Charade

by Lori Foster

  “I told you, Mother, he’s a friend.”

  “What kind of friend?”

  “What kind do you think, Father?”

  Judd winced. He’d never seen Emily act so cool, or so defensive. And her smart reply had Jonathan Sr. turning his way. “I think you should remove yourself.”

  Judd raised an eyebrow. Well, that was blunt. Before he could come up with a suitable reply, Emily fairly burst beside him.

  “You overstep yourself. This is my house, and Judd is my guest.”

  That startled Judd, but evidently not as much as it did Emily’s family. They all stared, and Emily glared back. “Uh, Em...”

  “No.” She raised one slim, imperious hand. “I want you to stay, Judd.”

  Evelyn Cooper stepped forth. She was an attractive woman, with hair as dark as Emily’s and eyes just as big. For the briefest moment, Judd wondered if this was what Emily would look like when she got older—and he felt bereft that he’d never know.

  “We have family business to discuss, Emily. It isn’t proper for a stranger to be here.”

  John snorted. “He isn’t a stranger, he’s a very good friend. And he already knows all about me. I trust him.”

  Evelyn narrowed her eyes at her son. “I wasn’t talking about your irresponsible behavior. You will, of course, return with us. We’ve found the perfect surgeon.” Then her gaze traveled again to Judd. “I was speaking of Emily’s...unseemly conduct.”

  Judd was still reeling over the way John had just defended him. He was a friend? A very good, trusted friend? He felt like smiling, even though he knew now wasn’t the time. Then Evelyn’s words sank in. Unseemly?

  John had told him that Emily never stood up to her parents, that she took their insults and their politely veiled slurs without retaliating. Probably because she still felt guilty for misjudging her fiancé and causing her parents an embarrassment. But to put up with this? He didn’t like it, but he also didn’t think he should interfere between Emily and her parents. He drew a deep breath, and tried to remain silent.

  Emily lifted her chin. “I’m not entirely certain John wants to see another surgeon, or that it’s at all necessary.”

  “John will do as he’s told.”

  “Despite what he wants?”

  Jonathan Sr. harrumphed. “He’s too young to know what he wants, and certainly too irrational at this point to make a sound decision. It’s possible the scars can be completely removed. Appearances being what they are, I think we should explore every avenue.”

  Judd stood silently while a debate ensued. John made it clear he didn’t want any further surgery. The last doctor had been very precise. The scars would diminish with time, and beyond that, nothing more could be done. Judd thought it was a sensible decision on the boy’s part, but John’s father disagreed. And though he’d told himself he wouldn’t interfere, Judd couldn’t stop himself from interrupting.

  “Will you love your son any less with the scars?”

  Both parents went rigid. Then Jonathan shook his head. “This has nothing to do with love!”

  “Well, maybe that’s the problem.”

  That brought a long moment of silence. Evelyn looked at her husband, and then at her son. “We only want what’s best for you.”

  “Then leave me alone. I’m sick of being picked over by a bunch of doctors. I did a dumb thing, and now I have some scars. It’s not great, but it’s not the end of the world, either. They’re just scars. I’d like to forget about what happened and get on with my life.”

  Jonathan frowned. “What life? Skulking around in the slums and getting into more trouble? We won’t tolerate any more nonsense.”

  “Is that why you wanted to keep me out of the country? Dad, I could find trouble anywhere if that’s what I really wanted. But I don’t.” He looked at Judd, then sighed. “I’m sorry for the way I’ve acted. Really. But I want to stay here now. With Emmie.”

  Jonathan shared another look with his wife, then narrowed his eyes at Emily. “I’m not certain that’s a good idea. Emily’s always been a bad influence on you.”

  Judd waited, but still, Emily offered no defense. It frustrated him, the way she allowed her parents to verbally abuse her. Again, he spoke up, but he kept his tone gentle. “It seems to me Emily’s been a great influence. Didn’t you just hear your son apologize and promise to stay out of trouble? What more could you ask for?”

