True Deceit (Blindsided Book 1)

by A. J. Carella

Ted could see his plan wasn’t working. If anything, Jake seemed to be getting even more out of control. “You get my damn job and I get fired! Seem fair to you?” He was breathing really heavily now.

  Ted raised his hands in surrender. “Look, I’ll turn the job down if it’ll make you happy. I don’t want to get between you and your dad.”

  “Just pay the damned money,” Jake hissed.

  “I can’t!”

  Ted saw in Jake’s eyes the moment he lost it, and everything that came after appeared to happen in slow motion. He watched as Jake pulled his arm back, fist clenched, and swung a punch at his face. Even though he could see it happen, he wasn’t able to avoid it and he felt the bones in his cheek crack as Jake’s fist made contact. The force of the blow knocked him off his feet and he fell like a dead weight to the ground, hitting his head on a rock as he did.

  In the last few seconds before the life left him, his thoughts went to his parents. Who would help them now? After that, there was nothing.

  ***

  Shit! What had he done? For a moment, Jake stood stock still as he came out of the fury that had overtaken him. His mind flashed over the last few minutes, and he remembered feeling completely enraged and out of control. Now, as the fog lifted, he saw Ted’s body on the ground, bile rising in his throat as panic swept over him.

  Quickly glancing around, he checked the parking lot to see if anyone had witnessed what had just happened. All clear. Crouching down, he checked for a pulse. Nothing. Crap! He’d never meant to lose his temper like that, let alone punch him.

  He couldn’t stay here. He needed to get far away, and fast. Going back to his own car, he quickly got in and drove out of the lot. Hands sweating on the steering wheel, he quickly turned things over in his head. Was there anything that would tie him to this?

  The only thing he could think of was the bartender seeing them together the night before. Think! He needed an alibi. Just in case. The only person he could think of that would give him one without question was Carrie.

  ***

  Carrie lived in town in an apartment above the hardware store. Parking around the back, he climbed the outside staircase that led to her front door. Banging on it, he waited. Come on! Be home! He was relieved when she opened the door.

  “Jake. What are you doing here?”

  “We need to talk.” He walked past her into the apartment.

  Looking confused, she closed the door and followed him. “What’s wrong?”

  Dropping down onto the threadbare couch, Jake dropped his head into his hands. “I screwed up.”

  She had known about the photos but not what he had planned to do with them, so he told her now. When he got to the part about what had happened that night, she gasped and raised her hands to her mouth.

  “Oh, my God! What have you done?” She looked stunned. “Are you sure he was dead?”

  “Yeah, I’m sure,” he snapped.

  Turning to where she’d sat down next to him, he took her hands in his. “I need you to cover for me.”

  She looked unsure. “What?”

  “If the police come asking questions, I need you to cover for me. There’s nothing to link me to this so I’m sure they won’t.” He needed her to agree to this.

  “I don’t know, Jake. That’s a lot to ask of me.” She chewed on her bottom lip, not looking him in the eye.

  “I know it is, darling, but you know I love you and wouldn’t ask if I didn’t know you love me, too.” He knew exactly what buttons to push and he had to use it to his advantage now. She’d never refused him anything before.

  “You truly love me?” she asked him, wide eyes pleading.

  “You know I do. I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else,” he lied glibly.

  “Okay. I’ll do it.”

  Jake felt a rush of relief. Thank God.

  “On one condition.”

  The relief vanished. What did she want? “What?”

  “When this all dies down, you tell your parents you want to be with me, that you want to marry me.”

  Not in this lifetime! That was never going to happen. She was great in the sack and a bit of fun but marry her? No, when he married it would be someone from the right background, not this common piece of trash. “Of course, darling. Absolutely.” He was prepared to agree to anything at this point, as long as it got him out of this mess.

  “Promise?”

  “You have my word.”

  Seeming satisfied with his answer, she smiled. “Okay. So what happens now?”

