Bed Of Lies

by King, Dean

  She shivered at the hunger in his eyes. Lifting her hands to either side of his strong square jaw, she pulled him to her, kissing him as if there were no tomorrow. Oblivious to the shouts and cheers from their audience, she then pulled away to admire and memorize his expression on this occasion. “Can I tell you something?” She softly asked.

  He grinned, and nodded. “You can tell me anything.”

  “Are you ready to have a baby around the house?”

  He frowned, a bit confused. “I like having Joshua around, what do you mean…?” He noticed her widening grin. “Do you mean us? That we’re…”

  Nina nodded happily and jumped into Rafe’s strong arms.

  Rafe shouted to the ceiling. He lifted her by the waist, swinging her in a circle. Suddenly he stopped. “I’m sorry, did I hurt you?” His hand went to her stomach, but she took it and held it to her heart.

  “No, you didn’t hurt us. I love you, Rafe!”

  Rafe held her his arms and dropped a deep kiss on her beautiful mouth. “I love you too, darling.” He gently pulled away as another round of cheers sounded. He looked into Nina’s flushed face and laughed, “Come on, Mrs. Montoya. We have a honeymoon to start...”

  Her cheeks cherry red, she looked away as they started down the isle. Her life was complete. After that horrifying night of many months ago, her life was finally back to normal. With Julie dead, Rick confessed to killing Sharon and told the police where they’d find the body’s of others he’d killed in his sister’s service. Mayor Martin was only too pleased by the elimination of Julie’s competition for governor. He and his aid, a young man named Peter, immediately stepped up the pace on their own campaign.

  Nina’s eyes then went to Beth. That was the only black spot in Nina’s silver lining. The poor girl had become silent and withdrawn. Travis had stayed for three weeks, then left with promises to visit as soon as he could. In turn, Beth decided she wanted to wait before going to spend time with him. She wasn't ready yet, or so she claimed. Nina wouldn't push her; it was Beth’s decision. That Beth assumed responsibility for what happened the night of the attack concerned Nina. She felt only time could mend those wounds, Beth would have to deal with t in her own way, but Nina would be there every step to help her through it.

  Nina wanted to laugh as Beth helped Sam stand, even though the child had completely healed from his wound, she still treated him like a fragile blossom and boy was it getting on Sam’s nerves. Nina’s tender gaze focused on Danny, the hero of the day. According to Danny, he’d been about to go to the bathroom when he saw the man creeping through the house. By the time he made it back to his room, the man was standing over Sam with a gun. Danny jumped on the man’s back and screamed, but the shot was fired. Danny remembered being struck across the face. Then there was a scream and the man quickly departed. When Danny woke up, he darted into the game room and used the telephone. He thought he was calling Rafe, but Frank answered instead. Mustering the last of his strength, Danny maneuvered Sam from the bed and into the closet and their secret hiding place.

  Nina looked up to find Frank watching her. Her cheeks flushed when he winked, but then he turned back to Beth who stood at his elbow. A smiled lifted her lips. Frank had been such a surprise; he and Danny seemed to be soul mates while Sam had taken to Rafe like a fish to water. Nina shrugged lightly. I guess what they say about like personalities is true. Beth and Miranda had each other and they doted on little Joshua who’d come to live with them weeks ago. It was as if she’d come full circle. At night, everyone would come together, be happy, and talk to Nina about their day. It was a good, secure, feeling. A feeling of home.

  His heart light, Rafe finally lifted Nina in his arms and headed purposely down the aisle. Nina giggled and held on tight.

  “Put her down,” Miranda demanded of Rafe when he was half way to the door. “The photographers need pictures of you two walking down the aisle.”

  Rafe sighed. “Yes, mother.”

  Nina laughed as he deposited her on her feet. She kissed his cheek. “It’s okay, honey. There’ll be time for your caveman antics later.”

  He gave her a devilish look, and opened his mouth to say something but Nina looked past him. Screaming with joy, she ran to hug two nuns who stood among the guests, crying. Rafe knew they must be the women who raised her. His eyes narrowed, having had long thoughts about having the orphanage shut down. Rafe and Frank exchanged looks.

  “What are they doing here?” Frank asked, but before Rafe could answer Miranda said.

