Caleb Anderson: Berkley’s Bastards – Billionaire Romance (Berkley's Bastards Book 1) Read online

  “I don’t know, to be honest. She didn’t want me to know all her plans. Mom said it would spoil the surprise. I’m not sure what she meant by that, but I guess it’ll be all right.” Gus laughed a little. “If you could bring it to the funeral home tomorrow, I’ll take care of it after the reception at the house. If you have time to go then?”

  “I’ve only worked for your family for years, Caleb. Watched you grow into a good man too. No, you tell me when and I’ll be there with bells on.” Thanking him, Caleb decided that if he could, he was going to keep Gus on until he was too tired to work for him. Almost as if he had read his mind, Gus spoke again. “Also, you might want to know that I’ve been looking into a replacement. I know you and your mother have paid me well for all these years, but you need someone younger than this eighty-year-old geriatric. My granddaughter would be good for you or her brother. Might need them both after a while. But I’ve told them all they need to know about your plans, as well as your money. Who would have thought that when your mom came to see me, fat with her baby boy, that she’d be one of the richest women in the world? She certainly did work for it. So have you.”

  Caleb went to bed that night, knowing he had to be on his best game tomorrow. It was going to be a long day, and he wasn’t sure how well he was going to handle it. But he also knew that in some way, his mom was watching over him, so he was up for the challenge. At least he hoped he was.

  The next morning, he was at the funeral home at a little past seven. Hugging the kids again gave him strength and love. They were not going to school today, he’d found out, so they could be there for their parents. It was going to be a big funeral, and all hands were needed. Caleb thought that having them where he could grab a hug or two was going to be just the thing. Kids, he knew, had an understanding of grief that went well beyond their years on this earth.

  When everyone was seated that there were chairs for, a great many people standing around the room, he went to the podium and cleared his throat. It was time, he thought. A microphone had been unearthed so the people in the long hall leading to the chapel could hear him.

  “I noticed that a few of you got a kick out of the way we’re dressed. You know Mom. When there was a gathering of people, she wanted to party.” Another round of laughter, and he pulled out his notes. “My mom approved my speech that I’m going to give today. I also want you to know that while I was writing this, she was checking my spelling, as well as looking for any grammatical errors. She knew I’d have it all wrong if she didn’t.

  “My mom was seventeen when she was tossed out of her family home. Again, this is her story, not mine. Her parents decided it was shameful to have an unwed daughter around when she began to show. Not to mention, according to her father, she was spoiled for all other men after that, whatever that meant to him. Then, when I was born, she sent a telegram telling her family of my birth. That she had had a healthy baby boy and that we were both doing fine.”

  Looking at his notes, he continued. “After my birth, Mom made sure she could support not only herself but me as well. After getting her high school diploma with me at her feet sleeping, she got into college and then got a job.” Caleb almost skipped over some of the notes but went back to them. “While she worked and studied, Mom taught me what hard work and determination could afford a person. It’s a lesson I’ve taken with me all my life and will continue to do so.” He knew this next part was going to be the hardest to say.

  “Several months ago, after finding out she was beyond help with the diagnoses of cancer, she began making plans that would be felt by the rest of the town we call home for the entirety of its future.” There were a few murmurs of wonder, but he ignored them. “I’ve decided it would be in all our best interests if I should carry on my mom’s legacy and continue to support the causes we have before.”

  Before sitting down, Caleb announced that there would be a reception with light food at his home. Going to his seat, he watched as the funeral director took his place and announced that there was a nice luncheon at the Anderson home. Then he asked people to go to their cars. He’d said all he wanted to say at the funeral home.

  At the reception, people came to wish him well and to tell him how sorry they were for his loss. Caleb wanted to tell them that sorry didn’t bring her back to him, but he didn’t. His grief was profound. The finality of what they were doing here hurt him deeply in his soul and heart.

  People came to speak to him about his mom, telling stories that they knew about her that he knew as well. There was one that he so enjoyed thinking about. It was about when Mom had come upon a child in one of the barns, crying because her cat was going to die. The little thing was in hard labor, and the kitten was turned the wrong way. After assisting in the birth after resolving the issue, Mom stuck around for the rest of the birthing.

  “Then, not two weeks later, Mr. Jamison calls her up and tells your mom that he has a cow in a bad way. Not sure why he’d think she could help, your mom, being her, she went there and helped with the birth of that cow. Mr. Jamison, he named the calf after her, and to this day, he refers to it as Abigail when asked. Darnest thing I done ever did see, I tell you.” Mr. March laughed and acted like that was the only time his mom had gone out on an emergency like the ones with the cow and kittens. “I heard tell she was there when Mrs. Parker gave birth to those twin little boys too.”

  There were many stories like that one. Mom had driven the school bus one week when the system had been short-staffed. She’d helped bring in some crops, driving the big tractor like she’d been born to it. He loved all of them, even the ones told about when he was an infant.

  Mr. Fowler caught up with him just as people were beginning to leave. As they entered his office, he was sure he was going to tell him something he didn’t want to hear. Gus told him he’d not be able to go with him in the morning, as something else had come up.

