The Perfect Deception Read online

  “On New Year’s Eve? You think you’re going to get a flight out?”

  “If not, there are hotels nearby.”

  “Baby, don’t run off like this. We’re having a good time. I don’t want you to go.”

  “Your sister doesn’t want me to stay.”

  “Don’t worry about her. She’ll cool down.” He watched as Jessica looked around to make sure she had everything. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and lowered his voice. “I’m sorry she grabbed you, okay? I’ll get her to apologize.”

  “Right after you?”

  “Maybe you should apologize for showing your ass!”

  “You know what? Never mind. I need to get out of here.” She pulled the suitcase off the bench and headed for the door.

  “How do you expect to get to the airport?”

  “The same way I came.”

  “The car service? No. I won’t be a part of your childlike tantrum, helping you take off just because you didn’t get your way.”

  “Fine. I’ll catch a cab.”

  He beat her to the door. “Jessica, don’t do this.”

  “The only way I’ll stay is for you to stand up for me, not your sister.”

  “Fine. Later, I’ll have a conversation with her and let her know that her actions were not appreciated.”

  “No, Nathan, now. In front of the same people who saw her belittle me.”

  “They didn’t hear what was going on.”

  “You think they’re stupid and didn’t know what was up when she all but threw the cover-up at me?”

  “She didn’t throw it exactly . . . babe!”

  Jessica headed for the stairs, phone in hand. “Yes, can you connect me with a taxi company?”

  Nathan followed her downstairs and out the door, where she sat on a bench near the circular drive. “I can’t believe you’re acting like this.”

  “And I can’t believe how you’re acting.” Her call was connected. “Yes, hold one minute. Can you please give me the address here?”

  “Jessica, hang up the—”

  “Just give me the damn address!”

  Nathan rattled it off, even as he wondered where his sweet Jessica had gone and who was this witch who’d slipped into her skin. She repeated it to the operator. “You realize that you’re making a big mistake, right?”

  “Oh, I’ve made the mistake? I’m not the one who threw you under the bus.”

  “You are being completely irrational! We’re here with several other couples. You come out showing your ass. The wives start tripping and my sister asks you to go put on some damn clothes. You’ve ruined what up to now has been the perfect vacation. The fact that you don’t get it makes me wonder who I’ve been dating the past few months, and whether or not I’ve ever known you at all.”

  A nonresponsive Jessica kept her eyes glued to her phone.

  “For the last time, I’m asking you to stay. If you don’t, things won’t be the same when we return to Atlanta. We need to work out whatever this is, now.”

  This got her attention. “Are you breaking up with me?”

  “I’m asking you not to leave. I’m asking you to stop acting like a . . . to stop being so angry and come back inside. We can change out of our swimsuits and rejoin the group. I’ll apologize for both of us and all will be well. I hear they’ve organized a fabulous fireworks display for New Year’s Eve. When I view it, I’d like you to be beside me.”

  “Why don’t you go in there, pack your bags, and be beside me when I head for the airport. We can have our own special New Year’s celebration . . . just the two of us.”

  “So now you want me to leave, too?”

  “If you want us to be together to welcome the New Year.”

  “What can I say to get you to stay here with me?”

  “Nothing. I don’t want to be here.”

  “All right, then. Good-bye, Jessica.”

  She didn’t answer, just watched his retreating form—broad shoulders, straight back, strong legs—taking him away from her.

  Her pride refused to obey her heart and call him back, say she was sorry and ask him to forgive her. Instead she watched him go, as so many others had in her life, and allowed it to fuel the anger she’d need to help Sissy.

  An enraged Jessica Bolton was not a good thing. Soon, a few very specific people were going to find this out.

  CHAPTER 13

  “What the hell just happened?” Randall saw his brother-in-law returning to the beach and headed his way.

  Nathan huffed, still so angry he didn’t know what to do. “Besides Jessica showing her ass, literally and figuratively?”

