The Deception

by Marina Martindale

  "Couldn't she have stayed in some woman's shelter?"

  "Those shelters are for women who are being battered by their boyfriends or spouses, Mr. Montoya. There are too many abused women out there and too few beds in the shelters. Do you honestly think Carrie would have taken up bed space if it meant turning away another woman whose life was in danger?"

  "No, she wouldn't have done that."

  "Of course she wouldn't have," continued Allison, still speaking Spanish. "So she camped out in her office, but had her landlord found out, she would have been evicted. If that had happened, she would have been out of business, so what choice did she have? She once told me that doing that photo shoot was one of the most humiliating experiences of her life. Why can't you understand this?"

  Armando was silent. There was nothing he could say. Allison went on.

  "Now, as for her getting involved with a married man, that's my fault, not hers. I'm the one who introduced her to Scott. He was an acquaintance whom I'd known for years. I thought he was single, so when Carrie asked me, I told her yes, he was single. C'mon Mr. Montoya, do you honestly believe that Carrie would have knowingly gone out with someone who was married?"

  "No. She never struck me as that type. I know that's not the way she was raised."

  "Of course she's not that type. Despite the fact that Scott lied to her, just like he lied to me, Carrie still feels a tremendous amount of guilt over this. But after today, I think it's safe to say she's paid the price for whatever sins she's committed, and she's paid with her own blood. Thankfully, her injuries weren't that serious, because she's also pregnant."

  "I know she's pregnant. Alex just told us."

  "That means she's carrying your grandchild, Mr. Montoya. She could have easily lost it today, but she didn't. She's strong, she's healthy, and she won't allow it happen, although under the circumstances, I wouldn't blame either Alex or Carrie if they decided to cut you out of your grandchild's life."

  "She's right, Armando," said Catherine, speaking English. "I may not be totally fluent in Spanish, but I was able to follow most of what she said. We've made some false assumptions. Alex tried to tell us, but we wouldn't listen. I guess we're both guilty of thinking that no one is good enough for our son, but I don't want our pride to cause us to lose our grandchild."

  "I don't either, Catherine." He looked back at Allison. "But I still have a problem with this."

  "Then I don't know what else to tell you, sir" said Allison. "I guess it's just something you'll have to learn to live with. That's what she's had to do."

  "What about Alex?" asked Catherine. "Is there any news on our son?"

  "Yes. Steve called a short time ago. They've found Alex, safe and sound and he's on his way here."

  "Thank goodness, so where was he?"

  "They found him just outside Tucson, near the Double-Diamond Resort. It's a special place for him and Carrie. That's how she knew where to find him. If not for her, Alex would still be missing."

  Allison took them to the elevator. As they approached Carrie's room, they noticed several police officers gathered outside her door.

  "What's going on?" asked Allison.

  "Some paparazzi reporter just tried to sneak into her room," explained one of the officers. "He'd tried to disguise himself as a hospital worker, but he wasn't wearing a proper ID badge."

  "Is Carrie all right?"

  "She's fine. We stopped him before he got to her and he's been escorted out of the building. We've also informed him that if he tries to come back in we'll arrest him."

  Allison introduced Alex's parents to the officers, saying they'd be allowed to visit. She brought them into Carrie's room. She was sitting up in bed. Danny was with her.

  "I'm going back to our father's room," he told Allison. "If you need to go someplace, come get me, or another family member, and we'll stay with her until you get back. She's not to be left alone. Dad's orders."

  "Got it, and I'm sorry this happened."

  "It's okay." Danny told his sister goodbye as he left.

  "Who was that?" asked Armando.

  "Her half brother," replied Allison, while Carrie shot him a cold look.

  "Come again?"

  "It turns out Jonathan Fields is Carrie's father."

  "You mean Jonathan Fields is really Kevin Daniels?"

  "That's right," said Allison.

  "Well, I'll be damned."

  "So, how much do you know about my father?" They all heard the anger in Carrie's voice.