  “I don’t know, I really don’t.” He shook his head. “I guess someone will find him and call the police and then all hell breaks loose.”

  It didn’t seem real. A few days ago the only thing he’d had to worry about was getting a promotion. Now he was a murderer.

  ***

  He’d been lying there all night, just staring at the ceiling. Though it was the last thing he’d wanted to do, he’d had no choice but to spend the night at Carrie’s place. All he’d really wanted was to go home and be alone, to try and absorb what had happened.

  Turning his head slightly, he watched Carrie as she slept, on her side with her back to him. He could hear her slow and steady breathing in the silence of the room. She had really surprised him tonight, and not in a good way. He’d expected her to be much more upset than she had been. He’d just told her he’d killed a man, but she’d taken it in her stride. There had been no disgust, no anger, not even any compassion for Ted or his sister.

  He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about it, staring blankly at the television screen while they watched a movie. He had hardly spoken at all, just waiting for the police to arrive and drag him away.

  When they’d decided to go to bed and she’d wanted sex, he’d had to physically push her off him. Had she really thought he’d feel like it after what he’d just done?

  As he watched her chest rise and fall now, he realized that, actually, he hardly knew anything about this woman. He hadn’t wanted to, but maybe he should make it his business to find out. He had a feeling there was a lot more to her than met the eye.

  Eight

  The pounding on her bedroom door woke her. Fighting off sleep, she reached for the clock on her bedside table. Who on earth was making that racket at 2 a.m.?

  “Hang on, I’m coming!” she shouted, as she slipped out of bed and grabbed her robe. Putting it on, she opened her bedroom door.

  “What’s going on, Mom?” she asked when she saw her mother standing there. “Are you okay?”

  “Oh, Jamie! It’s awful!” It was obvious she’d been crying as she took her by the hand and led her back into her room, sitting down on the bed and pulling her down next to her.

  “Mom, I’m getting worried. What’s happened?” She had a horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach now.

  “I’m so sorry, Jamie. It’s Ted. He’s dead.”

  Shocked, she just looked at her mom for a moment. “What on earth are you talking about?”

  “He was found tonight in the parking lot of a bar outside town. It looks like he was in a fight. I’m so sorry, darling.” Tears rolled down her cheeks as she reached for a tissue.

  No. This was insane. There had to be some mistake. Pulling her hand out of her mother’s, she stood up.

  “No you’re wrong. I’ll just call him and we’ll clear this up.” She walked over to her dresser and picked up her phone.

  Her mom followed her and gently took the phone from her hand. “Jamie, there’s no mistake. I’m so sorry.”

  It hit her then, all of it. Her knees gave way and she crumpled. Her father, who’d been standing in the doorway, reached her just before she hit the floor.

  ***

  As light filtered through her eyelids, Jamie remembered. No! Her eyes flew open and as they focused, she saw her mom sitting in the chair beside her bed, watching her intently. She’d obviously been sitting there all night without sleeping. Her eyes were puffy and she had dark circles under her eyes.

&n
bsp; “You’re awake!” She got to her feet and came to sit on the bed.

  “What happened?” She felt groggy and her head felt as if had been stuffed full of cotton.

  “You fainted, darling. When you came around you were hysterical, so we had the doctor come by and give you something to help you sleep.”

  That explained the fuzziness. “It’s true, then?” she whispered.

  Her mother nodded. “I’m so sorry.”

  “What happened? Do they know yet? Who found him?” She had so many questions.

  “The police don’t know, yet. Someone leaving the bar found him on the ground next to his car. They want to talk to you, darling.”

  “Who does?”

  “The police,” she said gently.

  Jamie nodded. Of course they did, and she wanted to talk to them, too. “Okay, give me five minutes to get dressed.”

  She pushed the covers back and swung her legs around to get out of bed. A wave of dizziness stopped her and, putting her hands on her knees, she lowered her head and breathed deeply.