  “I’m to be acting county judge tomorrow. The one that was coming here to hear some of the backed-up cases got himself a case of food poisoning, from his mother-in-law, of all people. Anyway, they didn’t really ask so much as told me that it was my duty as a good standing attorney to see to this. I’m hoping it’s a one-time shot, but who knows what will happen with all this other stuff going on.” Caleb said he could go when he was finished. “No. I’ve spoken to my grandchildren. They’re good, Caleb, if not a little green on things. They’re ready to go with you to keep you out of hot water if things go badly there.”

  Caleb did want to get this over with and move on. When Gus handed him the things he’d need when he went to confront his mom’s parents—never would they be his grandparents, he thought—he decided to go.

  “I’ll go, but I don’t like it. I wasn’t even sure I was onboard with it when I thought you were going with me.” Gus said he was sorry. “Not as sorry as they’ll be if I have to get into it with them. But you are right. I need to get this finished so I can focus on my life without my mom. I knew she was dying, Gus, but it’s hard for me to realize she’s gone. I find myself looking for her or even going into the parlor when I think of something I want to say to her. I wonder if it will ever get better.”

  “Yes. It’ll soften after a while, the pain of it. When my Marie passed on, it was all I could do to get myself cleaned up and fed daily.” He laughed a little. “Your mom did a fine job of shaking me around a little. But she was good to do that. Not only did she save my life—I’ll believe that forever—but she got me moving in the right direction to keep my sanity as well. That mom of yours, Caleb, she knew how to make a person see her way about things.”

  “She was the best.” Gus agreed with him, and Caleb smiled. “I’ll take both of them with me tomorrow. That way, they can show me that they can work with someone like me. Someone who is a little too demanding at times but means well.”

  “Yes, well, I don’t think you’re demanding at all, but a man that likes to get things going. Also, before I fo
rget, once you’re back, we’ll go over your mom’s will. There are a couple of things she added in the final few days. Some of it you’ll need to care for.” Caleb asked him if he needed to take care of them now. “No. nothing like that. But just some things she had for you. I’ll see you when you return, Caleb. You do what your mom asked, and that’ll hopefully be the end of it.”

  After getting a file from his car regarding the family, Gus left. Kylie and Arthur were to meet Caleb here at his house at seven sharp. It wasn’t a far trip to make, a couple of hours of driving time, but since he was driving, he didn’t want anyone to make him late.

  Chapter 2

  Tabby hated waiting. When she’d been summoned here—well, a police officer had shown up at her door at eight this morning—she knew it was going to be a long day. Whatever they had to say, she wanted them to say it so she could go job hunting again. The fucking shithead she worked for wasn’t going to get the better of her.

  “You say you gave your notice, Miss Tillman?” She said, for the fourth time, that she had. “I’m sorry, but this is all new to me. Shep said you didn’t show up to work this morning and that he’d told you he had an important meeting you had to attend with him.”

  Mr. Anderson was as dumb as his son was a fucking prick if he thought Shep ever went to meetings. She’d been running the flipping company since the day she’d been hired. Then when she’d found out that there had been bonuses given to Shep from the company, six figures kind of bonuses, she got so pissed off she gave her notice and left. Shep had a great deal to answer for.

  “There are several meetings that had been set up for Shep, Mr. Anderson. However, it’s doubtful he would have shown up to any of them. He rarely comes into work before noon and leaves not long after, having a four or five hour lunch. I’m not telling tales here, but I can’t work his job and mine and not get the perks that he is.” When the front doorbell chimed, she, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, turned to it. After the butler let the three people in, she turned back to Mr. Anderson. “This is all water under the bridge, sir. I’ve given my notice, and I no longer work for him, nor you. If you want my advice, I’d fire his ass and find someone that will actually do a day’s work for you.”

  “Well, I don’t want your advice. Shep has been, according to the information I’ve been receiving, doing a good job.” He looked at the people in the doorway, and she did as well. “I don’t know what you’re selling, but I’ve no time for it today. Go by the offices and—”

  “I’m here about your daughter, Abigail Anderson.” Mr. Anderson paled as his wife held onto him for what looked like much-needed support. “I see you remember her. I’d like only a few minutes of your time, then I’ll be on my way.”

  “What is the meaning of this? My daughter hasn’t lived here for a great many years.” The stranger told him it had been twenty-seven years, give or take a few months. “What do you want? Money? I don’t work with blackmailers. You be on your way before I call the police.”

  “She died six days ago.” Mr. Anderson nearly hit the floor and would have if not for the other man holding him up. “Where is a good place for you to sit down? You’re looking a little pole axed if you ask me.”

  “How do you know this?”

  The man took the couple into the dining room when it was pointed out. Tabby went along too. There was plenty to get finished on her end, and she wasn’t going to let them scoot her under the rug now that she was here. There was also the matter of her last check, as well as her vacation pay coming to her.

  She’d been willing to let it go, but now that they’d brought her here, she was going to bitch about it. However, right now, she wanted to find out about this man and his entourage. Also, about the daughter she’d never heard of. Shep joined them in the dining room just as the man started talking.