  “Good Lord, man. Your girl definitely has assets . . .” Nathan gave Randall a look. “Hey, I’m just saying she looked good. But to wear that in a group setting? What in the heck was she thinking?”

  “We didn’t know about the other couples joining us and even if she had, Jessica doesn’t worry too much about other people’s opinions. Underneath her quietness is a free spirit who probably didn’t think two seconds about her outfit being a problem. What I can’t understand is why she was so stubborn about changing clothes.”

  “Sounds like you had to do some convincing.”

  “I tried. Didn’t work though.”

  “So she isn’t going to rejoin us?”

  “She left.”

  “Where’d she go? It’s New Year’s Eve. Most of the businesses are going to be closed.”

  “Not the airport.”

  Randall’s eyes widened. “She’s going home?”

  “Yes. Sherri told her to either go change or go pack.”

  “Oh man.”

  “She chose the latter.”

  “I’m sorry, Nate. I know she was angry but Sherri shouldn’t have said that. Maybe there’s still time to catch her at the airport. I’ll go with you and apologize on my wife’s behalf.”

  “Unfortunately, Sherri isn’t the only reason for her anger. She feels I sided with my sister instead of taking up for her when all I wanted was for the fight to end. If we did find her and bring her back, I can’t guarantee that another one wouldn’t break out.”

  “Wow.”

  “I’m going to talk with Sherri, though. Jessica told her she was overreacting and while I didn’t cosign at the time, I think she’s right. She shouldn’t have approached her with so much attitude.”

  “Well, that’s probably because of the way one of the wives reacted after seeing her husband’s response. He looked at your woman and licked his lips like she was a pork chop. Ha!”

  Nate gave Randall a sober stare.

  “Yeah, his wife didn’t find anything funny, either. When they get home, I bet she and the mister are going to have a conversation.”

  “I’m sorry about all this, Ran.”

  Randall slapped him on the back. “Don’t worry about it. I spiked the fruit punch, so everyone will be feeling better in no time. Come on. Let’s get back to the company.”

  Nathan hung out with the couples but his heart wasn’t in it. His head either, for that matter. He was still trying to wrap his mind around why Jessica went off the way she did. Sherri could have approached her differently, but two wrongs didn’t make a right. And in Nathan’s opinion, Jessica’s leaving him was just as bad or worse than his sister’s actions. By the time he put on a casual white linen suit for the New Year’s Eve bash, he was not in the party mood.

  He was the only one. When he arrived with Sherri and Randall, the party was in full swing. His normally conservative brother-in-law had gotten island fever, sporting a colorful shirt with a casual suit. Almost immediately, they spotted the neighbors who’d earlier joined them on the beach. Nathan said hello and continued to the bar. To get through tonight, he’d need help.

  He found an empty bar stool and waited for the busy bartender. Jessica would have loved this atmosphere. The music was thumping. The place was crowded. Handsome men and beautiful women abounded. The main woman he wished was in the room, however, was not
there. He put an elbow on the bar and rubbed his brow in weary frustration.

  A soothing voice with a lovely, lilting accent drifted into his ear. “The night is too festive for sad faces.”

  Slowly, he lifted his head and turned toward the sound. The woman was as pleasing as her voice: tall, slender, with creamy skin and big brown eyes. Clunky, colorful jewelry graced her neck and wrists. Nathan imagined she’d been poured into the halter-style white maxi she wore.

  “Who says I’m sad?”

  She slid into the seat next to him. “Are you telling me you’re not?”

  “No, I’m not.”

  The bartender reached them, rapidly toweling down the bar. “What can I get you?”

  “Double shot of Hennessy,” Nathan said. “Water back, lots of ice.”

  Her laughter was lyrical. “Not much?” She spoke to the bartender. “I’ll have a Goombay Smash . . . light on the rum.”

  The bartender nodded and left.

  “What’s that?”

  “A Goombay Smash? Some call it the official drink of the Bahamas, though that’s mainly tourist talk. Henry makes his with rum, of course, an apricot liqueur, coconut, and pineapple. Goombay is a goatskin-covered drum. It is also a type of music native to our country, similar to calypso.”

