Without Any Warning (A Samantha Jamison Mystery Volume 2)

by Peggy A. Edelheit

  I stiffened, preparing for the worst. “…What did?”

  “The phone call I received this morning.” She started snickering and leaned back in her chair, trying to hold back.

  My curiosity kicked in. “Out with it!” I swiveled to face her, giving her my full attention. I had learned in the past that this woman was always full of surprises. I never, never underestimated her on what she might say or do!

  “We were…” She tried, but couldn’t continue and began laughing once again.

  “Come on!” I prodded. “Let me in on it!”

  Finally, she said, “Well, you know that Roland and I have been seeing each other for weeks now. Right?”

  “Yes. So?”

  “Well, we thought we might take it to the next level,” she explained, trying real hard not to laugh.

  I stared at her. Now, I knew what that meant for me, but maybe she meant it another way. I just didn’t quite know how to put it out there and yet still be respectful.

  Martha looked at me for some kind of acknowledgment.

  “…And what level was that?” I finally asked.

  She glared at me, frustrated. “Now, what kind of stupid question was that? I swear, Sam, sometimes you really push my patience! You know that?”

  “…Well, it’s nice to see you are both interested in a long-term relationship.” I finally said, carefully working my way through this bizarre conversation.

  “Exactly my point!” replied Martha. “Where was I? Oh yeah. Well, I decided that we both should get tested.”

  I leaned back. Seniors probably had concerns too, but what were they? I took a stab at vague. “You know, I understand why you might be apprehensive.”

  “You see? I knew, you of all people, would understand because you’re never judgmental about anyone. I’ll tell you, I’m not looking forward to the blood work though. I hate needles.”

  My initial hesitation fell to the wayside when it finally hit me; what she might be referring to. Just in case, I tried for some decorum. Maybe, I had it all wrong. “Why, if you’re only interested in being companions?”

  Martha did a double take and started laughing again. “Heck, Samantha. If I wanted a companion, I’d get a dog!”

  That stopped me. I leaned in a little closer. “Martha, wait a minute. Tested? …For what? …Where?”

  “We registered anonymously at a clinic to be tested for STDs; sexually transmitted diseases.”

  “…Why nameless?” I asked, thinking to myself, you know, maybe I should be taking some notes here.

  “Well, I heard that the health insurance companies keep records when you get tested for STDs, so that’s why we did it anonymously.”

  I couldn’t believe she was worried about premium rates at her age, and I was having this kind of discussion with a senior citizen. Obviously, I had much to learn. “…Go on.”

  “So, I had the blood work done and they said they would call me back if I tested positive for anything within two weeks. Well, this morning, I get a voice mail on my cell phone, instructing me to call the clinic as soon as possible.

  “I called back and this woman verifies my info and then tells me that she is so sorry to inform me that I tested positive for syphilis. I yelled, ‘Are you joking?’ She said she definitely was not, and for me to come in to discuss the results and all the treatments currently available.”

  I sat there. “Syphilis? That’s terrible! What did you do?”

  “I hung up the phone and immediately started sweating, thinking, my God, what in the world do I tell Roland? We have a date with destiny tonight!”

  I swear, I tried to speak, but no words came out!

  “Then,” Martha continued, “I quickly googled syphilis, because I wasn’t quite sure exactly what it was! I found out that it eventually affects your brain and makes you go crazy at the very end! I just about fainted right there on the spot! And to think that after all these years, I was actually worried I’d end up getting Alzheimer’s!”

  I choked on her last words and my iced tea went everywhere. All this time, I thought old age might be boring. I gulped, gasped, and waved off her concern, anxious for her to finish. “No. I’m fine. …Please continue,” I finally choked out.

  “Later, after that initial phone call, I got another call from the same person I had spoken to earlier at the clinic. She apologized all over the place, saying that evidently, she read the form wrong and although the first test was positive; the confirmatory and final test definitely was not.

  “She explained there are many false positives with the first test and that’s why they test it a second time with a more accurate analysis to confirm. She had never bothered to read the whole page. Now, I ask you. Was that woman an idiot, or what?”

  I sat there unsure how to counter that statement without sounding like one myself. “And, are you okay now?”

  “Although shaken and traumatized earlier, I’m sort of laughing and seeing the humor in it, now. I’m telling you this whole nerve-wracking incident better be worth it!” She stood. “I’ve got to get myself done up. See you later.”

  I stared after her as she walked back into the house. You know, now that I really thought about it, Martha not only tested my patience and imagination, but she suddenly had me questioning my own sexual karma.

  Chapter 40

  Marketing 101

  At the last minute, I remembered the farmer’s market, and of course, ended up in traffic in search of a coveted parking space. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who had decided to show up late on that bright and breezy morning instead of hitting the beach. I snatched glimpses of succulent tomatoes, green lettuce, radishes and cherries displayed on some of the vendors’ tables. There were also used flea market items for sale too. After several minutes of patiently driving around in circles, I found a slot and hustled, bag in hand, over to make some purchases.

  About a half an hour later, I had more than enough to get me through the week, but as I turned to go, I recognized two figures deep in conversation off to the side. There was David, speaking to Mona behind a vendor’s tent, its flaps lightly fluttering around them in the breeze.

