The de Vere Deception (David Thorne Mysteries Book 1) by Loy Ray Clemons Page B

Council that will preserve the character of Stratford. As I have said, his recommendations carry a lot of weight. But I want to add, we also bring influence to the Council for our position. We donate money to the election campaigns of various council members and funds for capital improvements to town projects, including road and infrastructure repairs. Obviously, the Bada family—as well as Bada, Limited—is considered an important member of the community—financially as well as socially.”
                Thorne asked, “Will he be inspecting the demolition on a regular schedule?”
                Bada shrugged, “It’s assumed he will.”
                He sat motionless, staring at a file before him for a long period as if he were gathering his thoughts. “David, aside from all the machinations involved in the political aspects of this project, I want you to know something that is very important to me—and to Freddie. We are interested in finding the documents—if they exist—for scholarly purposes, but I’m also interested in the legacy of the Bada family. The castle addition, renovation and refurbishing is a large part of that legacy. I know the other members of our group; Chet Raskin, Simon Blackstone, and Lionel Kirk-Halstrom are primarily interested in finding the document for their own purposes. My interests, as well as Freddie’s, go much further.
                “Freddie sees this as an opportunity to have more than a bookstore in Stratford. I’ve indicated he will have a bookstore in the castle. But, we will eventually look to him to be the director of the research center and activities in the castle. Our family has always been good friends of Freddie—and his wife, Helena—and we want to help him as much as we can in his research—and financially.”
                The room was quiet before he continued, “I suppose I should also acquaint you with basic details about the Bada Family—and Gwen.”
     
     

Chapter 21
     
     
    During conversations, Bada paused frequently, peering thoughtfully over his folded hands. After one of these pauses he said, “I’m sure Freddie has given you background about us, as well as much of the history of the Moldar family who built this house, and also how the Bada family came to prominence. As you know, Bada, Limited has its headquarters in Birmingham, and I’m up there one or two days a week. My wife, Andrea, our children, and my sister Gwen live here, and we have a few of our elderly relations, who also occupy parts of the manor house. Our total staff varies from time. Fifteen to twenty, depending on the season.”
                Another long pause. “I suppose you’re curious about Gwen’s condition. She’s confined to the wheelchair most of the time—except for periodic therapy—and there’s always hope.”
                Thorne said, “She’s a very pleasant, friendly and attractive young woman. I enjoyed talking to her and Andrea at dinner.”
                Bada said, “She and a young friend had been romantically involved for over a year after boarding school, and were driving down to the Cotswolds. The young man was driving and they had a horrible accident. He was killed instantly. Gweneth received injuries causing paralysis in her right leg, blindness in her right eye and eventually total blindness. She was only eighteen at the time. She is now twenty-two, and requires a constant companion and nurse. I believe you’ve already met Charles, our chauffeur. There have been threats to Gwen for unknown reasons, so Charles also serves as her bodyguard. His wife Mairead serves as Gwen’s full time nurse and companion.
                “Since the accident, Gwen hasn’t had any other romantic involvements except Neville Forestal. They’ve known each other since childhood—and even with Neville’s strong opposition to our plans, they are seriously talking about