Murder in Kincaid Towers Read online

  "Look, Rennie, I can see the Kincaid hotel from here," said Brooke rousing Rennie from her thoughts. The towering Kincaid Hotel de Lujo facing the blue water of the sea was difficult to miss. It was a scene Rene had witnessed often since the hotel was built some fifteen years before.

  Rennie quickly covered her tee-shirt and shorts with her work clothes, stuffed her flip-flops into her bag, applied fresh makeup and ran a brush through her hair.

  “Rennie,” said Brooke, “I feel so underdressed you look elegant and I’m wearing this tedious dress and boring shoes.”

  “Dear Brooke,” Rennie held her mirror to both their faces. “look at us, you have perfect features and a natural beauty that necessitates no enhancements. I, on the other hand, need all the help I can get.”

  Brooke smiled at her new friend. “That’s not true, Rennie, you are very attractive although I think you looked more comfortable in your flip-flops.”

  The airplane landed, and a driver greeted them as they entered the terminal. Rennie called him Carlos and introduced him to Brooke. Carlos appeared to be in his mid-thirties and spoke English with a barely noticeable accent. Brooke was enchanted with the colorful city. She strained her neck looking in every direction as Carlos drove the car.

  Rennie guessed Brooke was anxious to tour the city and suggested Carlos take the scenic route to the hotel.

  Brooke was enthralled with the beauty and thanked Carlos for his patience. As they came to the entrance of the Kincaid hotel, the vision of the massive hotel with the Mediterranean Sea as its backdrop captivated Brooke. She laughed at herself when she remembered arriving in Hillsboro for the first time and being in awe of the big city. Hillsboro was very different from the sights she was seeing now.

  Walking into the lobby, Brooke expected to see colorful décor and semblances of the city outside these walls. Although there was an elegance about the design, it was simple, modernistic, and lacking in the vibrant colors she expected.

  Carlos led them to their suites where their luggage was waiting for them.

  “I’ll let you get settled, Brooke, before we take a tour of the hotel. I have some phone calls to make and I’d like to get my feet out of these shoes. I’ll knock on your door in an hour.”

  Brooke walked through her suite. The rooms were larger than her apartment. The bedroom held the largest king-sized bed she had ever seen. The sitting room overlooked the beach and the sea beyond. She watched as two young children sheepishly put their toes in the water laughing as the waves splashed against them. The suite was much like the lobby, predominantly white with accents of deep, rich browns. The design was clean and crisp, a no-nonsense, no frills, masculine room that was unexpectedly appealing. Brooke’s thoughts traveled to Travis Kincaid as she sprawled on the oversized bed closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep dreaming of Travis ravaging her. A knock on the door woke her from the provocative dream. She jumped from the bed and opened the door as Rennie stepped in. Brooke’s face turned a bright red remembering her dream.

  “Oh dear, were you sleeping? I think, by the look on your face, I interrupted an interesting dream,” Rennie said with a chuckle.

  “I don’t know why I fell asleep, I didn’t feel the least bit tired.”

  “It’s the room, sweetie, all it needs is a man and if you don’t have one in the flesh, the next best thing is dreaming about one. I think I can guess who the star of your dream was.”

  Brooke didn’t bother denying Rennie’s assumption. She splashed cold water on her face and was ready to start working.

  The afternoon passed quickly, Brooke learned more from Rennie than in all her classes combined. The south side of the hotel had recently expanded, and Rennie’s approval was required before they could open for business. The individual rooms were identical to Brooke’s suite but on a smaller scale. Some were in deep grays and others were the lush browns that reminded her of her dream of Travis. Brooke took copious notes as Rennie explained her décor choices in each room. A vase of red roses on a desk in one room and a basket of colorful flowers in another. Each room took on its own personality. By the end of the tour, Brooke’s first unfavorable impression of the rather stark hotel was forgotten.

  “I don’t know about you, Brooke, but I’m famished, let’s eat.”

