Deception

Deception

Laura Ranger

Foundations, LLC

Brandon, MS 39047

www.FoundationsBooks.net

Deception

Second Edition

By Laura Ranger

Cover by Dawné Dominique Copyright © 2017

Edited by: Steve Soderquist

Formatted by: Laura Ranger

Copyright 2016 © Laura Ranger

Published in the United States of America

Worldwide Electronic & Digital Rights

Worldwide English Language Print Rights

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any form, including digital and electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written consent of the Publisher, except for brief quotes for use in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Dedication

To Aubri, Makayla and Sadie, who have always been honest with me. Yiayia loves you very much, girls!

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Epilogue

About the Author

Other Books by Laura Ranger

Other Titles from Foundations

Prologue

Lies come in all forms. The little white lies hurt nothing more than your feelings. The deep, black, engulfing lies forever changed a person’s way of being in the world. Izzy mostly encountered those.

Isabelle or Izzy, as her family and friends called her, sat listening to the cold wind outside her now cold car, whip itself into a frenzy as it tried to enter. An involuntary shudder ran through her.

She wondered if everyone lied. Did so many people lie because someone had lied to them at one time or another? Were liars born, or were they made from life’s circumstances? If it weren’t for lies, she wouldn’t be trapped in this vehicle, sitting so long her butt had gone numb over an hour ago.

Periodically, she turned on the car to engage the seat warmer to thaw a bit before conserving her gas for later. It was getting late. Bored out of her mind, she could feel her eyes grow so heavy she wasn’t certain she hadn’t nodded off for a moment.

She tried paying attention to her surroundings to keep her mind alert, so she wouldn’t fall asleep. She watched the traffic lights down the long street, in a seedy part of town, change color in succession to keep traffic flowing. The low hum of the city buses as they wound their way throughout the city, picking people up from one place and depositing them in another, provided reassurance at this late hour. Many buses went through the routes with no passengers. Their lighted interior made them look abandoned and lonely. Izzy wondered where the few riders she saw were going to or coming from at such an hour.

The hookers were in action on the sidewalks. What a miserable existence. Torn fishnet stockings reaching above stiletto heels, not for sensible comfort but to appeal to men—a visual come-on. They wore skirts so short she knew they waxed, or pubic hair would be seen below their hems. See-through blouses with plunging necklines made Izzy wonder what the point of the fabric was. They might as well just hang out in their bras. As she saw them turning their tricks throughout the night, she wondered if her mark had used any of these women in one of his lies. It was a sort of dance they did as they walked the sidewalk. They wove in and out of traffic approaching this car, but avoiding that one.

The bars in the neighborhood sucked in the sober and spit out the drunks who were no longer capable of walking a straight line.

Neon lights flashed a rainbow of colors up and down the street.

She watched the winos staggering down the sidewalks begging for money to get more booze until they could no longer amble and had to sleep it off on the side of the buildings, too numb to feel the cold anymore.

Stray dogs, no more than skin and bones and riddled with fleas, would stop every few feet to scratch. They hunted for something–anything–to eat to get them through just one more day.

While her coffee grew cold, Izzy waited for her scariest liar yet. She knew she would catch this one. This wasn’t going to be one of those innocent lies that just hurt feelings either. This was going to be the other kind—the kind that would forever change lives and not for the better. There would be no going back.

Why did people like him always ruin everything with lies? What was he doing down here in this squalid part of town, when he should be home in his nice neighborhood, appreciating what he had?

Chapter One

Isabelle Rose Greenblat grew up in an average middle-class family. Her parents had been together for fifteen years. Her mother, Shelly, worked a part-time job for fun money, and took care of the family the rest of the time. An energetic blonde, she was always happy and carefree, if not a bit scatterbrained most of the time. She could always make anyone feel better by being in her presence.

