Mask of Deception

The small Hispanic woman awoke with a start. Panic struck her as she looked around and she realized she was in the supply room. She cringed as she sat up, searing pain in the back of her skull. Reaching up, she touched the back of her head, feeling something cold and sticky. As she looked down at her hands, she saw the blood, her blood.

Uncontrollable screams erupted as she attempted to stand and escape the small confining room. Quickly, she fell back down on the cold, concrete floor. The last thing she could remember was walking into the little room to pick up glass cleaner. She heard someone behind her then felt the sharp pain on the back of her head.

Without warning, the door was yanked open and several hotel guests gasped as they looked down at her lying in a pool of blood. She noticed one man on the cell phone. She wondered if he was calling for help. Another knelt next to her. When she tried to move, he shook his head and mumbled some words, but she didn’t understand what he was saying. She assumed he was telling her not to move. As she lay there on the cold floor, she looked up the faces of the guests standing over her. Not understanding what they were saying, she lay there in a state of confusion. Then panic screamed in her head as she wondered if one of them had been her attacker.

With terror in her eyes, she looked up and saw Jose, her boss. Thank God, she cried out in Spanish as he quickly knelt down next to her and stroked her hair in an attempt to comfort her. She was safe; Jose would watch out for her. She heard the commotion in the hall as the EMTs made their way toward her. One of them shinned a light in her eyes and tried to ask her something in English.

She doesn’t understand English. Jose said to the EMT.

Can you translate?

Yes, he replied. Aracelli, the doctor wants to know if you can move your arms and legs? The terrified woman slowly nodded her aching head as she moved first her left leg then the right. She did likewise with her arms.

Ask her how many fingers I am holding up.

She says four, Jose said as he looked at the medic who held up two fingers.

Let her know we are taking her to the hospital in the ambulance, she probably has a concussion.

Jose tuned to the frightened woman and translated in Spanish. They are taking you to the hospital. I will call your brother and have him meet you there.

With fright in her eyes she replied, No.

Well, she sure knows that word doesn’t she? the medic said as he turned to his assistant.

It’s okay, Aracelli. I will be there too. Jose said soothingly, calming the injured housekeeper. After the medics lifted her onto the gurney, Jose asked for her hotel keys. She reached for the plastic extendible key fob she always wore around her left wrist. It was gone. Jose’s eyes widened with shock as he cried out, Oh, my God! Someone has the key pass to every room on the third floor of the hotel.

Within minutes of the discovery, the hotel manager and security officers were doing their best to secure the third floor. Stepping off the elevator into something of a madhouse, New Orleans Police Detective Drew McElwain paused and looked around for someone who appeared to be in charge. Spying a likely candidate he made his way out of the elevator lobby, pulling his pad out on the way.

What’s going on? McElwain asked the agitated man.

There’s a huge jewelry show in progress in the hotel ballroom. Someone knocked the maid out and stole her key pass for this floor.

Shit, this is just great, McElwain said with a rigid jaw. Get down to the show and warn the show manager. Shut it down and get all the people back to their rooms with their merchandise. We need an inventory of all the stones.

Turning toward a uniformed officer standing nearby, he began issuing instructions. Get over to the elevators. I don’t want anyone on or off of this floor without proper ID, and I mean anyone! Swank, you go down with the manager and get a list of all the guests and room numbers, pronto.

As the hotel security attempted to contact the hotel guests, the New Orleans Police officers began a room-to-room search.

Holy shit! croaked a rookie cop who was winding down his first month on the force, backing out of Room 346 hastily. There’s a dead woman in here, he said, punctuating his discovery by puking up his breakfast on the expensive hotel carpeting.

Elbowing his way past several uniformed officers who had responded to their comrade’s gruesome discovery, McElwain entered Room 346 and nearly had a coronary. What the hell! he bellowed, seeing bloody footprints all over the room and several officers simply milling around.

Get the hell out of here now, he ordered. Christ Almighty, haven’t you ever seen an effing crime scene before? Making his way further into the luxurious suite, he vented his anger further with a mumbled, Bunch of goddamn morons, while keeping the rest of his colorful tirade to himself.

Moving carefully to minimize his impact on the crime scene, he walked over to the body on the king size bed. Judging from her bloodied body and the sharp knife on the bed next to her, stabbing seemed to be the most likely cause of death. Make yourself useful and get forensics over here now, he shouted to a uniformed officer still hanging around by the hallway door.

