The Inheritance

The Inheritance

By Ali Vali

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2020 Ali Vali

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

The Inheritance

Augusta Tucker Delacroix is perfectly content running a successful oil field supply company until her brother and business partner, Jim Bob, dies suddenly. Things go from bad to worse when the family's lawyer introduces her to Monique, a beautiful stranger who turns out to be Jim Bob’s mistress and mother of his son. Monique wants Jim Bob's son to be a Delacroix, and Tucker steps up—it’s what family does.

Willow Vernon has never approved of her sister’s affair with a wealthy married man, but when tragedy strikes, Willow assumes care of her nephew. When Tucker demands shared custody rights, Willow’s ready to go to battle. Tucker’s the same kind of irresponsible philanderer as Jim Bob, and she’s not falling for the Delacroix charm like Monique did, no matter how tempting Tucker might be.

Family ties bring Tucker and Willow together, but they could also tear them, and any chance they have at love, apart.

Praise for Ali Vali

Double-Crossed

[I]f you’re a die-hard Ali Vali/Cain Casey fan and read every book, you’ll be incredibly happy with this one and will be thrilled to find a new series to follow in the same universe.— C-Spot Reviews

[An] action-packed mafia entertainment with a dash of romance. It’s quite good fun.—reviewer@large

"[T]here aren’t too many lesfic books like Double-Crossed and it is refreshing to see an author like Vali continue to churn out books like these. Excellent crime thriller."—Colleen Corgel, Librarian, Queens Borough Public Library

For all of us die-hard Ali Vali/Cain Casey fans, this is the beginning of a great new series…There is violence in this book, and lots of killing, but there is also romance, love, and the beginning of a great new reading adventure. I can’t wait to read more of this intriguing story.—Rainbow Reflections

Stormy Seas

Stormy Seas is one book that adventure lovers must read.—Rainbow Reflections

Answering the Call

Answering the Call is a brilliant cop-and-killer story…The crime story is tight and the love story is fantastic.—Best Lesbian Erotica

Is there anything better than a smoking hot butch woman in uniform?…If you enjoy stories with stakeouts, gun-slinging butch cops, meddling family members coupled with murder and mayhem around every corner, then this story is certainly for you.—The Lesbian Review

Lammy Finalist Calling the Dead

So many writers set stories in New Orleans, but Ali Vali’s mystery novels have the authenticity that only a real Big Easy resident could bring. Set six months after Hurricane Katrina has devastated the city, a lesbian detective is still battling demons when a body turns up behind one of the city’s famous eateries. What follows makes for a classic lesbian murder yarn.—Curve Magazine

The plot is engrossing and satisfying. A fun aspect of the book is the images of food it includes. The descriptions of sex are also delicious.—Seattle Gay News

Beauty and the Boss

The story gripped me from the first page…Vali’s writing style is lovely—it’s clean, sharp, no wasted words, and it flows beautifully as a result. Highly recommended!—Rainbow Book Reviews

Balance of Forces: Toujours Ici

"A stunning addition to the vampire legend, Balance of Forces: Toujour Ici is one that stands apart from the rest."—Bibliophilic Book Blog

Blue Skies

Vali is skilled at building sexual tension, and the sex in this novel flies as high as Berkley’s jets. Look for this fast-paced read.—Just About Write

Beneath the Waves

The premise…was brilliantly constructed…skillfully written and the imagination that went into it was fantastic…A wonderful passionate love story with a great mystery.—Inked Rainbow Reads

Second Season

The issues are realistic and center around the universal factors of love, jealousy, betrayal, and doing the right thing and are constantly woven into the fabric of the story. We rated this well written social commentary through the use of fiction our max five hearts.—Heartland Reviews

Carly’s Sound

"Carly’s Sound is a great romance, with some wonderfully hot sex, but it is more than that. It is also the tale of a woman rising from the ashes of grief and finding new love and a new life. Vali has surrounded Julia and Poppy with a cast of great supporting characters, making this an extremely satisfying read."—Just About Write