Izzy adored her father, Jeffrey, because he made her feel like a princess. Hard working, rugged, and good-looking, he owned a construction business that always had plenty of work. He was often gone by the time Izzy reached the breakfast table in the morning and rarely home by the time they ate dinner at night. Jeffrey Greenblat provided a good living for his family, and Izzy couldn’t recall ever needing something that wasn’t just given to her.

The middle of three children, Izzy had two brothers. Her older brother by three years, Michael, was wonderful. He was trustworthy, loving and kind. He always stuck up for and protected her. They were very close.

Then there was Gabriel, her younger brother by two years. The last time there was a relationship this loving, God threw Lucifer out of heaven.

Malicious and vindictive, Gabriel was a liar. Izzy had caught him in many lies, but whenever she tried to tell their mother, Shelly always brushed her aside and let it go. This infuriated Izzy. At times like that, Gabriel taunted her with smug looks and snide comments. She could never see them being friends. Ever.

Hugo, the Greenblat Great Dane, was as gentle as a kitten and as big as a horse. Some of the neighbor kids called him Huge-O due to his size. Izzy had always loved dogs because they never lied, were always loyal and forever faithful.

Life was perfect, yet Izzy soon learned it was a fallacy when reality shattered her happy existence.

The lie that destroyed Izzy’s ten-year-old world came when her parents announced they were ending their relationship, but not by divorce. They had never married.

Her brothers had accepted it easily. She couldn’t. She had too many questions. What did it mean? How would they be treated? Did this mean she and her brothers were bastards? Her biggest question was if her parents were splitting, would one of them please take Gabriel with them? The questions kept coming with no one answering them.

Izzy decided then, she would never trust anyone but Michael again.

Chapter Two

Fourteen years later, Izzy graduated from college with her Master’s degree. Now a year later, she received an invitation to the big yearly frat party of the fraternity paired with her sorority.

As she crossed the yard and climbed the front steps of the frat house, she ran into several people she knew.

Izzy-bug, a huge man in a T-shirt and jeans called out as he lifted her off the floor, spinning her in circles before finally lowering her to solid ground.

Hey, Moose, how’s it going?

Ah, same ol’ same ol’. You know the drill. How is it in the real world being a grown up and all?

It’s good. All grown up stuff. You’ll see next year when it’s your turn.

Izzy always liked Moose. A linebacker on the school’s football team, he was a formidable opponent on the field. He had never lied to her, as far as she knew, but like everyone in her life, she kept him at arm’s length.

She headed for the kitchen for a cold beer. It was going to take awhile at this rate. People she knew, but no longer saw every day, stopped her every couple of feet. She saw plenty of new faces too. She tried to keep the talk to a minimum just to make it to the kitchen when this year’s quarterback stopped her.

Hey, Izzy, so glad you could make it. How’s the job going? I sure miss you on campus. He lifted her high off the floor and kissed her soundly as he returned her to her feet. What was it with these guys always picking her up? Where’s your drink, sugar?

I haven’t made it that far.

He yelled out over the crowd, Get this woman a drink. She likes bottled beer.

Thanks, Sean, Izzy replied.

No problem, doll face. So, tell me how you’re doing. It sure is good to see one of the genuine ones again. I do get tired of all the fluff. You know what I mean?

A random arm holding a cold bottle of beer shot through the crowd of girl’s surrounding Sean. He took it, did a quick head nod and passed it to Izzy.

Thanks. I know what you mean. Life is good and I love my job.

You work for the museum?

No, a private company. They employ people like me to go all around the world to verify the pieces of art these rich folk own are the real deal.

Are you kidding me? How did you land a gig like that? I bet they pay you well too, huh?

Oh yeah, they pay all my expenses and give me a hefty paycheck. It just pays to be good at what you do, I guess.

Wow, well good for you. No one deserves it more with all the hard work you’ve done. I’m really happy for you, Izzy.

Thanks, Sean. How’s the team doing this year?

It’s great. They have the best quarterback ever, so they’re planning on going to the finals. They both laughed.

