Betrayed Hearts

by Susan Anne Mason

  “What was that about?” Maxi asked as Sarah Jane stalked off across the lawn.

  “I have no idea.”

  Maxi shook her head, her thin eyebrows coming together in a frown. “I don’t want to worry you, Lily, but you better watch yourself. There’s no telling what Sarah Jane will do to get Nick back.”

  17

  On Thursday afternoon, Nick opened his door and greeted Lily with a huge grin. “Come on in. Doc should be here any minute.”

  Lily stepped inside Nick’s house, very similar to the one she and Maxi shared. Twenty minutes ago, Nick had called and asked her to meet him here because he’d arranged for Doc Anderson to come over. Luckily she had the afternoon off so the timing was perfect.

  He dropped a quick kiss on her cheek, and she smiled at him. “Thanks for setting this up. Do you think he’ll help us?”

  “We’ll find out soon enough.” He took her hand and led her down the hall into the living room where the high ceilings and wide crown moldings indicated the age of the structure.

  Unlike Nick’s rental house, this home hadn’t been modernized at all. The faded wallpaper in the living room and old-fashioned furnishings likely meant Nick hadn’t changed anything since his mother passed away. Maybe the familiarity was comforting.

  “It’s a bit outdated in here,” Nick said in an apologetic tone. “I haven’t had time to redecorate.”

  “I like it. It’s homey.” She walked toward the fireplace. Not a trace of dust anywhere, only the faint odor of lemon furniture polish.

  “Can I get you some coffee? There’s a fresh pot in the kitchen.”

  “Yes, please.” It would give her something to do with her hands.

  While he was gone, she wandered around the room, looking at pictures on the mantel, enjoying the cozy feel of the space. A small, framed photo of Nick as a boy caught her eye. She smiled at the familiar mischievous grin. Even at that age he was a charmer.

  “Here you go. Milk and sugar, right?”

  “Yes, thanks.” As she took the cup from him, the doorbell rang. She took a quick sip and set down the coffee, smoothing her skirt with damp palms.

  A minute later, Doc Anderson’s wide frame filled the living room doorway.

  “Hello, Lily.” His greeting held a hint of puzzlement.

  “Hi, Doc. Thanks for coming.” She gave him a nervous smile. What would Doc think of her story? More importantly, would he be willing to help?

  He moved into the room. “I must admit I’m curious about the nature of this meeting.” Doc raised his eyebrows in a gentle question.

  “Have a seat, Percy.” Nick followed in behind him, a hand on his shoulder. “Can I get you some coffee?”

  “No, thanks, son. Caffeine keeps me up at night.”

  “Fine, we’ll get right to the point then.” Nick offered Doc a chair, sat beside Lily on the couch, and nodded at her to proceed.

  She moistened her dry lips. “Remember I asked you about the Strickland case?”

  His brow creased into a frown. “Yes, and I believe I was quite clear about the outcome. Adelaide Strickland succumbed to her injuries.”

  Lily leaned forward on the sofa. “I’d like to know who informed you of her death. Was it someone from the hospital?”

  Doc’s gaze darted from Lily to Nick.

  “Was it the attending doctor?” she persisted, “or maybe one of the hospital officials?”

  He shifted his bulk on the chair. “It was the hospital chaplain—I remember that much. Why is this so important?”

  She straightened her spine. The time had come for full disclosure. She needed the truth.

  “Since I’m your patient,” she said slowly, “you’re bound by patient confidentiality, correct?”

  “That’s right.”

  “Then what I’m about to tell you must remain between the three of us for now.”

  The doctor nodded.

  She took a deep breath. “I am Adelaide Strickland. Lily Adelaide Strickland, to be exact.”

  His mouth dropped open. The whites around his pale eyes stood out under his wire-rimmed glasses. “But how is that possible?” he finally sputtered, looking to Nick for confirmation.

  Nick nodded. “It’s possible because Lily didn’t die in that hospital. Although someone wanted you to think she had.”

  Lily pulled the birth certificate from her bag and handed it to him. He scanned it and gave it back. “Well, if that don’t beat all. Why on earth would the chaplain lie about such a thing?”

