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The Straight Crimes

Page 23

by Matt Juhl


  “I’m paid to follow her orders, but I don’t always take the things she says personally.”

  “There’s a difference between takin’ orders and bein’ treated like a slave. You sure talk a big game about me defyin’ Traci, but you’ll never do it yourself.”

  Kendall frowned. “Yeah, I know.”

  “I know? That’s it?”

  “That’s it.”

  Harper parted her lips and struggled to find the words. “Get a backbone, Kendall. It drives me crazy listenin’ to the way she speaks to you. I can’t even imagine how angry it must make you feel.”

  “I’ve grown used to it.” Kendall scooted to the end of the bed.

  “Bull—it eats you up. I can see it in your face. She gets to you even more than she gets to me. You can’t hide it.”

  “Please, Harper, just drop it.”

  “You know I’m right.”

  “Even if you are, it doesn’t matter. I made a promise to Andrea that I’d look after Traci.” Kendall frowned. “It’s complicated. There’s a lot of history between the three of us.”

  “Right, but you’re loyal to a ghost who left y’all behind. Was Andrea really that good of a person?”

  “Bite your tongue. Of course she was.”

  “Then why’d she leave you here with someone you hate?”

  “She had her reasons.”

  “Like what?”

  “They’re rather personal.” Kendall folded her arms and imagined Patrick’s face. He bore such a striking resemblance to his son, Nik. The secrets seared her insides, burning her to the brink of implosion. Kendall desperately wanted to tell Harper the entire truth about the elusive affair, about Andrea being the woman who ran off with Nik’s father, and every other sordid detail she knew. The words practically suffocated her.

  “But Andrea’s dead. I don’t see how tellin’ me why she left would make any difference?”

  “All I can say is that her choices to leave were driven by love.”

  “So she ran away with someone?”

  Kendall hesitantly nodded.

  “And it didn’t bother you at all that she left?”

  “Andrea begged me to stay here. I can’t break my promise.”

  “Traci’s an adult. She doesn’t need you.”

  “But she can’t take care of this place herself.”

  “Who cares? She could easily hire someone else. That woman just drags the life out of everything. I didn’t see it before, but now that I do, I’m goin’ crazy. You’re as miserable as me, but you ain’t gonna do anything about it, are you?”

  “Harper, it’s not that easy.”

  “Sure it is. Get the hell outta here and never look back.”

  Although Harper’s words resonated with Kendall’s deepest desires, she just couldn’t do it.

  Suddenly Harper’s bedroom doors swung open and Traci tore through with a contemptuous look on her face. “What the hell’s going on in here?”

  Kendall cleared her throat. “Nothing.”

  “It looks to me like I’ve interrupted a rather heated discussion. Would either one of you care to enlighten me?”

  “I said it’s nothing.”

  “She was just comfortin’ me ‘cause of Mama.”

  Traci scowled at Kendall. “Apparently this little chat is more important than your obligations. In case you’ve gone deaf, I’ve been shouting your name incessantly for the last fifteen minutes. The staff is waiting on you. Guests are due to arrive momentarily.”

  “Of course.”

  “Do you understand how much stress I’m under right now?”

  “I know. I’m sorry, Traci.”

  Harper rolled her eyes.

  “I thought I was rather explicit with my instructions for this evening, yet I find you here bothering Harper while she’s getting ready.”

  “Again, I apologize.”

  “I’m getting God damn sick of doing everything myself. Get to work, now.”

  “Yes ma’am.” Kendall quickly scuffled out the door.

  Harper folded her arms in annoyance. “You know, Traci, you should be nicer to her, considerin’ all she does for you.”

  “I treat her the way she deserves to be treated.”

  Harper raised her eyebrows and smirked.

  “That insufferable woman doesn’t listen to a word I say. Besides, if you were under this much stress, you’d understand why I’m being so direct.”

  “You always treat Kendall like crap. And in case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been under a hell of a lot more stress than you.”

