"Sorry, Louise, but we're going to have to make an exception just this one time."
She got a broom and swept up the broken glass before taking the other photo off the wall. She carried both downstairs and set them on the kitchen table. She got a screwdriver and disassembled each frame, carefully removing the photos and taking them out of their mats.
She brought the photos into the den and placed one onto the scanner. It was slightly larger than the scanner bed, which meant she'd have to do some minor photo editing. As soon she finished, she scanned the other before taking them back to the kitchen and placing them back in their mats. The one frame, however, was damaged beyond repair and would have to be replaced. She let out a sigh as she took both frames to the garage and dropped them into the garbage can. When she returned, she placed the photos in a large shopping bag and headed off to the nearest arts and crafts superstore.
* * *
"May I help you?"
The pimple-faced young man behind the framing counter didn't look a day over sixteen. Maggie pulled the photos out of the bag.
"I accidentally dropped one of these this morning and broke its frame. They're a matching set. Can you put them into new frames for me?"
"Of course--wow!" He'd been caught off guard by the subject matter. The look on his face revealed that he was probably experiencing some sort of sexual fantasy. "These are great. The artist did a fantastic job. So who's the model?"
"I have no idea. I'm just upset that I broke one of the frames. How long will it take to reframe them?"
"Not that long. Since they're already matted I can have them ready for you by this time tomorrow. You just need to pick out a frame."
Maggie took her time, carefully selecting the perfect frame. She let out a little gasp when he totaled up her order. She was glad she'd stopped at the bank to get some extra cash on her way over.
"Name?"
"What?"
"Name," he repeated, "so we'll know who you are when you pick them up."
"Oh, right. Daniels. Carrie Daniels. And I'll be paying cash."
"Okay, Ms. Daniels." He handed her the pink copy of the invoice. "They'll be ready for pick up by one o'clock tomorrow afternoon."
Maggie thanked him as he counted back her change. A smile of satisfaction broke out across her face as she rushed back to her car. She stopped for a burger on the way home, and once she arrived she went straight to Scott's computer. The clock was ticking and she had a number of things left to do before Ben and Sarah came home from school. She quickly opened a new email account and immediately composed an email to Carrie Daniels.
"Dear Ms. Daniels, my name is Kendra Clarke and I'm in the fifth grade. I'm doing a report for school about you being the Mercer's Markets girl. If it's not too much trouble, could you tell me a little something about what it was like and would you mind emailing me an autographed picture? Thanks."
She quickly hit the send button. Her next step was to do some minor photo cropping. Once that task was complete, she looked up Gentry Magazine on Google. After a few clicks on their website, she had the instructions on how to submit a photo for the monthly amateur contest. She carefully reviewed them before downloading the release form. She filled it out using Carrie Daniels' name, along with the mailing address and telephone number posted on her website. The form also required an email address so that the magazine could send a confirmation notice once the materials had been received.
"Whoops. We wouldn't want to spoil the surprise, now would we Carrie? So I guess I'll have to give them Kendra's email address. That way I can stay on top of things and still keep you in the dark. By the time you find out what's happened, it'll be too late, but don't you worry. I'll make sure you get credited as the model in the photos. That way the entire world can see you for the tramp you really are."
While Maggie waited for the release form to come out of the printer, she decided to check the email. Sure enough, Kendra had received a reply, with a photo file attached.
"So, Carrie, I want to thank you for helping this sweet little fifth-grader with her homework." There was a venomous tone to Maggie's voice. "Of course, what you don't realize is that you've just dug your own grave. Hope you rot in it, bitch!"
Maggie printed out the photo and carefully studied Carrie's signature. She practiced copying it a few times on a piece of scratch paper. She checked the clock. Ben would be home in less than thirty minutes so she'd have to hurry. She practiced a few more times before copying Carrie's signature onto the release form and placing it into the scanner. Ten minutes later all of the necessary files had been scanned, attached, and emailed to the magazine. The deed was done and not a moment too soon.
Maggie quickly gathered up the photo, release form and scratch paper. She took it to the family room, placed it in the fireplace, lit a match, and watched in delight as all the incriminating evidence turned black and crumbled into ashes. She returned to Scott's computer to delete her files and clear the browser history.
"Mission accomplished." She triumphantly shut the computer down. "A few months from now, Ms. Carrie Daniels, when you least expect it, your entire world will implode. But hey, with any luck, you'll get to keep the prize money."
Twelve
Maggie was busy preparing dinner when Scott arrived home. She put on her best poker face, greeting him with her customary kiss and asking him about his day.
"The usual," he replied. "I'll go in and start working on your computer. And the next time I tell you to do an update, Maggie, just do it, okay."
"Okay, okay. You don't need to be such a grouch about it. And by the way, I accidentally knocked one of the photos off the wall over our bed this morning while I was making it up. The glass broke and the frame got damaged. I'm so sorry. I feel really bad about it."
"Great."
"Now don't go getting upset," she said, trying to shrug it off. "The photo itself is okay, so I took it over to Taylor's Hobby and Crafts. They're reframing it and it'll be ready tomorrow afternoon, good as new."
