The Legacy of Adam Kingston

Chapter One

It was springtime on the east coast. The early morning air gave promise to a beautiful day. Megan stood for a moment before continuing her stroll along the endless private beach. She stared out over the ocean as the fog retreated further from shore. In the distance she could still hear the roar of the lighthouse giving warning to the sailors, laboring in the vast thickness of the early hour fog.

The waves rolled with force, slapping against the rocks on the shore, leaving behind a cool mist as they made their way back to the ocean, just to repeat their show of superiority against the defenseless land that laid before her. Everything around her smelled fresh and innocent as the dawning of a new day was creeping over the horizon.

From time to time she stopped to examine stones and shells that had been cast ashore from the aggressive waters. She picked up one stone that was deep purple. The colors were romantic and yet as harsh as the ocean, she thought as she squeezed the stone in the palm of her hand and placed it in the pocket of her jeans for safe keeping.

Magan couldn’t remember when she had been so content. After her grandmother died she moved to the coast of Maine, leaving behind the farm and country life. She wanted to be with people and enjoy the activity around her to the fullest. Memories flooded her mind as she thought of how hard and diligent her grandmother worked all her years to make sure Megan had every opportunity available for an education.

She became interested in real estate after taking over the selling format of the farm. She landed an excellent job with a very well known firm in Portland. Mr. Simpson had been extremely kind to her and made every effort to teach her the skills he had acquired throughout his career. Now the owner of his own firm, he worked with patience, making her job a refreshing, exciting experience.

Lost in her thought, Megan didn’t realize she had walked further than usual, until she felt a sudden presence telling her she wasn’t alone. With a startled movement she turned and found a tall stranger keeping in step with her.

It’s rather chilly this morning don’t you think?

Megan didn’t answer right away, she just looked up at the handsome profile of this proud standing stranger. Yes, yes, it does seem to be chillier than usual. she said with a nervous smile. "In fact I think I have walked further than I should have, so I best turn around here and get back before they send the troops out looking for me.

His quiet voice stopped her.

I was hoping I could share your company for awhile. I’ve been watching you just looking out over the waves and you seem in very deep thought. Maybe you could use someone to talk to? Here, take my sweater, it will keep you warm while we walk.

Megan stood still as he draped his sweater over her shoulders. I wouldn’t want you to catch a cold. I would lose my walking companion before I even got to know you.

Thank you, I don’t usually walk this far. I guess I was kind of lost in the in the waves this morning. she confessed, trying desperately to tidy her long blond hair that was blowing freely in the morning breeze.

Well if something is bothering you maybe I can help. I hear sometimes it’s better to talk to a stranger than to someone you know.

I don’t have anything bothering me. I was just thinking how very lucky I am to be here and have the type of job I enjoy and really love. I have this account to land and I’m nervous, excited, thrilled to have the opportunity. I have faith in my ability, I trust it will go well.

I like that in a person. I like to hear self confidence, especially when I’m working with them. It gives me the feeling they know what they are doing and in my line of work that is vitally important. he said looking over at her.

Are you walking the beach this morning because something is bothering you? Megan asked looking up at him. If so, I’m a good listener."

Like yourself, I walk to reflect, sort out problems, make decisions and simply enjoy the time of solitude.

And I have intruded on that and I do apologize.

Not at all, I invited you to walk with me remember? What is your name anyway?

Megan Stewart. I live about a mile back.

That’s a name I shall remember. he said turning them around so they were both headed back towards Megan’s part of the beach.

Okay, I’ve told you mine, now what’s yours? she asked with a smile as she noticed his hand folding firmly around hers as they kept in step.

My name is Adam, Adam Kingston.

Megan stopped dead in her tracks. She quickly pulled her hand from his and felt embarrassed, wishing she could disappear into the morning fog.

I don’t bite. Adam said with a kind smile as he took her hand again and began to walk.

Mr. Kingston this certainly wasn’t intentional. She was hoping he would truly see that and believe her.

