Web of Lies

by Elizabeth Knox

  “My parents were married a little over twenty years. It would be over thirty now if he had lived. Mom is still alone. She says Dad was her one true love.”

  “Are we about ready to go? We can talk more on our way. Please tell me you like Mexican food. I was thinking of going to this great little place, Taqueria Downtown in Jersey City, if that’s good with you.”

  “That is one of my favorite places to eat. I usually go there for lunch after meeting with my boss. They make the best of everything and it’s always super fresh. I love their homemade salsa. I warn you now, I like the really hot one.”

  “Everything that I have tried there has been amazing. I honestly don’t think I can pick a favorite. The service is always fantastic and the food is just the best anywhere.”

  “If we survive this date, the next one we are going for Italian food. There is this fantastic pizza shop close to my house. The pizza is phenomenal, but their dinners are to die for. I hope you like garlic because they use a lot of fresh garlic in everything. If you like Sicilian pizza, theirs is so light and fluffy.”

  “Italian is one of my favorite foods. I also like Japanese food. Do you like sushi? If you do, I know a great place. They get their fish fresh every morning. We will have to go to New York to eat it. They buy their fish every morning at the fish market. Same with the produce, they buy it all fresh.”

  “Absolutely love sushi. I eat it at least once or twice a week. No one else I know likes it, so I usually have to go eat it alone or bring it home. I prefer eating it at the restaurant, though. It seems we have very similar taste in food.”

  “Yes, it does. I wonder what else we have in common. What kind of music do you listen too? That’s a big one for me because I listen to music all the time.”

  “If you could see my playlists, they are a mix of everything. From old rock to new pop, jazz, country, the only thing that I’m not too fond of is opera. I can take it or leave it, preferably leave it for someone else. I always have music going when I’m at home. I write for a magazine. Marie says she doesn’t see how I listen to music and write at the same time. What she doesn’t understand is that I wear headphones when I write. The music is like a white noise calming me. I hear it, but I don’t at the same time. It blocks out all the noise from the street with cars and people walking by. I don’t hear the police or ambulance sirens. It helps me get into a zone so that when I start writing, the words just pour out of me.”

  “Have you written anything that I might have read? Which magazine do you write for? The biggest question, do you write under your own name or a pen name as so many do?”

  “I write under my own name. I’ve worked really hard to be taken seriously as a writer. You very well may have read something I have written. I do a lot of hard articles. The one I just turned in is about domestic violence, the effects that it has on everyone in the family, the workplace, and society as a whole. It takes time to gather all the facts, especially when you need numbers and professionals to back up what you’re writing about. As hard as that story was to write, I think my next one is going to be the most challenging one I have ever done.”

  “Can you talk about what you’re writing next? Or do you have to keep it quiet until after you have submitted it to the magazine and you know for sure the article has been accepted?’

  “My next article is about cold cases that remain unsolved and the effect it has on the families left wondering what happened to their loved ones. I can’t even begin to imagine the devastation they must feel at not having the answers they need. Not having their loved ones to bury because they have never been found. Never receiving justice against the killers. It’s going to be a difficult piece to write without letting my emotions get in the way.”

  “I can only imagine how hard that is going to be on you. Will you have to interview the families of some of the cases?”

  “Yes, that’s going to be the hardest part. It’s easy to collect data on how many cases go unsolved each year. I will also be talking to some of the officers from the cases. Even they become vested in these cases. A few I have already spoken with have kept some of the files in their desks and keep going back to them trying to find answers. Looking again and again to see if there is something they missed.”

  “That has to be rough. Being a Marine during wartime is hard enough. At least over there, I knew who the enemy was. With what you are talking about, it could literally be anyone. I have a lot of respect for police officers, but yeah, there is no way I would want to do their job.”

  “No, neither would I. By the way, what do you do for a living? We keep talking about me, I want to know about you too.”

