Deception in the Truth

by A. B. Medley

  Don’t you know secrets don’t stay hidden forever? And you, my dear, are in the middle of some big ones. Soon you’ll know, along with everyone else.

  I see her check her phone while Sterling goes to the bathroom. He’ll find out what you hid from him, and he’ll hate you. If he doesn’t, I can take care of him the same way I took care of Dean. I can show him it’s too dangerous to be with you.

  I can always run and tell Dean what you did to him with his best friend, too. I know you didn’t own up to it. I slip out of the restaurant and drive away, thinking of the possibilities.

  This is just the beginning of my little game. Soon Ivie, soon. I smile at the thought. I have all the answers. I hold all the cards.

  Walking back up to the porch, the rain starts to fall, and I realize it’s late. I need to get a room for the night. “Ivie, thanks for having dinner with me. I’m going to head out and get a hotel room for the night. I don’t want to intrude more than I already have.”

  I can tell the wheels in her head are turning. “I, uh, I actually don’t mind if you want to stay here. I have a spare bedroom and it has its own bathroom. Besides, it’s late, and you drove a long way. It’s the least I can do.” She looks at me with a worried expression, and I’m not sure if it’s fear I’ll reject her or fear I’ll accept.

  “Okay. If you’re sure I won’t bother you being here.” She opens the front door and steps aside for me to come in.

  “No trouble at all, Detective.” She flashes a quick smile, and I dash to the truck, grab my bag, and head back up to the front door where she’s waiting.

  She leads me to a bedroom that’s beside hers. To my surprise it’s decorated with beautiful paintings of horses. I see her blush, followed by the hint of a shy smile. “Now this is my kind of room, Ivie.”

  “Good, I’m glad you like it. Just because I left Greendale doesn’t mean I left everything about me behind. I’m going to go to bed. Even though tomorrow’s Saturday, I need to pop into the office for a little while in the morning. Make yourself at home.” I drop my bag on the end of the bed.

  “Goodnight, Ivie.” She walks out of the room and into hers; I wait to hear her door shut before I shut mine.

  I flop down on the bed. Different theories are running through my head as to who could be doing this and why. I can’t make sense of it. I feel my phone vibrate. I pull it out of my pocket and see a message from a blocked number. I feel an odd tugging at my memory. Didn’t Ivie say years ago she was threatened by a blocked number? That’s what she was supposed to be meeting me that night to talk about.

  I open the message and it says:

  Ivie’s keeping a big secret from you. She’s the key.

  What secret? A key?

  This is becoming weirder by the hour. So Ivie obviously knows something, but what? If this person is to be believed, she lied to me tonight. She said she knew nothing about any of this. Whatever this is. Why would she think she couldn’t trust me? She’s not going to like it, but I’m going to stick to her like glue for the next few days. I’ll find out what’s going on, if it’s the last thing I do.

  The alarm clock’s buzzing. Ugh. Seven o’clock on a Saturday. Wake up, Ivie. Let’s get this morning over with. I slap the alarm clock off and walk into my bathroom, rubbing my eyes. I look at my reflection. Oh, crap. Sterling’s here, right next door. I really need to get a move on and get to the office before he gets up.

  I need to keep my distance, because it’s too easy to want to tell him the truth— a truth that he doesn’t need to know. It’ll only cause more pain. I slip out of my shirt and underwear while the shower heats up, stepping into the hot spray, letting the water help release some kinks in my muscles. I quickly get out of the shower and wrap a towel around me, then tiptoe into the kitchen to turn the coffee pot on.

  Just as I turn to dash back through the house to my bedroom, the front door opens and Sterling walks in. Damn the man, he has the nerve to smile.

  “Why are you up so early?” I snap. He shuts the front door behind him. He’s wearing a long-sleeved T-shirt with worn jeans and boots, clean shaven and looking sexy as ever.

  “I’m an early riser. You know, rancher’s blood and all.” He winks at me. “Why are you sneaking around your own house…in a towel?” He gives me a onceover, and I quickly scuttle to my bedroom door.

