Deadly Deception

Chapter 17



The sea of burnt oranges, golden yellows and fiery reds swept across the Riverfront District. Autumn crept into the city along with its nippy winds that tickled the vibrant leaves. The mid-afternoon sun felt welcoming on Anne’s face as she let the fresh fall air enter her lungs. She had two of her smaller windows open just enough to let the breeze freshen the stale office space.

“Anne, what the hell are you doing?”

Anne exhaled deeply, turning to look at her best friend.

“I’m packing up the rest of my office, Casey.”

“I can see that but what I want to know is—why? Why are you doing this? Your life is here, with me and with Adam.”

Anne watched her lace her fingers with her own.

Six months had passed since the “incident”, as Casey called it. Anne distanced herself after leaving the private facility, claiming amnesia. But she knew that Casey thought it was a cover-up.

“You waltz in here after being absent for months and announce that you’re moving to Georgia and that you need a fresh start, and when I ask you if you’ve seen or talked to Adam, you have the audacity to ask me who I am talking about? Are you kidding me, Anne? And now your m—“

“Stop Casey, you don’t understand so please, drop it. I have to go,” she replied sternly.

Anne pulled her hands away and began taping up the last box that remained in the now-empty office. Two bouncer-type men stood outside her door, still wearing their sunglasses. She held up two fingers and they nodded and walked to the front of the reception area. Anne pulled Casey close to her, stopping at the curve of her ear.

“I once read that the fastest way to succeed is to look as if you’re playing by someone else’s rules, while quietly playing by your own,” she whispered.

Backing away she gave Casey a wink, and then walked past her to the waiting entourage.

“Anne?”

She heard Casey call out to her but she was already out the door.

Her stilettos shocked the tile with an unbridled stride while she tightened the belt on her black trench coat. Once she reached the ground floor, Anne exited the large glass door to the streets of downtown. Ahead of her sat a black Lincoln Town Car; the back driver’s side door was open.

Before stepping in, she caught sight of an attractive man leaning against the brick wall across from her. His ruffled locks moved with the chilled breeze. And something pulled deep within her. Those familiar dark eyes held her gaze until a baker’s truck drove by. The man disappeared once the truck passed. Glancing up and down the dense movements of the street, she couldn’t find him. Shrugging, she placed herself gently on the leather seat, and the door was closed by one of the burly men.

“Are you ready, Mrs. Montgomery?” the driver asked, pulling away from the curb.

“Yes, Robert. I’m ready.” Anne said, her voice sounding like it contained razors.

“The jet is fueled and awaiting your arrival.”

Anne nodded while fidgeting with the large black diamond that rested heavily on her ring finger. Vengeance was awaiting her as well.