  “Oh, sweetie.” Traci’s pointed tone diminished as she hugged Harper. “I didn’t mean to insinuate anything.”

  She pushed Traci away. “You don’t give a damn what I’m goin’ through. Mama and Auntie are both dead. I’ve lost my entire family to a killer who’s probably out there lookin’ for me, but all you care about is your stupid party.”

  “That’s certainly untrue.” She placed her icy hands on Harper’s shoulders and looked her in the eyes. “I’m terribly sorry if I’ve come off as insensitive. However, I don’t want you to think I’ve forgotten the trouble you’ve endured. To help ease your mind, I’ve hired security for tonight. If someone isn’t on my guest list, they won’t be allowed entry.”

  “You’re missin’ the point. I don’t wanna be here at all.”

  Traci blinked her eyes feverishly as if she’d just been struck upside the head. “I thought we’ve been through this. I need you there.”

  “But—”

  “Do you have any clue how much anxiety I have right now? Don’t put me through this again, Harper.”

  “I don’t think I can handle all these people tonight. At least if Nik was here—”

  “Enough. Stop it. Finish getting ready and come downstairs. I don’t wanna hear another word about Nik or about how you’re not coming. Tonight’s event is not optional. I said I needed you and you will be there for me.” She pushed Harper down in front of the vanity.

  “Traci, don’t you understand—”

  “God damn it, Harper, I’ve tried being patient, but I’m about to snap. Don’t test me right now, I’m warning you!”

  Harper had seen several displeased looks on Traci’s face, but never one so seething and explosive. Instead of responding, she held her breath and closed her mouth.

  “Put some color on your lips, get into your dress, and be down in ten minutes.”

  “But—”

  “And put your hair up.”

  “Traci—”

  “It’ll look better with those earrings and draw attention to your neckline. You need my help?”

  Harper held her tongue. “I’ll do it myself.” She put her hand to her exposed chest. “May I have my necklace back?”

  “But I love that necklace. I thought you said I could keep it?”

  “It’s the only thing I have left from Mama and I want it back now. Besides, you haven’t even been wearin’ it.”

  “I’ll see if Kendall can find it.” Traci began to panic, knowing very well she’d lost it.

  “You don’t know where it is?”

  “Of course I do. It’s around here somewhere. Now enough with this nonsense. Go get ready.”

  After Traci left, Harper put her hands to her face and let out an exasperated groan. “I’ve gotta get the hell outta this place.”

  As night fell and the storm grew stronger across the vast lake, the guests began to arrive. Within hours, Traci’s beachside palace was packed.

  Harper's reluctance to socialize with the pretentious clan was evidenced by her apparent absence. She meticulously dodged behind every broad-shouldered tuxedo and exaggerated gown, desperately avoiding scrutiny from Traci’s displeased glare.

  “Sweetie,” Traci called through the crowd.

  Every time someone more important than the one before walked in, Harper was pulled in their direction to make their acquaintance. However, as soon as the conversation directed away from her, she’d slip away.


  After an hour of dealing with Harper’s antics, Traci’s forced smile began to fade. She’d grown tired of the elusive cat and mouse game.

  “Kendall,” Traci hissed, digging her claws into her arm.

  “Damn, what?” she asked.

  “Over here.” Traci pulled Kendall towards the alcove to the living room. “Where the hell’s Harper?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “She keeps running away. It’s very irritating.”

  “So? What do you want me to do about it?”

  “Go find her. Keep your eye on her and make sure she’s at my disposal all night. Got it?”

  “Yes.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Yes ma’am.” Kendall curled her lip.

  “You’d better watch it. I don’t think you fully appreciate the situation you’re in. For a high school dropout with a criminal past, your options are quite limited, my dear.”

  Kendall fought all of her rage and simply kept her mouth sealed shut.

  “One more thing,” she scowled. “I don’t appreciate you talking about my mother with Harper.”

  “I wasn’t.”