"Why didn't you take it back to Hanson Sisters?"
"What?"
"I said, 'Why didn't you take it back to Hanson Sisters?' They probably could have replaced the frame, and it would have been a much better one at that. These are limited edition prints, Maggie. They deserve something better than a cheap, hobby-shop frame. In all the years I've been trying to teach you about collecting art, have you not learned anything?"
"Sorry, Scott, I didn't even think of that."
"That's your problem, Maggie. You don't think. You don't have a brain in your head."
"So what's that supposed to mean?"
Scott let out a sigh. "It means, that instead of being able to relax and enjoy my evening, I get to spend it working on your computer because you refused to do the updates I told you to do months ago. What about the other photo?"
"I took it to Taylor's too. Did you think I wasn't smart enough to have them in matching frames? Heaven forbid your precious photos should be less than perfect. They'll be back up on the wall by the time you get home tomorrow night. If you don't like the frames I picked out, then you can take them back to Hanson Sisters yourself."
At least Scott was buying her story.
"Call me when dinner's ready," he said as he made his exit.
Maggie turned her attention back to the meal she was preparing. She couldn't wait to see the look on Scott's face when he found out exactly what she'd done to his mistress. Maybe then he'd finally learn to respect her.
"Yeah, we'll see who's stupid then," she mumbled to herself.
Scott headed into the den. He glanced at his watch as he took a seat in front of her computer. Thirty-six hours. It would all be over in another thirty-six hours.
* * *
"Are you sure this is what you want, Scott?"
He was standing in his supervisor's office. He'd just submitted his letter of resignation, effective immediately
"Yes, Howard, I'm sure. I'm really sorry to give you such short notice,
but the firm in Kansas City wants me to start right away, and I need to head home to start packing. Don't worry. I've already brought John and Marcia up to speed on all the projects I'm working on. They'll take over where I've left off."
"You know, Scott, I wish you'd spoken up if you were that unhappy here. Maybe we could have worked something out."
"Thanks, Howard, however, this has nothing to do with Morton-Evans. It's me. My home life has been less than happy for some time now, so my wife and I have decided to go our separate ways. I need to make a fresh start someplace else."
"I understand. Good luck, Scott, and don't be a stranger."
The two men shook hands before Scott left Howard's office. He went back to his cubicle and threw his personal belongings into a box, saying a quick goodbye to his coworkers before rushing out the door. It was Maggie's day to volunteer at Ben's school and he wanted to be sure he was on the road before the last class let out.
He raced home, parking in the driveway and popping the trunk open. He quickly gathered up the pieces of new luggage he had stashed away, taking it inside to the master bedroom. He began hastily packing his clothes and other personal items. As he zipped up the last bag he looked at the wall over the bed. At least Maggie had picked out some halfway decent replacement frames. He took down the two photos of Carrie. They'd be something for him to remember her by. He brought them downstairs, along with all his bags, and quickly loaded his car. He came back for his laptop. He'd have to stop at the first out-of-town hotspot he could find to email the kids. He smiled to himself as he slipped the computer into its case. His only regret was that he wouldn't be there to see the shocked look on Maggie's face when she was served with the divorce papers. No doubt it would be priceless. He set the computer case down at the foot of the staircase and made one last trip up to the master bedroom. He deposited his house keys and garage door opener on the dresser. Coming back down, he stopped to look around the family room one last time.
"Well, Maggie, thanks for everything--not. It was fun, for about the first six months, and then you became a total bore. No wonder you had to get yourself knocked-up in order to keep your hooks in me. But as of today, my dear, it's all over, and I'm going to fight for custody of the kids too. I'll be damned if I'm going to sit back and let you turn them into a pair of snot-nosed, annoying whiners like you."
He picked up his laptop and opened the front door, carefully turning the bottom lock behind him. His fully loaded car was waiting. He tossed his laptop into the passenger seat, slipped behind the wheel, fired up the engine and drove away. For the first time in nearly seventeen years, he could savor the sweet taste of freedom. It was exhilarating. He would enjoy every moment of it. As he merged onto the freeway he began debating with himself. His route would take him past her exit, and he knew her studio was close by.
"Oh well, what the hell."
He took the exit and soon found the industrial park. There was an empty parking space in front of the suite with the words, "Carrie Daniels Photography," painted on the front door. Upon entering, he stepped into a small reception area with poster-sized samples of her work proudly displayed on the walls. He hadn't realized just how talented of a photographer she really was. He rang the bell on top of the counter and heard her voice calling out that she'd be right there. She appeared a moment later, obviously surprised to see him.
"Well hello, Scott." Her voice sounded somewhat tentative. "I guess it's been awhile. How have you been?"
"I've been well, Carrie. How 'bout you?"
"The same."
There was an awkward moment of silence before Scott spoke up.
"I know it probably appears to you like I've fallen off the face of the earth, but there was a reason for it. Shortly after our last date my old girlfriend contacted me. I hadn't heard from her in a long, long time."
"Yeah, I figured you had another girlfriend, but it's okay. There were never any strings attached."
