Autumn in Philadelphia Trilogy

The Return: Interlude: Family Affair

"...don't ever take sides with anyone against the Family again. Ever." -Mario Puzo, the Godfather

The Gold Coast was an affluent part of Western Connecticut. The area was home to many wealthy Manhattan business executives and was a bastion of wealth. The Gold Coast was most notable for it's expensive waterfront properties located along its shore as well as the proximity of its cities and towns to New York City. Westport, Connecticut was ideally situated near the middle of the Coast.

A sleek, black taxi pulled up to a massive home on the Long Island Sound waterfront. The property's views of the Sound and sprawling green lawns that stretched for more than 6 acres were breathtaking. The woman in the cab stepped out of the vehicle and took in with her surroundings with appreciation and envy. She approached the entrance of the home with all the confidence of a Westport elite and rang the electronic doorbell. Shortly, a voice commanded her to state her business.

"I'm here to see Mr. and Mrs. Turner."

The disembodied voice was unimpressed and demanded more of answer than that.

"I'm here to see them about their son, Jonathan."

The voice was silent. Just before the speaker cut off, the woman heard a surprised scurry in the security room. A razor sharp smile kissed her lips.

The door opened by an unseen hand and the woman stepped inside. Almost instantly, two people appeared in her line of vision; one came down the stair case and the other came from an office off of the living room. In all honesty, the woman was expecting Jason and Sable Colby from Dynasty II based on her investigative queries, but the people who came to greet were very different. Both were in their mid-70s but they did not look it. Whether this was through artificial means or healthy lifestyles she did not know. The woman was thin and elegant, the man trim and fit. Both sported well kept silver hair. Hers was swept back into a trendy chignon; his hair, though receding slightly at the temples, was full of thick curls in a short cut. They dressed in rich, classic styles that saw the height of their popularity in the preppy 80s.

I would have loved to had these people as my in-laws, she thought bitterly.

One thing that stood out to her was that Blake Turner looked very much like his son and she took to him immediately.

Jacklyn Turner regarded the intruder in their residence with veiled suspicion as she asked, "How do you know Jonathan?"

Her husband gave her an admonishing look. He was suspicious as well, but he did not like to go on the offensive until necessary.

"Welcome," he said, keeping an eye on his wife as he invited the younger woman in. "Forgive us, we seem to be at a disadvantage. You know us but we don't know you."

She smiled sweetly back at him. As she took his hand, she leaned into him. "No, please, forgive me. My name is Katherine Tompkins. I'm your son's secretary."

"I see." The man glanced at his wife who gave a slight shake of her head. "We weren't aware Jonathan had a secretary."

"I work with him at the District Office." She paused a moment. She noticed how they referred to their son and adapted her speech to fit theirs. "Jonathan and I go way back. That's why he hired me."

"I see," Blake said.

Katherine looked around at the affluence that surrounded her. "You have a beautiful home."

"Thank you, my dear." Blake watched the expressions of his wife's face carefully, then gave her a slight nod. He offered Katherine his arm. "Would you like a tour?"