Laura heard the front door open and came from the bedroom to see Jessica remove her trenchcoat as she glanced around. "Has Mr - Roselli gone?"
"Yes. He has some things to take care of before starting work tomorrow."
"Oh, too bad. I rather hoped he might agree to have dinner with us this evening. To - even out the numbers, of course."
Laura raised wide eyes toward Steele. "We're having dinner out?"
"Jessica insisted."
"I do owe the Remington Steele Agency SOMETHING in return for uniting me with my brother, after all," Jessica said, smiling.
"Your- brother?" Laura asked, feeling a bit on the outside of the loop.
"Remington and I had a long talk, Laura."
She looked at her husband, who was standing by the window. "I see. I'm not really in the mood to go anywhere. Why don't the two of you go on? I have some paperwork at the office - It will give the two of you a chance to get to know each other -"
Jessica's put upon sigh was loud in the quiet room. "Remington, I'd like to have a word with Laura - in private. If you don't mind?"
Steele gave her a quick glance, as if reminding her to take it easy, then smiled. "Not at all. I'll go into the bedroom and make the reservations."
Once they were alone, Jessica looked at Laura. "Laura, I do want to get to know Remington, but -" she took another deep breath. "Do you have a brother, Laura?"
"No. Only an older sister."
Jessica paced across the room. "Ever since I can remember, I've wanted a big brother. Someone to run to when Grandfather was away and mother was ill. Someone to -well, I think you understand."
"I think every girl has that fantasy."
"I'm luckier than most, then, because my wish has come true. Oh, I know that Remington might not be the perfect big brother that I always envisioned, but once he accepts that I'm not going to run off like most of the other people he's trusted -"
Laura frowned. "You're not going back to England?"
"I've nothing waiting for me there. Grandfather's company is sold, and I can always open a legal practice here."
Laura nodded. "You did go to law school at Berkeley, didn't you? Graduated tenth in your class -"
"You've done your homework."
"I had Mildred run a check to make sure you were who you claimed to be."
"Understandable, considering the circumstances. Does it bother you - my planning to remain in Los Angeles?"
"Of course not. I know how much Remington has wanted and needed a family. Even if it's only one sister."
"But you've had him virtually all to yourself for several years, and you wouldn't be human if you weren't a little worried that you might have to share him with someone else. As I said, I want to get to know him - and you. After all, we're sisters-in- law, aren't we? I haven't only gained a brother, but a sister as well. You could be an immense help in my getting to know him. You've five years on my in that area."
"You're making it difficult for me to say no to dinner, Jessica," Laura said.
"Good. I mean to make it impossible. Surely the paperwork can wait."
She said it so matter of factly, sounded so much like Remington, that Laura smiled, giving in. "Another day won't hurt, I suppose."
"Excellent. I believe I'll try again to rest before we leave."
Steele returned moments later. "Where is Jessica?"
"Resting. You two obviously had a nice chat."
"Surely you don't object to my telling her the truth?"
"Of course not. But not five hours ago you didn't want to have anything to do with her. Suddenly, you're confiding in her as if she were a life-long friend."
"Come now, Laura. There woman IS my sister, after all. And I - needed someone to talk to. Yes, to confide in, if you will. That couldn't be what's really troubling you, can it?"
"What ARE you talking about?" Laura asked.
"You're frightened that I might have someone besides you to depend on. Jealous, perhaps."
"Jealous? Of you? There goes that ego again -"
"If I'm wrong, then look at me and deny it." She didn't move from the window, so Steele forced her around. "Look at me, Laura. You can't deny it, can you?"
"I- I don't know what to think. About anything. I'm confused, I'm -"
"Angry about my having deceived you." She pulled away. Steele ran his hand through his dark hair, his voice low. "I really did intend to tell you the truth, Laura, but I knew how you would react. I wanted to wait -"
"How long? Until you had me safely conned again?"
"No. Look, I know I was wrong. But - we ARE legally married." She opened her mouth to speak, but Steele forestalled her tirade. "Give me two years, Laura. That's all I ask. Enough to satisfy Estelle Becker's superiors."
