by Edwin Dasso
“Let me get that cover.”
Startled, she spun, his pants still in her hand. A hand flew to her chest. “Damn. You scared me.”
He frowned. “You’re a little jumpy. Maybe I should change the movie I chose. A horror flick might not be the best choice.” He lowered the spa top then tossed her an odd stare. “I’ll take those.”
She pinched her brows together. “Take what?”
“My jeans.” He held out a hand.
Elise gazed at the pants in her hand then held them out. “Sorry. You left them on the––”
“I know where I left them.” He yanked them from her grasp and stepped aside. “After you.”
Elise walked inside.
Deke-two followed then closed the door. He hung his jeans over the stairway banister post and shot another stare toward Elise.
Feeling queasy at his abrupt response, she watched his demeanor. Did he suspect something? A surge of prickles stabbed through her body then shot into her legs and arms. She’d been as nonchalant as she could muster, but his stare raised the hairs on the back of her neck. Whoever this man was, he possessed the skill and determination to pull off one helluva scheme. His intelligence and acting ability never faltered, but intuition told Elise he questioned her behavior. “You’re so hot, Deke Madigan,” she blurted out. Perhaps that would explain her momentary stare.
He smiled but said nothing.
“Popcorn. I’m on it.” She stole into the kitchen, grabbed the popcorn, pot, and oil, mixed a batch then covered it and set her concoction on the stove. When she opened a cabinet for a bowl, she peered around the corner.
Deke sat by the fireside, scrolling through the TV guide.
Whew. She dodged a bullet…for the moment. But she still had to check his other pockets. If she couldn’t find the truck key in his jeans, the only other option was his car. After filling the bowl, she returned to the great room and set the popcorn on the coffee table then cuddled into the fake Deke. “What movie did you choose?”
“You’ll see.” He smirked and pressed Start.
Elise grabbed a handful of popcorn and tossed a few kernels into her mouth. She almost choked when the movie title, Fatal Attraction, appeared. Her body stiffened. His choice wasn’t a coincidence. Elise now realized like a game of chess, every move this man made was intentional. He might not know how much she knew, but he definitely noticed her slight hesitation when she saw the movie he chose. If she wanted to free Deke, she needed to make her move now. She might not get another chance. She scooted forward. “Great choice, hun. Before it starts, I need to run to the restroom. Be back in a minute.”
“Okay. Hurry.”
She stood, kissed him on the cheek, then strode toward the stairway. Grabbing his jeans, Elise flew up the stairs, taking two steps at a time. She rushed through the master bedroom into the bathroom then began searching his remaining pockets.
She heard him breathe before he spoke––and froze.
“Might you be searching for these?” He jingled the keys off the tip of a finger.
19
Daryl grabbed Elise’s hair and twisted, yanking her head backward. “The question is, why?” He raised a brow. He knew her mannerisms. Did she really think she could fool him? He snarled. Pity. He really believed he could pull off the switch, but her body language had changed. She suspected something. How much, he wasn’t sure––yet.
“Deke, what are you talking about?” She frowned, dropped the jeans on the floor, and twisted to face him, her head wrenched at an angle as she turned to see his face. “I don’t understand what you’re doing.”
Jasper lunged forward and clenched his mouth around Daryl’s wrist until he let go of Elise’s hair.
“Jaz!” Screaming for the dog to follow her, she shot into the bedroom, pausing briefly beside the bed. “Let’s go, Jaz.” She flew downstairs and fumbled with the door. “Jaz. Come.”
Growling, Jasper bared his teeth at Daryl, blocking him from following Elise.
“Go ahead, Elise. Run. But if you leave, you’ll never see your dog again.” Keeping Jasper’s attention on his hands, Daryl swung a foot under the animal and knocked him off balance then grabbed his collar and jerked him to the banister. “Take a look, Elise.” He yanked the dog’s collar until he yelped.
Struggling to free himself, Jaz pumped his legs, snarling and snapping his jaws as he attempted to bite Daryl.
But during his two-year preparation, Daryl had considered every possible scenario, including learning how to hold an angry dog at bay.
