The Deception

by Marina Martindale

  "Where are we going?"

  "To booking," she replied.

  "I see. So you want to fingerprint me and take my photo. Can I go home after that?"

  "Not until you see a judge."

  "And when will that be?"

  "Not for awhile. We have some procedures we need to follow first."

  She was taken to a room for fingerprinting and to have her mug shot taken. Afterwards she was taken into another room and was ordered to remove each item of her clothing. Once she was stripped naked, she was told to bend over and spread her legs apart. Maggie started crying.

  "Sorry, lady, but we have to do this for everyone. We have to make sure you're not smuggling a weapon or contraband."

  "You don't understand. My husband was having an affair. I never had any intentions of actually harming her. I just wanted to teach her a lesson, that's all. Besides, what the hell kind of weapon would I have up there anyway?"

  "You'd be surprised."

  Once the strip search was over, she was taken to a shower, given an orange jail suit, and taken to a holding cell. As she curled up on her bunk, something deep within her psyche snapped, and she recalled the vow she once made to herself. If she went down, Carrie Daniels would go down with her, only now she no longer feared any repercussions or consequences. All that mattered was how she would make Carrie pay. After spending the weekend in jail, Maggie had a bond hearing early Monday morning. Once she made bail she took a cab home and when she arrived she immediately called Scott.

  "You'll pay dearly for this," she coldly announced as soon as he answered.

  "I don't think so. You tried to frame me for a crime I didn't commit. You're the one who'll end up paying."

  "So where are the kids?"

  "At school. I dropped them off this morning and I'm on the way to meet with my attorney. We have to start the process of getting all the charges against me dismissed, and then I want to talk to him about suing the FBI wrongful arrest."

  "Whatever, Scott. You got everything you had coming to you, and then some. You're a liar and a cheater. You deserved all of it, and so did your little whore. My only regret is that I wasn't able to go after Nancy, but I sure as hell got the goods on Carrie. So, how do you like me now?"

  "I don't like you at all," he replied. "I'll admit I was a real ass, and that I was wrong to cheat on you, but you had no right to drag Carrie through the mud like you did. I've told you this before. I lied to her, Maggie. I intentionally mislead her into thinking I was single and available. She's not a mind reader and none of this is her fault."

  "Yeah right. Pity poor Carrie--not! The little trollop had it coming."

  "When are you going to let it go, Maggie? I don't think you hate her because she had an affair with me. I think you hate her because she's everything you're not. She's beautiful, she's talented, she's successful and she even used to be a child star. On top of that, she has a good heart and she sure as hell didn't deserve to be used the way that I used her. Compared to her, you're just a frumpy, mean-spirited little housewife. That's what this vendetta is really about, isn't it?"

  Maggie didn't respond. There was nothing for her to say.

  "You know, in hindsight I should have divorced you years ago," continued Scott, "but I thought I was doing the right thing by staying with you until the kids were grown. This past weekend I had a long talk with Ben and Sarah. They know you've been arrested and they know you tried to frame me. Right now they're understandably angry with both of us, and they'll probably need some family counseling, but at least they now understand what kind of a person you really are and why I had to get away from you. They're staying with me tonight and then tomorrow afternoon, after the hearing, I'm taking them back to Payson with me. All three of us have agreed it would be best if they stayed with Aunt Lorraine for now."

  "I didn't agree to this. So what time is this hearing and why wasn't I informed?"

  "The hearing tomorrow isn't about the kids. It's about the copyright infringement case. Our attorneys have filed some sort of a motion to have it dismissed. Carrie can prove her identity was stolen and her signature was forged. And now I have proof that I was somewhere else at the time the files were uploaded to the magazine. I expect the entire case will be thrown out. But don't worry, Maggie, now that we can prove you're the one who uploaded the files, I'm sure Mrs. Dickenson will be more than happy to file a claim against you."

  "Rot in Hell, Scott."

  Maggie fumed as she disconnected the call. She had to think fast. She'd worked too hard for too long and she couldn't allow Carrie to walk away now. There was only one thing left for her to do, and if she played her cards right, she wouldn't get caught, at least not for this.