  Her mom looked horrified. “You’re not speaking to them now! They can wait until you’re feeling a bit stronger.”

  “No. I want to talk to them.” She knew that it hadn’t sunk in yet and that when it did, it would destroy her and she wouldn’t be able to function. She wanted to talk to them before that happened.

  “No, darling, I simply won’t allow it!”

  “Mom, please. Let me do this.” Her sigh told her that she knew there was no point arguing with her.

  “Okay, but I’ll be there with you. There’s an officer downstairs who’s been here waiting for you to wake up. I’ll go and tell him you’ll be down when you’re dressed.” She stood up. “Will you be okay on your own for a few minutes?”

  “I’ll be fine,” she assured her. “I’ll be down in a few minutes.”

  She didn’t move until her mother had left the room and closed the door softly behind her.

  The pain came then. In great crashing waves, it washed over her, leaving her gasping for breath. She couldn’t do anything but grip her sheets tightly in her fists, sucking in air as if she were drowning. She could feel the tears stream down her cheeks and drop off her chin, but she didn’t try to stop them. Couldn’t have if she’d wanted to.

  She stayed like that for a few minutes, until she felt the waves start to recede and she was able to catch her breath again. Gradually, her head started to clear and she was able to get control of her grief. At least for now.

  Standing up on wobbly legs, she went to the bathroom and washed her face, allowing the cool water to wash away the tears and sooth the puffiness around her eyes. The sight of herself in the mirror startled her. To anyone else she would look exactly the same, but she could see it. She had been dealt a cruel blow and it showed in her eyes. Part of her had died.

  Taking a long, deep breath, she made a promise. When I find out who did this to you, I will make them pay.

  Calmer now, she got dressed and went downstairs to speak to the police.

  Nine

  His eyes felt gritty as he tried to concentrate on the road ahead, that grittiness you get when you haven’t slept. He hadn’t been able to go back to sleep so he’d just laid there as the darkness turned from inky black to cobalt blue, signaling the arrival of dawn.

  What he had done bothered him, but he would deal with it. What was bothering him more was the thought of losing everything if he got caught. As soon as the sun had appeared over the horizon, he’d gotten out of bed, dressed, and headed home.

  Turning off the main road onto the driveway, he wondered what he would find. They would have found Ted’s body by now, no doubt. The police cruiser parked outside the house confirmed his thoughts and he took a deep breath to settle his nerves before getting out of the car and going indoors. Showtime.

  “What’s going on?” he asked studiously, keeping his face blank.

  “Ah, Jake.” His father stood up from where he’d been on the couch in the living room. “This is Officer Casey.” He gestured to the uniformed officer standing next to him. “Something terrible has happened, I’m afraid.” He took a deep breath. “Ted has been killed.”

  Jake pretended to be shocked. He needed this to look genuine.

  “Oh, my God! What happened?” He listened to the details as if he didn’t already know them, making appropriately horrified comments, desperately wanting to ask if the police had any leads.

  “Where’s Jamie? Is she okay?” He felt a twinge of guilt as he thought of what this must be doing to his sister, but it didn’t last long. It was about survival now.

  “She’s upstairs with your mother. She’s just been talking to the officer here and it was quite upsetting. I would leave them alone for now, son.” His dad placed a hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “She’s going to need our support.”

  Jake nodded, placing his own hand on top of his father’s. “Of course.”

  “So, what do you know?” He addressed the question to the police officer.

  “Not a lot yet, I’m afraid,” the officer said, shaking his head. “The bar doesn’t have any surveillance cameras and no one saw what happened. We’re still trying to trace a couple of the regulars who were in earlier, but so far, I’m afraid, we have nothing.”

  “Had he been robbed?”

  “No, it doesn’t look like a robbery. His wallet and car were still there and the keys were in the ignition. If robbery had been the motive, I’m sure they wouldn’t have passed up an opportunity like that.”

  Jake quietly let out a breath. They were clueless!

  “So, what happens now?”