“Jaz.” Elise peered around the door and gasped as she saw Jasper dangling from Daryl’s outstretched hand, the dog’s collar and a fistful of hair and flesh clenched in his grip.
He laughed with a toothy grin, pleased his training worked like a charm. “See? You leave…he dies. And don’t think I’ll hesitate a second before breaking his neck.”
She entered the house and closed the door behind her. “Okay. I’m here. Now, let Jasper go.”
“Not so fast, sweet pea.” The dog’s collar twisted in his hand as he slowly descended the stairs. “Have a seat, Elise.” He hitched his chin toward the overstuffed chair in the great room.
She scowled and held her stance.
“That wasn’t a suggestion. Sit.” Again, he yanked the dog’s collar until he yelped.
“Okay. Stop hurting Jaz.” She edged sideways, her gaze locked with his, until she reached the chair then sat. “Who are you?”
He chuckled. “I’m Deke Madigan, of course.”
Again, she scowled. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are, but you are definitely not Deke Madigan.”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. What a shame, Elise. I really had high hopes for us. I think I might have even given up other women for you––at least, for a while. But you ruined that, sweet pea.”
“Don’t call me that.” She glared.
“But Deke used to call you sweet pea all the time.”
“How do you know that? How do you know everything about Deke…and more importantly, why?” She leaned back into the chair then pulled up her knees and wrapped her arms around them.
“Because he has the life I deserved. Now, it’s my turn to ask a few questions. How did you know I wasn’t Deke? I’ve watched him for years…knew everything, every little mannerism, pet names, the white roses…what gave me away?”
“You must have tailed us…but you couldn’t watch us everywhere.” She shifted her gaze back and forth between the imposter and Jasper.
Leaning against the banister, he adjusted his grasp on the dog.
Jaz wriggled, twisting and struggling to get free, but the grip on his neck held strong.
“No? Come on, Elise. I’d think, in your business, you’d at least be familiar with cameras, bugs, and basic surveillance equipment…I’ve watched Deke for two years, and when you came along, I simply added monitors and bugs to your condo and office.”
“Why? I mean…who does that?” She shuddered, a disgusted expression pinching her facial features.
“You haven’t answered my question yet. How did you know?”
“At first, I thought it was me…that I was spooked by the murder.”
“That was an accident. She saw me sneak out of your condo when I replaced a monitor. I couldn’t let her ruin my plans.”
Her eyes went wide, and she dropped her jaw. “You killed that woman?”
An icy sliver sliced down his back. Elise had just become a liability. He berated himself for slipping up and telling her he killed the woman in her condo complex. Could he kill Elise, too? Why did she have to be so curious? He glared at Elise then cracked his neck to relieve the tension stiffening his shoulders. “I told you, it was an accident. And you still didn’t answer my question.” He straightened and jerked Jasper’s collar again.
“Okay, okay. I guess I finally realized the only time I felt anxious was around you. Maybe you memorized everything about Deke, but you weren’t Deke. Your kiss, your touch, your smell,
I don’t know. You just weren’t my Deke and you never could be.”
Daryl felt his pulse throb in his neck. “Don’t you dare judge me, Elise. I doubt you’d understand my circumstances even if I laid them in front of you. You’ve gotten everything you wanted in life from your rich daddy.”
“Maybe. But Deke worked his ass off to earn a spot in the NFL. Do you really think you could step into his shoes? After a single practice, you’d be out on your ear.” She huffed.
He harrumphed. “You little bitch. Do you think I’m an idiot? I’ve spent two years preparing for this challenge to prove myself worthy of whatever position Deke attained. With every sit-up, pushup, workout and run, I had my eye on the prize. I’m ready for whatever arises…and I figure, even if I miss the mark, once that contract is signed, I could feign an injury. A one-year contract would be plenty enough money to change my life for the better.”
“And what about Deke? Do you plan on killing both of us?”
