Deadly Deception

Chapter 8



Ten-year-old Stella McGuire had been sedated and brought to the pediatric wing of the hospital. Her arms had been bandaged up with white gauze and an IV was running fluids into her delicate body.

Stella’s mother had been in the kitchen preparing dinner. She had just cut up the vegetables for the beef stew when she turned around and saw her petite daughter standing beside the cutting board holding the knife her mother had just used. Mrs. McGuire was paralyzed with horror and as she started to step toward her daughter she held up the knife and gouged it right into her exposed arms seven times. Mrs. McGuire received minor cuts to her hand in her attempts to retrieve the knife from Stella’s flailing hands.

“Mrs. McGuire, we need to discuss moving Stella in to a pediatric mental health facility.” Anne spoke in a low calming voice as she sat next to the grief-stricken mother in the waiting room. “She can’t go home with you. She is unstable and needs professional supervision twenty-four-seven.”

Mrs. McGuire looked up at Anne with such hopelessness. Her hair was in a matted bun, her eyes red-rimmed and swollen from the constant flow of tears and her hands wrapped in flesh-colored dressings, a constant reminder of the violence displayed by her one and only child.

“Right now, Stella needs to sleep and so do you. I’ll come back tomorrow morning before rounds and speak with her but you need to get some rest. She needs you to be strong, okay?”

Mrs. McGuire nodded in agreement.

Casey and Anne walked through the corridors that led to the main bank of elevators. It was close to midnight so the only people roaming around were the overnight medical staff.

“I’m going to have to make some phone calls tomorrow morning and find a facility close to their home that has room for a ten-year-old.”

“How sad for a single mother. Where is the father anyway?” Casey asked, fiddling with her loose hair.

“In Indiana with his brand-new shiny family.”

“I see. Let me guess, the new step-mommy is a nice perky early twenty-something year-old with a forty triple-D chest but a brain the size of my pinkie finger.” Casey held up her finger.

“You got it. Love it how they all want the newest upgrades once they hit that mid-life crisis age.”

They exited the hospital to the front parking lot. Anne texted Adam when she had arrived. He thanked her and wanted to be clear that they needed to finish their conversation. Anne desperately wanted to tell Casey about her newest revelation; she needed to confide in someone.

“Are you heading back up to the cabin?” Casey asked.

“No,” she replied, swallowing her hysterics.

Anne’s hand suddenly ceased in motion as her body kept moving forward, throwing her off balance.

“Wait one minute! Where’s your ring?”

Casey latched on to her hand like a lobster claw.

“I left it at the cabin.”

It wasn’t a lie; she had left it up there but not by accident. Casey arched her thin, manicured eyebrow.

“All right, spill it; I know something’s going on. I could tell the second you arrived.”

“It’s a really, really long story and I would rather not tell you out here.”

Anne scanned the parking lot as if she were in some covert mission.

“Wait, should I have a martini in my system first?”

Anne couldn’t help but laugh.

“Probably wouldn’t hurt.”

“Let’s go to Nicollet’s,” Casey said.

Anne agreed and they both returned to their cars to head back to downtown Minneapolis.

Nicollet’s décor was an inspired loft theme. It had an open concept with exposed brick and duct work but the furnishings were glamorous and sophisticated. Each section consisted of ivory-covered seats with a small round black wooden table and rectangular ivory sheaths that hung from the ceiling, creating a provocative partition. The ambiance was thick with conversation and excitement, even though it was nearing closing time. Anne and Casey found an empty table and sat down. A thin blonde waitress approached them.

“Two dirty martinis.” Casey had to raise her voice over the parade of laughter surrounding them. The waitress nodded and scampered over to the bar.

Casey continued. “I want all the details. Leave nothing out.”

Anne took a deep breath. “Carter is alive; he had Sam deliver the note. Adam was hired to play my doting boyfriend. Carter’s father owes a whole lot of money to a powerful and dangerous family and now they want Carter dead, again,” Anne blurted out.

In the midst of Anne’s confession the waitress brought over their martinis.

“I swear, Anne—only you.”

Anne also gulped the warm clear alcohol, letting it fill her veins. She continued with her story, reliving each moment. Her attempt to seduce her fiancé, her perfectly quiet stroll onto the deck, her once-deceased boyfriend having a Candid Camera moment—“I was joking, I haven’t been dead. Surprise honey!” Casey sat there, speechless, which was a rare occurrence.

“Oh, wait, I haven’t told you the best part yet. Adam is affiliated with the Montgomery family.”

Casey slapped her hand on the table.

“The Montgomerys! Holy shit! Both Adam and Carter are mixed up with them?”

“Apparently, Carter’s father took out a ‘loan’ with them but obviously there were more dirty dealings going on because Carter threatened to turn them all in.”

“So, Carter thought if he faked his own death then he would be in the clear?” Casey asked.

“That’s why there has to be more to it. His father showed them his death certificate but for some reason they weren’t taking the bait, so they sent Adam my way to baby-sit me. Their hope was they would be able to lure Carter out of hiding eventually, then Adam could take Carter out just like they had planned.”

Anne could feel the warmth of the gin spreading through her blood vessels, erupting just below her fair skin.