"Thank you for understanding. However, Nancy was more than just another girlfriend. She's the love of my life. Unfortunately, at the time I first met her, she was married to someone else. She didn't think the time was right to leave her husband, so she ended it. Then one day out of the blue, she called me at work. She said she'd moved to Kansas City and she's now happily divorced. I'm on my way there right now. I just wanted to stop by to tell you goodbye."
"Thanks, Scott, I appreciate it. You came into my life at a time when my self-esteem desperately needed a boost, and now I'm back on track. I never expected anything more from you than what it was, and I'm genuinely happy for you. Take care and good luck."
"You too." He extended his hand; giving hers a final squeeze. "Goodbye, Carrie. Like I said to you before, you're an amazing woman. Some guy will be very, very lucky to have you."
Scott left the building. Both were happy, and relieved, that it had ended amicably.
Thirteen
Even though Carrie had lived in Phoenix for most of her life, she never quite got used to the intense, stifling heat of the Valley summers. Even at ten o'clock at night it was likely to be over one hundred degrees outside. Steve and Allison, however, seemed to take it in stride. This year they were hosting a Fourth of July dinner party at their home, with most of the festivities taking place in, and around, their backyard swimming pool.
"To you, from Allie," said Carrie as she presented Steve with a platter of hamburger patties and hot dogs. He thanked her and loaded them onto the grill. On her way back to the kitchen, she overheard a bit of a conversation between two of Steve's coworkers.
"Too bad Alex couldn't make it tonight."
"Yeah. He's a lot smarter than the rest of us. He's spending the holiday on some beach in San Diego."
Alex. Just hearing the name brought back memories of her long-lost other best friend. Over the years Carrie had deeply regretted losing touch with Alex. She often wondered whatever became of him. No doubt he was probably married by now, and he had a family as well. Wherever he was, she hoped he was happy. She wandered back into the kitchen.
"Penny for your thoughts," said Allison.
"Huh?"
"You look like you're a million miles away, girlfriend."
"Oh, sorry." Carrie set the empty platter into the sink. "I just overheard a couple of the guys from Steve's office talking about someone named Alex. It got me to wondering whatever became of our Alex."
"Alex Montoya?"
Carried nodded.
"Good question. I have no idea. I've wondered about him from time to time myself, although he was more your friend than mine. But he spoke Castillian Spanish..."
"What's that?"
"His dialect," replied Allison. "Don't you remember? His father's family came over from Spain, so they spoke a different kind of Spanish. It would be like you talking to an Englishman."
"You're right, Allie. There's nothing sexier than a guy who speaks with a foreign accent, so admit it. You did have a crush on Alex."
"No, I did not," said Allison with a smile. "I just said I liked his accent."
"Sure you did."
After a good laugh Allison decided to change the subject.
"You know, I really don't know a lot of Steve's coworkers either, and I certainly don't recall ever meeting one named Alex. Since we work in different parts of town, I'm rarely near his office during business hours, and this is the first time we've invited any of them to our home in a good two or three years."
"I see. And I've also noticed that you've had a happy glow about you all evening. What's going on?"
"Nothing," she said, coyly.
"Allie?"
She opened the refrigerator door and grabbed a beer. "Would you like something to drink, Carrie? I've got sodas, beer, wine..."
"I'll have a glass of white wine, thanks."
She pulled a plastic cup from the stack and poured some wine for Carrie.
"Let's go join the others," she said as she handed her the glass.
Carrie kicked her shoes off and followed h
er outside. She found an empty spot at the edge of the pool where she sat down and dangled her feet in the water. Sipping the wine, her mind kept wondering back to Alex. Steve soon announced that dinner was ready to be served. As Carrie ate her burger she made small talk with the other guests, but her mind kept wandering back to Alex. She thought about looking him up on Facebook or Google when she got home, but then again, if he was married, an online reunion might not be such a good idea. Steve's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if we could have your attention for just a couple of minutes, Allison and I have an announcement we'd like to make."
Allison walked up and stood next to Steve. Carrie noticed her left hand was concealed in the pocket of her sundress. Steve wrapped his arm around her waist.
"We've invited all of you here tonight, because we have some news that we would like to share."
"You're pregnant," shouted one of the guests. Allison blushed and giggled as she shook her head.
"Not yet, although we are working on it," replied Steve, "but since you brought it up... Allie and I have been living together for four years now, and we really are getting to be like an old married couple, but in a good way. We've decided that we're ready to start a family."
"Here, here," shouted one man.
"I can help you out with that," shouted another.
"We don't need your help, Stan, but thank you for asking," replied Steve. "Where were we? Oh yeah. Anyway, Allison and I have decided that maybe before we do the baby thing, we should do the marriage thing, so I've asked this lady to marry me, and she said yes. Welcome everyone, to our engagement party."
A chorus of hoots, hollers and cheers broke out as everyone gathered round to congratulate the happy couple. Allison pulled her hand from her pocket, revealing her flashy diamond engagement ring. Carrie ran up to congratulate her friend.
"Oh Allie, I'm so happy for you. So when's the wedding?"
The Deception Page 7