The Straight Crimes (20 page)

“I don’t need anyone besides Nik.”

“If you say so.”

“Look, we’ve never done anything to you. Just leave us alone, okay? Bye.”

Daisy pouted. “Okay, wait a second. We need to talk.”

“Just go away.”

“But there’s something I’m supposed to tell you.”

“Yeah, right.”

“No, really, there is.”

“So you decided you’d verbally attack me first? And let me guess, somehow you magically knew I’d be here?”

“Kinda, yeah. That’s why I came.”

Suddenly Traci stormed towards the girls and separated them, pulling Daisy away by her underarm. “Excuse me, who the hell are you?”

“Daisy Holloway. Harper and I go to school together.”

“Why are you harassing her?”

“I’m not. We’re talking.”

“I heard you getting loud,” Traci snipped. “What’s going on?”

“Harper and I were just having a conversation.”

“Yeah, right.”

Although she despised Daisy, Harper was intrigued to learn what someone so vapid could possibly have to say. “It’s fine. We’re just talkin’.”

Traci ignored her. “You ought to go.”

“Just a second—I wanna finish our conversation first.”

“No, she can leave now.”

“Oh my God, go away! All I’m askin’ for is a couple frickin’ minutes.” Harper pursed her lips.

Traci gasped in annoyance. “You’ve got two minutes and that’s all.” Without another word of opposition, she stormed away dramatically.

“Your sugar mama has a crazy temper.”

“Daisy, stop wastin’ my time. What the hell do you want?”

“Someone asked me to give you a message…and they told me you’d be here.”

“Who, Nik?”

“No.”

“Then you’re lyin’. Nik’s the only person who knows I’m here.”

“Last night I was visiting my aunt. She’s been sick the last few days, so I’ve been stopping by to take care of her.”

“Are you wantin’ me to feel sorry ‘cause you’ve got a sick aunt? Mine was murdered and her house was burnt down, but you haven’t even acknowledged that.”

“I’m not asking for your pity.”

“Good ‘cause you ain’t gettin’ any from me.”

“Look, all jokes and insults aside, I’m sorry about your aunt.” She watched Harper a moment. “Really, I am, okay?”

“Fine.”

“And I’m sorry I haven’t been very sensitive to what you must be going through. I can’t even imagine what that’s like.”

“It’s been hell.”

“I probably haven’t made things any easier for you.”

“Oh no,” she said sarcastically. “There’s nothin’ like bein’ kicked while you’re down.”

Daisy paused a moment. “I wasn’t always a bad person, Harper. This is just who I’ve become.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know, attention, I guess. People notice me.”

“That’s stupid.”

“Not really, well, maybe a little…”

“Why don’t you try growin’ up, or at least start actin’ like a good person?”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“’Cause everyone knows I’m bad.”

“Can’t be all bad.”

“How do you figure?”

“Don’t make me say it,” Harper begged. “You obviously care enough about your aunt to take care of her while she’s sick. That has to mean something.”

“But that’s family—what they think doesn’t matter.”

“I didn’t realize it before, but their opinion matters most of all. I don’t think you’re really this bad girl you want people to see.”

“Don’t act like you know me. I don’t need to be fixed.”

“Damn, sorry for trying to help.”

“Well don’t!”

“Fine, then cut to the chase—what do you want?”

Daisy put a hand on Harper’s shoulder and turned her away from Traci’s protective stare. “While I was sitting by my aunt’s side, holding her hand as she stomached the hot chicken noodle soup I made, she suddenly sat straight up. I
t was very strange ‘cause she hasn’t been able to move since she was hit with the flu.”

“Go on.”

“She turned her head and began whispering. Since she was so sleep-deprived, I wasn’t paying close attention to the words she was muttering. Then she started calling my name like she couldn’t see me. I tried getting her to sit back, but she wouldn’t budge. I even tried brushing her hair, but she swatted my hand away. It was odd.”

Feeling intrigued, Harper leaned in closer.

“Then without warning, she grabbed my chin. I thought she’d gone mad. I’d never seen her like that, at least not unless she was working. She told me I needed to talk to the red-haired girl with ‘waves of flaxen sunshine’. When I asked for her name, she whispered ‘Harper’.”

“Right, very funny. She must’ve read about my family in the paper, or you’re pullin’ my leg.”

“She said you’ve met before.”

“But I’ve never met your aunt.”

“She said you came to her in August, just before your birthday.”

“Madame Brielle? You’re kiddin’ me. The psychic’s your aunt?”

