by Stacy-Deanne
“You were sleeping with Frankie and didn’t tell us.”
Ursula exhaled, tilting her head back.
“You’ve been sleeping with Stacey Vickers, it’s just too suspicious, Ursula.”
“Do you believe me?” She held her waist, batting her eyes.
“This isn’t about what I believe.”
“Why can’t you answer the question?” She slunk up to the table, pressing against it. “Do I appear a cold murderer to you?”
“You seem to be a woman who will do anything to get what she wants.”
“Are you charging me for something?”
“We don’t have any evidence of anything including if Boyce is even dead.”
“Then why am I here?” Ursula got her purse. “You believe me, don’t you?”
“Like I said...” Connie stood. “This has nothing to do with what I think. I have a job to do.”
“Always the job with you, huh? Do you ever have time for pleasure?”
“Just stop it.” Connie pushed her chair under the table. “That’s what I’m talking about. You manipulate people. This game you’re playing won’t work on me.”
“But, it’s a fun game.” Ursula’s eyebrows raised. “At least it can be.”
Connie moved away from her. “I’m not gay.”
Ursula guffawed. “Neither am I.”
“Then why are you flirting with me?”
Ursula’s gaze trailed Connie’s body. “I’m curious.”
“Well, be curious somewhere else.” Connie crossed her arms to force Ursula’s attention off her bosom.
“I’m curious about you.” Ursula touched a strand of Connie’s hair that had fallen from her ponytail.
Connie smacked her hand away. “I’ll call you if I need anything else.”
With her lips poked out, Ursula made her way to the door. “You can call me if you don’t.”
She took another ravenous look at Connie and left.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
“Detective Wilks?” the officer at the front desk downstairs spoke through Connie’s phone intercom. “You got a call from a Sheriff Nash Ketchum. He says he’s with the Edgemere, Maryland Police Department.”
“Edgemere?” Connie twirled her pen between her fingers. “Thanks, send it through.”
The officer transferred the call and Connie answered, “Hello, this is Detective Connie Wilks.”
“Detective Wilks,” a gruff, mature-sounding voice with a heavy Southern twang replied. “I’m Sheriff Nash Ketchum at the Edgemere Police Department.” He coughed between words. “Excuse me; I got to give up the smokes. You’re the officer on the Boyce Vickers’ case?”
Connie shot up. “Yes, I am.”
“We found his phone.”
“His cell phone?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“How did you find it?”
“A little girl found it in a ditch and gave it to her momma and the momma brought it to me. She said it seemed suspicious for a cell phone that wasn’t even broke to be in a ditch. So I checked it out, and it has Boyce’s name all in it and text messages and everything confirms it was his phone.”
“This is great, but I need more information.” She got her pad and pencil. “Who found the phone?”
“Marybelle Vale’s little girl.” He grunted. “She’s a waitress at the neighborhood diner. I’ve known her since she was a kid.”
Connie struggled to write due to excitement. “Did you see anything suspicious in Boyce’s phone? Like, where he might’ve gone?”
“Just a bunch of texts and calls from people who Boyce never answered. I figure it’s people who’ve been looking for him. Some woman named Hattie was on there a lot.”
“That’s his mother. I’d like to come to Edgemere and meet with you and talk to Marybelle if that’s okay.”
“Sure.”
“I’d also like to check out where the daughter found the phone.”
“I’ll help you with anything you need.”
Connie gave him her cell phone number, and he provided the address to the Edgemere police station.
“Thank you so much, Sheriff.” Connie held in an excited squeal. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Looking forward to it, Detective.”
****
“Hey.” Winston sighed when Jake opened the door. “What are you doing here?”
Jake chuckled, holding the armrests of his wheelchair. “This is my house, remember?”
“I mean, this time of day.”
“I’m off today.” Jake rolled from the door. “Shouldn’t you be solving crimes?”
“I’m suspended.” Winston walked in and shut the door.