  “I was turning on the coffee and didn’t want to wake you. I thought you’d still be asleep,” I call back as I shut the door behind me. That’s twice now he’s caught me undressed. Get with it, Ivie, you’ve got to keep your guard up. I drop my towel and find underwear and a bra, and then walk over to the closet and pick out my black slacks and knee boots and pull on my blue button up.

  In the bathroom, I throw on some mineral powder followed by mascara and lipstick. I dry my hair and twist it up into a messy bun. No time to fix it this morning.

  Walking back through my bedroom door and into the kitchen, I see Sterling sitting at the table with a steaming cup in front of him, another next to him. I walk over and pick up the cup, taking a drink and find a still smirking Sterling looking at me. “Thanks for fixing me a cup.”

  I take a big swallow. “I’m heading on into the office for a bit. I’ll probably be back around noon. I just have a few things to take care of.” He finishes his cup and gets to his feet.

  “I’m going with you. I need to check out everywhere you go frequently.” I take a step back and put my hand up to stop him.

  “Absolutely not. I’m a big girl, I can take care of myself. It’s one thing to come to my home and me personally about a message you’ve received, but it’s a completely different story to try to babysit me at work. I don’t need that.” I swing my work bag and purse over my shoulder before heading out the front door. The nerve of that man. He’s going to be a pain in my ass.

  I hear my phone ring and check the caller ID, where Trudeau’s name is displayed. Great. “Brigg,” I answer.

  “I hope you find what you’re looking for and fast. I need to you to get your sappy ass back here. Judge Davis has received some…communications since you’ve been gone, and he wants to talk to you.”

  I run a hand through my hair. “Shit, Trudeau, I’ve been gone less than twenty-four hours; what do you mean, is he being threatened?” I hear him blow out a frustrated breath.

  “He hasn’t said exactly. Just that he’s been contacted, and he wants you on the case.”

  I snort. “Did you tell him where I am and what I’m doing?” I hear a snort in response.

  “I thought I better not, so I covered for you. Besides, I don’t officially know what you’re doing. I just told him you were out of pocket, following up on some leads with a case. Which is the truth, right? No romancing the judge’s daughter, I hope.”

  “Okay, Trudeau, you’re starting to sound like one of those hopeless romantics. I can assure you this is all business. I’ll try to wrap up what I need here. It’s just a little harder to do than you’d imagine. Ivie’s definitely the judge’s daughter, stubborn genes and all.”

  “Yeah, and she inherited her mother’s beauty, too. If you can’t come back this evening, at least try to be back sometime tomorrow. I told you it makes me nervous to have my best detective out of town.” He harrumphs once he’s finished, and I roll my eyes.

  “I’ll definitely be there by tomorrow, Trudeau. You can count on it.” I end the call. Okay, Ivie, I’m coming to the C.S. Journal whether you like it or not.

  I find it conveniently located by the Camden Springs Post Office. I turn into the lot and see her Jeep, along with a few other vehicles. I stroll up to the front, checking out the building. I can see they have security cameras pointed at the front of the building and in the parking lot. Good, at least I can request copies if needed.

  I walk through the doors and find an empty reception desk and behind it, several desks, three of which are occupied. Then I see Ivie in the back, clicking away at a keyboard. It’s obvious when she sees me, because fury ignites in her eyes.
I smile innocently in return. It’s almost noon anyway, so I’m sure she’s close to wrapping up. I saunter back to her desk, where it looks like she’s packing stuff up and shutting down the computer.

  “What are you doing here? I thought I told you my work’s off limits.” I see some papers in her printer and the words Greendale Valley. I glance back up at her.

  “I got a call this morning from my chief, and I have to be back in Greendale tomorrow. You want to be stubborn, but right now I don’t have time to coddle you. I came to find out what’s going on and to keep you safe. That’s what I intend to do.”

  She finishes packing her briefcase, and I walk with her as her curious co-workers watch with interest.

  “I thought you came and weren’t leaving till you found out the truth,” she says sourly as we move down the steps of the building.

