Deception in the Truth

by A. B. Medley

  I walk quickly to my Jeep, suddenly compelled to get to Sterling’s ranch as soon as I can. He’s right—someone’s after me, too. Or so it would seem. And my bet is it’s the same creep who tried to kill me before. My nerves are stretched tight as I mentally prepare for a fight. What in the world could make this person hate me so much? And hate my dad? I guess we’ll all find out soon, ready or not.

  I turn the Jeep in the direction of Sterling’s ranch then turn on the radio and hear an old country love song, which pathetically sends me right into thinking about how I’ve never stopped loving Sterling. I know we have no future. All we need to do is figure out who’s threatening me and dad and then we can all get back to our normal lives…I hope. My phone rings as I get close to Valley B Ranch. I glance at my caller ID display on my car. Lucy McCree. That’s ironic. “Hello?”

  “Hey, Ivie! I heard you were back in town! I’ve missed you! We need to get together soon to catch up. It’s been way too long.”

  I smile and say, “Yeah, Lucy, it has. Would you be able to do dinner tonight? I’d love to catch up.” Lucy pauses then says, “Yeah, that should work. What time?”

  “How about seven o’clock? Maybe you could swing by and pick me up at my parents? I’m staying there for a few weeks while I’m here.”

  “I’ll be there. I can’t wait!”

  “Me either! See you soon, Lucy.” I hang up just as I’m pulling up Sterling’s drive. It’ll be fun spending some time with my old best friend. We haven’t seen each other or talked much since I left this town behind.

  We used to do everything together. She’s the sister I never had. We may not get to see each other much or talk as often as we’d like, but we always have each other’s back and kept each other’s secrets. She and I are so much alike. Where one of us was, the other one of us was nearby. I smile to myself thinking back.

  Then a sad wave falls over me. She doesn’t know all my secrets. She never knew about me sleeping with Sterling all those years ago, much less the baby. Or that I loved him more than I ever thought I could love a man.

  “Loved,” I whisper to myself. Yeah, right, try love in the present tense. Seeing him again confirmed that.

  I park and reapply some lipstick in the rearview mirror. I see anxious eyes looking back at me. Haunted eyes. “Let’s do this!”

  Here she comes, beautiful as ever, walking toward my front door. Shiny dark brown hair, chin held high, and in her green eyes, I see determination shadowed by pain. I open the door as she reaches the porch.

  “Hey,” she says as I hold open the door for her and she walks inside.

  “Hey. Can I get you coffee or tea before we get started?” She sits down on the couch, lays her purse beside her and puts her hands in her lap.

  “No, thank you, I’m fine right now.”

  I nod. “Okay, let’s get started then.” I pull my computer over to the coffee table and sit down on the couch, careful to keep our thighs from touching.

  “First off, I’d like to say I’m sorry for how I reacted when I found out about the baby. With all the things you could’ve been hiding from me, I didn’t even have that on my radar.” She shifts but doesn’t look at me.

  “Look, I get it. I’ve been dealing with it on my own for a long time. I understand, and it’s in the past. No need to dwell on what was, and what’s never going to be. Let’s just focus on what we’re dealing with now.”

  I want to say more, but she’s said her piece, so I drop it—for now.

  “I’ve been going over the list that your dad gave me of people that could hold a grudge against him. There are several worth looking at, but I was wondering if you could tell me about Lucy’s dad.”

  Stunned, she looks at me and says, “His name is Steve, and he got arrested for drinking after a big fight he and Phoebe, Lucy’s mom, had. He was driving around after apparently drinking a lot at the bar, and a cop noticed him crossing the line, and he was taken to jail. When he got out of jail, all they did was fight, and eventually he left altogether. After his probation was finished, he left town. But I don’t see how that has anything to do with my dad.”

  I shrug. “It may have nothing to do with it, but I just find it strange he was such a good husband and father and then he was busted for behavior that seemed really out of character. Then your dad threw the book at him. Once he’d paid for said crime, he leaves not long after. If he was as loving of a husband and father as they claimed, why the sudden change in behavior and then abruptly disappearing? None of the other people I’ve looked into so far have exhibited that kind of pattern.”

