Deadly Deception
Book 2 of the Deception Series
by London St. Charles
LS Charles Publishing Group
Chicago, Illinois
LS Charles Publishing Group
www.londonstcharles.com
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Deadly Deception by London St. Charles Copyright ©2020
Trade Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9993288-9-7
E-Book ISBN: 978-0-9993288-7-3
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever or by any means including electronic, mechanical or photocopying, or stored in a retrieval system without written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. For permission, contact London St. Charles at www.londonstcharles.com
Cover Designed by Gisele Marie: www.authorgiselemarie.com
Interior E-Book Designed by: London St. Charles: www.londonstcharles.com
Table of Contents
DEDICATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
CHAPTER 26
EPILOGUE
SUGARCOATED DECEPTION ( DECEPTION SERIES BOOK 1 )
THE HUSBAND WE SHARE
ALSO BY LONDON ST. CHARLES
Dedication
To Shanda, my best friend of thirty-plus years, who has begged me to write a follow-up to Sugarcoated Deception ever since she read it while waiting in lines at Great America. I was given orders to hurry up and finish writing “her” book. Here you go, bestie. Enjoy!
Acknowledgements
I started writing this book right after Sugarcoated Deception dropped, January 2019, and didn’t touch it again until February 2020. I had three other projects in the works, and they consumed my time. As a result, Deadly Deception found a temporary home in my ‘Manuscripts in Progress’ folder. Once I started writing this story again, I fell in love with it. Every detail. Every plot twist. Every tearjerker. I wrote for three weeks straight, starting before work, during the daycare children’s nap time, and after they left for the day. Then, the country went on quarantine. For four weeks, half of the people in my household were sick, me being one of them. All writing ceased as I/we recovered. Thank you to those who knew, who reached out, who said prayers, who brought things I needed and left them at my front door. God is so good. That being said, let me get to it.
Praises to the Almighty for giving me the gift to create and the ability to use it, through Him all things are possible. Thanks for covering my family during this pandemic.
Charles, you’re the man! My number one. I couldn’t ask for a better husband. If I did, the Lord would send you back to me reincarnated. We were destined.
Mom, here’s the rest of your story. You always said it should have been longer. #wink
Sierra & Carrington, I leave you my legacy. I know you don’t see it now, but you will. It’ll make you appreciate the times I sat at the computer ‘ignoring you’ lol. Smooches xoxo
Shanda, you recheck the dedication page lol. Love you, Chica.
Christine, Gwen, Marva, Sharon, and Deb, aka my beta readers for this book. Each one of you brings something different to the table. I appreciate your time and feedback.
Gwen, I love the covers for the Deception Series. I told you what I wanted, and boom baby, you made it happen.
The Readers, I hope to keep putting out books that you enjoy and want to tell your family, friends, and co-workers about. Thanks for the continued support.
Until the next story …
One Love,
London St. Charles
About The Author
National Bestselling Author, London St. Charles has always had a passion for the pen, paper, and books. She is a Chicago native who uses the Windy City as a backdrop to the interracial romance, suspense, and contemporary fiction stories she writes. London has contributed to two anthologies, Sugar and Just One Kiss, and one series, Kings of the Castle with New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling authors. Her debut novel, The Husband We Share, hit the AALBC Bestsellers List within six months of release and was followed by her recent literary offerings: Betrayal of Trust, King of Chatham, Sugarcoated Deception, and Deadly Deception. She is a beta reader and a proud member of several writer’s groups. www.londonstcharles.com
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Chapter 1
“This is bigger than us. You of all people should understand that,” Cadence said to Jackson while she folded her clothes and placed them inside a suitcase. She groaned something inaudible, walking the short distance from the oak chest of drawer and back to the bed, before lowering her body on the soft surface of the mattress.
“That’s why?” Jackson said and rushed to her aid, sitting beside Cadence and propping his arm behind her for support. He placed his free hand on her protruding round belly, massaging it gently. “Are you in pain? Do I need to call your doctor?”
Cadence inhaled through her nostrils and exhaled slowly from her mouth in even intervals. Jackson removed the suitcase from the bed and lifted her legs, and placed a pillow underneath her head. He snatched his phone from his back pocket.
She gripped Jackson’s wrist and squeezed, halting his movements, still breathing in the same fashion as before.
“Tell me what to do? What do you need me to do?”
After a few moments, she whispered, “Help me up.”
The worried lines etched in Jackson’s forehead never softened. “I need to get you to the hospital.”
“I’m not in labor,” Cadence assured him, holding her belly as she scooted to the edge of the bed. “Those were Braxton Hicks contractions.”
“Braxton what?” he asked, glancing at her with skepticism.
