Death and Deceit Read online

  Jessie wandered into the bedroom thinking of Alan and how long it had been since she’d seen him. Every time she visited her mom it seemed that Alan had just been home or planned to visit later. He was avoiding her she knew. Would the rift between them ever mend?

  She lay in the dark, thinking. But this time it wasn’t about Alan. It was about Mike. Michael Anderson had been the one who lifted her out of the dismalness she’d settled into, when she’d first gone off to university. Her rift with Alan had been fresh then, and with settling in and making new friends Michael was just what she had needed.

  She met Mike the first week and their friendship turned to love somewhere around Christmas. She remembered how she’d cried on his shoulder that night when she’d returned from home. That night when she’d told him through tear-filled eyes that she didn’t think Alan would ever speak to her kindly again. Mike had held her in his comforting arms and told her how very much he’d missed her during Christmas break. That night, in the back seat of Mike’s old sedan, they’d first made love.

  The drone of Jessie’s big fan, sitting on top of her dresser and shooting hot air directly in her face, brought her back to the present. It was a stifling hot night, just like this one, when Mike informed her that he had found someone new. After three years he’d said he was sorry, but it was time to move on. Mike and his new girl got married she’d heard. Jessie made her statement to the world by chopping off her hair. That was it. That was all she’d ever done. She never told her mother or anyone else how she’d hurt. How her stomach remained in knots most of the time, and food was something she had come to detest. She lost a lot of weight that summer. That was when she took up aerobics.

  The routine of the classes and instruction saved her sanity. Were all men like Mike and Alan? Were they all heartless? Alan, she could and would forgive, if given the opportunity. Mike was something different. She could never forgive or forget what he’d put her through. She turned on her side away from the fan and felt the fresh, hot tears on her cheeks.

  ****

  Saturday turned out to be even hotter than Friday had. After two classes in the morning, Jessie was ready for some relaxation. She returned to her apartment and glanced around at the mess. The computer boxes were still stashed in a corner of the living room. Dishes for two days were stacked in the sink. She wasn’t usually so messy. After work and dinner she usually tidied up the kitchen, and sometimes she even baked something. But the last couple of nights she couldn’t wait to get online and chat with Gary. Even though he intimidated her some, she kept going back for more. She cursed herself for being so needy. She and Liz had spent a lot of time together after they’d met at the health club, but the earth seemed to have swallowed Liz. She hadn’t heard from her since the night they’d set up the computer.

  Jessie reached for the phone and called her. After five rings she hung up. Liz’s answering machine wasn’t even on. Maybe she was home but not alone. Maybe she didn’t want to be disturbed. Sitting now on her off-white sofa, chewing at her nails, Jessie was miserably lonely. It seemed everyone had a life but her. She was drawn to the computer and soon Gary’s words flooded the screen.

  I’ve been waiting for you, Miss Jessica. Where have you been? You’ve been home for a while now, haven’t you? You shouldn’t keep Zorro waiting.

  Jessie missed the part about her being home for a while. She was caught up in the excitement of reaching him on first try. She laughed. Cut it out, Gary. We’re beyond the Zorro thing now, aren’t we?

  Just where are we, my sweet one?

  A tremor ran up her back and she smiled as she typed. Well, I’m home. And how come you are? Don’t you ever work?

  Sometimes I work at night...like a vampire. Tell me, are you ready to meet me yet? I’m anxious to meet you. I’ve been waiting all my life.

  He really was romantic Jessie assumed. But the thought of meeting him in person half thrilled her and half scared her to death. I hardly know you, Gary, or you me. That’s why I hesitate.

  I think it’s time we met. I’m dying to meet you. Don’t you want to meet me too?

  She was just about to agree that they might have a coffee at the restaurant near the end of her street, but Gary wrote again.

  There’s no need to be reluctant. I know all about you. Your last name is Albright, and you work right here in Harbourside, the same city as me. I’ve even seen you leave work, and you’re wrong, you are beautiful. You’re so hot I can’t wait to be close to you.

