Two-Faced

by Sylvia Selfman

  "For the money, of course.

  "Eighty thousand…" She said in shock.

  "Sold! To the lady in the short skirt. Tell me Jess, did you always dress that way?" His eyes slowly scanned her from head to toe. "Or has it only been since you discovered your inner slut in El Paso?"

  Jess felt rage burn through her entire body. She wanted to scream and tear at him with her nails. "I don't have that kind of money and you know it."

  "Well I suggest you get it. Soon. Let’s say we meet here again next Tuesday.” He turned to leave.

  "No. Wait. Please. I can't get that kind of money. Please don't do this to me."

  "Sorry, hon. See you next week. Get yourself some popcorn and enjoy the film. I sure did.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  Jess sat stunned on the park bench unaware of the passing time or the change in her surroundings. The temperature had fallen quickly and the last of the park’s visitors had already left.

  As night fell, she somehow made it back to her house without any conscious awareness of having driven the three miles back home. She wanted nothing more than to take a shower, to wipe away any trace of Zach on her body. But first she had to do the one thing she dreaded—she had to watch the video.

  Her hand shook uncontrollably as she inserted the disc into the DVD player. She held her breath and pressed ‘play’ then watched as the TV screen flickered to life.

  The picture was sharp and clear, the color vivid. Zach's hotel room was just as she'd remembered it ,with the bed in front of the curtained window against the far wall. The camera was focused directly on it. The room was empty. She couldn’t believe this was the same room that had promised such romance. Now it was a symbol of degradation and fear.

  She watched as she and Zach entered the frame, Zach, leading her by the hand. He pulled her towards him and kissed her passionately, then looked into her eyes, he spoke those awful words that she would remember for the rest of her life.

  Tell me, what is it you really want?

  She watched, cringing, as he led her over to the bed and began to undress her. She forced herself to continue watching, though she knew it was only going to get worse. When he bound her arms and legs to the bed, Jess couldn’t watch anymore. She ran into the bathroom and vomited. Breathing in shallow gasps, she continued to heave until, drained of energy, she slumped to the floor. As the sound of their lovemaking reverberated through the house she covered her ears with her hands to try to block it out.

  "Take these, they'll make you feel great."

  Oh my God!

  Jess jumped to her feet and ran back into the living room. She watched in horror as, on screen, Zach handed her two small pills which she swallowed down with a glass of champagne.

  She had forgotten all about that. She turned off the TV and sank onto the couch. How could she have been such a fool? It had all been a lie. A lie calculated to humiliate her and damage her case in court.. And she'd fallen for all of it. She'd even congratulated herself on having had such a wonderfully uninhibited and adult weekend.

  Now she was in danger of losing her son.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  “Tea?" Maddy asked, grabbing two mugs from the kitchen cabinet. She had rushed over from work when she heard Jess's distraught voice on the other end of the line. And like a true friend Maddy didn’t ask to see the video, nor had she asked for any of the specific details. She took Jess’s word that it was sexually explicit and left it at that.

  Pouring hot water into the mugs, she added a teabag and a dash of scotch to each of their cups. "This should help."

  Jess took a cautious sip. "Maddy, what do I do? I can’t believe I got myself into this mess.”

  "You can’t blame yourself. You did what any red-blooded woman in your situation would have done. It's that bastard, Lars. It's obvious he’d planned the whole thing. Hiring some fake Texan to come to your rescue at the hotel. He probably cancelled your reservation himself--he had all your information, right?””

  Jess nodded, "I gave him my itinerary before I left so he could reach me in an emergency."

  "The bastard," Maddy repeated. "He probably picked that guy on purpose, knowing just the kind of man you'd go for.”

  Jess winced. Was she that predictable? She'd been swept off her feet by the gallant cowboy who had come to her rescue—a sexy stud who made her feel irresistible. She looked down, her face reddening. "I can’t believe I fell for it.”