  They knew each other?

  I promptly worked my way over behind a stall, not only to observe them without being spotted, but hopefully to hear what they were saying. As I edged closer, it appeared that they were arguing instead of talking.

  “Of all places, what are you doing next door?” Mona asked heatedly. “I can’t believe this! What a total screw up!”

  “Listen, I don’t follow your rules. Got that?” David tossed back, glaring at her. “You keep changing the name of the game and freelance too much. Besides, your history together was a no-brainer, and I became impatient for some inside information. Under the current circumstances, I didn’t think anyone else would mind. By the way, her involvement is a major problem. What’s with that?”

  “I don’t have time to go into it now,” replied Mona.

  “And I don’t like what I’m hearing,” countered David. “It makes things way too complicated. And you know how I hate complicated.”

  “I know, I know. That’s what he said too,” said Mona.

  I froze. Who said? What was going on? What was scarier was that the she they both referred to in their testy conversation sounded like it was me.

  David’s eyes strayed toward the people shopping and passing by. “He’s right, you know. It would be a lot easier if she weren’t. Complications tend to cause casualties.” He turned his attention back to Mona.

  Mona met his gaze. “It’s too late, David. She’s already involved and is asking too many questions. She’s getting closer than she should, and I don’t like it. What am I going to do?” She looked up at him. “Got any brilliant ideas, Einstein?”

  “Watch your back and don’t slip up. The rest should fall into place. Ease off a little. Your obvious comings and goings are giving her more than enough of an opportunity to catch you with your so-called undesirables. Get my drift?”
>
  Mona smiled. “Very funny. What a clever choice of words. Maybe, I should be giving you the same advice.”

  David laughed. “You’re just a little touchy, don’t you think? Hey, we all have to do things we don’t want to. You made your choices long ago and now unfortunately, a lot of people are paying for them. That’s just the way it is. You gotta deal with it, Mona.”

  “I don’t have any other alternative, do I?” she complained.

  “No, you don’t!” replied David. “Once you opened up that can of worms, you set everything else in motion. Too late for any regrets or change of heart. You’re in it until it’s all over.”

  “That means her too,” Mona sighed wistfully, concern in her voice. “If only I could go back and change the past.”

  “Well, you can’t.” He looked at his watch. “I’ve got to get back. It’s late.” They glanced at each other, quickly nodded and separated without another word.

  I suddenly felt a variety of emotions, disappointment, being one of them. Maybe, I was jumping to conclusions. Maybe, they weren’t talking about me at all, but someone else. If so, who? Unfortunately, I couldn’t think of anyone. Okay, so that left only me. Why me? But as I stood there watching them walk away, I had a sinking feeling it was most likely, you guessed it, yours truly.

  David had me convinced he dealt in antiquities. Was that a ruse? For what? Was he ever really a widower? What was he involved in with Mona? What were they both planning? Who was he working for? Who was the other he they both referred to? Phil? Joey? Question marks flew everywhere.

  Did I really want to get in deeper, putting myself at further risk? I thought back to the fear and determination in Mona’s eyes in the beginning when she first arrived. What was she afraid of? Why did she feel I was the only one she could turn to? She previously claimed she had no one else. If she only trusted me, then why did I suddenly feel my trust was being betrayed?

  Like everything else in my past, this was something I had to figure out. Why? Because, as much as I hated to admit it, this involved me. I was completely wrapped up in their network of lies.

  I thought I was simplifying my life and getting away from further distractions of intrigue. The past was the past, but I was wrong, and like once before, I was finding myself paying for those assumptions.

  Raindrops began falling as I slowly made my way back to my car. I suddenly felt overshadowed by more than the ominous clouds overhead. I was more knowledgeable than I was before I arrived, but unexpectedly had a lot more to worry about, most notably, my safety.

  I looked at my watch. One minute past one. The market was closing, and from what I just heard from overhearing Mona’s and David’s conversation, so were my questionable chances of solving this thing. And as usual, the clock on this thing was ticking away.

  Chapter 41

  A Clever Window Of Opportunity

  I stood at the dining area window with my glass of wine. The Caesar salads were freshly prepared for dinner, and I had a minute to consider my situation as I looked out at the courtyard, streets and rooftops beyond. It was early evening. A siren could be heard in the distance, quickly approaching. It passed on down the block, its lights flashing. Fender bender? Swimming accident? Who knew? Life went on. Mine however, seemed on hold.

  Trust me, I never went looking for trouble, but it always seemed to find me. I should be used to it by now. My current doubts had me questioning my competence. How would I pull off this clever task of prying information from David, a near-stranger, who seemed, in my opinion, a pro at nondisclosure and deception? Still, it might end up being the perfect opportunity to catch him off guard.

  The doorbell rang. Mona and Martha were fortunately occupied elsewhere. I hurried on down to the foyer as composed as could be, not wanting to appear too eager for my impromptu invitation. If I had learned anything in the past, it was how to persuade information from others. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it didn’t. I had a pretty good winning streak though that is if you bothered to keep score. I always did. It helped boost my self-confidence.

