Bed Of Lies

by King, Dean

  “There, there, darling.” She tilted Nina’s chin up. “What is it? Whatever it is, I swear you won’t burn in hell for it. God is too loving to allow it.”

  “I don’t want you to look at me different. If I tell you, you may not want to be seen with such a vile creature as me.”

  “Never,” Miranda declared, squeezing Nina’s shoulders. “Tell me what’s bothering you.”

  “I…I…” Nina fidgeted with her fingers, then chanced a glance at Miranda. “I met a man.”

  “Is that all?” Miranda laughed. “My husband has been gone for years, and I loved him dearly, but sometimes I long to have a man in bed beside me.”

  Nina’s cheeks flamed. “I understand, ma’am, but you do know to fornicate without marriage is wrong in the eyes of man and God?”

  “Yes, dear, I’ve heard that.”

  “Well, I met a man and slept with him that very moment. Not only that, but I did it in a house of ill repute!” Nina rushed through it so fast Miranda was afraid she only heard parts of what the child said.

  “What? Say that again?”

  Nina took a deep breath but Miranda held up her hand. “I want you to start from the beginning. Tell me exactly what happened.”

  Nina took a steadying breath and looked at Miranda. “I don’t think we have time. I have to get back to work.”

  Miranda looked at her watch. “You’re right. Hold on a moment.” She opened her purse and pulled out a stylish cell phone. She dialed a number. “Hello. Wayne McCollum, please.”

  Nina grabbed her hand, “What are you doing? I need to go back to work. I can’t take…”

  Miranda waved her away. “Wayne, this is Miranda. I’m here with one of your employees, Nina Manchester. Something’s come up and I need her assistance for the rest of the day. If you see my son, tell him hello.” She handed the receiver to Nina.

  Nina sputtered, not knowing what to say as she took the call. “Mr. McCollum, I…”

  “Enjoy your day Nina. Miranda’s very important in this town, so keep up the good work.” He hung up and Nina stared at the cell phone before returning it to Miranda.

  “Now, you were saying?”

  Mystified, Nina asked. “What just happened?”

  “You have the day off.”

  “But how? How did you do that?”

  “It helps that he’s my son’s best friend.”

  Nina smiled at the favor.

  “So please finish your story, I want to hear every detail.”

  “Okay, let’s see, where was I?”

  “You were just starting.”

  Nina laughed. “I work, as you know, at Triple M Enterprises. I’ve been there since I graduated from college some four years ago. I am not ashamed to admit I’m smart, can work numbers up and back and in any direction you give me. Numbers are just like puzzles. Once you know the key, the rest is easy.”

  “I never liked numbers. Just thinking of them gives me a headache.”

  “True, it’s not for everyone. I received a promotion because I’m good at what I do. I’m the chief financial officer at the company. I have twenty people assisting me at the various company offices.”

  “That’s wonderful.”

  “I thought so. As you may have suspected, I don’t have very many friends,” Nina went through everything, telling Miranda all she’d been through and what she thought about it all. Miranda sat back in her chair and released a loud sigh.

  “How do you feel about the club?”

  “I hate it. I never want to step foot in it again. But, if I don’t, I’ll never see him again.” She lifted her eyes to Miranda’s. “Do you think badly of me for this? God will punish me, I know it. I’m being so stupid, doing crazy things that I know are wrong and yet I can’t stop myself.”

  “Oh no, darling,” Miranda assured her. “God loves you more than most. I’m sure of it. You are doing what all girls in love do. You have to stop being so hard on your self.”

  “How?” Nina cried, her eyes grew cloudy with self-recrimination. “If you do something wrong, but you have no knowledge its wrong, then God will forgive. But if you go into something with both eyes open, how can God forgive belligerent disobedience?”

  “Have faith, dear, God loves you,” she clutched Nina’s arm and squeezed. “I’m telling you, you are doing nothing wrong. He made you the way you are, Nina, stop running from yourself. Trying to hide under these ridiculous clothes won’t change anything.”

  “You don’t like my clothes?”

