Deception

by Lori Avocato

  Vick looked at Judy with just a hint of rebellion in her eyes. “I intend to keep my baby.”

  Kathleen butted in, “That is Vick’s desire at the present, but things may change later.”

  “No, they won’t,” said Vick. The steely look in her eyes overshadowed the softly spoken dissent.

  Judy turned and led them down the hall to Vick’s apartment. Opening the door she stepped back so mother and daughter could enter. The childish grin on the young girl fed Judy’s heart. “So, do you approve?”

  “Oh, yes!” Vick clasped her hands, then held them up to her mouth. In a whisper she inquired, “How did you know green was my favorite color?”

  Judy chuckled. “I didn’t, honey. It just happens to be mine, too. So I guess you’re in luck.”

  Kathleen took a turn around the room. “This is beautiful. She even has a small kitchenette. I can’t believe you’ve done all this for what you’re charging. How do you do it?”

  Judy took a minute, bowed her head, then looked up. “Many years ago I could have used a welcoming place like this one. Miss Cherié took me into her home and treated me like the daughter she never had. I didn’t know she never had children of her own. I made up my mind that one day I would help others as she had helped me, and inheriting this place gave me that opportunity. I was finally able to open Haven House five years ago. I’m not in this business to make a profit. I’m here to help any young woman have a reasonably happy and comfortable pregnancy and then transition to a new life once her baby is born.” Abruptly she turned and started back out the door. “Go ahead and unpack, Vick. Your mother and I will be downstairs.” She left the room with Kathleen following close behind.

  Once they’d settled in the high backed chairs, Judy started asking the questions she would need for the coming months. “You understand I need you to be as honest as possible for the wellbeing of your daughter during her stay here at Haven House?”

  Kathleen sat ramrod straight in the chair and cleared her throat. “I’ll try to be as honest as I can, given our circumstances.”

  “What circumstances?”

  Kathleen returned her stare. “Vick is in imminent danger. Someone is trying to kill her.”

  3

  “What do you mean she’s on a hit list? Who is she?” asked David. “We’ve got nine other girls and five infants to worry about, Judy. I can’t believe you allowed her to stay.”

  “I had to. There’s something different about this child. I feel a connection to her. Besides, I really don’t believe anyone could hurt─”

  “Hogwash! You feel a connection to every poor girl who graces our door. This is serious business, honey.” David squatted next to his wife. “What if this is true? You’ve not only put us in jeopardy, but everyone in this house.”

  “That’s the cop in you talking. Go meet her yourself. See if you think she’s a threat to anyone.”

  David stood up and raked his hair with his fingers. “I’ll meet her shortly. Where’s her mother? I need to talk to her myself.”

  “I swear, David. Ever since you helped the FBI with that Greenland case, you’re nothing but a suspicious man. She can’t talk to you. Kathleen left hours ago. She didn’t want to stay long in case they, whoever they are, noticed she was gone, or had her followed.”

  David stared at his wife as if she’d grown another head. “Okay, then call her. Tell her I need some answers to my questions before this girl is allowed to stay.”

  “Sorry, hon. Can’t do that. Kathleen didn’t leave a contact number. Said that would be safer for all of us. She said she would call us from time to time to check on Vick.”

  “I─” David’s retort was halted by the ringing of their phone. He gave Judy a scowl, then grabbed the receiver from the wall. “What? Okay. What kind? I’ll be right there.” He hung up the phone and turned to his wife. “What kind of car was this Kathleen driving?”

  “I think it was a Nova. Yeah, a white Chevy Nova. Why?”

  “They just pulled one out of Alligator pond. By all indications it was forced off the road.”

  “Oh, my God! Do you think it could be Kathleen?”

  “Don’t know yet. Keep the doors locked until I get back.”

  “I never lock the doors, Dave, you know that.”

  “Yes, but if this was Kathleen’s car, we could be the next target.” David shook his head as he walked toward the door. “My God, Judy. What have you gotten us into?”