Continuing his examination of the scene, McElwain bet the blonde never knew what hit her. Judging from her position, whoever murdered her attacked her as she slept. Since the bedsheet was still in place, it was unlikely that she had been sexually assaulted, but he’d wait for forensics to be sure on that score. In his twenty-eight years on the force, this was one of the bloodiest crime scenes he’d ever responded to.

Taking care not to touch anything, he pulled a pair of rubber gloves from the baggie of them in his jacket pocket and searched for her handbag. Locating the expensive bag, he carefully removed her wallet. Deanna duPree was the name on her Louisiana driver’s license. He counted her money in the wallet, which came up to a hundred and change.

With his gloved hands, he continued to rummage through her purse. He pulled out an ID tag, bearing the Marko Pharmaceuticals logo. He knew the corporation well; his brother-in-law was a chemist there. Scanning the card for her title, he surprised to see the victim was a senior vice president. From his brother-in-law, he also knew the corporation had just gone through a hostile takeover. By the looks of things, this woman really pissed someone off. Perhaps the takeover had been a bit more hostile for the late Ms. duPree. Shaking his head, he turned back toward the body. He knew it was a matter of time before the suits were involved with this one.

What do we have here? Marsha Stave asked as she entered the room with her field kit. You know, just once I would like to make it through a weekend without finding a mutilated body.

Well, Stave, I’m afraid you’re in the wrong city, McElwain replied with a grim chuckle, swirling a cooling cup of coffee a uniform had brought him they waited for the forensics team.

Looks like a prostitute.

Not exactly, She was a senior VP at Marko Pharmaceuticals.

You gotta be shitting me! the African American woman replied, clearly shocked by the revelation. Man, someone was pissed.

Maybe she fired the wrong person? city coroner Bill Reilly commented as he walked into the bloodied room. How many people were killed here?

You know, Reilly, you really are a comedian first thing in the morning, McElwain said as he sipped the coffee which was rapidly cooling to luke warm.

Offhand, I’d say it looks somewhere between twenty and twenty-five stab wounds, Stave said as she opened her forensic kit and drew back the blood soaked sheet that covered the body.

Well, you two get what you need. I have to call in the illustrious FBI. he said as he shook his head. Detective Drew McElwain hated working with the prima donnas. They walked around in their designer suits and nodded their heads. He swore they communicated in Fed code. They always seemed to know what the other was thinking. They were like mind readers, must be a class they had to ace in the academy. He never considered them real cops. Heaven forbid if they ever got their hands bloodied.

Deciding it was time to let the forensic team do their stuff he walked out into the hallway took out his cell phone and called the chief. He would let him call the pretty boys. With the recent goings-on at Marko, plus the national-level jewelry exhibition, this case could be much bigger, and a much bigger time-suck, than he wanted to get dragged into. He had other crimes to solve.

Chapter Two

Madison duPree sat next to her uncle as Senator Wendell duPree discussed his niece’s memorial service arrangements with the funeral director. Waves of shock and denial surged through her, as she was unable to comprehend the events that had taken place over the past weekend. The ragged tissue, which lay in her hand, was now soaked with tears.

Her life seemed surreal as the realization that she had now lost her entire family crested again: She was alone in the world. Turning slightly she gazed at The Senator, as she and Deanna had always referred to him. Of course, he was still around, but she had never felt any real attachment to him. He had always been more concerned with money and political connections than family. His latest in a series of trophy wives was a twenty-year-old high school drop out by the name of Chloe. She, of course, had been too busy to help with the funeral arrangements.

Sadness shrouded her mind as she wrestled with the pain. She still could not accept the fact her sister was dead; the way in which Deanna was murdered would forever leave a scar in her soul. She had cried herself to sleep the past two nights. Just when she didn’t think, there were any tears left, they flowed again.

Madison, are those arrangement alright with you? asked the funeral director, bringing his professionally sympathetic attention to her as he looked into her red-rimmed eyes.

Slowly she nodded her head. She hadn’t really heard a word the two men had said and she didn’t, care. She did not like little details, especially when they involved something like the burying of her only sister. As far as she was concerned, her sister was dead. Her life had been snuffed out for what? A Rolex watch and a one-carat diamond pendant.

Anger crept through her as she tightened her grip on the raggedy tissue. God, she was beginning to hate this city! Tourists found the friendliness and hospitality when they visited places like the French Quarter, but behind that warm facade, Madison found people cold and uncaring. She stayed because of Deanna, but now, at twenty-eight, she realized she didn’t want to spend the rest of her life in a place she found cold, heartless.

