Tattered Legacy (A Nora Abbott Mystery) by Shannon Baker

More than that, he needed a wife. Back then he had considered a career in politics, and that required a bright, well-connected, impeccably raised woman by his side.
    That was before he’d found his true aptitude lay in creating huge wealth. That kind of money could buy whatever politics he wanted without him having to suffer public scrutiny.
    Warren had only loved one other woman. Puppy love, really. Christine, with her fine breeding, dark beauty, and social ambition was a completely different species than the naïve, simple blonde of his college days.
    Christine and her trust fund entered his life at the right time. He gave her value for her money, though. She wanted an ambitious man, one who would provide for her, not only financially but give her the kind of notoriety and status even money couldn’t assure.
    It sounded cold in retrospect, but he’d loved her. He thought she’d loved him. Through the years of toil, when he’d spent eighteen to twenty hours a day amassing a fortune whose dimensions only he knew, the disappointment of no children and the demands of great wealth had evaporated their affection, leaving only a functioning business arrangement.
    Finally, Christine spoke. “What has the doctor told you?”
    He leaned back in his chair. “I’ve got cancer.”
    She tilted her head in annoyance. “Yes, I know that much. But you won’t allow me to accompany you to your appointments or consultations with your medical team. I have no idea what’s going on.”
    “You mean, you don’t know how long you have to wait for me to die.”
    Her shoulders slumped the tiniest bit. “I’ve upset you.”
    “No. This disease upsets me.”
    She pushed herself from the chair. “I’ll go.”
    He waved her down. “You want to know how much money you’ll have when I’m gone. Is that it?”
    A flush rose to her cheeks, but she remained where she was and nodded. “I don’t like talking about this, but I’m ignorant of our holdings. I’d hate for the estate to wither from neglect after you’ve gone.”
    She made it sound as though her concern was for his legacy. “Don’t worry. I had Darrell draw up papers for a generous fund for you. The rest is not your concern.” He’d left her more than enough to last into her dotage.
    Her face tightened. “That’s generous of you to take care of me, but what about your businesses and investments?”
    “It’s all down to one holding. And the rest will go to the church.”
    He didn’t need to wonder how this news struck her. The pale face and wide eyes revealed shock. “One holding? How is that possible?”
    He smiled at her. “I’ve invested in an important project.” The most important since Noah’s nautical venture.
    “What project?” Her voice sounded strangled.
    He pushed his chair from his desk with shaky arms. “It’s time for my medication. Please excuse me.”
    He envied her quick jump to her feet. Her flushed face indicated the panic that must be raging inside. “It’s not fair that you don’t share the details of the estate with me.”
    “I’ve left you a hundred million dollars. If you live frugally, it should last. The houses, of course, are in both our names, as well as the yacht, art, plane, and cars.”
    She nodded, cool as January snow. “And the bulk of the estate?”
    “Invested in the family ranch.” He watched her, fascinated by her self-control.
    She drew in a long breath. “Your entire fortune is invested in a cattle ranch?”
    He grinned. “It’s a very nice ranch.”

Eight
    The little bell above the door tinkled and the wooden floor creaked as Nora walked into the Read Rock. The musty smell of old books lingered in the cool air, making the shop feel comforting after the blazing sun outside.
    Nora realized she’d been holding her breath. She let it out and inhaled. She’d never heard such heaviness in Cole’s voice. He had to be hurting about his father, but he didn’t want to talk about it. She’d give him time before she