  ~ * ~

  Judy looked at the clock. It was already 8:15. Should she go upstairs and talk to Vick? The child was only sixteen years old. No, she would wait for Dave to return. No sense in worrying the girl for no good reason. Judy picked up her crochet needle and yarn. She’d made many an afghan while waiting for David to come home. They came in handy for the babies. Tonight she would start one for Vick’s baby, one with plenty of green in it. As she wove the yarn stitch by stitch, she thought back to the conversation she had with Kathleen earlier that day.

  No matter what Dave said, there was something special about this young girl. Judy couldn’t put her finger on it, but her instincts were rarely wrong. She needed to convince him that keeping Vick here was the right thing. Kathleen hadn’t given names, but she’d been desperate. She insisted that if she couldn’t leave Vick here, she had nowhere else to take her. Someone of tremendous influence and importance wanted her daughter dead. She refused to say more because she didn’t want Judy in danger. That woman had been terrified. Whoever the villain was, he must be a force to reckon with. No sense trying to figure it out until Dave returned. They would face this mystery together.

  ~ * ~

  At 2:10 am David unlocked, opened, then shut the door behind him. It had been a harrowing few hours. He could use some sleep, and he wasn’t looking forward to telling Judy the news. As he passed his small office, he peeked in as he usually did to see if she’d waited up. Sure enough, Judy was sound asleep in the platform rocker, her latest crocheting project lying in her lap. He crept into the room and gently shook her arm. “Judy?

  She jumped, her eyes wild. “Oh, it’s you, honey.” She was immediately wide awake. “What did you find out?”

  David had hoped to put off till morning the bad news, but Judy wouldn’t let him rest until she knew everything. He sat in the chair next to hers. “It was Kathleen’s car.”

  “Is she, I mean, how is she?” Judy was shaking now, her eyes filled with dread.

  “I’m afraid she didn’t make it. She was dead by the time I got there.” David sat back, exhausted.

  “Was it an accident? Or did someone else cause this?”

  David pulled his wife’s very cold hands into his own. “There were skid marks and the unmistakable signs of the car being forced off the highway. I’m sorry, honey, but Kathleen was murdered.”

  4

  “Vick...” Judy held down the intercom button to her new tenant’s room. “Vick, look next to your light switch by the door and you’ll see the intercom. Push it down and talk into the speaker.”

  “Yes, ma’am, I found it.”

  “I forgot to tell you last night, but breakfast is served in our dining room each morning promptly at 8:00 for all who want it.”

  After a brief pause, “Okay, I’ll be down in a minute.”

  Judy released the button and headed for the kitchen. She loved to cook and really enjoyed the camaraderie among the young women. After breakfast she would tell Vick about her mother, a chore she didn’t relish. Glancing out the kitchen window she noticed the same blue Ford Falcon that had been parked at the curb earlier when she’d taken out the garbage. David has me paranoid. But maybe I’d better call him and let him know about that car. Judy picked up the phone and dialed the number at the station.

  “Desk sergeant, Masters here.”

  “Hi Ken, is David there?”

  “Hi, sweet Judy. No, he left a few minutes ago on a case. He did say he was going by the house to pick up something on the way.”

  “Thanks so much,
Ken. Talk to you later.” She replaced the receiver and turned back to the stove. At least she’d be able to ask Dave about the Falcon when he stopped by the house.

  She put the last of the pancakes on the large platter next to the frying pan. After removing the bacon and sausages warming in the oven, she balanced both platters on her arms and headed toward the dining room. Eight O’clock on the nose.

  Four of her soon-to-be-mothers sat at the long rectangular dining table. Most of the single moms ate in their apartments or got something to eat on their way to work. Vick entered the room.

  “Everyone, this is our newest mom-in-waiting, Victoria.”

  The young girl flushed and mumbled, “Vick, please.”

  “Okay, girls, this is Vick. Vick, on the far left is Loren, next Tami. On your right are Hazel and Mary Lou.”

  “Glad to meet you.” Vick pulled the end chair out and took her seat.

