PART TEN
Very casually Jessica asked, "Will Mr. Cassadine be meeting us when we arrive at Wyndemere?"
The chauffeur was startled. Quickly he controlled his expression as he stalled for time and tried to think of a suitable answer.
"Never mind," she said, turning her attention back toward Wyndemere. "I'll wait and see."
Stefan's employee felt a moment's admiration for the woman before him. She is a sharp one, he thought. Mr. Cassadine had better watch his step with this lady, or he might find himself outsmarted.
Helena Cassadine lay relaxed on the large bed occupying the master bedroom of her yacht. Her silk dressing gown was artfully arranged to leave glimpses of skin in strategic places. As she lay waiting, a rustle of clothing made her smile in anticipation. "I should be very angry that you took so long, naughty boy," she began.
"Madam," her personal servant interrupted, "there is a Lieutenant Marcus Taggert who wishes to come aboard and speak with you." Andreas awaited his employer's response.
"Don't make the officer wait, Andreas," Helena instructed him as she removed the silk blindfold she wore. "Go and let him in."
"Shall I have him wait in the study?"
"No. I will see him here." Helena rose from the bed and checked her appearance in the mirror. She patted her perfectly coifed hair and straightened her dressing gown. Then she returned to her bed, arranged the pillows against the headboard and positioned herself.
"Officer Taggert, Madam." Andreas stepped aside to allow Marcus entrance.
"You may go, Andreas," she said, waving him off. "Now, officer, what can I do for you?"
"I am here concerning the investigation of your son Stefan Cassadine." Taggert kept his eyes locked with hers. There was no way he was going to allow the intimate setting or her suggestive pose to distract him from his assignment. He knew of Helena's reputation and was determined to establish the upper hand from the beginning.
"Have the local authorities finally realized that my son staged both his death and disappearance?"
Taggert pulled a small notebook and pen from the breast pocket of his jacket. "If you don't mind, Ma'am, I will ask the questions," he said sharply.
"In that case," Helena said, rising from the bed, "let me save you some time." She advanced on Taggert until he could feel the very heat her body generated. "Stefan is guilty. Speak to Chloe Morgan. Speak to Nikolas if you must. The proof is there." Helena placed her hand against his warm, silk-covered chest. "I have faith in you."
Before he could respond, Helena turned and walked away. "Good day, Lieutenant," she threw back over her shoulder.
Taggert could only stand in disbelief. He wasn't exactly sure how it happened, but Helena Cassadine had taught him a lesson, put him in his place, and then dismissed him. With ease.
A grudging smile spread across his face. Oh, yeah. This case is going to be fun.