  Jessie gasped. It wasn’t his forwardness that got to her. But the fact that he was actually spying on her! The thought that he knew everything about her — even where she worked and what she looked like — gave her chills. His words, You’re so hot, I can’t wait to be close to you, seemed to jump off the screen.

  Jessie plunged the computer into darkness then trembled. Unable to stop her hands from shaking, she sprang from the chair and checked her door lock, then raced around the apartment making sure all the windows were locked down. She snapped her drapes closed even though she was on the forth floor. There was a fire escape stairway off her living room window, right by the computer, and even though it was broad daylight with strong sunlight forcing its way through the material of the drapes, she felt like a scared child in the dark.

  If he knew where she worked and saw her leave, what stopped him from following her home? “He knows where I am.” Her own quivering voice frightened her even more.

  Ten minutes and two glasses of wine later, she calmed down and laughed at herself. All she had to do was stay off line. Gary would find someone else to take his fancy, and she would use her computer for better things, like research and furthering her hunt for what she called, real employment, a library job with a future.

  ****

  Kent Morgan was new in town. He never figured himself for a Romeo but he’d dated seven girls since his arrival, Liz being his latest. If it hadn’t been for his record, since arriving in Harbourside, he would have already called Liz again. But he was going through women like someone with a cold going through a box of tissues. One after the other, discarding them like something no longer wanted. What was wrong with him? All of the women he’d met so far were decent, pretty women. Not one of them had turned him down. They’d hung on his every word, batted their beautiful eyes and smiled on cue. Damn. Safe, boring women. Liz, on the other hand, didn’t seem quite like the rest. But just in case, he was giving it time. Now, after five days, he was ready to see her again. On Monday he’d see her at her workplace. If he still felt the urge for her, he’d ask her out again. This time he’d be more serious. Yes, Liz was intriguing.

  Kent did a few more push ups then wiped his forehead. It was too damn hot to exercise. He rose and walked to the far end of his new apartment, turning up the air conditioning another notch. He stood in front of the blast of cool air and inhaled deeply picturing Liz. She had told him she was twenty-three, but she looked older. At five-five, he guessed her weight around one-twenty-five-one-thirty. She could lose a few pounds, she told him, but she was into aerobics and if his opinion counted, she was toned and muscled enough for him. Liz Barrows looked just right, she was one high-intensity babe.

  If he played his cards right he might soon have that little blonde right where he wanted her. He glanced through his bedroom door and frowned at his unmade bed. He’d better tidy up though before he even thought of asking a classy girl like Liz to his apartment.

  ****

  Eleven o’clock on Monday, Liz was back at the club in Jessie’s aerobic class. She loved Jessie’s choice of 70s music. The disco beat was invigorating and cheerful. It made her feel good and Jessie had so much energy she kept all the ladies in step. After Jessie’s little sermon about good health habits, Liz cooled down with the group then joined her friend.

  “That was a super workout. I feel great. And I’m losing weight.”

  “You don’t have to,” Jessie said. “You look fine now.”

  “Now,” Liz stressed, “I’m fat. Look at
you talk. Skinny Minnie.”

  Jessie laughed. “I missed you, Liz. Where have you been? I know Kent Morgan kidnapped you, right?”

  “I wish.” Liz took out her ponytail and brushed down her straight locks.

  “You mean you haven’t been dating him every night since last Thursday?” Jessie asked, while she picked up the mats. “I tried to call you Saturday and there was no answer. I thought you might be busy with Kent and didn’t wish to be disturbed.”

  Liz picked up the last mat and flung it on top of the heap of others. She closed the storeroom door and turned to Jessie with a wry grin. They walked back to the reception area and Liz finally answered Jessie’s questions. “I was shopping and went to a movie Saturday night with an old girl friend. As far as Kent goes, I hadn’t seen him at all until this morning, when he came back to the office to check out more computers. I didn’t want to sound like I’d been hanging around waiting for his call, so I just offhandedly asked what he’d been doing. He told me he’d been busy. I don’t know, Jess. I think he’s giving me the cold shoulder. What should I do now?”

