

"Here I am, Sheba. As promised," Daniel said, sitting on a towel next to her. He removed a pint of Old Forester from his coat pocket, then stripped down to his boxer shorts, folding the clothes neatly. Dozens of boats in various sizes were docked all around them.

"I'm needed back at the office this afternoon," he apologized.

"You've been working out," Sheila observed, squeezing his arm.

Daniel was clean shaven, the square jaw firm. His vivid hazel eyes offset his gradually graying amber hair. He opened the bourbon and handed her the bottle.

"To old friends," Sheila said, taking a taste and handing the bottle back.

"To old friends," Daniel said, as if saying goodbye.

"I've suspected this for a while, so don't think I'm surprised."

"No one is more surprised than I am," Daniel said.

"As much as I'd like to hate her, Rachel is a sweet girl. Though we both know that's not what this is about."

"Trying to trick me into revealing my evil plan?"

"Maybe you don't know what I know?"

"Ah, but I know how to make you tell me everything, don't I?" he threatened with a smirk.

"I'm guessing those days are behind us. How much do you want for her?"

"What?"

"How much do you want for Rachel? You can keep banging her. Nothing wrong with that. How much to let her work for Houston Inquisitors?"

"Who's been talking?"

"Come on, Danny, I'm in the business, too. How stupid do you think I am? Dr. Borowski sends you this wunderkind from Harvard. You build a lab for her. You come up with a last-minute Hail Mary to save Cameron-Dyson. Then you rescue the Pascale Case. And Winsford, magically finding files no one else even suspected. So, to secure your claim on her, you show Rachel the ropes. Literally. And now she's designing new networks for you. Cutting edge stuff. At Houston Inquisitors, they'd give Rachel her own department. A staff. They'd start her at half a million a year and a share of the profits."

"I'm not selling her," Daniel said.

"What can you offer her that H.I. can't?"

"I asked Rachel to marry me."

Now Sheila was surprised.

"Congratulations. Rachel must be very excited?"

"She said no."

"No? I don't think you've ever heard that word from a woman before."

"It's rare."

Sheila handed him the suntan lotion and rolled over on the towel.

"Okay, Danny, protect me from the sun and tell me the whole story."

Daniel spread the lotion on her back, enjoying the firm flesh, then added some to his nose and shoulders.

"It sort of crept up on me. I always thought she was hot, but that a quick roll in the hay would cure me. By the time she finally gave in, that's not what it was anymore."

"If I thought Rachel was that devious, and I don't, she'd have made a good Henry out of you."

"History or romance novel?"

"Both. Henry VIII became infatuated with a young woman at court named Anne Boleyn. He wanted her, but she said no. Not without marriage. Henry turned his kingdom upside down to get a divorce from Katherine of Aragon. And the longer Anne put him off, the more fervent Henry became."

"I haven't turned any kingdoms upside down for her," he protested.

"Want to go below deck and have sex? Right now?" Sheba invited, wiggling her hips.

"I can't cheat on her. It would break her heart."

"Kingdom overturned, Henry."

"It's not just about keeping her at M & B. It was, in the beginning. Even when I first proposed, I wasn't completely sincere. Now I can't imagine going to work and her not being there. Seeing her get mad at the computer for not being fast enough. For attacking an egg because it didn't cook according to specifications. To watch her come out of a haze and smile to see me, like it's the greatest thing in the world."

"You've got it bad."

"I do, and I don't even know how it happened."

Sheila sat up, pulled Daniel close, and put her head against his shoulder.

"I'm happy for you, Danny. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I'm going to propose again. Pull out all the stops. And then I'll have a decision to make."

"First of all, don't go pulling out too many stops for Rachel. She's not that kind of girl. Keep it simple. Honest. She responds to that best."

"What do you know about Rachel?"

"I've been to her lab. Told her I was a friend of Danny Benson's and just wanted to visit."

"Then you've seen what she does?"

"I've seen what she does, but I have no idea what it is, or how she does it. And that's not why I was there. I wanted to learn your secrets, not spy on her. I found Rachel to be cute, curious, and slightly crazy. Probably a mild mental disorder. Sometimes that's the drawback of a high intelligence. What's her IQ? 180? 185?"

"No one really knows for sure."

"What's your second problem?"

