Utter Deception: Book 2

Chapter 1

Is he cheating on me? This better not be what I think it is. Vernon Marshall, you are disgusting! I won’t put up with your womanizing behavior! Thirty-year-old, Dawn Freeman, stared at the text messages on Vern’s phone screen, her mouth open wide. She shook her head. "No, no, you wouldn’t do this to me. You told me you’re done with that lifestyle. You told me that I am the first woman you’ve ever loved. You told me that everything you do must please God, now this? You’re having a private conversation with another woman? she mumbled to herself. Who is she?"  

Dawn raked her fingers in her soft curls. She took another glance at the text messages between Vern and a woman named Prudence. She read it again to make sure she didn’t misunderstand it. Because she loved this man, she didn’t want to read between the lines, but she wouldn’t dismiss the underlying tone either.

Prudence wrote, Vern, you are awesome! I’m still in awe at your performance. I never thought you would take a chance on me, especially now.

Vern wrote, Why not, Prudence? And then he added a smiley face.

Prudence wrote, Well, knowing our history, I wasn’t sure...you know, now that you’re seriously seeing someone.

Vern wrote, What does seeing someone have anything to do with it? You know how I feel about you.

Prudence wrote, You’re the best, Vern! I should confess that I sort of doubted you. Compared to the last time we hooked up, I now see a great deal of improvement in you. You really do amaze me!

Vern wrote, It’s my pleasure! I guess this is the real me. I can’t deny who I am.

Prudence wrote, Okay. Suppose your woman finds out?

Vern wrote, Don’t worry about that. She won’t. This is between you and me.

Dawn glanced up quickly. She looked toward the entrance of the flower shop for any sign of Vern approaching. She blinked her eyes and clenched her teeth to suppress the rising heat in her. She focused her eyes again on the screen, at the last message that had alerted her to Vern’s cell phone, the minute he stepped out of the car.

Prudence wrote, I sure do like that side of you. Keep it up. I just hope you don’t get into trouble with your woman. So when should I expect you?

Dawn’s face burned with anger at the thought of Vern still having contact with a woman he used to sleep with. She lifted her head and stared out in space, in deep thought. She was tired of the many incidents with Vern and other women. Almost everywhere they went, there was a woman who knew Vern or knew his name. For a private investigator, you’re quite well-known, she’d told him once.

She swallowed hard to relieve the tightness in her throat as soon as she spotted Vern. She placed the phone back in the small compartment behind the cup holder. She straightened her back in the seat and leaned into the head rest. Dawn directed her gaze out the car window at the man she had grown to love. As he got closer, she looked away.

Vernon, I hope you have a good explanation. I will not put up with any nonsense from you. You gave me your word. You told me you loved me and, ever since you laid eyes on me, you are a changed man. Her mind brought her back to their first Christmas. I should have listened to Maybeline Scott. Our relationship hadn’t yet blossomed much. If I had ended it then I...I probably would not have fallen so deeply for him.

She pulled on the hem of her short, red, fitted dress, to cover her bare, caramel-shade thighs. I hope I’m not judging him. I hope I’m mistaken about him and this woman. This better be nothing. Lord, what should I do? Is he really the man for me? This can’t be what You have planned for me. I’ve been a good girl all my life. I deserve better. What do I say to him now? How should I approach him? She let out a heavy sigh, and then she prepared her best smile for Vern. No, this has to wait. I wouldn’t want to spoil Kurt and Celia’s first anniversary celebration.

Vern opened the passenger door of his black Lexus SUV. He laid the huge, wrapped, floral arrangement on the backseat, and then closed the door. What are you thinking about, Sunshine? he said the minute he entered the vehicle. Private Investigator, Vern Marshall, was never one to call a girl by her name. Before he met Dawn, he dated dozens of women each week. He was careful not to get their names mixed-up. To avoid the possibility, he would call them names of things one would normally find in a dessert shop.  

Dawn was always fond of the many endearing names he called her, but today it sounded foreign in her ears. Why...why do you ask? She turned her shoulder slightly to face Vern and forced a tight smile. Who says I’m thinking about something?