“It’s not something I like to admit ‘cause everyone think she’s loony, but yeah, she’s my aunt.”

“You’re right, she’s full of shit. She kept tellin’ me ‘bout these ‘dark forces’ that she couldn’t quite explain and a bunch of other garbage. The woman was so phony.”

“Aunt Brie said you ran out before she could finish your reading.”

“Yeah, well I knew she was a fraud.”

“I know I’m not a person you want to trust, but believe me, her gift is very real, so real that she asked me to bring you a message.”

Harper scoffed. “I don’t believe that for a second.”

“How else do you think I was able to find you?”

“Okay, assuming you ain’t full of shit, what does she want?”

“Aunt Brie had a vision she said concerns you deeply. It may be a piece to the puzzle to help solve your Aunt Faye’s murder.”

“Oh yeah?” Harper said sarcastically.

“Deep in the Dark Woods, there’s a pond known as Whispy Creek.”

“I’ve heard of it.”

“She’s insistent that somewhere around the water there’s a clue that will help the police in their investigation.”

“What clue?”

“They’ll find a black box with red-faded markings splashed along the edges. She said it would help point them in the right direction.”

“You don’t say…”
“Yeah, I believe it’s something worth looking into.”

Harper pondered the statement
in silence.

“Okay, well I’m going now.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it.”
             

Harper burst out in laughter.

“What?”

“Nothin’.”

“You don’t believe me, do you?”

She folded her arms. “Does it really matter what I think?”

“I thought you’d take whatever help you could get.”

“How do I know this ain’t some sick game y’all are playin’?”

“What reason would I have to lie to you?”

“Do you really need one? You don’t have any reason to pick on me and Nik, but that hasn’t stopped you yet.”

Daisy coaxingly placed her perfectly manicured hand on Harper’s arm. “If my aunt believes something is in the creek, then I truly think you ought to check it out. She certainly knew about your whereabouts, right?”

Harper turned her head. “If she’s serious, I’m gonna take it to the cops. I ain’t goin’ there by myself to be set up by you.”

“It’s not a set up. I swear.”

Harper immediately questioned the solemn expression on her adversary’s face. Out of everyone, Daisy was the last person she wanted to trust. “We’ll just see about that…”

NINETEEN

I
t wasn’t exactly her palatial estate in Silver Shores, certainly a bit understated for Andrea Galva’s lavish taste. The secluded home was devoid of the glimmer and shine she had grown accustomed to. However, it had a picturesque view of ravishing Lake Michigan and vast, private beachfront property.

Relocating to Port Vista hadn’t been an easy choice for the entrepreneur and socialite. It meant taking an abrupt hiatus and making some difficult decisions, like leaving behind her loyal confidant and maid, Kendall Sharp—to tend to Andrea’s only daughter, Traci.

Their troubled relationship as mother and daughter weighed heavily on her heart, causing her a great deal of distress, mainly because Andrea had needs her daughter refused to understand—needs that didn’t align with Traci’s personal beliefs.

While Andrea had been fearful of scrutiny and discrimination, she chose to put herself first for a change, even if it meant that her grown daughter was displeased. The sacrifices, as great as they were, couldn’t sway her from chasing after the one thing she’d desperately longed for her entire life—true love.

Despite being a wealthy industrialist and world traveler, life had been incredibly lonely for the single mother. Andrea had desperately longed for companionship, until she had met the one person that lit her soul on fire, the one who made her question her beliefs on the definition of love and societal expectations. She’d found her dreams in the arms of a married man—Nik’s father, Patrick Roberts.

‘Affair’ seemed like a harsh word, but that was the most fitting way to describe their entanglement. However, they’d grown tired of hiding their burning passions, so they left Silver Shores, hell-bent on starting a new life together.

Although the house sat high on the hill, overlooking downtown Port Vista, it was still secluded. The land was covered with a massive forest of tall, twisted trees, whose foreboding claws seemed rather unwelcoming, which is exactly what the new couple was looking for. Such an existence was bizarre for a socialite, but for Andrea, it was the only way she and Patrick could be together—at least until the embers from the fire cooled, and they finally knew they’d be safe from the scorn of her lover’s violent husband.

“Pat, sit down and relax. You’re making me nervous,” Andrea said as she lifted her glass. “C’mon, join me.”

“You know I hardly drink,” Patrick reminded her.

“It’d calm your nerves.” She rubbed his shoulder. “C’mon my sweet, it’ll be fine. You have nothing to be worried about.”

