Bed Of Lies

by King, Dean

  Stepping through the doors was like stepping into another world. Nina blinked, the place was ablaze with lights. The foyer was wide and bright, the dark wood glistening in the light of an extensive chandelier hanging two stories above them. Decorated in dusky blues and bright gold’s, the room immediately put her at ease. To one side of the sweeping double staircase was a long hallway, at the end of which were two tall wooden doors.

  They opened. A sparkling crystal and gold fairyland met Nina’s startled eyes. At the top of the stairs, Miranda noticed the gradual silence. Smiling as wide as any proud mama, she let go of Nina's hand and stepped away to enjoy the moment. All heads turned in their direction. Miranda's heart swelled. She clasped her hands, and her eyes watered. She felt exactly like a proud mother. Even prouder, because Nina had no clue the reaction was for her. She looked to the world like an untouchable princess from some exotic land.

  Miranda wondered if Rafe had arrived yet. She craned her neck, scanning the crowd with a wicked gleam in her eyes. She hadn't told him she'd be here, but she knew he had business with John Penrose, Conroy's husband. Sighing in mild disappointment, Miranda caught Nina's cold hand and continued down the stairs.

  Nina swallowed hard. She pulled in a shallow breath, and smiled at Miranda. But Miranda had a frown on her face.

  “What is it?” she whispered, concerned by the glossy look in Miranda's eyes.

  She gave a weak laugh, “Do you have any idea how proud I am of you right now?”

  “Oh,” Nina squeezed the small hand in hers. Her own eyes welled up. “Do you know how proud I am to be here with you? I won't disappoint you, ma'am.” She declared.

  Miranda caressed the side of Nina cheek, “You could never disappoint me. Not in a million years.”

  Nina leaning in and placed a kiss on her cheek, “Thank you, thank you so much.”

  Miranda grinned, “Come on, let's have some fun.”

  *****

  “Wow!” John let out a slow whistle, “will you look at that...”

  Amid the guests, Rafe turned in the direction of John Penrose’s stare, amused by the wolfish grin now on the man’s wrinkled face.

  “Now there is a thing of beauty.” Harvey Searcy, also known as Har, Frank’s ex-father-in-law, whispered in awe.

  Rafe ignored him, he’d never understand why Har tried to stay friends with him when his daughter had done Frank so wrong. It was all Rafe could do not to punch Har’s lights out every time he spoke.

  Rafe frowned and wondered for a moment who the beauty accompanying his mother could be. She looked somewhat familiar. The woman then smiled in his direction, and looked out over the crowd. Rafe’s breath left so fast that his chest felt empty. His mouth dropped.

  Distantly he heard Har give a deep bellowing laugh, “I like that reaction.” He slapped Rafe on the back and said. “That’s the best reaction I’ve ever seen come out of you boy!”

  But Rafe tuned him out. He swallowed hard as Nina lifted her hand to grasp Miranda’s and floated with regal grace down the wide marble stairs. A nod here, a smile there, causing Rafe’s stomach to tighten, and his blood roared through his veins. Fierce jealousy reared when his gaze took in the admirers gathering around her.

  “Ya know,” Har was saying, “I dated a black girl once.” John and Rafe turned to him.

  “What?” John crowed, obviously skeptical. “Not a tight-assed conservative like you.” He laughed hard, nudging Rafe in his side. “I can see it now if Maude were to find out.”

  “Shut up, John!” Har snapped, “It’s not like we didn’t all do unexpected things in our youth.”

  Rafe stood straighter. As long as Nina stayed beside Miranda, he was confident that she’d survive her début with this pack of wolves.

  “Hey Montoya,” John was saying, “hasn’t that brother of yours dated every type of woman there is?”

  “Yeah,” Har snarled, “that boy has no couth...”

  “What did you say?” Rafe took a step towards him. John caught his arm. “You are not allowed to speak my brother’s name. I thought I made that clear the last time we spoke.”

  “Hold up, Rafe,” John chuckled, gently pushing him back. “Har didn’t mean anything. He’s still angry because of that million dollar wedding he paid for. Diane was crushed when Frank divorced her.”

