Текст книги "Truth "
Автор книги: Aleatha Romig
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Текущая страница: 7 (всего у книги 42 страниц)
Things are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many. The intelligence of a few perceives what has been carefully hidden.
—Phaedrus
Chapter 9
Phillip Roach reread his email:
To: Anthony Rawlings
Date: March 23, 2013
Subject: Claire Nichols
From: Phillip Roach
Mr. Rawlings, due to the late hour in Iowa, I’m emailing the information I’ve acquired thus far:
I had visual confirmation. Claire Nichols has been located – her address: 365 Forest Ave. Unit 4 A, Palo Alto, California. She recently obtained a copy of her birth certificate, social security card, and a driver’s license. She isn’t employed. Her bank account is healthy, opened with the deposit of a $100,000 Cashier’s check. This was traced back to a bank in New York; it was purchased with cash. I have some top notched associates working on this, but it seems to be a dead end. It was purchased the week before her release.
She spent much of the original money on necessary items: a car (2011 Honda Accord LX), clothes, personal items, telephones, computer, etc.
Her bank account recently received another deposit of $50,000, and she created an investment portfolio worth near $750,000. The source of this money is still being investigated. I hope to learn more Monday. I have confidence this information will be obtained.
Attached are photos taken Saturday night.
I will await your directives for continued observance and will remain completely devoted to this case until you instruct otherwise. Phillip Roach
Phil double checked the attachment: Multiple photos of Claire walking along a street, the close-up views were quite detailed. He continued to click. The numerous photos gave the illusion of Claire Nichols literally walking down the street. He slowed his clicks; she now sat on a park bench. Next she held an iPhone. The conversation changed her expression – relieved, happier. A few more views of her on the bench and then there’s someone with her. Click, they’re talking – the other person who wore a jacket and baseball cap was a man. Although the hat concealed his features, Claire’s expression suggested familiarity. The next shot showed the two of them walking from the bench to a waiting car. No physical contact, however both of their expressions appeared relaxed and casual. As Phil clicked, Claire opened the passenger door of the blue Mustang while the man opened the driver’s. The last photo showed the license plate.
Phil smiled; satisfied with his report and hopeful Mr. Rawlings would feel the same. SEND.
*****
The cool clear water refreshed Derek Burke as his plane descended toward Boston. Below the clouds and between the buildings he saw sprouts of green. As April began so did spring on the East coast. He’d been gone two weeks, making five weeks since he and Sophia were in the same city. He knew it wasn’t either of their preference, but after accepting Shedis-tics job offer, he worried it’d be their future.
Relishing flying first class with wider seats and increased leg room, Derek closed his eyes and nervously awaited their reunion. The anticipation combined with apprehension obscured the roar of engines. He considered Shedis-tic’s final offer... the next time he flew from coast to coast it would be in a private Shedis-tic’s plane. They offered him unlimited access and ability to fly from Santa Clara to Provincetown in hours, without the hassle of commercial flights.
The enticement package was incredibly appealing. The salary alone was more than Derek had ever considered requesting, and the signing bonus would alleviate most of their debt. Sophia’s larger studio could become a reality sooner, rather than later.
Throughout the negotiations he’d done what he promised and called Sophia discussing each offer. When he explained the financials and necessary living requirements, she was on board. However, her attitude changed when he mentioned the travel component. Not just traveling to and from the west coast, but weeks and months traveling outside the country. It was inferred, most of his travels would take him to the Orient, the location of the world’s major software players. After all, Shedis-tics didn’t expect to overcome the competition by watching from afar.
Unfortunately, Shedis-tics required a decision prior to his return home. With a heavy heart, Derek accepted. The pros far outweighed the cons. His new position officially began May 1. He prayed his wife would see why he gave them an affirmative answer.
Imagining Sophia’s beautiful slate gray eyes, amazing scent, and soft skin – anticipation conquered his apprehension.
“Sir, you may exit the aircraft.”
Lost in his own thoughts, he’d completely missed the landing. Derek nodded. The attendant had his bags ready near the door. Yes, this first class thing was nice. And to think, this would be slumming compared to the Shedis-tics private plane.