He lowered his gaze and scrunched Jasper’s neck. “I never planned to kill anyone.” Shifting his gaze to Elise, he flattened his lips. “I hoped you would find in me what Deke lacked. I treated you like a princess and gave you more attention than Deke ever did.” He paused, hoping she would agree, reconsider, and realize his intent. “What I do with Deke depends entirely on him.” Again, he waited for a reaction, but she didn’t flinch. “You know he’s still alive, don’t you? How?”
“I don’t know anything.” She adjusted in her chair as if his very presence made her antsy.
He fisted his hands. Why did women always lie? “You’re lying. That’s why you wanted my keys. You wanted to sweep in and save him. And before you answer, you might want to consider Jasper. I don’t like liars.” He edged closer to Elise, still controlling Jasper by a hand gripping his collar.
“Okay. Yes. I found Deke…in the truck.”
“When?” He squinted, the fury inside him building to a crescendo.
“I ran across the truck cab searching for Jaz.” Again, she adjusted her position.
“I’m not a cold-blooded murderer, Elise. You have no idea what motivated me to take such drastic measures. But, sadly, you know far too much to let you go free.”
“You don’t have to kill me or Deke…why don’t you just lock me in the truck with him? Jaz, too.”
“I built the compartment for only one guest, and a temporary one at that, darlin’.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Such a shame. I’ve actually grown quite fond of you…I’ll miss you, but I don’t believe for a second you’d keep my secret.”
When Jasper suddenly squirmed and yanked free, he caught Daryl off guard.
Immediately, Daryl tried to compensate and lunged for the dog but only caught air.
Jaz darted outside through the rear door.
In one fluid moment, Daryl spun and gripped Elise’s hair. He yanked downward until her head pressed tightly against the back of the chair. He sprang around and over her, clenched her wrists then yanked her to a stand.
Before he had a chance to restrain Elise, a hand wrapped around his neck and swung him off the ground and onto his back. He snapped to his feet in a fluid ricochet and lunged forward with animal-like vengeance. Recognizing his opponent as Deke, he shoved his right shoulder into Deke’s chest then twisted and landed a vicious punch into his double’s face.
Deke ducked quickly enough to escape the full force of Daryl’s fist then, twisting, he delivered a haymaker into Daryl’s stomach.
Stunned, Daryl’s stare shot daggers. He was smarter and faster than Deke. It was high time to let his rival feel the impact of his vengeance. Anger seething, he drew back, and with the blood-curdling howl of a wild beast, he plowed forward into the brawl.
The savage attacks bled together with wildly swinging fists, blow-for-blow tearing into each other with equal ferocity––until a gunshot exploded through the night.
Deke halted.
Surprised, Daryl froze, his reactive stare locked on Elise.
She stood, legs spread, with arms locked firmly, the crosshairs of a revolver pointing directly at Daryl.
Before Deke could react, Daryl spun an arm around his neck. “Drop the gun, or I’ll kill him.”
She bit the corner of her lower lip but didn’t flinch.
“You know I’ll do it, Elise.”
Deke jerked and twisted to break free, but Daryl’s arm held fast. “Shoot him,” he bellowed. “He killed Mr. Bailey.”
“Mr. Bailey?” Elise glared at Daryl. “That sweet old man wouldn’t hurt a flea. Why? Another accident?”
Daryl shrugged then scowled. “Go ahead, Elise. Shoot…but before you do, you might be interested why I went to so much trouble to live my brother’s life.”
Elise’s eyes went wide. “What are you talking about?”
“I don’t have a brother,” Deke bit out. “He’s lying. Shoot, Elise.”
Daryl laughed. “You know how I hate lies, Elise.” He tightened his grip around Deke’s neck. “Finding out I had an identical twin came as a surprise to me, too, brother dear. But the joke’s on you. If you kill me, Elise, the secret my dear brother will never know dies with me.”
20
Stunned by the unfolding drama, Elise stood firm, her revolver aiming directly at the imposter’s head.
From out of nowhere, Jasper leapt forward with open jaws and clenched Daryl’s arm, ripping it from Deke’s neck and hurling Daryl facedown onto the floor.
Deke planted a bare foot against his twin’s neck to keep him from standing then, in one fluid motion, knelt over his back, pinning the man’s shoulders to the ground. “Quick, Elise, I need a rope or something to tie his wrists.”