Am I what you were thinking about this morning? He asked with a crooked grin.

To be totally honest with you yes. I wanted to make a good impression, but I’m afraid that idea is out the window. I must look like a soaked rat! She said trying to control her hair from blowing with the wind all over her face.

It’s my sincere pleasure to meet you Megan. I have heard an awful lot about you and I have been most anxious to make your acquaintance.

She stole a long glance at him as he continued to walk and look out over the waves somberly. She admired the serenity that surrounded him. He walked with a certain aura of a man completely in control of everything around him.

His face was tanned from the sun, his clothes showed superb taste, complimenting his masculine build. The only sign of age was a slight graying around his temples.

He looked over at Megan, aware of her surveying him. A deep heating sensation swept through her body as she quickly looked away. Adam finally broke the silence.

Why don’t you tell me about yourself Megan? How did you become employed at the Simpson Agency?

I met Mr. Simpson while I was taking classes and we seemed to get along rather nicely, and he is so good at what he does, I knew I could learn an awful lot from him.

How long have you been in the business? Adam asked staring down at her.

Only about six months, but in that time I’ve successfully completed some land transactions and a small cottage deal over on the Cape.

He laughed and squeezed her hand. I’m sure you did a fine job too.

Why are you laughing? Megan asked looking up at him as he surveyed his surroundings.

I was just thinking how refreshing it feels to talk to someone who is honest and excited about their accomplishments, unspoiled by the greed of the markets. Of course you do realize that a multi-million dollar estate is a far cry from a small cottage on the cape?

Megan stopped and looked up at him. Mr. Kingston, I assure you, I have what it takes to represent your estate. I have studied your profile and I know by heart every inch of that property you’re looking to sell, and I believe I can get the full price of what you’re asking.

And just what would a young lady as ambitious as you do with such a commission as I am willing to pay for the sale?

Well to tell you the truth, I haven’t thought about the money half as much as I’ve thought about what it would do for the agency. Of course the money would be nice and well earned, but it just isn’t as important to me as doing a good job and giving someone what they really want. And believe me Mr. Kingston, there is someone out there that would love that estate. I just have to find them. she said giving into a small shiver.

Adam didn’t reach for her hand again, instead he looked away as if in deep concentration as they walked further down the beach.

I just live up ahead. Megan said, breaking the silence that fell between them.

Megan, I find your company most interesting to say the least and very pleasurable. Would you consider having dinner with me this evening? I would like to hear some of the ideas you have on the estate, and we could get to know one another’s history and expectations.

I think I would like that. Megan answered with a wide smile.

Good, good. He said nodding. How about meeting me right here on the beach this evening, say around six-thirty?

Right here. Megan repeated. Without another word he turned and walked away from her. Megan ran up the stiars that led to the back door of the house she shared with her sister and brother-in-law. She watched the tall figure stroll into the mist, and a feeling of eager anticipation filled her as she thought of sharing an evening with the rich, famous tycoon, Adam Kingston.

She opened the sliding door to the kitchen. Lying on the table was a note written to her sister from her husband. She smiled as she read his declaration of love and promised to meet her in town later for lunch. Their devotion had grown even stronger over twelve years of marriage, and a certain envy pinched Megan’s heart. She hoped for the same kind of relationship someday.

Megan quietly worked around the kitchen, not wanting to wake Katie. With a final gulp of her coffee, she finished tidying up and headed for her bedroom to get ready for work.

Her clothes were laid out and as she began to grab her robe for the shower, she suddenly realized she was still wearing the sweater Adam had draped over her shoulders earlier on in their walk. She took it off and smelled the musk of his cologne. She closed her eyes and for an instant, she was beside him again, sharing a walk in the early dawn. Her heart fluttered at the thought of seeing him later that evening. She sighed with a smile and folded the sweater, placing it on the bed.

The sun was shining on the roads, drying them from the wetness that crept over the land during the night. Everything was coming to life with the birth of spring. Buds were hanging on the trees, just waiting for the time when they could open their leaves and show the wondrous works of Mother Nature.