Vern snapped his seatbelt shut before easing the car steadily onto the road. He stole a quick glance at Dawn. His big mouth spread into a wide grin, exposing his white teeth. Hmmn, I’ve been around you long enough to know when you are in deep thought. Your eyebrows are not relaxed. You seemed far away. He reached over and pinched her chin gently. So, are you looking forward to tonight?  

Dawn shifted in her seat. Yes, of course, it’s my best friend’s first wedding anniversary.

Vern nodded. It’s hard to believe it’s actually one year already. It seems like it was just yesterday we were at their wedding.

Dawn looked straight ahead. She pressed her lips tightly together to hold back the words she really wanted to say to Vern. I know. I’m very happy for them. I’m happy for Celia. Kurt is a good man.

Vern smiled and nodded. Oh, yes, they are definitely right for each other.

Dawn’s face burned with anger. I wish I could say the same about us. I agree, she said. A good girl deserves a good man. Like Kurt.

*****

Annie’s Lodge stood on one side of a two-acre, V-shaped property in Portmore, St. Catherine. On the other side, adjacent to this cozy inn, is Annie’s Hang-Out, a family restaurant and a Bed & Breakfast. Owner, Barbara Bell, had named her businesses after her baby girl, Annie. Adjoining both buildings is a beautiful, glass-roofed terrace with burgundy lounge chairs. In the center is a stone monument of a water fountain and a little girl reaching up for a drink. Although both establishments have different street addresses, they shared one parking lot. They each have a few private parking spaces at the front.  At various corners on the property are white rose bushes. Round, neatly-shaped shrubs lined the stone-paved walkways. At the corner where both streets meet are two signs that represent the two structures. Between the signs is a tall pole with a huge bell erected on it.

The lodge was very quiet, with just a few guests staying there for the weekend. Barbara didn’t mind the small turn-out in overnight guests. She was glad that her other weekend event would have all her attention. Her daughter, Annie, re-named Celia, needed her. Barbara and her kitchen crew had their hands full preparing the food for the big day. It was the last Saturday in April. Kurt and Celia Daniels were celebrating their first wedding anniversary. Annie’s Hang-Out was buzzing with people who had turned out for the special occasion. The parking lot was filled with cars. Music from wall-mounted speakers penetrated the air. Some couples hung out on the terrace talking and laughing. Inside, Kurt and Celia Daniels socialized with their guests after dinner.

Compared to their elaborate wedding, their Paper Anniversary celebration was a casual event. Yellow and white paper balls hung from the ceiling. The round tables were draped with white tablecloths with scallop edges, and the chairs had white coverings. The centerpieces were white, square glass plates, each had a large yellow candle, with white, paper ribbon tied around them. The head table was decked with a beautiful floral arrangement. For this simple occasion, dinner was served on quality paper plates, and the clear, plastic utensils wrapped in yellow paper napkins. Despite the simple setting, the food was elaborate. After they had eaten and had their fill, there was still plenty of food left unserved.

It was almost midnight and the celebration was coming to a close. Kurt wrapped his arms around his wife and kissed her passionately. He released her, held her hand and faced their smiling guests. A big smile lit up his face. Ladies and gentlemen, we’re happy to have you here this evening. This is a very special occasion for us. As you can see, while we celebrate our first anniversary, we’re also expecting our second child.

Cheers rang out from the excited guests. Then they demanded that the couple kiss one last time. Okay, that’s enough already, he said. There’s more here to enjoy. Celia sat back in her seat at the table, but Kurt remained standing. He raised a hand to the DJ to lower the volume on the music. He faced his best friend, Vern, seated beside Dawn. It’s about time we focus on another interesting couple. He walked over to the other side of the table and rested his hands on Vern’s shoulders. Am I right, man?

Vern glanced up at Kurt and grinned. He spread his arms and knitted his brows. What? You can’t take the heat? Are you trying to pawn off the spotlight on us? He put an arm around Dawn and rubbed her shoulder. Tonight is not about us, it’s about you and Celia, okay? So just bare the heat while it lasts.