  “Nina invited them, they were the only family she knew so she wanted to invite them.”

  “And you couldn’t talk her out of it?” Frank shoved Rafe’s arm. “You know I hate Nuns, they give me the creeps. Old virgins, yuck.” He gave a mock shiver in disgust.

  “It’s the devil in you that hates Nuns,” Rafe shot him a narrow look, “I tried to talk her out of it but she wanted them here. Now shut up about it.”

  “Sister Janet-Marie! Sister Mary-Margaret! Oh, I’m so glad you made it. When I didn’t get your reply, I thought you wouldn’t be able to come.” Nina’s family was finally together. She turned to Rafe. “Darling, come meet the wonderful ladies who raised me.”

  Teeth clenched, Rafe couldn't resist the sparkle in her eyes. He walked to the group. “Hello, Sisters. I want to thank you for making this beautiful woman the way she is.”

  Their faces reddened, one of the nuns eyes shifted from his. Mary-Margaret immediately burst into tears.

  “Oh Sister Mary-Margaret, it’s okay.” Nina hugged her. “I’m so happy. You said one day everything would make sense and it does.” Nina patted the woman’s arm.

  “No, child. No, it doesn’t.” Sister Janet-Marie looked at the crowd surrounding them. “Is there some place we can talk?”

  Miranda stepped forward. “We’re on our way to their home, then to mine. We can talk in the limousine.” Miranda was a devout Catholic, but she was angered by their interruption. Lips tight, she took Nina’s hand in hers and looped one arm around the bride’s waist. “You can come with us if you like. If not, follow the crowd.” She whisked Nina away.

  In the limo, Nina balked. “Why did you do that? Those ladies are the closes thing to family I ever had.”

  “Well, now you have four children, a husband, a mother, and a brother.”

  Frank snorted and looked away.

  Miranda continued. “After what those women did to you, you should be angry, not crying from happiness.”

  Nina clasped one of Miranda’s hands in hers. “We’re not to judge another’s motive or action, lest we are judged the same way. I’m not totally free of sin, so how can I hold them responsible for what happened to me? How can I presume to be their judge and jury? I can’t. Neither should you. Just be happy that I’m now content.”

  Frank snorted and held his hand to his mouth. “You got a good one there Rafe.” Then he snickered and was promptly kicked n the shins by Rafe.

  “You damned right I do.” Rafe countered.

  Miranda touched Nina’s cheek. “You’re such a special child. Give me a hug, then dry your pretty eyes. I’ll try to be kind to your little nuns.”

  Nina was always comforted by Miranda’s motherly hugs. They were warm and loving.

  “Frank, ask the driver to go fetch the nuns, I believe we have room in here,” Miranda said.

  Nina smiled, clinging to Rafe's hand.

  Rafe watched the conversation between his mother and his wife. He had often seen the two of them with their heads together talking softly. It was a soothing feeling to know that his mother loved Nina almost as much as he himself did. Now if only I can get Frank to see her the way we do. He looked at his brother. Rafe hadn't totally forgiven him for what he had done. Nina, of course, forgave Frank right off. She just saw it as brotherly love, that Frank wanted to protect him. But Rafe knew better than that. Frank sat across from them, with Sam and Danny. The three were talking and laughing at some joke. Their eyes met, and clashed. Frank w
inked and threw him a smile. But Rafe wasn't fooled, he loved his brother, but he wasn’t stupid enough to trust him.

  Rafe caught Nina around her waist and lifted her to his lap. The doors opened and the nuns stepped in. They settled themselves along the outside bench seats.

  Mary-Margaret opened her mouth, but Rafe sent her a hard look. The woman said nothing.

  Sister Janet-Marie wouldn't be intimidated. “Nina, when we get to where we’re going, we need some private time with you. There is something important we need to discuss.”

  A frown wrinkled her forehead as Nina looked at them. “Can’t we discuss it now, Sister?”

  “No, dear, this is something very private. We need your full attention.” Sister Janet-Marie sat back in her seat, her hands folded. The conversation was over.

  Nina leaned into Rafe, his solid warmth soothing her excitement. Soon her head was buried in his shoulder.

