Hidden Deception: A Shelby Nichols Adventure

by Colleen Helme

  That left me to talk to Uncle Joey, so I swallowed my fear and turned his way. “I take it something’s wrong? What’s going on? Why all the security?”

  He sighed. “Our meeting didn’t go off as planned last night. They’d heard I had the merchandise and wanted it for themselves. Naturally, I wasn’t willing to part with it until I saw the money, so we left it at a stalemate. Then I got word that Yuri was poking into my business and may have found out about Miguel.”

  He figured it was because Carlotta couldn’t keep her mouth shut. Shaking his head, he continued. “Before Miguel left home for the performance, I broke the news that I knew about the play and told him what was going on. I tried to talk him out of performing tonight, but he wouldn’t hear of it. So that’s why we have the extra security.”

  “Oh, that makes sense. It’s good to be prepared, just in case they know, even though they may not, right?” With a wave of guilt settling in my chest, I continued. “Maybe I can help you with that? If you set up another meeting, I can find out if they know about Miguel and what’s going on with the money… if you’d like.”

  “That’s a possibility,” he said. Only he was thinking that killing them all might be easier. He was so fed up with the whole thing, that he didn’t even mind that I’d heard that, either.

  Yikes. He was really mad. Lucky for me, I was saved from replying by the lights dimming and a spotlight shining on a young woman in front of the curtain.

  As I let out a relieved breath, she began to sing the introduction, and I realized this was the girl who liked Miguel and had slighted that boy who’d called him “Mickey.”

  Her lilting voice carried the narrative, and I sat back to enjoy the musical. I’d seen this show several times, but this one seemed a cut above the normal high school play, with the scenery and stage production of much higher quality. To carry it all off, the sound system was amazing. And even if it wasn’t Broadway, it was still really good.

  Then Miguel came out on the stage, and the whole tone of the play changed. His presence commanded attention and channeled a magnetism toward him like that of a famous rock star.

  Standing just over six feet tall, his shoulder-length hair shook loose with waves, perfectly framing his strong forehead and dark brows. Kohl lined his eyes, making them seem larger and more mysterious, but not the least bit feminine. With his aquiline nose and a strong jaw, he made the best Joseph I’d ever seen in my life.

  Then he began to sing, and I heard a collective gasp from the minds of everyone in the audience. His tones were pure and beautiful, capturing the melody and words with perfect clarity. In that moment, everyone knew they were witnessing something extraordinary.

  Only moments later came the scene where the brothers tore off his coat, exposing his lean, but nicely toned chest, abs, and muscled arms. Most of the women in the audience sighed, and I heard more than a few gasps in their minds. I also heard plenty of thoughts like, if he looks like this now, I can’t wait to see him in a few years…

  But it wasn’t until later, when he sang, “Close Every Door,” that we heard the full range of his voice. Chills ran up and down my arms and down the back of my neck and across my shoulders. His voice was so incredible that tears even prickled at the back of my eyes. Holy cow!

  I’d been so mesmerized by the play, that I hadn’t even noticed how Uncle Joey had reacted to the whole thing. At intermission, we all shook ourselves from the spell, and I glanced his way, picking up that he’d been so moved and shocked by Miguel’s voice that he could hardly speak. It was hard for him to digest the fact that Miguel was his son, and so much more talented than he’d ever imagined.

  It hit him that he could never ask Miguel to give up his amazing gift, just to take over the business. That was wrong. It might even be better for Miguel’s career to stay away from him. Uncle Joey had claimed him as his son, but it wasn’t on anything official, like a birth certificate. Maybe it should stay that way, and he’d never worry about being a target again.

  My heart broke a little for Uncle Joey. I didn’t know what the future held for Miguel, but I was sure he’d always want his father to be part of it. Jackie spoke to him in low tones, knowing this might be hard for him as well, and she reaffirmed her support and love no matter what happened.

  Not wanting to eavesdrop, I turned to Chris. “Wow… are you ready to talk to those talent scouts? Because I’m pretty sure they’re going to want to sign him up for something.”