She lowered the gun, stuffed the barrel into the back of her jeans, and sprinted into the kitchen. Heart racing, she rummaged through the drawers but found nothing resembling a rope. She darted into the laundry room.
“Hurry, Elise. He’s bucking like a frickin’ bronco. I can’t hold him down much longer.”
“Will an extension cord work?” she called out. Without waiting for an answer, she yanked the cord from a hook and dashed toward Deke.
“Perfect.” He snatched the cord then hog-tied the man’s wrists to his ankles. “That should hold him.”
“Dang, where did you learn how to do that, Deke?” Totally impressed with his skill, she’d never seen anyone hog-tie a criminal––not even on TV.
Standing, he wiped the sweat from his brow with his forearm. “We vacationed at a dude ranch when I was fourteen or fifteen, and they offered classes. I never thought I’d use the skill, but I had a crush on the girl teaching the session.” He admired his handiwork for a beat then turned toward Elise. “We make a great team, sweet pea.”
The pet name sent a chill rippling down her arms, and she shuddered. “Would you mind changing that endearment to something else?” She hitched her chin toward the bound criminal. “Sweet pea was his favorite.”
His eyes widened, then he narrowed his brows. “Seriously? How did he know that?”
“Apparently, he has surveilled you––or us––for the last two years.” She shook her head and shoved the man’s shoulder with a foot. “Obsessed much?”
Deke clutched her arm and drew her into an embrace. “Well, he won’t be watching us from a prison cell, and I’m pretty sure that’s where he’ll be spending the rest of his life.” Let’s give him one last image to remember us by.” He kissed Elise long and hard.
The touch of his lips sent a ripple of heat throughout her entire body, and her toes curled. She squeezed him so hard her breath caught in her throat. Kissing Deke made her realize why she felt so uneasy with the imposter. He might look like Deke…even act like Deke, but he definitely was not Deke. The difference was so evident in a mere kiss.
“For God’s sake, get a room.” Daryl snapped.
When Deke pulled away, he beamed a huge smile.
Finally, able to breathe, Elise trembled. She slid her hands down his arms.
Biting on her lower lip, Elise stared. “How in the world did you escape that room in the truck?”
“I’ll explain later.” He shifted his gaze to his twin.
“There’s only one way you could have escaped. You discovered the panic button.” Daryl jerked his arms and legs, but the cord held firm. “I had a feeling that option was risky.”
“Panic button?” She pinched her brows together.
“All right.” Fingers splayed, he threw up his hands. “Before we start the barrage of questions, who are you?”
“Daryl.” His glare shot daggers. “Daryl Quinn.”
“So, Daryl Quinn, assuming you really are my twin, why not just approach me and introduce yourself? Why create this bizarre scheme?”
“Long story.” He tugged against the electric cord binding him. “And it’s a little hard to breathe like this, let alone talk.”
“Suit yourself. Elise, is your phone handy?”
She scanned the room. Seeing her cell, she dashed toward the farm table and snatched the device. “As a matter of fact, yes.” She walked toward Deke and opened the screen.
“Last chance, Daryl.”
“Okay. Okay.” Again, Daryl squirmed, but Deke’s knots only tightened.
Deke leaned against the back of the sofa and rubbed his swollen cheek then draped an arm around Elise. “I’m waiting.”
“You’ll call the police either way. Just get it over with.”
“True. But don’t you think I deserve to know the reason you stole my life?”
“You don’t deserve anything from me. Your whole life has been a cake walk. Maybe I just wanted you to see what it’s like to live in a one-room prison with no friends. At least I fed you.”
“Right.” Deke chuckled. “If you call peanut butter and honey sandwiches for a solid month food.”
Daryl scowled. “Try eating them for the first eight years of your life.”
Elise glared at Daryl. “If you’re really Deke’s twin, why doesn’t he know anything about you?” What he did to her was nothing short of…of…what the hell could she call it? Emotional torture, molestation…had the night gone the way she planned, could she tag the act rape?