  Rafe’s eyes drilled Har’s beady green eyes and growled. “You should’ve seen Frank when he walked in on her and her lover in his bed. I think a million dollars is a fair price to pay for your daughter’s life.”

  “Now see here, you young…” Har huffed.

  John stepped fully between them, one arm around Har’s stiff shoulders. “Har, let that go,” he said. “It was years ago. Diane has moved on. Besides it’s not like you missed the money.”

  Disgusted, Rafe turned from them and headed into the crowd.

  “Hey Rafe,” he heard John calling, “where are you going? We haven’t finished our…”

  Rafe turned, his lips lifted in a half smile. “I believe our conversation is over. Goodnight, gentlemen.” He turned as John floundered for something to say. They would be in touch, of that he had no doubt.

  *****

  Hundreds of beautifully dressed people milled about. The hum of conversation resumed and the light strains of the string quartet drifted through the crowd. Nina found herself very popular. At any given moment she was surrounded by people all wanting to know who she was and if she had a card. Not sure what they meant, she told them what Miranda had told her to say: her cards were being printed. That seemed to satisfy them. When she found herself in an awkward moment, she did as Miranda suggested and switched to one or the other of her languages, but much to her dismay it only brought more people to her. She was tired of being told how charming and quaint she was. After what felt like an eternity among hot bodies and crazy conversation, she was ready to leave. She couldn’t wait to get home and tell Beth all about tonight. It gave her great ideas for Beth’s sweet sixteen party. But right now she felt as if she couldn’t breathe, she needed fresh air. If one more person asked her to dance she would scream!

  Looking through the crowd for an easy way out, she spotted Miranda, and Nina smiled. If she could tell anything by the way Miranda’s hands were moving, it seemed she was having a spirited conversation with her group. Sighing, Nina searched for the quickest exit. She needed to get away, if only for a moment she needed some peace and quiet.

  “Excuse me, ma'am,” she dimpled at the older woman standing in front of Nina and talking about god-knows-what. “I need to find the little girl’s room.”

  “Oh sure darlin' you go right ahead.” The large woman laughed, her red gown sparkling as it jiggled. “I'll be right here when you get back.” Nina cringed inside, but managed a small smile as she darted off.

  Nina hurried through a set of doors off to her right. The hallway was dark. She hesitated, she had never been a fan of dark spaces. But this was an emergency, she looked back into the sea of people, then taking a deep breath, she plunged into the darkness. Her heart in her throat, she waited for her eyes to adjust. And willed her heart to slow down. There was a soft glow from the small hallway it looked like lights further down. Sighing with relief, she took a deep breath. She was alone, she was surprised that she had made it this far, maybe she was over coming her fear of dark places. She smiled, hopeful that was it. Squinting, she saw that the corridor branched off in three directions. Turning, she went left, and walked down the long carpet, slowly admiring the portraits that hung in arched casings. The quiet was so soothing she didn’t realize she wasn’t alone.

  “I must be a good boy, because god has given me my heart’s desire...” A soft voice floated from behind Nina. She turned, and a gasp jumped from her lips.

  “Rafe!” She cried, stunned. With a joyful squeal, she fell into his outstretched arms. “Oh goodness, what…what are?” He clasped her face in his hands kissing the words right out of her. She clutched him to her, her mind spinning.

  Slowly
he broke the kiss, his harsh breath fanned her lips. “Nina,” he sighed, “I thought I was seeing things. You can't know…” she placed two fingers over his lips, then lightly kissed them.

  “What are you doing here, Rafe?”

  “I do business with John Penrose, he invited me.” He caressed her neck, “What are you doing here, my sweet?”

  “I came with a friend. Oh, Rafe, you have to meet her. She's…” Rafe stiffen, he kissed her hard, his mind racing. He knew she meant his mother. He had to talk to her without Nina, since he intended for Nina to go home with him.

  “Sweets, I have to tell you how wonderful you look. I saw you across the room and nearly swallowed my tongue.”

  Her bright laughter delighted him. “Stop it, Rafe. That's not true.”