Praise for the Cain Casey Saga

The Devil’s Due

This is an enthralling, nail biting and ultra fast moving addition to the Devil series…once again Ali Vali has produced a brilliant story arc, solid character development, incomparable bad-ass women in traditionally male roles, leading both the goodies, baddies and cross-breeds.—Lesbian Reading Room

"A Night Owl Reviews Top Pick: Cain Casey is the kind of person you aspire to be even though some consider her a criminal. She’s loyal, very protective of those she loves, honorable, big on preserving her family legacy and loves her family greatly. The Devil’s Due is a book I highly recommend and well worth the wait we all suffered through. I cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out."—Night Owl Reviews

The Devil Be Damned

Ali Vali excels at creating strong, romantic characters along with her fast-paced, sophisticated plots. Her setting, New Orleans, provides just the right blend of immigrants from Mexico, South America, and Cuba, along with a city steeped in traditions.—Just About Write

Deal with the Devil

"Ali Vali has given her fans another thick, rich thriller…Deal With the Devil has wonderful love stories, great sex, and an ample supply of humor. It is an exciting, page-turning read that leaves her readers eagerly awaiting the next book in the series."—Just About Write

The Devil Unleashed

"Fast-paced action scenes, intriguing character revelations, and a refreshing approach to the romance thriller genre all make for an enjoyable reading experience in the Big Easy…The Devil Unleashed is an engrossing reading experience."—Midwest Book Review

The Devil Inside

"Not only is The Devil Inside a ripping mystery, it’s also an intimate character study."—L-Word Literature

"The Devil Inside is the first of what promises to be a very exciting series…While telling an exciting story that grips the reader, Vali has also fully fleshed out her heroes and villains. The Devil Inside is that rarity: a fascinating crime novel which includes a tender love story and leaves the reader with a cliffhanger ending."—MegaScene

"The Devil Inside by Ali Vali is an unusual, unpredictable, and thought-provoking love story that will have the reader questioning the definition of right and wrong long after she finishes the book…first time novelist Vali does not leave the reader hanging for too long, but spins a complex plot of love, conspiracy, and loss."—Just About Write

"[T]his isn’t your typical ‘Godfather-esque’ novel, oh no. The head of this crime family is not only a lesbian, but a mother to boot. Vali’s fluid writing style quickly puts the reader at ease, which makes the story and its characters equally easy to get to know and care about. When you find yourself talking out loud to the characters in a book, you know the work is polished and professional, as well as entertaining. Ever just wanted to grab a crime boss by the lapels, get in their face, and tell them to open their eyes and see what’s right in front of their eyes? If not, you will once you start turning the pages of The Devil Inside."—Family and Friends Magazine

The Inheritance

© 2020 By Ali Vali. All Rights Reserved.

ISBN 13: 978-1-63555-304-8

This Electronic Original Is Published By

Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

P.O. Box 249

Valley Falls, NY 12185

First Edition: June 2020

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

Credits

Editors: Victoria Villaseñor and Ruth Sternglantz

Production Design: Stacia Seaman

Cover Design by Sheri ( hindsightgraphics@gmail.com )

By the Author

Carly’s Sound

Second Season

Love Match

The Dragon Tree Legacy

The Romance Vote

Girls with Guns

Beneath the Waves

Beauty and the Boss

Blue Skies

Stormy Seas

The Inheritance

Call Series

Calling the Dead

Answering the Call

Forces Series

Balance of Forces: Toujours Ici

Battle of Forces: Sera Toujours

Force of Fire: Toujours a Vous

Vegas Nights

Double-Crossed

The Cain Casey Saga

The Devil Inside

The Devil Unleashed

Deal with the Devil

The Devil Be Damned

The Devil’s Orchard

The Devil’s Due

Heart of the Devil

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Radclyffe for your support and friendship along the way. I appreciate you and Sandy for all you do. Thank you also to my BSB family for being there.

Thank you to my editors Victoria Villaseñor and Ruth Sternglantz for all your hard work on this one. Vic, thanks for making me slow down and pay attention to the characters and what their journey is. Your input has taught me so much, and I’m grateful for every lesson. Ruth, thank you for bringing the project home and for your years of friendship. Thank you also to Sheri for another great cover.