  There stood David, flowers and wine in hand.

  Was this guy polished, or what?

  “Hi! Glad you could make it,” I greeted warmly. “Come on in. I’ve got everything ready on the table upstairs.”

  “Thanks for the invitation,” he replied. “I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.”

  I bet. “I have some Brie and fresh grapes for us outside and wine already chilled on ice.”

  We sat out on the deck, talking about nothing special. The waves hit the beach and we watched the last rays of sunlight slowly fade behind us. For good measure, I finally lit a few candles to keep us company. I was pulling out all the stops. Expensive wine was first, and then chilled shrimp and Chicken Caesar salad. Believe me; I could lace a bowl with garlic among the best of them. My coup de gras? Crème Brule. A pretty good cook myself, I could be devious to get what I wanted too.

  “So,” I said, edging my chair closer for a more intimate exchange, “I’d like to ask you something.”

  I could tell the pricey French Cru had scored. He smiled, totally relaxed and mildly buzzed. “What?” he replied, thoroughly into the tranquil atmosphere I had created.

  “I thought I saw you at the farmer’s market the other day. I was surprised because I didn’t expect to see you there. You know, being you’re so busy collecting all those art objects coming and going from that house of yours.”

  David took another sip, or I should say, swig of his wine, and then he helped himself and poured some more. I could tell by his body language that he was stalling for something to say. “Well, how about that!” he finally said, sipping more of his wine.

  What did that mean? ‘How about that!’ Exasperated, I pressed further. “What were you doing there? Shopping for another one of your irresistible recipes?”

  His forced smile revealed he’d been caught red-handed. I was sure he was trying to come up with a believable excuse. As far as I was concerned, there wasn’t one good enough after what I heard that morning. I just wanted to see how he would spin this one. He was obviously prepared and went right to the heart of what suddenly lay between us.

  “You saw me with Mona. I assume you haven’t asked her yet, right?”

  I smiled. “You know, I knew there was some kind of cosmic connection with us from the very beginning. No, not yet, I’m asking you, first. I figured your answer might be more interesting.”

  He turned, visually scrutinizing me, and then abruptly smiled. “You have a great sense of humor.”

  I nodded. “So I’ve heard. After that whole ordeal I went through in the past year, that’s what kept me somewhat balanced, that and my writing.”

  “But the truth finally ended all your uncertainty though, didn’t it?”

  I went still. How did David know so much about me?

  He stopped sipping his wine, wearing an expression of,

  ‘I think, I’ve just blundered.’

  Even though disturbed by his slip of the tongue, I was more interested in how he knew. It reminded me of conversations with someone similar from my past. Clay. “Now, would be a good time to give me an explanation. Don’t you think?” I asked firmly.

  He sipped more of his wine, hesitated, and then said, “…Mona told me.”

  Knowing my name was one thing. This was different. “What else did she tell you?” I asked. For good measure, I also threw in, “I didn’t know you knew her.”

  “I didn’t. We bumped into each other accidentally at one of the stands. She said she was visiting a friend, trying to decide what to make for dinner. She loved to cook and came to get inspired, and so, decided to give the market a try.”

  I leaned forward, trying not to laugh. Obviously, inventive comebacks weren’t his forte. “Now, why would she confide in a total stranger, who by some twist of fate, conveniently happens to be my next door neighbor?” When he didn’t respond, I went on: “There’s only one thing wrong with that picture you describe. Mon
a doesn’t cook. She’s the supreme take-out queen. Weren’t you aware of that?”

  “…I am now,” he replied, smirking sheepishly. “I thought I had you pegged, Samantha. Apparently, you’ve been observing closely, and know more than you’re admitting. I humbly now stand corrected.”

  Been there. Heard that before. “Why are you here? How about some answers? You know, ones that are believable.”

  “The less you know the better. You see, Mona’s gotten herself into a thorny situation.”

  I finally had enough spin for one night. I stood, shoving my chair backward. “Let me try and guess.” I leaned in, invading his personal space, figuring, what the heck, let me take a shot at this. “You’re here to protect Mona? Right?”

  He stood too, bent forward and leaned in closer, nose-to-nose, and then suddenly winked. “...No, Samantha. I’m here to protect …you!” He straightened and smiled. “…I guess this is where I exit stage right,” he added and did exactly that.

  I stood there, wordless. I just had the perfect window of opportunity to learn something more and totally blew it!

  Now, who was caught short for something clever to say?

  Chapter 42

  Moving Targets

  I mentally replayed what David said and what he didn’t. The chilling implications threw me. Why was I being protected? From what? My knees felt weak as I stared out at the darkness and the ocean beyond, sipping my wine. I looked over at all I had prepared on the beautifully candle-shadowed table, where I’d foolishly buried any chance of plying my culinary skills. What a joke! Here I was honing in for the kill, and he just moved all the players.

  Mona appeared in the terrace doorway. “…Hi,” she said uncertainly, as she slowly approached me.

  “Hi, yourself,” I replied halfheartedly. I motioned to my harebrained culinary tactic going to waste. “Have you had dinner yet? My big evening fell through with a loud thud.”