  "If I told you once, Carrie, I told you a dozen times--if I go down, I'm taking you with me, and right now I have absolutely nothing to lose. So you'd better get ready, because tomorrow afternoon, as soon as your hearing's over, I'm sending you straight to Hell."

  She grabbed a pencil and paper and starting making a list.

  Forty

  Tuesday morning Carrie woke up sicker than usual. She rushed into the bathroom before the alarm stopped ringing. No doubt her morning sickness was compounded by the anxiety of the hearing that afternoon.

  "I'm so sorry, Carrie-Anne." Alex watched her as she came out holding a cold washcloth to her face. "I'm the one who did this to you, and now I'm starting to feel guilty about it."

  "It's okay, Alex." She eased herself back on the bed. "We're having a baby. There's nothing for you to feel guilty about. I'm just experiencing a few raging hormones, that's all. I'm going to the doctor next week and she'll probably give me something to take care of it. I'll be fine."

  "I know. I just worry about you, that's all."

  "I'm okay." She lay back down and placed the wet cloth across her forehead. "Just give me a few minutes and I'll be good as new. I promise."

  Alex tried to shake off the foreboding feeling he felt building deep inside. He'd once again had the recurring dream he'd had from time to time ever since law school. In that dream, he was standing in a hospital room. A nurse was handing him a newborn infant while everyone around him congratulated him on the birth of his son. Normally, it was a happy dream, but this time it was different. This time he'd called the baby Tyler, and as he looked into the child's face someone told him Tyler was not the baby he was expecting now. He would be his next child. He woke up in a cold sweat, fearing it was a bad omen and that Carrie would lose the baby. He looked down at her as he ran his hand up and down her shin.

  "Feeling better?"

  "Yeah. It's setting down so it's safe for you to go into the bathroom. As soon as you're done I'll start getting ready."

  He bent down to give her a kiss before he headed off. He soon returned, relieved to find her feeling better. After he dressed, he went to the kitchen to make some coffee and toast. As he poured the water into the coffeemaker, he silently prayed that his dream was nothing more than just a dream, and that the day's court proceedings would have the outcome they all desired. Delores, the housekeeper, arrived while the coffee was brewing.

  "Morning, Alex. How's Carrie feeling this morning?"

  "The usual. I'm going to see if I can get her to eat some toast."

  "She'll be fine. Morning sickness usually goes away after the third month."

  "I sure hope so."

  He poured himself a cup of coffee and took a seat at the table. Carrie arrived a few minutes later, wearing the gray conservative-looking dress she usually wore for her formal business presentations. She gave Delores a friendly greeting, but Alex noticed she still looked pale.

  "Coffee?"

  "No thanks." She opened the refrigerator door. "I'm going to see if I can hold down some orange juice."

  As she took her seat at the breakfast table Alex went over the plan for the day.

  "The hearing is set for one o'clock at the Sandra Day O'Conner Federal Courthouse. It's that fancy, modern, high-tech building downtown. I'll drive you the
re, so we'll rendezvous at my office at eleven. Reggie wants to have a short meeting before we leave and we'll have lunch, if you're up to eating."

  "I should be fine by then."

  "That's my girl." He reached over and patted her hand. "I can't imagine the hearing lasting more than thirty minutes. Once we're done, we'll head back to the office, and then tonight, I'm taking you out for night on the town. This day's been a long time coming, Carrie-Anne."

  Alex still planned to surprise her with her engagement ring that night. He dropped it into his coat pocket before heading off to work, giving her his usual goodbye kiss as he left.

  After a light breakfast, Carrie went to her studio to catch up on paperwork before leaving for Alex's office. Reggie joined them for lunch at a nearby bistro to go over the last-minute details. Everything was in order and she assured her that she had nothing whatsoever to worry about. Before long it was time to leave for court. Carrie felt the knot tightening in her stomach as she climbed into the passenger seat of the Camaro.

