Read Fatal Deception: Part I for Free Online

insisted.
    She wanted to protest, but knew it would be in vain. And she loved him for it.
    He pulled her close and held her tight. Inside he felt there was more to what she’d been feeling than hormones alone.
     
     
     
    Chapter 8
     
    Marc was silent as he drove down the county road that would first lead to Geri’s house and then to town. Deidra sat beside him and Alondra and Geri sat together in the back seat where they conversed quietly. Deidra said nothing while she stared at the road ahead.
    When Marc neared the entrance to Geri’s place, Alondra got an idea. She scooted forward in her seat, and placed her hand on her father’s shoulder. “Dad, wait! Since you’re going into town anyway, why don’t we check on Geri’s car? The garage should be still open.”
    He stopped the car momentarily and thought about it. “That sounds like a good idea. You don’t mind, do you Geri?” he asked.
    “No, not at all,” she replied. “But I don’t want to put you out.” She was grateful for the help. She knew how male mechanics sometimes try to take advantage of women if no man is around.
    Deidra slightly tensed in her seat, then turned her head, and stared out of the side window shielding her disappointment.
    “You’re not putting anybody out. It’s my pleasure,” said Marc.
    He continued down the road and Alondra and Geri began to chatter amongst themselves.
    They first arrived at Deidra’s hotel. She thought about asking to tag along, but felt it better not to. She would have to bide her time. She would be with him tomorrow… and for sure there wouldn’t be an Alondra or a Geri to stand in her way. She bid them goodbye, and watched them drive away.
    She stood there for a few moments after they had long disappeared from sight. Then she slowly went into the hotel lobby. She was in a trance-like state as she walked to the elevator. The doors had barely opened before she squeezed past them. When the elevator finally came to a stop on her floor, she stormed out of it and rushed down the hallway to her room. Upon entering, she closed the door and threw her bag across the room. She stood for a few moments with clenched fists, angered at the events of the day. It hadn’t gone as planned. Geri’s arrival was an unexpected, and unpleasant, surprise.
    She went to the bed, snatched a pillow from it, pressed it into her face and let out a blood-curdling scream. Temporarily relieved of her emotions, she tossed the pillow back to the bed and went into the bathroom. She doused her face with cold water, lethargically raised her head, and gazed at the reflection in the mirror for a very long time. “There is nothing to worry about,” she said to the person staring back at her. “Just a little obstacle that will be dealt with if necessary.” She turned away, and ran herself a hot bath.
     
    “ Okay, Jack, what’s wrong with the lady’s car?” asked Marc as he walked around checking the car out. It was an old Pinto wagon.
    “Marc, this car has had its last run. She should look into getting a new one,” said Jack.
    Geri was distraught. She’d had this car from the time it came off the floor. It was her first new car. She pleaded with the mechanic, “Can’t you do something to get it running again?”
    Marc’s eyes returned to her. There was something about how she looked, and the way she talked, her mannerism just seemed so damned familiar, and yet he knew he didn’t know her.
    “I’m sorry, Lady. I can, but not in clear conscience. You’ll only wind up stranded on some road somewhere, and that’s not what I’m all about.” He looked from her to Marc who stood listening with his arms crossed over his chest. She looked at Marc, her light brown eyes a little wet with emotion.
    “This was the very first car I bought for myself, right off the floor,” she said. She went over to her car and rubbed the hood.
    Marc walked over to her, and caught her arm gently.
    “I’m sorry, Geri,” he said. “I know this is