The Deception

by Marina Martindale

  "Fine."

  She climbed out of bed and headed back to the bathroom. She returned a few minutes later. Her hand covered the result.

  "Well?"

  "I didn't look. I want you to you tell me."

  "Okay, hand it over."

  She looked away as she passed him the test strip. She waited for him to tell her the results. Several seconds passed, but Alex remained silent.

  "Alex?"

  He didn't respond. She turned back around. Alex sat staring at the test strip. His face was pale and he appeared to be in a mild state of shock.

  "Alex, come on. You're scaring me."

  He slowly looked up. He glanced back and forth a few times at her and at the test strip. The expression on his face was deadly serious.

  "It's positive, Carrie-Anne." His voice sounded almost mechanical.

  "No way. Here, let me see it."

  Alex handed the test strip to her. It bore a plus sign.

  "Holy crap." She slowly eased herself down on the bed and started doing some mental calculations. "Well, all right then. My best guess would be that I'm about nine weeks along. This would have happened while we were away celebrating your birthday. There was one morning, when I forgot to put the diaphragm back in. I didn't realize it until after the fact, but I didn't think I was in the part of my cycle when I'd conceive. I'm so sorry, Alex. I guess I got sloppy. This is all my fault. If you don't want this baby, I'll understand."

  "Come here," he said softly. After she laid down next to him, he pulled her in close.

  "This isn't all your fault, Carrie-Anne. I seem to recall being there at the time."

  "So, what do we do now?"

  "For starters, you can buy me dinner tonight at Hernando's, and don't look at me like that. It was your idea to make a bet. I won and you lost."

  "Fine."

  "But before that, we need to decide which room to make into a nursery."

  Carrie's face lit up. "You mean you want this baby?"

  "Well, of course I want this baby." He leaned over and gave her a kiss. "We're in this together and this little person is a part of you and me. I admit I wasn't expecting this to happen quite so soon, but come on. We're both in our thirties. If we're going to do the baby thing, which it looks like we're going to be doing, then we need to do it now. You're clock is ticking, and I don't want to be one of those guys who ends up changing diapers in his fifties."

  "But what about your family, Alex? They've made it quite clear that they'll never accept me. What happens if they won't accept this baby?"

  "Honestly, Carrie-Anne, I'm not going to worry about them right now. This baby is far more important to me than whatever my parents may think. If they don't want anything to do with their grandchild, then it's their problem, not mine." He reached down and began rubbing her stomach. "Hey, little guy, it's your dad." He looked at Carrie with a startled expression on his face. "Wait a second... this means I'm a dad, doesn't it?"

  "Yes, Alex, it does. You're a dad now."

  He began kissing her passionately. As he ran his hand across her breast, he suddenly stopped. "Carrie-Anne, is it okay to be doing this?"

  "Yes. I think we can do this until late in the pregnancy. Look at it this way... the damage is already done."

  After they finished, Carrie got up to take a shower while Alex reached for his phone. He quickly punched in his brother's number.

  "Mark?"

  "Hey, Alex, what's up?"

  "Are you sitting down?"

  "Yeah," said Mark. "What's wrong, Alex? More trouble with Mom and Dad?"

  "No, nothing's wrong. Guess what? You're going to be an uncle."

  "What?"

  "You heard me, Mark. You're going to be an uncle."

  "When?"

  "We're not exactly sure yet," said Alex. "We think in about seven months."

  "You're joking."

  "No, I'm not joking. Carrie really is pregnant."

  "Well then, congratulations. How long have you known this?"

  "Honestly? Only for about the past hour or so. We just did one of those home tests. It came out positive."

  "Good lord, Alex, you're still in shock. Wait a few hours, and then it will really hit you. You may even cry."

  "I will not. Why? Did you cry?"

  "I'm pleading the Fifth. Do Mom and Dad know?"

  "Nope, and until Dad gets off his high horse, I don't plan on telling them a thing. Who knows if they'd try to use this as ammo to hurt Carrie, and she doesn't need the stress right now. We have a hearing on her court case coming up Tuesday afternoon. She's nervous enough already, and I'm suddenly finding myself feeling even more protective of her than I was before."

