Burned by Deception (The Dark Side of Springwood Book 2)

by Jennifer A. Brown

  “Justin, its Ben. Uh, I’d like to meet with ya sometime tomorrow. I may be able to help you out a little if you still need work. Stop by the garage.”

  Justin stood there, feeling a cold sweat come on.

  He could help him? Now? After he’d forged his sister’s signature, cashing her advance check and spending a quarter of it on an engagement ring for Camryn?

  “Shit!” he cursed, throwing his left crutch down angrily.

  ****

  Lyn could feel herself being carried and could smell her brother’s aftershave. She felt herself being lowered onto a soft surface and opened her eyes to see Jacob gazing back at her.

  “Hey…how do you feel?” he asked.

  She tried to swallow, her throat feeling parched. “I need a drink.”

  “Okay. Just a second.”

  He got up, and she looked down at the other end of the sofa where her purse was. She reached for it, removing her phone.

  Jacob reappeared with a glass of ice water. “Here you go.” He held it out to her, and she took it gingerly, sipping it.

  Several moments after Jacob sat down across from her, she spoke. “I don’t remember anything from last night.”

  Jacob’s gaze didn’t waver from where he sat, looking at her. She stared at him with trepidation. “What if I…” she cut herself off, staring past him into space.

  He frowned at her. “What?” he asked.

  She gulped, frowning back at him. “There’s a call on my phone to Brian’s place last night. I don’t remember calling him.”

  Jacob stared at her as it hit him. “Oh. You think Tammy?--no. Sis, trust me. Tammy had nothing to do with this.”

  Her eyes reflected confusion. “How can you be sure?”

  He made a grim face. “Because…Tammy was here last night.”

  ****

  Robin finished up what she could at the office before leaving and heading to Jacob’s. She arrived there around six, dashing and almost sliding through the already slick freezing rain. Jacob came to the door and let her in, thanking her for coming.

  “How is Lyn doing?” she asked.

  Jacob heaved a big sigh. “Not very good. Between Brian’s death and everything else…it’s not good.” He sat down on the sofa, closing his eyes.

  Robin took the seat across from him, biting her lip. “The police don’t know who killed him yet, I assume?”

  Jacob didn’t move or open his eyes as he answered her. “No. I just had to sit here and convince Lyn that she wasn’t responsible for it either.”

  “Why would she think she’s responsible?”

  Jacob opened his eyes. “She doesn’t remember anything about last night. But if the police try to pin it on her, she’s got a witness. At least Tammy does.”

  Robin looked at him perplexed. “Tammy?”

  “Yes, Tammy. I came home last night, and Tammy was doing laundry. Lyn had spilled tea on herself, and she was calling her a retard, a stupid bitch and so on. She wasn’t wearing any pants.”

  Robin’s eyes widened. “Really?”

  Jacob put his hand through his hair. “Can—we not talk about this? I need to explain what you saw Sunday.”

  Robin crossed her legs. “I’m all ears.”

  Jacob sat up, propping his elbows on his knees. “That woman you saw is Leslie Marlen. She was a member of our band from years ago, plus a very good friend. We dated, but it was never a steady relationship.” He continued. “She’s back in town because her daughter needs a blood transfusion. She was hit by a semi, and Leslie’s not a match.”

  Robin felt cold suddenly, knowing what he was going to say. “You’re her father aren’t you?”

  Jacob shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m going with her in the morning to have the tests run,” he went on. “The real kicker is, if it’s not me, it’s my dad.”

  Chapter 12

  Leslie awoke the next morning after a fitful night of sleep. She was really worried about making the trip in this weather. But it had to be done as soon as possible.

  She looked out the window at the street below. A salt truck slowly made its way along the icy road. Traffic behind it was also creeping along. She released a shaky sigh. Jacob was supposed to pick her up in half an hour.

  She just prayed that he would make it safely.

  ****

  Lyn lay in bed awake after tossing and turning most of the night. She closed her eyes, not even wanting to get up.