  She continues to walk toward her Jeep. I grab her by the arm, and she looks pointedly at my hand on her arm then up at me as I release her. “Look, I’m sorry Ivie, but I don’t think you understand how much danger you and your family could be in.”

  With that, some of the fight leaves her features. “Has something happened?”

  “The reason I have to go back tomorrow is your dad’s been threatened in some way, and he wants me to investigate. That’s all I really know right now.”

  “I’m supposed to come home next week for a while, to help Mom with Dad’s surprise retirement party. If something’s going on, I need to be there now.” She opens her car door, tossing her purse and computer bag in. “I can call my boss and let him know I need to work remotely for a few weeks. He shouldn’t mind. I’m heading home to pack.”

  She turns and gets in her Jeep while I dash back to my truck. I hated to tell her that her dad’s being threatened, but I need her to know this is serious, and if she’s coming back to Greendale Valley, I can keep my eye on her and do the investigating I need to do at home, in Greendale, where this apparently started.

  Maybe I can keep enough distance from her so that I don’t fall for her all over again. Staying in the same house is a little too tempting after all this time apart.

  Back at the house, I hear her making the call to her boss as she’s walking around and gathering things to pack. I already packed the few things I had with me, and I’ve thrown them in the truck. Once she’s done with her call, I ask, “Is there anything I can help you with?” She emerges from her room with a rolling suitcase and a backpack slung over her shoulder.

  “No, I think I got it all. If I’m forgetting something, I can pick up whatever I need in Greendale Valley.” While she locks up, and I grab her bags and put them in the Jeep. She starts to walk around me to the driver’s side, but I grab her hand and stroke the top of it with my thumb.

  “Hey, we’re going to figure this out. It’ll be okay, I promise.” She almost looks as if she’s going to cry but sucks it up and shuts it down.

  “Thanks, Sterling. I know we will. I’m glad you’re helping.” I smile at her.

  “Just be careful, okay? I’m going to follow you out.” I drop her hand and jog to my truck. She takes off and I follow her to the interstate. I keep an eye on our surroundings, but nothing looks out of place. “Who are you? And what are you planning?” I ask out loud, as if they can hear me.

  A couple hours after leaving Camden Springs, I pull up in my old spot at Mom and Dad’s. I get out of the car, looking around the familiar landscape. The air is crisp and cool, and the day is a little gloomy, although that’s not a surprise; this is November.

  Dad comes to the door then swings it open and jogs out, giving me a big bear hug. “Ivie, what a surprise! I didn’t know you were coming.” He pulls back. “You look good, pumpkin.” He winks at me.

  “Thanks, Dad. I thought Mom told you I was coming up soon for a visit. I’m actually staying for a while, since the holidays are just around the corner anyway.” In the distance, I hear Sterling’s diesel slow for the driveway. He pulls up not far behind my Jeep.

  “Excuse me, honey, I need to talk to Detective Brigg.” I take that as my cue to get my luggage and drag it in the house and up the stairs to my old room. Walking back in this room, memories flood my mind, both good and bad. I feel that old familiar heartache of facing the loss of Sterling and our baby, all alone. And of course, being attacked, and Dean getting hurt, too.

  I try to push that aside and, after leaving my things, go back out to Dad and Sterling. I want to hear some of what they’re saying. Looks like Mom’s not here, probably grocery shopping or grabbing supper. It appears a heated discussion taking place as I approach them.

  “What’s going on guys?”

  Dad looks at me and smiles. “Nothing honey, just talking to Detective Brigg about checking into something for me.”

  “Oh, anything I can help with?” Dad kisses me on the forehead. “No, I think he’s got it under control. Nothing for you to worry about.” I should’ve known he wouldn’t confide in me. He’s been tight-lipped my entire life.

  “Have you eaten yet, Ivie? Your mom went into town to pick up something from Valley Café. I can call her and have her pick up something for you too.”

  “I’m fine, I may catch up with Sterling—uh, Detective Brigg—since we haven’t seen each other in years— let you and Mom have a nice dinner together since I dropped in unexpectedly. I’ll be back later.” He hesitates and narrows his gaze on Sterling, watching him retreat to his truck.