  “What’s all this about? Tabitha, shouldn’t you be at work slaving away? I know for a fact that your calendar is quite full today.” He sat down, and a large plate of food was brought to him. It looked like eggs and bacon. “Ah yes. The most important meal of the day. Breakfast.”

  “It’s nearly noon now, Shep. Why did you tell me that Miss Tillman didn’t give you notice?” Shep waved his father off, and she thought that was the end of it. But Mr. Anderson looked at the stranger then. “I didn’t catch your name.”

  Instead of giving him what he wanted, the man handed him a letter. There was a file set before the man, but he didn’t do anything more than shove it in her direction. Taking it, she opened it to the first page and saw Shep’s picture there. She was going through the file when the young woman that had come with Stranger man sat down beside her. Leaning in, she whispered in her ear.

  “I’m to help you.” She asked her what with. “Your dealings with the younger Anderson. We know that Sheppard Anderson the fourth has been taking advantage of you in different ways. Sexually harassing you by cornering you in parts of the buildings. Also, in business dealings in which you’ve taken over most of the daily running of the plant. My boss there said you should be running the entire thing and would be if he had anything to do about it.”

  They spoke quietly while the older couple read the letter that had been in the envelope the young woman’s boss had turned over to them. Shep reached for the file Tabby was going over. She didn’t see the stranger move. Not only was Shep on the floor, but he had his arm pulled up behind his back with his thumb pulled up tightly to his wrist.

  “Did she say you could touch her things?” Shep started cursing the moment the man spoke. “No, she didn’t, in the event you were going to say something differently. Those are her things that she was given. At no time did anyone say you could look at it.”

  “Who the fuck are you? And why the hell are you in my house?” Mr. Anderson said it was his house until he said differently. “Whatever. What the hell is he doing in your house then?”

  “Shep, I’d like for you to meet your nephew, Caleb Anderson.” Mr. Anderson started to cry a little. “You look so much like her that it hurts my heart a little for all the things we did and have lamented for years.”

  Mrs. Anderson stood up, but when she went to Caleb, he backed away from her as she approached him. Putting her hand to her mouth, she nodded only once before speaking to him.

  “I deserve that. And so much more. But I do hope you’ll give us a chance now that you’re here. We made a great many mistakes with Abby. So many I’m sure she didn’t tell you about.” He said she’d told him only they were her parents, and they’d tossed her aside when she was going to have him. “I would have thought that— No. Not Abby. She’d not do that no matter how we treated her. No, I can see her only telling you what you needed to know.”

  “She asked me to come here and to hand you this letter.” He finally let go of Shep. The older man stood, but Caleb towered over him. Shep backed away. “I’ve some information on your son as well that I think you need—”

  “They know all about my shit, little nephew. So, my sister went and kept you. Biggest mistake she’s ever made, I would imagine.” Shep looked Caleb up and down before he snorted. “Not much to you, is there?”

  Had she not been looking at both men, she would have missed it. Caleb’s fist connected with Shep’s chin in a hard quick blow that had the older man falling to the floor, breaking a chair as well as hitting his head on the broken dish that had been in his hand. Tabby started laughing hard enough to draw unwanted attention to herself.

  “I have wanted to do that for the last few months. Your son, I’m sorry to tell you, is a fucking asshole.” She stood up when Kylie did. “I’m going to get my last check that he threatened to hold from me, as well as all my vacation time that I couldn’t take because he never showed up at the office.”

  “Yes, of course, you will.” Startled, Tabby looked at Mr. Anderson. “I’ve seen enough over the last few hours that I’m sure we can figure something out. Also, if you’d not
quit just yet, young lady, I’d like to speak to you.” Tabby sat back down, feeling like a yo-yo when Kylie did the same thing. “Shep, I’d like a few words with you. Abby has pointed out a few things in her letter that I think you have been up to without regard to how it affects everyone around you.”

  Tabby didn’t care for all this. She had things she had to do. Like finding herself a job. Even if she had to take a pay cut with the next one, she’d be ahead since she’d never been paid overtime—even when it was promised—nor had she gotten paid for the number of real hours she had put in. She looked over at Kylie when she said her name quietly.

  “If he offers you the job, would you take it?” She asked her what job she was talking about. “The one you’ve been doing all along. Running the business that Shep has pretty much abandoned. He will offer it to you. He’s seen the work you’ve done. That was given to him earlier this morning. I faxed it to him when I knew you were here.”

  “How did you know I was going to be here when I didn’t?” Kylie told her. “I see. So, my nosey neighbors told you what was going on. There are days when they know more about my life than I think I do. You came here to help me out of this mess. Why?”

  “Mr. Anderson—since you know his name now, I can refer to him that way—had been reading over the paperwork that my grandfather had given him while we drove here. He said that you were getting a bum deal out of this and asked me if I’d like to have a chance to help you out.” Tabby asked her why she’d taken her on. “Caleb is a good man, Tabby. His mom was a great woman who taught her son that to not help would be the same as being the cause of a situation. Me helping you is making sure that things are done properly for not just you in this case, but the other twenty or so women and some men that Shep has been abusing with the same thing you’ve experienced. The nonpayment of overtime is a biggy.”