  “It's the honest truth,” he wound his arm around her waist anchoring her to his side. “I know where we can have some privacy. Come on.” Giggling with pleasure, she allowed him to lead the way. “There is a nice big library just around this corner.” He nuzzled her ear, she sighed her hand tightening on his arm.

  “We shouldn't, what if someone comes by?”

  He gazed into her eyes, “I like the way you think, darling, but I only wanted to hold you for a while.” He laughed when red surged in her cheeks. “I'll take a rain check, though.” He kissed her cheek.

  She stopped and turned to face him, “You do strange things to me.”

  “No stranger than what you do to me.” Rafe caught her chin, “Listen, I'll go get us some drinks. Why don't you go on to the library? I'll meet you there.”

  Her face suddenly closed, “Why don't I go with you?” she said, “I could introduce you to Ms. Miranda.”

  Rafe had to think hasty. “How about I meet her next time? I want to spend time with you, no one else.”

  She leaned up, placing a kiss on his jaw. A small smile appeared on her lips. “Maybe your thoughts aren’t as far off from mine as you would have me believe.”

  “Maybe you’re right.” He nipped at her lower lip and turned her around with a slight push he sent her on her way.

  “Just remember, I'll be waiting.”

  “You won't have long to wait, sweets.”

  When she rounded the corner, he hurried from the hallway and into the ballroom in search of his mother. Spying her, he headed in that direction. “Mother!” Rafe hissed under his breath. She turned towards him, a huge smile on her beautiful face.

  “Darling,” she gushed, “When did you get here?” Rafe caught her arm and pulled her away from her discussion.

  “Excuse us,” he said to the others, then whispered in her ear. “We need to talk.”

  Her eyes wide, Miranda tried to hide the sparkling of her gaze. “Yes, let's talk. We haven't done that in a while.”

  He pulled her into a vacant corner, “Why didn't you tell me Nina would be with you?”

  Miranda blinked at him, “Why on earth would it matter to you? She’s my friend.”

  Rafe clenched his teeth, biting off the words that sprang to his lips. “I would like to have known. It's uncomfortable for me when an ex-girlfriend is about.”

  Rafe didn’t like the way her eyes raked him, then she scoffed, “Since when?”

  “Mother please, I don’t have time for this. I've decided I’ll take her home, so don't worry about it.” He couldn’t meet her eyes, he knew what he would see in them.

  “Now why would you do that? Things could get messy, dealing with an ex, and all.” She intoned.

  “We still have some things to discuss, that's all.”

  “Oh yes,” she quipped, “like who gets the silver and who gets the crystal.”

  “Stop it, mother!” he snapped, ready for this to be over. “I just need to explain some things to her, and then it’ll officially be over.”

  Miranda froze, her eyes narrowed as she stared at him. Some instinct told her he was lying, but she would let it go she would call Nina in the morning and find out what was really going on.

  Rafe stiffened, “What?”

  She lifted her nose in the air and tried to stare him down. “I raised you and your brother better than this, but I'll ask you anyway.” He didn’t like the flames shooting from her gray eyes. Rafe braced himself. “Does this quick turnaround have anything to do with her sudden transformation from caterpillar to butterfly?”

  “Oh for Christ sake, mother. You did a good job, but Nina is so far from being on my level, it's funny,” he could’ve bitten his tongue at the lie. “She can't stand by my side as my equal. So stop meddling.”

  “Rafe,” she caught his arm as he made to pass her. He made the mistake of looking into her with furious eyes. “Don't hurt her. She may not be on your level, but she is on mine. Keep that in mind.”

  “Yes, mother. May I go now?” She nodded, but her eyes were hot. Rafe couldn’t concentrate on that now. Turning, he headed back to the way he came. He vowed he’d tell her the truth as soon as he knew what it was. For now she would just have to stew.

  *****

  “My, my don't you look nice?” A male voice purred from the opened doorway of the library.

  Nina stiffened, she turned from the wall of books she had been scouring. “Can I help you?” she asked, squinting in the dim lights. The door closed with a quiet thud, and he walked to her. Nina instantly regretted not turning on more than just the two lamps on the desk.

  “Yes, indeed you can.” The voice was oddly familiar. Nina frowned, trying to remember. Unpleasant shivers ran over her entire body.