  Brian was dead. Tammy had called him before parading around Jacob half naked. She was mortified. She had been unable to listen to Jacob anymore the previous night. She just got up and went to his bedroom, closing the door, embarrassed.

  Unfortunately, the longer she remained there, the more her bladder urged her to get up. Finally, she swung her legs over the bedside and made her way toward the hall and the door of the bathroom, which was closed. She closed her eyes, heat creeping up her neck as she raised a hand to knock. “Jacob, how long are you going to be? I—“

  The door opened, and Robin stepped out to greet her.

  ****

  The mood at The Springwood Daily offices the next morning was somber. Allen Harrison stayed on the phone most of the morning as the staff planned a memorial service for Brian. He wanted to call Lyn and find out how she was. He’d called Jacob’s office only to be told he was out for the morning. It worried him, but he knew Jacob could handle it. He’d been doing it this long.

  A knock on his door prompted him to say, “Come in.” His assistant editor, Tara Hess, stepped in.

  “Springwood Community Church agreed to let us have Brian’s memorial there.”

  He nodded. “I figured they would. Find a good picture of Brian and put it in the piece for the newspaper, will you?”

  She nodded, solemnly. “So…how is Lyn handling all this? Is she okay?”

  He bit his lip, glancing up at her. “I hope so, Tara. I really do.”

  ****

  Dan stood in his living room staring at the story in the newspaper that morning.

  Brian Shirk was dead. The police suspected he’d been poisoned. His body had been discovered by Allen Harrison and Lyn. The two of them had come to check on him when he didn’t show up for work, according to the article.

  “Oh, boy,” he sighed to himself. He held his cell phone, poised in his hand, wanting to call Jacob. He felt he should say something, give his condolences.

  His thumb hit the button to speed dial Jacob’s number.

  ****

  Jacob was carefully maneuvering the slick roads as his cell phone rang. He reached into his pocket to answer it.

  “Hey, Dan. What’s up?”

  “I just saw the news about Brian.”

  He sighed, feeling his tires slide a little. He gripped the wheel. “Yeah. We really don’t know much at this point.”

  “Well…I just wanted to call. Give Lyn my condolences.”

  Jacob braked for a red light. “I’ll do that, Dan. Thanks for calling.” He ended the call, and a few moments later, moved through the green traffic light.

  ****

  “Jacob had to handle some business and left early.” Robin explained to Lyn. “I told him I’d stay here with you. I heard about Brian, hon. I’m so sorry.”

  Lyn looked down and briefly nodded. “Thanks. Can I…?” she nodded inside, and Robin quickly stepped aside as the door silently closed behind her.

  Robin made her way back to the kitchen where the coffee and French toast she’d made still remained. She had been stunned when Jacob revealed everything to her last night. He asked her to please stay because of the weather, and he also wanted someone there with Lyn. “Just don’t tell her about this situation with Leslie yet. I’ll tell her once I know more.” He had said. She, of course, had agreed to his wishes. She had tried to relax on the sofa that morning, listening to him leave. She stepped over near the kitchen window, gazing out where icicles hung from the trees.

  “It’s bad out, isn’t it?”

  Robin turned t
o look at Lyn. “Yeah. It is. The streets are covered in ice.”

  Lyn bit her lip, going past her. “So…I guess Jacob probably told you about the night Brian was killed too, right?”

  Robin blinked, not knowing what to say. She was a lawyer, not a therapist. Lyn moved over to the counter, pouring herself some coffee. The silence between them grew awkward, and Robin gulped. She realized it was the first time the two of them had ever been alone together.

  “Jacob mentioned it, but honey, we all understand what you must be going through.”

  Lyn remained with her back facing Robin, standing rock still.

  “You have to remember, your case is stronger now thanks to the deal made with Carson Sowers. You have a lot of people on your side.”

  She was now only a few steps away from Lyn, as she turned to face her…with a chilling expression not hers at all.

