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“Do you know something, Sheila?” Her voice shook with a surfeit of emotion. “Not until this moment did I realize you’re a total fraud. Thank God, Cord never gave up on me or our marriage. His love compelled me to come back here and face you.
“You’ve lost, Sheila. There’s no more damage to be done. Give it up and try to live a decent life for the sake of your baby.”
A mocking laugh flew out of her throat. “I’m not pregnant, you stupid little foundling.”
Ashley shouldn’t have been surprised, but she was… “Then that’s another blessing I’m thankful for.”
“Trust you to believe me,” Sheila derided her. “I never saw anyone as gullible or naive in my life. It’s been like taking candy from a baby.”
Again she reminded Ashley of Marsha who constantly laughed at her own misdeeds—delighted in them even.
Lifting her head Ashley said, “
Cord told me about the night many years ago when he was just a teenager and you invited him inside your apartment. He indicated that he’d left without sleeping with you, but you obviously couldn’t take his rejection. That’s why you’ve been trying to make him pay for it ever since, even to marrying his father and attempting to break up our marriage.
“Why don’t you go someplace else where no one knows you? Cord’s father left you plenty of money. He and I are going to be moving back to the Teton’s after the baby is born. You can have the house. Sell it for a fabulous price. Do yourself a favor, Sheila. Resign from the company and start a different life elsewhere.”
Her gray eyes glittered with an unholy light. “Maybe I will. Since Cord is going to be home at noon, I’ll wait and discuss everything with him.”
Ashley watched her leave the room, realizing that Sheila had listened in on her phone conversation with Cord earlier. It certainly hadn’t been the first time.
Months ago Sheila had overheard Greg and Cord discussing the smokeout clinic. That was how she knew details only Cord would have known.
This is a game to her. All of it has been an elaborate, treacherous game.
Cord’s right.
She’s emotionally disturbed.
Like her husband, Ashley had the strongest premonition Sheila could be dangerous.
Lunchtime was too far away. On impulse she walked over to the phone and punched in Cord’s number at the office. Without preamble she told the receptionist to get her husband immediately.
Seconds later, “Ashley? What’s wrong?”
“I—it’s Sheila. Come home now, Cord!”
She must have communicated her fear.
“I’m on my way.”
Too jittery to stand still, Ashley made the bed and tidied the room. When she thought enough time had passed, she walked over to the window facing the street and watched for Cord’s car.
Though Sheila’s bedroom was just down the hall, the large, two-story traditional home swallowed sound. Ashley had no idea if Cord’s stepmother was still upstairs or not, let alone what she might be up to.
The minutes dragged by. Finally she saw the Land Rover roar into the driveway. With her heart pounding out of control, she left the room and fled into the hall. There was no sign of the other woman as Ashley started down the stairs.
But when she reached the landing, she caught sight of Sheila’s blond head. The older woman was a few steps ahead of her on the stairs, intent on reaching the elegant foyer.
Ashley could hear her husband calling to her. Then the front door flew open and Cord’s powerful frame burst inside. He saw the two of them at the same time.
“Darling?” he cried out.
Sheila’s hand went to the pocket of her jacket, filling Ashley with inexplicable dread.
“Look out, Cord!” she screamed at the top of her lungs.
In her haste to protect her husband, Ashley tripped on the next step and fell forward, hitting her head against the banister. She saw bright lights, then everything went dark.