  “You must know they don’t do you justice.”

  “They’re not fashionable, but they serve their purpose.”

  “That they do,” Miranda cleared her throat. “What exactly are you hiding from?”

  Nina wiped her eyes and frowned. “What do you mean?”

  Miranda shrugged. “Are you hiding from life? Has your heart been broken so bad that you feel the need to shrink from the view of others?”

  “No,” Nina shook her head. “No, I’m not hiding from anything or anyone.”

  “But you are, my dear. I see it in your eyes, even through those broken glasses, you’re afraid of something. Will you tell me what it is?”

  “Honestly, I’m not afraid…” Nina stopped at the look Miranda gave her, and sighed. “I dress this way because I know what a temptation I am to everyone if I show myself.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “In God’s eyes vanity is a sin, and because of that sin, I have ruined many lives.”

  “How have you done that?”

  “I’d rather not go into detail.”

  “Oh, but you must. I’m an old lady, there isn’t much I don’t know. Tell me.”

  “You must understand, I’m not a beautiful girl by any means. I didn’t try to bring bad things down on anyone.”

  “I know, dear.”

  “It’s too difficult to tell. I think I’d better leave.”

  “What, and leave me here alone? Come on, Nina, stay, and chat with me. I won’t ask any more questions.”

  “Alright.”

  The food arrived and it was wonderful. Nina loved Italian food, and Miranda had her smiling and laughing over the silliest things. She’d not felt this light and care free in a very long time.

  “Ms. Miranda?”

  “Yes dear?”

  “It won’t last, will it?”

  “If you mean your affair? Who’s to say...?”

  “He means so much to me already, I think I may have given him my heart. What if he doesn’t love me? What if he only wants what I’ve so freely given him? What if he won’t accept my children?”

  “Calm yourself, darling, I’m sure your friend has a name. Tell me what it is and…”

  Nina blushed deeply and looked away. “I…I don’t really know his name.”

  “Do you mind if I ask why not?”

  “He didn’t want us to become overly familiar with each other.”

  “So does that answer your question?”

  “Yes.”

  “Don’t be so crushed, darling, it’s just how men are.”

  “But I wanted him to be so different.”

  “They are pretty much all the same.”

  “What about your husband?”

  “My husband was the original player. He was so handsome and tall, a beautiful man. All the women wanted him. But it was I who eventually stole his heart. That one was a wild bull to pen, he fought our love for two years. When I nearly died in childbirth, he decided that he couldn’t live without me and thanked god for creating me. He became a loving man and a wonderful father.”

  “I’m so happy for you.”

  “It wasn’t all wine and roses in the beginning. No marriage is, but sooner or later, love wins the day.”

  “I was raised by nuns in an orphanage about twenty miles outside of Houston. I never knew the loving arms of parents, but I hope I have given that joy to my kids.”

  “I’m sure you have. Now, let’s cut out all this depressing t
alk. I feel like shopping. Let’s go get your glasses fixed, then I want to find a hot pink dress and shoes to match. Maybe I’ll get a big floppy straw hat to go with it.”

  “That sounds like fun.”

  “What color will you pick out?”

  “Who, me?” Nina floundered, taken by surprise. “I…I don’t know. I don’t think I need anything.”

  “It’s not about needing, it’s about having fun. Come on, I think yellow is your color.”

  Nina laughed lightly and followed Miranda out of the restaurant and into her little sports car.

  *****

  The telephone rang. Rafe looked up from the flight manifest in his hand. “Yes?” he answered.

  “Mr. McCollum and a detective Sweeney are here to see you.”

  “Thanks, send them in.”

  The door opened and Wayne entered, followed by a man in a brown suit with a blue and black striped tie. Both men looked grim. Rafe prepared himself for whatever they were about to say. He stood, he held out his hand. “Detective Sweeney.”

  Sweeney took Rafe’s hand in a strong grip and shook it once. “Mr. Montoya.”

  Rafe shoved his hands in his pockets and sat on the edge of his desk. “So, what did you find?”