  “I told you when my tour was up, I left the Marines to come home and help my mom take care of my dad. That meant taking over his construction business. Dad left the company to me in his will with the condition that I made sure my mom was taken care of for the rest of her life. Zackarelli & Son Construction, we are all over the place doing things. You’ve probably seen our trucks or signs on new projects.”

  “Oh, wow, that’s you? The Son part? Are you going to change it to just Zackarelli Construction or leave it as it is?”

  “I figure I will leave it. Dad named it that when I was just a little kid. One day I hope to have a son, so I’m going to leave the name alone in the hopes he will take it over from me.”

  “Now, all you need to do is find the woman to have the son for you.”

  “True, or I could hire a surrogate to have the child for me. That way, I have my son even if I don’t find the right woman for me.”

  “Wow, so you already have the backup plan in place. At least you know what you want for your future and have a plan.”

  “What do you want for your future?”

  “If you remember, my future had been all planned out. Then it all came crashing down. Now I don’t plan so much anymore. I take things one day at a time. Do I want a husband one day? Yes. Do I want kids one day? Most definitely. I just have to find the right person. My heart is healing, it just needs that last little push to get me going again.”

  “You will have your dreams come true. You’re a wonderful, caring woman. I can’t imagine you not having a family filled with love and happiness.”

  We continued talking all through dinner, from our likes to dislikes. It was amazing how many things we had in common. The later into the evening it became, the closer I felt to Zack. It’s so strange how it’s only my second time around him, yet I feel as though we have known each other a lifetime.

  After dinner, we went for a drive. It’s a beautiful fall evening and surprisingly we can see the stars tonight. Usually, there is so much smog and cloud cover the stars seem to disappear. It’s a perfect night for lovers to enjoy.

  When we got back to Bayonne, we stopped at Magic Fountain and got ice cream for dessert. I got my usual chocolate soft serve in a waffle cone. Zack got a vanilla-chocolate twist on a sugar cone dipped in sprinkles. I had to chuckle a little bit when he ordered the sprinkles.

  We sat in their tiny parking lot, eating our ice cream and talking. I explained to him that within the next week or two, they would be closing until next spring. During November and December, they set up and sell Christmas trees, wreaths, live garland, and Christmas arrangements for gravesites. I didn’t tell him that I always get one to put on John’s grave. I’m still not ready to share everything about him yet.

  After we finished, Zack drove me home. Always the gentleman, he got out and came around to my side so he could open the door for me. Then he walked me to my front door. As he had the night before, he waited until the door was unlocked and I was ready to go inside before he got ready to leave.

  “Lisa, I had a great time tonight. I hope you will go out with me again soon. I’ll send you a text when I get home, so you know I made it safe. This way, you won’t worry.”

  “Thank you, Zack. I would worry. I had a great time too. Maybe for our next date, I will cook dinner. I’ve been told I am a fairly decent cook.”
>
  “That sounds good to me. I don’t get a lot of home-cooked meals unless I go visit my mom. I’m a terrible cook, so I tend to eat out a lot.”

  “Just let me know when you want to come over. All I ask is you give me at least a day's notice so I can make sure I have everything I need to fix dinner.”

  “I will, I promise. Now get your butt inside so I can head home. I have a very early start tomorrow.”

  It felt kind of awkward. I didn’t want to just go inside, but no way was I ready to give him a goodnight kiss. A handshake seemed kind of stupid. So, I decided to give him a hug. Stepping closer, I wrapped my arms around his middle, hugging him. I felt his arms wrap around me, returning the gesture. I have to admit it felt so good to have a pair of strong arms wrapped around me again. I could have stayed that way for a while longer, but I knew he had to leave.

  Letting go, I backed up. “Thank you again for a wonderful evening, Zack.” I stepped inside, closing the door before either of us did something that we might regret later. I watched out the window as he got into his truck to drive home. Alone again, the house felt so empty. It’s usually the one place I look forward to being because it’s always been my sanctuary.