  Through her heated words—and aware of everyone’s eyes on her, Traci flashed a fake smile. “You’re full of shit. I know you were.”

  “I didn’t say anything, I swear.”

  Traci snatched Kendall by the jaw. “If you breathe a word about her to anyone, you’ll pay severely. Is that understood?”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “I’d hate to find out you betrayed me again.”

  “I won’t say a word, I promise.”

  “Perfect. Now go find Harper.”

  As the guests exchanged false sentiments to feed one another’s overweening egos, Harper sought refuge on the balcony.

  Aside from the mindless prattle, something caught Harper’s attention. There was a sense of contentment, not between acquaintances, but within couples. Everyone seemed to have a plus one by their side. Between women locking arms with women and men leaning on their guys’ shoulders, Harper felt utterly alone. She desperately wanted to be beside Nik, but instead, she was Traci’s shiny bauble.

  In that moment, while scouring the sea of strangers, Harper closed her eyes tightly and had a vision…

  She dreamt of a room full of vivid brightness, with light that diminished ignorance. Harper held onto Nik’s strong hands. Everyone around them noticed their undying affection for one another, but no one cared.

  Harper and Nik weren’t worried about obscene remarks or judgmental glares. For once, they were welcomed and treated with equality. There was an overwhelming sense of serenity, a sweetness shared not by outcasts, but by soul mates.

  Suddenly, the light grew brighter, everyone vanished, and Harper wrapped her arms around Nik. They were lost within each other, together forever—frozen for all time in their immaculate love…

  “Hey.”

  Harper jumped, feeling a cold hand touch her bare shoulder. “Damn Kendall, you scared the hell outta me.”

  “Are you all right?” she asked.

  “Yeah, just spacin’ out.”

  “Traci’s looking for you.”

  Harper groaned. “Like I care.”

  “You’d better hurry, she’s upset.”

  “I’m real worried,” she said sarcastically.

  “I need you to do me a favor.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Don’t tell Traci anything about our conversation from earlier, especially what we said about her mother.”

  “The only thing you told me was that Andrea ran away with someone.”

  “Shh.” She put her hand to her nose. “Traci will kill me if she knew I said anything at all. Just don’t say anything.”

  “Why would she care?”

  “It doesn’t matter. I need you to keep it between us.”

  “What’s goin’ on, Kendall?”

  “Nothing.”

  “There’s somethin’ you ain’t tellin’ me.”

  Kendall’s hands began to shake. She tucked them under her armpits and closed her eyes.

  “Out with it,” Harper insisted.

  “Look, she doesn’t want me talking to anyone about Andi, but that’s all I can say. So please stop asking about her.”

  “But like I said—”

  “Seriously, no more. You have to drop it or I’m in deep shit. Okay?”

  “Fine, I’m sorry.” Harper relented, knowing she wasn’t getting the full story from the tight-lipped maid.

  After taking a moment to let the awkwardness wear off, the women made their descent into the foyer.

  That’s when a stranger grabbed hold of Harper’s arm and pulled her away from Kendall.

  “My goodness, you must be Harper,” she insisted.

  She looked at the tall, skeletal woman in confusion. “Do I know you?”

  “No, darling, but Traci’s told me about you.” The vivacious socialite, heavily drenched in diamonds, offered her hand as if she were royalty.

  Harper momentarily considered responding with a curtsey.

  “Where are my manners? I’m Jaslene Porter, a dear old friend of Andrea’s.”

  “And I’m Harper Jones. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise, darling.” Jaslene clicked her tongue, instantly detecting the solemnity in Harper’s tone. “Traci shared your devastating news. I’m terribly sorry about your mom. I wanted to offer my condolences personally. It may seem strange since we haven’t met, but I felt compelled to share my sentiments. Who’s to say, maybe it’s a natural reaction for a mother to comfort someone who’s faced such adversity.”

  “Thank you.”

