Living Lies (28 page)

“Do you want me to hit Jason up for the full scoop?”

“Naw, I’d just as well let things alone. I didn’t think it could get worse with Adam. The whole damn thing was just wrong from the start. We broke up before we even started dating. And now we’re cheating on each other.” It would have been funny had it been someone else’s life. But it left her with a crack in her heart, right along side the scar Danny had left.

“You could fight for him, maybe.”

Melanie shook her head.

“Are you sure about cutting the panther loose?”

“The panther was a one-night thing. But it looks like you and Jason are in full swing,” Melanie said, changing the subject. Her heart ached and she couldn’t think any more about Adam, but she was curious to know how Adam had found out about Javier.

Trish hesitated about discussing her relationship in the midst of Melanie’s current situation. Melanie welcomed the distraction.

“Hey, Jason’s going to Chicago tomorrow. How about we get together, just the two of us?”

Melanie smiled. She was being asked out on a pity date.

CHAPTER 17

Pre-dawn Tuesday, Melanie finally uncovered a potentially important e-mail from Parker to one of the deciphering technicians. In the short request Parker mentioned a disc he had retrieved while in Paris. A cloud drifted between her bedroom window and the moon, darkening her small world like an omen. She felt the customary prickle that came with a meaningful discovery – the piece she’d been searching for.

It was her last resort, but after hours of spinning her wheels she concluded that she couldn’t get her job back without Mike’s help. The strain in their relationship had been palpable during their last conversation. Melanie hoped the friendship was as strong as she’d always considered it to be and picked up the phone.

“Hi, Mike,” she said, trying to sound casual.

“Melanie? Hold on a sec.” His voice muffled as though he’d placed his hand to cover the receiver.

Melanie strained to decipher the mumbles.

“Melanie, hey, I’m glad you called,” he said. “How’ve ya been?”

“Good, good. How are things on the front?” Her heart fumbled to find a rhythm.

“Getting stranger each day. I swear, you’d never recognize this place.”

Melanie waited for him to elaborate, but he didn’t, so she seized the best opportunity she’d was going to get. “We’ve been friends a long time and you know I wouldn’t ask something of you if I didn’t absolutely have to, but…”

“Stop with the butter, Melanie. What is it you want?’

“I need you to recover a disc from Parker’s office.”

He released a huff of air so big Melanie could feel it hit her cheek.

“The disc and the hard copy were sent via inter-office on Friday. It’ll be on his desk no later than tomorrow. I need that report.”

“Have you had a heat stroke or are you just insane?” Mike whispered frantically. “I can’t break into his office and lift evidence from his desk.
You’re
the agent. I sit at my computer, away from direct danger.”

Melanie knew he’d balk but she pressed on. “I can’t do it. There’s no way I could get into the building without being noticed. I was going to intercept it in the mail but there’s no telling its exact route. Believe me when I tell you I’ve considered every other alternative. You’re my last hope.”

Another hefty blow into the receiver. “How important is this information? I mean, is there
any
other way?”

Melanie’s resolve cemented. “I wouldn’t be asking if there were. I’ll send you everything I’ve got and if you don’t think it’s pertinent then forget I ever asked. Deal?” She held her breath.

“I’m not promising anything.”

“Understood.”

Melanie didn’t waste any time working on plans C and D. Plan A had her doing all the legwork, but to get into the Agency without being arrested was highly unlikely. Mike was B. Plan C included eliciting help from Judith while D was more of a fantasy – snatching Parker in his sleep and torturing him until he confessed his treason.

She wasn’t resting. Her blood coursed as if replaced with caffeine and she decided this was more stressful than any assignment. It was personal, and although everything to this point felt like a strange dream – as if she were peering into someone else’s life – she knew it’d be permanent unless she acted.

Melanie paced for twelve hours, checking her phone every five seconds, eager not to miss Mike’s call. She was expecting his response any minute.

She was startled when her phone vibrated in her hand. The caller ID read Carla Bradley.

“I think I knew a Carla once,” she said, absently chewing on her bottom lip, calculating the probability of Mike actually agreeing to help, and wishing to hell he’d call.

“I know, I know. But I’ve called to find out what your plans were for tonight.”