  I meet her questioning stare. “I admit, it’s strange. But sometimes strange is just that. Sometimes when people fight, they decide to leave. Sometimes leaving is just the easier and safer way for everyone.” Ivie’s staring out the window.

  “Who are we talking about now, Ivie? You or Steve McCree?” She looks back at me but doesn’t say a word.

  “I’ll see what else I can find out. I’m a little hazy on all of that because we were barely fourteen years old when that happened. I remember Lucy being very upset, but she never told me what they were fighting about, just that they were fighting. We may have shared most of our secrets, but that’s one I wasn’t privy to. I’m actually having dinner with her tonight, so I can see what she’ll tell me.”

  We spend a couple more hours going over the information we could find on other names from the list. When we come up empty, Ivie checks her watch and says, “I’ve got to get going so I can be ready when Lucy gets there. I told her to pick me up at my parents’ house at seven. Let me know if you find anything else. And I’ll let you know if I find out anything more from Lucy.”

  She slings her purse over her shoulder, and I grab her hand before she can walk away. “Hey, just be careful, Ivie, okay?” She looks at my hand and then at me.

  “Always am.” And with that she’s out the door and headed to her Jeep.

  I’m ready to go. I’m so hungry! I walk into the living room and sit on the couch while I wait for Lucy. Dad comes in and puts down his briefcase. Mom’s in the kitchen finishing supper for them. “Where are you off to on a weeknight this late?” He smiles as he takes off his jacket and hangs it on the hall tree and sits down in his recliner.

  “I’m just waiting on Lucy to pick me up. We’re going to have dinner. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other.” He looks up sharply, but then offers a smile.

  “I thought she’d left town, too.”

  I shrug. “Maybe she’s just back for the holidays. It’s Thanksgiving next week, you know.” He manages another quick smile.

  “When have I ever forgotten an excuse for pumpkin pie?”

  I see headlights flash in the window, and I hop up and kiss Dad on the cheek. “Love you, Daddy, I’ll be home later. Bye, Mom!”

  “Have a good time with Lucy and tell her hi for me!” my mother calls out from the kitchen.

  I walk out the door into the cold November air and see Lucy getting out of her car to meet me. “Ivie Davis, look at you! Gorgeous as always!” She rushes to me and gives me a hug.

  Suddenly, a faraway memory reaches me of another cold night and Lucy rushing to hug me—a cold night in October, many years ago. I dismiss the memory as quickly as it appeared.

  “Hey, Lucy, you look beautiful. As always.” She has her dark brown hair twisted in a knot at her neck and her dark green eyes are sparkling with amusement as she accepts the compliment. She does a little twirl and shows off her still-slim figure. She’s wearing jeans and a white turtleneck sweater with a green scarf. Little diamond stud earrings sparkle.

  We both get in her car and put on our seatbelts. “So where do you want to go, Ivie?”

  “Let’s see, maybe we can go to the Silver Note on the square. I hear they have good food and drinks and it’s on the quiet side. We can probably talk better there.”

  Lucy looks at me and grins. “Girl after my own heart, as always.”

  We take our seat at the Sil
ver Note. It’s dimly lit and has little candles burning at the tables. Wonderful smells are wafting throughout the restaurant. The waiter comes and takes our drink orders. When the waiter comes back with our drinks, we place our orders.

  “So, Lucy, how have things been going for you?” She puts her drink back down and looks me in the eye.

  “Fabulous, honey. I’ve been discovering so much about myself. That’s what I’ve been focusing on, for years. I still see Taylor off and on. I work at a bank in Franklin about forty minutes from here and I love it there. I live here to be close to my mom, but I work long hours most days so I’m rarely home for long. I have some more things to check off my to-do list before I settle down.”

  I laugh at her talk to to-do lists, something she did when we were kids, too. “Always planning, aren’t you?” She nods as she takes another sip. I tell her all about my job in Camden Springs as a journalist and working for the paper there. She listens intently. After catching up with small talk, I finally ask about her parents.

