A Perfect Plan (A Billionaire in Disguise) Read online

  A PERFECT PLAN

  A Billionaire in Disguise

  Book 2

  By Terri Marie

  Copyright © 2012 by Terri Marie

  All rights reserved.

  This novel is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real people, dead or alive, is strictly a matter of coincidence. Places and events depicted in these pages are from the author’s imagination, or used for background.

  This book may not be copied or reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written permission from the author, excluding excerpts for review purposes.

  Cover design by:

  http://www.exclusivepublishing.com/

  Books by Terri Marie:

  The Shack, Merry and a Cat Named Cha-moan: (Children’s action and adventure written for the children in my life!).

  They believed that The Shack was abandoned, but it wasn't. They were told to never go inside of it, but they did. They believed they could run really fast, but they had no idea...

  Narrated by a thirteen year old boy, find out what happens to a group of best friends, on a magical adventure and the race of their lives. They must save their friends, their town, and all that they believe in, before everything...is gone.

  Running from Beige, The Ties That Bind Series, Book 1:

  Would you flee from the life you live in if you could?

  Connie, Suzy, and Karen did. Through their desperate attempts to reclaim themselves, the paths of these three women become intertwined. They develop a friendship and sisterhood stronger than any of them imagined.

  Refusing to let one another face any of their hardships alone, they set out together on a journey toward discovery, hope, and freedom. But what they don't expect are the heartaches, betrayals, and shattered lives that lie waiting.

  Forbidden Disclosure, A Billionaire in Disguise, Book 1:

  Francesco Giordano wants to retire and turn over his shipping empire to his only son Daniel. But the young, gorgeous, and sexy Daniel is more interested in fast cars, the family jet, and bedding women.

  When Francesco decides the best way to make his son grow up is to change his identity and move him away from his Manhattan penthouse, Daniel's world begins to rock.

  Sent to a little town in Tennessee, stripped of his family name and all access to money, Daniel finds himself on a mission to prove to his father that he can make it. If he doesn't, he risks losing the family business and billions of dollars.

  Country life isn't setting very well with the fast-paced New Yorker, until he meets the woman who stirs up every one of his senses. Katherine is beautiful, sassy, and has no intentions of hooking up with the new stranger in town. She leaves without a word. Will Daniel risk it all to find her?

  Terri Marie is currently working on Book 2 in The Ties That Bind, as well as the third book in her new romance series, A Billionaire in Disguise. She resides in Michigan with her children.

  "I love to write stories in different genres that paint you a picture, take you places you wouldn't ordinarily be able to go, and make you carry the characters in your heart and mind for years to come, just as I experienced when I created them. If a smile shines upon your face, a lesson is learned, and you wanted to sit down again and turn another page, then I am happy. If you recommend it to someone...I'm ecstatic!

  Thank you for your support and enthusiasm in my writing, and for your honest reviews. I read all my emails and if you contact me via my website, I will write back.

  If I'm not writing a book I'm busy being a mom, which is indeed my favorite part of life. More books are to come!"

  Author Terri Marie

  Look for my books at all major retailers.

  Find me on twitter:

  @authrTerriMarie

  Come join me on Facebook:

  https://www.facebook.com/terri.marie.50

  My website:

  http://terrimarie-books.com/

  A special thank you to my editor, Meredith Ciotti

  Chapter 1

  Dr. Emily Carson drove silently to her veterinary clinic in Baldwin, Colorado. The overcast skies, the light drizzle, and the rhythm of the wiper blades helped make the drive from her small apartment on the west side seem longer. Even though the death of her only surviving relative was expected, it didn't make anything easier.

  Mick Lander had already arrived and was setting up the office at Baldwin Veterinary Clinic for the busy day that lay ahead when Emily pulled up in her slightly rusting Ford Explorer. With Mick's six foot stature, auburn hair, and blue eyes, he could have easily been part of the Carson family. He had been in practice with her for a year and treated the twenty-nine-year-old like a kid sister. Mick had known Emily since she was twelve, and he was twenty when he was hired by her grandfather to help run a small trail riding business. The smiling, bubbly, and happy woman he knew so well was absent this dreary morning. He could tell she'd been crying and hadn't gotten much sleep.

  "Hey, Em. How're you holding up?"

  "I hate this. I hate all of it." Emily stifled a sob as soon as she felt Mick's arms wrap around her.

  "You didn't have to come in today."

  "Mick, I just needed one of your hugs. I have to go to Jason Montgomery's office for the reading of my grandfather's will. I didn't even know he had cancer until three months ago. Why didn't he tell me?"

  "He probably didn't want you worrying about him. Do you want me to come with you?"

  "Thank you for the offer but I'll be fine. Besides, you have to stay here at the clinic. Tomorrow's Saturday, one of our busiest days. I'll be fine, I promise."

  "Call me when you get to Clarkston, okay?"

  "I will. I'll be back as soon as I can. I have to figure out what to do with his belongings and get most of the land designated as a nature preserve. We've talked about it for years."