  “Rum and liqueur in the same drink? What memory are you drowning?”

  “Oh no.” She waved perfectly manicured fingers boasting fire-engine-red polish. “My life is good and filled with blessings. I’m drinking to celebrate the coming of a brand-new year!” Her exuberance lifted Nathan’s spirits. “I do believe that was a smile. The night may not be lost after all. By the way, my name is Develia Nixon. Most call me Dev.”

  He shook her extended hand. “Nice to meet you, Dev. I’m Nate Carver.”

  “It’s very nice to meet you.”

  The bartender brought their drinks. Dev held hers up. “Let’s toast to new friends and the New Year.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  They toasted.

  “So . . . what’s a handsome man like you doing drowning his sorrows at the bar on one of the most celebratory nights of the year?”

  “You’re the one who’s determined I’m sad. I told you that wasn’t the case.”

  “Perhaps, but the face I saw as I walked up told me otherwise.” She took a sip of her festive tropical drink that had been topped off with Maraschino cherries and orange slices. “Was it a fight with the missus?”

  “Why, are you a counselor?”

  “I’m a woman who doesn’t like to see a man in pain. And by your answer, I believe my instincts are correct.”

  “I’m not married.” He took a drink.

  “Did she end up being a runaway bride?”

  Another drink. “No. She just ended up running away.”

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  The band switched from island-flavored sounds to an R & B groove. “No,” he said, standing and throwing back the rest of his Hennessy. “I want to dance.”

  And that’s what they did until fireworks lit up the sky, announcing the New Year. At one a.m., Dev pulled Nathan from the club, led him to her two-seater Mercedes, and drove them to a side street near Bay Street in Nassau.

  Nathan looked around, surprised at the large crowd gathered at that hour. “What’s going on?”

  “Junkanoo!” Dev merrily shouted, reaching behind her to pull out bells, shakers, colorful beads, and a red feather boa. She leaned over and placed the beads over Nathan’s head.

  He looked down, then up at her, shrugged, and opened the car door. Within minutes they were caught up in the crowd’s celebratory atmosphere: dancing, playing their instruments, and hugging complete strangers as though lifelong friends.

  Just before dawn, Dev pulled into the circular driveway of Château Sherri. “Thank God I know this island. Your directions were horrific!” The laughter that followed showed no hard feelings existed.

  “I don’t know what the heck Jugaboo is—”

  “June. Kah. New. A Bahamian celebration.”

  “Yeah . . . right. Well, thanks to you, and Junkanoo, this night ended much better than it began.” He leaned over. His lips brushed her cheeks. “Thank you.”

  Dev eyed him for a long moment before leaning over and pressing her lips against his. “You’re welcome. Take care of yourself. She’s a lucky girl.”

  Nathan frowned. “That reminds me. You never answered my question from earlier.”

  “Which was?”

  “Why a lady as lovely as yourself was at the club alone.”

  “It is too early and too peaceful of a morning to recite such a sad tale.” She reached into her handbag and pulled out a card. “If you really want to know . . . keep in touch.”

  CHAPTER 14

  Leaving had been a mistake. Jessica had realized that about halfway to the airport, once anger receded and good sense returned. But going back had not been an option. At least that’s what she’d thought. Not with Sherri angry, Nathan upset, and Miss Elaine worried about fisticuffs. So she’d continued on to the airport, paid a king’s ransom to change the ticket, waited two hours to catch the flight, and six hours later opened the door to her home.

  Her New Year’s Eve celebration: a bottle of wine, a tasteless frozen pizza, watching the ball drop in Times Square, and staying awake until dawn wondering how her dream vacation became a nightmare. And over a swimsuit? Really?