  Evelyn squeezed her eyes shut as if in pain. “Good Lord, Emily. He’s just like the other one, isn’t he? How much will it cost us this time to get you out of this mess?”

  Judd froze. They couldn’t possibly mean what he thought they meant. He looked at Emily, saw her broken expression and lost any claim to calm. But Emily forestalled his show of outrage.

  “How dare you?”

  She’d said it so softly, he almost hadn’t heard her. The way her parents stared, they must have doubted their ears, too.

  “How dare you even think to compare them?” Her voice rose, gaining strength. She trembled in her anger. “You don’t know him, you have no idea what kind of man he is.”

  Judd was appalled when he saw the tears in her eyes. He touched her arm. “Emily, honey, don’t.” She hadn’t defended herself, but she was defending him? He couldn’t bear to be the cause of dissension between her and her family. It seemed to him they had enough to get straight without his intrusion.

  Emily acted as though he weren’t there. She drew herself up into a militant stance and said, “I would like you both to leave.”

  Jonathan glared. “You’re throwing us out?”

  “Absolutely. I’ve listened long enough to your accusations and disapproval. I won’t ever be the daughter you want, so I’m done trying.”

  Evelyn laid a hand to her chest. “But we just got here. We came all the way from Europe.”

  Emily blinked, then gave a short nod. “You may have ten minutes to refresh yourselves. Then I want you gone.” And she turned and walked out of the room.

  Judd started to go after her when he heard Jonathan say, “You’re not good enough for her, you know.”

  He never slowed his pace. “Yeah, I know.”

  But before he’d completely left the room, he heard John whisper, his tone filled with disgust, “You’re both wrong. They’re perfect...for each other.”

  * * *

  What did kids know? Judd asked himself that question again and again. So John liked him. That didn’t mean he could step in and do something outrageous like ask Emily to marry him. No, he couldn’t do that.

  But he could let her know how special she was, how perfect...to him.

  When he found her in the bedroom, she was no longer crying. She sat still and silent in a chair, her back to the door, staring out a window.

  “You okay?”

  “I’m fine.”

  She wasn’t and he knew that. He made a quick decision, then knelt beside her chair. After smoothing back her hair, he brushed his thumb over her soft temple. “Maybe you should go talk to them, babe. No yelling, no silent acceptance. Talk. Tell them how you feel, how they make you feel. They love you, you know. They don’t mean to hurt you.”

  She didn’t look at him. “How do you know they love me?”

  Because I love you, and I can’t imagine anyone not loving you. “You’re a beautiful, giving, caring person. What’s not to love?”

  Her face tilted toward him, and he saw a fresh rush of tears. He kissed one away from her cheek. “Talk to them, Em. Don’t let them leave like this.” He stroked her cold fingers, then enfolded them in his own. “Anything can happen, I learned that with Max. Time is too short to waste, and there are too many needy people in the world to turn away those that love you.”

  She squeezed her eyes shut and tightened her lips, as if trying to silence herself. Judd stood, then pulled her to her feet. “Go. Talk to them. I’ll get showered and dressed.”

  “In other words, you intend to stay out of the way?”

  He grinned at her grumbl
ing tone. “I think that might be best. But I’ll be here if you need me.”

  She stared up at him, her eyes huge, her lashes wet with tears, and Judd couldn’t stop himself from kissing her. He’d wanted to spend this last day with her, to fill himself with her because after tomorrow, he’d have no reason to be in her house, no reason to keep her close. No reason to love her. He pulled back slowly, but placed another kiss on the corner of her mouth, her chin, the tip of her nose.

  “You’d better get a move on before they leave. The ten minutes you gave them is almost up.”

  She laughed. “If you knew my parents, you’d know how little that mattered. They think I’m on the road to ruin. I doubt they’re about to budge one inch.” Then she hugged him. “Thank you, Judd. You’re the very best.”

  As she left the bedroom, he grinned, hoping she’d work things out, and wondering at the same time...the best of what?

  Chapter Ten

  UNFORTUNATELY, IT RAINED. Emily felt the dampness seep through her thick sweater and slacks. But she supposed the rain was good for one thing—it made her less conspicuous lurking around the back of abandoned warehouses.