  “You’re asking me? The idiot who almost got involved with a chat-line crackpot?” She then told Liz about Gary Burke.

  “My God, he does sound spooky, Jess. I mean spying on you and all. I’d stay away from him...that is the chat line.”

  “I am. I haven’t even touched the computer since Saturday.”

  “So, what have you been doing then?”

  “Reading. Thinking about my brother. I gave Mom a call yesterday, and she said she hasn’t heard from Alan for a couple of weeks.”

  “Is that usual?”

  Jessie shrugged. “I think he calls her pretty regularly. They’ve always been close. But Mom sounded worried...or maybe just lonely. She’s not been the same since Dad passed.”

  “Hasn’t that been awhile?”

  “Three years and three weeks ago.”

  Since Jessie seemed to be fading into a depressed moment, Liz changed the subject. “Are you coming to lunch?”

  “I can’t. I brought a sandwich. We’re short staffed today and I’m on the desk again for the next hour. But, you know, I don’t feel so intimidated by the computer anymore. I guess having one of my own helps, even though I’m scared to death to turn it on again.”

  “That’s crazy, Jess. Stay away from the chat lines. I wish I’d never introduced you to them.”

  Jessie waved her hand. “Ah, forget it. It was my own stupidity getting involved with Gary Burke. Look, we’ll lunch tomorrow for sure, okay?”

  “Sure. No problem. Maybe I’ll see Kent at the restaurant. Half the office eats there you know.” Liz waved at Jessie, who was seated at the reception desk, then left the building.

  The street was crowded with noon-time pedestrians and curious tourists who sauntered leisurely down the narrow sidewalk. Impatiently, Liz shouldered her way forward and moved briskly towards the Green Parrot. Her breath caught when she eyed Kent opening the restaurant door. But who was that redhead smiling at him?

  CHAPTER TWO

  On Tuesday, Jessie stopped by the computer shop for some disks. Racing to meet with Liz for lunch, she hurried outside and hardly saw the person entering the door until they’d collided, and she was sprawled on the sidewalk.

  Two strong arms pulled her up and Jessie apologized, “I didn’t see you. I’m sorry.”

  “No. I was daydreaming. Did I hurt you?” he asked.

  Those blue eyes melted into her, and she couldn’t have told him even if she could have spoken, whether she was hurt or not. Because at that moment all she was feeling was a warm, pleasantness like one gets when slipping into a hot, fragrant tub.

  He took her arm and assisted her walking along the sidewalk until they found a bench beside a hardware store. He sat her down gently, and Jessie finally found her voice.

  “I’m fine,” she said, keeping her eyes averted lest she should once again look into his eyes and lose her voice again.

  “You sure?”

  “Oh, yes. Just a little embarrassed. I should have looked where I was going.” She gave him a quick sideways glance and caught his smile, that brilliant, gleaming smile that again took her breath away. He was tall, real tall, wearing a collarless white shirt and dark trousers. The wind fingered through his dirty-blond hair leaving it unkempt and appealing. His eyes were really quite hypnotic and fascinating. They crinkled merrily in the blinding sun. All in all he was incredibly handsome, most perfectly put together.

  For a brief moment he seemed speechless too then the smile wavered. “I’m glad you’re okay,” he said earnestly. He hesitated again then continued quickly, “I’d better get going. I’m late for an appointment.” And he was gone.

  Jessie rose, shook her head at her stupidity and carelessness. She was late also. She hurried towards the Green Parrot restaurant.

  Liz waved to her from a small corner table. Jessie brushed at her hair and smoothed down her white, cotton pants. She reached the table and sank into a chair. “I’m sorry I’m late, I—”

  “Doesn’t matter,” Liz interrupted. “I had nothing better to do than wait.”

