Daddy's plaything(50)

"Daddy never mentioned anything about a will to me," Sherry said.

"That's the reason I pressed him about it," Bruce said. "I doubt if he has one."

They sat talking during breakfast while Bruce finished his third martini. Finally, his food arrived. He was nearly through with his brunch when Victor Redgrave returned, this time with Sheila.

"Sherry," Victor said, "Sheila and I have something to tell you. Right after her parents' funeral – uh – we plan to go to Europe for a brief vacation. When we return we plan to be married."

"Tell them the rest," Sheila said.

"Yes, yes, of course," Victor said. "So you see, I won't be able to act as your business manager any longer. I'll be working with Sheila, trying to make a career for her in show business. I expect great things for her. She has a fine voice and so I'll be acting as her business manager and all around coach."

There was a long, long silence. It seemed incredible that Victor had snared an heiress for a wife on such short notice. Upon learning that, he was practically broke he had managed to finagle a potential fortune in a matter of minutes! Tony and Bruce broker into hysterical laughter and gradually even Sherry joined them.

"What's so funny?" Sheila asked, angry. "Don't you realize that I'm going to become a star? Isn't anybody going to offer congratulations? Oh, I see. It amuses you that a wealthy girl would even bother to achieve stardom. It's true that show people don't count for much among my friends, but I've always been independent."

"Good luck and congratulations," Tony said, and Bruce chorused in.

"Yes, Daddy," Sherry said. "I hope you're both very happy. Be sure and drop me a postcard from Paris or someplace. Goodbye and good luck to you both."

Victor just stood there, as though there were something else to say but he couldn't quite say it. His bride-to-be had already headed for the exit. "Victor, I think we've said quite enough to these people. Now let's go!" she commanded.

"Yes, dear," he said and waved goodbye to his daughter as he back stepped away.

When they had gone, Tony shook his head. "Jesus, if I ever saw two people who deserve each other more I don't remember it. I'm glad he didn't squawk about the money. We could have brought a few other charges against him, too."

"What other charges?" Bruce asked, puzzled.

"Oh, maybe child molesting or…"

"Please, Tony," Sherry interrupted. "I'd rather we didn't go into this any further."

"All right, honey," Tony said, calming himself. "I'm sorry."

Bruce glanced at his watch. "Well, gang, I'd better be heading for the airport. The flight lasts only a little more than an hour, but they serve the dandiest martinis." He stood up. "Glad to be of service. If you know of anybody who needs a divorce…" – he glanced toward the door where Sherry's father and Sheila had just exited – "… be sure and get in touch. I don't handle divorce cases personally but I have a partner who does. I have a feeling if the young lady does become a star and your father doesn't get control of a nice chunk of money soon they may require my colleague's services. No offense, Sherry. It's just that in these matters has taught me to be a skeptic, especially where money and a considerable difference in age is involved. Bye."

Sherry and Tony walked Bruce to the front door of the casino. He refused Tony's offer of a ride to the airport and hailed a taxi. A moment later he was off.

"Feel better?" Tony asked Sherry.

"I guess so," she said. "But I must say that an awful lot has happened fast. I didn't expect Daddy to marry ever and now – I just don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything. It's time for me to say something. Let's go for a little hike in the wood, okay?"

Sherry grinned. "You mean a bike-hike or a fuck-hike?"

"Maybe both," Tony said. "Come on." He took her by the band and they strolled down behind the hotel and along the golf course to the lake front. They walked slowly, enjoying the fresh air and the blue water to their right and the mountains and big trees to their left. They had been silent for a long time. "I don't ever want to be away from you, Sherry," Tony said.

"You just think I'm a good lay," she said, squeezing his hand.

"True, but there's more to it than that. I'm pretty good in the sack too, aren't I? I mean, can I screw good or can't I?"

They both laughed.

"Seriously, Sherry, I didn't mention this before because I wasn't sure how I felt about you, but I have a chance to do a variety show with Rory Cramden when I finish here."