The Betrayed_A Newport Murder Mystery

by Maria Milot

  She pushed her canvas bag onto the floor and asked, “Do I need to grab a beach chair?”

  Winston grinned. “Not for where we’re going,” he said and closed her door. Winston executed a three-point turn and headed back down the tree-lined driveway.

  Maddie expectantly stared at Winston’s chiseled profile. Nothing. “So are we going on a mystery ride?”

  Winston glanced over. “No, we’re going to Bailey’s Beach Club.”

  Okay, the mystery part is still intact, she thought. Maddie knew Bailey’s was an exclusive private beach club, where money alone did not bestow membership. Gaining access was about legacy and pedigree. For years rumors had circulated about a famous New York real estate mogul, with later shocking political success, who had been denied entrance to the beach club despite all his wealth. Gauche, new money held no sway over the membership committee at Bailey’s. “I’ll admit I’m curious about what goes on behind that grey and yellow façade that makes the club so elite.”

  “It’s not what happens there so much as it is who is there to make it happen.”

  Maddie’s eyes squinted. “Thanks, Winston, that clears it up,” she commented sarcastically.

  Winston reached over and squeezed Maddie’s hand.

  ◆◆◆

  Winston circled around Maddie like a shark, then popped up next to her. Tiny beads of water shimmered and glistened on his smooth, toned runner’s body. His body slid around hers, but much too briefly in her mind, as they splashed and bobbed in the surf. Laughing, Maddie turned to grab Winston when she was suddenly hit in the face by a wave. Water flooded her nose and mouth. She was coughing to stop the burn of salt and expel the water. She felt herself rising up and was afraid she was being carried out by a wave, but as her head cleared she realized it was Winston’s strong arms around her, lifting her up into his chest.

  “Don’t worry. I’ve got you. I think it’s time for us to take a break.”

  Her feet sank into the wet sand helping to anchor her as Winston set her down at the edge of the water and led her to their beach chairs. Maddie crossed her arms over her shoulders to warm herself. The sensation of choking had left her chilled.

  “You look cold. I’ll go get us some towels.” Winston offered.

  Maddie watched him walk away. She wondered if Winston would ever open up and try to be more than a concerned friend. Maybe he just doesn’t want to show a public display of affection at the club, or maybe his impeccable manners are preventing him from just letting go. He’s definitely holding back. I mean, he hasn’t even kissed me yet! He’s probably just concerned about me wanting to take things slow, and the fact that I told him I want to keep my options open. What if I went too far telling him about Jared? What if we’re stuck in the friend zone? Maddie closed her eyes. She could feel her friend Kelly pop up on her shoulder to tell her ‘stop over analyzing, stop jumping to conclusions, just relax and be in the moment!’

  Winston picked up two fluffy yellow and white, striped beach towels from a basket in his private cabana. This has gone on too long. I have to do what it takes to show Madison I’m serious. And if Jared keeps sniffing around, I’ll do what it takes to show him I’m serious.

  Maddie opened her eyes and saw Winston was heading back toward her. She felt the butterflies flicker to life again in her stomach. She was very attracted to him and definitely living in the moment now.

  “Here we go.” Winston wrapped a towel around her. He kept one arm secured around her shoulder. His other hand came up and gently brushed her jawbone then his hand slid under the back of her hair.

  Maddie was aware that her heart was pounding so fast it was nearly audible. Surely he can hear it?

  Winston looked into her eyes, bent his head and softly pushed his lips onto her wanting mouth. His lips slowly retreated then pushed again. Maddie felt electricity jolt through every nerve in her body. It was ninety-three degrees out but she gave an involuntary shiver. He pressed his chest against hers and held her tighter. His nose nuzzled her ear, he ran his tongue along her earlobe then whispered, “There, are you warm now?”

  She couldn’t speak. The air in her lungs seemed to be missing. He had taken her breath away. All she could do was simply nod in agreement.

  TWENTY-FIVE

  Jared stepped into his office to find Ken sitting behind Jared’s desk tapping on his computer. “Welcome back. I see you’ve made yourself at home with my things again. How was your trip?”

  Ken didn’t bother to look up but answered, “Trip was fine.”

  Jared sat himself on the edge of his desk. “You never told me where you were going.”

  This time Ken glanced at Jared. “I was out of the country on some family business.”

  “So how are your parents?” Jared inquired.

  Ken’s eyes remained on Jared’s computer as he busily typed. “Fine.”

  “Is your mom still running the mahjong league of Florence?”

  “Probably, I didn’t see them on this trip, it was just business.”

  Jared leaned forward to look around at the computer screen. “What on earth are you doing on my computer that it is so important?”

  “Bigger question Jared, is why do you have a note for a helicopter today on your schedule?”

  Jared stood up and walked around behind Ken, who had pulled up Jared’s daily calendar. “I thought you were going over the books, Ken.”