  “Yeah… I think you’re right about that. I’ll have to see what kind of a contract they have in mind and go from there. But we’re not in any rush, which might be a good thing.”

  I nodded, sparing a glance Carlotta’s way and picking up that she was almost as surprised as Uncle Joey. She remembered that they used to sing together when he was little, but somewhere along the way, they’d stopped.

  Now look at him. Without Joe, Miguel would never have had the opportunity to come to this school, and look at how far he’d come. He was a superstar. When had he grown up? He was good at this, and a brighter future than taking over Joseph’s business awaited him. But… would Joseph be willing to consider that?

  Jack asked her a question, and I pulled my attention away from them. What a quandary! It would be interesting to see how it worked out, although I was pretty sure Miguel would play a major part in the outcome, and that was the best part that I could see.

  Soon, the lights dimmed again, and the second act began. We laughed with the Elvis Impersonator who played the Pharaoh, and I got a little teary-eyed when Joseph revealed who he was to his brothers, and then was reunited with his father.

  The finale seemed to lift us from our seats, especially Miguel’s part when he sang, “Give Me My Colored Coat,” at the end. He held that last note longer than I thought possible, sending chills down my back. As it ended, everyone in the auditorium jumped to their feet in thunderous applause.

  As the lights came up after the final curtain call, we all smiled with elation. I caught that Uncle Joey’s perspective had changed somewhere during the second act. He’d lost that morose attitude, and he smiled like a proud papa, hardly able to contain his enthusiasm. Accepting our praise increased his satisfaction, and he practically glowed with warmth.

  People began to leave, but before our little group moved, the director approached us, eager to introduce himself to Uncle Joey. He invited us all to meet the cast and his special guests in the reception room which they’d set up especially for the occasion.

  With the crowd filing out, it took a while to make our way out of the auditorium. Then we met up with Ricky, who told us Ramos was with Miguel. The director escorted all of us into a private reception area, just off the main office, where several other parents had gathered to congratulate their children.

  Soon after we arrived, the cast members came in. They had changed into their street clothes, but with their stage make-up still on, it was easy to tell who they were. Miguel entered, with Ramos right behind him, and the whole room erupted in cheers and clapping.

  Miguel gave a little bow, then waved it off, embarrassed by the attention, but brimming with happiness. He’d loved every minute of that play but didn’t have his heart set on making it a career, at least not yet. Unsure of his father’s reaction, he spotted Uncle Joey and started toward him. Before he got there, Carlotta threw herself at him, speaking her praises in rapid Spanish.

  They conversed for several minutes, then Miguel pulled away from her and turned dutifully to his father. He lowered his head with uncertainty, but Uncle Joey would have none of that, and he clapped him on the back.

  “You’ve nearly left me speechless, which doesn’t happen very often. But I’m proud of you, son. You were great up there on the stage. You’re a natural. I’m sorry I didn’t know.”

  “Thanks… Dad. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”

  “Don’t worry about it. We’ll talk later. Right now you need to enjoy your time in the spotlight.” Miguel nodded happily, grateful his dad
was taking it so well. Jackie moved in to congratulate him, give him a big hug, and tell him how grateful they were that they hadn’t missed it. Right after that, he noticed me standing behind them and disentangled himself from her to greet me.

  “Cousin Shelby,” he began, giving me a quick hug. “Thank you for coming… and I guess arranging for my parents to be here.” Whoa. Somehow he knew I was behind all this. Hmm… maybe he was more like Uncle Joey than I thought. At least he didn’t seem too upset about it.

  “My pleasure.” I introduced him to Chris, and Uncle Joey joined our conversation, telling Miguel that Chris was also his attorney… and a good one, as well. That brought a proud smile to my lips.

  Seeing an opening, the director brought his friends from New York over to meet Miguel and Uncle Joey. Chris stayed by Miguel’s side in his official capacity, and Jackie moved in beside them to hear what they said. Then Carlotta and Jack squeezed beside her with interest.

