White Lies (A Twisted Fate Series) (Volume 1)

by Kristin Mayer

  “Thanks.” Trent took a sandwich. His profile was handsome. “The fingerprints came back with a positive identification of at least eighty percent.”

  My voice became distant. “It was Alex.”

  “Yes.”

  The waves reached the bottom of my feet, giving a refreshing feel. If only my choices had been different. I’d been powerless from the moment I saw Alex. My heart had obliterated any other thought beside him. I shuddered, thinking about the fool I’d been. But if he hadn’t happened, the miracle growing inside me wouldn’t be there.

  Looking out into the distance, I asked, “Have you ever been betrayed, Trent?”

  “I have. A long time ago, by a woman I thought was the love of my life.”

  “It’s a terrible feeling.”

  Trent took an introspective sip from his bottle of water. “It is. I think it was worse than losing my parents, in a way. They didn’t want to leave me. She did.” The hurt in his voice matched my feelings.

  From what I sensed, Trent didn’t have anyone in his life right now. Dad had been there for him. I wanted to be, too. “If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here. I know we just met, but regardless, people don’t understand unless it’s been done to them.”

  More waves crashed as the ocean came a little farther up my feet. “Thanks. Only one person ever knew.”

  “My dad?”

  “Yes.”

  The one-word answer hung out there. Reaching across, I touched his hand. “I’m glad we got to meet even though I would have rather the circumstances been better. Thanks for being there for Dad when the painting was stolen.”

  After retracting my hand, Trent worked his jaw. No doubt this was emotionally tough for him. I felt at ease with him now that I knew about the secret. Ultimately… my father trusted him, so I trusted him.

  “Thanks, Willow. I sat in this very spot with your dad a lot. I miss him.”

  Having this connection meant a lot to me. It was like getting a piece of Dad back while sharing it with someone who loved him like a father. “I miss him, too.”

  Carson stopped by the house to update me on how things went with his parents. As suspected, they were over-the-moon excited and loved Francesca.

  Currently, Francesca and Marie were eating before they went baby shopping.

  “Are you sure you don’t need me to come?” Carson was using my office for a conference call. There wasn’t time for him to go back to his office, but he’d wanted to make sure to see me today. I loved him for it.

  “I promise. Andre is taking me, and Trent is meeting me there. I’m only meeting with Eva at the gallery to go over all the specifics. You’ll be bored out of your gourd.”

  He shuddered. “Yeah, I don’t think I can do that much time with Eva. She’s nerve-grating. I’m going to check in with Trent, too.”

  Ever the protective brother. “The gallery was already checked out this morning, and Eva approved of the extra security. I promise everything is fine.”

  That had been a chore, tiptoeing around the reason for the additional security needed with Eva. I hadn’t wanted her to know about Alex or deal with all the questions that would entail. Trent made up some excuse, but when I really thought about it, he hadn’t answered a thing.

  “Trent knows what’s he’s doing, but I want to go over everything just to make sure.”

  I gave him a salute. “Sounds good. I’ll call you on my way back.”

  After a quick hug, I got into the backseat of the town car. It was supposed to be armored, as per conversations I’d overhead between Trent and Andre. A bit much, I thought. But better to be safe than sorry.

  I was anxious and nervous about the show. Normally, with all the other artists there, I was relaxed. Having all the attention on me and my work displayed everywhere was a little daunting.

  The car was deathly quiet. “How are you today, Andre?”

  “Good, Ms. Russo. Yourself?”

  “Good. Thanks for taking me into the city.”

  “Anytime.”

  The staccato responses told me he wasn’t in the mood to talk as he intently set forth to do his job. Yesterday, I got a briefing from Trent on who the security members of my team were. Andre, like the other members, had a military background. He had been employed with Trent since the beginning. I felt a camaraderie between the two.

  I busied myself with my phone, catching upon text messages.

  Marissa: The whole gang is coming to the show tomorrow. Can’t wait!

  Me: Thank you! Your passes will be at the check-in. Eva has ensured me that everyone is on the list. I can’t believe Rosie and Mitchell are still dating!

  It had been two weeks since our Martha’s Vineyard trip. Dating Mitchell for that length of time had to be a record breaker. I wondered if Mitchell enjoyed the teal nightie with feathers. Thank goodness Rosie was over her Carson obsession now that Francesca was here.

  Almost immediately I received a response.

  Marissa: I know! They are adorable together. Got to run. Meeting with the wedding coordinator. Cake sampling today! Will be in touch about your dress fitting.

  Me: Can’t wait! Have fun and sounds yummy! See you tomorrow.

  Marissa: See you then.

  Marissa was getting married in about five and a half months. By that time, I would be over six months pregnant. I wasn’t sure how to handle that. In the next couple of weeks, I would need to tell her.

  I looked out the window and saw we were probably thirty minutes away from the gallery. After catching up on e-mails and finalizing my new pregnancy-safe art supplies, I sat back and watched the scenery pass us by.

  Ring.

  The unknown number brought my pulse to racing speed.

  Ring.

  Trepidation filled me as I tentatively answered. “Hello?”

  The caution in my voice caught Andre’s attention as the vehicle slowed and he adjusted the rearview mirror to have a full view of me.

