Read Online You Only Die Twice by Edna Buchanan - Free Book Online

attention from the boss’s son. On good days, R. J. could charm the sharks out of the sea; on others he was perfectly dreadful. Always volatile and short-tempered when everything didn’t go his way. Once, while he was still in college, he and his dad had a fight, a brawl, right in the executive offices. No one who knew him ever doubted that he killed poor Kaithlin.
    â€œIt was so terribly sad.” Her voice dropped to a near whisper. “Conrad and Eunice wanted to build a dynasty, but Eunice miscarried twice, and a premature daughter died at birth. All they had was R. J. They were so grateful that he was healthy and beautiful….”
    She paused and I could hear her light a cigarette. I thought she had quit.
    â€œThe Jordans never could say no to him, and he knew it.” She exhaled deeply. “With all that followed…maybe some people are just not meant to have children.”
    â€œHow did they get along with Kaithlin?”
    â€œIn their eyes, she came from the wrong side of the tracks. But once they saw R. J. was serious they were thrilled, at first. She was their great hope for the future of the bloodline—and the family business. I heard they promised to double R. J.’s inheritance if he and Kaithlin produced a male heir. I’m sure it was true.”
    â€œWhat was the courtship like?”
    â€œWell, that Cinderella story was a tad exaggerated. Made it sound like the glass slipper fit and he instantly dropped to one knee to propose. Actually, it was turbulent. R. J. wasn’t easy. They were on-again off-again for years before the ring and the fairy-tale wedding. She was so young, her mother was so upset, and he—well, he was just R. J. They ended it at one point. He saw other women. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. But apparently they simply couldn’t stay apart. Young as she was, nobody could hold a candle to Kaithlin. She had a certain…something.”
    â€œSo what happened? Why wasn’t it happily ever after?”
    Silence. I heard her breathing; otherwise I would have thought the line was dead.
    â€œI see from the clips,” I offered, “that she became manager.”
    â€œThat’s right,” she said quietly. “Kaithlin chose to work until they started a family. She was immensely talented. Her promotions and young ideas gave new style and energy to the Jordan image. Annual sales increased by more than thirty percent, she was so resourceful. R. J. was relieved that somebody—anybody—was taking care of the business, as long as it didn’t have to be him. But I think he resented it when she became so successful.”
    â€œIf she wanted to disappear,” I said impatiently, “where do you think she’d go? What would she do?”
    â€œBritt, dear, I simply can’t imagine Kaithlin doing such an implausible thing. I can’t believe she’s been alive all these years. You’re sure?”
    â€œAbsolutely,” I said.
    â€œHow awful. How cruel.” Her voice faded, so distant that I strained to hear. “The stores never would have been sold…and Con would still be alive, I’m sure of it. He never got over seeing his son sentenced to death.”
    Con? “You were friendly with Jordan senior?”
    She hesitated. “I worked for him—with him—for many years.”
    Slowly, as I grow older, I learn more about my mother, but the process is long, slow, and never easy. I decided this was not the time to try to draw her out.
    â€œDid Kaithlin have affairs? Did she steal the money?”
    â€œOf course not! R. J. was her first and only love, Jordan’s her first and only job. She had ethics. She was loyal.”
    â€œThen who took the money?”
    â€œWhat’s the point of all this now?” she asked irritably. “It was so long ago.”
    â€œIt matters, Mom. This is a major story.”
    â€œThe Jordans dropped the investigation into the