“What?”
“For two weeks for attacking Jonathan.”
Before Jake could speak, Lisa walked in wiping her hands with a dishtowel.
“Hey, Winston.” She gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. “I’d ask you how you’re holding up about Dee, but I’m sure it’s no better than I am.”
“He got suspended,” Jake said.
“What?” Lisa tossed the towel on the couch. “Tell me you didn’t do anything to Jonathan.”
“Not what I wanted, or he’d be dead.” Winston walked to the window and peeked out the ivory curtain. “If it hadn’t been for Dee, I’d have killed him.”
“You saw her?” Lisa shrieked. “He has her?”
“He kidnaped her. I told you there was no other explanation.”
“That son of a bitch,” Lisa said. “Who the hell does he think he is? Is she okay?”
“Apparently, she doesn’t love me anymore.” Winston let the curtain go. “He did something to her. Brainwashed her.”
Jake and Lisa looked at each other.
“You should’ve seen her. She looks nothing like herself, and she talks like she’s in a trance.” He walked from the window and sat on the floral chair. “She thinks she’s in love with Jonathan. I’m getting her back no matter what I gotta do.” Winston looked at Lisa. “I need your help.”
Jake peered. “With what?”
“I’ll do anything.” She sat on the edge of the couch. “Dee’s my girl, and I’ve always got her back.”
“I can’t go back to the compound or I’ll be arrested. But, you can.”
Jake frowned. “What?”
Lisa exhaled, glancing at Jake. “And try to get Dee back?”
“No, try to find out what he did to her. You’re her best friend and if anyone can get close to her, it’s you.”
“Over my dead body.” Jake wheeled toward Winston. “This man is dangerous, and I don’t want Lisa anywhere near him.”
“I can take care of myself, Jake.”
He looked back at her, straightening his chair. “That’s what Dee said.”
“We have to do something,” Winston said. “We can’t just sit here and let Jonathan keep Dee against her will. Lisa is the only one who can talk sense into her. The only person she’d believe. Besides it doesn’t hurt that Lisa’s gorgeous, and she can use her feminine wiles on Jonathan and throw him off.”
“What happens if Lisa falls under Jonathan’s spell too?” Jake’s nose lifted. “I don’t want her doing this.”
“Tough,” Lisa said. “I love you Jake, but Dee’s been there for the hardest times of my life. I won’t turn my back on her when she needs me.”
Winston smiled.
“I might not be a cop anymore but it’s still in my blood. Whatever I have to do to help Dee, I’m doing it. Damn with anything else.”
Jake tilted his head, rubbing his mouth. “Lisa—”
“I wouldn’t send Lisa there alone,” Winston said. “I’ll drive her there and wait in the car. She’ll be safe.”
“She better.” Jake glared at him, balling a fist. “Or Jonathan won’t be the only enemy for you to worry about.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
“Ah.” Dee leaned back in the pool, the warm water flowing between her legs. “Nothing like a relaxing, morning swim.”
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“Isn’t that the truth?” Jonathan played with her toes. “Every day will be like this for the rest of your life.”
“Everything’s so amazing.” Dee put her arms around his toned shoulders, inhaling his natural scent. “I keep thinking I’ll wake up because this has to be a dream.”
“Do you understand why you’re here?” Water drizzled from his buzz cut. “It’s not just for your well-being but for mine too.”
She touched his muscular pecs. “What do you mean?”
“We were destined to be together even before we met.” He laid his wet fingertip on her chin. “You will be one of us in every capacity soon.” He touched her thighs, presenting a tingle that weakened her pelvis, yet something didn’t feel right.
“Deidra?” He gripped the bottom of her bathing suit. “I want you.”
She shivered, pushing at his shoulders. “Not now.”
His eyelids went heavy. “If not now, when?” He held her still, tugging at her waist.
She looked into the water. “I love you Jonathan but—”
“But nothing.” He held the back of her head and captured her mouth within his.
