Gallery of Deception

Gallery of Deception

Copyright 2017 Phyllis L. Holt

Published by Phyllis L. Holt at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.  This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people.  If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.  If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy.  Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All rights reserved.

Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Phyllis L. Holt, 4078 Old Slope PL, British Columbia, Canada, V9T 5P8.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their context.

Acknowledgement

I wish to acknowledge my son, Adam and his unwavering support in keeping me updated, in securing my site and in transferring my draft into a printable ebook format.  He’s been exceptional in the assistance he’s provided through my first ebook, Prisoner on Holiday, and now Gallery of Deception.

A huge shout out to my faithful readers at WordPress who inspired me to continue writing this book (originally entitled Nathan).  It was their eager acceptance and constant support that I found endearing, touching and very valuable.

My next book, Critical Error, is nearly finished and I look forward to sharing it with you as well.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgement

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Fourth

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

Epilogue

About the Author

Other eBooks By Phyllis L. Holt

Connect with Phyllis L. Holt

PROLOGUE

Nathan is a romantic mystery involving...

Emma Banks reporter and journalist for the Gazette assigned to cover local gala events in the community along with fundraisers and other high profile celebrations.  Her boss has asked her to look into Nathan Armstrong, a man with whom she has a history.  A wealthy renown businessman, Emma is nervous about seeing him after all these years.

A man entered the newspaper office to report an incident he'd previously watched.  Due to his alcoholic haze he didn't at first believe he'd witnessed a murder nor did he feel the police would believe him viewing him as less than credible.  As time passes, his conscience gets the better of him and he tells Emma and her Editor what he witnessed.  Little did he know he corroborated another witness's testimony (another no one would listen to).

Nathan is involved in extracurricular activities he doesn't wish Emma involved in much less become aware of.  To protect her and keep her safe, he must explain his involvement and leave it up to Emma to decide where she stands.

They become romantically involved and he assists her in running to ground, the perp responsible for killing an innocent young woman.  The deaths don't stop there.

Before long, Nathan intervenes to protect Emma's very life. Will they find the perp in time or will Emma forfeit her life in an endeavour to find out who killed a beautiful young woman, another reporter on the case, and is threatening Nathan, her Editor, herself, and her family.

GALLERY OF DECEPTION

CHAPTER 1

Nathan's persona, if taken on the surface, portrayed a man both cunning and disingenuous.  A player.  A man full of fun-loving endless party ‘til you drop enjoyment.  A good-time guy.  He was up for anything and had the money to back his momentary enjoyments whether flitting off to France on a whim or throwing a bash everyone eagerly attended.  He wasn't someone to be taken seriously!  His antics were well known and often the topic of the rag mags.

Emma knew this, was prepared for this.  She'd read every article she could get her hands on. Depending on the source, he was esteemed, his lifestyle celebrated, or equally hated by those jealous of his success and readily vilified his lifestyle.

She'd grown up with Nathan and although he'd been a few years older had watched over her, protecting her on occasion when bullies knocked her about.  He'd just been there as if appearing out of a mist of smoke and disappearing as quickly.  When Nathan was around, she knew she was safe, protected.  Any time their paths crossed, when their eyes locked, the sincerity, the earnestness she noted touched her heart. It was what she held onto, what kept her going through the tough times.

Unwittingly Emma measured every man she met against that bold earnest sincerity and watched to see if the actions were in accord with the emotions. So far, none she'd dated could come close.  Perhaps her ideals were too lofty, coloured by those interactions. Still, a girl could dream, couldn't she?

Today, their paths would cross for the first time since school.  Emma's assignment, to cover the bash at the Cosmopolitan which was backed and funded almost entirely by Nathan Armstrong.  Dressing with care, a practiced smile in place, she entered the dance hall.  Wandering, she nodded at a few she'd interviewed for other articles.  Some smiled, others nodded, some watched her curiously.

Unprepared, she stumbled onto Nathan.  The moment their eyes locked, she was pulled back into childhood and those rare but special moments their paths had crossed.  She peered into his eyes, hoping to see the sincerity she'd witnessed so long ago.  He moved closer, a warm smile hovered and his eyes went from warm to heated to sincere.  There it was.  The look she remembered and associated with Nathan.

She'd been schooled in seeking the truth, looking beneath the surface of what was said to what was real.  Once she explained her purpose here, how would he act? she wondered.

As Nathan drew near, all the emotion he'd suppressed bubbled to the surface.  Even as a teenager, she'd captivated him.  Now as a woman, she was entrancing.  Her perfume was subtle but smelled as she looked womanly, secretive yet vulnerable. He couldn't take his eyes off the woman she'd become.