“Absolutely, there’s more to the story than that. I mean, we are talking three years in the making. Did you confront Adam about it?”

Anne stroked the base of her ring finger where the diamond once sat.

“In a roundabout way I did. Oh, and I told Carter about the baby.”

Casey choked on her drink; a cough erupted from her mouth.

“What? Wow, how’d that go?”

“I wanted to punch him the face. I’m so confused.”

Anne placed her head in her hands.

“Remind me to never go on a getaway with you.”

Casey’s attempt to get Anne to laugh was successful. Anne finished off her second martini. As the last drop hit her tongue, the overwhelming feeling of the alcohol raced through her insides.

“I want them to tell me the truth, stop sending me creepy notes and stop prowling around like a lion stalking its prey.”

“I guess, my dear, you are going to have to go get it yourself since neither one of them are up for the most upstanding citizen award. You’re going to have to play both sides of the fence until you get your answers.”

“That’s one dangerous fence to be straddling,” Anne replied.

Even though playing private detective could jeopardize everything and possibly reveal information she wasn’t quite ready to acknowledge, she had to and Casey was right. She was going to mollify both of them to get what she wanted and that was the truth.

Her entire life always seemed to be wrapped up in lies. Her mother was never forthcoming about her mental illness. When Anne figured out its severity, it was too late. Was one of these men worth saving? If the answer was yes, then which one?

***

The wee hours of Saturday morning began slinking along the city streets. A chilly seasonal wind brushed against the brick buildings and concrete skyscrapers as it howled through the exposed alley ways.

Anne unlocked the door to her apartment, which was toasty compared to the blustery conditions outside. Retrieving the two suitcases out of the hallway, she rolled them into the small alcove to the left where her desk and laptop resided. Most of the flushness from the martinis had left her but exhaustion had begun to settle in. Before Anne could flip the switch to the kitchen to illuminate her surroundings, she heard a faint voice come from the living room. Hearing only the beat of her heart, she took a slight step forward.

“Anneliese, leave it dark.”

Carter’s voice trailed through the shadowy space. A volt of shock traveled through her body.

“Jesus, Carter, how did you get in here?”

Squinting, she could see a silhouette standing by the fireplace; the sheers on the patio door placed a soft orange glow from the street lights onto Carter’s face.

“So, did you tell Casey all my dirty little secrets?” he asked, ignoring her question.

She choked on her own intake.

“Why do you assume we were talking about you?”

Even in the darkness she knew Carter was raising an eyebrow to her.

“Because you tell Casey everything,” he replied.

“She wanted to know why I wasn’t wearing my engagement ring so I explained to her my conversation with Adam, and I guess your name came up a few times.”

Only a couple of feet separated them.

“You are making this difficult. You know she can’t keep her mouth shut.”

“Listen, she isn’t going to say anything to anyone. Your precious secret is safe and don’t talk about her like that.”

“I understand that I have put you in a precarious situation and I’m sorry for that and I’m also sorry that you are in such pain. I love you so much and I’m just trying to protect you,” he said in a soothing baritone.

“I don’t need protection. I need the truth and not some construed version—the actual truth because I know there’s more going on.” Anne’s voice was beginning to tremble.

“If I tell you the truth then you will need more protection. The less you know right now the better. Please, Anneliese, you need to trust me on this,” Carter asked, sauntering toward her. “I need to touch you,” he whispered, reaching out for the curve in her neck.

His fingertips slid across her skin, running along the cotton collar. They stopped at the V of her dress hovering over the metal button. In the silence, she could hear uneven breaths and she was certain he could hear the thunder that echoed in her chest, rumbling through her ribcage. Anne shuddered while her hairs stood on end, tickling the already sensitive flesh.

Without realizing it, their bodies had molded to one another, and a familiarity shifted between their arms, chests, hips and legs. Carter’s heat seeped through their fabric, spreading a fever through their embrace. Anne laid her head in the crook of his neck, tasting his aroma that engulfed her senses. She had missed his smell.

The more their limbs explored, the more their ache grew. She craved his kisses, his embrace, and this made her a fool. In the darkness they stood feeling the fury gathering between their bodies. Restraining her desire that held tight within her was maddening; she feared all the cells in her body were going to implode at any moment.

Her moral compass was spinning out of control and before she could gain any type of willpower she was indulging herself in an all-consuming kiss. His lips formed to hers so perfectly; though it was wrong, she didn’t want to stop his strong hands from undressing her right there in the middle of her living room.

Their naked flesh crumpled to the floor as they felt each other in pure rapture. Breathing in each the fire that immersed them, panting and groans filled the still dark air. Anne remembered every stroke, every caress and every grip. They clawed into one another feeling the hunger and yearning of the past three years. They may have been thousands of miles apart but their souls had felt their unyielding passion.

“I belong here,” Carter moaned filling Anne with flourished heat.

“Yes,” she whispered.

Anne lifted herself into the frenzy, begging for it to never cease. Feeling her body surge high above the earthly lights, she allowed Carter to take her away from all the pain and confusion. The elation she felt was enough to sprout tears; they trailed down into her hairline. Carter quickly placed his lips on each damp stream, transferring them to his satin lips.