Thank you to my beta readers, Cris Perez-Soria, and Lenore Benoit. You guys and your input definitely make all the difference when I need it most. You guys rock.

The experience of completing this book has brought back so many good memories, and I appreciate the opportunity to tell this story that’s so important to me. I’ll never forget him, but I wrote this one as a farewell to my big brother.

He loved closing the big deal, fishing, having a good time, his friends and family, and me. He left us way too soon, and I hope he laughs when he reads the book. I’ll miss him and never forget him, and I’ll do my best to keep him alive in the stories of the good times.

Thank you to all the readers for your continued support. Every word is written with you in mind. To C, thank you for all the adventures and those yet to come. Verdad!

For C

For My Brother

I hope you’ve found calm seas, a full glass, and endless fish

Prologue

One Year Ago

Slow yourself down, Tucker Delacroix said to her brother, Jim Bob. You’re going to snap that line, and if you do, I’m kicking your ass.

You always threaten that, Augusta, Jim Bob said, his voice strained.

He was only ten minutes into his battle with the bluefin tuna he’d hooked, and the fish had taken plenty of line as it went deep. It was their first fish of the day as they made their way out into the Gulf of Mexico to inspect their newest natural gas platform. The Stella III, named after their mother, was their fifth natural gas well, and it had just become operational ten miles out along the Louisiana–Texas border, which made for a good excuse to take a fishing trip in the middle of the week.

That’s because your impatience is legendary. When was the last time you licked your way to the center of a Tootsie Pop?

My sucking habits are none of your business, and don’t I always prove you wrong? Jim Bob chewed on the cigar that never seemed to fall out of his mouth, even when he was talking, and laughed. He was twenty years older than Tucker, but that hadn’t prevented the close bond they shared. He’d enjoyed his status as an only child until their mother had miscalculated her menopausal symptoms. From the day she was born, Jim Bob had enjoyed his big brother job of spoiling her and never left her behind if he could help it.

The fighter chair on the Pole Dancer Addict creaked as Jim Bob started reeling in in earnest, and Tucker moved them forward slowly to help tire the fish. Their jointly owned Azimut 72 flybridge yacht was named for what their grandfather had called their impressive collection of fishing rods. The seventy-two-foot power fishing vessel had been customized to their needs and they enjoyed taking it out together.

Damn. Jim Bob grunted. This is a big fucker.

Get to it, old man. Tucker used the teasing nickname even though he was only fifty-five. And try not to have a heart attack, will you? I’d never get you to the hospital in time if I have to haul that fish in by myself.

Fuck, don’t make me laugh.

Fishing and business were two things their father had taught them, but Bart only joined them on occasion now, and he’d completely retired from the business. It’d been her and Jim Bob who’d taken the Delacroix Oil and Gas Company way past where their father and grandfather had started it. They were now equal partners in a company with twenty-eight working rigs in the Gulf, one in deep water, and five natural gas wells. The best part of the job was sharing it with Jim Bob and getting to work and play with him every day. Tucker wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Let me show you how it’s done. Jim Bob brought the rod up toward his chest and reeled it in quickly before letting it come forward again.

It took two hours and both of them taking turns to get the almost three hundred pound fish on the deck. Their two permanent crew members threw it into the cooler built into the stern and iced it down. Once they reached the rig, the cooking staff would take care of cleaning the monster and preparing it for lunch.

Go take a shower, and I’ll get us underway, she said, heading back to the flybridge. There were two staterooms below equal in size, and two smaller rooms for the crew. The vessel also had two guest rooms they used when they were entertaining business associates and friends, but it was days like today with just the two of them that Tucker really enjoyed.

Thanks, since I’m sweating like a son of a bitch even though it’s colder than a witch’s tit out here. Jim Bob downed a bottle of water. I’ll relieve you when I’m done.