  “Mom’s still here in Greendale Valley. It’s her and her dog, Lady. She takes that dog everywhere. She still works here at the courthouse.”

  “That’s good. How about your dad? Do you still see him or talk to him?” She stiffens a little, and I see something in her eyes. Humor? Anger? “I found him not long after you left town. I wanted answers—something Mom would never give. Let’s just say no, I don’t talk to him, and leave it there.” I feel bad for asking now. It’s clearly a loaded question for her.

  “Sorry, Lucy. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.”

  She looks me in the eye. “No way, Ivie. It’s fine. Nothing about it is holding me back anymore.” I put my hand over hers.

  “So, Ivie,” she looks at me with that little wicked smile of hers, “who are you seeing these days? Anyone interesting?” I shake my head and smile back at her. “No, it’s just me. I go on dates, but I don’t really date any one specific guy. Just can’t find the right fit, I guess.” Lucy raised a perfectly arched eyebrow.

  “You know, even before you broke up with Dean, I always thought you had something going on with Sterling Brigg, at least emotionally. I’m your best friend, and I can read you like a book. It’s a shame you never dated.” She takes another sip of her drink, contemplating her next thought. I can tell she’s weighing whether to push the issue. “I hear he’s dated around a lot. I heard Jade and even Lynn, still, among others. But he’s never gotten serious with them, or anyone else, for that matter. While you’re in town you should call him up and see if any of the same sparks are there—and don’t pretend like they weren’t there, Ivie.”

  She looks at me with a knowing stare. “I just wouldn’t get your hopes up for it lasting with him. I don’t think he’s the marrying kind. But you could have a little fun with him.” I feel my stomach tighten in little knots at the thought of him with anyone else, but especially Jade or Lynn. Jade was my friend; we always ran in the same circles and did the same things, but I felt I could never trust her, and Lynn, well…she never liked me. Probably because she could sense there was an attraction between me and Sterling.

  Why does it matter, anyway? Once we figure out who’s threatening me and my dad, I won’t have to see him anymore. “Lucy, are you crazy? I’m not going to call him up for a date. As a matter of fact, I’ve already run into him, so no worries about me getting my heart broken by him. Promise.” I flash her a tight smile and look back down at my food before she calls me on the lie.

  We stick to lighter topics as we finish our meal, and then she drives me back to my parents’ house. “I’d invite you in, but it looks like the lights are out, so rain check? I know my parents would love to see you again.” Lucy smiles at me.

  “Sure thing, I’d love to see them soon, too.”

  I return her smile. “Thanks for tonight, Lucy. Oh—Mom and I are throwing Dad a surprise retirement party, formal attire. You’re coming, and you should bring a date, maybe Taylor?” I wink and smile and then I hug her and get out. “I’ll talk to you soon, okay?” I feel eighteen again, being around my best friend.

  “Okay, Ivie, and you know I’ll be there! I love parties!” Lucy waves as I shut the door. She pulls out of the drive about the time I reach the door, and I unlock it and tiptoe in the dark house toward my bedroom. I see movement in the kitchen and falter before I realize it’s Dad, standing there with a drink. Whiskey again. What truth is he trying to find tonight?

  “Hey, Dad. I’m home.” His eyes look full of worry and something else—fear, maybe?

  “Good, sweetie. Now that I know you’re back, I’m going to turn in for the night.” I just look at him. “Okay, Dad, goodnight.”

  He starts to turn, and on impulse, I ask, “Why are you worried, Dad?”

  He frowns and says, “Why do you ask that?”

  I hold his stare. “Dad, I’m your daughter, which means I know when you drink whiskey, it’s because you’re worried about something.”

  He grins, but it’s a little sad. “Honey, I’m your dad. It’s my job to worry about you, always. No matter how old you get, you’ll always be my little girl.” With that he puts his cup in the sink and walks toward the room he shares with Mom.

  I walk to my bedroom and close the door behind me. I tug off my tall boots and my clothes and change into a T-shirt, then quickly go through my nighttime routine. It’s been a long day. I fall into bed and drift off…to a cold rainy night, and Sterling’s there….