Her evening gown was impeccable, her walk slow, elegant, a saunter that arrested.  There was nothing overtly sexual about her movements, they were simply a part of her.

Reaching out to her, he gathered both of her hands in his, caressing gently with his thumbs before kissing each in turn, gently, savouring the moment.  That unbelievably beautiful smile appeared, filled with hints of allure, warmth, and promise.  Again, nothing about it was contrived.  It was simply part of who she was. He remembered those occasions when someone had mistreated her and he'd been there to stop the incident from escalating; that smile, that unbelievable heart stopping smile.  She'd never lost it.  His Emma!  He'd always thought of her as his.

Emma looked up into those rich brown eyes imbued with seductive entreaty, Nathan! she whispered, It's wonderful to see you again.

The pleasure is all mine.  How are you, Emma? And what brings you to the gala?  If I were an egotist, I'd assume it was on my behalf, but since we haven't crossed paths for many years, that can't be it. He didn't let go of her hands but gently pulled her close into a warm embrace, guiding her onto the dance floor, waltzing to and fro oblivious to the sudden interest directed their way.

The magazine I work for is covering the event.  I was the fortunate recipient of the assignment.

A fleeting stiffness, nearly imperceptible tightened his features and as quickly disappeared.  Ah yes, I remember reading an article you'd written regarding the theft at the Ackerson's Christmas event intended to provide dinner and toys for families suffering financial displacement.

If it hadn't been his dear face was forever emblazoned in her mind, she might have missed it.  That was a beginner's piece and caught the eye of the editor.  I've moved on since to cover other high-profile events such as this, including musicals, opera, a gamut really.

Covered with great aplomb no doubt.

I'm always honest in my writing, Nathan. It's who I am.

I don't doubt it for a second, he assured her.  That warmth, that inner glow as she thought of it, had returned.  She allowed herself to be gathered closer in his arms and swayed to the music, losing herself in the moment and his warm embrace.

Nathan’s warmth enveloped her.  She was content to stay where she was.  He danced her around the floor, not once taking his gaze from upon her face.  She smiled shyly up at him wondering what he was thinking.  The moment was too pure to allow business or any other thoughts to intrude.  This was their moment in time, to share, enjoy, embrace.

Nathan was an incredible dancer effortlessly moving her across the floor, guiding her one moment, leading her the next.  She felt surreal as if she were floating across the dance floor, her feet light, their moves nimble almost as if connected on another plain.  Time stood still as they watched each other intently, conveying emotions they had never acted on but so deeply felt.  Emma felt relaxed, happy, concern and worry free.  It was as if nothing harmful could touch her here.  This bubble Nathan extended from within enveloped her completely.  Her mind was clear and her emotions calm and serene.

He didn't want the moment to end.  Here, together was where they belonged, now and forever.  Nathan was a protector and a giver, it came naturally.  Reading people and their motives second nature to him.  Emma had been innocent and guileless as a child, but as a woman, she embodied honesty and purity.

Nathan had kept apprised of her whereabouts, her schooling, including college and university.  He'd followed her bylines and watched her progress.  Her reporting was right on target, sparing the innocent and hammering the guilty.  She was strong, forthright and determined. He wondered why she'd appeared at this gala when he'd given many before and knew she could have pulled rank and attended had she wished to do so.

Always a realist first and foremost, he felt no foreboding.

Loath at ending their dance marathon, for they had danced non-stop since Emma's entrance, Nathan asked if Emma would enjoy a drink. At her nod, he wrapped an arm around her waist and guided her to the beverage bar.  She chose pop while he chose Champaign and looking into his heat filled eyes that made her feel special said, Cheers!

Nathan reciprocated and asked, So what brings you to my gala event, Emma?

I was chosen to ask the hard-hitting questions, an in-depth expose into all that is Nathan Armstrong.

I doubt much more could be added to the plethora of information swirling in the papers, but I'll grant your interview if we can do so over dinner, tomorrow night.

Emma suddenly felt edgy.  Having heard that line a dozen time, she was surprised by Nathan.  Although she trusted Nathan, indeed had no reason not to, she was suddenly guarded.

Noting the minute change Nathan quickly assured her, Nothing overt, Emma.  You, me, dinner, in surroundings where we aren't likely to be overheard or interrupted.  Nothing more.

His explanation sounded simple and plausible and she acquiesced gracefully. When they finished sipping their drinks, he once again took her in his arms and danced her across the floor.