  Leaving today hadn’t been too difficult. Judd had gone on his errands before her, and her parents, though they had stayed in town, hadn’t remained at her house. They had talked a long time yesterday, and her mother had said they hoped to “work things out.” They’d been apologetic, and they’d listened. Emily wondered at their change of heart, and if they’d still feel the same after she went against their wishes and brought charges against Clayton Donner.

  This particular produce warehouse had several gates where a semi could have backed up to unload its goods. Three feet high and disgustingly dirty, the bottom of the gate proved to be a bit of a challenge as Emily tried to hoist herself up. The metal door was raised just enough for her to slip through, and although she still had time before Donner was due to arrive, she wanted to be inside, safely ensconced in her hiding place so there’d be no chance of her being detected.

  The flesh of her palms stung as they scraped across the rough concrete ledge. Her feet pedaled air before finding something solid, and then she slid forward, wedging herself under the heavy, rusting door. She blinked several times to adjust her vision, then wrinkled her nose at the stale, fetid air. Donner had certainly picked an excellent place to do his business. It didn’t appear as though anyone had been inside in ages.

  Emily got to her feet, then hastily looked around for a place where she could hide, and still be able to take her pictures. The warehouse was wide open, so she should be able to capture the deal on film. The entire perimeter was framed with stacks of broken crates and rusted metal shelving, garbage and old machine parts. Not a glimpse of the vague light penetrating the dirty windows reached the corners, so that’s where Emily headed. She shuddered with both fear and distaste. But she reminded herself that it could easily have been Judd here, risking his life. That thought proved to be all the incentive she needed.

  Just as she neared the corner, she heard the screeching whine of unused pulleys and one of the gates started to move. With her heart in her throat, she ducked behind the crates and crouched as low as she could. She wondered, a little hysterically, if they would hear her heart thundering. She listened as footfalls sounded on the concrete floor, and voices raised and lowered in casual conversation. Then she forced herself to relax; no one was aware of her presence.

  When Donner and the man from the picture came to stand directly in front of her, not twenty feet away, Emily silently fumbled for her camera. A van backed up to the gate, and the driver got out—Emily recognized him as Mick—and began unloading wooden cases. She almost smiled in anticipation, despite her nervousness.

  Just a few more minutes and... A soft squeaking sounded near her. Emily didn’t dare move, her heart once again starting on its wild dance. Then she heard it again. She very carefully tilted her head to the side and peered around her. Then she saw the red eyes. Oh my Lord, Emily! A dark, long-bodied rat stared at her.

  She drew a slow deep breath and tried to ignore the creature. But it seemed persistent, inching closer behind her where she couldn’t see it. She felt the touch of something, and tried not to jerk. The camera was in her hands, she had a clear shot between the crates where she hid, and Donner was winding up his business. All she needed was a single picture.

  The rat tried to climb the crate beside her, using her leg as a ladder. Emily bit her lip to keep from breathing too hard. And she was good, very good. She didn’t make a single sound.

  But the damn rat did.

  A broken crate collapsed when the rodent tried to jump toward her, and in a domino effect, other containers followed and Emily found herself exposed. She fell back, trying to hide, but not in time. Within a single heartbeat, she heard the click of a gun, then Donner’s voice as he murmured in a silky tone, “Well, well. If it isn’t the little bird. This should prove to be interesting.”

  * * *

  Judd cursed, not quite believing what he’d just seen. How had she known? He’d been so damn careful, even going as far as faking frustration to make her believe that the deal had been called off. But somehow she had found out. And now she was inside, with Donner holding a gun on her. He lowered himself away from the window, then swiped at the mixture of rain and nervous sweat on his forehead. His stomach cramped.

  Cold terror swelled through him, worse than anything he’d ever known, but he pushed it aside. He couldn’t panic now, not if he hoped to get her out of there alive. His men were stationed around the warehouse, but at a necessary distance so they wouldn’t be detected. Judd had planned to make the deal, recording it all through the wire he wore, then walk out just as his men arrived, making a clean bust. Now he’d have to improvise.