  Both men took seats in the chairs across from his desk. “Well, Rafe,” Wayne started. “You’re not going to like it. I’ll let Sweeney tell you what he found.”

  Sweeney cleared his throat and perched on the edge of his seat. “Sharon Mills was murdered. We think it was an isolated event. Her purse wasn’t stolen, but the office of Ms. Manchester was pillaged. Typical things were taken. The computer, printer they even took the stapler. Sharon didn’t seem have any enemies around here, or at her apartment. She seemed to be well liked everywhere. We did find her body floating in Buffalo Bayou yesterday. Her clothes were still intact, so we believe she wasn’t raped. No bruising other than a purple ring around her neck. From the looks of things, her neck was broken.”

  “But where did it happen? Her things were found here at Ms. Manchester’s office. If it was a robbery, why didn’t the thief take Sharon’s purse?”

  “We’re thinking he already had the things packed away and she must have seen his face. Taken by surprise he must’ve just reacted, and taken her to protect his identity.”

  The fury in Wayne’s face was hard to witness. “Her life, taken for mere pennies. This is just unbelievable.”

  “Let him finish Wayne.” Rafe said softly. And Wayne fell silent.

  “I checked the records, this is the first time anything like this has ever happened in this area. And since it’s been three weeks, our thoughts are that this is an isolated incident.”

  “How can we be sure?” Rafe stood up and took a seat behind his desk. “Who’s to say the burglar won’t be back?”

  “Well,” Sweeney said. “We’ll keep an eye on things for a while, but we think she must’ve surprised a burglar here in the building. But there was no sign of a struggle. That’s about all we know right now.”

  “So you don’t think any other employees might be in danger?”

  “No, it looks like a random event. We’ve checked all reports over the last three years and found nothing.”

  “We have our own security system installed,” Wayne said. “But that day, someone forgot to put in the tapes.”

  Rafe frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “The monitors were going, but there were no tapes.”

  “Are you sure? Could they have been taken when Sharon was killed?”

  “If so,” Wayne said. “That would mean it was an inside job.”

  Sweeney was shaking his head. “We checked into all that. Let’s not go jumping at shadows here. One dead girl doesn’t make a major conspiracy.”

  “One dead girl is too many!” Rafe snapped. “She was my employee and a damned good one. She will be sorely missed. If there is something I can do to see that this doesn’t happen again, I want to know what it is!”

  “Calm down, Rafe,” Wayne sighed. “I’m sure he didn’t mean it like it sounded.”

  “He’s right,” Sweeney said. “I didn’t mean it unkindly. I’m sure she was a sweet girl. We’ll let you know what the coroner finds after he has examined her body.”

  “Thanks,” Rafe nodded. “Keep me informed.”

  “I’ll walk Mr. Sweeney out.” Wayne rose.

  “Wait Wayne,” Rafe said. “I need to talk to you.” Rafe turned to Sweeney. “Do you mind seeing yourself out?”

  “No, sir,” he nodded and turned, then headed towards the door.

  Once the door was closed, Wayne sat back down and stared at one of the paintings on the wall. “She was a feisty little thing wasn’t she?”

  Rafe smiled. “Yes, she was.”

  Wayne looked at Rafe. “I was thinking about asking her out.”

  “Were you?”

  Wayne laughed, but it was a hollow sound. “Yes, I’d put it off for almost a year now. I am, after all, the chairman of a major company, and she was just a secretary.”

  “Your position stopped you?”

  “Yes,” he sighed. “Everyday she would smile like she wanted to eat me up, but the twinkle in her eyes was so bashful and she was so playful. I didn’t know if she wanted to date me or not.”

  “I’m sorry Wayne, I didn’t know...”

  Wayne shrugged. “I waited too long. She might be alive if I had married her and stashed her in my house.”

  “But you don’t know that.”

  “You’re right, what did you want to talk to me about?”

  “She was taking care of her elderly parents. I want you to set something up for them, a lump sum or a monthly stipend, give them the choice.”

  “Are you sure, Rafe?”