Patrick ran his fingers through his wavy black hair and stood to his feet, pacing back and forth on the veranda. “I feel like she’s gonna hate me.”

“No, she won’t.” Andrea took a heavy swig of her cocktail and fixed her pink lipstick.

“You’re forgetting that I was seated beside you while you called her and admitted you lied about where you’ve been—and what you’ve been doing.”

“Traci was a little explosive that night, but she’s an only child. Certainly you can understand, with having Nik and all.”

“Yeah, but Nik’s in high school. Traci’s a grown woman.”

“I know, but she feels betrayed.”

“You didn’t even tell her about—”

“I know,” she said. “Traci was completely irrational. When she gets that way, it’s best to back off until she calms down.”

“I’m feeling so reassured.”

“Darling, my girl’s resilient. I just have to break the news to her delicately. She has a short fuse, but I’m hoping some of my propriety she’s inherited will prevail.” Andrea pushed her golden blonde hair back and wrapped her arms around Patrick’s broad shoulders. “Even if she’s a little shocked, once she meets you, I know she’ll come around—especially when she sees how content we are.”

“I still say you should’ve told Traci before asking her over this evening.”

Andrea disagreed. “She’s seen me raked through the coals over the years by some of the most vicious women. I can’t possibly imagine her not supporting this.”

Patrick rubbed his scruffy chin, taking in her words. “I trust you, Andi.”

“I certainly hope so.”

“I just don’t want her feeling like she’s been abandoned. That’s why it’s important to explain why it had to be this way. However, I also want her to know that I’d like to have a relationship with her, and I’ll be patient. I know it may take some time for Traci to accept us.”

“That’s why I love you, Pat.” Andrea rested her hand on his unshaven cheek and kissed him softly. “Someday I hope for the same with Nik, once we know it’s safe, and we don’t have to hide from Jett.”

“I know,” Patrick agreed, wiping his electrifying, green eyes.

“I know how hard this is.”

“He’s the most amazing person I’ve ever known. It kills me that I can’t see him.”

“It breaks my heart that you’ve had to make such a difficult decision.” Andrea began to cry as she dried Patrick’s eyes with her thumb. “I’m so sorry.”

“Leaving him behind is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

“But if you hadn’t, you’d still be stuck in Silver Shores with that uncouth alcoholic.”

“Yeah, but what does that say about me as a father? How could I have left him with that monster?”

“It doesn’t have to be forever. You said Jett would chase us down if we’d brought Nik.”

“I know. I just wish I could tell him where I am and why I left. God only knows what Jett’s told him.” Patrick walked to the edge of the terrace and stared out into the roaring waves. “Not one day has gone by that I haven’t thought of him. Some nights I walk out here and stare at the lake, wondering what he’s doing, if he’s had a decent meal, and if he’s all right. Every time he comes to mind, all I can think is how furious he must be.”

“You’re an amazing man and incredible father. I’m sure he understands why you left.”

“I feel so selfish. I just want to call and tell him how much I love him.” Patrick ran his hand over his distraught face. “I hate Jett. Damn that frickin’ man for everything he’s done to Nik and me.”

Andrea rested her head against his warm skin. “I know it may seem like an eternity, but you said Nik will be eighteen this October. That’ll give him time to finish junior year. Next summer we can send for him and Jett won’t be able to do a damn thing about it. Then Nik can finish senior year here in Port Vista.”

“That’s if he still wants a relationship with me by then. A year without my son will seem like an eternity. Nik may never want to see me again.”

“I don’t believe that. Not the way you speak of him.” She took a deep breath. “This is my fault. I feel so guilty for coming between you.”

“I didn’t mean to insinuate anything—”

“I know you didn’t, but I can’t help feeling remorseful for suggesting this evasion.”

“You have nothing to feel guilty about. I love you with all of me.”

“I just couldn’t stand sneaking around anymore. Between all the hiding places, I felt like some criminal. We shouldn’t feel that way about our love.”

“I agree. It wasn’t easy, I’ll say that much.”

“Besides, the thought of you living with that vile lush still makes me ill. I had to take you away, somewhere we could be together. I didn’t mean for it to tear you from Nik, but we didn’t have any other choice if we wanted this to work. I’m sorry.”

“Andi, you don’t have to apologize for anything. You’re all I’ve wanted. I wouldn’t trade that for anything. Yeah, there’s a great deal of sacrifice, but I just have to remain hopeful that it’ll work out the way we want it to. One day I’ll be reunited with my son.”

“It will. I promise, my sweet.” Andrea hugged Patrick, holding onto the only thing she’d ever wanted in her fervent heart.

