house hunting after her return from visiting her family in France. She had finally found a house to her liking two streets over on P Street in Georgetown. They were an item, but only in a platonic sense. But that was rapidly changing, as was the relationship between Rosalee and Dennis West.
Rosalee would start her nursing classes in a week, thanks to a mysteriously financed scholarship that offered a full ride plus a stipend for living expenses. Everyone knew they were already “an item,” and everyone heartily approved.
Maggie and Ted, still reestablishing their relationship but hesitant about taking the final plunge, finished off the summer by simply working because, as the world knows, the news never rests. It was their job, a job they took seriously, to keep the public updated on world affairs. Neither was complaining.
It seemed like no one wanted to bring up the subject of Lincoln Moss, possibly because Amalie, the newest member of the family, was present. And yet it all hung out there like some unseen bad wind. Finally, Maggie said, “Okay, people, let’s talk about it, then we can move on.
“I’m not sure if any of you know this or not, but Avery Snowden had Mr. Moss sign over his power of attorney to Nikki. It was the only way he would agree to pull him out of the pool. When those critters we dumped in the pool brushed up against him, they, for want of better words, sparked and stung him. He thought he was being bitten and was going to die. Mr. Snowden said he never saw such fear in a man. Said he was so far gone, he could barely tell them his name when they finally yanked him out.
“Abner, with Isabelle’s help, donated his money to so many worthy causes I lost track, but it’s all documented. With Lizzie Fox’s help, we set up trusts for Rosalee, her family, Amalie’s family, and, of course, for Amalie, who said she didn’t want a penny of her husband’s money. Mr. Sparrow had a long talk with her, reminding her of all the modeling work she had done as the face of La Natural, work for which she had never been paid since her husband owned the company, and she finally agreed to a revocable trust that she herself would manage.
“We donated to all the usual, the Red Cross, the Heart Fund, various cancer research projects, animal causes, children’s causes, especially the one the First Lady is working on, and one for building homes for returning veterans. Weekend Warriors will never have to worry again; nor will St. Jude’s Hospital for children. Doctors Without Borders was a grateful recipient, and by the way, I do not know if this is true, but I heard from someone who should know that a nurse by the name of Jane Petrie is working with them. Oh, and last but not least, we helped ourselves to a very generous chunk of Moss’s fortune for future . . . um . . . missions.”
“Is it true, does anyone know for sure, if Moss was the one who outed all those politicians by informing Dominic Sludge?” Kathryn asked. “This whole town went crazy with all those resignations.”
“They’re saying it but can’t prove it. The hot gossip was about where did Lincoln Moss disappear to? Again, there was no answer. It’s all speculation. The good news is that President Knight is now his own man and is running the country the way it should be run and not the way Lincoln Moss wanted it run,” Myra said.
“That’s enough, folks. The past is prologue. We’re here to enjoy a family day, so let’s enjoy it. You all know what you need to do, so let’s get that grill fired up,” Charles said, like a commanding general, handing Bert a plate of chips.
Annie and Myra followed Charles and Fergus into the kitchen, where they took up their favorite spot by the kitchen window to observe their family. “Two new members to our family, Annie. How great is that?”
“Personally speaking, my dear friend, I don’t think it gets any better than that.” Annie smiled. “We did good, Myra. By that I mean we all did good. Look how happy Amalie is! And she’s going to be even happier when she ties the knot with Director Sparrow. It’s just a matter of time. And I guarantee that by the end of the year, young Dennis and Rosalee will be engaged.”
Myra laughed out loud. Always