  "It's okay, Carrie-Anne," said Alex as they pulled out of the parking lot, "but I need to bring you up to date about something."

  "What's that?"

  "Apparently, Scott Andrews has found some sort of receipt which proves he was in Phoenix at the time the files were uploaded, so he's now able to prove his innocence."

  "What about Maggie?"

  "She spent the weekend in jail and she was arraigned yesterday. She's looking at serving some serious time."

  "Finally." He could hear the relief in her voice. "I don't mean to sound mean or vindictive, but I'm glad. I want to see justice served, and I want to see her put away for as long as possible. I don't want her harming our child."

  "I understand and I totally agree. And you're not being vindictive. You're a mother trying to protect her baby, although I'm still trying to get used to all of this."

  Carrie leaned back into her seat and tried to relax for the rest of the ride downtown. Alex dropped her off in front of the courthouse. She walked across the plaza and spotted Reggie standing near the entrance. They would wait inside the atrium, while Alex parked the car, but as soon as they passed security, Carrie felt a sudden wave of nausea.

  "Reggie, is there a ladies' room?"

  Reggie heard the urgency in her voice. "Yes, that way."

  She raced in the direction where Reggie had pointed, barely making it into the stall on time. When she finally came out, she found Reggie waiting at the sink.

  "So, how far along are you?"

  "I'm sorry."

  "Come on, Carrie," she said with a smile. "You're not supposed to keep secrets from your attorney. I've had three kids, and with all of them I spent the first few weeks with my head in a commode. So how far along are you?"

  "About nine weeks. I see the doctor next Wednesday."

  "Good for you." She reached into her purse for a roll of mint candy and offered one to her. "Let's get you ready, and then I'm going to get Louise Dickenson off your back, once and for all."

  They left the ladies' room and found an anxious Alex waiting in atrium.

  "We're good, Dad," said Reggie. "She just had another little bout of morning sickness, but she's fine now. And congratulations."

  "Thanks. We'll be making a formal announcement very soon."

  He rang for an elevator. As soon as one arrived, they headed up to the courtroom. George McCormick was seated in the gallery, along with his wife, Betty, and Jonathan Fields. Carrie greeted Jonathan with a hug. Alex discreetly squeezed her hand as she and Reggie walked past him and took their places at the defendant's table. Scott and his attorney entered a few minutes later and joined them, while Louise and Jack Collins took their places at the plaintiff's table. A few minutes later court was called into session. All rose as the judge entered the room.

  "Be seated," he said as the Clerk of Court called their case. Each side presented their arguments, and the judge asked several questions of council.

  "It's going well," whispered Reggie to Carrie. "He's just making sure he has all the facts, and I can tell he's not happy with Louise."

  The judge asked a few more questions before silently leaning back into his chair. After a long, tense moment of silence, he removed his glasses and began rubbing his temple.

  "Ladies and gentlemen, after serious consideration, I grant summary judgment in favor of the defendants. I further consider the Defendant's Motion for Attorney Fees and Court Cost, and after further considering the evidence, I find that an award of attorney fees of twenty-five thousand dollars for Ms. Peters and fifteen thousand dollars for Mr. Lancaster is awarded. Ms. Peters, Mr. Lancaster, would you please present an order for my signature."

  "Thank you, Your Honor," said Reggie. "My client and I are both very appreciative."

  "My client and I thank you as well, Your Honor," added Freddie.

  All were ordered to rise and the judge left the bench.

  "That's it, Carrie-Anne." Alex leaned over and kissed her on the cheek as she stepped back into the gallery. "It's all over."

  "Congratulations, Carrie," added Jonathan as he shook her hand. "I knew it was a bum rap. Now you can go on with your life."

  "I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you so much again, for everything."

  As she was speaking to Jonathan, she noticed a profoundly sad look in his eyes. She wondered what could be troubling him, but before she could ask, Alex began leading her away. As they waited for the elevator, another man approached Alex.

  "Do you have a some time? I'd like to go over something with you regarding the Gillespie case, if you don't mind."