  "Understood," said Mark. "Olivia and I send her our love, and congratulations again, Big Brother. There's nothing quite like being a dad. It can be the most trying, yet most rewarding thing you'll ever experience in your lifetime."

  Alex heard the sound of a baby crying in the background.

  "And speaking of which--"

  "Dad!" Alex could hear Jacob's voice as he came running into the room. "Daddy! Austin just dropped a bomb!"

  "Dropped a bomb?"

  "It's a metaphor, Alex."

  "Oh, right."

  "Meantime, Mom's at the store and someone needs to have his diaper changed. Enjoy the next seven months while you can, Alex, because after that you'll life will never be the same. Be prepared for dirty diapers, round the clock feedings, teething and colic, but don't worry, they outgrow it--eventually. Brother, I love you, I'm proud of you, and Olivia and I will be there for you guys. Congratulations again. Gotta run, I'm being paged."

  Mark quickly ended the call and Alex began to wonder what he'd gotten himself into.

  Carrie made good on her bet that night and took Alex to dinner at Hernando's. They invited Steve and Allison to join them, and as soon as they were seated, Alex ordered a bottle of champagne and three glasses, while Carrie asked for a glass of mineral water.

  "Still not feeling well?" asked Allison.

  "Not really."

  "What's up?" asked Steve.

  "You'll find out soon enough," said Alex. A few minutes later the champagne was poured and he raised his glass.

  "Steve, Allie, we'd like to thank you two for coming. Tonight we wanted to include our two closest friends as we celebrate our family, and welcome the newest Montoya."

  "Here, here," said Steve as he and Allison raised their glasses. "So have you two set a date yet?"

  "We're not exactly sure when the due date is," explained Alex. "We think in about seven months. We'll know for sure once Carrie sees a doctor."

  "Come again? I'm a little confused here."

  "Oh my God!" Allison nearly dropped her glass. "You two aren't talking about getting engaged. You're having a baby, aren't you?"

  "That's right, Allie," said Carrie. "I'm pregnant."

  There was a brief moment of stunned silence before Allison spoke up.

  "I don't know what to say, other than congratulations." She reached across the table to give Carrie's hand a squeeze. "I just can't believe this. How long have you known?"

  "Only since this morning. You know I haven't been feeling well lately. I thought it was nerves, or maybe even an ulcer, but Alex thought I might be pregnant, so we decided to try a home pregnancy test. It came out positive."

  "Tell them the rest of the story, Carrie-Anne," said Alex. "You were so sure it was an ulcer that you made a bet and you lost. And because she lost the bet, dinner tonight is on my best friend."

  "What?" exclaimed Steve. "Oh now that's just wrong in so many ways. You don't go and make the mother of your child buy dinner for your friends, Dude, even if she did lose a bet. Allie and I will treat you tonight."

  "Thank you, Steve," said Carrie with a smile. "Looks like you got me off on a technicality. You know you're now one of my best friends too."

  Steve and Allison were happy, yet sad, to hear the news of Carrie's pregnancy. They too were hoping for a baby, but
so far it hadn't happened.

  "These things really do happen when you're not trying," said Carrie. "Do what we did. Take a weekend off. Go someplace romantic, like the Double-Diamond Resort. It seemed to do the trick for us."

  Alex raised his glass. "I'd like to propose another toast. Here's to Caroline Lee Daniels, my very best friend, my lifelong companion, and the mother of my children."

  Thirty-Nine

  The past few months had been the most difficult time of Scott's life. He was still in Payson, free on bond while awaiting trial. His trial, however, would not start for at least another six months, perhaps longer. In the meantime, he lost his job in Kansas City and he'd nearly lost Nancy as well. His bail bondsman would not allow him to travel to Kansas City to visit, and Nancy's visits to Arizona were rare.

