"Thank you for your concern, but I'm not selling. I can handle anything this house throws at me. So let's get the legalities out of the way. What do I need to sign in the way of probate papers so the key is mine? I really need a nap."
Sir pranced around the place like he owned it. At least he seemed to have calmed down. He yipped occasionally and sat back on his haunches, staring up at the air with a little growl.
The lawyer dug into his briefcase and extended the papers to her through the open door. He handed her a pen a moment later. Gates could be superstitious if he wanted. If her grandmother had lived here alone for all these years without incident, Belle figured she'd be fine, too.
"There are more papers for you to sign at my office. I'll have them finalized and get all the property details and reports to you. Your grandmother also left you a little money in an account. I think it's roughly thirty grand. I'll send you all the details shortly."
Thank god. Thirty thousand wouldn't be a lot compared to all the work the house would need, but it might be enough to finish off a room or two. She would start with an office she could use and turn it into her showplace.
This spur-of-the-moment plan might just work.
Gates frowned and shook his head. "I really wish you'd reconsider."
Belle merely smiled and shook her head. With a sigh, he left. The door closed, and she was finally alone. Well, hopefully.
"All right, Grandma." She looked around the parlor as a sense of responsibility engulfed her. "I'm going to make this place shine again and call it my home."
Weariness swamped Belle, and she yawned. It had been such a long night, and she still needed to check out the house and unpack. So much to do-right after her nap.
She lay across a slightly dusty rose-velvet settee and rested her head against the back. She wouldn't sleep long, just long enough to rest her eyes. But as she drifted off, visions of Eric, Tate, and Kellan haunted her.
Chapter Seven
"Please join us, love."
It took everything Kellan had not to laugh at the nervous look on Kinley's face as her husband ushered her inside the living area of their suite. Her eyes widened briefly when she caught sight of the five other men waiting for her. He, Eric, and Tate had joined Kinley's other spouses, the Anders brothers, in their suite's living area. After a brief meeting with Dominic during which they'd laid out the chaos his wife had aided, Dominic had agreed to allow a polite interrogation of his wife. He'd also vowed she would feel the sting of his hand later.
Even Butch sat with the men while Gigi's little head poked out of Kinley's Prada tote. The minute she put the bag down, the dog hopped out, running through the suite to hide behind the drapes as if Gigi knew trouble was coming.
Kinley wasn't given that option.
"Why don't you have a seat?" Kellan said to the blonde, taking over the conversation now. "We have some questions for you."
He had to give her credit. After her initial apprehension, she steadied and sank into the chair they'd left for her in the middle of the room. She held her head high as she looked them over, like a queen gazing down at her subjects. Oh, Dominic so needed to whack that ass.
"Is this an interrogation or can I have a cup of coffee? I didn't get one since I was pulled away from breakfast."
Law Anders rose. "I'll get us all something. I get the feeling we're going to need it. You've been a bad girl, baby." He softened the assertion by winking her way.
"I love it when you cause trouble, sweetheart." Riley leaned in eagerly, as though he was getting ready for a show. His smile couldn't quite hide his excitement.
No wonder Kinley was running rampant. Kellan tried not to roll his eyes.
Dominic frowned. "Hey, you two need to take this seriously. Do you know what she did?"
The Anders brothers shook their heads. Law made his way to the coffeepot in the room, but upon hearing Dominic's displeasure, he sent a sidelong glance to Kinley.
She looked at her hands, folded in her lap.
"Start talking about Annabelle," Dominic demanded.
Her head popped up and her smile illuminated the room. "Of course, Master. I could talk about my best friend all day. Where to start? The beginning, then. Belle was born on a crisp autumn morning … "
Dominic growled her way. "That is not what I meant. You're digging yourself a hole. Consider this your first and last warning."
That was one more than Kellan would have given Kinley. If she was going to be difficult … well, Kellan had dealt with hostile witnesses before. "Where is Belle now?"