“I’ve ached for you. Can you feel my love, Anneliese?” he asked.

“I can. Please.” She gasped for air.

“Please what?”

“Please stay tonight.”

This simple request thrust Carter over the edge. Her heart called to him, pleading with him to never let her go but she knew better. She knew he would leave again. She just didn’t know when.

Draped on her sofa they remained intertwined; the only movements were their shared breaths and small touches. They laid there embracing the quiet. Anne listened to the sweet symphony of Carter’s beating heart. She smiled against his chest as she ran her fingers through the dark curls that designed his Herculean chest.

“My sweet Anneliese, you’re so beautiful. I’ve dreamt of your ivory skin draped across mine for so long.”

He ran his fingertips down the sides of her arms leaving a trail of heat behind them.

“Look what you do to me,” Anne replied.

She heard a soft chuckle echo in his throat.

“You should try to sleep, Anneliese. The sun will be up soon.”

She knew what he was trying to do. Once her eyes surrendered to the sandman he would creep out, leaving her alone once again. She tightened her arms around him, willing them to remain this way so he couldn’t move but a handful of hours later she would discover that that tactic didn’t work.

While the hush of dawn filtered through the window casting a warm glow over her body, she shifted under the blanket, feeling nothing but cold fabric. Damn him, she thought.

***

Anne was caged in on Interstate 94 heading away from St. Paul. A sea of automobiles filled any empty space that was around her. This was typical Saturday morning traffic in the Twin Cities. She was actually starting to form a foot cramp at the constant brake tapping. She had just left Stella and her mother. Anne began recalling the haunting words that came from innocent lips.

“I wanted the nightmares to go away.”

The hairs on Anne’s neck had stood straight up. Stella stared out the window and played with her blue hospital gown. She didn’t go beyond that one horrid statement and Anne didn’t want to push her luck with such a fragile little girl who had endured more than most adults. She was still looking into various mental health facilities for Mrs. McGuire but since it was the weekend, she had a feeling it wouldn’t get fully accomplished until Monday morning.

Adam had left numerous voicemails on her phone, pleading for a returned call. He didn’t specify whether he was still up at the cabin or if he had returned to the Cities. Anne could feel the guilt rise in her throat. The consequential thoughts made her insides flutter and not in a good way.

She would step into that wasps’ nest in due time but for now she was off to meet someone else, someone who could possibly shine some light on the precarious situation that Carter had shoved her into, the last person to have seen him before he disappeared—Sam Goodman.

It was amazing how easily people could be found simply by the click of a mouse. Sam had returned from Asia with a bride and a toddler. They resided in a quiet community in Woodbury. She entered Carver Lake Park which also had a pleasant beach that was full of activity during the summer months. The sun’s rays were bursting with warmth that soothed the once-hibernated public. The timber playground equipment buzzed with children of all ages while parents conversed with one another about the joyous break of the winter blues.

Perched on a nearby bench hiding behind a black baseball cap and blue hoodie was Sam. Anne walked up to him guardedly but once he saw her, he jumped up and hugged her. Quite taken back by his enthusiasm, Anne returned the gesture. His blue eyes twinkled with the early afternoon sun.

“Anne! It’s so good to see you!”

She scanned the playground.

“It’s great to see you too Sam. Are your wife and daughter here?”

“No, it’s best that I keep them out of harm’s way. I think I’ve done enough of that to last a lifetime.”

She knew exactly what he was referring to.

“Why did you do it?”

Sam’s chipper demeanor became apprehensive. A shadow etched over his fair freckled face.

“Carter helped me get my wife out of Hong Kong minus the red tape so in return I kept a close eye on you. I’m sorry, Anne, I know I should’ve told you but there are so many elements to this and he didn’t want you getting involved.”

“But you risked your family’s life for him? Who are the Montgomery's? And what is Adam’s involvement in all this?”

“Wow, you just get right to it, don’t you?”

Sam shifted uncomfortably.

“Look, whatever it is I can handle it.”

His face looked doubtful.

“No, you can’t, but I will say this: tread lightly. The Montgomery's have people everywhere and they mean business.”

Sam quickly glanced around the park.

“What about Adam?”

He covered his mouth with his hand, pretending to cough.

“He has history with Carter and his family but don’t tell him about Carter. Do you understand me? Adam’s expertise is elimination.”

The seriousness of his manner made Anne feel anxious. She knew she was walking right into a minefield.

“I need more than this, Sam.”

He shook his head in protest.

“I have to go. Take care of yourself and remember what I said.”

Sam patted the top of her hand. He smiled and walked away. She watched him get into his teal Suburban and drive out of the parking lot. Not too long after he left, she couldn’t help but notice a silver BMW with tinted windows following closely behind him. They were indeed being watched. A violated sensation swept over her body, bringing a wave of nausea to her stomach. Sprinting to a nearby plastic trash bin, she released all her distress with a large heave. The acid-laced bile burned her throat, bringing tears to her eyes. After searching for a napkin in her purse, she patted the corners of her mouth. She hurried to her car and sped out of the parking lot. It was time for her to face Adam.