The Straight Crimes (14 page)

“Yes, it is. She gave it to me as a gift, sort of a form of repayment for my generosity in opening my home to her.” Traci played with the necklace and continued looking down. “Nik, sweetie, she’s had such a trying week, what with losing her aunt and her home. Not to mention her mom’s missing. Harper is absolutely distraught. She can hardly speak between her breakdowns. She’s been aimlessly wandering around her bedroom over this tumultuous ordeal. Considering what a state of shock the poor girl’s in, it’s really not appropriate to allow visitors.”

“I’m not a visitor. I’m her boyfriend.”

“She’s not ready to see anyone. I need you to respect her needs.”

“But you don’t understand what she needs. I do.”

“No, sweetie, I do. She needs rest. This is the first time she’s finally been able to sleep, and I want to ensure no one disturbs her, now good night.” Traci pushed Nik back.

“But—”

“Nik, I need your selfless consideration right now. Please leave.”

“Well damn, can I stop by tomorrow?”

“She needs more time than that, I’m afraid.”

“No way. I’m coming back.”

“That’s not a good idea. Look, I’m only doing what’s best for her. If you care so much about her, you’ll oblige my request and keep your distance.”

Nik glared at the strange woman, fighting all urges to rip her to shreds for her despicable nature. “Tell her I stopped by.”

“Absolutely…that I can do.”

“And let her know I’ll be waiting for her. She knows where to find me.”

“Yes, okay, we’ll make sure she gets the message.” Traci patted him on the shoulder and pushed him out. “Thank you for coming.” Traci leaned her back against the door, bolted it shut, and smiled in satisfaction.

Kendall gasped. “Could you have been any ruder?”

“I was not rude.”

“Yes you were.”

“I disagree.”

“What’s the matter?”

“Nothing, I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine. You’re acting crazy.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Kendall.”

“You really don’t like that guy.”

“What are you talking about? I don’t even know him.”

“Then why are you so hell-bent on keeping him away from Harper?”

“Why would you say such a thing?”

“You practically ran him out of here.”

“No I didn’t.”

“I just watched you do it.”

“Maybe I did. Look, he’s not good for her,” she snipped. “Harper’s still young and impressionable. I’d hate to see her live a life of sin. Besides, she’s better suited for a woman. If we can keep him away, she’ll actually have a chance at a normal life.”

“Traci, that’s crazy. They’re straight, and if they wanna be together, then I say just let it happen.”

“Don’t you dare dignify such an abomination.”

“Yeah, but your mother was—”

“Enough.” Her eyes widened. “This is getting out of hand. No Nik, that’s the end of it. And just to be clear, there will be no mentioning of his visit to Harper. This is expected to stay between us.”

“That doesn’t seem right.”

“I don’t care what you think. You will respect my authority and not breathe a single word of this to Harper.”

“But—”

“This isn’t up for debate. You work for me. You’re paid to follow my orders. And now your insolence is starting to wear on me. I will not tolerate your disobedience. Keep your mouth shut, got it?”

“Yes,” Kendall muttered apprehensively.

“I’m glad we have a clear understanding of the situation.” Traci straightened her scarlet nightgown. “Now finish your cleaning. I’m heading to bed.”

“Good night.”

Traci pulled her hair down and sauntered through the foyer and the long, dark hallway into her master suite.

Kendall’s mind teetered between obedience and morality. She desperately wanted to bolt up the stairs and tell Harper to run into her man’s waiting arms. However, she’d worked for Traci long enough to understand that when she didn’t get her way, the consequences were severe. So she closed her mouth, tightened her night gown, and retired to her tiny bedroom.

THIRTEEN

“J
as!” Traci exclaimed pretentiously.

“My goodness, did you just get here?” Jaslene Porter, one of Western Michigan’s most renowned creative minds in the art scene, sipped her champagne just before kissing both of Traci’s cheeks.

“I’ve been mingling for a while, trying to steal you away for a moment.”

“My darling, it has been much too long since any of us have seen you.” She grinned, blinking her deep-chocolate brown eyes.

“These galas are just so difficult. It feels strange being here without Mother.”

“Oh Traci, darling,” Jaslene hugged her. “I didn’t mean to insinuate anything. You know me, I’m always so facetious. I know how challenging this must be, but I’m so delighted to see you again.”

“Thanks, Jas.”

“My goodness, look at you, such a raving beauty. Your hair’s getting so long,” she said as ran her fingers through Traci’s curled ends. “And this coral dress is absolutely exquisite on you, just delicious.”

“Oh please—it pales in comparison to your gown.”

Jaslene spun around, letting the sequins sparkle under the studio lighting and her voluminous black hair bounce in its perfection. “I knew you’d notice. It’s a Lucille.” She snapped her fingers at one of the waiters to offer champagne.