  "Sure, Donald." Alex looked at Reggie. "Duty calls. Would you mind running her back to the office for me?"

  "My pleasure."

  The elevator doors opened. Reggie stepped inside and immediately turned her phone back on. Alex gave Carrie a quick goodbye kiss before she stepped in. Scott Andrews raised an eyebrow and smiled to himself as he walked in behind her. He felt relieved in knowing she'd apparently found someone else. George, Betty and Jonathan came in just before the doors closed.

  "This way," Donald led Alex to a private room where they could talk.

  The elevator doors opened on the ground floor. As Carrie stepped out, she looked around the glass atrium and noticed Louise and her attorney having a rather animated conversation off to the side. Judging by the body language, it wasn't a pleasant one. They were nearing the exit, when Reggie's phone rang. She stopped to check her caller ID.

  "Wait a minute, it's one of my kids."

  Carrie and Jonathan stopped and waited as she stepped aside to take the call. She soon disconnected and walked back up to them.

  "Sorry guys, my son just took a tumble on the basketball court. They think he might have sprained an ankle. Would you mind running her back to my office, Jonathan?"

  "It would be my pleasure. You go do what you have to do."

  "Thanks." Reggie began to place another call.

  "Thank you again, Reggie, for everything." Carrie extended her hand. "Hope your son will be okay."

  "He's fine. Enjoy the next seven months while you can, Carrie, because once the baby gets here, your life will be just like mine."

  "Please, don't remind me." As Reggie stepped away Carrie looked up at Jonathan. He had a surprised look on his face. "Are you all right?"

  "Yes, yes I'm fine."

  "I'm afraid my attorney just spilled the beans. Alex and I are expecting, we just haven't announced it yet."

  "I see... Well, congratulations."

  "Thank you. Are you sure you're all right, Jonathan? You look a little pale all of a sudden. Would you like to sit down for awhile?"

  "No, Carrie, I'm fine. I've just had a very long day. Let's get you back to Alex's office."

  He followed her out the door. As they stepped outside he noticed something odd in the trees in front of the plaza. One thing he'd learned after his brush with the law was to always be alert to his surroundings, and the woman standing next to
one of the trees appeared to be out of place. She wore a pair of dark sunglasses and her long red hair was topped with a baseball cap. She was also wearing two overcoats and a pair of leather gloves. The February afternoon was cool, but not cold enough for anyone to be so heavily bundled up. Jonathan tried to hurry Carrie along as they turned and headed toward the street. He glanced over his shoulder. The woman was staring intently at Carrie as she reached for something underneath the overcoats.

  "Carrie!"

  As he heard the popping sound he tried to shield her with his body. The bullet whizzed above their heads, striking the light pole in front of the building across the street. He heard people screaming in terror as he quickly positioned himself squarely between Carrie and the shooter. The gun went off again. This time he felt the searing pain of the second bullet tearing through his left side as he fell. Carrie let out a scream in agony as she too fell to the ground.

  "No Maggie!" screamed Scott. She turned to face him and immediately fired. The bullet hit him in the chest. He collapsed onto the concrete plaza as a pool of blood began to form around him.

  The sharp, searing pain took Carrie's breath away. She felt as if her left side was on fire. She reached down and felt something wet, just above her hip. She looked at her hand and discovered she was bleeding. She looked at Jonathan, lying on the concrete next to her. He, too, had been hit and she could see the blood. He was still conscious. He reached for her other hand and gave it a squeeze.

  "Forgive me, Cara Mia, for failing you."

  There was only one person who'd ever called her that name. Her mind instantly flashed back to long-forgotten memory. She was in the backyard at their house in Montana. Her father was pitching a big red rubber ball to her as she swung at it with a bat. "Come on, Cara Mia," he said as he gently tossed the ball. "You can do it. Just like I taught you." Suddenly, it all made sense. No wonder Jonathan kept telling her not to judge her father so harshly. As she looked into his eyes, she recalled her father's face.

  "Oh--my--God!"

  The look he gave her in return confirmed it. She squeezed his hand.