Remind me never to date a witch, and go shower. She made him laugh as she clipped the tip off a Cohiba, then opened up the two fourteen-hundred-horsepower engines and headed southwest.

Her satellite phone rang as she sat to light the cigar, and she smiled when she saw her assistant’s number. Syd White was a gorgeous curvy brunette with green eyes Tucker had hired after finishing a talk with the business school association at LSU. The college senior had sold herself aggressively but had refused to sleep with Tucker after a lot of flirting over dinner.

That’s what had cinched it for her. Tucker wasn’t a fan of office romances, especially since she wasn’t planning to settle down with anyone, ever. Marriage and commitment hadn’t worked out for the majority of the people she knew, so she avoided both like unseasoned crawfish served with lukewarm beer.

The place isn’t on fire, is it? She glanced at her watch, wondering what was so urgent at ten in the morning. Urgent things were the only reason Syd would ever bother her while she was on the water. It had been a lesson Tucker’s old secretary had taught Syd before she retired at seventy-nine.

Maybe I missed you terribly and wanted to hear your voice, Syd said in the teasing but somewhat sarcastic tone she’d perfected.

That could be true, but I happen to know you leave at lunch when I’m not there, so let’s hear it.

Whoever told you that is lying, Syd said, followed by a tapping that sounded like her fingernail against the receiver. "I leave at two, and it’s usually to get something for you, so don’t give me any shit about my hours."

Let’s be honest and admit the truth. We both know I work for you, and I do whatever I can not to piss off the boss.

Jefferson came by with a large package and told me to call and tell you he’s finished. He wanted me to stress that to make his life easier, you both need to make an appointment to get all this squared away before either of you drops dead. Tucker heard a door open and close, then nothing but quiet. Whatever it is, I’m putting it in the safe in your office.

He’s been after us to redo our wills and iron some stuff out, so be nice to me or I’ll cut you right out of the lifetime opportunity to fish tuna I’m leaving you.

Ha, Syd said, making Tucker pull the phone away from her ear it was so loud. I want cash or nothing, but do me a favor and don’t die anytime soon. It would take me forever to train someone new.

Yes, ma’am, I’ll do my best. The rig was in sight, and there was a supply boat moored to one of the structure’s legs, making her bleed off speed. Take my Amex card and treat yourself to a massage or something that won’t bankrupt us. It’ll loosen you up for the weekend.

You’re the best, Tucker. Syd made kissing noises into the phone. At least, that’s what Sage Beniot told me. Syd’s laugh was deep and sexy. Tell me, does she taste better with a name like Sage?

Zip it before I have no choice but to send you to sexual harassment sensitivity classes. She laughed at Syd’s ability to come up with teasing remarks usually aimed at her active social life. The latest woman in her life, Sage, had been her date to the trade show she’d attended in October, and she wasn’t overly clingy so she was still around. Occasionally.

I’ll go when Jim Bob stops chasing me around my desk.

I could probably get a group rate on you two. The crew of the supply boat waved as they pulled away, so she idled until they were clear. Enjoy your massage, darlin’, and I’ll see you on Monday.

Don’t forget, you’re expected at the Mardi Gras thing tomorrow. I had your tux cleaned, and it’ll be in your closet.

You’re too good to me, Syd.

"I am, but you deserve it for not chasing me around the desk."

I’ll remember that, but I’ve got to go before I crash the expensive boat into the even more expensive rig.

Sage’s father would be thrilled if you did either. He’d love the repair work.

I’m sure he would, but Jim Bob would never let me live it down. She hung up and skillfully tied up after the crew put the bumpers in place. Send the winch down, fellas.

What’s on the menu? one of the guys yelled down.

Tuna, which means light the pit without blowing us to hell. She went down for a quick shower and changed into jeans and a sweater. Louisiana didn’t really have much cold weather, but the wind on the water made it chilly in November.

Jim Bob was waiting when she came out, and he was looking at his phone like something was wrong. Everything okay? she asked, sliding her watch onto her wrist.

Family stuff. He put the phone in his pocket.