The traffic became heavier, but Megan didn’t seem to mind. She felt so fortunate to have the best of two different worlds. She lived on the beach where she could have the peace and quiet she wanted, yet just a few miles away was the city where she could go for fun and shopping when she felt the impulsive urges to exercise her credit cards.

She pulled into her parking space and headed for the tall building that bore the huge sign SIMPSON AGENCY. She took the elevator to the third floor. When it opened she could see the operator was already at the switchboard receiving calls, and the sound of phones ran through the empty corridor. She smiled at the operator on the way to her office. Megan opened her door and noticed on her desk, a folder that read Kinston. She sat down and opened it noting the contract, and suggestions all laid out for her to review. Now all she had to do was win Mr. Kinston’s confidence in her and sign on the dotted line.

The estate would be exclusive with the agency and that would put Mr. Simpson in a very highly respected category with other agencies in the Portland area, in fact up and down the whole east coast. It would allow him to go after all the estates and become an exclusive agency. Megan knew that was her boss’s dream.

The day went on, and Megan found it harder and harder to keep her mind on what she was doing. The conversation with Adam that morning kept swimming through her memory. She gave a heavy sigh as she skipped right over lunch and finished up with loose ends of some smaller projects she was working on, completing everything so she wouldn’t have to concentrate on anything else but the estate, given Adam signing the contract.

Just as she was preparing to close the file, Mr. Simpson walked into her office. Well my dear, are you ready for your big day tomorrow?

I think so. I plan on doing my best Mr. Simpson.

That’s all I can ask for. Mr. Simpson said with a fatherly expression.

I met Mr. Kingston this morning. Megan said placing the file beside her purse.

Was Adam here? he asked, wondering why he hadn’t been informed.

No. I took a walk this morning and went further than usual. He was also taking a walk.

Did you know it was Adam Kingston?

No, not until he introduced himself, but he certainly didn’t seem as shocked to meet me as I was meeting him.

It’s not unusual for a client to ask for a profile of the agent, especially when there is a lot of money involved. And you will be communicating with him on a regular basis.

He asked me to have dinner with him this evening.

That’s wonderful my dear! What am I saying that isn’t wonderful. I don’t want my agent to get cornered or wined and dined into an entrapment, not that I’m saying Adam would do such a thing, but he’s a business man and a damn good one.

And just what kind of entrapment are we talking about here? Megan asked with a scowl on her face.

Well I don’t want him to think he can manipulate the contract, or… . or well I think business should be conducted right here at the office, and not over a bottle of wine.

Mr. Simpson, in case you have forgotten, I’m a woman, not a child, and I do a pretty good job taking care of myself. So don’t you worry about expensive wine and the contract or anything else. I will see you in the morning as usual! Megan finished as she picked up her file and purse and headed for the elevator.

Pulling into the drive, Megan raced toward the house. Katie and Bill had gone out for the evening, that gave Megan privacy and time to shower and get ready without having to answer a hundred questions. She ran upstairs and to the shower, then she thumbed through her closet and pulled out a floral dress that would be just perfect for dinner. She stood before the mirror and examined the fit. The bodice fit just right over her full breast, the belted waist accentuated her small waist line, and the skirt laid flat over her hips. She applied her makeup with care bringing out the shade of blue in her eyes, her full lips adorned with a pink lipstick, her smooth skin needed little makeup. She brushed her long blond hair and swept it upon her head leaving then tendrils of silk falling loosely around her neck.

Satisfied with her appearance, she looked out the window and saw a figure walking towards her part of the beach. She raced down the stairs, and turned to run back to her room remembering Adam’s sweater lying across her bed. She ran back downstairs with his sweater in hand and secured the lock as she closed the door behind her.

With a deep breath she hurried towards the tall masculine man standing there smiling as she drew nearer to him. He lowered his head and kissed her softly, brushing his lips across her cheek. He put his arm around her as they headed toward his house. I was hoping all day you wouldn’t stand me up.