  “Do I know you?” she asked, slowly moving away. The dark form drew closer. All she could make out was light colored hair. Dark hollows formed his cheeks, his pointed chin looked more like a weapon then anything else.

  “I could only pray you do but, alas, I doubt it.” He continued to stalk her. “I've had a very difficult time finding you.”

  “I…I don't understand,” she whispered, her heart racing.

  “I know you don't,” he sighed, as of with regret and she immediately tensed. “I hate that it has to be this way, but I'm sure you can see the good in this.”

  Nina swallowed hard, fear clogged her throat as the tall shadow came towards her. She eased back, hoping to get swallowed up by the rows and rows of books. “What are you talking about?”

  “You, silly.” His deep chuckle fell hard on her ears. “You are the key to so many things, dear.” The urge to run pushed at her, but the intruder’s thin body blocked the aisle. “Nina, Nina, Nina, so sweet, so innocent. Intrigue swirls around you, and yet you go on in blissful ignorance. I envy you.”

  “Please,” she whispered inching further down the aisle, “I don't know what this is about, but I'd like to leave now.”

  “I'm sure you would,” his light tone had turned hard. “It's my job to make sure you don't.”

  She gasped. Reaching to her left, she pulled a book from it’s place and threw it hard. Fear pulsed through her like a living thing. Turning, she ran, plunging into the blackness. At the end of the aisle she paused, then looked left, then right. Her breath coming in harsh pants, she panicked. The rapid cluck of male shoes on the hardwood floors told her he was right behind her. “Leave me alone!” She screamed as she rounded a corner to her right, and then just ahead of her was the door, but it seemed too far away. A sob burst from her throat, he was almost on her. His breath was hot and hard over her right shoulder. Quickly, she changed direction.

  “Enough of this,” he caught her arm and dragged her to a halt. With the same motion, he tossed her from him.

  Nina winced, her back slammed against the shelves. Stunned for a moment, she heard him through ringing ears.

  “You won't be going back to the party,” he hissed, standing in front of her. His legs spread, arms hanging down his sides, he looked ready to pounce.

  She swallowed hard, “What are you talking about?”

  “My, but it was nice of you to just walk in here like this.” He crooned, “You saved us a lot of trouble.”

&nb
sp; “You’re crazy!” she spat, “you can't do this...”

  “And just what do you think I'm going to do?”

  “I…I don't know,” she cried. “Please just let me go.”

  “I can't,” he growled, “You are a thorn in too many sides. I have to get rid of you.”

  Nina stumbled in her fear, she caught herself before she could fall. “Explain yourself!” She shouted, stiffening her shoulders. She was trying to be strong, but it was hard. It was at moments like this when she wished she wasn’t so against guns. If she had one right now she could at least wound him, giving her a chance to get away.

  “I don't have to explain anything to a dead woman.” He snarled.

  Nina gasped, fear's cold hand clutched her heart. Turning, she ran towards the door. She needed a weapon, but she ran by the desk so fast, she didn’t have a chance to search for one. A hand shot out, the sound of fabric tearing seared her mind, cold air touched her fevered skin. She found herself pulled against a wide, thin chest. Long bony fingers wrapped around her throat squeezing. She gasped and struggled for breath, clawing at his hand. Her ears buzzing, she heard him say. “I love playing with you, you are so sweet and trusting.” He laughed and her heart jumped with terror as she felt life’s breath leaving her. “You are just how the Nuns said you were, and I love it!”

  Nina suddenly stopped struggling, and went limp, surprising her attacker. He released her. She fell hard, sharp pain shooting through her entire body as her knees slammed against the floor, followed by the rest of her.

  “Christ!” the man hissed, looking down at her. Not wasting any time, Nina collected herself and drew back a foot and landed a ruthless blow to his groin. He howled and fell to his knees beside her. She coughed hard, pulling in great lungful of air and scrambled to her feet. Shaking away the darkness that swirled around her eyes, she drew back doubled fists, and delivered a solid blow to his neck. But he grabbed her leg as he fell to the floor, face first, gasping for air. She fell with him, turning, she crawled to her knees and hurried to her feet, then ran screaming towards the door.