by Joanne Fluke
Keith groaned again, a little louder this time. His voice was shaking with desire as he whispered in her ear, “I knew you’d remember, darling. I can tell by the way you’re touching me.”
For a moment Maura was confused. Touching him? How? And then she realized that she was caressing his neck with her left hand and running her fingers through his hair with her right.
“I love you, honey.”
His voice was low and intimate. But it wasn’t Keith saying the words that evoked a rush of pleasurable sensations that flowed through her body. It was Steve. And Maura felt a flood of desire so intense, it made her tremble, and a delicious weakness stole over her.
“Make love to me, darling.” Maura sighed and reached out to caress his shoulders. And then his back. And every part of his body she could reach, with a trembling eagerness that was completely new to her.
He moved over her then, straddling her body, and drove into her with a glad cry of passion. And Maura let her mind float free as she sighed and whimpered in pleasure. Steve was making love to her, and it was wonderful. The sensations she felt were new and familiar, both at the same time, and comforting as well as frightening in their intensity. Her body seemed to act of its own accord, welcoming him into her quivering depths. Their bodies moved as one, searching for that ultimate release.
And then there was a blinding rush of sensation that left her breathless, crying out for more. And more. And more. And then a sense of marvelous completion that drove every thought from her mind.
When she was capable of thought again, it was impossible to tell how much time had passed. She sighed and stretched, feeling more alive than she had at any time since her accident. She turned to him, to tell him how marvelous it had been. And in the dim light from the street light outside, she saw his smiling face.
Maura drew in her breath sharply, and began to tremble again. But this time it wasn’t from pleasure. The man who was holding her in his arms wasn’t the man she’d expected to see.
“What’s the matter, darling?” Keith reached out to pull her closer. And then he chuckled, thinking he understood her reaction. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You were wonderful. It was the best ever!”
Maura nodded and let him hold her. What else could she do? He was her husband and she could never let him know that every sigh, and moan, and rush of intense desire had been for Steve, not for him.
* * *
“Have you learned anything?”
The voice had the hard edge he’d come to expect, and he scowled down at the receiver. “Not yet, but it’s early. I’ll let you know when I do.”
“We don’t have forever. We want results, and we want them fast.”
He was reminded of a phrase he’d heard once, “people in hell want ice water,” but he managed to keep himself from blurting out the words. That wouldn’t be wise when they held most of the cards.
“Did you hear me? I said we want results!”
He gripped the receiver tightly, fighting for control. “It’s all up to you. If you want her taken out, I’ll do it now. But if you’re after information, you’ll give me some time. Just let me know.”
There was a long silence, and he tapped his foot nervously on the carpet. Had he blown it with his boldness? But then the voice laughed, a humorless chuckle. “Okay. We’ll play it your way. I’ll call you again tomorrow.”
He sighed as he broke the connection and placed the receiver back in its cradle. They were putting on the pressure, and so far there’d been no results.
He walked over to the counter to retrieve the drink he’d fixed himself earlier, but the ice had melted and he poured it down the drain. He mixed a fresh one and carried it over to the coffee table where a bulky scrapbook lay open to the page he’d been reading. Mounted in the center was an old newspaper article with the heading, LOCAL STUDENT WINS FOREIGN SCHOLARSHIP.
He took a sip of his drink and stared down at the picture that took up a full two columns. She was about Jan’s age, and their similarity was striking. He gazed at the picture for a moment or two, and then he began reading the article.
The winner of the prestigious Humanatis Scholarship was announced today, and Miss Maura Rawlins, a senior at San Diego State College, was awarded top honors. The Humanatis Scholarship is given to a promising young man or woman who wishes to pursue further study at a foreign university or college. The applicant must pass a proficiency test in four foreign languages, and be in the top five percent of his or her class. Miss Rawlins was nominated by professors from three different departments: mathematics, science, and foreign languages. She has been accepted at the University of Helsinki in Finland and she will fly overseas at the end of August to enroll for the fall semester.
There was a knock on the door and he shut the scrapbook, shoving it out of sight under the couch. “Hold on. I’m coming.”
“I hope not.” The voice carried through the thin, wooden door, along with an accompanying giggle. “If you come now, you don’t need me. I might as well turn around and leave.”
He was laughing as he opened the door. Whores usually didn’t have a sense of humor.
“Hi, baby!”
He smiled as he noticed her appearance. She was wearing a plaid jumper with a white blouse, and her hair was in a ponytail. It was a perfect outfit. It reminded him of the girls’ school uniforms they’d worn in his old hometown.
She grinned at him and whirled around, making the skirt flare out. Then she chomped on her gum and blew a bubble that snapped neatly. “How do I look, baby?”
“Perfect. Where did you get it?”
“From my school. It’s a real drag, but we have to wear them. You get detention if you don’t.”
He grinned and nodded. She was perfect. “You’re good, you know that?”
“Of course I’m good. That’s why your mommy pays me to babysit. I know exactly what to do with a horny little boy like you.”
He began to grin. She’d been in character since the moment she’d stepped in the door. She was really marvelous.