  Speaking in a whisper so that Donner and the others wouldn’t hear, he said into the wire, “Plans have changed. We’ll have to move now, but cautiously. There’s a woman inside, and I’ll personally deal with anyone who endangers her.” He allowed himself one calming breath, then said, “I’m going in.”

  With icy trickles of rain snaking down his neck, he took one final peek through the grimy window, then lowered himself and inched forward until it appeared he’d just arrived directly at the back entrance of the warehouse. His stance changed to one of nonchalance, and he walked through the door beside the gate.

  Emily looked up at him in horror. Mick, his grin feral, held her tightly, with her arms pulled behind her back. Donner and the other man stood beside him. Judd feigned surprise, then annoyance. “What the hell is she doing here?”

  Donner smiled, then inclined his head. “I’d thought to ask you that when you arrived. You’re late.”

  With a casual flip of his wrist, Judd checked his watch. “Four o’clock exactly. I’m never late. Now, what’s she doing here? I didn’t want her involved.”

  “As you can see, she’s very much involved.” Donner held up a camera. “I believe she had some photography in mind.”

  “Damn.” Then he stomped over to Emily. “I thought I told you to knock that crap off?”

  He gave an apologetic grimace to Donner. “She’s been thinking of doing a damn exposé on the east end. She’s taken pictures of every ragtag kid, every gutter drunk or gang punk she can find. Annoys the hell out of me with that garbage.”

  Donner gave a lazy blink. “I think she’s stepped a little over the line this time.”

  Judd lifted an eyebrow. “Got some interesting pictures, did she?” He turned to Emily, chiding her. “You just don’t know when to quit, do you?”

  “Actually,” Donner persisted, “I don’t think she took a single photo. But that’s not the point, now, is it?”

  Judd crossed his arms over his chest. “If you mean what I think you mean, forget it. I’m not done with her.”

  “Oh?”

  “She promised to buy me a Porsche. I’ve been wanting one of those a long time.”

  Donner moved his gaze to Emily. With a nod fr
om him, Mick pulled her arms a little tighter. The dark sweater stretched over her breasts and her back arched. Judd had to lock his jaw.

  “After today, you won’t need her. We can make plenty of money together.” He dropped the small camera and ground it beneath his heel, then paced away from Emily. “Get it over with. We’ve been here too long already and there’s plenty more to do.” As he spoke, he watched Judd.

  Knowing Donner was waiting for a reaction, Judd did his very best to maintain an air of disgust. But his mind raced and he tried to gauge his chances of taking on all three of them. He planned his move, his body tense, his mind clear.

  The man from the picture grinned. He hefted an automatic weapon in his hand, the very same make that had been sold to Emily’s brother. He held the gun high in his outstretched hand and aimed at Emily. Judd roared, lurching toward him, just as the gun exploded.

  * * *

  Emily squeezed her eyes shut, so many regrets going through her mind, all in a single second. She’d been a fool, a naive fool, thinking she could help, thinking she might make a difference. She’d ruined everything, and now Judd would die, because of her.

  She heard the blast of the gun and jerked. But she felt no pain. A loud scream tore through the warehouse, echoing off the stark walls. She opened her eyes and realized the man who’d intended to shoot her was now crouching on the cold floor, his blackened face held in his hands. Blood oozed from between his fingers. The gun had backfired?

  Judd reacted with enraged energy. His fist landed against Donner, who seemed shocked by what had just happened. She felt Mick loosen his hold and she threw herself forward, landing hard on her knees and palms, her shoulders jarring from the impact.

  And then the room was flooded with men.

  There was so much activity, it took Emily a moment to realize it was all over, that Donner and his men were being arrested. Judd appeared at her side, helping her to sit up.

  “Are you all right?”

  His voice sounded strange, very distant and cold. She brushed off her palms, trying to convince her heart that everything was now as it should be. Her throat ached and speaking proved difficult. “I’m fine. Just a little shaken.”