“I’ve wanted you since you first came here.”
She licked his minty breath from her lips. “I’m not ready.”
“You are ready.” He gave her another vigorous kiss. “Don’t refuse me. Not when all I want to do is make you the happiest woman in the world.” He lowered her bathing suit strap. “Let me.”
“No.” She shoved him away. “I’m not ready.”
He squinted, a vein in his neck bulging.
“You’re angry? Jonathan.” She kissed him. “Please don’t be angry with me. I love you. I swear I do.”
“Are you saying that to convince yourself?” His expression stiffened. “Because I can make sure you mean it.”
“What?”
“I’ll wait for you, Deidra.” He kissed her hand, his face relaxing. “Once you give yourself to me, you’ll be mine for eternity and nothing will change that.”
“That’s what I want.” She hugged him. “I hope to make you as happy as you’ve made me.”
Tran knocked on the glass door and walked in. “I’m sorry to disturb you but Dee has a guest.”
“Who?” She swam to the edge of the pool.
“It’s Miss Lisa Swanson.” Tran held a curious glance. “Says she’s your best friend.”
“Lisa!” Dee grabbed Jonathan’s arm. “I can’t believe she came. I have to see her, Jonathan.”
“You aren’t allowed visitors before you become an official member.”
“Oh, please,” she squealed. “I miss her.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea.” He stroked her damp updo. “You can’t trust those on the outside. I told you that.”
“There’s nothing Lisa can say to make me leave you. This is where I wanna be. You don’t have to worry. My loyalty will always be with you.”
“Okay, sweetheart.” He kissed her nose. “Get yourself together and I’ll get to know Lisa better.”
Dee smiled.
****
Lisa rose from the butter-cream-colored seat in Jonathan’s family room, overtaken by the seductive, brown and green color scheme. “Whoa.” She moved the checkered curtains of the arched windows and peered into the magnificent garden.
“You must be Lisa.”
She turned, letting the curtain go. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry.” Jonathan leaned to one side in the doorway, the muscles of his ivory six-pack showing from the openings of his black, satin robe. “Look around and touch anything you like.” His silver-gray eyes bore into her, making the nerves in Lisa’s neck jump. “I didn’t expect Deidra’s friend to be so enchanting.” He walked toward her in black karate shoes, wearing confidence as if it were a cloak. “It’s lovely to meet you, Lisa.” He gripped her hand and kissed it while staring into her eyes.
She turned from his stare.
Lines formed around his mouth. “Do you like my home?”
“I haven’t seen much of it.” She walked to the antique table with the Louis XVI chairs.
“But what you’ve seen...” His eyebrows lowered. “Do you like?”
“Yes.” She inhaled his musky cologne that reminded her of new leather. “You have great taste, Mr. Wild.”
“No.” He raised his big hand. “Call me Jonathan. I want you to be at home here.”
“That’s your game, isn’t it?” She checked out more of the room. “People taken in by your beautiful house and your charm?”
His full lips parted. “You have the wrong picture of me.”
“Do I?” Lisa leaned over, looking at the replica of a town on the shelf. “Nah, I see you clear, Jonathan. What’s the plan?” She stood straight. “You gonna try to run the same crap on me you do all the other women?”
“No.” He smirked. “You’re too smart for that.”
His smile gave her an icy chill.
“You’re wondering why Deidra chose me and all this. But isn’t it obvious? She’s going through a transformation now and neither of us could stop it.” He pulled a chair from the table and sat. “I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. You’ve gone through a recent transformation yourself.”
She straightened her purse.
“I’m sorry for what you’ve been through.” His voice softened. “Deidra told me you were shot.”
She sighed, fidgeting.
“Are you nervous?”
“No.” She straightened her posture.
“You should be able to relate to The Circle more than anyone. You know what it’s like to have a defining moment that shifts your life onto a different course.”
“Don’t try this shit with me, Jonathan. I want nothing from you but to get my friend back.”