  Since I could hear all of their thoughts perfectly, I took a step back and glanced around the room. A table in the corner held bottled water and snacks, so I grabbed a bottle while listening in on the talent scouts’ thoughts. Both of them were blown away by Miguel’s talent, and they had no doubt that he could become a star… just like it said in the play.

  It only took a minute for them to realize that Uncle Joey was a shrewd businessman, and not about to let them take advantage of his son. As they handed him their business cards, Uncle Joey directed them into Chris’ hands, telling them that Chris would be in contact on Monday.

  After they left, Uncle Joey kept Chris at his side and talked to the director about the talent scouts, asking if they were trustworthy and what he suggested Miguel do. Should he go to college or take a contract and get started in the industry? In the meantime, Miguel wandered off to talk to his friends and grab some food.

  The musical was so good, I kind of wanted to see it again. Then I realized there was another showing on Monday night. Knowing Savannah would love it, and Josh might be okay with it, I glanced around to see if anyone from the school was there who could sell me some tickets.

  At the other end of the room stood the woman I recognized as the school secretary. I picked up that it was her job to make sure there was enough water and treats for everyone, so I hurried over to her side. “Hi, I’m Shelby Nichols. Remember me?”

  “Oh, sure.”

  “Hey, I was wondering if you had any tickets left for Monday night’s performance? I only need four, and general admission will work fine.”

  “Um… yeah, I think I do. Let me get them, and I’ll be right back.”

  “Thanks.”

  While waiting for her, I noticed the narrator, whose name on the program was Haley. She seemed to only have eyes for Miguel. I couldn’t blame her for that. In fact, glancing around the room at the rest of the female cast, I noticed that pretty much all the girls had the hots for him. Including the two I’d met at my lunch with Miguel. Hmm… maybe bringing Savannah wasn’t such a good idea.

  They glanced my way, recognizing me, so I went over to their little group and told them how great they all were, and that it was the best production I’d ever seen. It gratified Miguel that I would acknowledge his friends, and they loved answering my questions about the play.

  Soon, the secretary came to my side with my tickets, and I handed over the forty dollars that they cost. “You won’t have reserved seats this time,” she said. “So you’d better come early if you want a good seat.”

  “I will. Thanks.” I slipped the tickets into my purse and caught that Miquel had noticed what I’d done. Even though he pretended he hadn’t seen it, I picked up that he was thrilled that I wanted to come back and see the play again.

  That brought a happy smile to my face, and I glanced toward Uncle Joey and the gang. While Chris talked with Jack the Judge and Carlotta, Uncle Joey motioned to Ramos that it was time to leave. Ramos sent a text for the limo to come around and then told Miguel to grab his stuff. Miguel glanced around for his bag, then remembered he’d left it in the backstage room they used for costume changes.

  “I’ll be right back,” he said, and took off down the hall.

  Ramos turned to go with him, but Miguel had hurried out so fast that he left Ramos behind. The changing room wasn’t far, so we both stepped out into the hall to watch him go inside. A moment later, he came out with his bag and began the trek toward us.

  At the same moment, the two boys who’d teased him by calling him “Mickey” came out of the auditorium where they’d been hanging out with friends. I picked up their surprise to find Miguel alone in the hall. The jealous one, whose name I remembered as Jayden, thought this was the perfect time to take a swing at him, thinking a black eye or two would be the best revenge ever… and would even make him look bad on stage. Maybe then Miguel wouldn’t be so high and mighty.

  “That kid’s going to hit Miguel,” I said to Ramos, who stood there watching with interest.

  “He might try,” Ramos responded, a grim smile on his lips.

  “Huh?”

  “Just watch.”

  Both boys blocked Miguel’s way, and Jayden decided to shove Miguel toward the lockers where he and Caleb could trap him and both get in a punch or two. As Jayden shoved him, Miguel twisted his body with the force instead of trying to block it, which caused Jayden to lose his balance.

  As Jayden stumbled toward him, Miguel dropped his bag and grabbed Jayden’s wrist, twisting it in a painful grip. He pulled back and away in a perfect Aikido move that caused the kid to yell in pain. Alarmed, Caleb moved in to help his friend. Seeing this, Miguel used his leverage on Jayden’s arm to propel Jayden into Caleb with such force that they both slammed into the lockers.