  Deciding to get into my pajamas before I call Marie and let her know how the date went, I threw my jacket on the chair in the living room again, then headed towards my bedroom. Grabbing my jammies, I made a dash for the bathroom. After changing, I went into the kitchen and made a cup of chamomile tea to drink while we chat.

  Grabbing my cell, I dialed Marie’s number. She answered on the first ring. Smiling to myself, I bet she has been holding that damn thing in her hand all evening waiting for an update.

  “Hey Marie, I’m home safe and sound. I knew you would still be up waiting to hear from me, so I figured I would call instead of texting you.”

  “Girl, it's about time. I was beginning to think I was going to have to send out a search party for you. So, tell me how the second date was? Do you still like him or did he turn out to be a schmuck like that last bunch of guys?”

  “We had a great time. You remember the Taqueria I took you to in Jersey City that I love? He took me there. Turns out, it’s one of his favorite places to eat too. We had a great time. I haven’t talked about myself that much in so long, it’s ridiculous. Then again, I made him talk about himself too.”

  “So, the date went well?”

  “Extremely well. I told Zack for our next date I would cook dinner for him. He said he was looking forward to that because he can’t cook, so he doesn’t get many home-made meals.”

  “That’s so great, Lisa. I’m glad he turned out to be a decent guy. Ugh, do me a favor and hold on for a second. Ryan got a text and his phone won’t stop beeping until you check it. He took a sleeping pill, so he is dead to the world.”

  “Okay, I’m not going anywhere.”

  I can hear Marie cussing in the background. Damn, I wouldn’t want to be Ryan once he wakes up. She sounds really pissed off.

  “Lisa, please tell me you’re sitting down.”

  “I am, what’s going on, Marie?”

  “That was a text from Zack. Son of a bitch, I am going to wring Ryan’s neck in the morning. Zack’s too as soon as I get a hold of him.”

  “Marie, what’s going on? What did Zack message Ryan for? You’re starting to scare me.”

  “Turns out Zack isn’t as nice a guy as you or I thought. Ryan is in the doghouse and has no damn idea. Do you really want to know?”

  “Yes, tell me so I can get this over with. If it’s as bad as you’re making out, I will blast Zack tonight then block his number.”

  “I’m so sorry, Lisa. Zack messaged Ryan telling him to make sure he never lets either me or you know that Ryan paid him to go out with you. I am going to kill Ryan. What the hell was he thinking? I know Zack said not to tell me because I would tell you.”

  I’m literally too stunned to say anything. My brain is on a repeat of what Marie just told me. Ryan paid Zack to go out with me. Am I so bad that someone has to be paid to spend time with me and act like they like me?

  “Lisa, are you there? Talk to me, please. I swear I’m going to kill them both!”

  “I’m here, Marie. I really thought I had finally found a decent guy. I should have known better. I need to go, okay? I will be fine, I promise. I just need to process this. I will call you in the morning.”

  Before she could reply, I hung up. There was no way I could keep talking to her or she would hear me starting to cry.

  Before I lose my nerve, I send Zack a text.

  Thanks for turning out to be another in the long line of schmucks that I’ve been stuck dating. I really started to like you. Now I feel nothing but BETRAYAL! Lose my number and leave me the hell alone!

  As soon as I hit send, I blocked Zack’s number so that he can’t call me again. Now all I can do is pray he doesn’t show up here at the house.

  Chapter Five

  Waking the next morning so depressed, all I wanted to do was roll over and go back to sleep. Sadly, I have to get some research done for my next article so I can’t wallow in self-pity all day. I still can’t believe Ryan actually paid Zack to go out with me. I wonder how much that cost him? I bet Marie tore Ryan a new ass when he woke up this morning. She was really pissed off last night. I wonder if she tried to wake him up even though he had taken the sleeping pill.

  Oh well, no time to keep wondering. Crawling out of my nice warm bed, I slide my feet into my fuzzy slippers. The first stop is the bathroom to take care of my morning rituals in there. After finishing up, I make my way to the kitchen to push the magic button on my coffee maker so that it starts brewing.