  When she awoke, sun was streaming through the blinds. She threw her arm over her eyes, not ready for the day. Minutes later, her phone rang. Hoping it was Nathan, she quickly checked the caller ID. Unknown number. Jessica closed her eyes. The ringing stopped but immediately started again. She checked the missed call—same unknown number. She never answered those. But when the phone rang for a third time with the same unknown ID, she huffed, reached over and answered the call.

  “Hello?”

  “Whew, glad you finally answered.”

  “Sissy?”

  “Yes.” She laughed. “I knew you’d be surprised at not hearing the automated system.”

  “Where are you calling from?”

  “I got a cell phone.”

  “You can have cell phones there?”

  “Not legally. But I needed to be able to speak freely, without being recorded. If you’ve got enough money in here you can get just about anything you want. It also helps that I’m sleeping with one of the guards.”

  “Oh. My. Goodness.”

  “Hey, don’t knock it until you’ve gone without for months. Did you get yours?”

  “My what?”

  “Burner phone, a throwaway. I told you to get one in the last letter I wrote. Sounds like you didn’t read it.”

  “I just got home.”

  “Right, the trip. I forgot. Wait. Aren’t you back early?”

  “Uh-huh.” Said through a yawn.

  “Big party last night?”

  “Huge. A party of one.”

  “Where’s Nate?”

  “Bahamas.”

  “Then why are you home?”

  “We had a fight.”

  “About what?”

  “I don’t feel like talking about it. But what I do need is for you to explain this favor so that I understand.”

  “I will, as soon as you buy a temporary phone so we can’t be traced. Take my number and call me back.”

  An hour later, Jessica called Sissy from her new burner phone. “Okay, we’re both untraceable,” she said by way of greeting. “So help me understand what you’ve asked me to do.”

  “You read the code. I buried it in the story about—”

  “—your fake friend, Bobby, who I drove myself crazy trying to remember until I figured out this was where you’d hid the code. Of course I read it. Countless times.” The whole paragraph, but particularly the sentences that contained the message within the message, were burned into her memory.

  . . . remember when I had to help our skittish neighbor catch and kill that snake? Re
member the one who got blamed? Bobby caught and put it on the porch, blamed me, then lied. “She put it here!” I wanted to slap him. So full of it. Didn’t matter. I adored him anyway. So hot! Can still see him sweat and get dirty playing with his cousin out behind the old coot’s yard!

  The message within the message, every sixth word:

  HELP KILL WHO PUT ME HERE SO I CAN GET OUT.

  “I got the message. I just don’t understand it. Nathan isn’t why you were arrested and are now serving time.”

  “No, but his sister is. To go after her is too obvious. I’d be the first one she blamed. An indirect infliction of punishment can sometimes hurt far worse than direct pain. Getting her dear baby brother would be just like getting her.” Sissy recounted what she’d piecemealed to Jessica through several letters, how she’d landed in prison and who was at fault. “If she’d divorced him, just walked away so Randall and I could be happy, no one would have . . . suffered.” When Jessica remained silent, Sissy continued. “I know I’m asking a lot.”

  “You’re asking me to take a life!”

  “Like they’ve taken mine! Yes, they. Don’t think for one second that when it came to me going to prison Nathan wasn’t fully on his sister’s side. I’ll make it well worth your while.”

  “There are things more important than money . . . like the freedom you so desperately want.What if I get caught and end up in prison?”

  “There’s no way that can happen! I’ve researched and analyzed this plan to the nth degree. It is foolproof. But it does require that you and Nathan be together. So whatever the reason you’re home instead of still on the island . . . you need to fix it.”

  “What if it isn’t up to me?” Her sister’s laughter only riled her further.

  “You’re a woman, little sister. When it comes to men, we can fix anything.”

  “Spoken by the expert whose actions to fix it put her behind bars.” Silence. “That wasn’t called for . . . sorry.”

  “It’s okay. I guess our not seeing each other for such a long time makes it easier for you to screw the man and befriend the woman who got me locked up.”

  “That’s hardly the case. In fact, she’s the reason I came back early.”

  “All the more reason that getting back with her brother shouldn’t be a problem.”