  “Well, we’ve spoken to Miss McKay and your parents, so now we just need to speak to you when you’re over the shock. We can’t afford to wait too long, though.”

  “No need to wait for me. You can talk to me now. Anything I can do to help, I will.”

  “I’ll leave you to it, Jake. I’m going to check on your sister,” his father said with a nod to the police officer. “Anything you need, you call me, understood?” Without waiting for a reply, he turned and left the room.

  “Thank you for your cooperation. This won’t take long.” The officer gestured to the couch. “Shall we sit down?”

  Jake sat, somehow managing to keep his expression blank.

  “Now, I apologize, but I have to ask this. Where were you last night after 9 p.m.?”

  “Is that when they think he was killed?”

  “We haven’t had the time of death from the medical examiner yet, but a customer recalls leaving the bar at that time and the lot was empty then.”

  “Ah, okay.” Jake made a show of thinking about where he was. “I was at my girlfriend’s house. Carrie Taylor. I was there from about 7 p.m. on.”

  The officer made a note. “And what time did you leave?”

  Jake smiled conspiratorially. “About half an hour ago.”

  The officer responded with a brief smile. “We’re going to need to speak to her. Just routine, you understand.”

  “Of course.”

  “Thank you, that’s all I need for now. If there is anything else the detectives will be in touch.”

  Shaking his hand, Jake walked him to the door and watched as he got into his squad car and drove off. He waited until he was sure he was gone then slid his phone from his pocket, realizing that his hands were shaking. Stepping outside so that he couldn’t be overheard, he dialed Carrie’s number.

  He spoke as soon as she answered. “The police were here when I got home. I told them I was at your place all night from early evening, as agreed.”

  “Did they suspect anything?”

  “I don’t think so, but they said they’d have to speak to you, which we knew was going to happen. You know what you need to say, right?”

  She sighed. “Of course. I’m not an idiot.”

  He let out a breath. “I know. Sorry. Just a bit stressed over here.”

  “Don’t worry about it. It’l
l be fine. They’ve got nothing on you. I’ll call you when they’re gone.”

  Disconnecting, Jake turned to look at the house. All this was going to be his one day and nothing, nothing, was going to get in the way of that.

  Ten

  It had been three weeks since the murder, three of the longest weeks of her life. Every morning, just for a brief instant in time, she forgot. In that instant, she was happy. But it was all too fleeting and when reality quickly dawned on her, her happiness was once again shattered.

  She’d gotten into a routine now. She’d get up, have breakfast, and then be right on the phone to the police to see if there was any news. For the first few days she’d been hopeful, never doubting that someone would be caught and that she’d be able to see them pay for what they’d done. As the days passed and there was no progress, no miraculous, scientific breakthrough like you see in the movies, her fear grew. Fear that whoever did this was going to be able to stay free.

  There was no denying that as her hopes faded, her anger grew. Surprisingly, it wasn’t aimed at the killer but rather was aimed at herself. All those stupid doubts she’d had, her anger at Ted for wanting a quick wedding, all seemed so silly now. She’d marry him tomorrow and never worry about the little things again if she could just have him back.

  Her family had been incredibly supportive, especially Jake. Those first few days, he’d just sat at the bottom of her bed not saying a word, just keeping her company. He’d gone with her to see the police when she’d wanted to, regardless of whether they had any news or not. Physically going to the station, talking to the officers, helped her feel like she was doing something. He’d sat with her when she’d gone to see Ted’s parents to discuss the funeral arrangements, holding her hand quietly.

  And he was by her side now as they followed the coffin to the cemetery for the burial. There was no doubt in her mind that this was going to be one of the hardest days of her life, but she knew that with her brother’s help, she’d get through it.

  ***

  It was almost over. He’d hardly left Jamie’s side since the murder. He liked to think he was just being a good brother but he knew he was kidding himself. He wanted to be close in case the police came up with anything. He needed to know the moment they did.