Celia raised an eyebrow at her friend and smiled, but Dawn didn’t seem to notice. Dawn poured some water into her glass and took slow sips. She kept her focus on Marissa, her god-daughter and Celia’s little girl, who was seated on her left. She lowered her glass and leaned in to the seven-year-old, and hugged her.

Ladies and gentlemen, Kurt said. It’s not my intention to divert your attention to this man and his lovely lady. But most of you might remember the sideshow he put on a year ago at my wedding. Loud shouts resonated from the guests in agreement to Kurt’s statement. My partner here didn’t care then that he had stolen some of our spotlight. He didn’t even remember that he had a duty to perform as Best Man.

Attorney Kurt Daniels paced the small space surrounding the head table as if he was in the courtroom. He addressed the guests again, this time with his serious courtroom-face and hand gestures. You see, ladies and gentlemen, the defendant did not make the plaintiff’s big day his priority. Kurt shoved his hands into his pockets. Slowly, he strolled a few inches away from his table and made eye-contact with other guests at farther tables. As you may all recall, he wasn’t afraid to make his claim known on this classy lady.

The guests laughed and some shouted in agreement. I remember! That’s true! He couldn’t stop whispering in her ear, I thought he was going to bite it off!

Kurt nodded and shouted across the room. Thank you! They were having their own private party. He pointed at Dawn. She could hardly think straight. She didn’t even hear us say our vows. One of the bridesmaids had to take my wife’s bouquet. Am I right? When the guests shouted and whistled in agreement, Kurt turned to face Vern again. Do you have anything to say, Mr. Vernon Marshall?

Marissa had since left the table to sit with her grandparents. Dawn refocused her gaze across the room at nothing in particular, careful not to make eye contact with Celia. Her eyes fell instead on Maybeline Scott, the seventy-nine-year-old woman who had protested against Dawn dating Vern. Maybeline glared at Dawn with wide eyes, her eyebrows raised. Dawn looked away quickly. In hopes of getting her attention, Celia moved closer to the edge of her chair and kicked Dawn’s foot under the table. Dawn looked at her friend and forced a smile. What? she said in a whisper.

Meanwhile, Kurt walked back over to the table and faced Vern again. Mr. Marshall, since you don’t recall all that clowning around that you did at my wedding, the evidence will prove otherwise. Kurt raised a hand and addressed the videographer. Could you please show the clip of our wedding with the defendant’s outrageous behavior? When Vern stood up to protest, Kurt pressed his hands hard on Vern’s shoulders and said, Sit down, Mr. Marshall! You’ve caused enough obstruction. This clip will prove that you are indeed a spotlight stealer.

As the light from the projector shone on the wall behind the stage, everyone stared at the screen with anticipation. The clip opened at the point where Celia walked down the aisle on her father’s arm. Up ahead at the altar, Kurt’s eyes stayed glued on his bride. Vern’s eyes were on Dawn. During the exchange of vows, Vern whispered in Dawn’s ear. She blushed and cast her eyes to the floor, giggling. Celia later tried to get Dawn’s attention to hand her the bridal bouquet, but Dawn missed it. One of the bridesmaids took it from her. 

In the next clip, the bride was about to leave the altar. Dawn and Vern whispered and laughed softly as they held each other’s stare. It was time to adjust the bride’s train behind her but Dawn hadn’t realized. Celia and the bridesmaids tried to get her attention. Dawn looked up suddenly and then she...

The film stopped all of a sudden and the screen went fuzzy, then black. The guests groaned. As the videographer investigated the problem, he apologized to Kurt and Celia for his poor work quality. He promised them that it would resume shortly.

The screen lit up again and the picture started to roll. Somehow, no one seemed to recognize it. Everyone stared questioningly at the screen, and then at Celia and Kurt. It wasn’t their wedding at all. It was a video of a quiet night scene. A bright moon and countless stars lit up a black sky. There was a grassy meadow below. A tall mountain stood in the background. Everyone held their breath. Someone shouted in the silence, It must be a scene from their honeymoon! The guests stared intently at the screen, excited to see something of the Daniels’ honeymoon.

Celia stared at Kurt with a questioning look. Kurt shrugged his shoulders and then he stood. What is this, man? he said to the videographer.