  "Years ago," explained Armando, "when you were still a minor, your mother drew up some papers making Catherine and me your legal guardians in case anything ever happened to her. She told us who your father was, but she made it crystal clear that he was to never be anywhere near you. She told us the whole story. She said your father was a drug addict who--"

  "I already know all about it," said Carrie. "He told me, and my grandmother told me. It all happened twenty-five years ago, and he's been clean ever since. He's now a respectable businessman with a wife and a son, who you just saw."

  "That's good, Carrie. I'm happy he got his life back and I sincerely hope it all works out for you. I'm just letting you know what your mother told us."

  "Carrie, are you all right?" asked Catherine.

  "I'm fine, all things considered. I was only grazed, because my father shielded me. Allie tells me you came because the media reported that I'd been killed. I have no idea how that rumor got started. I'm sorry if it scared you."

  "It scared us alright. As soon as we heard, I called Alex. I've never ever heard that sound in his voice before. His entire world had been shattered. He told us to come, as soon as we could, because he needed us. He also said that you were pregnant."

  "Did he say anything else?"

  "No. The call suddenly dropped. I tried calling back, but something must have gone wrong with his phone. The calls kept going to voice mail, and he never called back."

  "Alex is fine," said Carrie, matter-of-factly. "He was found a short time ago."

  "Yes, we know," said Armando "Allie filled us in."

  "So, let me guess your next question. You want to know if Alex is really the baby's father. Sorry to disappoint you, but the answer is yes. I know you think I'm a tramp, but trust me, your son's been the only man in my life for sometime now, although I'm sure we can arrange a paternity test if you'd like."

  While Carrie was speaking, a nurse entered the room to check on her. The others silently stood by as she worked.

  "Your blood pressure's starting to go back up," she said. "Not too much, but you need to calm down. You're not out of the woods yet." She looked at the others. "Sorry, but unless you're immediate family, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you all to leave. Visiting hours are over and she's had enough excitement for now. She needs her rest."

  "But they've finally found Alex," pleaded Carrie. "He's my significant other and he's the baby's father. He's on his way and I haven't seen him since I got here. Please, I have to see him. I need him here with me."

  "Alright, alright. Calm down. You can see him, but only for a little while. It's getting late and you need to get some rest."

  "Thank you." They heard the relief in her voice.

  "Her family doesn't want her left alone," explained Allison. "Some reporter just tried to sneak in, so I'd like to stay with her until Alex gets here. I promise I'll leave the minute he arrives."

  "Alright, but I'll only allow one visitor at a time."

  "My husband and I can wait in the lobby," said Catherine. "Good night, Carrie. We're glad you're okay."

  As Alex's parents followed the nurse out, Carrie settled back into her bed. Penelope and Danny stepped in a short time later, letting her know the family was leaving, but would return the following morning. After they left, she went back to sleep. It was after nine o'clock and it had been a long, stressful day for everyone. Allison leaned back into her chair and began to doze off.

  Forty-Eight

  Steve turned the Ca
maro into the main entrance at Sonoran Southwest Medical Center. Big news trucks with satellite dishes were stationed around the main building and the front lawn looked like a shrine. It was filling up with dozens upon dozens of flowers, balloons, stuffed animals, hand-painted signs and lighted candles while a steady stream of well wishers added more.

  "What the hell is this?"

  "The whole town's apparently gone nuts," explained Steve. "It's been like this for hours. I suppose it's because it's a high-profile case, and Carrie's still something of a public figure."

  "Yeah, but the damn news vultures need to leave her alone. Looks like I'll need to have some security at the house once she's released."

  "Wouldn't be a bad idea."

  It was several minutes before a parking space finally opened up. Once the car was secured, they headed toward the entrance doors. The ten o'clock newscasts had just started and a few of the reporters recognized Alex.

  "I have no comment," he repeated over and over as they pushed their way past the cameras and entered the building. Fortunately, there were police officers standing by the door, blocking the press from following them inside.