“Have I told you how stunning you are lately?”

“Oh, please.” She looked down at her reflection in the glass table top, scrutinizing the tiny wrinkles extending from the edges of her kind eyes. “You don’t have to say that.”

“But you are.”

“Even with these?” She pointed at the lines.

“With what?”

“These wrinkles—I could take an iron to them.”

“What are you talking about?” He examined her face. “I don’t see anything.”

“You’re just saying that. I really want to look perfect for you.”

“You’re a natural beauty. I mean it.” Patrick pulled Andrea close, staring into her deep-blue eyes. Then he separated her mouth with his tongue, tilting his head as he lost himself in their intimate, breathless kiss.

His very touch sent Andrea into gentle fits. Her breaths grew shorter as the chills cascaded down her entire body…

“Mother!” Traci’s shrill cry echoed from inside the house, followed by an unsettling door slam.

It brought the sweet moment to a screeching halt.

Andrea immediately pulled back and took a deep breath. “I wasn’t expecting her so soon.”

“Neither was I.”

“Wait here a moment.”

Patrick nodded.

Andrea fixed her lavender sundress and hurried into the house. She nervously looked around, unsure where Traci was or what she may have seen through the windows.

“Mother?” she screeched again.

“I’m coming,” Andrea called as she raced into the foyer. “There’s my baby girl,” she whispered, pulling Traci into her embrace.

“Oh, are we just pretending you weren’t lying to me about your whereabouts for the last three months? I didn’t know we were playing in your delusional fantasy world again.” Traci dug through her purse and lit a cigarette. “Let me know when you’re ready to discuss reality.”

“Traci, I understand you’re upset. I know I lied, but—”

“Really, Mother, Port Vista? You told me you were in Paris, but now I find out you’ve been hiding here the whole time? And you bought a new house? This has Jaslene Porter’s name written all over it.”

“Jaslene doesn’t even know I’m here yet—”

“You’re so pathetic. She lives ten minutes down the road. I’m sure she’d be delighted to learn you’re hiding here, waiting to make your move. Could you be more desperate?”

“Traci—”

“She doesn’t want you anymore, Mother. She never did. You were a trophy to Jaslene, something to drape over her arm and show off at art exhibits and dinners. Everyone knows she was using you.”

“This has nothing to do with Jaslene. She and I were finished long ago. Besides, that was never going to last.”

“Right, but you’d move fifty miles away to a town where she just happens to live and hide out like a creeper for three months. No one knew where you really were, except for Kendall. It pisses me off that our maid knows you better than I do. This is all very embarrassing to our name. It reeks of desperation.”

“Traci, your behavior is completely uncalled for—”

“What’s the matter, couldn’t convince your precious, obedient Kendall to follow you here? I told you she’s not as devoted as you say.”

“I wouldn’t dare ask Kendall to leave your side. You need her.”

“Is she supposed to be some shitty substitution for your motherly neglect?”

“Of course not.”

“You think I’m so ignorant. I know you asked her to follow you, or at least thought about it, but I guarantee that you never once thought about me.”

“No, Traci—”

“How could I blame you? She’s like the perfect daughter, the one you never had. I can’t compete with that.”

“That’s vastly ridiculous.” Andrea disapproved. “You’re my girl. Besides, I don’t need Kendall, my sweet. I’ve already taken on help here.”

“You mean that filthy, blond-haired steroid case hanging out in your garage?”

“Don’t be so crass. He’s an excellent worker.”

“You expect me to believe that guy is taking the place of your treasured Kendall? Where’d you find him, the want ads, better yet, a street corner?”

“Enough, Traci.”                               

“We’ll see. It won’t be long until you pry her away and leave me all alone. Mark my words.”

               “I swear I won’t. She’s taking care of you and our home in Silver Shores, that’s where you both belong, taking care of your obligations.”

“Oh, you must be referring to the obligations you’ve abandoned.”

“You practically begged me to give you control of the salon, so I did.”

“Right, that’s why you’re the owner and I’m not?”

“It’s still my investment, but I’ve allowed you the freedom to run it as you see fit.”

“What choice did I have? I had to take over. You stopped caring about it. The place is an excuse for you to keep me exactly where you want me.”

“No, you’re good at what you do, and you’ve been successful. That’s why you belong there.”

“And you belong here, in this illustrious dump? Just look at this hovel hiding on top of the hill. The yard is practically surrounded by a barren forest and the house is equally as dreary.”

“You need to keep more of an open mind. This place is beautiful.”