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right now. I still can't believe that whole story. Thank God for you, Stevie.â Cyndie said.
âWell, we both turned her life around. You were the one that introduced her to Robert and got her a job at the agency,â I replied.
Cyn said, âYeah, but, most important, after that time, I made her get help. She saw a psychologist and took lithium. She seemed to be doing better. But, she still got manic. The medicine only prevented it from getting too intense. I think she really liked her manic episodes, but she wanted me to watch over her. I never felt real comfortable about being her caretaker, but she liked having a confidant like me.â
I was slowly shaking my head in amazement. Cyn looked at me and asked, âWhat are you thinking?â
âCyn, I didn't just rescue Andi in California. We, we had a wild experience⦠She was desperate. I should have said no, but I didn't. She came on to me very strong and I didn't resist very hard andâ¦â
Cyn interrupted. âLook, Stevie. I've known about that for years. Andi can't keep a secret from me, especially not about you. She loves you and I know it. But, I know you wouldn't hurt her, not like all the others. You love her too, like I do.â
I didn't know what to say. It's scary how well Cyn knows me. I changed the subject. âCyn let's look at the will.â
Cyn opened her portfolio and pulled it out. âHere, scan it. I need some fresh air. Order me another Jack Daniels. And, get the menu, I'm starving.â
Cyn walked out of Rouge onto the sidewalk of 18 th Street. I watched her do the one thing I hate; she lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply. She held the smoke too long and exhaled the smoke slowly in a fine long stream between her lips. I wish I could break that harmful habit.
While she was gone I ordered our second round of drinks and the special, grilled salmon on a bed of falafel, for both of us. I moved us to an inside table with a view of the Square. In nice weather, like that May night, Rouge has an open wall to the outside. As I scanned the will I watched Cyn smoke her cigarette.
The contents of the will rocked me. I couldnât believe what I read. Three people, Cyndie, Edie McCall and I were the sole beneficiaries of Andiâs estate, including her Rehoboth beach house. And, her husband, Robert, was expressly mentioned as not having any ownership rights. Reading further I realized that the beach house was by far her largest asset with an appraised value of $850,000, which Andi owned free and clear, with no mortgages or equity loans against it. I knew the Rehoboth real estate market zoomed in the 1990s, but I had no idea it was that much.
Edie McCallâs name brought back a flood of memories. Edie and I have shared two life-changing experiences. The first was in 1995 when Andi was accused of murder. Edie provided invaluable help in solving that mystery and getting Andiâs charges dropped. The second incident occurred last year when Edie and I were caught in a wildfire on an Arizona mountain. In both adventures, Edie believed I saved her life. I believe Edie and I have a connection, a special bond that draws us together. Iâm not sure of Godâs intentions. Now, Andiâs disappearance and will could be a third significant event Iâll share with Edie. Time will tell.
I whistled and said, âOh my God!â
âWhat's the matter?â
That was Cyn. I had been so absorbed in my reading I failed to notice that Cyn was standing next to our table.
I was almost speechless.
âTake a look at this.â I handed Cyn the will. âSit down, Cyn. This may shock you.â
She spent three minutes scanning the document.
âDoes this mean â¦?â
âIf this is Andi's real will, then you and I have a real interest in knowing what's happened to Andi.â
âOh my God, Stevie.â
I replied, âThat's what I said. On the last page is the name of an attorney, in
Lex Williford, Michael Martone