“But, Deidra doesn’t want to leave.” He crossed his legs, wiggling his foot. “She’s a grown woman last time I checked.”
Lisa marched toward him, her purse falling from her shoulder. “You kidnapped her and drugged her.”
“Ah.” He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “You believe everything Winston Lewis tells you?”
“There is no way in hell Dee would be here with you willingly.”
“Winston is the one who did something.” He stood, pushing against the armrests. “If it hadn’t been for him breaking her heart, she never would’ve kept coming here.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You know what I’m talking about.” A detached expression swept his face. “You’re having an affair with Lewis and Deidra knows it.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Lisa stared Jonathan dead in the face. “You couldn’t be more wrong.”
“Am I? She came here seeking solace because of how hurt she’s been. She got tired of her turning around and you were always there.”
“Dee is my best friend, and we’ve been through shit together you couldn’t imagine. She helped me through the toughest time of my life.”
“You mean your relationship with Mason Crawford?” He stood closer to her, his eyes lowering on her lips. “The popular defense attorney who used to beat you?”
She gasped. “She told you about that?”
“I’m sorry you had to go through such a horrible ordeal.”
She caught her purse before it slipped to the floor. “How could she tell you that?”
“My women tell me everything.” He touched her cheek. “I bet a part of you still hasn’t let that go, huh? You’re still a victim—”
“I’m a survivor.” She marched to the doorway. “I wanna talk to Dee now.”
“Why so uptight?”
“I didn’t come here for this shit. You’re so pathetic. Play mind games on women and hide in this fake world because you can’t deal with real life.”
“I like to think of the world outside The Circle as the fake world.” He smiled. “And, this is not about me, Lisa. No matter how much you want to make it. I think you came here becau
se you’re jealous of Deidra and wanted a glimpse of her new life.”
“You’re sick.” She flicked her hand at him. “You brainwashed Dee, and I’ll kill you if you hurt her.”
“I love Deidra.”
“A woman you’ve just met?”
“Deidra and I have known each other for generations, even before we were born.” His eyes widened. “See, that’s the eternal bliss and life we live, Lisa. Deidra will be one of us, and she’ll be happy.” He sauntered to the doorway and touched the short sides of Lisa’s hair. “I wonder if you’ll be able to say the same.”
“Lisa?” Dee flounced in, wearing a flowing light-blue dress.
“Dee?” Lisa did a double take, batting her eyes. “What happened to you?”
“Oh.” Dee grabbed Lisa in a rigid hug. “I’m so glad to see you.”
“It was nice to meet you, Lisa.” Jonathan bowed on his way out. “I hope you come back again soon.” He left.
“I’m so glad you came.” Dee rubbed Lisa’s cheeks. “I love you so much. Never doubt that.”
“I love you too.” Lisa looked her over. “Wow, you look different. What happened to your hair?”
Dee patted her updo, giddy. “I took the extensions out.”
“Why?”
“Just ridding my body of things I don’t need physically and mentally.”
Lisa nodded, slow. “You look refreshed.”
Dee swayed. “You like my dress?”
“Uh—”
“I’m in training so I wear blue.” She sat on the bright-green couch, bouncing. “Once I’m initiated, I’ll wear only white. I wish you could come to the initiation but it’s private—”
“Dee, what the fuck are you talking about?” Lisa plopped beside her. “Snap out of this, please.”
She frowned. “It was foolish for me to think you’d be happy I guess. Being from the outside world and all.”
“Stop it.” Lisa grabbed Dee’s shoulders. “Look at me. You’re Deidra Quarter, a homicide detective with the Baltimore Police. You’re strong, vibrant and free-spirited, not this person.” She let her go. “My god what did that bastard do to you?”
“Jonathan’s giving me a life I only dreamed of.” Dee sat with her shoulders erect. “One absent of negativity and pain. Here, I’m confident and free. I have no worries.”