He had guards posted at every entrance, cameras subtly placed throughout the room.  It was safe enough, but if Emma entered his world, protecting her would become a priority.  Her safety uppermost in his mind.  Momentarily, he chafed at the idea her life could be placed in jeopardy, simply by association with him.

In all probability, he should have welcomed her and walked away, thereby ending any possible danger to her life.  He hadn't done so.  He couldn't.  She was here now, and he wanted to know her, intimately.  Selfish, undoubtedly.  After granting the interview, he would make the situation clear, off the record, and see whether there was a possibility in moving forward.  His honour and common sense suggested he walk away before involving her in what had become his life.

It was nearly one in the morning.  Emma stopped short.  Thank you, Nathan, for a lovely evening.  I have to get up early tomorrow, it's time I left.  I'll just call a cab and be on my way.

Nonsense.  I'll have my chauffeur bring the car around and drive you home.

That would be a luxury I don't require.  I'm perfectly capable of getting myself home, Nathan.

I insist, it's the least I can do after monopolizing you all night.  He motioned to a man at the door, and he disappeared.  I'll walk you out, he offered, once again wrapping his arm about her waist, enjoying the silken fabric and warmth emanating from her body, her perfume heady.

I'll have my driver pick you up tomorrow at 7:00 and we'll delve into 'All that is Nathan and perhaps you'll reciprocate by bringing me up to speed on what you've been doing."

Smiling, Emma said, It's an interview, Nathan. Not a conversation.

Humour lit his eyes, We have all night, Emma.

Emma was admittedly a little nervous. She hadn't seen Nathan in years. All she really knew about him was what information she'd gathered in preparation for the interview. Her gut instinct told her she could trust his word, but there were unanswered questions.  She hadn't mentioned her previous association with Nathan since she didn't feel it had any bearing on the situation.  If the circumstances changed, she might have to mention it to her boss.  He'd always been generous in his latitude, trusting her instincts which were always on the mark.

She was outside her condo, having just stepped out the front door when she spotted Nathan's car pulling up to the curb.   Interestingly it wasn't a stretch limo, but a Mercedes-Benz, in white.  By the time she'd reached the vehicle, he was already standing with the back door open, tall and erect and seemingly unapproachable.  For that reason, she couldn't resist stopping in front of him and thrusting her hand out introduce herself, Hi, Emma Banks.  She politely waited, taking in the surprised look in his eyes, quickly shielded.

Since she hadn't dropped her hand but stood prepared to outlast him, and the twinkle in her eyes suggested she was enjoying the battle of wills, he offered his hand, Jim, he responded with a quickly concealed quirky grin, shaking her hand firmly in a vice like grip.  He doffed his hat before offering her a hand to assist her inside.  He waited patiently as she sat and tucked her legs inside.

As he hurried around the limo he smiled again.  Nathan was in for a challenge in more ways than one he decided.  This young woman was a breath of fresh air, unlike the gold digging parasites that constantly hounded Nathan and whom he'd been forced to run interference for on numerous occasions.

He wondered if Nathan was aware of the quiet stubbornness he'd just witnessed. Nathan was a strong independent fiercely determined individual.  He'd witnessed those characteristics on many occasions.  It would seem he may have met his match in this beautiful woman who seemed a quiet match of determination.  He was going to enjoy this encounter, decidedly.

There was little to no information available even through her in-depth search.  Nathan had obviously been extremely careful about many aspects of his life.  Emma had no idea what Nathan's personal residence looked like.

The mansion they drove toward was massive, probably had its own zip code.  The sprawling brick facade took her breath away.  She had read magazines with pictures of interesting architecture, both modern and old, but this home spoke to her as none other had.  It was, for all i's size, inviting.  The facade was the embodiment of warmth, no doubt due in part to the beautifully aged brick, but located in sections across the front, lay sprawling gardens infused with rich vibrant colour.  The far entrance was covered by a pergola, it's woody vines blending into the colour of the brick, with magnificent flowers she couldn't name, draped over and through, cascading like a waterfall providing a feast of colour for the eye and a subtle division from the rest of the house.

As they slowly pulled to a stop at the entrance, the massive cathedral-like wooden door, with long elegant leaves carved from bottom to top, held inset pieces of stone shaped like Humming Birds.  She was pleased he hadn't come to greet her, for it gave Emma an opportunity to gaze wondrously upon a piece of all that was Nathan.