“It’s late and it’s past your bedtime.” She frowned at him. “Let’s go, baby. You need your bath and then we’ll put your jammies on.”
She tossed her purse in the chair, and grabbed him by the hand. “I said, come on! You have to behave yourself tonight, baby. And don’t you dare get that thing up again, after all the trouble we had the last time!”
He nodded, and followed behind her as she tugged him into the bedroom. He was almost into the fantasy. Almost, but not quite. He had time for one last clear thought before the excitement carried him away. Too bad he’d have to kill her soon. She was the best he’d ever had.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
She was watching a parade of some sort. There were tall men in fur hats with flaps over their ears, marching in a straggling formation while children cheered and waved flags. It wasn’t a military parade. It was a celebration. And then they were all in a clearing next to a wooden enclosure. Nick took her hand and pulled her through the boisterous crowd so they could see.
The animals had antlers and she asked if they were deer. Nick laughed and hugged her. He wouldn’t really expect a California girl to know, but didn’t she remember The Night Before Christmas? Reindeer? She was astounded. She’d never seen a reindeer except in pictures, and these animals were much bigger than the ones that pulled Santa’s sleigh. But why were they here? And what did reindeer have to do with the celebration?
This was something the Laps did every year, Nick told her. It was time for the reindeer races, and today was like a holiday. The men in the parade were competitors. They would harness the reindeer to a sleigh, and ride on it to the finish line.
She started at the herd of reindeer. Several big males were pawing at the frozen ground, and they had wickedly pointed antlers. Was this dangerous?
Not really. Nick laughed. The Laps had domesticated these reindeer. It would be a lot like harnessing milk cows to a wagon. The only trick was to drive them to t
he finish line without falling off. They had a few minutes to wait until the races started. Would she like a hot drink?
Maura nodded. Even though she was wearing a full-length parka, and warm boots on her feet, she was chilled. It was winter, and although the weak winter sun did its best to warm the frozen ground, the air was frigid and little clouds of puffy white steam escaped from their lips when they spoke.
A young couple was standing next to them, and Maura noticed the girl’s coat. It seemed to be handmade, with brightly colored strips of cloth sewn together like a patchwork quilt. She smiled at Maura and Maura smiled back. And then she spoke to the girl in her native language, to ask about her lovely coat.
The girl seemed proud as she told her that her mother had sewn the coat by hand. She’d taken an existing parka that was so badly worn it was almost falling apart, and she’d patched it with strips of material that she’d saved from other clothes. The girl smiled as she told Maura that it was the only coat like it in the whole village, and all the other girls envied it.
While she was talking to the girl, Nick motioned to a nearby child and gave him some coins. The boy raced off and came back in a few moments with two steaming cups. He tried to give back the change but Nick shook his head, and the boy ran off with a happy smile on his face.
Maura stared down at the reddish-colored liquid, and took a tentative sip. It was delicious and it was filled with a combination of spices, some of which she could identify. There were cardamom, clove, and ginger, with a whole stick of cinnamon. The liquid was sweet and strong and it had the taste of berries and citrus. She took another sip, larger this time, and smiled.
Nick asked if she liked it, and she nodded quickly. It was wonderful! What was it called? Reindeer blood, he told her. And she came very close to dropping the cup on the snow in shock. Reindeer blood?!
Nick laughed and reassured her. It wasn’t really reindeer blood. It was a glogg made of crushed berries, liquor, and spices, and it was similar to mulled wine. And then he leaned down to kiss her on the tip of her nose. The kiss was wet. Very wet. It felt as if he were licking her nose. Over and over, until she opened her eyes and . . .
“Cappy!” Maura laughed and reached out for the little puppy. “How did you get in here?”
And then she noticed that her door was open. Keith must have failed to close it all the way when he’d left her room.
“I guess I’d better walk you.” Maura got up and blushed as she realized she hadn’t bothered to put on her nightgown after Keith had gone. She slipped into a sweat suit, pulled her hair back into a ponytail, and smiled at Cappy. “Wait just a minute. I have to write down my latest dream.”
Maura reached out for the notebook she usually kept by her bedside, but it wasn’t there. She remembered using it in her studio to write down her last dream, but she was sure she’d carried it down with her. She could remember hurrying down the stairs, in a rush to get dressed for Keith’s arrival. But the phone had rung as she passed the table in the hallway, and she’d stopped to answer it. She must have set it down and left it there by the phone.
“Come on, Cappy. We’ll pick it up on our way down.” Maura scooped him up and carried him out into the hall. But the notebook wasn’t on the table where she’d left it. Perhaps Nita had picked it up. She’d have to remember to ask at breakfast.
* * *
Jan poked her head out the door as Maura passed by. “Good morning, Mom. I’m glad you’re up. I need your advice about something.”
“What is it?” Maura tried to hold Cappy still, but the little puppy was squirming frantically.
“What’s wrong with Cappy?” Jan frowned slightly as she noticed how Cappy was struggling.
“I think he needs to go outside. Why don’t you get dressed and join me? Bring out some coffee and we can talk on the patio.”