  "Alex!"

  Catherine waved as they stepped into the lobby. Alex rushed up to both his parents and held them tight. Steve stepped aside and called Allison.

  "We're in the lobby. How's Carrie?"

  "Asleep. She's finally resting comfortably. Overall she's doing better, but she got a little agitated when Alex's parents arrived."

  "Really? Why was that?"

  "Alex's dad has issues with her for doing the photo shoot and for going out with Scott. I tried explaining it to him, but he still has a problem with it."

  "He's old school and from a foreign country." Steve looked over and watched Alex with his parents. "Although something tells me that whatever it is, they'll be able to work through it. Why don't you meet me down here? It's late and we need to head home. Once you're here, we'll send Alex up."

  "On my way. I'll be there in a minute."

  The elevator doors soon opened and Allison stepped into the lobby. She greeted Alex with a warm hug.

  "I'm so relieved to finally see you, safe and sound. Carrie and I both were worried sick."

  "I'm sorry that happened, Allie. I know I should have been there with her--"

  "None of this is your fault, Alex," she said, quickly cutting him off. "What matters is you're here now, and she and the baby are okay. Visiting hours are over, but Carrie spoke to the nurse so they'll let you go up and see her. I also overheard them saying they plan to release her sometime tomorrow."

  "We'll catch you later, buddy," said Steve, "and give her a big kiss for me."

  Alex thanked Steve once again before he and Allison headed out the door. Once they left, he turned back to his parents.

  "We'd like to crash in your guestroom, if that's okay," said Catherine.

  "That's what I had in mind, Mom. Do you need me to take you to the house?"

  "We're fine," said Armando. "We rented a car, but we'll wait here while you go see her. You look exhausted, and I think one of us should drive you home."

  "Thanks, Dad. It's been a hell of a day. I won't be too long."

  He stepped into the elevator and quickly headed to Carrie's room.

  "I take it you're Alex," said the officer at her door, " but I'll still need to check your ID."

  He produced his driver's license and the officer waved him through. He walked through the doorway, stopping abruptly as soon as he saw her. Carrie was sound asleep. He winced at the sight of the IV, but it didn't seem to be bothering her. He walked to her bedside and began stroking her hair. She began stirring. As soon as she saw him, her eyes opened wide as she let out a gasp. She shot up in her bed and they both immediately wrapped their arms tightly around each other, crying.

  "Well, this must be a good thing." Dr. Arnold had just entered the room. "You must be Alex." He walked up and extended his hand.

  "Yes, sir, I am."

  "Have a seat." The doctor grabbed the box of tissues and offered it to both before pointing to a chair for Alex and turning back to Carrie. "I've reviewed the ultrasound and I've just gone over your latest blood work. Better get the nursery ready, because around September eighth, you two are going to be parents. "

  "You mean that's my due date?"

  "It's around that time. The nurse will come in a little while to disconnect your IV, however, I'm keeping you here until tomorrow, just to be sure there are no other complications. Once you're home, I want you on bed rest until your regular doctor says it's okay for you to resume your normal activity. You still have a gunshot wound and we have to watch out for infections, which is why I'll be prescribing some antibiotics. You'll need to stay on them until they're completely gone."

  "I'm taking a few days off work and my parents are in town," said Alex. "Don't worry, there'll be someone around to look after her."

  Dr. Arnold looked closely at Alex. "You know, at the moment, I'm honestly more concerned about you than I am about her. You don't look so good."

  "It's been a bad day. I was in a secluded room in the courthouse, when the shooting happened. I didn't know about it until sometime later."

  "Someone mentioned you'd heard the reports about her being killed. We set the media straight as soon as we found out about it."

  "Unfortunately, I didn't hear that part. I recall sneaking out of the building and driving somewhere, then a couple hours ago my friends finally found me. I'd pulled the car off the side of the road just outside of Tucson."

  "Sounds like you went into shock. I'd really like to have you checked out."