The Senator grabbed her hand, which interrupted her thoughts. With an involuntary movement, she jerked her hand away as she turned toward him in question.

Are you ready to go, Madison?

Yes, she replied as she slowly nodded her head.

The funeral director stood up and escorted them to the door. He inadvertently put his hand on her arm, If there is anything I can do to help you ease you pain, please let me know Madison.

I will. Thank you for your concern, she replied as she felt the soft grip of his hand which had lingered a little too long on her arm. Madison also noticed he wasn’t wearing a wedding band. She had no interest in this man who looked to be in his mid-forties. Dating was the furthest thing from her mind right now.

Her uncle guided her to his limousine, all the time diligently trying to draw her into conversation. She was a million miles away and she hadn’t heard a word he said.

Don’t you agree, Madison?

I’m sorry, Uncle. I didn’t hear what you said. Glancing up she managed a dim smile at the limo driver as he opened the heavy black door. Realizing she didn’t recognize his face, she wondered where the last guy had gone.

I was just commenting on what a nice fellow Phillip Brent is.

Who? she asked, sliding into the limo’s luxurious and spacious rear.

Phillip Brent, the funeral director.

Oh. Yes, he is nice, she replied evenly, as she watched her dapper uncle slide into the seat across from her. He was in what she and her sister always thought of as his spring uniform: an off-white linen suit and a straw hat that matched the color of the suit perfectly.

He is single. I might add that he’s also very well off. He owns five funeral homes in the area. He owns two in Orleans parish, and one each in St. Tammany, St. Bernard and Plaquemines. As a matter of fact, he agreed to personally oversee Deanna’s service and arrangements as a favor to me. He was one of my biggest supporters in my last campaign.

Good for him, Uncle.

In a slightly aggravated tone he replied, You know, Madison; it would behoove you to pay attention to the prosperous single men in the area. You aren’t getting any younger.

She bit her tongue until pain jetted through her mouth and turned to stare out the window. She refused to allow this man to goad her into an argument. All she could do was focus on the fact she would soon be out of his car and in her gallery. Clenching her fists, she tried hard to think happy thoughts as she slipped back into her own little world.

Madison, do you hear what I am saying?

Yes, Uncle, I do. She buzzed the driver and asked him to stop the vehicle. Glancing momentarily at The Senator she replied, I’m sorry, Uncle, but dating is the last thing on my mind right now. Not waiting for the driver to open the passenger door she flung it open, I really want to walk the rest of the way.

That’s ridiculous, Madison! Your studio is a good twelve blocks from here, he retorted.

I’ll see you at the wake, Uncle, she replied, sliding quickly out of the limo and slamming the door behind her. Moving away from the grand car, she slowly walked down St. Charles Street toward to her art gallery.

Chapter Three

Special Agent Luke D’Palma contemplated his choice of words as he sat and watched his protégé Kevin Stewart from behind his desk. Luke realized the past three weeks had been rough on Kevin. His wife had recently miscarried their first child. The miscarriage was as unexpected as the pregnancy. Knowing how protective his was of his own wife, he was not happy about giving Kevin his newest assignment.

I really hate to do this, Kev, but I’m in a bind. We just got word from the New Orleans field office they found a high-powered senior executive murdered yesterday. The corporation just went through a hostile takeover.

He waited for the younger man to look up at him. Kev, I know this is a bad time for both you and Caitlyn, but I have no choice. With Thomas out on maternity leave, I’m an agent short, and everyone with the exception of you and Grant are tied up.

Glancing up at Luke he replied, It is part of my job and when I need to leave, I go. Caitlyn understands.

Is she seeing Emma for counseling? Luke asked in an attempt to begin conversation.

She has seen her twice, Kevin replied as he played with his tie, a gesture Luke recognized. Whenever the kid was nervous or upset, he touched the fabric of his tie with his thumb and forefinger.

I know Hannah has spent a good deal of time with her. You know Hannah lost a child before we were married, when she was still with her first husband?

I remember hearing something about it. Kevin replied, his fingers still fumbling with his tie.

Luke knew his young friend was taking it just as hard as Caitlyn. And how are you holding up, Kev?

Taking a moment to regroup his thoughts, the younger man answered, Well, to tell you the truth, it really sucks. I mean we never expected it to happen when she was five months along. We thought things like that happened right away. Shit, we were picking out names ... we’d even started working on the baby’s room.