  “Okay, honey, just be careful. Don’t stay gone too long—you know your mother will have a fit about being kept waiting for her baby girl.” I give him a smile.

  “All right, Dad,” I agree and kiss him on the cheek. He starts walking back toward the house, and I run to catch up with Sterling. He’s already in his truck, about to fire it up, when I catch his door. “So I think you owe me dinner tonight, Brigg.” He grins, showing white teeth against his tan skin. “Hop in.”

  I climb in the cab on the passenger side. We get a bit down the road in silence before I can’t hold the questions in a moment more. “What are these threats he’s gotten?”

  He glances at me. “I don’t know yet. He wants to meet with me Monday morning since you’re here now, back home.” He glances my way again and sighs. “He also wants me to leave you out of it. I came here before I found you and told him I was looking for you.”

  I shift a little in my seat. So, Dad is in trouble of some kind. He’s got to know a little about what’s going on if he’s involving Sterling, and he wants to keep me protected. We ride through town until he turns into Frank’s Diner. “Is this okay with you?” he asks, brows raised.

  “Yeah, this is fine.”

  He pulls into a space and comes around the truck and helps me out. Once insider, we find a vacant table by the large window facing the parking lot. I order a Coke, burger, and fries. Sterling orders a cheeseburger, onion rings, and a Dr. Pepper.

  Luckily, Frank’s Diner is always fast and never disappoints. It’s a lot like Valley Café, but more modern. They each have their signature staples. We eat in near silence, as I can hardly get words out, being in this town with Sterling again. Small talk is about all we can manage. We pay for our food, and he helps me in the passenger side of his truck before getting in. He stares straight ahead for a moment.

  “Ivie, I know you know something. Maybe not the whole story, but part of it, your part. I need you to shoot straight with me if I’m going to help, if I’m going to be able to protect you.” I look at him, my pain mixing with anger and erupting from my stomach and into my throat.

  “Sterling, I don’t have the slightest idea why someone would want to hurt me, or my family, so stop with the third degree. I’m not some criminal, you know.” He gives me a slightly wounded look.

  “I never meant to make you feel like a criminal. I just don’t want to see anything happen to you or your family. I know something’s off. I’ve been a detective long enough to know when to trust my gut, and right now my gut’s telling me you know something. If you want
to hide it, that’s your choice, but someone’s determined to expose whatever it is. I wish you’d just trust me.” He stares at me, burning those brown eyes into mine. “I’ll take you home. Like your Dad said, I’m sure your mom’s ready to see you, and I need to check in with Chief Trudeau.” With that he throws the truck in gear and heads toward my parent’s house.

  Once home, I walk through the door to find Dad in his recliner, watching the news and sipping on what I know to be decaf. Mom is snuggled up on the couch with a book. As soon as she sees me, her face lights up. “Hey honey! How are you?” Mom gets to her feet and rushes to hug me as Dad looks on with a smile.

  “You look beautiful, sweetheart, as always.” I hug her tighter.

  “Thanks Mom. So do you.” My mother has lighter hair than mine, but the same green eyes and features. As a matter of fact, my dad has always had dark hair and green eyes too. His are just a deeper green than mine. “If you don’t mind, I’m actually kind of tired, so I think I’m going to jump in the shower and go on to bed. I’m a little more pooped than normal on a Saturday night from the drive home.”

  Mom hugs me again. “Of course, honey, you go get settled and get some rest.” She leans in and whispers, “We have a lot plans to wrap up in the next week for Dad’s surprise party.” She winks and then kisses me on the cheek. “Love you, honey. Glad your back home for a while.”

  Dad gets up as I walk into the living room to go down the hall. “I’m glad you’re home for a while, too, pumpkin. Love you.” He hugs me so tight I almost feel pain in my chest. “Goodnight, sweetie.”

  I look up at him with his emerald-green eyes and now salt and pepper hair. “Goodnight, Daddy. Love you too.” He goes back to the recliner and settles back in, remote in hand. I open my old bedroom door and shut it back behind me before flopping on the bed, overwhelmed by all that’s happened in the last twenty-four hours.