  Maddy placed her teacup down on the table. "I'm so sorry, Jess. I feel like it’s partly my fault. I pushed you to go to the convention. Bought you that teddy…”

  “No,” Jess shook her head. " I'm a big girl. I make my own decisions." She covered her eyes only to see the images again from the videotape. "What am I going to do?"

  "Look, it was just sex, right? So what if it was kinky? I mean who doesn’t do kinky stuff these days. You're a grown woman. You're allowed. Even a judge can understand that."

  "No, there's more. He...Zach...he gave me pills.”

  Surprised, Maddy looked at her. "You took drugs?"

  "Zach said it was a vitamin that would help prevent a hangover. But on the tape it looks like they're...who-knows-what."

  Maddy’s eyes narrowed in rage. "You can’t let that bastard get away with it. You have to do something.” She poured more scotch into her cup and then reached over to add more to Jess’s.

  “No, I need a clear head.”

  Maddy nodded and put the bottle down. “Maybe you should go to the police."

  "I can't risk Lars getting hold of the tape. I have to get the money. Eighty thousand dollars. It’s impossible.”

  "Do you think Mr. Collins would front you some of the money?"

  “Eighty thousand? Are you kidding?” Jess stood up and paced nervously. “Maybe he’d give me an advance on future commissions. But with only two sales pending that wouldn't even cover a third of the amount Zach wants.” She hesitated. “Zach,” she repeated with a shudder.“If that's even his real name."

  First thing the next morning, Jess knocked on Mr. Collins’ door. Her head ached from lack of sleep and too much caffeine but she forced herself to dress with care and apply her makeup as if it were a usual work day.

  "Jessica, come in, come in. What can I do for you?”

  Stepping into his office, she took the seat in front of his desk. "Mr. Collins, I don't know how to ask you this." She took a deep breath and looked him in the eyes. "I'm having a…well an emergency and I'm in desperate need of money. I was wondering if…maybe you could see your way to giving me an advance on my upcoming sales."

  "Jessica, you know I’d like to help you out,” he interrupted, “you’re a good worker and I know you’re having a tough time right now with your divorce. Perhaps I could help. Yeah…” he paused. “Yeah. I think I could swing...maybe a thousand dollars. Two at the most. Would that help?"

  Jess felt her face flush.”Yes, of course. That would great. A big help,” she mumbled, relieved that she hadn't embarrassed them both by mentioning the actual sum she needed. "Thank you, Mr. Collins," she said, a smile frozen on her face. "That's very kind."

  "Anything to help, Jess. I hope it’s nothing serious."

  She shook her head, "Just some extra lawyer fees I hadn't counted on. I'd better get back to work." She rose from her chair and hurried to the door, wanting to get out of the room before she burst into tears.

  It took a supreme act of will to hold back her tears until she reached the ladies room. Then she couldn’t contain the sobs that wracked her body. After a few moments she dried her eyes and stared at herself in the mirror. She told herself to calm down so she could think more clearly but behind her red swollen eyes she saw only fear and desperation. She had to find a way to get the money. Fast.

  She knew a bank loan was out of the question--she'd tried to get one when she left Lars and had been refused. There was one other way but it was something she vowed never to do. Not even in an emergency.

  But this is beyond an emergency
. This had to do with keeping her son. She would bite the bullet and do what needed to be done.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  At promptly 7 PM, Jess pulled her car into the circular stone drive that fronted the elegant Mediterranean-style mansion. Glancing at herself in the rear view mirror she frowned––there was nothing she could do about the dark circles under her eyes, from lack of sleep, but at least the eyeliner and blush made her look more alert. She smoothed her hair back behind her ears and applied a fresh coat of lip gloss. Her father had always demanded a neat appearance from the women in his family.

  Walking up the stone steps, past the huge, cream-colored marble columns, she paid no attention to the beautifully arranged, massive urns which contained lush bougainvillea plants in bright pinks and purples. She pressed the doorbell.

  "Jessica, good to see you,” Maria said opening the door and studying her with a shrewd eye. "Something wrong? You sick?"