  “It’s boarding house style here, Vick. Everyone helps themselves to whatever they want on the table. Juice, milk, and coffee are on the sideboard there.” Judy motioned to the buffet next to the wall. “After you’re through, each person washes, dries, and puts away her own dishes. The table is cleared by the lucky girl who has KP duty that week. We rotate the weeks. Anyway, when you’ve finished, I need to talk to you in the office.” Judy left, leaving the girls to get acquainted.

  ~ * ~

  Judy heard Vick’s footsteps coming down the hall and then a light tapping on the door. “Come in.”

  Vick opened the door and entered the room. “You wanted to talk to me?”

  “Yes, come over here and sit down.” Judy pulled the Boston rocker around the desk until it was facing her chair. Once the girl was seated, she began. “I’m afraid I have some bad news for you, Vick. It’s about your mother.”

  The young girl clasped her hands in her lap and looked directly at Judy. “Okay, ma’am, what is it?”

  “Late yesterday evening, your mother’s car was found in Alligator pond. I’m so sorry, honey, but your mom didn’t make it.”

  It took Vick a few minutes to digest the news. Then she fell forward in a dead faint, Judy catching her before she hit the floor. She picked up her limp body and carried her over to the settee. Leaving her for a moment, she went to get a cold cloth. She’d dealt with fainting moms before. After folding it, she placed the cold rag on Vick’s forehead. “Vick, Vick, can you hear me?”

  The girl’s eyelids fluttered as she tried to focus. “What happened?” she whispered as she started to sit up, then slumped back on the cushions. Judy continued wiping her forehead and cheeks. Tears gathered in her eyes as if Judy’s news had finally sunk in. “My mom is dead? Are you sure?”

  “I’m sorry, sweetie, but I’m afraid it’s true. Is there anyone we can call and let them know for you?”

  Vick’s face crumbled and tears flowed as she shook her head. “No, ma’am. We just buried my grandmother last week. There isn’t anyone else.”

  Oh, the poor child. Judy understood too well being pregnant and alone in the world. Fighting tears of her own, she pulled Vick into her arms and rocked her gently. “Well then, you’re at the right place. I’ll take care of everything for you. That’s what I’m here for.”

  ~ * ~

  Judy heard David before he stuck his head into the room. She caught his eye and shook her head. He got the message. Now wasn’t the time for questions. Before he got too far, she called. “David, there was a blue Ford parked outside earlier. It’s been there awhile.”

  “Don’t worry, one of ours,” he said.

  Vick gently pushed against Judy. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to mess up your blouse.”

  Judy glanced down at the dampness and chuckled. “Don’t worry about this old thing. How are you feeling? Are you up for a few questions?” She handed Vick a handkerchief from the desk.

  “I guess so.” Vick dabbed at her eyes and blew her nose. “I’ll be fine. I just want to wash my face. Is that okay?”

  “Sure. Go on up to your apartment. We’ll be up in a few minutes.”

  Vick scrambled out the door and up the stairs.

  Judy started toward the kitchen. Earlier, David had left before breakfast, and knowing him as she did, she knew he’d be hungry. Sure enough, he sat at the kitchen table downing the last of the pancakes. His raised eyebrows held their own question.

  “I feel so sorry for this girl, David. She just lost her grandmother last week. There’s no one else now. With her mother gone, she’s all alone.”

  David swallowed, and then wiped his mouth. “I know how you feel. But I have to get some answers. You say she just lost her grandmother?”

  “Yes, and according to what she said, there’s no other family. Come on, I’ll go up with you. She’s expecting us.”

  ~ * ~

  David typically found satisfaction in police work, but not now. The last thing this poor young girl needed was his upsetting her. She’d suffered such losses in her short life. But right now he needed information. The police had nothing to go on in this case. The poor girl clenched and unclenched her bed pillow. Her distress couldn’t be good for her health or her baby’s.

  He leaned in toward her. “Vick, are you sure there’s no one else we can call for you?”

  “No, sir. Grandmother was the only family we had. Actually, she was my great-grandmother.”

  He glanced over at Judy, then back at Vick. “Was she your mom’s grandmother or your dad’s?”