“Tonight? Nothing
.” Even if Mike calls, I still have to wait,
she thought as Carla spoke.

“Good, because Ted can’t make it to Lena’s annual Fourth of July party until after 10 and I’m in need of an escort.”

“Escort, huh? Are you sure you dialed the right number?” Melanie said, looking at her calendar, having forgotten that today was the Fourth.

“A slow case load,” Mike had said, the burn still blistering. It stung knowing that this year she was completely out of the loop.

Carla continued, “Don’t be silly. It’s an absolutely fabulous party. All of the who’s who will be there, dressed to the nines and eating the finest cuisine from the trendiest caterers. After sundown she sets off a spectacular fireworks display. Believe me, you don’t want to miss this.”

“Sounds great, and it’ll give us time to catch up. It seems like forever since we’ve had a chance to talk.”

“I know, it’s an election year and I’ve been swamped doing my part for Ted. But definitely tonight it’ll just be the two of us. And by the way, Lena’s parties are high-fashion events so you’ll want to wear your very latest summer outfit.”

The day passed and she began to wonder if she should start working on Judith.

Melanie took her time putting together an outfit for Lena’s fabulously fashionable party. She was more than ready, excited even, when the limo pulled up to her door.

Tonight is about the party and spending time with Carla,
she thought. Y
ou can worry about the rest tomorrow.

Melanie grabbed her bag and headed out wearing a short white strapless shift dress and a pair of wedge gladiator sandals.

“Nice ride,” she said, slipping into the back and giving Carla a squeeze.

“Thanks for coming.”

“My parents are tired of me hanging around. My mom practically threw me out of the house.” Melanie laughed at how relieved Rita had been at the mere mention of a party. “Bruce says I’m a cat away from becoming a spinster.”

“Well, there will be loads of single men, you can have your pick.” Without pause she jumped topics, “I spoke with Ted and he thinks he can get you a job with the city and there may even be trips to D.C.” Carla was all about being responsible, and being unemployed definitely didn’t mesh with being a useful member of society.

“I really appreciate that, but I’m still feeling my way around this new life I’ve been given.”

You are such a liar,
she thought of the hours tucked away in her childhood bedroom with the lavender wallpaper, tackling her obsession with Parker.

The black limo took the windy, narrow streets slowly before stopping in front of a modern two-story building that looked more like a complex of offices than a home.

“This is hands-down the best party of the year. It’s by invitation only and you do
not
want to be dropped from Lena’s list,” Carla said eagerly as they walked up the narrow walkway lined with large leafed foliage.

The front doors were open wide, beckoning guests to continue on into the marble-tiled foyer.

“Mrs. Bradley!” Exclaimed a petite woman with shoulder-length, frosted blonde hair.

“Lena, hello,” Carla said as the two exchanged a hug and dramatically kissed the air above each other’s ears.

“Stunning as usual,” Lena said, holding onto both of Carla’s hands. “This must be your escort.” The appraisal took less than a heartbeat and Lena’s brown eyes were firmly back to Carla. “Ted is planning to grace us with his presence later, right?”

“Of course, he wouldn’t miss your party for the world. He’ll be here before the fireworks. I would like to introduce my very oldest and dearest friend, Melanie Ward.”

“I’m pleased that you were able to join the festivities,” Lena said halfheartedly. “There’s food, music and lots of spirits, so help yourself.” Her eyes already moving to the next wave of arriving guests. “Oh, Melanie, I just adore your entire ensemble. You’ll have to tell me where you made such a find. Later, okay?” Lena asked, releasing them with a small waggle of her fingers and a flight attendant-style, “buh-bye.”

“Wow, a compliment from Lena. Nicely done.”

Melanie shrugged, a few steps from the entrance the room opened to a platform high above the living area. The house was built on the side of a cliff and the view of the Pacific was breathtaking. The west wall was made up of sliding glass doors that had been opened, letting in the salty breeze. Under the arched patio people clustered around long tables covered edge to edge with delicacies. Two bars with tenders in flag shirts were at each end of the patio and from her angle, Melanie could see the edge of a lower patio with another bar and a bubbling Jacuzzi.