  "Drive safely, Em, please. And if you need my help with anything, you call me." Emily smiled and squeezed his hands. Mick hugged her one last time as she headed out the door.

  The funeral had been small for Emmitt Carson, but his closest friends attended. At least he isn't sick anymore. Watching his health fail for the last few months of his life wasn't easy for Emily. Being diagnosed with advanced leukemia at age seventy-eight gave him poor odds. Losing her grandmother to a heart attack, her parents to a house fire, and now her grandfather, left her alone in the world. Emmitt had taken care of Emily since she was ten and, in her eyes, he was the sweetest man to ever walk the earth. He always provided for her while he went without. Watching the large man dwindle away to nothing had been excruciating.

  She found the small corner law office of Jason Montgomery easily enough. Driving the hour and a half into Clarkston sucked up the last of her energy. It all comes down to this. Sitting in a chair and being given someone's worldly possessions. At least she could stay in the old house and visit the land from time to time. That was one way she could still feel close to him. Going to his grave just wasn't an option. She buried him in the family plot, another reminder that she was alone.

  Jason Montgomery's office was comfortable. He wasn't a rich man, dealing mostly with estates, but did well enough. The short, stocky man with gray hair stood up to greet Emily, softly shaking her hand.

  "It's nice to meet you, Emily. I just wish the circumstances could have been more pleasant. Once again, I'm very sorry for your loss."

  "Thank you, Mr. Montgomery."

  "Please, call me Jason. Are you ready to begin?"

  Emily nodded and then quietly sat in the soft, cushioned chair in front of Jason's desk. She took a deep breath. She hoped this wouldn't take long or cost too much money. Emily was still paying off student loans and the business loan that she and Mi
ck had taken out to start the clinic. The funeral had put a large dent in the bulk of her savings.

  "Your grandfather wanted me to give this letter to you at the time of his death. I'll leave for a few minutes so you have some privacy to read it." Jason handed her a sealed envelope that had her name scrolled on the front in her grandfather's writing.

  My dearest Emily,

  I'm sorry that my time with you had to come to an end. I want you to know that I'll always be with you and watch over you. I wish I could have helped make your life easier, financially. As my life was drawing to a close, I was more than aware that I had nothing to give.

  We had talked for years about keeping my fifty-thousand acres as a nature preserve, but I also wanted to leave you a little something to take the financial burden off your shoulders. I wish I could have paid for your education, but the small amount of money I had never gave me that opportunity. Now, in my passing, I can do that.

  I met a wonderful man who owns a large corporation called Davis Enterprises. He purchased my land and promised to keep it as a nature preserve. I'm sure you'll find the amount of money quite helpful to you.

  Please understand why I had to do this. Don't be sad over my death. I'm in a better place. With this money you'll have a new start in life and hopefully live debt free.

  I will always love you.

  Grandpa Emmitt

  Emily sat there, dumbfounded. Jason startled her when he opened the door and walked back in the room.

  "My grandfather sold the land?"

  Jason smiled and pulled the will out of the desk drawer. He began to read while Emily didn't listen.

  "Would you just like me to summarize it for you? I'll give you a copy."

  "Yes, please." Emily felt herself become nauseated.

  "Your grandfather wanted to keep your wishes in regards to the use of the land. I wasn't aware he was selling his property, or I would have stopped it. He sold the land for five million dollars, and here's the check. Davis Enterprises never put the nature preserve in the documents. After doing some research, I found out that they plan on building a large airport there and developing the rest of the property."

  "He...sold...the...land..."

  "Emily, he wanted to leave you a little something. He had the best intentions at heart. Though I wish I would have known about this transaction and had the chance to review the documents. What Davis Enterprises pulled was quite unforgivable. I don't know if you heard me, but they aren't going to make it a nature preserve."

  "Airport. They're going to build an airport on land that has been in our family for generations."

  "I'm afraid so."

  "I'll throw this check in their faces. I want our land back!" Emily stood up as her shaking hands were trying to stuff the papers back in the envelope.

  "Davis Enterprises is one of the largest real estate developers in the world. I don't think you're going to get anywhere. These documents are legal."

  "What they did was play on my grandfather's heartstrings, knowing he had a limited time to live!"

  "Emily, where are you going? I don't think it's a good idea for you to be driving while you're this distraught."

  "Distraught? I'm not distraught...I'm pissed! Send me the bill. I have a flight to catch."

  "Don't tell me you're going to New York."

  "Yes I most certainly am. They aren't getting our land."

  "I'm sorry, Emily, but they already own it."

  "I don't even have my grandfather's belongings out of the house. How dare those ruthless bastards!" Emily stormed out of the office and headed towards the airport. Airport!"

  When Emily calmed down enough, she called Mick back at the clinic.

  "Hey how are you?"

  "Mick, some real estate developer got their hands on my grandfather's land. All of it!"

  "What the hell happened?"