Even with its magnificence, it was subtle.  There was nothing overtly ostentatious about this home.  It called, it beckoned, it invited.  Not only that you enter, but that you saunter, enjoy, relax.  She couldn't resist its warm rich enticing siren's call, it simply beckoned your presence.  Sauntering along the front, she was led down a garden path festooned with every plant imaginable on earth.  As she wandered, she breathed deeply taking in the richness of the soil, the gentle fragrance of unknown flowers, their scent permeating her soul with their delicate fragrant aromas distinctly unique.  Emma stood stock still, eyes closed, a smile a mile wide upon her face as she drank in her surroundings.

Jim stood back watching.  Her immediate delight and willingness to absorb her surroundings stopped him in his tracks.  What a rare jewel was this, a reporter no less, that stopped to smell the flowers.  He wasn't sure what to make of her, this Emma of the journalistic world, invited into Nathan's personal space.  He was beginning to understand why Nathan was enchanted with her.  Her appeal ran far deeper than skin deep.

Nathan was aware of her arrival.  He'd watched with anticipation, eager to share his world with her.  He leaned against the pergola, relaxed, enjoying.  A beautiful exotic flower among the many in his garden.

She turned and spotting him, sauntered toward him.  "You could have knocked me over with a feather, Nathan, this is beyond exquisite."

Nathan's eyes were trained on Emma.  As she approached, she watched them turn from warm to heated instantly and she flashed that dazzling smile in return.  He was glad he was leaning against the pergola, otherwise, his knees might have dropped from under him.

Straightening he strolled toward her.  He reached out and taking her hands in his, drew them to his lips, placing a feather-light kiss on each one. Emma.  I'm pleased you made it.

No place I'd rather be.  Her reply was flippant, but he'd momentarily taken her breath away and she was suddenly lost for words.  She shook her head bemused by her own reaction to him.  Metaphorically kicking her butt, she coughed then said, Do I get the grand tour?

Tucking her arm through his, Nathan nodded, It would be my pleasure.

Wandering through the exotic smelling pergola, they accessed what appeared to be a side entrance that flowed directly into a beautiful kitchen.  Staff was busily preparing a meal.  She felt their discreetly watchful eyes visit their movement through the room.

This wasn't just a kitchen, it was a chef's delight containing every modern convenience imaginable with plenty of counter and island space upon which to work.  Placed off to one side was a beautiful stone fireplace with a curved hearth flanked on either side by modern art that brought the gardens inside.  Masterful paintings of some of the flowers and blossoms she'd seen outside, graced the walls, each six to eight feet high.  The overall effect was elegant and inviting.  Snippets of the pergola and gardens surrounded them in equally beautiful smaller paintings.  As she glanced at each one, it was as if she were standing in the garden outside.  She could almost smell their exquisite aroma.  Emma couldn't take her eyes off of the artwork.

These are remarkable.

It's a hobby.

Wait, you mean to tell me these are yours?

I've been painting since I was around eight or nine.  Nothing on this scale, but, it's like breathing to me.

She had no idea he painted.  Still, these were museum-worthy, extraordinarily beautiful, exquisite in detail and form.

Most people I've met take those kinds of talents for granted since it comes easily.  It always surprises me, why, when you are that talented, you wouldn't pursue it.  Most feel unless they have to work and slave, it's worthless.  Not true in my opinion.  I'd give anything to have that kind of talent, she nodded toward the paintings.

Together they sauntered through Nathan's home.  Spacious hallways led to beautifully decorated rooms.  But it was the lighting that immediately captured Emma's attention upon entry.  The windows and lighting were Nathan's influence, had to be, for they contained a feel.  It was as if walking into a painting each time she entered a room, even the bathrooms were beautifully and effectively lit.  Yes, she could definitely see an artist's eye at work here.  A mixture of muted or defused light shone appropriately around the room, enhancing the decor and cozy feel within.  It was easy to imagine living, relaxing, and just being in any room in the house since you were instantly bathed in a sensation of welcome and comfort.  The furnishing throughout were modern and luxurious adding to the ambience of understated wealth. Emma's photographic memory captured the beauty and essence as well as the appurtenances.

Nathan watched closely.  Emma wasn't in a hurry and although she often glanced around a room, her eyes traveled back as if imprinting what she saw, in her mind.  She contentedly allowed him to guide her, his arm wrapped around her waist, while he provided details pertaining to the craftsmanship, part and parcel throughout the creation of his home.

Having her so near filled him with an aching need and desire for more.  Nathan envisioned having her close, very close, intimately so.  And although he wished he could prolong their tour, he didn't relish bringing the tour to a close.  However, time was of the essence.  He had a plane to catch later tonight to Geneva and it wasn't something he could defer another day.

Nathan led her into a cozy room, much larger than