  “I never knew my father. He died in the war. I think it was the Korean War. Anyway, he was an only child and both his parents are dead. I never met them. Grandmother Ruth was Mom’s grandmother.”

  “What about your grandmother? Your mom’s mother?”

  “Mom never met her or her father. Her mom died when she was born. I don’t know about her dad.” Vick paused for a minute. “How did Mom’s car end up in a pond? Did she fall asleep or something?”

  He swiftly assessed his answer and decided the truth would be best. “No, she didn’t, Vick. Someone deliberately forced her off the road.”

  Vick suddenly vaulted off the bed and onto the floor directly in front of them. “Oh, my God!”

  David jumped to his feet and grabbed her by the shoulders. “What? Tell me what you know.”

  Vick covered her face with her hands. “I did this. I caused my mother’s death.”

  5

  Judy crossed her arms over her chest and glared. “What do you mean Vick can’t go to her own mother’s funeral? Tell me, David. How am I going to convince her?”

  David peered over the newspaper at his agitated wife. “I can’t tell you how, but it’s too dangerous for her to be seen in public right now. I don’t want anyone to know she’s here.” He pulled out the sports page and handed her the front page of the paper across the table. “First of all, we still have no leads in this homicide. Detective Snyder wasn’t very happy to hear we have no clues yet.”

  “Whoa, back up a minute. Detective Don Snyder, as in the FBI?”

  “Yes, hon. In a murder case that’s crossed state lines, they’re usually called in. He wants to keep Victoria out of the public view. I did get him to agree for her to stay here instead of a safe house.” He avoided his wife’s gaze. He knew she would be furious. Sure he’d promised her, but he couldn’t turn away from a case that involved Haven House.

  “You guaranteed me you wouldn’t work on any more cases that involved the FBI.”

  “I know but—”

  “But nothing. You swore to me after nearly getting killed last year. I can’t believe you...you...” She stopped and stared at the newspaper. “What the─ Have you seen this?” She pushed the paper toward him. “Read the headline. Go ahead, read it.”

  “COUNTY’S FIRST DOUBLE MURDER IN 50 YEARS.” Crap, he knew all about it, but had forgotten to warn his wife. “I know what it says. We’re doing what we need to do to keep Victoria safe. Whoever killed her mother could still be after her. Don and I decided to let them think she wa
s in the car, too.”

  “How am I going to explain this to her? First she can’t go to the funeral, now she’s dead? Honey, we know nothing about this child. How much more can she take before she falls apart?”

  “You want me to tell her, Judy? I will of course. She seems like a pretty intelligent girl. She should see the reasoning behind this precaution.”

  “You’re right. I’m sure she will. I just hate she has to go through all of this drama. It’s bad enough she’s going to be alone for her pregnancy. Not to mention she now thinks she’s responsible for her mother’s murder. By the way, when are you going to ask her about that?”

  He came around the table and gently massaged his wife’s taut shoulders. “I thought she’d had enough stress last night. Don’s coming over later. We’ll interview her after supper. Don’t let her see the paper yet. I’ll explain it all to her then.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and headed for the door.

  “Okay, see you later. Be careful.” She held her head in her hands. What a disaster. That poor, poor child. Judy knew all about being alone and pregnant. It had happened to her thirty-two years ago. She’d been raped by her stepfather. It was awful enough, the act itself, but then she was pregnant. When she finally told her mother, her stepfather denied it and her mother believed him. What a nightmare. She thought she’d ridded herself of those memories. Anyway, enough about the past. She had work to do. She’d postpone talking to Vick until later, but right now she just wanted to forget the whole mess.

  ~ * ~

  “Here, see for yourself.” Brandon threw the paper down in front of his brother. “I told you I would take care of it. Done, finished, no more problem.”

  Scott looked up at his brother as if seeing him for the first time. “How can you be so nonchalant about this? Two people are dead, Brandon. That doesn’t bother you?” He gave a disgusted snort. “I want you out of here. I don’t care where you go, but make it far, far away.”