  Jessie draped her purse strap across the chair back and sighed. “What’s wrong, Liz? Is it Kent? What happened yesterday? Didn’t he ask you out or anything?”

  “That’s just it, Jessie. He really flirted with me all afternoon. I was almost positive he was going to ask me out before he left. But...” She hunched her shoulders and drew in a long breath then exhaled, her shoulders drooping as she hung over the table.

  Jessie looked at her defeated friend wishing she knew the right words to cheer her. “I’m sorry, Liz. But, hey, you don’t need a spoiler. I’ll bet within a week you’ll find someone better than Kent Morgan. He’s the loser if he doesn’t date a great person like you.”

  Suddenly Liz brightened. She gave Jessie a broad smile. “You’re right. I’m not mooning over him anymore. I’m moving on.”

  They ordered lunch and the waitress filled their cups with coffee before she left with the order. Liz picked up her cup and had it almost to her lips then dropped it quickly, spilling some into the saucer. Jessie looked up from her cup, but Liz’s eyes were trained across the room. “It’s Kent,” she said breathlessly.

  She caught Kent’s eye and waved at him, beaconing him over.

  Jessie thought of her friend. So much for moving on.

  When Kent reached their table, Liz excitedly announced, “Jessie, this is Kent Morgan. Kent, my good friend, Jessie Albright.”

  Jessie looked up at the standing stranger, right into those same blue eyes that once again warmed her from head to toe.

  “It’s you,” they said in unison and both of them laughed.

  Liz looked on, not entirely amused. “You two know each other?”

  Kent drew back a chair and sat while Jessie explained to Liz. “We don’t. But we’ve met, rather harshly.” She giggled.

  Liz fidgeted on her chair, her face drawn down in a suspicious curl.

  “We collided,” Kent said, looking over at Liz but not noticing her uneasiness. “I was going in a store and she was coming out.” He then turned his eyes on Jessie again. “I never did get in that store. I forgot what I was doing there.”

  Jessie laughed again, nervously.

  Somewhat relieved, Liz began her flirtation again with Kent. But all her eye batting and hand touching couldn’t jar him. He was absolutely enthralled by Jessie. He laid his hand over hers and she didn’t draw back. “Meeting twice in one day must mean something,” he said, gazing into her eyes.

  “You think it’s fate?” Jessie questioned.

  “It’s gotta be,” he said. Then he seemed to realize where he was and he pulled back and looked at Liz. “I’ve left my lunch guest and she’s a client,” he said. Then turning back to Jessie he asked, “Could we have lunch here tomorrow?”

  Jessie replied quickly. “Okay. I’ll meet you here.”

  He touched her hand again lightly and rose from t
he table. Halfway across the room he turned around and smiled at her.

  “What the hell was that?” Liz griped. “That was my boyfriend.” She stared darts into Jessie’s eyes.

  Jessie pulled back from her and looked sheepish. “I’m sorry, Liz. I shouldn’t have. I’ll tell him I can’t. I don’t know what came over me. I almost didn’t notice you were at the table.”

  “I could see that. You two acted like you were the only people on the planet. What’s going on?”

  Jessie lifted her coffee cup and sipped lightly, while Liz dabbed at her saucer with a napkin cleaning up the mess she’d made when she’d first noticed Kent.

  “I said I was sorry. I had no right to accept. You’re my friend. I won’t let a guy come between us...even if he is—”

  “I’ll tell you what he is. He’s a major flirt. Don’t tell me that’s a client.” Liz’s eyes burned into the face of the long-haired redhead who was casually smiling at Kent, batting eyelashes that could be seen clear across the room.

  Jessie turned to stare at the pair. At that precise moment Kent gazed around at her. Their eyes locked and she went speechless. Then suddenly gaining strength she faced Liz. “You only had one date, didn’t you? That hardly qualifies him as a boyfriend.”

  Liz looked hurt. “Are you saying you want to date him?”

  “I’m saying, Liz, that he asked me to lunch right in front of you. What does that tell you?”