Izzy gave him a little shove. Thanks for the beer. I’ll catch up with you later, little bro.

Sure thing, honey. Don’t leave without saying bye.

No, no, I won’t. It was good to see you.

Izzy wandered through the crowd, catching up here and there with people she had known well, and some she hadn’t seen in years that returned just for the party. She was glad she’d come after all. Initially, she debated about accepting the invitation, but since she was going to be in town, she figured she’d make an appearance. It was different not seeing these people all the time and dropping in like this. She thought she might do this more often.

She needed a break and some air, so she ducked out the back door and took a seat on the steps. After only a moment, a man took a seat beside her.

Care if I join you? he asked.

Only if you don’t ask me how it feels to be an adult.

He chuckled. I promise I won’t. May I ask your name?

It’s Isabelle Greenblat. And yours? She looked into the most electric blue eyes, set in the most handsome face she’d ever glimpsed. This man was beautiful.

Well, that’s a good Jewish name. I’m Caleb, Caleb Matthews.

He extended his hand. She placed her small hand in his large one and a jolt of electricity surged through her. The chemistry between them was undeniable. She found herself praying he wasn’t a liar.

Nice to meet you, Caleb. My father is Jewish, my mother Christian. I was raised in my mother’s church.

He waved his hand holding his beer at the milling bodies around them. Are you a member, an invitee, or a crasher?

She laughed. I’m both a member and an invitee. I’m an alum. I graduated last year. There’re a lot of people here I don’t know, such as yourself. So, which are you?

Caleb chuckled. I’ve been out for quite some time. I just like to come back and catch up now and then.

So, what is it you do, Caleb?

I work security for P.J. Morton Corporation. I go wherever they need me.

‘Nice. Do you like it?"

I do, but I want to get onto the police force eventually. What do you do, Isabelle?

Call me Izzy, all my friends do. I’m an Art Authenticator.

Is there a lot of work doing that?

You’d be surprised. A lot of people out there lie about art. I help catch them. I despise liars.

I’m with you. There’s nothing worse than a liar. Lies have hurt me in the past.

Me too. Do you live around here?

Caleb smiled and shook his head. I have a place in the country now. It’s nice, but I’d like to move back here to be closer to everything.

I don’t think I could leave all the conveniences so close by. I guess I’ve gotten spoiled by having everything right at my fingertips.

Would you like to go back to the party or get out of here?

Although she thought she would love to go somewhere to sit and talk with him for hours, a part of her insisted she take it slow. Experience made her cautious, and she had no intention of ignoring it. She needed to know about this man before jumping into any relationship with him. A brief conversation at a party was not enough in Izzy’s book anymore, no matter how gorgeous he was. Every one of her boyfriends had been attractive and appeared open. Yet every one of them had lied to her.

Let’s go back in for a bit. There are so many people I haven’t seen or talked with for a long time. I’ll probably not see them again for another year.

Sure. He rose and put out his hand to help her rise. She loved the tingle that went through her at his touch.

They returned to the party with all the commotion, the noise, the pulsing music, and the bodies. It all made her feel alive. As they worked their way through the throngs of people, she observed all the drugs being passed around and noted Caleb’s response to them. As of yet, he hadn’t sought them out. So far, so good. Then, the moment of truth came. Someone passed him a roach clip with a live blunt in it.

Thanks, man, he said.

Her heart dropped to her toes. She could never be with someone who did drugs. Caleb offered her the roach. She shook her head, and he passed it on to the girl on the other side of Izzy.

I don’t do drugs, he whispered in Izzy’s ear.

Her heart soared. Could Caleb be the man of her dreams?

The fact he didn’t do drugs gave her peace. She’d been fooled before. Years ago, her sixteen-year-old boyfriend, Trevor, was a drug dealer and had hidden that from her.