  Scott was in limbo. He was living in a motel room and working in the electronics department at a big-box retailer. The position was hardly worthy of an experienced software engineer, but until his name was cleared it was the best he could do. His meager salary, however, barely covered his living expenses and child support payments and his savings and brokerage accounts were nearly depleted. Those funds had been used to pay his attorney's retainer and Frederick Carlton Lancaster's services did not come cheap. However if destitution, followed by years of living in debt was the cost of his freedom, then it was a price he was willing to pay. He now understood how Carrie Daniels must have felt when she did the photo shoot for Louise Dickenson. For the first time, he felt a genuine remorse over Carrie. He'd intentionally mislead her and had taken advantage of her, and his moment of lust had turned her world upside down along with his own. The hearing on the motion for summary judgment would be on Tuesday. He hoped his sworn testimony in his deposition--that he was in Phoenix, purchasing his luggage at the time the files were uploaded, would be enough to convince the judge he'd done nothing wrong.

  At least he was finally free of Maggie. His divorce was final in December. In the end, Maggie got the house as well as half his pension and other assets, including their art collection. She'd also won custody of Sarah and Ben. He knew she was guilty of the forgery, but ever since he'd had an alibi for the day the letter was mailed to Carrie, she'd laid low. The FBI had kept the case open, but it was growing cold and would remain so until new evidence surfaced.

  He'd just returned to his room after a typical workday, when he heard a loud knock at the door. Ever since his arrest, any loud, unexpected knocks at his door made he jump. He looked through the peephole to see a young man in a brown uniform.

  "Who is it?"

  "UPS."

  He remembered Nancy mentioning something about sending more of his belongings back. He cautiously opened the door, and indeed a large parcel was being delivered. He thanked the driver as he signed for it and brought the box inside. He picked up a box cutter, carefully opening the carton. Inside was another piece of his luggage, and inside the luggage was more of his winter clothing. He unpacked the items and put them away. He was about to zip the empty bag shut when he noticed something odd. Sticking out from one of the pockets was the corner of a piece of paper. He pulled it out and looked it over. He couldn't believe his eyes. It was no ordinary piece of paper. It was the receipt for the luggage. It included the name and address of the store as well as date and time that the luggage was purchased, along with an itemized list and his original signature at the bottom, agreeing to take the items as is. He heard himself laughing and crying at the same time. At long last, he had his alibi. The receipt would prove, conclusively, that he was miles away from his home at the time the files were uploaded. His hands were trembling as he grabbed his phone and placed a call to his lawyer. As usual, Freddie was unavailable, but his secretary instructed him to fax a copy as soon as possible. He stopped to dab his eyes with a tissue before picking it up and dashing to the motel office.

  "Afternoon, Scott," greeted the heavy-set woman seated behind the desk.

  "Afternoon, Jane."

  "You seem pretty happy today."

  "That's because I am. I just struck oil, Jane. I've got my ticket to freedom. I just need to use the fax machine."

  "In the back." She motioned to the room behind her.

  "Just charge it to my room," he said as he raced past her. "Oh, by the way, I need to make a few photocopies."

  "Help yourself, and it's on the house, Scott. You really saved my rear end the other day when the computers crashed."

  "All in a day's work, my sweet."

  "Shameless flirt."

  He emerged a few minutes later, photocopies in hand, stopping to give her a quick kiss on the cheek before flying out the door.

  "Story of my life," she said, shaking her head. "I always end up with the love 'em and leave 'em types."

  As soon as Scott returned to his room he grabbed his phone, this time placing a call to Ken O'Dell. He quickly introduced himself as soon as O'Dell answered.

  "Of course I remember you, Scott."

  "I've got it, O'Dell. I just found the receipt."

  "What receipt?"

  "The receipt from the luggage store. The one that proves, definitively, that I wasn't anywhere near my home at the time the files were uploaded to Gentry Magazine, which means there was only one person who could have done the deed."

  "I see." O'Dell was grinning from ear to ear. "I'll need to take it into evidence, as soon as possible."

  "Of course. I'll fax a copy to you as soon as we're done, but I'd like to deliver the original to you in person, if you don't mind."