  “Yes, it happened here in our office. It’s only fair that we show how sorry we are.”

  “I’ll talk to them after the funeral.”

  “Also, I just received an urgent call from Tokyo. Stan is having problems convincing the Japanese that they need another American hotel. I need to get down there. I’ll be gone as long as it takes to get them to see things our way.”

  Wayne laughed. “If anyone can do it, it’s you.”

  “Keep an eye on this place for me. And grab all the flyers about the Dream Makers and toss them in the trash.”

  “Frank trying to drum up business through your employees?”

  “You know it,” Rafe stood up and grabbed his jacket. “I have to be at the airport in one hour. Let’s walk out together.” Rafe closed and locked his office door then turned to Wayne. “I have a special favor to ask.”

  Wayne perked up. “Yes, what is it.”

  “Sharon’s things were found on her desk outside Ms. Manchester’s office. I don’t care what the police say, I want you to keep an eye on Ms. Manchester for me. Just in case the burglar was looking for cash and thought our head accountant might be the place to look. I don’t want her hurt, Wayne.”

  “Do you want me to move her office up here next to mine?”

  “No, that’s not necessary. Just keep the monitors on her and make sure she’s safe.”

  “Consider it done.” They shook hands and Rafe hurried to the elevators. He knew Nina was out so he didn’t have to worry about bumping into her. This trip couldn’t have come at a worst time. There was no way to get in touch with Nina and tell her he wouldn’t be at the club. If this wasn’t so important he’d tell Stan to handle it. But he needed this stronghold in Japan, he had worked too hard to throw it all away.

  SEVEN

  “Come on, guys, let’s go. I want to be back before it gets dark.”

  Nina stood at the foot of the stairs, yelling up to her sons. She turned and walked to the front door. She tried to appear content, but her heart was so heavy it ached constantly. Her affair was over. Just as quick as it began, it ended. And now she was back to being alone.

  One hand rested on the doorknob, the other held her purse. She’d been home for one hour and the twins d
ecided they wanted ice cream. It would be a good distraction and maybe it would lift her spirits.

  “You know, mama, I could drive. You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.” Beth grinned at Nina from where she stood on the porch, her long pale hand held out, and its elegant finger wiggling as if waiting for the keys.

  Nina laughed, “I wish you had your license. I'd definitely let you drive.” Her eyes caressed Beth's fragile profile. Her daughter’s pale caramel skin and round blue eyes stood out in contrast against her blue-black curls. Nina sighed, the girl was growing so fast.

  Beth smiled, “Did I tell you how pretty you look with your contacts?”

  Nina flushed with pleasure, “You did, darling, but you know vanity is a sin.”

  Beth rolled her eyes, “I don't care, you are the prettiest mother I know.”

  “Oh, sweets…”

  “Give me back my hat, Sam!” Danny screamed.

  “No, it’s mine,” Sam yelled as they came running down the stairs, out the door and were off the porch in the blink of an eye. Nina's attention was immediately drawn to them.

  “Give it back!” Danny yelled as he ran after his brother. Nina caught the arm of his shirt as he past, pulling him to a halt.

  “What’s going on?” She demanded of the identical ten-year-olds.

  Sam ran back to them. “Danny took my baseball cap and said it was his.”

  “It's mine, yours fell in the mud yesterday when we got off the school bus.” Danny shouted trying to grab the hat from Sam.

  “I put your names inside your hats,” Nina said as she let go of Danny. “Give it to me, I’ll solve this once and for all.”

  Reluctantly, Sam handed it to Nina and glared at his brother.

  Turning the hat over; she thoroughly examined the rim inside and saw Sam’s name. It was faded but it was there. “I’m sorry guy, but this one is Sam’s.”

  “What? Mama, that’s not fair, he lost my hat,” Danny cried as Sam took the hat from Nina.

  Nina looked at Sam, his golden eyes were downcast. “Did you lose his hat?”

  Sam scuffed his tennis shoe in the dirt. “Well, I did lose a hat but I thought it was mine. Really, I did.”