It had been a week since Izzy met Caleb at the frat party. He had either taken her out or spoken with her on the phone every day. She liked having someone who cared about her again. She only hoped he didn’t turn out to be like everyone else. She understood people appeared normal until you got to know them, but she prayed his life didn’t include lying. She paid strict attention to his every word, motion, look, and the body language he used.

In Izzy’s first year of college, she took a Sociology course to fulfill needed credit hours. It turned out to be an answer to prayer, for her. She learned those that couldn’t look you in the eye were probably lying to you. However, truly accomplished liars could look you in the eye and lie anyway. In her Sociology course, she discovered body language revealed more than eye contact. The study of body language was only a small aspect of the overall course. When she dug deeper, she discovered the Criminal Law program taught more in-depth courses. Because they applied to her proposed work on forgers of arts and antiquities, she was able to take those courses. That it benefited her personally was an added perk.

Izzy had plenty of flash-in-the-pan boyfriends over the years. Some of them couldn’t be trusted, but were fun to play with for a time. One of their signature moves came when they ignored Izzy if a pretty girl entered the area. Those she enjoyed kicking to the curb when she’d had enough of them. It infuriated her, but in her opinion, most men were dogs.

Caleb, on the other hand, focused completely on her. It was as if there were no other women in his vicinity, or any people at all. He often addressed servers while gazing at her. Everything was about her. She knew her daddy was going to like this one.

On their third date, Caleb took her to their alma mater for a football game. He would also visit her home for the first time.

She had never allowed anyone except family and longtime friends in her home. The house was ridiculously big for just her, but she got it as a foreclosure for a fraction of the market value. She expected eventually to raise a family in it.

The house needed some restorations, so with her father by her side, it was quick and easy work that cost a fraction of the amount others, who didn’t have a father in construction, would pay. Only bedrooms and bathrooms were upstairs, so she occasionally went up there to vacuum and dust. A full basement housed her seasonal decorations, a wonderful laundry room with all the bells and whistles, thanks to her father’s skills, and a large game room. The first floor, where Izzy lived, contained the master suite, living, dining, office, and kitchen areas. She imagined it full of laughing children and a happy family one day. For now, she enjoyed being single with a career she loved.

She walked around the first floor one more time, making certain everything was in its place and clean. She wanted to make a good first impression on Caleb, who had suddenly had become important in her life. She would make herself sick if she didn’t find something to take her mind off the infuriatingly slow tick of the clock, so she decided to take her dog, Max for a walk. She had plenty of time and the big oaf was always so much fun.

Izzy grabbed her coat and his leash and went to his domain in the backyard. He came bounding up to her as always, as if he hadn’t seen her in years, although she had been in the yard playing with him two hours ago.

She snapped the leash to his collar. Walk?

Max loved walking. At first, he pulled to hurry her along until she reminded him she was boss and therefore leader. Izzy did as she had been trained to respond to him, stood her ground, and spoke firmly, Heel.

He snapped to attention and quickly stood at Izzy’s left side.

Good boy, she praised him.

Before they left, she had gotten a call from Caleb saying he was on his way. She turned Max to head back to the house, anticipating they would arrive about the same time. Sure enough, Caleb’s car was coming toward them down the street, as they rounded the last corner. Her heart skipped a beat, as she saw him approach. She had it bad.

He waited for her by his car door while she and Max closed the distance. She wore a huge, silly grin.

As they started up the driveway to greet him, Max almost took her down as he lunged for Caleb, baring his teeth and growling. Izzy had never experienced such a reaction from him before.

Max, she shouted. Heel!

Max did as commanded, but he was not happy and continued to bare his teeth, growl low and keep his attention on Caleb. At that, Caleb stayed where he was, went to his knees and extended his left arm, palm down, toward the dog.

He focused on Max. It’s okay, boy. I’m not going to hurt you or your mama.

It’s okay, Max, Izzy said. He’s a friend.