  Rafe knew the instant she fell asleep. His hand stroked her back, while her gentle breathing tickled his neck. With hard eyes he speared the nuns. “You two listen to me.” They jumped at the soft menace in his voice. “I’ll not let you hurt her again, do you hear me? Whatever it is you have to say had better not bring one tear to her eyes. If I see her even so much as bat an eyelash, I’ll shut down that hell house you call an orphanage. Nothing Nina could ever say would stop me.”

  Sister Mary-Margaret began to cry. “We’re sorry. We should've been stronger. We should've stopped Sister Bethany-Ann from hurting her but...”

  Sister Janet-Marie caught Mary-Margaret's face in her hands. “You stop this right now! He can’t shut us down. We’re state owned.” She turned sharp eyes on Rafe. “I’m glad Nina found someone who loves her enough to want nothing but her happiness. It's what she deserves after what we put her through. I commend you for trying to protect her, but our news will make her cry. She’ll need you beside her.” Her eyes swung to Miranda.

  Sister Janet-Marie smiled sadly, “After today she’ll need your strength. We’ll need your forgiveness.” All was quiet during the drive. Even the children seemed worn out from the day’s activities.

  *****

  It was an excited crowd that burst through the doors of the massive ranch house. Rafe had had it built for just this day. He set his beaming bride to her feet. “Okay kids, pick out your rooms and change quickly. We’re going to grandmother’s right away.” The twins ran past Rafe and Nina bound for the stairs screaming at the top of their lungs.

  Beth stopped in front of them. She hugged Rafe and Nina. Then, turning with a sniffle, she lifted her bridesmaid's gown and ran up the stairs yelling after her younger siblings.

  Nina looked at Rafe her eyes shining bright. “I think she believes we’re really a family.”

  Rafe kissed her nose. “I believe you’re right.”

  Miranda stepped through the front double doors, holding the hand of little Joshua. “Frank, darling, take the little guy to the nanny. I think he needs to be changed.”

  Frank wrinkled his nose. “You want me to take him?” It was almost a screech. But at the look from his mother, he heaved a weary sigh and leaned over to pick up the child. “Come on, you little stinker.” Joshua giggled and pulled Frank’s hair. Rafe laughed. There might be hope for his brother yet.

  “Can we find a place to talk in privacy?” The timid voice of Sister Mary-Margaret broke into the conversation.

  Rafe had hoped in vain to turn and find the nuns were gone. He couldn't shake the thought of what they had to say would take Nina from him.

  But Nina led them inside, the train of her wedding dress tossed over one arm.

  “Come in. Let me show you around first. Rafe and I had it built especially for the children…”

  Sister Janet-Marie laid her hands on Nina’s arm to stop her. “Nina, we must talk now.”

  Her head bowed for an instant, her eyes closed. Then she looked at them and nodded, holding her hand out. “Alright. Let’s go into the study.” She led the way, but Rafe was right behind her.

  After everyone was inside, Rafe closed the door only to have it pushed open. Frank walked in. All eyes turned to him. “What? Am I not part of this family?”

  Rafe looked at Nina. “What do you say, sweets?”

  “Nina, he doesn’t have to stay if you don’t want him too.” Miranda said from her seat next to Nina’s. “He’s been a pretty big rat.”

  “He can stay. You’re all my family now,” Nina said quietly while biting her lower lip.

  Rafe closed the door and went to stand behind her chair, he place one hand on Nina’s shoulder and caressed the area.

  Nina silently thanked him for that. She caught and held his supportive hand. Whatever the sisters had to say didn't seem likely to be something she wanted to hear.

  Sister Janet-Marie stood, her hands clasped in front of her. “Sister Bethany-Ann is dead.” She paused to look at Nina who’d closed her eyes. “She suffered for years with a cancer that ate her from the inside out. On her deathbed, she gave me this.” From the folds of her habit, she pulled out some old and faded envelopes, handing them to Nina. “They’re from your mother and father.”

  Nina gasped, dropping the papers as if they’d burned her fingers.

  Rafe picked them up and began thumbing through what seemed to be personal letters. Some from a man, others from a woman. The stamped were canceled twenty-eight years earlier and seemed to span a period of two years.