  "They took advantage of a dying man, that's what happened. They're going to turn it into an airport. How could someone do that?!"

  "Emily, calm down. We'll think of something. I'm sure they screwed up someplace."

  "Jason Montgomery said it was all legal. They stole that land for five million. They'll have our property over my dead body. I'll be gone a little longer than Monday. Will you be okay?"

  "Of course, Em, take as much time as you need." His heart was breaking for his friend.

  "There're heirlooms in that house! I can't believe this..."

  "Is that where you're going now?"

  "No. I'm going to fly out to New York and visit the little scumbags who stole my grandfather's property."

  "Those sharks are pretty vicious, Emily. Please be careful."

  "I'll talk to you soon, Mick." Emily hung up the phone and looked down at her clothes. She lived in jeans, t-shirts, and hiking boots. She was used to traveling to farms and treating large sick and injured animals, not busting into corporate offices. She'd have to get some clothes that told the tale of a woman who meant business.

  Emily pulled over into a parking lot and called the airport. There was a flight leaving at three that afternoon. She'd have time to get to her apartment, dig in her closet, and make her flight.

  Emily walked in the door and past her kitchen table littered with bills. Some were paid, some weren't. She dragged a suitcase out and set it on the bed. Making her flight would be easy. Finding appropriate attire, however, would not be.

  She was the owner of four nice outfits: a six-year-old white sundress, a lavender skirt and blouse from her graduation, a navy blue dress she'd worn at her grandpa's funeral, and a black suit that she purchased for ten bucks during a sidewalk sale three years ago. Out of the four, the black suit was going to have to be it. Luckily, her purse she carried every day was black.

  The hot shower felt good even though it was quick. She put her long auburn hair up so she'd look more professional and then added a hint of makeup, which made her blue eyes stand out. Everything was going good...until she had to zip up the back of her skirt. Are you kidding me?! Sucking in her gut as much as she could, Emily was barely able to get the skirt closed. She knew she put on a few pounds during college but was unaware of how much the ten pounds collected on her waistline. Could today get any worse?

  She slipped her feet in her black slingback heels, grabbed her suitcase, and struggled down the stairs to the parking lot. She hated wearing heels and avoided them at all costs. She'd just have to suffer through it. Her pantyhose were already making her feel uncomfortable. She was on a mission and was going to give Davis Enterprises something to remember her by.

  She just didn't know how true that was going to be...

  Chapter 2

  Parker Davis leaned back on the black leather sofa in his office, located on the twenty-second floor of Davis Enterprises. He kicked off his shoes, unknotted his tie, and began to rub his temples. What a long day. Just when he thought he could get a few minutes of rest, he heard his office door open and his secretary's loud voice disturb his peace.

  "Parker, the meeting starts in fifteen minutes. The rest have arrived, minus your brother."

  "He's giving the first half of the presentation, where the hell is he?"

  "I put a note on the kitchen counter this morning, reminding him to grab the file, but of course, he forgot it."

  "Rhonda, you have to help me keep that husband of yours in check."

  "Russell said to go ahead and start without him. He'll be here shortly."

  "Is coffee available?" Parker continued to rub his temples.

  "It has just a few more minutes."

  "If you weren't my sister-in-law, I'd fire you just for that." Parker winked at Rhonda.

  Russ and Parker were impossible to tell apart. They were identical twins, best friends, and schemers. Parker owned the company but Russ was second in command, having just enough callousness to get his hands on property. Parker was a king at developing land into lucrative businesses. Through both of their efforts, they'd turned the small company's worth into the billions.

&nb
sp; They both dressed in fine black suits, black ties, and stark white shirts for formal meetings. Their identity was questioned often, and it wasn't beyond the brothers to pretend to be the other. Fooling women, however, was crossing the line, and neither had ever stooped to that. When the business first began, Russ had taken to wearing a mustache. It didn't take long for the twins to realize that covering for each other was both productive and fun. Russ shaved it off and neither had any facial hair. 6' 2", olive complexion, black hair, and dark eyes had always gotten them lots of female attention. But Russ was happily married to Rhonda and adored their two young daughters. Parker, on the other hand, had women who stayed available when he felt the urge for companionship, but as far as any relationships went, he ran far and fast.

  The meeting was to start at eight. Parker had been at the office since six in the morning, and it was going to take everything he had to sit through the long meeting. Russ better get here. He looked in the mirror, ran a quick electric razor over his stubble, fixed his tie, and then headed straight for the coffee pot. Rhonda could make one heck of a pot of coffee. But nothing was going to help the situation if Russ didn't show his face. He stepped back into his office to grab his briefcase and phone his brother.

  "Russ, are you on your way?"

  "Yeah I'm in the back of a taxi, stuck in traffic. There's an accident."

  "Are you close enough to walk?" Parker was feeling the panic.

  "No, Parker, I'm not walking. Just sideline the investors with something and I'll be there as quick as I can. I would have driven myself but the Jag's in the driveway with a flat. Today couldn't go downhill much more."