She slowly led the dog to Caleb. His eyes stayed locked on him as Max sniffed first his hand and then all the way around the man at his level. Caleb never moved and didn’t try to pet Max.

I’m going to put him up, Caleb. I’ll be right back.

Sure, Caleb responded, but didn’t rise until the dog was behind the gate.

Izzy came through the house and opened the front door for Caleb to enter.

I’m not going to be eaten by your dog, am I?

Izzy chuckled. No, he’s in the backyard now, so you’re fine. Please come in.

This is some house. How many people live with you?

Only me.

Are you kidding? What do you do with so much space?

It was a smart investment. I hope to have a family one day. For now, I live on the first floor and keep the rest for the future.

That could scare a man away, you know, Caleb said.

Does it scare you?

Not in the least.

Then what does it matter? You want the tour?

Absolutely.

She took him to the basement and ended on the second floor. She listened to his remarks and observed his facial expressions. She explained how her father had helped her make it the beauty it now was. He never came across as a gold digger or appeared intimidated by anything in her home. He showed interest and admiration at the construction work she and her dad had done. He told her he was capable of doing the basics, but nothing to the extent they had accomplished. He expressed his awe. Izzy had a really good feeling about him. He seemed so genuine and honest.

Shall we go? he asked as she ended the tour.

Sure. Let me get my coat.

At the stadium, he knew a lot of people. He often nodded at various guys and gave the occasional high five.

She passed her friends as they made their way to their seats. After they settled, he excused himself to get food from the concession stand. He had brought a blanket for the brisk night that lay ahead. Caleb was so thoughtful.

Almost as soon as he left, Vanessa, a sorority sister, came and took Caleb’s seat. Isabelle Greenblat, who is that gorgeous hunk of man with you?

Izzy giggled. Caleb Matthews. He’s alum from way back. He’s twenty-seven. I met him last week at the frat party. Isn’t he drop dead?

Yes. How is it I never noticed him before?

I have no idea. I hadn’t either. He came out on the back steps at the frat party when I was getting some fresh air, introduced himself and asked me out. We’ve talked every day since and this is our third date.

Wow. Good for you, girl. I hope he’s one of the good ones.

No more than I do.

I was afraid you’d given up on ever getting serious again after Jeremy.

I had. I’m taking this slow but so far he’s genuine and really likes me.

Should we see if he can pass our test?

I hate to do that, but it would make me feel better about moving forward. Do you mind?

Not in the least. Besides, I’d love to get a good look at him up close and personal. We’ll see how trustworthy he is one of the times he goes to the men’s room too. Gabby’s here and you know she’d love to get her hands on him. Okay with you?

Yeah, that would be great. You know how I feel about liars. Izzy gave her a wink.

Caleb came up the steps with his hands and arms full of hotdogs, drinks and boiled peanuts.

Here, let me take some of that for you, Izzy said.

Thanks, I need more hands.

He hadn’t taken his eyes from hers as he began to step to his seat, but stopped when he realized there was a body in his chair.

Oh, he said in surprise and looked around to get his bearings and ensure he was in the right seating area.

Caleb, this is one of my sorority sisters, Vanessa, Izzy said by way of an introduction.

Vanessa turned on her classic, voluptuous charm. She always wore her cleavage for the entire world to enjoy. Usually, men began tripping all over themselves to hook up with her. Caleb’s reaction to Vanessa’s flirt stunned both women. He never looked at anything more than her eyes as Izzy introduced them, and he shifted food around to extend his hand for a shake. When Vanessa took his in both her hands and drew it nearer her torso, he pulled away, stepped backward into the aisle and averted his eyes from her.

Nice to meet you, Vanessa.

As Vanessa passed Izzy, she gave her a hug and whispered in her ear, There’s a keeper. He passed with flying colors. I’m so happy for you, Izzy.

Thanks, Izzy said. I’ll call you soon.

Sure, honey. Nice to meet you too, Caleb, Vanessa said