  Brooke was too excited to eat, she ordered a glass of Alamos Chardonnay, an Argentinian white wine, and ensalada griega, a basic salad, tonight she wasn’t up to experimenting with spicy Spanish cuisine.

  Brooke said goodnight to Rennie and looked at her watch. It was early afternoon in Hillsboro, a good time to call Molly.

  “Brooke, I can’t believe you are calling from Spain. Tell me all about your trip, what’s it like there, have you been able to sightsee?”

  “It’s a beautiful city from what I’ve seen. I’m looking out my window and I can see the Mediterranean Sea. I can’t believe this small-town girl is saying those words. Rennie says I’ll have time to tour the city in the morning before we leave for Monaco. How are things there? Have you heard from Travis?”

  “No, I didn’t expect to hear from him, remember he assigned Carter Moss to work with the lowly florist.”

  “He’s not like that, Brooke, I think he feels you don’t approve of him and he doesn’t want to offend you.”

  “I’m sure offending me is the least of his worries. I’m surprised he hasn’t called you, Brooke. After all, he’s the one who sent you halfway around the world."

  “I thought he’d call, maybe he’s too busy.”

  “That’s probably it,” Molly said as she stared at the morning newspaper with a photo of Travis and a gorgeous brunette clinging to his arm. The beauty was wearing a glittering gown with a cleavage extending to her navel.

  After the call ended, Brooke felt very alone. She was living a life of luxury for a few days and should be delighted but this lifestyle wasn’t her. She climbed under the covers of the bed and fell asleep unable to recapture the dream she’d had several hours before.

  After breakfast the next morning, Carlos escorted her to the waiting car and was her guide for a tour of the city until it was time to go to the airport and to the waiting Kincaid jet.

  As beautiful as Barcelona was, flying into Monaco was breathtaking. Brooke knew the story of the American movie star who married a prince and lived a fairy tale life in this tiny principality on the French Riviera. As the plane descended she could see the ornate building in the distance with the words: Kincaid Hôtel de Luxe.

  Once again, a handsome man greeted them speaking perfect English. Brooke saw the twinkle in Rennie’s eyes when François kissed her hand in a familiar way.

  “I’d love to hear all about you and François, I’d say the gorgeous Frenchman is smitten,” said Brooke.

  “Don’t I wish,” Rennie replied. “The French can be very charming, but they are not to be taken seriously. I’d tell you to be careful if I didn’t know your heart belongs to our boss.”

  “That’s not true, Rennie. Travis Kincaid is out of my league and I know it. I’m happy he has given me the opportunity to learn from you but there isn’t any more to it than that.”

  “Travis knows talent when he sees it. I’m glad you came along with me. I’m sorry there isn’t more time for you to explore these places on this trip, I have some personal business to attend to at the end of the week, so I must cut our visits short.”

  François pulled into the driveway of the hotel where the doorman opened the door greeting Rennie with another kiss on the hand.

  Émile called a bellboy to show them to their suites.

  Brooke was not disappointed as she glanced around the luxurious rooms. Murals on the walls in the sitting area and bedroom showed delicate flowers in blue and lavender. Like her suite in Barcelona, the décor was a traditional white but with accents of color throughout. The view from the large window was exquisite. Brooke giggled to herself knowing she was gazing at the French Riviera. I wish Molly could be here with me, she would be thrilled to see the splash
es of color from all the flowers against the bluest water I have ever seen.

  Chapter Seven

  Brooke sat comfortably in the leather seat of the airplane. It had been a glorious trip, but the time difference and pace of the two-day trip had exhausted her. Rennie looked as fresh as she felt drained.

  “How do you do it, Rennie? I’m beat, and you look like you were at a health resort for a week.”

  “It’s been my life for thirty years, I think I’m immune to the pace by now. I usually plan longer trips than this, as I told you, I have some personal business to attend to and will be out west for the next few weeks. I’m excited, I bought a ranch in Montana and will be retiring and moving there in a couple of months.”