  “Hi, Miss Langley! I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Tammy. Tammy Cauley.”

  ****

  “Wow. I am so glad finals are over. That weather looks bad.” Camryn said, climbing back into the sofa bed beside Justin.

  Justin lay back with his arm over his head. She glanced at him before cuddling up against his bare chest.

  “I bet I know what you’re thinking about.”

  “What?” he asked, his gaze still looking up at the window where Camryn had just been standing gazing out.

  “About Lyn. Poor Lyn, losing Brian like that.”

  He closed his eyes, saying nothing. Then he felt Camryn’s lips on his cheek.

  “I hope I never lose you.”

  ****

  Leslie peered out the window as Jacob drove at a cautious speed. They had already passed three accident scenes.

  “Thank you for doing this, Jacob. I know now is not exactly the greatest time for you.”

  He glanced over at her. “I want to know how it happened.”

  Her heart skipped as she looked at him. “You mean…”

  “Yes.” He said.

  She took a deep breath. “God. Yes, I owe that much to you,” she went on. “It happened when I came over that day to return the Lifehouse CD you lent me. Your dad came to the door smiling, but he also looked like he’d been upset. I asked him what was wrong.”

  “Where was I?” Jacob asked, still navigating the slick road ahead of him.

  “I think he said you had taken Justin to the basketball court. And your mom…I guess she was at work. I never asked,” she went on. “He broke down and told me everything.”

  ****

  Becky was managing to quickly get her section ready for the incoming round of early lunchtime arrivals. She had been upset ever since she learned Brian had been murdered. She’d tried to call her friend twice, only to get voicemail. She dropped some wrapped silverware, bending to pick them up.

  “Here, let me help you.”

  She looked up, startled to see Trent smiling at her, and handing her a couple of the bundles.

  “I heard Charity set up a signing for you. Congrats.”

  ****

  Brian’s killer sat looking at the paper that morning. He gazed over the article about the investigation.

  They believed Brian had been poisoned. Very good. Score one for the cops. But could they figure out why?

  An incoming call on his cell phone distracted his attention away from the paper. He grabbed it quickly.

  “Yeah?”

  “Is everything taken care of?” Dr. Havash’s voice asked on the other end.

  “We’re safe.” He replied.

  There was a pause.

  “How was I to know the girl was a DID patient? Everything would have worked out fine if it weren’t for that.”

  “Relax, doc. It’s been handled.”

  He thought he heard Havash sigh a little in relief. “I am very grateful to you. But—I must ask…” he went on. “Why were you so eager to do this?”

  The killer sat back, smiling. “Let’s just say Jocelyn Barnes and I have some unfinished business.”

  Chapter 13

  Camryn served them breakfast in bed before she helped Justin into the shower. Afterwards, he braced up against the sink, shaving, as Camryn was going on about one of her friends wanting to throw her a baby shower. But Justin didn’t hear her. It wasn’t until he felt her nudge his arm that he turned to face her, jumping as he nicked himself.

  “Damn it, Camryn!” he griped, setting the razor down and grabbing a tissue.

  “Justin, what is with you? You’ve been distant and not saying much all morning.” She went on. “You haven’t been listening to me at all, have you?”

  He groaned, holding the tissue to his chin. “Camryn, look…I’m sorry. I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

  “I know that, but when I’m talking about our child, I would hope you’d listen,” she went on, gazing at him with tear-filled, emotional eyes. “I need you too, Justin. The baby and I both do.”

  ****

  Jacob pulled into the parking lot of the medical center Leslie had directed him to. It was an hour away from Springwood and much bigger than Springwood Memorial.

  During the entire ride, Leslie had told him every sordid detail of her afternoon romp with his father, breaking into tears in the middle of it. His father had apparently been drinking after coming home to surprise everyone. He had walked into an ambush instead.

  He parked in a spot five rows away from the complex as Leslie finished the story.

  “Your mom had been cleaning out some old stuff, and Lyn found this box. Your mom had old journals of hers in it.”