Those two words were code for problems, and she hated to see the fun bleed out of him. As successful as Jim Bob was in business, he was equally unsuccessful at home. His obvious misery ate away at Tucker, but she really couldn’t do anything about it. Her brother was the only one who could make the kind of changes that would solve all those problems, but he’d hung in there. For what, she wasn’t sure.

Forget about that shit for now, and let’s go enjoy your fish.

He nodded and placed his hand on her shoulder. Are you on my side, Tucker?

She pulled him in for a hug. No matter what or against who, I’ve got your back, brother—never worry about that.

* * *

Willow Vernon stood at the corner of Poydras and St. Charles in the Central Business District in New Orleans, waiting for the light to change. She’d finally finished the specs for the new pipeline they were setting up on the coast in Port Fourchon, and she was celebrating with her sister, Monique. They worked in buildings catty-corner to each other, only Monique was a paralegal for a law firm that specialized in oil field contracts and leases, and Willow worked for one of the majors, Suntrust Oil, as an engineer.

Maybe we’ll have two things to celebrate since she said she had big news. Willow spoke to herself softly as she made her way across to the InterContinental Hotel. Monique was already seated, and from first glance, Willow could tell something was off.

Hey. She leaned down and kissed Monique’s cheek and hugged her from behind. Have you been waiting long?

I just beat you, but I took the day off. You could’ve taken your time.

The new restaurant was known for oysters, but Monique had ordered a huge plate of french fries that the waiter delivered as Willow took her coat off and sat down. Now I know there’s something wrong. You never do carbs unless it’s something really bad.

She and her sister had inherited their mother’s petite frame, blondish-red hair, green eyes, and curves. The whole package made them noticeable, but the short curse—as they called their height—meant they’d both spent a lifetime dieting to prevent their curves from smoothing out into a more ball-like appearance. It was their joke that french fries were of the devil’s making and could only be enjoyed sparingly. That these had butter and Parmesan cheese on them meant there was something like an IRS audit or a colonoscopy in Monique’s future.

I don’t know if I’d describe it as really wrong—it’s more of a shock than anything else. Monique put two fries in her mouth and smiled. It didn’t reach her eyes.

You aren’t wanted by the police, are you? She took half the plate if only to save Monique the guilt of devouring two pounds of potatoes by herself. If you are, start praying they serve these in prison. They’re delicious.

Don’t get upset, okay? Monique put another fry in her mouth as if for courage.

In my experience, no good conversation ever started with that phrase. Willow exhaled, and all the great feelings of finishing her first really big project whooshed out of her with a lungful of air.

I’m pregnant, Monique said in a rush, like she was ripping a Band-Aid off a bad wound.

You’re…pregnant? she asked slowly before her coughing fit started from swallowing wrong. It took a few minutes for her wheezing to stop, and she stared at Monique through teary eyes. Tell me how that’s possible before I embarrass myself by vomiting cheesy fries on this table.

You graduated top in your class. I hope you learned a little anatomy as well as all that math.

The joke made her laugh, and she moved to sit by her sister. We talk almost every day, and not once have I heard about a date, much less a guy you’ve seen often enough to have gotten pregnant. If it was a one-night stand, I’ll still love you, but it’ll shock the hell out of me.

I’m not a nun, thank you very much. And everyone is entitled to a few secrets.

I love you, but seriously? She moved closer, not wanting to be overheard. "This isn’t the time for secrets. Unless… Oh. My. God." She said the words slowly and with plenty of emphasis.

What? Monique covered her hand and squeezed her fingers.

Please tell me it’s not Jefferson’s.

"My boss Jefferson? Monique laughed and slapped her arm. His wife would skin him if he stepped one foot out of her control. Not to mention I’d be in fear for my life. That woman is downright scary."

Um, let’s focus. She tapped her finger against Monique’s forehead. You’re going to have to tell me who, then, because I’m not playing the guessing game.

Would you hate me if I don’t tell you right away? Monique shook her head and pressed her fingers against Willow’s mouth. I need to wrap my head around this, so I need some time to process it before I can really talk about it.

