Her email chirped, breaking her novice sleuthing. At first she planned to ignore it but curiosity won in the end.
Anne,
I know you don’t want to see me but I need to tell you something before it’s too late. I deceived you and for that I’m sorry but I did it to protect you. I’m not sorry that I fell in love with you and I’m not sorry that I asked you to be my wife. I don’t know how this will end. Remember everything I’ve taught you; it has all led to this.
I’m not a religious man but I know this means something to you.
I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. Psalm 31:7
Forever Yours,
Adam
Anne could no longer find breath. Her lungs filled with heat. Curiosity killed the cat, right? She had spoken this verse to him right after they began dating. Adam could see her tormented soul, her sickness, and he pulled her from the darkness. He had saved her from herself. She spent hours searching for answers after her mother died and then after Carter disappeared. Anne couldn’t save them.
“Anne?”
“Jesus!” Anne grabbed her chest. Casey vaporized next to her.
“Sorry, you were so deep in thought you didn’t hear me knock. Looks like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I have—he was here.”
Casey’s cherry-red-painted mouth fell open.
“What? Did Shelly see him?”
“No, he snuck through the other door and then I got an email from Adam.”
Anne could see Casey’s bright eyes grazing over his bold words.
“What the hell does that mean—it has all led to this?”
“Adam showed up at the funeral. He was being vague. It’s like this whole thing has been plotted out for the past three years.”
“Gearing up for war,” Casey whispered.
Anne’s brows pushed together as she let Casey’s words sink in. They made sense. It’s been building up all this time and now it will come to a head with her directly in the middle of it all.
“I know this is going to come out harshly, but didn’t you ever suspect anything when you were with Carter?”
Anne wasn’t offended by the question, and a valid question it was. How could she be in such a serious relationship for so long and have no inkling of his illicit activities? Were the memories there and just buried? Did the shock of losing him and their baby hide them deep in the confines of her brain?
“I know, Casey. I’ve asked myself the same question a hundred times since this all happened. How could I have been so blind and stupid? And even with Adam, ughhhh.”
Anne tossed her head back against the chair in sheer aggravation.
“I need to get some air.” She threw her hands up.
“Do you want me to come with you?” Casey asked.
“No thanks, I really need to be alone and try to sort it all out.”
Casey hugged her and placed a motherly kiss atop her head.
***
The Riverfront District in Minneapolis was Anne’s place of solace. The collage of glass and metal reflected grandly off the Mississippi. Dreary rain clouds were starting to move out of the city, letting in peek-a-boo sunshine, which felt soothing against her skin. She inhaled the garden-fresh aroma.
Perched on a stiff wooden bench, she observed a man and woman with two small children. They grasped their father’s legs, begging for piggy-back rides. Anne couldn’t help but feel such a sadness for Sam’s little girl who would never share such memories with him. He would be absent from her first dance, her graduation. Who would walk her down the aisle on her wedding day? Anne knew that longing all too well and wouldn’t wish it upon anyone.
She could feel the fury and heat burn through her stomach and enter her blood stream, oscillating resentment and disgust. All at once the wind ceased and the distant noise of traffic and conversation were silenced. This would be the calm before the storm. All she could hear were the stilettos pounding hard against the Stone Arch Bridge as she made her way to uncover the truth.
D’aubinge had a lighter feel to it in the afternoon hours. Anne sat at the bar where she had first met Carter. Realizing that she had been caught up in nostalgia, she found herself quietly smiling to the glass of merlot that sat in front of her. Anne shook it off and gazed around the polished brasserie. Sitting behind her in a small booth were two business women and next to them was a man typing feverishly on his laptop. Anne twisted herself back toward the bar to discover she now had company.
“Hello Anne,” Rita said, sitting on the stool.
Her hair was back in a slick ponytail and decorated with a black oval jeweled hair accessory and she was looking put together in her red linen dress suit and black silk camisole, Anne saw a glimpse of the Rita she had once known. The bartender approached them with a grin.
“Christian, I’ll have a scotch on the rocks and Anne will have another glass of merlot.”
He nodded and went to prepare the drinks.
“Are you following me now?” Anne asked sarcastically, drinking the rest of the warm liquid.
“Anne, first let me apologize for my demeanor toward you the last time we spoke. I was having an off day and I took it out on you. Second, I am not following you, just simply making amends.”
Christian placed the drinks in front of them.
“Thank you. I’ve got this, okay?”
Rita gave him a wink; he once again nodded and returned to the other end of the bar.
“Did you know?” Anne asked discreetly, knowing anyone could have been listening.
“I did.”
“Why am I not surprised,” Anne replied acidly.
“I swore I wouldn’t say anything. I had to protect him. Lord knows his father didn’t.” Rita gulped her scotch.
“Why weren’t you at Sam’s funeral this morning? He was Carter’s best friend and part of your family.”
“I was there. I sat in the back of the church.”
Anne rolled her eyes.
“You Leeds are sure good at lurking in the shadows.”
Rita shifted her body toward Anne, radiating displeasure.