  Jacob closed his eyes, feeling sick.

  “Lyn had a kitchen knife out; she was ready to kill your father. She read some of the journals. I guess she wrote about yearning to tell her daughter the truth about her father, and he said Lyn took it to be his fault. That he’d done something to prove he didn’t love your mother anymore.” Leslie went on. “He had to find out your mother cheated on him through his daughter. And…he was standing so close to me, and—he looked so much like you…so vulnerable. I know that’s no excuse…Jacob, are you okay?”

  He looked up at her, angry tears in his eyes. “No. I’m not.” He went on. “I can’t believe you slept with my father. You of all people.”

  She stared back at him, gulping helplessly. “I-“

  “And where was my sister during this? Did you even take into account she could be there and walk in on you two? Anything like that ever cross your mind?”

  She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Jacob sat there, sniffing and trying to regain his composure. Silence blanketed the car, fueled by tension and despair.

  She finally spoke. “Jacob, I’m sorry. I wish I knew what else to say. I never intended for it to happen. I hugged him, trying to console him; the next thing I knew he was talking about how good I smelled and nibbling on my neck. Some part of me knew he was drunk, but everything just spiraled out of control after that.”

  Jacob kept his gaze averted. Leslie sighed helplessly and bit her own lip as tears streaked down her cheeks. “I know I should have just walked away. He was drunk, and not in a good state of mind. Who would be after their daughter pulled a knife on the-“

  She stopped in mid-sentence as Jacob opened his car door. “Just stop talking. I’ve heard all I need to hear.” He went on. “Let’s go.”

  ****

  Becky stepped out into the lobby with Trent after getting her tables prepared. “I’ve been hoping to see you! I had no idea you actually bought a copy of my book.”

  He smiled. “So Charity told you, huh?”

  “Yes. I was very…flattered.”

  His smile grew larger. “You wanna get dinner later? Celebrate?”

  Her heart skipped a beat. “Really?”

  “Yes, really.”

  She bit her lip in debate then nodded. “Yeah. Sure. Why not?”

  ****

  Tammy gazed at Robin, smiling. “Lyn’s still a little ticked about what I did the other night. You�
�d think I tried to rape Jacob or something. It’s not like I did a strip tease for him. Besides, he barely looked my way when he noticed all Lyn had on was pink panties. He insisted I go into the bedroom and that he would do some laundry. She’s such a prude and always has been. He’s not even my type. Ugh…”

  Robin just stood there, staring at her, speechless.

  “Anyway, enough about Lyn. I’m the one you want to talk to…right?”

  Robin finally nodded. “Yes, Tammy. Um, I’d like to know whatever you can tell me,” she went on, wishing she had her cell phone near. There was a recorder on it. “Just remember, I’m here to help you both.”

  Tammy grinned. “That’s sweet.” She walked over to the table, sitting down. “The main thing you should know is what happened with Steve was truly an accident, one I am still pissed about. I mean, the asshole was using me to get back at Lyn’s brother. I broke and attacked him in a moment of pure rage. He fell back on those hedge clippers, crying out. I felt Lyn trying to come through, and I was weak and emotional, so she won. I did fall for him after all.”

  Robin watched Tammy’s face, listening intently.

  “And…the story with that other bitch? I was sneaking out at night after I knew Jacob was asleep. I still like to wander down to Mercy Park at night, think about Steve and all our memories there. That’s what I was doing when I saw her.”

  Robin felt her heart miss a beat. She knew who Tammy was talking about. She was referring to Brenda Sowers. A blood stained part of fabric had been found near Jacob’s back door the previous month that matched the blouse Brenda wore when her body turned up in the Ohio River where it ran through Mercy Park.

  Suddenly the phone rang, silencing her. Robin watched in awe as Lyn’s eyes twitched and looked weird for a moment before widening. “How did I end up…” she trailed off, looking around her blankly and a little worried before bolting to answer the phone.