The Missing Heir(29)

                The master bedroom and the three bathrooms were in stark contrast. They were bright and flamboyant, every feature an extravagance of brilliance and color.

                “I should probably prepare you for this,” she told Cole.

                He was behind her in the wide hallway, followed by Otis.

                “I don’t mind a mess,” he answered.

                Amber couldn’t help but laugh. “I wish I was talking about a mess.”

                The bathrooms were very well cared for. Samuel had employed the same housekeeper at the penthouse for nearly a decade, and Amber had no intention of letting the efficient woman go. She paused with her door on the handle.

                “What’s wrong?” Cole asked.

                “It’s purple.”

                “Okay?”

                “Very purple.” She pushed the door wide and pressed the light switch, watching for his reaction.

                The floor tiles were a deep, mottled violet. The wallpaper was mauve with violet pinstripes. Two ultramodern sinks were purple porcelain on clear glass.

                The skylight glowed with perimeter lighting, while spotlights twinkled above the shower, sinks and tub. In addition to the complex purple tile work, the walls were decorated with pink-hued abstract paintings, while violet-scented candles and whimsical figurines were placed on glass tables.

                “This is very purple,” Cole agreed, moving inside as he gazed around in obvious amazement.

                She followed. “The tub in here is a relatively manageable size.”

                She pushed up the sleeves of her sweater and twisted the taps on the oval tub. “The one in the master bedroom is nearly a pool.”

                Cole grinned. “I guess if you’ve got the money, you can do whatever turns your crank.”

                Straightening, Amber retrieved a couple of thick towels and a facecloth from a recessed cabinet, balancing them next to a pink porcelain cat. For all its size, the room was hopelessly impractical. There was only one small cabinet, and the counter space was minimal, most of it taken up with decorations.

                “It was pretty interesting to see what Coco did when she was suddenly presented with money,” said Amber.

                “Did you offer your opinion?” Cole asked, shaking his head at the outlandish decor.

                “I didn’t see this room until after she died.”

                Cole perched himself on the edge of the tub and began to pop the snaps on Zachary’s one-piece suit. “But you don’t think your stepsister handled money very well?”

                “I think it overwhelmed her. She grew up in downtown Birmingham without a lot of advantages. She was nineteen when she met Samuel.”

                “He must have been fifty.”

                “At least.”

                There was an edge to Cole’s voice. “Nice.”

                “She was pretty, stunningly beautiful, actually. She was outgoing and fun loving, and she seemed to idolize Samuel. I’m sure a psychologist would have a field day with the relationship.”