Monique, I love you, but have you really thought this through? You know what the doctor said.

I’ve had my numbers under control for months, and we shouldn’t concentrate on that right now. This is happy news. It sounded as if Monique was trying to convince herself as well as Willow.

She smiled and nodded, hoping she looked calmer than she felt. It is, sweetie, but it’s not worth the risk.

I know all the risk factors, and that’s all I’ve thought about since I heard the news. Monique shook her head. It’s something I’ve always wanted, and I’m obviously capable of, but Dr. Smith’s voice keeps running through my head like some kind of broken record. It’s damn annoying.

Kate only has your best interest at heart. Are you thinking of ending the pregnancy? she asked gently.

Monique was careful and took great care of herself, but she’d been a diabetic since she’d been five, and it was a bear trying to keep her insulin levels consistent. Pregnancy was something the doctor had warned her not to try since it’d put way too much strain on her kidneys and heart. In a way, Monique had been her mother from an early age since their own mother had been ill for so long, but Willow knew having a baby was something her sister wanted to experience.

What? No. Monique grabbed more fries. I’m thinking about how I didn’t plan this, and how I’m going to work it all out. Ending the pregnancy is off the table, so drop it.

I want to go to the doctor with you. A baby is happy news, but not if it comes at the expense of your life. Monique was the only family she had left, except for a couple of aunts on her father’s side they never saw. The thought of losing her made her ill.

It’s going to be fine, so just be happy for me.

Oh, sweetie, I am. No matter what, I’m going to take care of you, and I’ll be thrilled to be an aunt. She stood and hugged her sister again. I love you, and I’ll always be here for you, but don’t expect me to shirk my responsibilities when it comes to taking care of you.

I know that, but I can’t help but be happy.

Then I’m happy for you.

Chapter One

Present Day

Do you want me to take care of it? Bubba Delacroix asked Tucker.

James Robert Delacroix Junior had graced them with his presence in the office on a Monday morning, but Tucker wasn’t an idiot. The only reason Bubba was volunteering for the assignment he’d brought to her attention was because it was in Costa Rica. He loved fishing and drinking more than anything to do with the office or any job, and Costa Rica had some of the best sport fishing in the world. It didn’t hurt that the country was as well stocked with good rum and beautiful women as its waters were with fish.

No, I don’t, but I do want to go over some of these expenses you want to be reimbursed for. She held the stack of receipts adding up to fifteen grand the accounting department had sent up for approval, considering the amount. Impressive for a quick weekend away. What the hell, Bubba?

I was entertaining clients. Whenever her nephew got defensive and couldn’t look her in the eye, it was time to start paying attention.

"Give me a list of the clients, and I’m going to follow up with their bosses. We keep this up and every fucker doing business with us will be over here looking for a good time. Because this much money adds up to a really fucking good time. She handed over a copy of all the expenses and pointed at him. If any of them are bullshit, make sure you take them out and give accounting a check."

Come on, Aunt Tucker, Bubba said, trying his best to laugh it off. You and Dad have a good time every chance you get.

Gret, she said, holding up a hand as she spoke to their comptroller Gretchen Daigle on the speakerphone.

What can I do for you, boss?

That stack of expenses, she said, taking her copies and tossing them in the trash. The move made Bubba smile and do the same with his copies. Take it out of Bubba’s pay. The whole enchilada.

You got it.

Wait the fuck up. Bubba slammed his hands on her desk. You can’t do that.

Do what? Jim Bob asked when he walked in. Their offices were across from each other with hers facing the river, and his overlooking the city.

Taking his fun weekend out of his pay. You play, you pay, she said.

Pop says that all the time, Jim Bob said, laughing. How much are we talking?

Fifteen grand and change.

For fuck’s sake, son. What the hell were you doing? Jim Bob sounded disgusted, and that only seemed to make Bubba angrier.

Jim Bob had married his college girlfriend right after graduation because she’d told him she was pregnant, and he’d done what any stand-up guy would’ve. To his surprise, Bubba hadn’t shown up until eleven months later, which meant Ivy