  "I think I'm okay," argued Alex. "I probably just need some food. I think the last time I ate was just before noon, but it all came back up after my friends found me."

  "No doubt you're dehydrated and your blood sugar's probably dropped. The cafeteria's closed, but I can have someone bring you a bottle of water and a sandwich."

  "That sounds good," said Carrie. "Can you make it two?"

  "My pleasure." Dr. Arnold turned back to Alex. "I've given her something for the nausea. She tells me she's lost a little weight since the pregnancy started. That's not uncommon during the first trimester, but now I want her to start gaining." He turned back to Carrie. "If he's not looking better after he eats, then please send him down to the ER."

  "Will do," she replied.

  Alex thanked the doctor before he stepped out. Their sandwiches arrived a short time later. As they ate Carrie noticed the color returning to his face.

  "You know, Carrie-Anne, today was supposed to be a very special day for us. I'd made reservations for us tonight at The Saddleback."

  "The Saddleback? That's the swankiest place in town."

  "I know. We were going to celebrate Louise finally being out of your life, and I had another surprise planned for you as well."

  He'd draped his coat over the back of a chair. He leaned forward to take something out of the pocket, but before he could say anything, the nurse came back in to check on Carrie and remove her IV. He dropped it into his pants pocket.

  "You're doing much better, now that Alex is finally here," she said with a smile.

  "I know." Her face was beaming. "He's the best medicine I could have."

  As she was removing the IV, Carrie asked about her father.

  "He's awake and doing remarkably well. Once I'm done, you can go tell him goodnight, but keep it short. After that, you'll need to send Alex home. He looks beat and he needs his rest too."

  She left and Alex handed Carrie her robe and slippers. As soon as she was ready, he walked her to her father's room. Jonathan was propped up in bed, watching television.

  "Daddy?"

  "Come in, Cara Mia. I was just watching the ten o'clock news. They're still trying to save face over their earlier mistake about you, and Scott Andrews is still clinging to life. Hopefully he'll make it, for his kids' sake."

  "Hopefully," she said as Alex pulled up a couple of chairs.<
br />
  "And I see Alex has finally been found. Glad you're alright, but you look like hell."

  "Thank you, sir," said Alex. "It's been one hell of a day. George McCormick told my friend Steve who you really are, and then Steve filled me in. I admit I'm completely blown away. I went through all of her mother's papers right after she passed away. We found a photo of you, along with some old court records, although part of the file was missing. We knew you'd been stabbed, but there was nothing indicating that you'd survived, so we both thought you were dead."

  "As Mark Twain once said, 'Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.' In point of fact, however, Linda knew all along that I was alive and well. I hunted her down right after I came to Tucson and started seeing Carrie on TV pitching Mercers Markets. I didn't approve of my daughter being used like that, but unfortunately, at the time I wasn't in the position I'm in now. I'd just gotten off probation and my jail sentence had just been dismissed."

  "I understand," said Alex.

  "Unfortunately, legal aid wasn't much help. Back then, I wasn't fully aware of what my rights were as a parent, nor did I have the resources to hire an attorney to fight for those rights. Linda had taken out a restraining order, and I knew if I forced the issue, I'd end up in jail. It would be a few years before I was finally able to hire an attorney, and by then, Carrie was a teenager. That's when Linda finally agreed to meet with the attorney and me."

  Carrie let out a gasp. "What? When was this?"

  "It was at the beginning of your freshman year of high school, Carrie, and yes, your mother and I met in person. I'd remarried by then, so your stepmother was there too. First your mother assured us that you were doing well. She also said you believed I'd abandoned you and that you hated me. I said I wanted to see you so I could set the record straight. That's when she made the point, quite clearly, that if I ever tried to make contact with you she'd immediately take out another restraining order and flee the state. My attorney warned her that if she did she'd be charged with parental kidnapping but your mother didn't care. She said she was willing to risk going to jail if it meant keeping me away from you."