Free More Than Great Riches by Jan Washburn Page A

Tracy didn’t want to drag Maggie into any more of her
     problems, but she wasn’t looking forward to this visit.
    As Maggie brought the truck to a stop, Tracy gathered up her purse and her overnight bag.
     Thanks so much for everything, Maggie. I owe you at least two days work at the kennels.
    Maggie leaned over to kiss her cheek. You better watch out. I might take you up on that.
    Tracy waved as Maggie whirled away with a blast of her horn. She turned to find Keith
     getting out of his car to greet her. Had his smile always looked that artificial? She must
     have been hopelessly naïve to imagine herself in love with such a selfish, self-centered
     egotist.
    So here you are! I was just about to give up on you. Keith threw an arm around her
     shoulders, but Tracy turned her head quickly so that his kiss landed in her hair. He
     refused to get the message that his attentions were not welcome.
    What brings you here, Keith? She managed to keep the irritation out of her voice.
    The judge has appointed me temporary conservator of Jeff’s assets. I need to review his
     financial situation. He gave her a self-satisfied smirk. He actually expected her to be
     thrilled by the news.
    You could have called and asked me to come into your office, she reminded him.
    I thought your home would be a friendlier atmosphere. That suggestive tone was back in his
     voice.
    As she unlocked the door, Tracy tried to swallow her anger. Somehow she had known that the
     judge would choose Keith for this job. She hoped they could take care of Jeff’s business
     in one brief meeting.
    We’d better sit in the kitchen. I’ve tried to gather up everything you’ll need.
    Keith ignored her suggestion and settled himself on the living room sofa. This will be
     fine right here.
    Tracy remained standing. The man was pure brass—making himself completely at home. But she
     wasn’t his innocent bedazzled little fiancée anymore. She could hold her own. Do you know
     who’s been appointed guardian-ad-litem?
    Keith hesitated, surprised at her icy tone. Yes, you may have heard of him. John Whitby.
     He’s a retired judge.
    And he’ll be investigating me?
    Keith nodded. He’s a bit stuffy, but he’ll be fair. You can expect a visit from him any
     day now.
    She swallowed hard. A judge. That didn’t give her much hope that she would be appointed
     Jeff’s conservator. Retrieving Jeff’s papers from the desk, she tried to hand them to
     Keith, but instead of taking the papers, he patted the spot beside himself on the sofa.
    Gritting her teeth, she sat down. The sofa was so worn, the springs sagged and tilted her
     against him. Instantly, as though she had been scalded, she jerked upright and pulled away
     from him.
    She fought to bury her disgust under an all-business manner. Jeff’s disability check is
     direct-deposited at the bank. His utility bills are paid by automatic debit to that
     account. I think the tax bill is the only problem.
    Like Jekyll and Hyde, Keith transformed into his professional attorney mode. Carefully he
     checked through the assortment of bills and bank statements. I’ll go to the bank tomorrow
     and get a cashier’s check to take care of the tax bill. What else do we need to deal with?
    Tracy frowned. I think that’s all for now.
    What about his automobile insurance? Has anyone reported his accident to the insurance
     company? Do you know where the car is? I understand it was totally destroyed.
    She was caught unprepared. I never thought about the car, she admitted. The state police
     should know where it is. And I should be able to find out about Jeff’s auto insurance. She
     started to struggle to her feet. I’ll see if I can find the policy.
    She lost her balance as Keith grasped her arm. Playfully he pulled her down into his lap.
     The insurance can wait. I can think of other things I’d rather do right now.
    She tried to pull away as he nuzzled her neck. Trembling with fury she braced her