“They mimic labor pains, but I promise you, that’s all it was,” she said, using Jackson’s thigh for leverage, pushing herself into a standing position. “Could you pick the suitcase up from the floor?”
“This is absurd.” Jackson fussed, closing the bedroom door. “You’re seven months pregnant for Christ sakes. You don’t need to be stuck on a plane for eleven hours. I bet Dr. Fischer wouldn’t approve.”
“He already did,” Cadence countered, holding onto the bed and attempted to squat to lift the suitcase. “I wouldn’t do anything to put our baby in danger.”
“Just stop,” Jackson warned, grabbing the luggage and placing it on
the bed. “I can’t believe he cleared you to fly.”
“I’m only thirty-four weeks––– two weeks shy of the no-fly period,” Cadence added, putting her lipstick and eyeliner in the travel makeup bag. “The trial shouldn’t be any longer than one week, giving me enough time to get back and give birth to our baby boy.”
Jackson folded his arms in protest.
“I wouldn’t lie to you.” She frowned, glaring at her husband. “You should know me better than that.”
“It’s not that, Cadence.” Jackson ushered her to sit on the bench at the foot of the bed. “You make it all sound so simple. Seven months pregnant is seven months pregnant. Period. Sitting for long stretches already has an adverse effect on your body.”
“I have to–––”
“Plus,” Jackson added, extending his index finger. “I’m not comfortable bringing Jackie back into that environment. Four years of therapy, learning that what Lester did to her wasn’t her fault, along with getting accustomed to life without her mother.” Jackson’s breath hitched. “It’s a lot. She’s overcome so much, and being back in Chicago and facing Lester may be a trigger, causing a setback. It’s not worth it, Cadence.”
All of the reasons Jackson stated was exactly why Cadence needed to testify. Lester and Detective O’Brien had too much power over their lives, and it was time to put an end to their reign.
Four years ago, Cadence and her family moved to Stuttgart, the capital of the largest city of the German state of Braden-Württemberg. They needed a fresh start somewhere safe. The job offer from Cadence’s employer, European automaker, Adali Automotive, couldn’t have come at a better time, especially since she turned over evidence against Detective O’Brien that may put her family in danger.
“I’d understand if you didn’t come with me,” Cadence said with a hint of sadness.
“That’s not an option,” Jackson shot back. “Last time you insisted I stay behind–––” Jackson’s eyes watered. “That Detective O’Brien threatened––– and he …”
Cadence winced, remembering that horrid incident when Detective O’Brien fondled her breasts with his service weapon and nonverbally threatened to rape her if she told anyone about his involvement with Lester or the circumstances surrounding Braelyn’s death.
“Jackie could stay with my mother,” she suggested as an alternative.
“Do you think that’s a good idea?” Jackson asked, gazing at Cadence. “Phylicia has her own life.”
“My mom adores Jackie, and you know it.” Cadence gave Jackson a side-eye glance. “It’s been over a year since the last time my mom’s been here, and even longer for your parents.”
Jackson’s eyes bore into hers, and Cadence felt the depths of his pleading in her soul. “There’s no way I can talk you out of this?”
“No,” Cadence replied, squeezing Jackson’s hand. “We’ve built a great life here in Stuttgart, but we should be able to travel back and forth to Chicago to visit our loved ones and not be afraid. I’m tired of living in the shadows. It’s time that they were brought to justice.”
“Testifying against Lester is one thing, but going against the Chicago Police Department is another,” Jackson cautioned. “Don’t think for one second that this is going to go over without any hiccups.”
“I’m praying that the recording I sent to the police headquarters and the fact that it’s taken the department four years to investigate and bring them to trial is a good sign. I promise not to get too stressed out over this,” she said, rubbing her tummy.
Jackson stooped, kissed Cadence’s bulging belly-button, then pulled his packed suitcase from under the bed.
“What???” Cadence’s mouth gaped open, nudging Jackson’s head with her fingertips. “You made me go through all of that for nothing.”
“I requested two weeks off over a month ago,” Jackson countered, maneuvering the suitcase to the side. “The principal has a substitute Foreign Language English teacher in place. I wanted to give the school enough time to find someone.” He paused, taking a seat beside Cadence. “Look, baby. Regardless if I like it or not, I’m going to support your decision either way. Though I was really hoping you would’ve changed your mind,” Jackson admitted. “But remember … where you go, I go. That’s never going to change.”
Chapter 2
The following day, they arrived in Chicago and headed straight to Cadence’s mother’s house. The wintry weather in January was warmer than they were used to in Stuttgart.
Phylicia opened the door of her three-bedroom raised-ranch home in the Morgan Park neighborhood and swooped her daughter in her arms. Tears soaked Phylicia’s shoulder as Cadence cried from the overwhelming happiness in her heart.