  "I understand. My shift was just about up, but this one's worth putting in a few hours of overtime. You understand that once I have that receipt, I'll be placing your wife under arrest."

  "I understand, and make that my ex-wife." There was a triumphant tone in Scott's voice. "We also need to make arrangements for my children. The kids are supposed to be with me this weekend and I want Child Protective Services kept out. They have a father, and an aunt, to take care of them until my attorney can do whatever has to be done in order for me get full custody. In the meantime, they're not to be placed in a foster home."

  "I see no reason why that can't be arranged, although they may need to stay with your sister until all the charges against you are dropped and you're officially cleared."

  "I understand, however, I need for you to understand something as well." Scott's voice now sounded firm. "I'll be delivering the receipt to you in about two hours. As soon as I'm done, I'm going straight to my ex-wife's house to pick up my kids. Please, do not arrest her until after I've left. I don't want Ben and Sarah to see their mother being taken away in handcuffs."

  "I understand, Scott. I'm a dad myself. I'll be waiting for your fax so I can get a warrant sworn out. It'll all be ready by the time you get here. Don't worry, I'll be there when she's arrested."

  Scott ended the call and grabbed his things. After a quick stop to send the fax to O'Dell, he hopped into his car and headed to Phoenix. He was a free man once again.

  * * *

  Maggie kissed her children goodbye and told them to have a good weekend with their father. Before closing the door, she gave Scott a civil goodbye as well, but it was only for the kids' sake. With all that had happened, her love for Scott was dead. In its place was a burning hatred that seemed to grow stronger with each passing day.

  "Rot in hell, you worthless son of a bitch," she said out loud as she closed the front door, "and enjoy your freedom while you still can. It won't last much longer."

  Her plans had all fallen neatly into place. All she was waiting for was the next opportunity to make Carrie Daniels' even life more miserable. She'd have to quiz the kids when they returned home Sunday night. With any luck, they'd reveal the next time Scott would be in the Phoenix area. She went to the kitchen to fix herself something to drink, and when she returned to the living room she picked up the remote and settled into her easy chair. She looked forward to a nice quiet weekend. She'd just made herself comfortable, when she heard a knock at the front
door.

  "Great," she muttered as she went to answer it. She paused for a moment to put on her best happy face, again for the kids' sakes. She took a deep breath and swung the door open. "Okay you guys, what'd you forget this time?" Her smile instantly faded as soon as she recognized who was standing there.

  "You again? And I see you brought reinforcements." She motioned to Billie Hughes and the two men in FBI jackets standing with him. "So what the hell do you want this time, O'Dell?"

  Billie stepped forward. Maggie noticed she had a pair of handcuffs.

  "Maggie Andrews, I'm placing you under arrest for identity theft, forgery, and mailing a threatening communication."

  "You've got to be kidding me. This is laughable. You've all ready got the right person under arrest--my ex-husband, Scott."

  "Nice try lady, but it won't wash this time, said O'Dell. "Scott now has concrete proof that he was nowhere near your home at the time the files were uploaded. The jig is up Maggie, and now you're going to jail."

  "I want my attorney." Her voice was defiant. "He'll have me out before you know it and then I'm going after you for false arrest."

  "Whatever, Maggie."

  Billie read her Miranda rights and placed the cuffs on her as the two other agents secured the house. Maggie was quickly loaded into the back of their SUV and taken to the field office. As soon as they arrived, she was taken back into the interrogation room. Just as before, she vehemently denied any wrongdoing, once again pointing the finger of blame at Scott.

  "We now have proof that Scott was in Phoenix at the time the files were uploaded," said O'Dell. "So tell me, Maggie, exactly how is it that he could have been in two places at once?"

  "What do you mean, you have the proof? I'm not saying another word without my attorney. Can I make a phone call?"

  "Help yourself,"

  One of the agents escorted her to a phone. She called the only attorney she knew; her divorce attorney. It was after five o'clock and she wasn't in, so Maggie left her a voice mail. As soon as she finished, she was handed over to Diane Hall, and two female Deputy U.S. Marshals.