I know right now things look bleak, but she’s young. You guys will have a family. Maybe something wasn’t right with the baby. Things happen for a reason Kevin.

I know that in my head, but I feel really bad for Caitlyn. She was actually getting excited. You know ... with her past and all ... I was concerned about the pregnancy. But motherhood really seemed to bring out the best in her. She was really excited.

You bring out the best in her, Kevin, and she does the same for you. You guys are together and have each other. And that’s what matters.

Kevin’s eyes moved up from the walnut desk to his boss of five years. So, what’s up with this thing in New Orleans?

About that ... I also wanted to tell you I’m making Grant lead agent on this case.

Kevin was stunned. What? I have a good two years on Grant. My personal life isn’t interfering with my performance here at work, is it?

Luke responded quickly, Kevin, first of all, I’m making him lead because it will leave you free to come back to town in a few weeks.

Oh?

Luke watched the visibly upset man and replied. He pointed to several piles of papers, which were stacked haphazardly on his desk. We’ve made a decision about the supervisory special agent position and it is you.

Kevin’s eyes opened wide as he stared with disbelief at his boss. Luke waited for the information to sink in. I got the promotion?

Yes, Kevin, you were chosen. The committee felt you were the best person for the job. This means you’ll be handling half of my administrative crap and case assignments. I’ll also be putting you in charge of training. Your travel time will be cut down a lot. Most of the trips will be considerably shorter, since I want you available to oversee the investigations. You know how I like things done. I refuse to let the quality of this department’s work slip because I am sitting in meetings all day.

I don’t know what to say ... I’m blown away, Kevin said, clearly still stunned by the good news.

Luke knew Kevin’s goal was to become a Special Agent in Charge of a field office. But this promotion would work out to both of their advantages. Kevin would get the supervisory and administrative experience, and he would be able to offload a portion of his ever-increasing workload.

Well, I think you’ve done a hell of a job over the past five years. I couldn’t ask for a more dedicated agent. I’m proud of you Kevin. Luke beamed. The kid was in shock. Funny, he still thought of him as a kid. He had first met Stewart in Houston while he was there on a case. The kid was an unorganized mess. Looking at him now, he couldn’t believe he was the same person.

I wanted to talk to you before I announced it at the staff meeting at ten. Now, your first assignment is to get on the phone and call Caitlyn and give her the good news.

Kevin rose from the chair and quickly headed for the door. "Oh, Kev, after the staff meeting, the three of us need sit down and discuss the New Orleans case. You and Grant will have to leave tomorrow morning, so call travel and have them make the arrangements.

Luke watched him run out the door. He knew there were going to be some upset agents in his department. Many of his people had been with the FBI over ten years and they might be a bit bent out of shape having a more junior agent promoted above them. They’d have to buck up and be the professionals Luke knew them to be, since the selection committee had chosen Stewart for several reasons. First, he was fair with people, never cocky or condescending. He gave the average Joe the benefit of the doubt and he didn’t jump to conclusions. The Bureau was working hard to drop that hard-ass image and Stewart filled the bill with his down-to-earth people skills.

Second, he wasn’t politically motivated. He worked hard because it was the right thing to do. Luke absolutely hated ass-kissers and opportunists. He had dealt with enough of them in his life and could spot them a mile away.

Knowing he wanted to promote from within his department, he always made a special effort to observe his staff. He knew the agents who were the social butterflies, shooting the shit around the water cooler. He also knew the long-lunchers, and he even knew the agents who were having their office flings. Not much about his staff went undiscovered. Stewart was dedicated, hard working, and trustworthy and hands-down the best person for the job.

Chapter Four

Kevin turned to look at his wife. She lay sleeping with her arms wrapped tightly around his waist. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her Asian features and striking blue eyes defined her beauty and made her unique, the perfect combination of Asian and Caucasian. She had taken him by storm when they had met two years ago.

Caitlyn had dealt with a lot of crap in her life. She and her mother had been abandoned by her father when she was eight. To make matters worse, her mother’s then-boyfriend molested her when she was eleven. Through counseling over the last two years, as well as his love and support, she had learned to release her past and let it go. He only hoped the loss of their child didn’t leave emotional scars that mingled with her past.

Their doctor encouraged them to try for another child in a month or so. However, she seemed leery and chose not to talk about the future. Not wanting to pressure her, he would leave that decision up to her, at least for the time being.

Feeling her shift in his arms, he bent his head down and kissed her. Sleepily, she looked up at him. What time is your flight?