  “That’s what I’m trying to find out. Is there anything else you can tell me? Like why no one asked to see the body?”

  Doc pulled out a white handkerchief and dabbed it to his forehead. “When the chaplain informed me of Addie’s death, I told him we’d have someone from the funeral home come for the body. The man seemed surprised—said the body had already been cremated. Apparently, there’d been some kind of mix-up because there was no next of kin. When I told Sonia Martin, she got very upset. Insisted I file a complaint with the hospital, which I intended to do. But once we received the ashes, Sonia had calmed down. Said not to bother. What was done was done. She didn’t want some poor person to lose their job over an honest mistake. We had Addie’s funeral, and that’s the last I ever thought about it.”

  Lily let out a slow breath. “That explains the lack of a body. But not why someone would go to all that trouble.” She looked Doc in the eye. “Would you be willing to help me get my medical records from the Kingsville hospital? I need to see if I was pronounced dead there, and by whom.”

  Nick moved closer to her on the sofa, as if to protect her. “Could you get your hands on those, Percy?”

  Doc rubbed his chin. “Shouldn’t be a problem. I believe they keep records back at least twenty years.” His jaw tightened. “I’d like to clear up this mystery as much as you. Someone lied to me, and I want to know why.”

  Doc’s eyes narrowed suddenly. He gave Nick a sharp look. “Does your aunt know about this?”

  “No, sir. And don’t worry. Lily’s not planning on saying anything yet.”

  Doc speared her with a stern look. “Sonia Martin is not a well woman and a shock like this could prove detrimental to her health.”

  Guilt twisted Lily’s insides. The time was coming when she would have to tell Chloe the truth, and Nick wouldn’t be happy about that at all. No use worrying about it now. “I don’t want to endanger Mrs. Martin.”

  “Good.” He put both hands on his pudgy knees and pushed stiffly to his feet. “I’ll be in touch when I have some news.”

  Nick and Lily rose as well.

  “Thanks, Doc.” Nick shook the older man’s hand. “We appreciate your help.”

  In the hall, Doc paused to peer over his spectacles at Lily. “I am curious about one thing. What took you so long to come back, young lady?”

  She shrugged. “I didn’t know my real name until I found my birth certificate a few weeks back.”

  “I see.” He smiled, his eyes warm. “Well, Missy, I never thought I’d say this, but…welcome home.”

  ****

  Lily jumped down from the ladder in the middle of the community center and stood back to survey her handiwork. The blue and yellow streamers spiraling out from the center point in the ceiling all seemed perfectly spaced. Bunches of gaily-colored balloons cooperated by remaining adhered to the walls. She blew out a satisfied breath. Step by step, the room was coming together for Chloe’s big birthday party that evening.

  “Looks great,” Maxi said from behind her.

  “So far so good. Can you help me put on the tablecloths?”

  With the addition of royal blue coverings, white napkins, and flowered centerpieces, the hall began to look as elegant as Lily had pictured in her mind. She’d incorporated Chloe’s favorite colors and flowers into the decorating scheme. Mrs. Martin had given Maxi a group of photos from Chloe’s childhood, which they had used to create a fabulous collage mounted on an easel in the corner by the head table. Li
ly loved getting a glimpse into her sister’s life.

  Maxi looked at her watch. “We’d better get home to change. I don’t know about you, but I could use a shower.” She blew her bangs off her face.

  Lily wiped dusty hands on her pants. “Me, too. Let me grab the trash, and I think we’re done.”

  She turned to pick up the tape, scissors, and leftover ribbon. Just as she stashed it all in a tote bag, the door to the party room opened, and Mrs. Martin walked in. She stood surveying the room, her hand on a wooden cane. Her gray curls had not even budged in the breeze from outside.

  “Hey, Mrs. M.,” Maxi called. “We just finished. What do you think?”

  “It’s beautiful. Chloe will love it.”

  She hobbled forward with her cane, coming to stand near Lily, who found herself at a loss for words. The woman’s pale eyes held no warmth. Why did this frail, yet formidable, woman make her so nervous?

  “Is Chloe excited?” Lily finally asked.