  “Ms. Russo?” My heart beat faster, recognizing the voice. Why was he calling me?

  Our eyes met, and I saw Andre’s body stiffen from the expression I wore.

  “Yes?”

  “This is Commander Taylor.”

  This man was not a good guy. With most of the precinct corrupt, Trent agreed we needed to leave the cops out of this.

  I turned the volume up and put the phone on speaker. Yesterday, Trent had drilled this into me—if someone I wasn’t comfortable with called, get security to listen in on the phone call. The car slowed a hair but kept moving.

  “Ms. Russo?”

  I needed to focus back on the conversation before he got suspicious. “Sorry, I’m here. It’s been a crazy morning.”

  “Is this a good time?”

  I looked to Andre, who nodded. “Yes, it is. I’m on my way to the gallery for business.”

  “I wanted to call and check on you after your visit last month.”

  The man made me sick. Regardless, the commander played both sides of the fence. “Thank you. I appreciate it. I’m doing well… moving on with my life… forgetting the past.”

  That seemed like a logical response, considering what he revealed to me. “Very good. Has anyone bothered you? Any suspicious activity?”

  I looked to Andre for guidance, and he shook his head. My heart rate ratcheted up, and I worked on keeping my voice steady. “No. Nothing I can think of. Why?”

  “I was simply checking. Call me if you need anything.” The voice of the liar was smooth as silk. Who knew if he was lying or not.

  Andre gave the signal to keep going. “Thank you for checking. Is there anything you need from me?”

  “Not that I can think of. Congratulations on the art show. It made the front page of the entertainment section. Alex told me you paint under Willow Loren.”

  That was an odd change in subject. The mention of Alex’s name gave me an uneasy feeling. “Thank you.” I got the wrap it up signal from the giant in the front seat. “I appreciate the call, Commander
Taylor. If there’s anything you need from me, please let me know.”

  “I will, Ms. Russo. I wish you the best.”

  “And you as well.”

  The call disconnected, and Andre was already on his phone as he signaled for me to hand him mine. An app that recorded all phone calls I made or received had been loaded. Creepy but necessary. And now it made sense why Trent believed it was a good idea.

  Andre thrust another phone back to me without a word. Social interaction was definitely not his strong suit. I saw Trent’s name on the display and internally sagged with relief. “Hey, there.”

  “Hey, you okay?” Concern poured from the man I was getting to know better. He had a calming effect.

  Leaning back against the soft leather, I answered, “Yeah. He gives me the creeps.”

  The city drew closer; the horn honking became louder when I looked to see where we were.

  “I’ll meet you at the gallery if that still works.”

  “Sounds good, Trent. We’re pulling up. I’ll see you in a bit.”

  A car door closed on his side. “See you in a bit.”

  We hung up. Andre exited the vehicle to open my door. Why was Commander Taylor contacting me? He had to have something up his sleeve. Eva burst through the doors, silencing my thoughts until later. “Willow, darling, you’re here. Perfect timing.”

  Eva’s hair stuck out to the sides in a short, spiky hairstyle. She had on a gray fitted suit with metal-studded black heels. Very artistic looking with the metal rings placed on her jacket. We entered the gallery with Andre shadowing me, which was oddly comforting. It smelled of paints, and I loved it.

  The gallery had been swept and surveillance added. I couldn’t see any changes, which eased my apprehension.

  Eva and I went through the lighting and how to display the series. No doubt, Eva was brilliant at her job. Seeing how they glowed in their places along the wall, I had to remind myself that I painted them.

  This is my work.

  A sense of accomplishment overcame me as I took it all in. Only one change needed to happen—the order of two paintings had been switched.

  Eva received a phone call and excused herself. I took a step back and looked at all the paintings again.

  The pain.

  The betrayal.

  The lies.

  In the middle of the series was the painting I’d done after my last night with Alex when I’d become pregnant. It was a stark contrast to the before and after.

  There was hope.

  There was peace.

  There was love.

  I touched my stomach. At least my baby was created when I felt light in my life. That had to count for something. For some reason this baby was meant to be, and I would always treasure the gift.

  “Andre, I’m going to use the facilities.”

  He radioed something. “I’ll wait out here, Ms. Russo. The restroom has been checked.”

  I gave him a slight nod and made my way to the restroom. Andre stopped following me about ten steps from the door.

  The restroom was plush with a round stool in the middle of the sitting area. Two roses sat on it. A smile spread across my face.

  I whipped out the burner phone, my heart beating with excitement.

  Me: Are you here?

  Tack: Yes.

  Me: I need to see you.

  Tack: Not yet, Willow.

  Walking into the restroom, I put my hand to my forehead. This was all so fucked up.

  Tack: Will you promise to keep your eyes closed? I need your word.

  Me: Yes. I promise.

  Tack: Walk to the door in front of you. Close your eyes. I’m trusting you, Willow. Don’t open them.

  Me: I’ve been trusting you for a while now.

  Tack: Same here, sweetheart.

  For the first time, I noticed the door at the end of the room. Right before it, I stopped and closed my eyes.

  He was close.

  Tack was here.