  Sister Janet-Marie continued. “Sister Bethany-Ann wanted to know that you would forgive her, her sin against you. She told us of the beatings, most of which we hadn’t known about. She confessed to sending you to bed without food for days at a time. She said how she would lock you in the closet at night and only let you out in the morning. Just before she past away, she confessed to the impure things she’d done…”

  “Stop!” Nina cried. “Please stop! I know what she did to me! But it’s over. It’s done don’t make me relive it! Just tell me why she did it. That’s all I want to know. I was just a child. Why did she hate me so much?”

  Rafe tried to take her in his arms, but she refused to look at him.

  Miranda tried to stunt the flow of her own tears. Her heart broke for the innocent child tortured all her young life with no one to help her.

  Frank stood against the far wall, his arms across his chest. His eyes were scanning the grounds outside, as if bored with the proceedings. Suddenly he stepped forward, his eyes shooting sparks at the nuns. “How the hell could you do that to a child?” He roared as he advanced on them. Rafe stood in his way, grabbing Frank’s arms. “I could’ve lived my whole life without knowing this!”

  “Calm down, Frank. Now isn’t the time...”

  “The hell it isn’t. Look at her!” His hand shot up towards Nina. “That’s your wife! Do you hear what they did to her? This is supposed to be the happiest day of her life and they bring this bullshit!”

  “Yes, Frank, I heard, but you can’t threaten nuns! Sit down,” Rafe yelled.

  Frank pulled away from Rafe, his face etched with anger. He strode back to his place at the window, hands clenched on the sill to keep them at his side. “Fuck!” he snapped, “I don't want to hear this.” He then stormed out of the room.

  Nina stared into the distance, her eyes glazed, as harsh memories came back to her. Her hands tightened around Rafe's.

  Suddenly the door crashed open again. “I can't believe this! Rafe, kick them out of here!” Frank shouted.

  “Stop it!” Rafe went to Frank and grabbed the lapels of his tuxedo. “Frank, don't make me kick you out of here.”

  They stood glaring at one another. Frank pulled himself from Rafe's grasp. “Rafe, hasn't she been through enough? Must they bring their poison in here and ruin your wedding day?”

  “Let them speak, Frank. Nina needs to hear this.”

  Frank gave a stiff nod and went to the bar. He readied a strong drink.

  Rafe returned to stand beside Nina, his hands messaging her tense shou
lders.

  “Nina,” Sister Janet Marie continued, her voice hushed in the stunned silence. “Sister Bethany-Ann was raised in Mississippi. In her mind, it was a sin for the races to mix. To her, you were a living slap in God’s face. Your parents had gone against everything God said in the bible. And, to her, you needed to be punished for it. That was only part of it, she had been abused as a child, and for some reason she told us she couldn’t stop herself from sexually abusing you. Not only you, but others too, in all there were sixteen children.”

  “But nowhere in the Bible does it say races can’t mix.” Nina paused, her hand tightened around Rafe's. “Are your saying you know what I am? Did my parents marry each other?”

  “Yes dear, they did eventually marry. And yes, we do. But you have to read the letters. We have taken enough from you. Now it’s time we give some of it back. We found out where your parents are living. The address is on the back of the most recent envelope. There's a telephone number, too.”

  Nina sat stunned. Her parents? She had parents. Liquid eyes found Rafe, her heart pounded in her ears, drowning out everything. Questions shined in her eyes.

  Rafe pulled her to her feet. “We never spoke about it, but I know deep in your heart the questions were there. I'm so happy for you, darling. I can’t stand to see the touch of sadness always behind your beautiful eyes.”

  Tears slid down Nina’s cheeks. “I know. But I’m confused, Rafe. What if they didn’t want me? What if they’re happy now and don’t want to be reminded of the past? What if they hate me for coming back into their lives? I’m twenty-eight and must be a forgotten memory to them.”

  EIGHTEEN

  “Ssh, let’s read the letters first. Then you can decide what you want to do.” Rafe held Nina in his arms, rubbing her tense back.

  Miranda then stood. “And how long have you two been sitting on this information? Why did you pick today to tell her this?” Her hand on her hips, fire shot from her eyes towards the two nuns.