“I know you are upset and you have right to be, but he did it to protect you. I am in no way condoning what he has done, but, Anne, he loves you so much and he is trying to get everything worked out with the appropriate people.”
“I am beyond upset, Rita. I am pissed off!” Anne quickly lowered her voice; feeling eyes around the bar watch their exchange.
I have been lied to for God knows how many years.”
“Anne,” Rita began.
“I’m not finished. All of Carter’s records have been erased, but I’m sure you already knew that. What does Adam have to do with all this? Tell me now!”
“Adam was our attorney. He was to accompany Carter to Chicago to assist in the legal side of the investment. We had to make sure we weren’t getting screwed in the deal. Long story short, the deal went south with Carter and Adam in the middle of it. Adam took the easy way out.”
“No, I think Carter did.”
Rita stiffened, finishing her drink.
“Adam is nothing but a snitch but he held all the cards—there was nothing we could do. When he made his play for you, we knew he meant business and wanted Carter gone for good.”
“Jesus, do you realize how insane this is? How do you just sit there and let all this happen?”
Rita’s face flooded with crimson.
“I didn’t have a choice!”
“Bullshit!”
Anne slammed her hand down on the granite, then placed the wine glass to her lips and let the merlot flow into her mouth. Rita’s gaze moved past Anne and toward Christian who was still standing at the opposite end of the bar, cleaning glasses.
“Does he work for the Montgomerys too?” she whispered, placing the glass down.
“Why Anne, you don’t look so well.”
Anne was feeling a rush of euphoria circulate through her vei
ns, with every heartbeat thrusting the sensation more rapidly into her blood stream. Her mind thickened with haze, disabling all lucid thought.
“Here my dear, let’s go to the ladies room.”
Anne could faintly feel Rita’s chilled arms wrap around her waist and guide her toward the back of the bar.
“What…was…in my…”
The motions of her lips ceased; words could no longer be found.
Through the heavy surge of whatever drug they had placed in her drink, she could faintly hear multiple voices. Feeling her feet leave the ground, she was floating away into the shadows. Her breathing slowed and in one last exhale, Anne’s world faded into nothingness.
Chapter 12
“Everything will be all right, my sweet Anneliese.” Carter’s words swept into her consciousness like ocean waves. “Trust me, trust me…”
She could feel caresses glide across her cheek and then soft echoes. But quickly the nothingness pulled her back under.
Through her closed eyelids, she could see a peach glow; the rays of sun poured onto her still body. Anne moved her fingers along what seemed to be a leather surface, perhaps a chaise. It was dimpled with cold circular buttons. The room was concealed in silence. She could hear her own breathing, which had returned to a normal rhythm.
Coaxing her limbs to reposition themselves, she moved ever so slightly. Her muscles ached from the tension she subjected them to as the drugs had entered her nervous system. Her recollection of what had taken place earlier was hazy, as was her vision. Anne blinked several times to regain focus; her surroundings were unfamiliar.
An arched window that reached the top of the cathedral ceiling revealed the ginger sun and clear cerulean skies. The walls were shelved with oak and displayed thousands of antiqued books; some had sculptures and ornaments from faraway lands. The large study had the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sandalwood. Anne was alone, but only for a moment. The six-panel wooden door opened as Carter sauntered in, holding a newspaper.
“Good morning, sleepy head.”
He spoke with an eerie cheerful tone. He strolled over to an iron cart that sat near the window. He poured two cups of coffee from the sterling silver pot that reflected the morning sun into Anne’s eyes. She sat up more but her head began throbbing wildly. She rubbed her temples.
“Oh, my head.”
Carter placed the white porcelain on the table in front of her, along with two Advil.
“Here, the coffee will help.”
“I think I’ll pass.”
She was fearful to drink anything from him ever again.
“I’m sorry for that, Anneliese. It was the only way.”
“Drugging and kidnapping me was your only option? I doubt that, Carter.”
Anne was gaining her senses quickly now.
“You wouldn’t listen to reason. You are not only putting yourself at risk, but me and my family as well and I cannot have that.”
Carter sat in the leather club chair that faced her across the table.
“This is unbelievable. You have lost your freaking mind. I wouldn’t have had to be so intrusive if you would have just told me the truth.”
Anne looked down at the newspaper and read the date.
“Oh my god, I’ve been out for two days! What the hell did you give me?”
“It was your own medication. Don’t be alarmed—I knew the correct dose to administer so you weren’t in any danger.”
Carter’s nonchalant demeanor was smug and irritating.
“You’re a doctor now, great. Carter, you can’t do this. People are going to wonder where I am.” Anne looked around the room. “Where am I, anyway?”
“You’re in a safe location and you will remain here until I feel everyone is protected.”
Carter’s eyes were dark and hostile; Anne looked toward the window, biting down on her dry lower lip.
“So you want the truth—you want honesty, correct?”
Carter inclined her direction, pushing his fingers together to form a steeple.
“Yes. I think I made that clear some time ago,” she snipped back.
“Why don’t you start? Tell me what Adam told you.”
“Told me what?”
“His plans. His position in this game. Where is he?”
Anne was taken aback by Carter’s accusations on Adam’s tactics and whereabouts.