"It's as you say, Rachel is confined by what she does at M & B. All we do is forensic accounting, and she's capable of much more. She's been working on a plan to ... Well, big plans. I don't want to hold her back, but I don't want to lose her, either."

"What does Rachel say?"

"I haven't said anything yet. I don't want her tempted."

"Hell, Danny, I didn't know you were such an idiot," Sheila said, slapping him on the shoulder. She took a swig of the Old Forester, trying not to laugh at him.

"What's the joke?" he asked.

"Rachel knows she has other opportunities. I spoke with her about Houston Inquisitors a couple of months ago, and told her that if she doesn't like H.I., I'd find her something just as good. She stays at M & B because of you, not because she doesn't have choices."

"I want her to have choices, but only after saying yes to me first."

"What do your kids say?"

"Why is everyone so worried about my goddamn kids? They don't ask my approval for who they sleep with."

"What about Pammy?"

"Clueless, as usual. I don't think she knows Rachel exists."

"Ollie?"

"He hasn't been talking to me much lately. Got a burr in his saddle."

"Danny, I think Rachel's going to say yes the next time. She is mad dog in love with you. And whether she gets a bigger lab and a staff, or keeps what she has, you're going to make her happy. That's what's important."

"I should have married you ten years ago, but I wasn't ready to divorce Pam. I'm sorry."

"We have something just as good now, don't we? How many women do you have as friends? Best friends?"

"Only you."

"That's makes me special, doesn't it?"

"It sure does."

He kissed her, gently and with affection. But not with lust.

Chapter Eight

THE RECEPTION

The social gathering afterwards was more spirited than the funeral, perhaps because of the free food and drinks. Calderón's Restaurant in Marina del Rey was reserved exclusively for the occasion. As the oldest son, John was officially the host, though no one doubted Pamela was in charge. Selected columnists were allowed to attend. Those who promised to play nice. Scottish Highlanders had been hired to perform Daniel's favorite ballads.

"There must be hundreds of people here," Rory said, pushing Rachel's wheelchair through a rear door. "Is this okay for you? If you're tired, Sam can take you home. Rachel? Rach?"

Rory stopped behind the drapes near the main stage. Rachel had a faraway look in her eyes. For a moment, they looked gray rather than brown, though Rory knew it must be the lighting.

"Rachel?" Rory said, taking her hand. "Rachel. Rachy. Rach."

"Ro?" Rachel answered, gradually present.

"Where were you?"

"Working on a puzzle," Rachel said. "This looks exciting. Daniel brought me here for dinner a few times. Will there be dancing?"

"Can you even get out of that chair?"

"Don't bet against it," Rachel said, peeking through the curtains.

Rory realized the real Rachel had woken up. She was suddenly spunky and curious. Eager and engaged. Her big eyes were gazing at the gathering in wonderment. Rory thought she looked very cute. Not in a childish way, though Rory saw how some could think that. It was Rachel's way of living life during those rare moments she was allowed to enjoy it.

"I need to talk to you about mother," Rory said, glancing around to make sure no one could hear them. "She's been under a lot of stress. She's scared, even if you can't see it. Sometimes she uses people to get what she wants."

Rachel twisted in the wheelchair, trying to adjust the wool blanket where it had bunched up underneath her. Rory knelt to help.

"Well?" Rory said.

"Well, what?" Rachel asked.

"About my mother?"

"Rory, I know what your mother needs. I'm doing my best to give it to her."

"Then you know?"

"I know that when I was heartbroken and wanted to die, your mother saved my life. She provided for my mother, lifting a huge burden. I have a warm home until I get better, and a kitchen filled with food. And the ring Daniel wanted to give me. That's what I know about your mother. The rest isn't important."

"You can be very decided," Rory said.

"I do the math."

"This night could get crazy, but I think you're up for it."

They found John at their table to the right of the stage. Close to private security if needed. The music would be starting soon. Waiters were serving the cobb salad.

"Everything okay?" John asked.

"Better than okay. Rachel wants dancing," Rory answered.

"I get the first one," John said, nodding gallantly.

Pamela and Oliver arrived, taking seats as their waitress brought a fine California white wine. Pamela offered some to Rachel, but Rory said no.