  The rain is falling, and we’re getting soaked. I’ve never wanted someone so badly. My chest rises and falls in anticipation. Sterling looks at me and his lips crush over mine. He pushes me to his truck door and somehow gets it open. I hear a thunderclap in the distance. He lays me down in his truck and we kiss and touch as if our lives depend on it. “Ivie, I don’t know...” I put my finger to his lips and pull his face back to mine and kiss him again. He looks deep in my eyes. “Are you sure, Ivie?” I look back at him and answer, “Yes, please...”

  Four days later…

  Brrrrrrriiiinggggg. The sound of my alarm rips me from sleep. I sit up and roll the kinks out of my neck. It’s Friday. I jump in the shower and savor the hot water cascading over me, loosening my tight muscles. At some point I hear my phone pinging in the bedroom, but it’s way too early for anyone to expect me to answer the phone. I turn off the spray and dry off, squeezing the water from my hair before combing my favorite leave-in conditioner through my hair. Another notification trills.

  “Whoever it is can wait.” I mutter as I put on my makeup and then blow dry my hair straight. Once that’s done, I shimmy into a slim, black, knee-length skirt and a dark purple silky blouse. I tuck my shirt into my skirt and find my black jacket and my favorite black wedges in my suitcase. Almost ready to take on the day, I think to myself.

  Then I remember my phone. My stomach sinks when I see another message from blocked number. A photo appears. It’s Sterling, standing close enough to a woman that it looks like they may be about to kiss. I look closer and realize it’s Jade. Another message comes in.

  Looks like you’re too late. Jade’s kissing him now.

  A wave of sickness comes over me. I throw the phone on the bed and stomp to the kitchen for some coffee. Grow up, Ivie. You knew he had to be dating. He wasn’t saving himself for you. In spite of my practical pep-talk, my stalker got what he or she wanted—I’m rattled.

  I stand on the porch, drinking my coffee and watching as Tate and the ranch hands take care of the horses and other livestock. This is what you’re supposed to be doing, Brigg. Not chasing some hidden truths. This ranch is in your blood.

  But I’m dang good at my job. I have a drive for it I never imagined I’d have. And I know I’m in too deep now to turn around. Ivie. It’s always been about chasing Ivie and the hidden truth that surrounds her.

  I take another sip of coffee, but it does nothing to clear my mind. “Damn it all to hell,” I mutter and walk back into the house, pouring the rest of my coffee down the
sink. It’s time to take this list of suspects and start asking questions myself.

  I grab my notebook and favorite pen and head out the door to my unmarked department vehicle. I think the first person I’ll question is Phoebe McCree.

  I walk into the post office and feel immense relief as I drop off the invitations for Rhett’s retirement party. Since Ivie’s been home helping, the finishing touches fell right into place. This party is bound to be a big hit, as well as a huge surprise to Rhett. And it’s black tie. Who doesn’t love to dress up every now and then?

  As I walk out, I catch a glimpse of Sterling striding into the courthouse, where Rhett works. A sensation of dread settles over me. He’s keeping secrets. There’s something he’s never told me; I can feel it. I know about a lot of his skeletons. But there’s one he hasn’t let out in the light for me, even though I have stood by him through everything. No one’s perfect. We all make mistakes. It’s how we walk away from them that makes the difference.

  I have to give him his credit—Rhett’s walked away from most of his as a better man. He’s the fairest judge this town has ever seen. And I hate to admit it, but I’m glad to see him retiring. I just wish he’d own up to whatever secret is haunting him. I love him. I said my vows all those years ago, and nothing’s changed.

  I just hope whatever he’s hiding doesn’t break my heart. Or Ivie’s. She’s always thought her daddy hung the moon. And Rhett’s always been wrapped around Ivie’s finger, especially when we found out I couldn’t have any more kids. That almost broke us.

  But as much as he adores Ivie, he’s as nervous as I’ve ever seen him be with her being home right now. So I know there’s something big he’s hiding. And whatever it is, it’s getting harder for him to hide.