The moment Maura got Cappy outside, he raced for the nearest bush. When he was through, he ran back to her side and sat down, staring up at her expectantly.
“Good boy, Cappy!” Maura reached down to scratch his ears. “You’re catching on very fast. I think we’ll have you housebroken in another day or two.”
A butterfly fluttered past them, and Cappy ran off to chase it. Maura sat down on a patio chair, and gave a deep sigh. She had so much to do and so little time to do it. Somehow, she had to come up with the perfect design for the highlight of her fashion show, and she had absolutely no idea what it should be, or even how she should start.
As she sat there in the early morning sun, Maura thought about her latest dream. She remembered the coat the girl had been wearing, and she began to smile. The girl’s coat had been a parka, but the one she designed would be much lighter. It would be a cotton coat, cut along the lines of the dusters that the early automobile drivers had worn, and it would be a random patchwork design. Each coat would have the same pattern, but the material would be randomly selected so that no two would be exactly the same.
“You look happy this morning.” Jan came out, carrying a tray with two coffee cups and an insulated carafe. “I suppose that’s because Keith’s home.”
Maura reacted to the disapproving tone in Jan’s voice. This was a perfect time for Jan to get her feelings about Keith out in the open. “Isn’t it normal for a wife to be happy when her husband comes home?”
“I guess so.” Jan’s cheeks began to color, and Maura could tell she wished she hadn’t brought up the subject of Keith.
“I think we should talk about Keith.” Maura took the cup of coffee that Jan had poured for her and set it down on the glass tabletop. “I know you don’t like him. And I think you should tell me why.”
“Because I think he’s cheating on you! And I don’t want you to be hurt!” Jan couldn’t meet Maura’s eyes, and she looked down at the table instead.
Maura nodded. “Okay. Fair enough. What makes you think he’s cheating on me?”
“I told you.” Jan sighed deeply. “We’ve been over it all before.”
“You’re forgetting, Jan . . . there isn’t any before. I don’t remember anything that happened before the accident.”
“Oh, God!” Jan’s face turned pale and she looked stricken. “I forgot that you wouldn’t remember. I just thought that you were ignoring everything I told you.”
“I can’t ignore something I don’t remember. You’d better tell me again, honey. You may be right and if you are, I want to know about it.”
Maura reached out to take Jan’s hand, and Jan gave her a shaky smile. “Okay. But you got so upset the last time I told you. I don’t want that to happen again.”
“It won’t. Now spill it. I need to know everything.”
“It happened about four months ago. You were gone on a business trip, and Uncle Steve invited me to lunch. I was sitting in a booth at Marie Callender’s. That’s the place we went on Monday, remember?”
Maura nodded. “I remember. Go on.”
“Well . . . they have these high-backed booths so you can’t see the people sitting next to you. And I was just waiting, with no one to talk to, so I listened to the conversation from the booth in back of mine.”
“Okay.” Maura nodded. “Tell me what you heard.”
“I didn’t recognize their voices, but it was a man and a woman. She was complaining about how they never had any time together, and he told her to be patient, that everything would be over very soon, and then he’d be free to be with her.”
“A divorce?”
Jan nodded. “That’s what I assumed. And then he told her that his wife was leaving on a business trip soon, and he promised to spend every night with her.”
“I see.” Maura began to frown.
Jan looked very upset and she took a deep breath. “Are you really sure you want to hear this?”
“I’m positive. Go on.”
“That’s when she kissed him, right there in the booth. I could see their shadows through that frosted glass at the top. And then she asked him how he was going to explain that to the kid.”<
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Jan faltered, and Maura squeezed her hand. “What did he say?”
“He said the kid was no problem. He’d just tell her that he was going on another business trip. She’d never know the difference, and he didn’t spend much time with her anyway. That was the housekeeper’s job.”
Maura nodded. “And you didn’t know who they were?”
“Not then. But I remember thinking what a louse he was, that his wife probably trusted him and didn’t have a clue that he was having an affair. I felt sorry for his wife, and sorry for the daughter, too. And then the woman kissed him again and asked him if he had to go back to work right away. And he said no, he’d told his secretary that he had a long lunch meeting, and she didn’t expect him back before three.”
“That’s when they left?”
Jan shook her head. “No. There’s more. He said he wanted her to take the rest of the day off because he’d booked a suite at the Beverly Hills Hotel. She threw her arms around him and kissed him again. And she told him that she’d always wanted to stay there, but was he sure they could afford it?”
“It’s expensive?” Maura frowned slightly.
“Very expensive. And he told her not to worry, that he wasn’t picking up the tab. He said he’d charged it to his wife’s credit card and her accountant never checked up on the receipts.”
Maura sighed deeply. “That figures! What else?”
“Not much. The woman just laughed and said it would be that much better, knowing that the bitch had paid for the room. And then the waitress brought their bill and they left.”
“And that’s when you saw them?”
Jan nodded. “They passed right by my booth, but they didn’t see me. They were too busy laughing, and hugging, and fawning all over each other to notice anyone else.”
“Keith and Liz Webber?”
Jan looked shocked. “How did you know?”