"And if I agree?" she asked warily.
"If, at the end of those two years, you want to end the marriage, I'll give you a divorce and walk away."
"No tricks?"
"No tricks," he promised, his blue eyes boring into hers.
Laura spent a long moment trying to read those blue eyes. Dare she trust him? The telephone rang, and with a grimace, Steele answered.
"Hello?. . .Mildred." Steele shook his head as Laura stifled a soft laugh. "No, you're not interrupting anything . . .I see. . . No, we won't be back in the office today.-Oh, Mildred. Would you see to it that the office on the other side of Laura's is cleaned out and ready for use by tomorrow morning?" he saw Laura's look of surprise, then grinned. "Because Laura's hired someone to help out at the agency . . .Antony Roselli . . ." he pulled the receiver away from his ear momentarily. "We'll discuss it tomorrow, Mildred. Good-bye, Mildred." He hung up, then tapped the side of his head.
"I take it she didn't approve of my decision to hire Tony?"
"No. But she'll get used to it. She telephoned to tell me that she couldn't locate any of Megan O'Hara's family still in Dublin."
"Oh. I'm sorry." She wasn't going to question his change of attitude about Tony.
"At least Jessica and I found each other. She's decided to find a place of her own."
"She doesn't have to do that."
"I told her the same thing, but she insisted that it's what she wants to do. And as long as she's here, there's only the one bedroom. Although, I suppose I could sleep on the couch.-"
"No." At his look of confusion and hope, she explained, "You once accused me of confusing you with my father -perhaps I did. I was so afraid that once you - had your way with me - you'd just disappear back out of my life as quickly as you came into it. While we were in Mexico, I reasoned that I was a grown woman and that if you DID vanish at least I'd have some pleasant memories instead of regrets for what might have been. If I agree to give this marriage a chance, then I'll give it a REAL chance. Not half of one."
"And- do you - agree?"
"I'm still thinking," she told him. "Right now, I'm going to take a long, hot bath."
"I'll have to go back to London for the rest of my things," Jessica said over coffee after dinner. "But it shouldn't take more than a day or so. I'll find a place before I go."
"I'll be glad to help," Laura offered. "My mother got her real estate license last month. I'm sure she can find something suitable. I'll call her tomorrow and set up a meeting."
"Thank you."
"You know, of course, you're more than welcome to stay with us for as long as you like."
"You're most gracious, Laura, but you and Remington are still newlyweds and need some privacy. Even if my dear brother behaved shamefully -"
"Here now-"
"Admit it. And I'm speaking to Laura. Even if he did trick you into marrying him the first time, YOU agreed to the second ceremony, knowing that it was legitimate, didn't you?"
"Yes, but- "
"Then you shouldn't be so angry." She rose from the couch. "Well, I've done enough meddling for the evening. Good night."
"Goodnight, Jessica," Laura said.
Remington crossed silently to the terrace doors and went out. A moment later, Laura followed him, finding him leaning against the wall, looking out over the city. He didn't turn to look at her. "It's a nice evening."
"She's right," Laura admitted.
"Jessica?"
"I did agree to the Vegas wedding because I wanted to. I DO have a question, though."
"I'll try to answer it. I owe you that much-and more."
"When DID you intend to tell me the truth?"
"Oh, I don't know. When we had our first child, I suppose."
"Our FIRST child? How many are you planning?"
He still hadn't looked at her, but Laura could see the hint of a smile. "Oh, at least two - perhaps three."
"Don't I have any say in the matter? What if I want - FOUR children?"
He turned, then. "FOUR? I expected an argument about ONE."
Laura turned into his arms. "I never said I didn't want a family, Remington."
"Oh, Laura. I know it was wrong of my to trick you as I did. But I couldn't think of any way to trick both Estelle Becker AND Norman Keyes, so-"
"So you tricked ME, instead."
"Let's just say that I moved up the time table a bit."
She looked up at him. "Time table?
"Even you have to admit that - if it hadn't been for my imminent deportation - you and I would have eventually decided to join forces personally, not just professionally."