Derek took his phone out of airplane mode and it immediately vibrated. As he approached the luggage carousel, Derek read Sophia’s text message: I HAVE A SURPRISE FOR YOU! TAKE A TAXI TO BOSTON HARBOR HOTEL. THERE’S A PACKAGE FOR YOU AT THE FRONT DESK – Smiley face.
It was funny how a colon and half of a parentheses could bring a smile to Derek’s face, but it did.
At the front desk of the Boston Harbor Hotel, Derek retrieved his mysterious envelope and tipped the concierge. He surveyed the contents of the envelope: a key to suite 523 and a beautifully scribed note: Come see your surprise.
His enthusiasm amplified with each step of this faux clandestine encounter.
Opening the door to suite 523, he beheld his something special leaning against the wall, illuminated by candles. Scattered near the sketched self-portrait of his beautiful naked wife and through the suite’s sitting room were thousands of rose petals. If the petals didn’t indicate his directed path the assortment of lacy under garments at each two step intervals did. Following the erotic GPS, Derek found his beautiful wife, dressed exactly as she was in the sketch, lying upon a large four poster bed. The candles provided a sweet sexy fragrance combined with the perfect flickering glow.
In mere seconds Derek was dressed to match – or rather undressed.
Hours later, wearing thick hotel robes, they settled onto the intimate dining table on the balcony of their suite. Boston Harbor’s lights glimmered in the cool spring night air. Sophia surveyed the feast before her as she felt her husband’s gentle fingers lift her long disheveled hair and his lips kiss her exposed neck. Despite the warm terrycloth, goose bumps appeared on her arms and long slender legs. She closed her eyes, as a purr escaped her lips.
His warm breath bathed her ear as Derek whispered, “I love my surprise.”
Sophia’s smile radiated her entire face. “Good, I’m glad. I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too.”
“Tell me about your job prospect; I promise I’m listening.” Her toe wandered up his warm leg.
“Hmmm, I think you’re trying to distract me.”
Sophia beamed, “No, I think, if I wanted to distract you, I could.”
Derek’s cheeks rose, as admiration radiated from his gaze. Without a doubt, if there was one thing Sophia was good at doing, it was distracting him. Actually she was good at many things. Beholding her now, hair beautifully tousled and wearing only a white robe, he prayed being understanding was among her list of attributes. “The company is one of the biggest players out there. They have potential to be even bigger.”
“And you want it?”
Derek looked down. This was easier on the phone, not seeing her beautiful trusting eyes before him. “I do.”
“Then tell them yes.”
“But, what about us? What about living arrangements? Travel?”
Sophia left her food untouched, fell to her knees, and sat back on her heels before her husband. “I love you. Did you say I could stay in Provincetown and you’d be there every weekend?”
“Yes, unless...”
“Unless you need to be out of the country.”
“Yes.”
“Where will you live during the week?”
“I guess I’ll have an apartment or condo in Santa Clara.” He smoothed her blonde hair. This was going so much better than he’d expected.
Sophia continued, “And didn’t you say they offered you transportation back and forth?”
“Yes, but that’s a lot of time apart.”
She lifted herself to encircle his neck. “If you want this, if it’s your dream, and if we’ll be able to afford both homes, I can travel too. I can spend some of my weeks in Santa Clara and some weekends too. We can both spend time in Provincetown. I can paint, draw, and sketch – anywhere.”
Derek dropped his head to hers, sighing audibly. “I didn’t think you’d take it this well.” She kissed his cheek. He asked, “You’d be willing to travel?”
“I’m willing to do whatever I need to do, to be with you.”
“I anticipate long hours, during the week.”
“Have you ever known me to shy away from late nights, or early mornings?” Sophia asked with a sultry smirk.
Derek smiled, “Late nights no, early mornings – not really your thing.”
“So, I’ll just consider early mornings to be later nights. It all blends together. Besides, if you’re some big wig, you need a wife by your side.”
He lifted her body as he stood. “Mrs. Burke, you’re right, as always.” His hands began to roam under the thick robe as his lips found the place where her neck and shoulders met, the spot that sent tingles throughout her body.
“What about dinner?” She murmured, “I ordered your favorites.”
“I think I need some more of my surprise appetizer.”