  Jess shook her head. "No, just too much work,” she lied. “How’s Dad? I hope he’s in a good mood."

  "His usual,” Maria shrugged. “ He's waiting for you in the library. Don’t forget he goes out for his walk at eight. He gets angry if you interrupt it.”

  Jess nodded. “I know, Maria. I’ll be sure to leave before then.”

  The door to her father's study was closed. She stared at it for a moment, steeling herself for what she was sure would be an exercise in humiliation. Then she knocked lightly, opened the door and entered the room with a confidence that she didn't feel.

  "Hi, Dad" she said as she approached her father. Bending down she gave him the obligatory peck on his cheek.

  Mr. Banks sat ramrod straight behind his large, mahogany desk, barely acknowledging her greeting. He looked her over critically, giving her the feeling she always had around him––that she was about to be reprimanded for having committed some terrible transgression.

  "Where's Danny?" he asked gruffly.

  "I couldn't bring him today, Dad. He's with Lars this evening." She took the seat opposite his desk and willed herself to remain calm. She wouldn’t allow him to get to her. There was too much at stake. "I'll bring him by to see you next week, if it’s okay with you. I came alone because I needed to talk to you.” She paused to take a breath. “Dad, I desperately need your help."

  "Let me guess, it's about money. Am I right?"

  "Yes. But I wouldn't ask you for it if I weren't desperate. Lars transferred all our money into his private account and…there’s an emergency. I could lose Danny.”

  Her father looked at her for what felt like an eternity. "That's your problem Jessica. I’ve told you before, you had no business leaving your husband. He's a good husband, a good lawyer and it’s time you forgot this foolishness and go back to him. In my day we took marriage seriously. We didn't walk out on a whim."

  "It wasn’t a whim, Dad, Lars was cheating on..."

  "Now listen to me Jessica," he interrupted. "I thought you were different from your sister but I see now I was mistaken. You're just like her. She was always coming to me, trying to get me to bail her out of whatever trouble she was in. If you're not careful I'm going to cut you out of the will just like I did with her..."

  "You don't understand anything, do you?" Jess rose from her chair. She could no longer control herself. "What good is all your money if you can't help your family in a time of need? I don't care about the damn will. Cut me out for all I care. I need money now or I could lose my son." Her voice rose as hot tears coursed down her cheeks. "I can see why Ally hates you, why Mom was so unhappy. You’re nothing but a selfish old man.”

  "Get out," Mr. Banks said, rising from his chair.. "Maria!"

  Maria instantly appeared in the doorway.

  “Show her out,” he demanded.

  "I know the way," Jess said as she ran past Maria out of the room.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Maddy was about to take a bite of almond encrusted Dover sole when her fork almost fell from her hand. She couldn't believe what she was seeing: Jessica had just walked into the restaurant dressed in an exquisitely tailored, slate-grey, Armani suit. She, and an elegantly dressed older man, were immediately seated at a reserved table near the window.

  "What the hell?" Maddy mumbled under her breath, unable to take her eyes off her friend.

  “What?” Her client, Jim Bryant, asked. “Is something wrong with the food?”

  She waved him off, telling him it was delicious as she tried to figure out what was going on with Jessica. She’d never seen her look like this. And to add to that, Maddy had suggested they have lunch together earlier that morning but Jess had begged off, claiming she had to take Danny to the dentist.

  So what was she doing here now? And who was that elegant older man?

  Maddy studied Jess from afar ––her hair was pulled back into a sophisticated knot at the nape of her neck, a style she'd never seen on Jess. And even from this distance Maddy could see diamonds sparkling on her earlobes.

  What in the world was she up to?

  Maddy looked at her lunch companion, realizing she’d missed what he just said. "I'm sorry," she said apologetically.“What did you say?”

  "I was wondering if you think something downtown might be better," he repeated. "You know, more space for the money."