  The Sunday before Ken had left for his trip Jared had called Ken intending to reveal that he had external auditors looking at the books, and they had found some red flags. But he decided at the last second to wait and see if the auditors had any real information to give him before worrying Ken.

  “Yeah, I took care of everything before I left. Everything is in order, we’re making money, no worries. Now tell me about the helicopter?” Ken spun the leather desk chair around to face Jared.

  “Not that it’s any of your business—”

  “Your business has always been my business,” Ken interrupted.

  “I rented a helicopter for this afternoon to take out a lovely young lady named Maddie Marcelle.”

  Ken’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Why? Does she have something to do with the computer business?”

  “No. You know I keep my professional life separate from my personal life. I don’t like to mix business with pleasure. Maddie has her own money, she’s really down to earth, and you know better than anyone I have not had a connection with a girl for quite a while!”

  Ken bristled at the idea of Jared out with this girl. He thought of telling Jared he seriously doubted some insipid little debutant could ever give him what he needs – but he didn’t want to piss Jared off.

  “Yes sir, enjoy your day,” was all Ken said before Jared left for his date with Maddie.

  TWENTY-SIX

  Maddie paced a loop between her kitchen and the mudroom pausing to peer out the window in the door that faced the driveway. Jared should be here at any minute. Should I tell him at the beginning of the date, or wait for it to come up in conversation? I don’t want him to think I’m not interested, but I don’t want him to think we’re exclusive, and I really don’t want him to think I’m a whore. Maddie’s nervous energy had her picking at her fingernails as she crossed into the mudroom again, this time she saw a large SUV roaring up the driveway like a black stallion.

  Maddie pointed at Jared’s shoes as he stepped into the mudroom. “No shoes, please.”

  Jared laughed. “Seriously?”

  Maddie couldn’t help thinking back to the apartment she had shared with Joe. He was always stomping around in his work boots, leaving a trail of grime she was expected to clean up.

  “Yeah, I got a thing about shoes in the house, it grosses me out.”

  Jared slid his leather loafers off. “I can respect that” and paced through the mudroom into the sunlit, open kitchen. He surveyed the cottage. “This is really nice; great view with a cozy, happy vibe. My house feels so austere. Maybe I need a woman’s touch?�
�� Jared turned back to face Maddie.

  Her lips were pursed and it seemed as if she had been holding her breath as she suddenly blurted out, “Listen, before we do anything, I need to tell you something. I know this is our first date and I don’t want to set a negative tone but I need you to know that I’m still seeing Winston and he knows I am interested in dating you too.” She paused to take in a needed breath. Before Jared could respond she continued. “I need you to understand, about year and a half ago I was engaged to be married. I caught my fiancé being unfaithful. I was so devastated that I haven’t felt comfortable talking to a guy, let alone dating a guy, until now. And now I really want to just date. No expectations, just get to know each other. It’s a lot to ask but would you be willing to date me knowing I’m seeing someone else too?” Her hope-filled eyes were open wide. Her thumb was anxiously pushing under her short nails.

  Jared’s face became void of emotion as he responded to her. “So what if I’m also seeing another person?”

  Maddie looked stunned as she slowly asked, “Are you?”

  His playful smile returned. “No. Look, Maddie, I felt a connection with you. I like you. I want to get to know you better, even if it means sharing you-- for now. So are you ready for our date?”

  Maddie was visibly relieved and gave him an enthusiastic nod. “Yes!”

  As Jared settled Maddie into his car he checked, “So, I hope you’re not afraid of heights?”

  Maddie narrowed her eyes and gave him a puzzled look. “I’m not.”

  Jared began driving. “And I hope you’re feeling adventurous?”

  “How adventurous?”

  “I got us a helicopter. You told me you like history and I thought we could take in Newport’s past and present from the air.”

  “As long as I don’t have to jump out of the helicopter, it sounds fun.”

  ◆◆◆

  Maddie had been on some impressive dates with Winston but zooming around with a bird’s eye view of Aquidneck Island gave the term whirlwind romance a new meaning.

  Maddie sank back into the passenger seat as Jared’s SUV wound its way up a shrub-lined driveway. At the top an imposing Victorian house, its shingles weathered deep brown, loomed over Jamestown harbor.

  “Welcome to my home,” Jared announced.

  Maddie took in the dark, brooding atmosphere of the house as Jared gave her a tour. She noted that each hollow space he occupied seemed to brighten as he passed through.

  Out on the shady covered porch they watched sailboats gracefully glide back and forth across the channel between Newport and Jamestown. An apron-clad caterer served them baby lettuce topped with sweet, meaty lobster salad.

  “What do you know about wine?” Jared asked as he tipped a deep pour of white wine into Maddie’s glass.

  “I know I prefer white to red. Beyond that I’m clueless.”

  “Well, we have plenty of this sauvignon blanc. It’s from the Marlborough region of New Zealand. Let me know what you think.”