  Mrs. Martin smiled. “Oh, yes. She’s flitting around the house like a nervous bird, fiddling with her dress and hair.” Her gaze turned solemn. “This is the first big birthday party Chloe’s ever had. I wanted to do this for her, before…before she leaves for college.”

  Lily felt sympathy for the woman who might not live to see her daughter start a career or marry. Despite the oxygen pumping through Sonia’s pack, the blue tinges around her lips told Lily the severity of Sonia Martin’s illness. According to Nick, Sonia would soon be on oxygen permanently.

  “I’m sure Chloe will have a great time,” Lily said.

  “I hope so. Maxi dear, could you do me a favor? The birthday cake is in my car. Would you bring it in for me, please?”

  A hint of panic rose in Lily’s chest as Maxi left the building.

  Mrs. Martin’s shrewd blue eyes bore right into Lily’s. “You and I need to talk. Alone.”

  Panic erased every coherent thought from Lily’s mind.

  “On Wednesday, Chloe will be staying late after school. Could you come to the house then?”

  Lily clutched the strap of her tote bag. “I’ll have to check my schedule, but I think my shift ends at three.”

  Mrs. Martin nodded. “Good. That will give us enough time.”

  “Can I ask what this is about?” Trepidation knocked at Lily’s ribs.

  The door swung open, and Maxi breezed in carrying a large box.

  “Put it in the fridge for me, will you, dear?” Mrs. Martin motioned to the door that led into the small kitchenette.

  “Sure thing.” Maxi used her hip to push through the swinging door and disappeared inside.

  Lily almost jumped when Sonia reached out to touch the necklace around Lily’s neck.

  Sonia fingered the locket thoughtfully and then looked up. “Yes, we most definitely need to talk.”

  18

  Nick looked around the community center and grinned. Almost everyone in town had turned out to celebrate Chloe’s birthday. The church ladies had cooked up a feast of chili and lasagna, salads and desserts. Aunt Sonia had even hired a local band to play country and western tunes after the meal, giving the guests a chance to try out their dancing shoes.

  Nick’s gaze fell on Lily, standing on the sidelines watching the dancers, and his grin widened. She looked especially lovely tonight in a gauzy green dress, her hair a cascade of curls down her back. With the stealth of a cat, he sneaked up behind her. “I hope you saved a dance for me.”

  She turned and rewarded him with a warm smile. “Of course. But are you sure you want to be seen dancing with me?” She glanced across the hall.

  Nick followed her line of vision to Ted and his perpetual scowl. “I’m sure. Ted doesn’t get to control my life.”

  He reached for her hand and pulled her onto the dance floor where several couples swayed to a slow song. Lily held herself as stiff as a starched shirt within the circle of his arms.

  “Relax. I don’t bite,” he whispered in her ear.

  She pulled back to look at him. “Everyone’s watching us. I feel like a bug under a microscope.”

  He scanned the crowd surrounding them. “You’re right. Guess we’ll have to do something about that.” With a flourish, he led her off the dance floor, out into the hallway.

  “Where are we going?” Her cheeks flushed pink, most likely from embarrassment.

  “You’ll see.” He grinned and kept walking, his hand firm around hers. A red exit sign glowed at the end of the corridor. He pushed through the door and out into a private back courtyard, where a group of benches and flowering shrubs surrounded a stone water fountain. Pink and green lights illuminated the water as it sprayed upward.

  “This is incredible,” she said, eyes aglow like an enchanted child.

  The cool breeze lifted her hair and blew it around her face. Nick resisted the urge to touch the silky tresses.

  “Now we can finish our dance in private.” He smiled, pulling her close to him.

  She laughed as he waltzed her around the courtyard, humming a tune. This time she relaxed into his arms, warm and inviting.

  “Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?”

  She smiled up at him. “Yes, but I don’t mind hearing it again.”

  “That dress is fabulous. Green is definitely your color.”

  She swished the full hem of her skirt around her knees. “Why, thank you, sir.”

  They danced around in dizzying circles a few more times, until he slowed her to a stop. Under the glow of the moon, the world narrowed to include only the amazing woman before him.