"You're looking perky, girl," Pamela said, seeing the bright light in Rachel's eyes.

"It's exciting. Thank you so much for inviting me," Rachel said.

"Thank you for being so brave at the funeral. We might need bravery here, too," Pamela warned.

They saw Rachel turn toward the other tables, active with relatives, business associates, Daniel's employees, and the press. Rory noticed it wasn't a casual inspection. Rachel seemed to be scanning them, absorbing data and analyzing details.

"This will be fun," Rachel said.

The salads were good. Rachel ate more than Rory expected. When John said Rachel's salads were better, she smiled. They leaned heads together, talking too quietly for others to hear. John was grinning. Rachel laughed.

"What kind of spice are you putting in that girl's soup?" Pamela whispered to Rory.

"Mom, you've really got no clue who you're dealing with," Rory replied.

Family members stopped by to offer condolences. Rachel acknowledged them with quiet nods, shy smiles, and a few grateful words. Otherwise, she merely observed. Most who met her reached the conclusion that Rachel was a meek, pleasant young woman, maligned by a vicious media. The friendship that was obvious between her and Rory, and even Pamela, warned doubters to tread softly.

Between the salad and the grilled salmon, they heard William causing a ruckus from the far side of the room. Crude remarks were shouted. They heard breaking glass. Pamela was displeased.

"He promised to mind his manners," Pamela said. "I'm very sorry about this."

"No, Mom, it's okay," Rory said. "Let Billy make an ass of himself. Every family needs a fool."

"He isn't allowed to embarrass me," Pamela said, jumping up and taking Oliver with her.

Rory thought Rachel would be distressed to hear such ugly things thrown at her, but she seemed to be taking it in stride.

"People work out their pain in different ways," Rachel said, stealing Pamela's wine. "I've turned mine inward so long, it's like a rope around my heart. It's good William can vent."

"It doesn't bother you?" John asked.

"It's nothing I didn't think myself."

"You still don't believe those things, do you?" John said. Rachel hesitated, toying with the ring. It wasn't a simple question.

"I know the press, and others, are just saying things to get attention," Rachel replied. "But--"

"But nothing, Rach. It's all bullshit. All of it," Rory insisted.

"What they say hurts, doesn't it?" John asked. Rachel lowered her head, sipping the wine.

"Rory says your father's death wasn't my fault," Rachel finally replied. "I need to trust her."

Despite her attempt to be brave, neither Rory nor John thought Rachel was dealing with it that well. It had them worried.

William was given one last chance, which he wisely exercised. But words had been spoken.

Not long after Pamela returned, columnist Ruth Sparrow took a seat at the table. John had met Mrs. Sparrow before, knowing her to be an old-school journalist. In her mid-sixties, gray-haired and projecting a grandmotherly image, her column was widely read by a cross-section of the country. A power she enjoyed.

"Pam, what do you think of Billy's rant?" Ruth asked, using a pencil to take notes.

"Do you mean the part about Miss Montgomery being a fortune hunting whore after Danny's money?" Pamela said.

"That kind of sums it up," Ruth confirmed.

"Thank you so much for asking, dear," Pamela replied, offering a glass of wine. And discovering her own glass missing. "And congratulations on your new grandchild. I'm sure he's a sweetie.

"Now let's see how this stacks up. Billy Benson is a spoiled trust-fund baby who's never worked a day in his life. Daniel's fiancée was top of her class at Harvard. On a scholarship. Working part-time to support herself. Billy has two DUI's and a misdemeanor assault conviction. Rachel has never been accused of jaywalking. Billy is scorned by every girlfriend he's ever had, and there have been a lot of them. Rachel's only had one love, and she was loyal to him until the day he died. Billy says he has the best lawyer in Baton Rouge. Rachel has my son John representing her, the best lawyer in Boston."

"Johnny? You are Miss Montgomery's lawyer?" Ruth asked.

"My father was specific about what he wanted for my client, and my father's wishes will be respected," John said. "I will use the full extent of the law to defend Miss Montgomery's rights."

"Miss Montgomery? Rachel, if I may?" Ruth said. "Nothing is ever heard from you. What do you think of all this?"

Rachel seemed surprised to be asked a question, looking like she wanted to hide. When Rory saw Rachel shiver, she rushed to bring the wool blanket off the wheelchair, wrapping it around her shoulders. Ruth noticed the grateful look in Rachel's eyes.