  “You’re leaving Kincaid Enterprises?” Brooke asked in astonishment. “What does Travis think about that?”

  “Travis is very understanding, he says he’s happy for me but does need to replace me. This trip was your audition for the job and I plan to tell him you are a perfect fit.”

  “Me, doing what you do? I could never handle it. Rennie, there must be dozens of people more qualified.”

  “You will be qualified by the time I’m ready to collect my gold watch. This trip was meant to introduce you to the job. I’m going to teach you everything I know; I guarantee you will be an expert in no time.”

  Brooke did her best to hide her uneasiness, she admired Rennie, however, she didn’t know if she admired her lifestyle. Brooke always thought she would marry someday and have a family. Rennie pined away for her boss all these years, she never married and dedicated her entire life to Kincaid Enterprises. I’m no different from Rennie, I’m falling in love with Travis Kincaid and he barely notices me. Do I want to travel for the next thirty years and end up living in a remote state with a bunch of horses as my only companions? Brooke slept fitfully until the plane landed in Hillsboro.

  Molly heard footsteps across the hall of the apartment building and opened her door.

  “Welcome home, Brooke, I want to hear all about your trip. Luke is working late, and Stephanie and Elizabeth will be here shortly. Come over if you aren’t too tired. The wine bottle is open and breathing.”

  “I slept all the way home, I’m not the least bit tired. I’ll change into something more comfortable and be over. I missed you, my friend,” Brooke said as she hugged Molly tight.

  Molly knew Brooke well enough to know that something was upsetting her. She heard the buzz indicating she had visitors and pressed the button to open the downstairs door.

  Stephanie and Elizabeth arrived together. “I need a girl’s night,” said Stephanie. “I haven’t heard any good gossip in ages.”

  “Brooke just arrived home from her trip, she’ll be over in a few minutes.” They sat around the small dining room table. It was where they felt comfortable and could dive into the snacks Molly had prepared.

  Brooke knocked and walked into Molly’s apartment without waiting for an invitation. “It’s so good to be home, I was only away for two days but it seems a lifetime,” Brooke said as she started to cry.

  “What’s wrong, Brooke? Did René DuBois give you a hard time?”

  “No, Rennie was great, she prefers that name to René. She’s retiring soon and is recommending me for her job.”

  “Brooke, that’s wonderful, why are you crying? It’s a dream job. You’ll be traveling all over the world.”

  “I know, and I know I should be happy, but I don’t want to live alone for the next thirty years, I don’t want to be in love with Travis Kincaid, I want what I never thought I would, a home, a few kids and a husband who isn’t a billionaire.” The sobbing continued.

  “You’re in love with Travis Kincaid?” Stephanie said with surprise. “When did this happen? I have been away from you girls too long.”

  “I don’t know when it happened,” said Brooke through her tears. “I fought my feelings but listening to Rennie talk about her love for Francis Kincaid and how she never found another man who compared to him, I realized I am in the same boat.”

  Molly wondered if she should show Brooke the newspaper photo of Travis with a gorgeous female clinging to him and then remembered how he kissed her. The kiss was that of a man in love. Molly decided to keep the article to herself but still had misgivings about her friend’s feelings.

  “Enough about my stupid crush, let me show you some photos I took while I was in Barcelona and Monaco. They don’t do either place justice, we should plan a trip there one day.” Brooke passed her phone around while her friends looked longingly at the beautiful shots of the exotic places and planned their own trip if only in their dreams.

  The next morning, Brooke arrived at the Kincaid offices unsure of what was expected of her. A young woman named Belinda greeted her.

  “Hello, Ms. Hartley, I’m Belinda Stewart, I am your temporary assistant.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Belinda. Why are you my temporary assistant? Does Mr. Kincaid expect my employment to end soon?”

  “Oh no, Ms. Hartley, executives have their choice of assistants, I’m assigned to you until you make your decision.”