  I was about to be with him again.

  It was hard to contain the delight.

  Creak.

  I felt the charge in the air change. A hand touched mine, sending tingles through me. His touch was always electric. I thought my imagination had made it more. But it hadn’t. The feeling was better, so much better.

  Willingly, I took a few steps, and he pulled me into the closet. “Tack.”

  “I feel it, too, Willow.”

  He was right there with me. “Isn’t this crazy?”

  “No. Not to me.” I felt the heat of his body move closer.

  I licked my lips. “How did you get in?”

  “I have my ways. Your security is top notch. I swear no one else is getting to you.”

  Only one explanation remained if my security was that good. “You have a friend who works for Trent.”

  His forehead came to mine. His breath intoxicated me. “How are you feeling?”

  Previously, Tack had said he would never lie to me. His not answering kept that promise. I leaned in infinitesimally. “No morning sickness yet.”

  “Good. I’m glad.”

  I felt his breath get closer, and I leaned in further. His lips brushed against mine. “I’m doing everything I can to make sure there are no more secrets between us, Willow.”

  “Good.”

  His lips tenderly touched mine. “I want to kiss you until you think of nothing else.” I went to move my hands, but he kept them at my side. I leaned in a little further and his lips pressed against mine again. The warmth spread through me.

  Then… he was gone.

  “We’ve done too much already. When I really kiss you, I want you to know what my face looks like—know who I am.”

  Disappointment radiated through me. Then his forehead was against mine again. “Soon, Willow. I swear it.”

  “Soon.” I echoed his words.

  “You need to head back out there before someone gets suspicious.” Again, his lips pressed against mine so quickly I thought I imagined it. “Call me when you can.”

  “I will.”

  A gentle tug on my arm led me outside the door.

  Click.

  The door shut, and I turned around. My eyes opened. I wasn’t able to tear my gaze away—Tack was behind that door. Through the slits, he could see me.

  I stood there transfixed in place.

  My phone chimed.

  Tack: It’s time to go, sweetheart. Soon, I promise.

  Me: Soon.

  Knowing he was in there, I refused to use the restroom. My business could wait until I got home or I’d ask Trent to stop somewhere. After checking the mirror to make sure I looked put together, I left the bathroom, and Andre fell in slightly behind me. He stood there stoically, not moving except for his eyes, which were constantly scanning.

  Eva greeted me. “Willow, darling, is there anything else we need to change?”

  My eyes drifted for a mere second to the bathroom door before I focused back on Eva. “No other changes. Is there anything else you need from me?”

  Her hands fluttered through the air. “Another series so I can book a show. Willow, you have no idea the interest this series has garnered. I must have more.”

  Dad would have been so proud to see me build my name like this. Most people had no idea I was his daughter. “Thank you, Eva, for everything. When I have something else ready, I’ll let you know. You’ll have first dibs.”

  “Perfect.” She kissed her fingers again. The front door swung open and Trent entered wearing slacks and a polo shirt.

  With a bright smile, he greeted us. “Hello, ladies. Thank you, Eva for being so accommodating through the security changes.”

  A quick lick across her lips indicated Eva was practically melting in a puddle in front of Trent. “Yes, it’s going to be fantastic. She approved the layout.”

  “Can’t wait.” He turned his attention to me. “Willow, whenever you’re ready, let me know and we’ll head out. I’m going to discuss a few details with Andre. I’ll
be right around the corner.”

  Eva kissed her fingers again. “It’ll all be marvelous. If you could get here about twenty minutes prior to the show, we’ll be all set.”

  “Perfect.”

  We’d walked to the door when she remembered. “Oh, I have something for you. It was delivered earlier. Let me get it.”

  Eva disappeared behind a wall while I waited by myself. Trent was beyond the partition toward the front door speaking with Andre. Moments later, she reappeared. In her hand was a turquoise box with a white ribbon. I took the box and tucked in into my purse. I had forgotten about the gifts that accompanied a show.

  “Bye, darling.” Eva gave me air kisses while we exchanged good-byes.

  The hot sun was brutal on the streets of New York City. The air conditioner in the SUV was a welcome relief. Trent sat in the back with me while Andre drove with Dwayne, another security guard, in the passenger seat.

  Trent pulled out his phone. “I need to make a quick phone call.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Ensconced safely inside, we took off through the busy streets. I always loved how the city never slept. While Trent was on the phone, I decided to open up the gift from one of the guests. It wasn’t uncommon to get gifts leading up to an event like this. Honestly, it was my least favorite part.

  From the color of the box, I assumed it was some sort of jewelry. I pulled the ribbon off and then removed the lid.

  Everything stopped moving. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the box. This wasn’t happening. I put the lid back on the box.

  Not enough air in the car.

  “Air.” My voice came out hoarse, barely audible. “I need air.” I wasn’t moving. No one heard me. A sickness came over me. “I’m going to be sick.” My voice came out shallow but with a little more voice. “Trent!” Finally, I got his attention. “Pull the car over. I’m going to be sick.”

  He looked semi-relieved, probably because he thought I was dealing with a bout of morning sickness and not some sicko. “Andre, pull over for Ms. Russo.”