"Don't be afraid, dear. Ruth and I are old friends," Pamela said.

"More like friendly rivals," Ruth confessed. "I write what I see. Nothing more and nothing less."

"I am not accustomed to so much attention," Rachel hesitantly said. "I work in my lab. I go home and read my novels. Or some dreary report. I like cooking. No one has ever cared what I think."

"Now the whole world is interested in you," Ruth pressed.

"They should be interested in someone more interesting," Rachel replied.

"The death of Daniel Benson. The manner of it. Has--"

"Ruth! That's out of line!" Pamela interrupted.

"It's part of the story. The juiciest part of the story. The bloggers have had their say. Isn't it time Rachel has hers?"

"It's all right, Mrs. Benson," Rachel said, speaking slowly so Ruth could keep better notes. "Daniel was very kind to me. Between my mother's illness and difficulties at work, I was always under so much stress. Daniel would play innocent games with me as a way to get my mind off my troubles, and I loved him for it. What happened was an awful thing."

"Danny Benson had quite a reputation," Ruth hinted.

"He was a very attractive man," Rachel agreed.

"You had plans to marry?"

Rachel played with the engagement ring, and then wiped a tear with her sleeve. She wasn't crying, just remembering.

"Daniel proposed to me, and I wanted to marry him. I wanted that very much."

"His death must have been terribly hard for you. Emotionally. Physically. And what followed. Your illness. The media."

"I'm having a difficult time," Rachel admitted. "But Rory has been such a good friend. I would be lost without her. And Mrs. Benson has been very kind. I'm sure everything will be okay."

"You are so brave," Ruth said.

"I try to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer."

"Romans 12:12," Ruth said. "Are you a student of the Bible?"

"I know it by heart."

"America will learn the truth now. Tell me, what's it like living at Canby Place?"

"It's different than 14th Street."

Ruth drew Rachel aside, hunching over and speaking in hushed tones for more than twenty minutes. Pamela had not seen Ruth so excited in years, gesturing often and sometimes laughing.

As the main course was being cleared away, Pamela moved next to Rory, stealing her wine glass.

"Rachel nailed that interview," Pamela whispered. "Ruth is dancing on air. Except for Billy, this night is turning out great."

"Is it good to have a partner in crime?" Rory asked.

"A who-what?"

"Come on. Rachel is giving you everything you could possibly want. She'd kiss your feet if she could get down on the floor."

"I know. I really like that about her."

"Mom!"

"Will you give me a break? Do you know the pressure I've been under? Your father took care of everything these last few years, and I've had to go back to school. Investors, the board of directors, budgets, the press. Lawyers. The will. And of all the problems I could have had, Rachel would have been the worst. The scandal would have devastated everything. It would have hurt me. Hurt our family. And yet here she is. Docile. Compliant. Forgiving. Do you have any idea how much I appreciate that? I tell you, darling, I will kiss her feet any time she wants."

Wow, Rory thought. Rachel did the math.

People danced after dinner, listening to bagpipes and clicking heels to Celtic folk songs, known to be Daniel's favorite. Oliver and several old friends cried as they sang Danny Boy. Rachel danced by standing on John's feet while he held her. But not all was peaceful. When Bobby Marbury started to repeat the joke about hands being tied behind her back, Rory invited her cousin outside and pushed him into the harbor.

Pamela also had a brief scare, though she didn't know what to make of it. Returning from the restroom, she found Sheila Marbury kneeling next to Rachel, looking very friendly. Pamela had no idea they knew each other. When Sheila saw Pamela coming, she snuck off into the crowd.

Two dances were all Rachel had energy for, much to her disappointment. John helped her out to the boardwalk where they rested on a bench. A thousand lights lit the harbor as the boats bobbed at their moorings. Clouds drifted past a three-quarter moon.

"Thank you for the dancing, Mr. Benson," Rachel said, slightly out of breath. She wore a warm goose-down jacket at Rory's insistence.

"You should call me John. You're almost part of the family."

Rachel was quiet at that.

"I wasn't officially your lawyer when I said that to Mrs. Sparrow."

"I was never officially your stepmother," Rachel answered, making him laugh.