Traci took a tall-stemmed glass and a conservative sip. “I suspected as much. It’s so unique. The woman has such an incredible eye for detail.”

“It’s getting to the point that I can hardly buy off the rack anymore. Lucille just knows my body so well. I couldn’t imagine wearing anything else for such an important occasion. Have you seen her lately?”

“Not since Mother’s passing, but I’ve been dying to take a little excursion to Paris soon. I intend on wearing one of her gowns for the charity fundraiser I’m hosting next month.”

“Of course, is there any better choice in couture, really?” Jaslene finished her champagne and then reached for a fifth glass off another tray. “We’re all so excited for your event. It’s absolutely touching.”

“With it being so close to the anniversary of Mother’s death, it only seemed fitting to throw a little fundraiser in her honor. And of course the proceeds will all be divided amongst her various charities.”

“If your mother were still here, she’d proud of your ingenuity.”

Traci modestly grinned while enjoying another sip of champagne. “Does this mean I can count on seeing you that evening?”

“Darling, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Besides, if Andi were alive, she’d never forgive me for missing something so special. Of course I’ll have to get a little work done before the event.” Jaslene pushed the subtly wrinkled skin of her forehead back. “I’m in desperate need of some filler. I look like a basset hound for Christ’s sake.”

“You’re so full of it, Jas. Your skin’s flawless.”

“That’s only because I’m constantly getting poked and prodded. We can’t all look as youthful as you.”

“I assure you, my beauty regimen is still equally as stringent.”

The women giggled, exchanging their false modesties.

“To be completely honest, I’m more excited about introducing you to someone special I’ve met.”

Jaslene’s ears perked up as she scoured the room. “My goodness, where is she?”

“Calm down, she’s not with me tonight. I plan on introducing you two at my event.”

“Tell me every detail.”

“Her name’s Harper Jones. She’s a breath of fresh air, so innocent, sweet, and absolutely breathtaking, of course.”

“Of course,” Jaslene laughed. “My, you’re quite smitten, darling. Tell me, how did you two meet?”

“She showed up at my salon one rainy afternoon. We talked for quite a while. Then I gave her a consultation, we shared the most romantic dinner, and now she’s living with me.”

“My goodness, you didn’t waste any time, did you?”

“Well, that part was a little unexpected. She’d been living with her Aunt, but due to several unforeseen circumstances, she had nowhere to go. I told her if she ever needed me to let me know—so I took her in.”

“You’re such a saint, darling.”

“I’d be lying if I said my intentions were completely selfless. I couldn’t let this one slip by. She grew up in the South and speaks with the cutest little accent. Oh and she has the most beautiful strawberry blonde hair I’ve ever seen.”

“The girl sounds absolutely charming.”

“She is, indeed.”

“My heavens, Jaslene Porter, there you are,” a strange, heavyset woman interrupted, squeezing Jaslene’s frail body with all her girth. The lady wore an obnoxiously large fascinator atop her perfectly round head that made her look utterly ridiculous.

“Bibi DuBois, mon chéri.” Jaslene extended the same pleasantries as she had for Traci. “Bibi, this is Traci, Andrea Galva’s daughter.”

She offered her plump hand. “Charmed.”

“Likewise.”

“My deepest condolences to you—we loved Andi dearly.”

“I appreciate the sentiment.”

“It was so wonderful to meet you.” Bibi placated her with a smug grin and rudely looked towards Jaslene. “It’s been ages. All of your work is just fabulous.”

Jaslene looked over her shoulder and whispered, “Sorry…”

“We’ll catch up at my event next month.”

“Take care, darling.” She smiled and turned her attention back to Bibi.

Traci continued sipping her champagne, tucked her silver clutch under her arm, and made her way onto the back patio.

As she lit a cigarette, enjoying the chill breath of the nighttime air, her cell phone violently vibrated in her purse.

“Kendall…so nice of you to
 
finally
 return my call. What took so damn long?”

“I’m sorry, Traci. I was putting your clothes away from the dry cleaners and folding the linens.”

“I called you over an hour ago. You must be truly dedicated to your trade. I suppose I should consider myself lucky to have someone so 
devoted
 working for me,” she snapped.

“My phone was on the charger.”

“It’s fine, Kendall.” Traci flicked her freshly manicured nails in annoyance.

“Are you on your way home?”

“No, I’m still in Port Vista.”

“How’s Jaslene’s gallery?”

“Painfully monotonous and no different than anything she’s done before.”

“Did she do any more pointillism?”

“My goodness, Kendall, I didn’t realize you’d taken such an interest in Jaslene Porter’s work.”

“Well I haven’t, really, aside from the pieces you had me put in storage along with some of your mother’s other belongings. I think she’s brilliant.”

“Ugh, those horrendous eyesores? She gifted those to Mother so long ago. I’ve never cared for her creative vision.”