  “I’m sorry Belinda, someone has given you the incorrect information, I’m not an executive. In fact, I’m not sure what my position is here at Kincaid. Please call me Brooke.”

  “You most definitely are an executive, I will escort you to your office.”

  Brooke sat at the oversized desk gazing out the window at the city of Hillsboro and wondering what she was doing here. Belinda brought her a cup of piping hot coffee.

  “Belinda, I have no clue what I should be doing, why don’t you sit and tell me about yourself. That is unless you have other duties.”

  “No, Ms. Harley...Brooke, I’m all yours. Mr. Kincaid has requested a meeting with you in thirty minutes. Until then, I would love to sit and chat.”

  Belinda couldn’t have been much younger than Brooke, she was a pretty girl with a friendly smile.

  “Belinda, are you always a temporary assistant to the new employees?”

  “No, ma’am, this is my first tryout. I have worked in the clerical pool for a year now, Ms. Rice, my supervisor, is reluctant to assign me to any of the men executives because she says I have an innocent face.”

  “Sounds like you have a case for discrimination.”

  “Oh, no, Brooke, I don’t want to cause Mr. Kincaid any trouble, this is a dream job even if I never get out of the clerical pool. Ms. Rice told me you were out of the country with Ms. DuBois. She’s a nice lady, my friend, Missy did some computer work for her and Ms. DuBois took us both to lunch at Bellamy’s. Do you know they don’t print the prices on the menu? Ms. DuBois made us laugh all through the meal. She kicked her shoes off under the table and the waiter got on his hands and knees to find them. She told us shoes were horrible and she’d like to wring the neck of whoever invented the nasty things.”

  “That sounds like Rennie,” said Brooke, “She is a character although she knows more about interior design than I will ever learn.”

  “Ms. Rice said you might take over Ms. DuBois’s job when she retires.”

  “Ms. Rice seems to know a lot about everything, I’ll have to meet her soon. I don’t have the experience to come close to taking Rennie’s job. If she retires, I’m sure there is someone more qualified.”

  “Oh dear, it’s time to go to Mr. Kincaid’s office. If you are late, Ms. Rice will blame me.”

  “I won’t be late and if I am, I’ll make sure Ms. Rice doesn’t blame you.”

  I can’t wait to meet Ms. Rice, she sounds like a tyrant, thought Brooke as she walked to Travis’s office at the end of the long hall.

  A young woman who looked like a model sat at the large receptionist desk. “Good Morning, Ms. Hartley, Mr. Kincaid is expecting you.” The receptionist with a gold name tag that read: Carrie. walked to a huge mahogany door and opened it for Brooke.

  Two desks were on either side of another door. Carrie announced Brooke’s name and one of the young women rose an
d guided her to another larger mahogany door. She walked through and was greeted by a woman in her late forties.

  “Ms. Hartley, I’m Sybil Bryce, Mr. Kincaid’s executive assistant, Mr. Kincaid is expecting you,” Sybil smiled sweetly and opened the largest door yet. Brooke wondered what would happen if she yelled Fire? Would all those enormous doors open on their own or would doormen be standing by waiting to escort Travis to safety?

  “Come in, Brooke, tell me about your trip with Rennie. She is very impressed with your knowledge and decorating ideas,” said Travis.

  Brooke’s heart skipped a beat when she saw Travis standing at the door with his hand out to greet her.

  “The trip was wonderful, I am so grateful for the opportunity to travel with Rennie, she taught me more than I could ever learn in class.”

  “Rennie told you she is retiring soon, how do you feel about taking over her job?”

  “I couldn’t do that, Travis, I don’t have the experience Rennie has and I’m not sure I’d want to travel as much as she does.”

  “The Kincaid Hotels are Rennie’s babies. they were built when my father was alive. He had the idea that he wanted his name known all over the world. It didn’t matter to him that Kincaid isn’t his name at all. Rennie gives them all a make-over every five years. When Rennie returns from her trip to Montana, I’m going to ask her to work with you on the latest Kincaid project in Hillsboro.”