I’m sorry. Just give me a second, the nervous videographer said. I won’t let you down. I promise you will prove your point about Mr. Marshall.

Okay, Kurt said, nodding, and then he sat back in his seat. Roll it.

Seconds later words appeared on the screen. It read, The night is coming to a close. As it prepares to return to its resting place, the sun peeks impatiently over the horizon, waiting...

Suddenly there came the sound of a horse galloping. As the words on the screen made a slow exit upward, the bottom half of the film exposed the hooves of a horse, galloping in slow motion. Western music played in the background like those in a cowboy movie. The film rolled upward again to reveal the horse’s legs, then the massive, black stallion’s body, and right leg of its rider. More words appear on the screen.

Look, he’s coming! Here comes the marshal!

As the horse galloped along, a cloud of dust filled the space behind it.

The horse reached the edge of a slope overlooking the mountain, and then it stopped. With its back to the screen, it swished its tail and snorted. The screen rolled upward again, revealing the back of the cowboy. More words appear on the screen.

The marshal has arrived just in time to see the sunrise! As the sun rises steadily, he fixes his eyes on the yellow-orange glow in the horizon. The bright sun emerges and it pleases him.

The cowboy tugged on the reigns. The horse reared up on its hind legs, and then it relaxed. The words continued.

Once again, like he does at the start of each new day, he smiles at the lovely dawn.

He tugged on the reigns again and the horse turned around slowly to reveal its rider’s identity. Vern Marshall’s infamous grin appeared on the screen, and then he winked. Dawn and Celia’s mouths hung open. Kurt kept his eyes on the screen, feigning innocence, and holding back a grin. Everyone took a quick glance at a smiling Vern and then back at the screen. More words appeared. This time Vern’s voice emerged with them.

"Oh, lovely Dawn, he said, I don’t want to keep watching and wishing forever. I don’t want to wait anymore for you to appear from way over the horizon. Spare me this journey of traveling back and forth to meet you. I want to see the glowing Sunshine by my side at each dawn."

A hush fell in the room. All eyes were on the ‘Marshall’ and the ‘Dawn’. Vern stood and pulled a black ring box from his pants pocket. He faced Dawn as he lowered himself on one knee and opened the box. Dawn April Freeman, will you marry me? Dawn was speechless. She stared up at Vern with her mouth open.

The guests cheered, some whistled. Marissa jumped up excitedly and clapped. Celia stared at Vern and Dawn and then at her husband. Did you know what he had in mind? she asked. When Kurt nodded, Celia punched him playfully on the arm. And you didn’t tell me?

Meanwhile, Dawn sat motionless, tears flowing down her cheeks. Some people drew closer, including her sister, Starr, her mother, Ella, Barbara, and Vern’s mother, Eve Marshall. While the women gawked over the lovely scene, Vern popped the question again. Happy for Dawn, Ella called her daughter’s name. Choked up on bottled-up tears, Dawn looked up and answered yes. Relieved and excited, Vern removed the eighteen carat gold diamond ring from the box and slid it onto her trembling finger. Everyone cheered. To top off the romantic moment, he pulled Dawn gently to her feet and kissed her passionately.

Just as suddenly, the DJ turned up the volume and the music belted in the air again. The men whistled and shouted, and the women clapped when they heard the voice of Chris De Burgh singing Lady in Red. Vern whisked Dawn across the dance floor with a slow waltz. Throughout the dance, she wept on his shoulder. Ella, Starr, and Dawn’s father, Sunny Freeman, matched Dawn’s tears of joy. Before the night ended, other guests joined them on the dance floor. Dawn could hardly keep up with the many cheers, applause, and good wishes. She didn’t know what to make of the words, Congratulations, I’m very happy for you.

Chapter 2

Dawn lay on her back and stared up at the ceiling. She couldn’t fall asleep even an hour after getting into bed. She had turned on the bedside lamp earlier to read a magazine, in hopes of falling asleep. But that didn’t work. She had left the party with her parents sometime after one in the morning. She didn’t think the night would ever end. The last two hours at Annie’s Hang-Out had seemed longer than the first three hours celebrating Kurt and Celia’s anniversary. Vern’s proposal had certainly caught her off guard. She couldn’t understand why he thought that she’d say yes.