  Maddy tried to focus. The last thing she wanted to do was to lose this deal. Jim was looking for a space for new art gallery. He’d made a killing in the tech sector, and was looking for a place to park his money and indulge his interest in art at the same time. If she could get him interested in the space that had recently come up in Santa Monica, it would mean a huge commission for her. In the process she hoped to get to know him better and indulge in many more lunches. Possibly even dinners. After all, he pretty good looking, and loaded.

  The problem was that ever since Jess had walked into the restaurant, Maddy had barely heard a word he'd said.

  "I suppose downtown would be desirable pricewise" she said, forcing her attention back on him. "Though in terms of convenience––I have a place in Santa Monica that would be perfect. It's right near the promenade and would bring in tons of foot traffic.”

  "Let’s take a look," he said. "Why don't we go this Saturday? Maybe have dinner afterwards?"

  Maddy smiled. "Sounds great.” She glanced over and noticed that Jess's companion had left the table and was walking towards the men's room. Now was her chance. "Jim, excuse me a moment I have to say, hi, to a friend."

  Maddy rose from her chair and without waiting for a response, walked quickly over to Jess's table.

  "What’s going on? I thought you were taking Danny to the dentist," she said slipping into the empty seat across from Jess. She looked at her friend critically. Something wasn’t quite right but she couldn’t put her finger on exactly what. “You look fabulous. Where’d you get the suit?”

  "Excuse me? Do I know you?" came the reply.

  Maddy looked at her, confused. "You're not leading some kind of secret life, are you? Like trying to get your money in other ways…” Maddy said with a forced laugh.

  When the only answer was a cold stare, she wondered if the woman in front of her really was her friend after all. Though they had the same features, she was nothing like Jessica.

  Maddy mumbled her apologies and was about to stand up when a hand reached out and covered hers.

  “Wait. You think I'm Jessica, don’t you? Are you a friend of hers?”

  Maddy stared at woman more puzzled than ever. “We’re good friends,” she said.

  "Well I’m Ally. Jessica’s sister. Don’t tell me she never mentioned me."

  Maddy sat back in her chair, stunned. “She never told me that she had a...”

  “A what...a sister?"

  "A twin. An identical twin.”

  Ally shrugged, amused. "Sometimes I'm surprised myself by how similar we are. In looks anyway. So how is dear Jessica?"

  "She's okay," Maddy said, studying the woman even more closely. "It's just amazing how al
ike you guys are. Does you live here in town…do you keep in touch?"

  "No, Jess and I haven't spoken for years. We had a bit of a falling out and she hasn't talked to me since."

  “Oh. I’m sorry.”

  "I guess she doesn't talk much about me. And I’m sure my living in New York didn't lend itself to a reconcilliation. But now that I'm back, I'd love to get in touch with her again. I thought of calling but I know she wouldn’t want to hear from me."

  Ally frowned then reached into her Chanel bag and pulled out a small gold case and extracted a business card. "Would you give this to her when you see her?" She handed the card to Maddy. "I'd love it if she'd call me. You will tell her that, won’t you?"

  "Sure" Maddy said studying the card. "I’ll see her back in the office after lunch. I’m sure she’ll want to call you."

  "I hope so. Sisters shouldn't stay angry with each other."

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  "What? I wouldn't call Ally if she were the last person on earth." Jess got up from her desk and paced angrily. “Why would you tell her that I would?”

  “Because she’s your sister,” Maddy said, visibly surprised by her friend’s reaction. She had rushed straight back to the office to tell her the news and instead of being excited, Jess took one look at the card and tossed it into the trash.

  "But I don't understand," Maddy said, "She’s your twin! And she sounded really sincere about wanting you to call her."

  "No way," Jess said sitting down at her desk. "My sister is not what I need right now. It's so typical of her to appear at the worst time in my life."

  Maddy perched on the edge of Jess's desk. "So what happened between you guys anyway? Why'd you keep her such a secret?"

  "I told you I had a sister."

  "You never said she was an identical twin. But between you two? C’mon, spill."