Why on earth would I want to stand you up?

I don’t know, I just thought maybe you would decide that I was to old to… I don’t know. he said with an impatient gesture.

I’ve been looking forward to this evening all day. Megan replied with a wide smile she hoped he would see as being very sincere. They climbed the set of stairs leading onto a patio that extended out over the beach. The house stood tall as if it was master of the land, with it’s brick and stone. Megan noticed the windows that lined the whole side of the house. She was in awe at the beauty of the whole structure as Adam opened the door for her to enter.

Let’s go into my study, shall we? He half asked half stated, taking her by the hand. They walked through the living room and into an adjoining room. Now, this was the back bone of the whole house. The commanding post. She viewed the room and its surroundings, taking inventory of the masterful contents, yet she experienced a feeling of peacefulness as she sat down on the plush leather sofa in the corner of the room. A huge desk sat in the center of the floor in front of the wide, tall windows.

Megan noticed the disarray of papers on Adam’s desk, but knew that somehow he could find anything he wanted when it was needed. Lamps shone dimly from the wall behind the sofa. They castes a dull light, easy to read by, yet relaxing. And finally, a fireplace sat in the other corner of the room next to the door. It filled the room with warmth and entertained one with dancing shadows across the ceiling, giving the room a certain mystery, yet made Megan feel totally relaxed and welcomed.

This room is so beautiful, it speaks to you! she said with honest enthusiasm. I just love it."

My Megan. Adam said laughing loudly for the first time since they met. Her heart skipped a beat as she listened to his words of endearment. You are a romantic, and I love it. He said walking over from the bar with two glasses and handing her one. I hope the house doesn’t speak to you to loudly, it would surely bore you to sleep with the life that has been led here.

I don’t believe that for a minute. You certainly appear to me to be anything but a boring person.

Well thank you for that. He said with that same warm smile. Do you mind if we dine here in the study? I thought it was private and cozy, and besides my step-son is expected in this evening, and I don’t wish to subject you to his incongruous behavior.

If this isn’t a good time I can leave Adam. I don’t want to intrude. She said setting her drink down on the table and rising from the sofa.

Sit down, you’ll do nothing of the kind. There isn’t any family here. I am the sole owner of this house Megan. So relax, you’re not intruding. He said as if reading her mind about his marital status." Now that we have that taken care of, let’s get down to some serous, yet pleasant conversation.

Tell me some more about yourself. Adam asked studying her from the other side of the room.

There isn’t much to tell. I’m just an ordinary working girl. I lead a simple life, but I enjoy every minute of it. she answered him, then looked at him just staring over at her, making her feel slightly uncomfortable.

I get the feeling you’re not hearing me. she said feeling nervousness creeping through her body, afraid that she would say something he didn’t find attractive in a woman, or a prospective agent.

I disagree with you already. I find you to be anything but ordinary, and you may live a simple life, but I don’t think your simple in style. I find you to be very beautiful and extremely fashionable.

Thank you. Megan said with a satisfied smile, yet somewhat shy and surprised with his assumption.

What brought you to the big city? he pushed for more history about her.

My parents died in a factory fire when I was thirteen. My sister was already away at college and planning to marry right after graduation. I moved in with my grandmother and helped her run the farm. When she took ill, I took over the operation, and when she died, I continued to work the place for awhile, but it wasn’t the same without her, so I decided to accept my sister’s invitation to come live with her and Bill. I sold the farm, but I didn’t want it to go to just anyone, so I involved myself with the interviewing and studying the parties that were interested in buying. When I felt comfortable I let it go.

I think your grandmother would be very proud of you.

I hope so. She was such a respected woman. I can’t remember her ever turning anyone away from her dinner table or from a warm bed she used to keep made up in the barn for the strays who passed through looking for odd jobs to carry them through from town to town.

How long as she been gone? Adam asked curious.

She passed away five years ago now. It doesn’t seem that long and then again at times it does. Does that make any sense?

"Oh, I understand fully what