Sophia didn’t argue, or agree. Her mind was lost in her husband’s touch.
The next morning they awoke to their new reality. They were moving to Santa Clara, and they needed a place to live. Stepping into the spacious glass shower, she thought about their impending adventure. Although Sophia traveled all over Europe, she’d never been to California. Being born and raised in New Jersey, the East Coast was always home.
Her parents lived in the same house where she was raised. They’d lived there for over forty years. Feeling the warm water coat her body and inhaling the fresh clean scent of body wash, Sophia realized home was a feeling, not a place. She liked that feeling. It made her feel safe, loved, and wanted.
Rinsing the floral scented cream rinse from her long hair, she suddenly shivered as cool air penetrated her warm moist haven. Before she could turn or comment, Derek caressed her trim waist and hips. He was her home. He gave her that feeling. It even transcended her art, allowing Sophia to use bolder colors, attempt more abstract drawings, and create beyond previous boundaries. If he could do that for her, moving to the West Coast was a small price to pay.
Wrapped in a thick luxurious towel Sophia combed her wet hair. Droplets of water rolled down her bare back as she contemplated drying it. She didn’t like using a hair dryer. It was bad for her hair and used a lot of energy. But the cold April wind didn’t support wet hair. Smiling, she thought about her parents and heard her mother’s voice, “Don’t go outside with wet hair, you’ll catch your death of cold.” At first her parents may not like the idea of her moving west. But, after she explained the two homes and her ability to visit while Derek travels, Sophia anticipated understanding. After all, that’s what they had always provided – understanding.
Derek pulled her from her thoughts as he entered the glass and tile bathroom. “I just went down to the front desk to pay the bill. It was paid.”
“I gave them our credit card.”
“No.” He shook his head, “Shedis-tics paid it.”
Sophia smiled, “That’s nice.” Then her expression darkened, “But weird, how’d they know we were even here? I mean you didn’t know until last night.”
“I don’t know.” Derek smiled, “But man, this company has perks!”
Sophia tried to push the uneasiness away. Obviously Derek saw this as a positive. She wouldn’t be the one to bring him down. She smiled, “I guess that means more money for breakfast.”
Derek encircled her waist, spooned his wife, smiled into the mirror, and mused, “Mrs. Burke, I don’t think you can eat that much.”
Sophia removed her phone from her purse as Derek slipped their car into Boston traffic. The icon indicated missed calls. She listened to the messages, two from her mother.
Sophia’s expression said it all, something was amiss. Derek waited while she listened. Finally he spoke, “What is it?”
“It’s my pop. He’s been in a car accident. Mom thinks he’ll be okay, but I need to call.”
Derek nodded and reached out to squeeze his wife’s hand. As he watched her fumble with the screen of her phone, he changed the direction of the car. No longer were they headed to the Cape. He turned onto I-84 West. Before Sophia realized where they were, they were in Connecticut headed toward New York and on to New Jersey.
“Thank you. I’ll feel better seeing him in person.”
“What happened?”
“Mom isn’t sure. She kept saying, I was supposed to be with him, I should have been with him. She’d stayed home with a migraine. She’s blaming herself. His car went off the road near Sourland Mountain Reserve. He’s driven those roads a million times. The police speculate wet roads caused the accident.” She turned to her husband’s profile. “You know I’m proud of you and your new job? But maybe we shouldn’t mention it to them, not yet.”
Derek nodded, “Your pop will be fine. He has your mom to look after him.”
Sophia fought her emotion, as tears moistened her cheeks. “You know, I didn’t think about others. I got so wrapped up in myself and us.” Her chest heaved, “I never considered them when thinking about moving to California. If we were in Santa Clara we couldn’t just jump in a car and be there.”
“No, we’d jump on a plane,” he reassured, “which, considering this traffic, might be quicker.”
Sophia smiled. “Private planes, right... something to get used to!” Sighing, she leaned her head against the seat, watched the world pass-by, and settled in for the five hour drive.
*****
The gray clouds settled over Princeton, raining down and draining color from the urban landscape. Sophia considered drawing the scene, thinking about chalk, she’d need only black – devoid of color, the sketch would come to life in shades of gray.