“Then why are you at her gallery?”

“Jaslene invited me, sweetie.”

“Right, but you turn down her invitations all the time.”

“Yes, well she was one of Mother’s dearest friends. More importantly, I’m hosting that event next month. I need Jaslene Porter and her friends to show up with their big pocketbooks, especially if I want the fundraiser to be a success.”

“I see.”

“Speaking of my event, did the sommelier from Sizzle stop by tonight?”

“No, he didn’t.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“I haven’t seen him.”

“He promised he’d drop off a case of pinot noir.”

“What’s the big deal? It’s not for a month.”

“Because I’m having that tasting party tomorrow night with some of the girls for the event, remember?”

“Sorry, I forgot.”

“I’m gonna pretend you didn’t just say that. I’m fully trusting that you have all the items I’ve requested for dinner.”

“Yes, Traci,” she lied. “I’m on top of it.”

“You better be. Now call the restaurant and get him on the phone, immediately.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Traci let out a long, annoyed groan. “How’s Harper doing?”

“She’s fine.”

“Has she been resting?”

“Yeah, she slept most of the afternoon.”

“What a relief. Poor thing’s been through it. Let me talk to her a minute.”

Kendall’s heart thudded, overwhelmed with panic.
 
“You can’t right now.”

“Just put down the damn laundry, and get her on the phone this instant.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

Kendall nervously hesitated.
 
“Because she’s not here.”

“Excuse me?”

“She went out.”

“Where is she?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Don’t play with me, Kendall. She hasn’t left the house all week,” Traci paused. “Does this have something to do with the visitor that stopped by the other night?”

“No,”
 she lied, again.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, of course.”

“You know, sweetie, I’d hate to find out you betrayed my trust. I thought my directions were rather explicit. Now listen closely, did you tell Harper that Nik was back?”

“No.”

“Then where is she?”

“Harper mentioned something about going to the lighthouse.”

Traci bit her lip, immediately detecting her betrayal. She knew the significance of the location for Harper and Nik. “And this had absolutely no bearing on a conversation with you?”

“I swear.”
 Kendall crossed her fingers and held her breath.

“You’re an awful liar.”

“But I didn’t—”

Traci flicked her cigarette of
f the balcony and paced back and forth. “You better find her before I get home. I’m on way, which gives you exactly forty-five minutes to fix this. Am I clear?”

“Yes ma’am, I understand.”

“Trust and believe that you’ll pay severely for double-crossing me.” She slammed her phone shut. Heat emanated from her skin, slowly seething out her pores as she knocked over patio furniture and meticulously made her way down the stairs towards her SUV.

Harper curled up in the familiarity of Nik’s embrace and sobbed softly. It was the comfort she’d so desperately craved.

He massaged the back of her scalp with his hands and whispered, “It’s gonna be okay.”

She stared into the lantern’s golden spark, pondering the scenario. “I can’t believe you were there when Auntie died—and that you got locked away.”

“They wouldn’t let me through. Those cops and firefighters were such assholes. All I could think was that you were stuck in those flames and I had to rescue you. Then they threw me in the back of that car and someone told me you died.”

“What?”

“She was sure you’d been taken away.”

“Why would someone say I was dead?”

“Pops said there was so much happening that it was hard to know what was really going on. I felt so helpless, like the wind was knocked out of me. All I could think was that I was too late, that I let you down again.”

Harper rubbed her hand against his cheek. “I can’t believe you did all that.”

“If the situation was reversed, you’d have done the same for me.”

“Probably, ‘course I would’ve been smarter than to hit a police officer and get arrested.”

“Oh please, you would’ve hit every single one of them.”

“Yeah, maybe.” She smiled.

“I’m just sorry I couldn’t be here for you through all of this.”

“It’s okay. I’m just glad you’re here now.”

“Only thanks to that maid of yours. Come to think of it, you’re awfully fancy, living in a mansion and all. Maybe you’re too good for me now.”

Harper laughed, for what seemed like the first time since the horrific ordeal. “Kendall’s workin’ for Traci, not me.”

“Yeah, but you have a deluxe bedroom with a view of the lake. All that high class living might go to your head.”

“It’s just temporary until I get my life straight. Traci’s been so good, lettin’ me stay with her ever since Auntie threw us out, and now this…”

“It was a nice thing to do.” He scratched his chin. “By the way, where did you two meet?”

“On my birthday I went into her salon and she did my makeup. Then she took me out for dinner.”

“Wait—this all happened the same night you and I were here, in the storm?”

“Yeah, just a few hours before.”

“How come you didn’t tell me about her?”

“Well, you and I didn’t do much talkin’ that night.”

Nik blushed. “Good point.”

“Listen, Traci’s been a real good friend to me. She took care of everything with Auntie’s funeral and said I can stay with her as long as I need.”