Our Sick Inheritance (editing)

Chapter 10 - Last To Know

"Is this a joke?" Harmony asked still smiling. Anna and Harmony looked at each other. Colin felt like Anna and Harmony had plans to leave after Anna turned eighteen in a few weeks. The staff had been sending him reports on small snippets of conversation they could overhear. The girls stopped talking about any plans after her birthday party when anyone was around so they all knew the girls were up to something. The look the passed between them confirmed it. Colin wasn't ready to let them both run out into the world yet, especially now he had so little time left.

"Why would you want an island that isn't covered with snow Papa?" Anna directed. Colin took a breath but didn't let Anna knew he was nervous to have this conversation with her. He needed to get her to the island before he sprung it on her just how much her life was going to change.

A quick glance at Harmony's look of confusion towards Anna told him that he had to stand firm and relaxed at the same time. Anna ignored Harmony and was focused with everything she had for her father. Here we go, Colin sighed.

"Anna, I like warm weather too... I think I am starting to feel the chill of the snow in my bones and want to warm up whenever I feel like it. Wouldn't you like to run your own island?"

"I don't know Daddy, I really haven't had time to think about. What I am having trouble with is that you bought an island, just now told me about it even though you have been working on it for a long time, expect me to be ok with it, and move there within just a week!" Anna said sweetly dripping with sarcasm. Colin's heart hit his chest at the glisten of venom he imagined hanging onto the bottom of Anna's teeth. He concentrated on not showing fear.

"I have worked for so long that it would be nice for someone to run the place while I helped with the business end in the background. The mansion that is built on the island is giant and on the tallest hill. It is three times bigger than this in case you want guests to stay overnight in the house when you entertain or have celebrations. There are lots of natural gardens, as well as places to have big beautiful weddings that you liked to plan. There is also a village that was built for convenience even though a lot has to be shipped or flown in by a small plane." Colin smiled.

Anna's face reddened. This scared him for a moment. Why would Anna's face blush when he mentioned the wedding aspect which he had hoped to snag her in with. He knew she had fantasies of weddings in her garden and thought that was going to be one of the biggest selling points. She didn't even argue or get excited, yet he could tell she was covering something up. Fear started to tickle his scalp in the sweat that started to form. It must have to do with last night, Colin was hoping. He had to keep going.

Colin smiled with the confidence to expressed to future clients.

"Just think, you could have fashion shows for visitors who are staying at the island on vacation or when you have private parties for the most elite. You could present new and upcoming designers. You could make a name for the island, which makes a name for yourself. You could even open your own clothing store." Aware she was staring at him like she wasn't buying what he was selling, he took and emotional approach.

"I want to retire Anna and would enjoy living somewhere gorgeous in nature with you. Wouldn't that be lovely?" Colin said with a pleading look on his face. Anna could see that he was tired and felt a slight tinge of guilt, but her anger and shock was stronger.

"Lovely?" Anna asked incredulously.

"I am scheduled for surgery in two weeks and you are going to start working on everything with the staff as we wouldn't be the only people living on the island."

Colin watched Anna look at Harmony who listened intently and watched them as she tried to make sense out of the conversation. This was his chance.