  “I’ve been waiting all night to do this.” He lowered his lips to hers, drinking in the sweet taste of her. When she melted into him, he relished the feel of her arms around him, grateful she now welcomed his affections.

  The sudden clearing of a throat startled him. Lily all but vaulted out of his arms. Nick turned to see Ted standing just outside the door, a scowl contorting his face.

  “Nicholas, your aunt sent me to tell you Chloe is about to cut the cake.”

  Nick wrapped a firm arm around Lily’s waist as he regarded the older man. “Thank you, Ted. We’ll be right there.”

  The two men locked stares for a moment, like a pair of dueler’s facing each other before a battle. Nick held his ground until Ted finally turned and went inside. Nick’s shoulders sagged in relief.

  “He really doesn’t like me,” Lily said. “This won’t jeopardize your position, will it?”

  “Don’t worry. I can handle Ted.” Nick hoped his confidence wasn’t misplaced. Knowing the good reverend, this wouldn’t be the end of the matter. Brushing his concerns aside for the moment, Nick lowered his head for another quick kiss. “Come on. Let’s go help Chloe blow out those candles.”

  ****

  After being caught with Nick in the courtyard, bad vibes followed Lily like a cloud for the rest of the evening. Thank goodness Chloe and her mother seemed oblivious to the heightened tension as the party continued to flow around them. Chloe sliced her cake and opened her presents, beaming the whole time. Lily had given Chloe her gift earlier in the day, not wanting it to be a public affair, and was pleased she’d loved the painting.

  After the few speeches concluded, Lily moved off to one side of the room to get another glass of punch, content to watch her sister from the sidelines. The school year would soon be over, leaving about six weeks before Chloe would start college. Lily gave an inward sigh. Even though Nick wouldn’t like it, she couldn’t let Chloe go without telling her the truth about their family connection. But she wanted all the details about her family tied up before she told Chloe anything. Hopefully, Doc Anderson had been able to find some new information for her.

  She sipped her drink, lost in thought until she felt a presence beside her. Mike Hillier stood ladling punch into his cup.

  “Hello, Lily. How have you been?”

  She tensed and focused on keeping her breathing steady. At least he wasn’t in uniform today. “Very well, thanks.�
��

  He turned toward her and took a sip of punch. “Funny thing,” he said, studying her. “Turns out my family knows some Drapers up near Bismarck. Any chance they’re relatives of yours?”

  Lily’s fingers tightened on her glass. No need to panic. Mike wouldn’t be able to connect her father to Draper, her mother’s maiden name. She gave thanks once again for changing her name when she moved to Bismarck. Still, she couldn’t shake the anxiety clawing at her. “It’s possible. Although my father’s side of the family isn’t very big.”

  “What’s your father’s name?” The sharpness of his gaze belied the casual tone of his question.

  Her body froze—her mind as blank as an erased whiteboard. “Tobias,” she said at last, unable to come up with a quick alternative. She bit back a groan. Why couldn’t she have said Tom or Timothy? Lying to protect herself had been natural before moving to Rainbow Falls. Now, she couldn’t do it to save herself.

  “Hmm, Tobias Draper. Doesn’t ring a bell.”

  She inhaled through her nose. Mike would never find a Tobias Draper in North Dakota. Still Tobias was an unusual enough name to be worrisome. “Not the same family, I guess.” Her damp palms slid on the glass in her hand. She darted a desperate glance over the crowd to see if perhaps Nick would save her. Unfortunately Reverend Baker had him cornered on the far side of the room, and Maxi was off somewhere with Jason.

  With no one around to intervene, Lily needed a distraction—in a hurry.

  “Could you do me a favor?” She turned the full force of her smile on Mike and nodded in Nick’s direction. “Would you go over and save Nick from Reverend Baker?”

  Mike’s features didn’t soften as she hoped. He leaned closer, eyes narrowed. “You’re not fooling anyone, Miss Draper. I recognize an evasion tactic when I see it.”

  Lily swallowed hard. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  He took one step back, never blinking. “I’ll let it go for now, but I know you’re hiding something. And I intend to find out what it is.”