“Mama, I’ve missed you so much,” Cadence mumbled, wiping her tear-stained face.
“I’m so glad I get to hold you in my arms,” Phylicia replied. “FaceTime just isn’t enough,” she said, smiling and touching Cadence’s belly. Phylicia looked around until her eyes landed on Jackie. “I bet you’re going to be an amazing big sister.” She winked and extended her arms.
“Hi, grandma.” Jackie pressed her body into Phylicia’s and held on tight.
“Save some of them hugs for me,” Jackson teased and embraced Phylicia, smashing Jackie in the middle like an Oreo sandwich cookie.
Cadence laughed as Jackie’s muffled voice whispered, “Grandma, you’re smooshing me.”
“I have a little surprise for you guys–––”
“Mom, you didn’t have to do anything,” Cadence whined as Jackson helped her out of her coat.
“I know there’s a seven-hour time difference between here and Germany, and you’re all jet-lagged, but trust me,” Phylicia said with a twinkle in her eye, “Y’all are going to love it.”
Jackson glanced at Cadence, then at Jackie. “I wonder what your granny has up her sleeve.”
They walked into the living room, decorated in rust brown and copper, through the formal dining room with the crystal chandelier hanging low over the table set for six, then into the large kitchen.
“Is that peach cobbler I smell?” Cadence sniffed, leaning onto the counter for support.
“Smells just like my mom’s,” Jackson chimed in and kissed his mother-in-law on the cheek. “No disrespect to the cook.”
“None taken,” an elderly woman’s voice said from behind them.
“Grandma Ella,” Jackie screamed, wrapping her arms around the silver-haired woman.
Jackson cupped Ella’s face in his hands. “Momma,” he cried, embracing the first woman he’d ever loved. “It’s so good to see you. Where’s dad?”
“I’m coming,” Thomas blurted out, rounding the corner from the guest bedroom. “This old man isn’t as fast as he used to be. Your momma done wore me down.” He chuckled.
“Your father has always been a cut-up,” Ella commented, shaking her head.
“Now, I’m a cut-down, trying to keep up with that foxy lady.”
Laughter erupted, filling the house with a wholesome feeling that Cadence had been missing since the move.
Lester and Detective O’Brien had to be found guilty. Cadence needed to be in the presence of her family more often, and her children needed to feel the love of their grandparents.
“Darling, don’t cry,” Phylicia said, handing Cadence a paper towel.
“All of us haven’t been under the same roof in years. Maybe it’s the hormones––– I don’t know,” Cadence replied, dabbing her eyes. “My kids need to know what it feels like to be spoiled by their grandparents on the regular. Not only when you guys can come to visit. They need to be loved, hugged, and fussed over the way I was when I visited granny and pops.”
“Soon,” Ella said, placing a weathered hand on Cadence’s back and glanced at Phylicia. “Real soon.”
* * *
A few hours later, Cadence and her family arrived home. She released a delightful sigh, smiling at the light burning in the concrete snow lantern along the stone path of the
Japanese garden. Cadence stepped inside, and fresh lemon and pine infused her nostrils. She grazed her hand along the back of the sofa, and not a speck of dust rested in the crease of her fingers. The maid she hired took great care of her home, even stocking the fridge before their arrival.
Jackie was supposed to stay overnight at her grandma Phylicia’s house, but she was eager to come home, and Cadence couldn’t deny her that. They’d take Jackie in the morning before heading to court.
After dinner, Jackie laid on the queen-sized bed with her laptop in the guest bedroom on the main floor across the hall from her parents’ room.
“Why are you sleeping down here?” Cadence asked since Jackie’s room was upstairs. “It’s not a problem. I was just curious.”
“No reason really.” Jackie shrugged, her attention still focused on the laptop screen. “I didn’t feel like being up there tonight.”
“That’s fine, but don’t stay up too late,” Cadence warned, shuffling into the master bedroom with Jackson walking close behind with his hands resting on her hips.
“I’m not sleepy,” Jackie replied, twirling her ankles. “It’s only nine-thirty.”
“But it’s four-thirty in the morning in Germany,” Cadence shouted over her shoulder, walking in her room and slowly climbing into bed. “I don’t know how she does it. I’m ready to pass out.”
“Let me worry about Jackie for the evening,” Jackson said in a soft tone while placing a pillow underneath Cadence’s legs. “All you need to do is relax. I got you,” he teased, massaging her swollen feet while gazing at her with hooded bedroom eyes.
“Don’t start something you can’t finish,” she moaned, closing her eyes. “You know that’s how this baby got here.”
“Yeah, I know,” Jackson agreed as he circled and applied soothing pressure to the bottom of her feet. “That means I get to play; however, I choose since there aren’t any consequences.”
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