She liked her hometown of Princeton, New Jersey. After all, it was where she experienced childhood, learned to walk, talk, and color outside the lines. And although her parent’s home wasn’t in the Borough, it was still Princeton, the home of the acclaimed university.
Sometimes growing up she hated the prestigious school. It seemed like the entire world revolved around it. Unlike so many of the locals, she knew in her heart the world offered more. However, now Sophia was eternally grateful for Princeton, especially its medical center.
Rubbing her eyes, Sophia yawned. She’d been in the hospital room, looking out the window, sitting in the plastic chair, and pacing the linoleum floors for hours. The monitors beeped at appropriate intervals without alarm; everything indicated her father’s progress. Sophia just wanted him to open his eyes.
Derek finally convinced Sophia’s mother, Silvia, to get some food. It was the first time she’d left Pop’s room since he returned from surgery. Sophia’s promise to stay near, allowed Silvia the reassurance to leave, if only for a little while.
Tears lingered in Sophia’s eyes as she watched the man who’d always been her rock. Nearing seventy, with declining stature, he wasn’t any taller than Sophia. Of course, he’d never been taller than five eight, but with age even that lessened. Yet, when she closed her eyes, Sophia saw the mountain of a man who’d scoop her into his arms and put her on his shoulders.
Throughout the five hour drive, she tried to convince herself she would arrive to find him sitting up and swearing at the nurses. The image made her smile. Pop was the sweetest man, as long as you played by his rules. And when you didn’t, he was more bark than bite. His contagious deep and harmonious laughter shook his too large stomach with joy. She imagined him arguing about the hospital gown, food, or television stations.
Yet, reality didn’t match her memories or dreams. The man before her, attached to wires and tubes, didn’t seem like her father. Nevertheless, the small bracelet on his wrist read: Rossi, Carlo; confirming he was indeed her pop.
The rain drops continued to silently pelt the glass pane. Sophia stared at the view. Instead of trees and buildings blurred by sheets of unrelenting spring rain, she saw memories she’d put away, as the saying goes – for a rainy day. She saw the hardworking man who came home from work each day. She saw her mother, wearing an apron in the kitchen, fussing to have dinner ready precisely by 6 PM. She saw the couple standing proudly and awkwardly at New York art exhibits and her Paris wedding.
Sophia thought how different she was from them and how much they’d given her. Instead of fighting her artistic side, they embraced it. They never belittled her dreams. Now, standing by her father’s bedside, she wanted to do the same. She wanted to support them any way she could. Currently, that meant hours of diligent vigil.
Sophia must have fallen asleep in the hard plastic chair she’d pulled up next to Carlo’s bed. She awoke with her head near his feet, her back bent and sore, to the swish of the door across the linoleum floor. She blinked away the sleep from her eyes and watched as a nurse entered the room. The wipe board on the wall read: Gabby.
Sophia remained silent as Gabby made her rounds, checking fluids in the hanging bags and making notes, reading monitors and making notes, and lifting Carlo’s hand, feeling his pulse and making notes.
When it appeared she was done, Sophia spoke, “Hello, I’m his daughter. Can you please tell me how he’s doing?”
Gabby checked her notes. “Can you tell me your name; I need to verify you’re on the list.” (Her R sounded like a W... a reassuring inflection to someone raised near the Borough)
“Sophia Rossi Burke.”
Gabby double checked her notes. “Yes, Sophia. Is your mother near?”
“Yes, she’s with my husband in the cafeteria.”
“Do you expect her to return soon?”
“I do... what time is it?”
Gabby checked her watch, “It’s almost eight thirty. The doctor is doing her final rounds. I’ll tell her you’re here, and she’ll inform you of your father’s progress.”
His voice sounded groggy, but Sophia would recognize that deep gargle anywhere. “If your talk’n bout me, you might as well talk to me.”
Sophia’s smile filled her face while the pent-up tears slid over her raised cheeks. Both women turned toward the bed. Carlo continued, “And what in Sam Hill are all these damn tubes. I don’t need damn tubes. I want them out!”
Sophia hurried to his side and threw her arms around his neck. “Pop, you’re awake?!”
“Damn right I’m awake. Where’s your mother? And why aren’t you with that husband of yours?”