“How would I know? I’ve been here for the past two days.”
Carter wrinkled his brow at her response; it was displeasing to him.
“Anneliese, please don’t think I’m dense or unwise to his plot. I have a sneaking suspicion that you are in on it as well.”
“What the hell are you talking about? You are being paranoid! Adam has told me nothing. How could you think that of me?”
Anne swiftly changed her disposition, knowing his temper could erupt at any moment.
“Carter, you are my only love. Why would I conspire to murder you?”
Carter stood up and made his way to her. As he sat down next to her, she placed her hand on his face, reassuring him of her commitment to him, no matter how false it was.
“Anneliese, I need to know you are on my side. Betrayal is something I don’t take kindly to.”
Carter clutched her wrist, and she winced. Never in the past had he laid a finger on her, but this wasn’t the same Carter she fell in love with. This Carter was fueled by power and money. Pain seared her skin while Carter increased his grip. Her eyes filled with salty tears; she gasped for air. He continued.
“I have always been one step ahead, Anneliese. That’s my job. But I sit here and look at you and the past comes rushing in, how I love you. You can’t ever leave me again, my love, and once I finish what I started, we can finally be together.”
Though his words were filled with adoration, they also continued an undertone of mania and covetousness. The time that had lapsed between them all those years exposed a Carter she had never encountered before, one that frightened every fiber of her being, one that was possessive and threatening.
“Carter.”
Tightening his grip and pulling her dainty body to his, he placed his mouth rigidly on hers, forcing her to reciprocate. She could taste his hot breath; she endured the moment praying for it to end quickly. Feeling the tautness in her lips, Carter pulled away. Releasing her wrist, he removed himself from the chaise and hastily exited the study. She could hear the lock latch behind him. Anne fell to her knees and covered her head with her arms on the black lacquered table; she did not silence her cries.
Her stomach tensed with pain and a wave of nausea sent her sprinting to the nearest trash can. The spasms were unwavering. Feeling weak, she made her way back to the cold chaise lounge clutching her abdomen.
***
She watched the light travel across the wall, guessing that afternoon had arrived. Turning to see the newspaper still lying there, Anne reached for it. The front page showed a picture of her and Adam. The headline read:
Prominent Minneapolis Attorney Questioned in Disappearance of Fiancée
Anne read on.
After a missing persons report was filed for Dr. Anne Jamison, the Minneapolis police department received an anonymous tip stating that she had recently ended her relationship with attorney Adam Whitney and he was angry about the break-up. Police went to interview Whitney at his home but he could not be located. They believe he is on the run and possibly trying to leave the country.
“Adam is missing too? No.”
The paper fell from her hands. Carter wanted her to read this; it was all his doing. Anne knew he was dead and she would be next. There was a knock at the door as a petite brunette woman walked in carrying a silver tray. She wore a white and grey housekeeper’s outfit, with her hair up in a tight bun. She placed the tray down in front of Anne, lifting the lid to reveal a large white bowl of tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich cut in half. The woman nodded and quickly left Anne to eat.
Though she was apprehensive to
consume the food, her stomach screamed for her to do so. Giving in, she gulped down the tomato soup, feeling the hot contents spread through her stomach like a blanket of gratitude.
When finished Anne walked over to the arched window and saw nothing but green quilted grass with a large bleached marble cherub fountain in the middle. Carter was right; she had no idea where she was. One thing she did know is that she had to find a way out. Anne rushed over to the door and began banging on it with both fists.
“Hey! I need to use the bathroom! Hello out there!”
She jiggled on the pewter handle but the door was locked. She continued without pause. Finally she felt someone insert a key and unlatch the lock. She stepped back as a bald, burly man towered over her. His tight face was glazed with annoyance at her request.
“I really need to use the bathroom! It’s been two days for crying out loud!” Anne demanded.
“Come with me.”
The lofty gentleman’s stride was hefty; she followed closely behind him. The hallway was narrow, layered with scarlet wall coverings and a dark wood wainscoting. Two black iron sconces lit their path down the corridor. A small window was ahead of her but it did not enhance any further guesses regarding their location.
Taking a slight left, she discovered a staircase leading down; the frightening man directed her to the right which led into a rather large powder room. Closing the door and locking it, she leaned against the meticulously crafted wooden vanity. The same dark wallpaper and wood followed her inside.
Anne gazed at her reflection, gasping at the train wreck that stood before her. Every part of her was pale and sickly; her lips had even lost their pink hue. She splashed warm water on her face which felt clean and refreshing. Her long blonde tresses were riddled with knots.
After relieving herself, she flushed the toilet and washed her hands. Now that she knew which way the staircase led, she would attempt her escape. Creasing the door open just a sliver, she saw that the hallway was empty. Looking both ways, she heard nothing. Cautiously, she stepped to her right toward the staircase. A sharp agonizing pain tore through her scalp, yanking her off her feet. Screaming in anguish, she reached back to see what was causing such harm. A baseball mitt of a hand had enclosed a healthy section of her hair, pulling it tightly back to her prison.
Deadly Deception (Deadly Series) Page 9