  I drift towards my desk to turn on my laptop so I can start working once the coffee is ready. Picking up my cell phone, I see that I have a half dozen texts from Marie. They are all checking to make sure I’m okay after the bomb that was dropped last night. There is also one from Ryan. I don’t know that I even want to read the one from him. All I can think about is strangling him with my bare hands. How could he do this to me after everything that happened with John? He knows how hard it’s been for me to get out and meet people, especially guys. Maybe it’s time for me to get a cat. I can keep adding more until I’m that crazy old cat lady everyone talks about. At least they won’t lie to me like people do.

  Setting the phone back down, I go back to the kitchen and grab the biggest mug I have, filling it with coffee. I need to respond to Marie, but what do I say to her? I’m not okay. Hell, I am far from it. I’m hurt and pissed off at the same time, which if anyone that knows me would tell you is a very dangerous combination.

  Sitting down at my desk, I pick my phone back up to read Ryan’s message.

  Lisa, please call me. That text was taken out of context. I need to explain it to you. Please call me. Zack really does like you. He is freaking out because he tried to call you after the message you sent him, but you had already blocked him. Please call me.

  How can that text be taken out of context? It flat out said Zack was paid to go out with me. I so don’t want to talk to Ryan right now. Deciding I better call Marie before I get started on my research for the day, I dial her number.

  Before I can even say a word, she says, “Lisa, are you okay? I knew not to try to call you back last night after you hung up.”

  “No, I’m not really okay, but I will be once I put this whole nightmare behind me. I can’t believe the betrayal by Ryan and Zack both. More so from Ryan, he is supposed to be my friend. Marie, how could he do this to me knowing how hard it’s been for me since John died? This is like a cruel joke that just doesn’t end.”

  “Believe me, I ripped Ryan a new ass this morning. He said he left you a message to call him so he could explain. Have you talked to him yet?”

  “No, and to be honest, I’m not sure that I want to talk to him. They both really hurt me. To think I thought that Zack was a nice guy. I was starting to believe and hope again, Marie.”

  “I kno
w you were and I am so sorry. Will you listen to me if I tell you what Ryan told me?”

  “Marie, I love you, but I really don’t want to hear some half-assed excuse for what they did. I need to go. I’ve got a ton of research to do before I can write this next article. I promise I will talk to you later. Right now, I’m just hurting too much and I need to focus on work to take my mind off it.”

  “I understand. Please keep in touch with me. I don’t want you shutting me out again. I missed my friend and knew how bad you were hurting from losing John. Love you bunches.”

  “Love you bunches too. I promise I won’t cut you out. I can’t make the same promise for Ryan. I need to work out my emotions before I talk to or even see him again. I hope you understand.”

  “I do and honestly, I don’t blame you. Ryan is still in the doghouse with me, even after explaining. Talk to you later.”

  Once she hung up, I put the phone down. I sat there for a while, drinking my coffee and thinking over the last two days. Both dates had been magical, giving me hope that even if it wasn’t Zack, there had to be someone out there for me. Maybe I wasn’t meant to be alone for the rest of my life.

  The next thirty minutes or so, I did what I always do when I am upset. I talked to John as if he was sitting right there with me. Sometimes I feel like he is here with me. I told him about the dates. How I had some hope and now it was broken to smithereens. I sat there crying from the pain of missing him. From the loss of what was to be for us but was taken away in less than the blink of an eye. I didn’t ask for any kind of sign this time. I just told him how much I still love and miss him.

  Getting up, I make my way to the bathroom. Adjusting the water to the right temperature, I wash my face, washing away the tears that had fallen. After drying my face, I grab my cup to fix another cup of coffee, so I can drink it while I work.

  Sitting back down at the computer, I check my emails to see if the officers I had contacted about cold cases had gotten back to me. So far, none of them had replied. I may have to call them again. I’ll give them a couple more days before I do that. I know they get busy with their jobs, keeping the streets as safe as they can for all of us.