You stood there in front of all those people pretending to be a gentleman. How dare you put on this elaborate show of affection and love for me? Vernon Marshall, you don’t know anything about love. You still need to learn a thing or two from Kurt.

Dawn sighed. I’ve waited too long to now become a sideshow. I refuse to be one of Vernon Marshall’s ‘mattresses’, as Maybeline puts it.

She shook her head when she recalled all the ‘sweet’ text messages that Vern had sent her since they parted at Annie’s Hang-Out. She recalled how quickly he had agreed when she’d told him that she was driving home with her parents. He’d commented that maybe that was a good idea.

He didn’t even protest. Most men would have wanted to spend more time with their new fiancée. Maybe it was perfect timing for him to spend the rest of the night with Prudence.

She reached over toward the night table to turn off the bedside lamp. Her eyes fell on the sparkling engagement ring that she had taken off the minute she’d walked into her bedroom. She reached over and picked it up. It felt like hot metal. Her mind brought her back to the moment Vern had slipped it on her finger. Heat rose in her cheeks. She recalled how heavy and rough it had felt. Dawn let out a lengthy breath as she clutched the ring tight in her palm. She recalled Vern’s sly grin when he knelt down before her. She sat up in bed, opened her hand, and stared more intently at the ring as if it was an enemy.

She thought about the kiss. Oh, his kiss...our first passionate kiss! Vernon, you ruined everything I thought I had with you! This should have been a happy occasion for me. Is this a game? Are you using me as a cover-up for your dirty lifestyle?

Dawn tried to dismiss it. She turned off the light and lay back in bed, still clutching the ring. She closed her eyes, her thoughts on Vern. They had met more than a year ago, a few weeks before Christmas. It wasn’t love at first sight for her at all. Nothing else, and no one else had mattered then. They were re-united with Marissa for the first time after she’d been missing for forty days. They were all at Kurt’s grandmother’s house celebrating her safe return. Dawn was too engrossed in the events surrounding Marissa’s safe return, and the details of how her deranged stepmother, Lyn Ramsey, had kidnapped her.

But after being in Vern’s company at the Daniels’ Christmas party, Dawn thought that he was a great guy to be around. He was fun to talk to, and he made her laugh. Each day she looked forward to talking to him, especially after a long day at the office. Then Vern transitioned from just mere talk to lavishing Dawn with entertainment every weekend. As a manager for four fabric stores and two huge rental properties, she hardly had time for a personal life. Now with Vern in the picture, all that had changed. He took her many places all over Jamaica, a few of which she’d never been to before or never knew existed.

Dawn didn’t realize how much of Jamaica’s beautiful sceneries she’d missed out on. She’d spent most of her life just working and going to church. She smiled as memories of their most recent visits, James Bond Beach, Lime Cay and the Outameni Experience came to mind. She couldn’t get enough of the art, film, drama, music and dance that the Outameni Experience offered, celebrating Jamaica’s culture. She loved the designs of the small architectural villages that represent the different cultures in Jamaica.

You name a place, and Vern knew them all. Dawn was never bored whenever she was with him. If she was having a bad morning and Vern called, he could sense it. Before long he would drop by, pick her up, and take her away from the office to some fine dining or attraction. She loved this man. He treated her like royalty, like a porcelain doll. She missed him. She missed his laugh, his touch, and most of all, his poetry. Every day he wrote a different poem for her. Every morning she woke up she was sure to find a text message or another short poem from Vern.

Her parents adored him. They admired this man who had changed their youngest daughter’s life. They had been waiting for this day to come. Their daughter was thirty years-old and had never seriously dated anyone. Compared to her sister, Starr, who was a wild, party-going teenager, Dawn spent most of her teen years working.

She had started making a living as early as fourteen years-old, tutoring students in math. She was appalled when she learned of her fellow students who were failing the subject. She’d spent countless hours correcting their work. Eventually, she became overwhelmed repeating the process. Dawn later found a new and better way of approaching the problem. She started an after-school math-tutoring class. Soon, other math pros at her high school partnered with her and formed a math club.