  As a waitress passed by, Jaslene pulled a glass of champagne from her silver tray and handed it to Harper. Then she whispered in the server’s ear, “I shouldn’t have to tell you how to do your job, but you always offer a drink to a beautiful lady.”

  She awkwardly took the glass. “I appreciate it, but I’m only eighteen.”

  “One glass isn’t going to turn you into a woman, but maybe that’ll change after three or four more,” Jaslene cackled. She ran her fingers through her layered black hair and pulled up her strapless designer dress.

  Harper politely took a sip from the crystal glass and quickly placed it down. “So, how long have you known Andrea?”

  “A very long time, darling.”

  Before opening her mouth again, she scoured the foyer to ensure Kendall was out of earshot. “Jaslene, how did you two know each other?”

  “Oh, Andi? She and I used to date.”

  “Really?”

  “You’re surprised. I get it.”

  “No, it’s not—”

  “We were together long before, well, you know.”

  “Know what?”

  Jaslene jerked her head to the side. “You know, before she started seeing that man,” she sneered.

  “Wait—what?”

  “You didn’t know?”

  “No.”

  “Oops. I assumed Traci would have shared that tidbit.”

  “No, she never mentioned anything about that.”

  “Mercy, I hope I haven’t said too much.”

  Harper couldn’t disguise the stunned expression on her face. Such a scandal seemed uncharacteristic for someone of Andrea’s prominence.

  “I shouldn’t say I’m surprised by Traci’s discretion. From what I’ve heard, Traci was against their relationship from the start. The women had a huge falling out over it.”

  “I didn’t know that either.”

  “Funny thing though, Traci has no clue that I know about Andi’s relationship with the man. No one was ever supposed to know.”

  “Then how’d you find out?”

  “Andi must’ve been certifiable if she thought she could relocate to Port Vista without me hearing of it. Not to mention she unknowingly hired my former handyman, who spilled the beans after she fired him for stealing. Apparently she tried getting him to sign a confidenti
ality agreement to keep the torrid affair secret. Arrangements like that only work in Hollywood.” Jaslene cackled and chugged the rest of her champagne.

  “How’d Andrea react when she heard you knew about her affair?”

  “I never told Andi that I knew. To be perfectly honest, aside from Traci’s pride, I don’t see what difference it’d make if people knew about them now, considering they’re both gone. Still, I wouldn’t want to upset Traci. Let’s keep this our little secret. Port Vista’s always been a touchy subject for her.”

  “Port Vista,” Harper whispered the name as she stared off, mesmerized.

  In that instance, she slowly pieced together the separate conversations she’d had over time with Nik, Traci, Kendall, and Jaslene. An abrupt wave of certainty washed over her. Everything suddenly made sense: Port Vista, the runaway forbidden lovers, the timing, and the betrayal. Harper’s mind and heart raced in circles as the truth hit her like a truck. The man Andrea ran off with was Nik’s father, Patrick.

  Jaslene waved her hand in Harper’s face. “Yes, Port Vista...”

  “After Andrea’s death, what happened to the man?”

  “He died too.”

  “What?”

  “They both drowned, well presumably so, after the large storm came in while they were boating on the big lake.”

  “Oh my God.” Harper’s mouth nearly hit the floor. She couldn’t believe it. “Do you remember the man’s name?”

  “Patrick, well, Pat for short. Look, forgive me for saying so, but I’m quite appalled by Traci’s anonymity. I assumed she would’ve confided this information in you, especially since you’re her girlfriend.”

  “Girlfriend?”

  “Traci shared the good news last month at my gallery. I’m sure she was planning to tell you all about her mother. Don’t let it upset you.”

  “Wait—girlfriend, really?” Harper scoffed. “She ain’t my girlfriend.”

  “She’s not?”

  “Of course not.”

  “How scandalous. She’s been telling everyone that you two are dating.”

  “You’re frickin’ kiddin’ me.”

  “No, darling. I wonder how she got that impression if its untrue?”

  “Me too, especially ‘cause I’m straight.”

 

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