Read Fatal Deception: Part I for Free Online Page A

hard, but he’s right. It’ll certainly break down again, and who knows where or when? It’s too risky.” He tried to reason with her.
    She knew he was right. She looked over to Jack and nodded her head. It was time to let the car go. “All right,” she blurted. “Junk it!” She turned and left the garage crying and Alondra followed.
    Marc shook Jack’s hand and thanked him for being honest. He left the garage to join the ladies.
     
    The ride out of town was a somber one. Geri sat in the front this time, next to Marc and didn’t say a word. Alondra sat behind her father not pressing Geri to talk.
    This time when Marc neared Geri’s drive, there was no protest. He took the winding dirt road into a clearing, revealing the one-story ranch-style house. Geri opened the door, and jumped out before Marc could unbuckle his seat belt. He followed her to the porch steps and she turned around.
    “Thank you so much for your help,” said Geri. “I want you to know how much I appreciate it, and I feel a little foolish for acting the way I did back there. I can only imagine what are you think of me, first impressions and all.” She let out a small chuckle, and looked down at her fidgeting fingers.
    “Don’t worry about it,” said Marc. “I know how it feels to have to give up something important to you. And your first car is always the hardest to let go. I know that too.” He smiled at her. His eyes softened when she gazed in them.
    The moonlight played just right on her eyes. They seemed even brighter, and for that moment his heart seemed to go back to another place and another time, long ago.
    “I’d better letter you go,” she said. “I don’t want to keep you. I understand you have a very long day ahead. Thank you again for everything.” She purposely interrupted their moment. It was hard to do, but she was feeling something, and she couldn’t allow herself to get attached; not right now.
    “Yeah, I guess that slipped my mind,” he said. “But if you need a ride any place until you find another car, don’t hesitate to call me. You know what?” An idea popped into his head. “We should be wrapped up with this by Saturday. Why don’t I take you to a nice car place I know?”
    She was taken aback, and didn’t quite know what to say. “I don’t know…” she said. “I don’t want to make a nuisance of myself.” Geri started to back up towards her front door.
    “I’m not gonna take no for answer,” said Marc. “Even if I have to cancel these shoots. Then there will be a big problem with the magazine folks… And you don’t want to see that now, do you?” he stood leaning on the railing with one foot propped on the lower step. His eyes staring up at her like a school boy looking at his crush.
    “All right,” she said with a smile. “Since you put it that way. I certainly don’t want to see you get into hot water with the magazine. Especially since you have gone out of your way to be neighborly.” She had eased her way back to the edge of the porch and wrapped her arm around the post. Her eyes became fixed on his.
    “Good,” said Marc. “Then it’s a date.” His voice was low and deep, but soft. Not wanting to leave her but knowing he had to, he gave her a smile and turned and walked away.
    He glanced up at the moon, and for the first time in years his heart felt full. Something it hadn’t been in a very long time; not since Clarice.
    Geri watched him walk away. He stopped and gave her one last lingering gaze before entering the vehicle, then he drove away.
    Alondra, who’d jumped into the front seat, and had watched the two interact, and was very happy about what she saw. Maybe, just maybe, Geri was someone worthy of her father’s love.
    “You like her don’t you?” she asked s they drove away.
    Marc cleared his throat coming back to reality. “Yeah, why wouldn’t I like her?” he asked. “She’s a nice lady.”
    She stared at him with a grin. His eyes darted back and forth