Carla was already gone, her low, proper heels clicking down the tiled stairway. Melanie took another look at how the other half lived and then followed her friend. The living room had gold carpeting, two monochromatic couches and four matching chairs. Above the fireplace, water cascaded down a mosaic of sea-glass into a grate on the mantel. She caught sight of Carla in her green sundress with a flower pinned to her dark hair, already engaging in conversations.

Coming in on the middle of campaign talk Melanie stayed silent and tried to appear interested. Carla flittered about the room, pollinating supporters of the Bradley for Congress crusade. Melanie tagged along, getting trapped every so often by contributors interested in “the oldest and dearest” of all of Mrs. Bradley’s friends.

“What do you do, Ms. Ward?” they’d ask.

Melanie felt that an out-of-work 33-year-old living with her parents wouldn’t help boost Ted’s popularity so she did what she did best – she lied.

When Carla wasn’t around Melanie became a professional snowboarder, a NASCAR announcer and only got in trouble as an archeologist specializing in ancient Greece.

It was the only thing making this fabulous party bearable. An hour into the party Melanie gave up on any quality time with Carla. Carla had switched to promotion mode months ago and she’d be almost useless until after the November election. Melanie searched for an available bartender.

“Did you see who just arrived?” Carla asked, sounding thrilled and squeezing Melanie’s arm.

Melanie glanced up to the bridge above the living room, thinking maybe Brad Pitt. Instead, a Hispanic gentleman, looking very Cary Grant in a dark blue cashmere jacket, strode down the stairs. He was holding the hand of a woman who may not have had a face; all Melanie could focus on was her plunging neckline exposing a pair of full double-D’s.

“That’s Salvador Luhan.”

Melanie ran the name through her brain’s database, “As in Luhan Motors?”

Carla’s face twisted with apparent exasperation. “Yes, but he’s the man who thwarted the bomb.”

Seclusion had its drawbacks. The only bomb she’d seen, when she’d sneaked a peak at the television, had been stamped ACME and Wile E. Coyote was strapping it to his wiry back.

Carla whispered the account of Luhan’s escapade as Melanie watched him prance around, shaking hands like a celebrity.

Three days earlier, Sal Luhan had rear-ended a red Ford Taurus a mile from Nimitz Naval Base. He got out of his truck to check on the other driver, when the guy sprung out of the car, knocking Sal to the pavement, and ran. One knee injured, Sal chased the 22-year-old two blocks before tackling the kid to the ground and holding him until the police arrived. In the trunk of the Taurus they found enough explosives to take out a two-mile radius.

Melanie was intrigued, as was everyone in the room. But while most centered their attention on the charismatic leader, Melanie was hypnotized by the tall man standing to Sal’s right. His dark, sleek hair was pulled back into a short ponytail and his panther eyes locked onto Melanie’s. Immediately, his broad white smile contrasted with his bronzed skin, sending her chills of delight. Javier’s black shirt was untucked, hanging loosely from his broad shoulders.

“Yes. He owns a dozen dealerships across Southern California.” Carla kept talking as Javier swaggered toward them.

His eyes ran up and down her body. She resisted the temptation to check herself and allowed his x-ray vision to explore.

“Hello, Melanie.” He lifted her hand to his lips without taking his eyes off his prey.

“Hello Javier,” she said, joyfully, “I’d like you to meet my oldest and dearest friend, Carla Bradley.”

“Enchanted. So it is true that beautiful women come in pairs,” he said, kissing Carla’s limp hand before turning his attention back to Melanie.

Javier’s typical M.O. – the corny lines, the smooth touch, the eternal eye contact – was more than any woman could endure without caving.

Even stone-cold Carla must be feeling his Brazilian heat
.

Suddenly this fabulously boring party had become interesting.

“You look incredible,” Javier said, widening his cat eyes and grinning from ear to ear. He took a step closer. “I’ve been thinking about you.”

“How many different women have heard that this week?” Melanie put her hand on Javier’s chest to stop his momentum.

“Melanie, may I speak with you for a moment?” Carla said with a sour tone, raising her index finger to Javier.

“Give me a minute?” Melanie said, looking apologetically at her predator.