Dawn tried to shake the memory of the text messages between Vern and Prudence, but they wouldn’t leave her. She recalled a portion that really puzzled her.

I didn’t know you had it in you. I never thought you would take a chance on me, now that you are a Christian.

What’s that supposed to mean? she mumbled. "Had what in him...what chance did he take on her? Why did he say, ‘you know how I feel about you? Does he love her? Did he sleep with her? She shook her head. Am I reading too much into this? But why did Prudence say, ‘I hope you don’t get into trouble with your woman?’ And what’s up with that smiley face he added? Obviously there is something going on between them." Hurt engulfed her. Dawn sat up in bed all of a sudden, and with all her might, she tossed the ring into the darkness.

*****

Vern Marshall was a happy man. He had driven home in what seemed like a fog. He couldn’t recall the moments on the road from Annie’s Hang-Out to his Inglewood home in May Pen. Now he lay in bed with his hands clasped under his head, smiling. He was too overcome with joy to fall asleep. He couldn’t wipe the stubborn smile off his face as he reminisced on the spectacular evening. He could hardly believe it. The lovely Dawn and I are engaged? Vern chuckled. I’m engaged to Dawn Freeman! he shouted. She said yes! He pumped a fist in the air. Yes!

Vern picked up his cell phone from beside him on the bed. He scrolled through his text messages between him and Dawn. He read his first entry that he’d sent her the minute they said goodbye in the parking lot at Annie’s Hang-Out. Baby, can you believe it? We’re engaged!

Dawn had taken a long time to reply. Vern figured she was probably talking to Celia about their engagement. A few minutes later she answered. I can hardly believe it myself.

Vern wrote, I know, it’s unbelievable!

Dawn’s next reply came quicker than the last, It’s insane!

Vern wrote, Lol! Listen to you! Oh, baby, we have so much to talk about.

Dawn wrote, You got that right. I can’t wait to find out what other tricks you have up your sleeve.

Vern wrote, Don’t worry, baby. You know me. I am full of surprises.

Dawn wrote, Yes, I totally agree!

Vern wrote, Sunshine, do you know how much I love you?

Dawn replied, No, you tell me. I’m here trying to figure it out.

Vern wrote, More than you could ever imagine, Morning Star. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. He added a dozen hearts and smiley-faces at the end of the text message. Before he could send it, his phone rang. It was Prudence. Vern pressed the ‘Decline’ button. He wanted to send the text first before he forgot. He thought it was the perfect moment to add a poem to it also. He wrote a 5-line poem and then he stopped to think. His phone rang again. It was Prudence. Suddenly, another text message from Dawn appeared at the top of his phone screen.

Her message read, Hey, I have to go. I’m very tired.

Vern sent his last text anyway and called it a night. He looked forward to his time with Dawn the next day. Now an hour after he’d gotten home, he was still wide awake, thinking into the future. He could see Dawn walking down the aisle coming toward him. He could see her smile as they exchanged rings and their vows. He could taste her...

Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by a text sound from his phone. He smiled and picked it up quickly to see Dawn’s reply. It was from Prudence.

Prudence wrote, Are you available to talk? I didn’t hear from you since my last text. Is tomorrow good? I’m available after eleven.

Vern replied, Tomorrow at eleven is good. Talk to you later.

*****

Judge Rowland Marshall lay in bed awake, exhausted after a long day in the courtroom. He had dealt with some very difficult cases, and even some painful ones, especially those involving the abuse or murder of children and the elderly. In all his forty years as a judge, he still couldn’t dismiss those cases so easily out of his mind right away, like he could other cases.

Those always linger much longer throughout the day, and even up until bedtime. Those were the cases that he didn’t take lightly. He didn’t care if you belonged to the royal family, once you stood before him, charged with what he called his ‘biggest pet peeve crimes’, you stood little chance of ever seeing the light of day. Today, he had sent four men to prison for the rest of their lives—two for killing an elderly couple, and the other two for raping and killing two teenage girls.

Yet with those two horrendous crimes, the disgusting acts, and the appalling testimonies from several witnesses, who were terrified about coming forward, that wasn’t what was on Judge Marshall’s mind this time. The most important thing