Eight. I guess I should get up, he said, as he struggled to see the clock. Grant’s picking me up at six.

Oh, she said, turning away from him.

He knew what she was feeling. He knew her intimately, almost as if he had known her his whole life.

Babe, I’m not the same person I was when I hung out with Grant. I have the woman I want and don’t need to go out to bars.

Turning back to him, she smiled. I know, Kevin. It’s just I’m so emotional right now. With the bar exam on Thursday and losing the baby, I’m just not myself.

I know, Sweetheart. Things will get better. You’re going to pass the bar, then we can think about starting a family, he said as he stroked her long black hair.

I have been thinking. I don’t want to wait, Kevin. I want to try to get pregnant when you get back. With your promotion, maybe I can just work part-time after the baby is born.

He smiled and replied, Yeah, you can work part-time and hopefully make enough money to pay off your school loans.

Sadness overcame her again as she replied, Ugh. There’s nothing quite like being twenty grand in debt now that I’m done with law school.

He could tell she was discouraged. Cait, if you want a family, we’ll work it out somehow. I know they have a bunch of payment plans for student loans. We’ll just find one that works for us.

Really? she said as she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. He returned her kiss as their passion ignited. They made love for the first time since her miscarriage. Holding her tight afterward, he watched her until her breathing became shallow and steady. Gently, he moved her arms and slid out of bed, making his way to the bathroom.

Stepping into the shower, the hot water cascaded over his body relief filled his mind. Caitlyn seemed in much better spirits and she wanted to get pregnant again; that was a good sign. He didn’t feel quite so bad leaving her, now that she seemed to be recovering her equilibrium. Last night she’d tried to tell him she wasn’t upset with the fact he was going to New Orleans. She insisted she needed the time to study, but had been skeptical. He was somewhat reassured now, but he would call her several times a day to check on her nevertheless.

After getting dressed, he kissed her gently on the lips and headed for the bedroom door, suitcase in hand. He turned to look at her again as she lay there, pleased to see she was sleeping peacefully. Quickly, he made his way downstairs to wait for Ayden Grant.

Pouring himself a cup of freshly made coffee, Kevin began to think about his new job. He was excited, but also a little nervous; he wondered if he could live up to Luke’s always high expectations. He hoped he would be as good of a manager as Luke was.

He saw the headlights as they shone through the window, indicating Ayden had pulled into the driveway. He opened the door and watched Grant slide out of his car and run through the pouring rain into the house. In his hands, he held a vase filled with flowers.

You didn’t have to bring me flowers, Grant, Kevin said with a smirk.

But you were so good last night, Kev, Ayden replied with a chuckle. These are for Cait, smartass. I’ll just leave them on the table for her with the card.

They turned toward the dining room as they heard the soft patter of feet on the hardwood floor. Caitlyn was standing there in her long flannel nightgown, her long black hair loosely hanging around her shoulders.

Hey Grant, I came down to ask you not to lead my husband astray when you two are in New Orleans.

Giving her a funny look Ayden replied, Why would I do that, Cait?

Because I know what a party animal you are, she replied with concern in her voice.

Jesus, Cait, do you think I am that much of a jerk? he replied with an odd look.

Well, no … but I know your history together.

Cait, Kevin said as he walked over to her and gently put his arm around her. Leading her into the dining room, he whispered in her ear, You have to trust me. You know how much I love you. Now, I will call you when I get to New Orleans. Go up and get some rest babe.

Sadness filled her eyes as she bit her lower lip and replied, I’m sorry, Kevin. I just don’t know what gets into me sometimes.

Kevin pulled his wife into a strong embrace as she whispered in her ear, It’s okay, Sweetheart. I understand you’ve just gone through a bad time. I’ll be home before you know it and you’ll be yelling at me to pick up my clothes off the floor again. He pulled away and wiped a stray lock of hair out of her pretty face. Oh, Grant brought you some flowers.

He did? she said, surprised.

They’re on the kitchen table.

She quickly walked back into the kitchen and looked at the vase that sat on the wooden table. Thank you, Ayden, she said with a smile, as she leaned down to inhale their sweet fragrance.

You know, Cait, I’ve known you for over two years and this is the first time you have ever called me by my first name. Maybe we are making headway in our relationship, Ayden said with a smile.

Maybe, she replied with a chuckle. Impulsively, she reached up and gave him a hug. With his mouth near her ear, he whispered softly, I’m so sorry about the baby, Cait.

Thank you, she replied, smiling and