  Maddie sipped. “Crisp, citrusy like grapefruit.”

  “For someone who thinks she’s clueless, you have a great palate,” Jared remarked.

  “That’s good to know; for years I was with a beer drinker and that’s all we ever had.”

  “Beer drinker, huh?”

  Maddie quickly changed the subject. “Tell me how you know about wine?” She refused to allow any more thoughts of Joe to creep onto this fabulous date. She listened in earnest curiosity as Jared wove together tales of his first encounters with ‘good wine’ in Tuscany with his friend Ken.

  Several hours later the magic of sunset colored Jared’s light brown, wavy hair. The perfect end to a perfect date, Maddie thought as they finally made their way off the porch and down to Jared’s vehicle. The drive over the long arching Pell Bridge, which connects Jamestown to Newport, was filled with quiet banter and laughter. Maddie didn’t need Kelly’s voice in her head to remind her to focus on the moment. Jared had her complete attention.

  ◆◆◆

  As they approached the door to her house Maddie groped around inside her purse. “If I could find my keys we could get in and I could make you some coffee.”

  Jared reached out and gently snagged her arm. “Listen, Maddie, I want to respect that you’re not ready to jump into a relationship yet. So, I’ll be a gentleman and say good night here.”

  Maddie looked up, a bit surprised he was ready to end the evening here but as his face came closer to hers, her worries fell away. His lips softly grazed hers then pressed into a lingering kiss. The warm tiny needles that started a quiver below her dress quickly spread up to the nerves on the edge of her mouth. As Jared allowed his lips to slowly retreat she dug her fingers into his shirt and used it to pull him back into her. She wanted to feel more of his body entwined on hers but regained her composure. Gently she pulled away from him and took a step back.

  “Whew,” Jared blew out a long audible sigh. “I think I might need to go home and take a cold shower.” He scooped up Maddie’s hands, pressed them to his mouth, and quietly stated, “I really enjoyed your company. I would love to see you again. So, please don’t commit all your time to Winston. Okay?”

  Maddie reached up and brushed a lock of hair from his forehead, “Okay. I enjoyed your company too. Give me a call. I would love to go out again.”

  TWENTY-SEVEN

  Bzz bzz bzz-- He opened one eye and shifted his head from the pillow to see which phone was ringing. It was the secret line; which could only mean one thing, a late-night rendezvous. He grabbed the phone, rolled onto his back, and answered, “So I thought you were a gentleman?”

  “I am,” was the response.

  “Well, gentlemen are supposed to be in bed at this hour.”

  “I plan to be in bed, just not mine. I’ll be in at your place in ten minutes.”

  “Yes, sir.” He smirked as he clicked off the call and thought, proof I have him where I want him.

  ◆◆◆

  Two hours later, he pulled the other man back down onto the bed. “Wait, it’s so late. Just spend the night here.”

  “You know that can’t happen,” the other man said.

  He brushed his hand through the other man’s hair. “Come on,” he whispered, “just once.”

  The other man slapped his hand away. “Stop pushing this!” the other man shouted as he got up and stood beside the bed.

  He was left on the bed and clearly agitated. “Oh right, because you have to go running back to her,” he spewed.

  “You leave her out of this. She has nothing to do with us.”

  “Well, I guess if it’s not her it’s everything else you have going on. You know someday your big, secret affair with me is going to come out and then what will you do?!”

  Instantly the other man swooped down grabbed his jaw and forcefully pressed his fingers into the bone. “You had better damn well hope that what goes on between us and the rest of my life never, ever, meet up. Understand?”

  Through gritted teeth, he answered, “Yes, sir.”

  The other man stood upright again. “Good. Now stop talking and put your mouth to good use.”

  The blonde man on the bed rose up onto his elbows, “Yes, sir.”

  TWENTY-EIGHT

  “Come in.” Maddie grabbed Kelly’s hand and pulled her into her home. It had been another restless night of sleep. Maddie was grateful for the distraction Kelly provided from her tiredness.

  “So, I brought some invitation samples. You have such good taste. I need you to help me decide.”

  Kelly spread a smattering of cardstock and books onto Maddie’s kitchen island.

  “Well, I don’t know about good taste, I just know what I like.” At least I used to. Now I talk to myself inside my head before I make decisions, Maddie thought.

  Kelly glanced around Maddie’s home. “Look at this place, it’s gorgeous. God knows you could afford to have an interior decorator but you did all this yourself. Good taste.”

 
Maddie shook her head as she took in her eclectic mix of casual furniture dotted with antique tables and chests. Though some items were quite expensive; she had not sought them out for their value, but rather chose them because she liked the look of a traditional design and appreciated good craftsmanship. This stylish, elegant, yet comfortable oasis she had created truly suited her personality. Well, I must still have some sense, I love the home I made here. “Let’s just see what you brought and we’ll try to narrow it down.”