"You just might be right, Mr. Steele."
"I still won't ask you for more than two years -"
"No."
"No? Laura -"
"I'm not going to set a limit on this marriage. If we stay together two years, then we stay together for the rest of our lives. Unless- YOU want out after two years-"
"No," Steele assured her, touching his lips to hers. "I think I've knew from the moment we met that I was destined to spend the rest of my days with a certain lady detective."
"Really?" Laura asked, her smile playful. "Do I happen to know her?"
"Possibly," he said, lifting her into his arms. "Why don't we continue this conversation in the bedroom, Mrs. Steele? I'll give you an inch-by-inch description of the lady in question."
"By all means, Mr. Steele."
Mildred wasn't pleased to find Tony Roselli waiting for her when she arrived at the office the next morning. "Hello, Mildred,' he said brightly, as if they were the oldest of friends.
Mildred scowled. "You're early." She unlocked the doors and entered the reception area, knowing that he was right behind her.
"I guess Laura told you the news, huh?"
"She didn't answer him until the coffee was brewing. "I haven't spoken to MRS. Steele. MR. Steele told me that you would be here today." She opened a door. "He had me get this office ready for you."
Tony grabbed her arm as she started to turn away. "Look, Mildred. We got off on the wrong foot. I think you should know that I'm not after Laura. Except maybe as a friend."
"Do you really expect me to believe that?"
"I don't chase married women. And Laura IS married." Mildred's look was still filled with suspicion, but any reply was forestalled by Jessica Beecham's arrival.
"Miss Krebbs? Are you here?"
Mildred came from Tony's office, smiling. "Miss Beecham. Can I get you some tea?"
"I'd prefer coffee, if you don't mind," Jessica said quickly. Good morning, Mr. Roselli."
"Miss Beecham."
Returning with the coffee, Mildred looked surprised. "You two know each other?"
"We met yesterday at Remington and Laura's. Remington and I went out for a walk while Laura and Mr. Roselli discussed a business matter. I was disappointed to find you had gone when we returned, Mr. Roselli."
"Oh? Why was that?"
"I thought to ask you to join the three of us for dinner last evening. Perhaps- another time?"
"Yeah." His eyes examined her as though trying to see what her interest in him might be.
Smiling, Jessica turned to the receptionist. "I have an appointment to look at an office on the next floor in a few minutes. Would you tell Laura that I'll be back and that if she wants to set up an appointment with her mother, I'm available."
"Sure. But - couldn't you have told her about it before you left the apartment?"
"Laura and Remington were still asleep when I left," Jessica explained. "I left a note that I would meet them here. But I arranged to look at that office-"
"Why do you need an office?" Tony asked.
"I'm a lawyer, Mr. Roselli. And I've decided to settle in Los Angeles so I can be near my brother."
"You have family here? You told me you hired the agency to FIND your brother."
"And they did just that, Mr. Roselli. REMINGTON is my brother."
"Steele?" he asked, ignoring Mildred's cat who swallowed the canary glance at him. She'd known, of course.
Jessica glanced at her expensive wristwatch. "I really have to be going. Why don't you take me to dinner this evening, Mr. Roselli and I'll try to explain everything."
Against his better judgment, Tony heard himself say, "It's a date. Six?"
"Six is fine. I'll see you later."
The door closed behind her, and Mildred opened her mouth to say something, but the telephone rang, giving Tony the opportunity to slip into his office to avoid her disapproval.
When Laura and Remington arrived an hour later, Mildred was just coming from the main office. "Chief. Mrs. Steele."
"Good morning, Mildred," Steele said brightly. "Is Jessica here?"
"She was -"
"Was?" Laura questioned.
"She had an appointment. You two look - well- happy this morning. Is everything settled?"
Laura put an arm around her husband, smiling. "What do YOU think, Mildred?"
The third door opened, and Tony entered. "I thought I heard voices."
"Good morning, Tony," Laura said, her arm still around Remington.
If Tony hadn't known that Laura was lost to him the evening before, he would have known it with certainty now. She positively glowed with her love for Steele. "I'm ready to go to work. If I still have a job, that is."