“Mom’s with Derek in the cafeteria. She’s been by your side the whole time. We finally convinced her to get something to eat.”
Carlo nodded approvingly at his baby girl.
Gabby interrupted long enough to lift Carlo’s bed so he sat up, asked a few questions, and promised to send the doctor. Once they were alone Sophia held her father’s hand and looked him square in the eye. “Pop, what happened? How did you crash your car?”
Carlo returned her gaze, “My car? I don’t remember.”
She tried to reassure him, “It’s fine, just rest.”
“It’s not fine, Sophie. You’re saying I crashed my car? Is Silvia all right?”
“Yes, Pop. She wasn’t with you. You were alone... out by Sourland Mountain Reserve.”
Sophia watched as Carlo eyes closed. Finally he spoke, “I... I’m... I just don’t remember. Sophie... don’t tell your momma. I don’t want her thinking I can’t remember. Baby, I need you to help me with this. Tell me what happened so I can get it straight.”
“Pop, I don’t know. They just found your car. You ran off the road and hit a tree. Your right leg is broke, but not your hip. The doctor made a big deal out of that. Momma’s been real worried. You also punctured a lung. But the doctor said everything should heal just fine.”
“What about the other people, in the other car?”
“Pop, what other car?”
“That one that started to pass and pushed me off the road.”
Sophia stared at her father. “Pop, do you remember another car?”
Carlo looked at his hand. He followed the IV line up to the dangling bag. “What’s this shit they’re pumping into me? I can’t think straight!”
“I think it’s pain medicine.”
“Sophie, get your momma.”
She kissed his forehead. “If you promise not to go anywhere,” she smiled, as big as she could, her eyes twinkling.
“Now tell me how in Sam Hill I’m supposed to do that, with all this bloody crap hooked to me.” Beneath the pale complexion and gruff exterior, Sophia saw her father’s loving sense of humor.
“Pop, I’ll get Momma. But, I think you should know I’m not leaving until you’re better!”
As Sophia turned toward the door, she once again heard swoosh against the linoleum. The large barrier opened and the sound of her mother’s voice filled the room.
“Caa-ar-lo-oo!” Silva cried, creating a four syllable word where there’d only been two. Within seconds she was kissing his graying hair and fussing over his blankets.
Sophia looked up to see Derek’s tired quizzical expression. She took his hand and they walked into the hall. The sound of her mother fretting and her father minimizing elated Sophia. However, Derek’s sad eyes grounded her emotion.
“Derek, what is it? Did you speak to the doctor? Is there something I don’t know?”
Derek shook his head. “No. It isn’t your pop. It’s what you just said to him. Are you planning to stay here, in Princeton?”
Sophia collapsed against the wall. “I don’t know. I just can’t leave them.”
“What about finding a place to live in Santa Clara?”
“We have a month. We don’t need to fly out tomorrow.” She watched her husband’s neck and shoulders stiffen. This was a new version of their one main disagreement. He liked plans and details. Sophia lived in the moment. This morning she would have willingly flown across the country. However, things changed. Now she didn’t know when she’d be ready. “Can I please not make a decision right now? It’s been a very long day.”
He reached for her waist, pulled her closer, and rested his chin on her head. “I have some bad news.”
She didn’t ask. Inhaling his aftershave and listening to the beat of his heart, Sophia braced herself for the bad news.
“I tried to tell your mom we’d get a hotel.” Sophia snickered into his shirt; she knew where he was headed. He continued, “But, she wouldn’t hear of it.”
“Don’t tell me...” Her tired gray eyes twinkled up to his sullen expression.
“Yes, we’re sleeping in your old room tonight.” His lips brushed her forehead and gently kissed her nose. “So Darling, it’s also going to be a long night.”
She molded into his comforting embrace and thought about her cramped bedroom. It was great when she was ten, but now... the standard bed was probably older than both of them put together. “I think staying in my old room is your plan to make me want to leave sooner.”
“Is it working?” Derek asked – his brows elevated.
“If Pop could get up and walk, we’d be home by morning!”
Derek smiled as he held her close. “I can’t take more than two nights in that old bed.”
“Deal.” They reentered the hospital room, hand in hand.