  “Ow! Man, I think you dislocated my shoulder,” Jayden said, slouching against the wall and holding his arm awkwardly against his body.

  “You’re lucky that’s all I did,” Miguel responded. “Try it again, and I won’t be so nice.” He picked up his bag and watched to see if they’d follow before turning his back on them.

  “I see you’ve been working with him,” I said to Ramos.

  “He did good, huh?” I heard pride in Ramos’ voice and smiled.

  “Heck, yeah.”

  We gave each other a high five, then Miguel came beside us, shaking his head like he was embarrassed. But as we entered the room, I caught that he was pleased that we’d watched his total awesomeness.

  With Miguel back, Ramos took the lead to move our party out to the waiting limo. Chris and I followed behind them all, and it surprised me to find the parking lot nearly empty.

  “What was that all about?” Chris asked.

  “Miguel just stood up to two bullies in the hall. He used Aikido on them. It was great!” I smiled at him, then noticed that Uncle Joey waited for me while the others got into the limo. “I need to go say goodbye.”

  “Okay. While you’re doing that, I might as well get the car. I’ll drive it back here.” I nodded, then hurried to Uncle Joey’s side.

  “I’ll see about setting up that meeting and call you tomorrow.”

  “Sure,” I agreed.

  “And Shelby… thanks for getting the tickets. Miguel was incredible… I’m glad I got to see that.”

  I smiled and nodded, then watched him get into the limo and waved at them as it drove away.

  All alone, I glanced toward the parking lot to see if Chris was on his way back to pick me up, and I spotted him talking to someone. From here, I couldn’t tell who it was, but I figured at this rate, I might as well walk to the car.

  I started toward him, crossing the driveway toward a grassy strip that separated the parking lot from the pick-up area. All at once, a van’s headlights flicked on from the drive, nearly blinding me. I threw my arm up to cover my eyes and heard the squeal of tires.

  “Shelby! Look out!” Chris yelled.

  Frozen with shock, it took a moment to get my legs moving. The van swerved around me, and two men jumped out before i
t stopped. One of them grabbed me from behind and covered my mouth with a foul-smelling cloth. As he dragged me backwards, I tried not to breathe and struggled for all I was worth.

  “Stop!” Chris yelled, his voice sounding closer. “Let her go!”

  A loud gunshot sounded beside me, and I jerked upright to see Chris fall on his face to the ground. Terror seized my panicked heart, and I took a breath to scream. Before I could utter a sound, darkness clouded my vision, pulling me into a black hole of shock and despair.

  Chapter 12

  Soft moaning in my throat pulled me from a deep sleep, and I struggled to cast off the shadowy cobwebs that held me down. A bump jostled me, and I realized that I was lying on the floor of a moving vehicle. The rough scratch of old carpet rubbed uncomfortably against my cheek, and I struggled to open my eyes.

  The car swerved, causing me to roll onto my face. With sluggish arms, I pushed against the floor and found my hands tied together. Then it all came back to me, and a silent scream rose in my throat. Chris! Had he been shot? Had they killed him? No! Please God, no! Don’t let him be dead.

  The van slowed before coming to an abrupt stop, causing me to slide forward on the rough carpet. Doors opened and closed, then the sliding door to my prison opened, and someone leaned over me.

  “Come on sleeping beauty, time to wake up.”

  The drug still held me captive, and I could only open my eyes into tiny slits, but it was enough to recognize Dmitry. I wanted to spit in his ugly face, but I didn’t have the strength to move my head.

  “Here, smell this. It should help wake you up.” He waved something under my nose, and the stringent odor caused me to jerk my head away in disgust. “There. That’s better. Come. I don’t want to drag you out, but I will if I have to.”

  He reached in and grabbed my upper arm. I tried to sit up, but I was still woozy, and it was impossible with my hands tied together. He pulled me toward him, then looped his arms through mine. With the back of my head resting against his chest, he backed up until he’d pulled me out of the van, then he held me up while I got my feet under me.