"Of course you do, mate," Steele assured him.
"Chief-" Mildred objected, but Steele lifted a hand to stop her tirade.
"Now, Mildred. The three of us can use some help on the backload of cases. But- I WOULD like a word with you, Antony. In my office -?"
Laura lifted a frowning face to her husband. "Remington-"
"It's all right, Laura," Tony said, entering Steele's office. Once Steele closed the door, Tony decided to start things off. "Look, if this is about Laura, then there's no need. I don't chase married women, Steele and Laura is definitely married."
"Glad you finally noticed. So why stay around?"
"Maybe to keep you on your toes. Because if you make her unhappy--well, let's just say that I like my friends to be happy."
"And you take it personally if someone makes them otherwise. I'll consider myself warned. I think you should know that if I discover that you're using this agency to run another of your little games, mate, I won't hesitate to throw you to the wolves."
The two men stood there, eyes locked in silent understanding for a long moment. "Anything else?"
"No, I think we can get to work now." Steele opened the door. "After you, Antony."
Jessica returned at the moment, forestalling the questions Laura wanted to ask. "I've done it," she announced. "I have an office. Now, for an apartment. Good morning, Remington, Laura."
"An office, Jessica?"
"Directly above this one on the next floor," she explained. "I said I was going to open a law office, if you remember. Have you spoken to your mother yet, Laura?"
Laura grimaced. "Well, no, I haven't. But I'm sure she'll be able to meet us for lunch. I'll go call her now." She disappeared into her office.
"What time is our first client due to arrive, Mildred?" Steele asked.
"Ten o'clock, Mr. Steele."
Laura returned, looking about put out, but she quickly smiled. "We're meeting her at noon at la Maison."
"I'll be here at 11:30, then."
At eleven twenty, Laura watched as Steele and Tony prepared to go out on a case. "Why don't I send Jessica on and go with the two of you? I'm sure Mother -"
"Abigail wouldn't understand, Laura," Steele said. "You've avoided facing her since Mexico. Don't you think it's time you -"
"She's still upset that we didn't tell her that we were getting married. If Jessica didn't need her help-"
"She IS your mother, honey," Mildred reminded her, hugging her shoulders. "I know you don't get along with her, but you don't want to close off the lines of communication."
Steele looked at her. "I'll leave the limo for you and Jessica."
"How will you get around?"
"I have my car," Tony offered, referring to the beat up, faded blue Ford he drove.
"Antony can take me to retrieve the Auburn," Steele decided, not relishing the idea of being seen in the other man's car. "And if I'm going to meet Mr. Franklin at the gallery we'd better be off." He kissed Laura lightly before Mildred's delighted eyes. "Have fun. Give your mother my regards, and DO try not to argue with her."
"See you later," Tony said, following Steele out.
Jessica was surprised when Laura introduced her to the attractive blonde woman who joined them at the restaurant. "So. You're Remington's sister," she said.
"Half-sister, Mrs. Holt."
"Abigail, please. Were YOU at Laura and Remington's wedding?"
"Regretfully, no. I only arrived in Los Angeles yesterday."
"I was just curious. Neither Laura's sister nor I were invited either. Frances read about it in the NEWSPAPER of all things."
"Mother-"
"I just don't understand why you couldn't pick up a telephone -"
"There wasn't time," Laura insisted slowly, trying to retain her temper. "Things happened so quickly-" She took a deep breath. "Why don't you come to dinner this evening and we'll try to explain."
"I'll be there," Abigail said, then, as if the matter was settled, turned to Jessica. "Laura tells me that you need an apartment. Any specific requests about size, location, price?"
"I don't need anything large or fancy. The simpler the better, actually. And I think I would prefer to own rather than lease."
"I see," Abigail said thoughtfully. "I think I know the perfect place. A warehouse conversion. A studio, and I believe the current owner's asking price is negotiable," she said, looking at Laura.
"Not my old loft?" Laura said. "Oh, I'm sure Jessica wouldn't-"
"I might at that, Laura. Tell me about it."