Deadly Deception - By Andrea Johnson Beck Page 0,25
just left Stella and her mother. Anne began recalling the haunting words that came from innocent lips.
“I wanted the nightmares to go away.”
The hairs on Anne’s neck had stood straight up. Stella stared out the window and played with her blue hospital gown. She didn’t go beyond that one horrid statement and Anne didn’t want to push her luck with such a fragile little girl who had endured more than most adults. She was still looking into various mental health facilities for Mrs. McGuire but since it was the weekend, she had a feeling it wouldn’t get fully accomplished until Monday morning.
Adam had left numerous voicemails on her phone, pleading for a returned call. He didn’t specify whether he was still up at the cabin or if he had returned to the Cities. Anne could feel the guilt rise in her throat. The consequential thoughts made her insides flutter and not in a good way.
She would step into that wasps’ nest in due time but for now she was off to meet someone else, someone who could possibly shine some light on the precarious situation that Carter had shoved her into, the last person to have seen him before he disappeared—Sam Goodman.
It was amazing how easily people could be found simply by the click of a mouse. Sam had returned from Asia with a bride and a toddler. They resided in a quiet community in Woodbury. She entered Carver Lake Park which also had a pleasant beach that was full of activity during the summer months. The sun’s rays were bursting with warmth that soothed the once-hibernated public. The timber playground equipment buzzed with children of all ages while parents conversed with one another about the joyous break of the winter blues.
Perched on a nearby bench hiding behind a black baseball cap and blue hoodie was Sam. Anne walked up to him guardedly but once he saw her, he jumped up and hugged her. Quite taken back by his enthusiasm, Anne returned the gesture. His blue eyes twinkled with the early afternoon sun.
“Anne! It’s so good to see you!”
She scanned the playground.
“It’s great to see you too Sam. Are your wife and daughter here?”
“No, it’s best that I keep them out of harm’s way. I think I’ve done enough of that to last a lifetime.”
She knew exactly what he was referring to.
“Why did you do it?”
Sam’s chipper demeanor became apprehensive. A shadow etched over his fair freckled face.
“Carter helped me get my wife out of Hong Kong minus the red tape so in return I kept a close eye on you. I’m sorry, Anne, I know I should’ve told you but there are so many elements to this and he didn’t want you getting involved.”
“But you risked your family’s life for him? Who are the Montgomery's? And what is Adam’s involvement in all this?”
“Wow, you just get right to it, don’t you?”
Sam shifted uncomfortably.
“Look, whatever it is I can handle it.”
His face looked doubtful.
“No, you can’t, but I will say this: tread lightly. The Montgomery's have people everywhere and they mean business.”
Sam quickly glanced around the park.
“What about Adam?”
He covered his mouth with his hand, pretending to cough.
“He has history with Carter and his family but don’t tell him about Carter. Do you understand me? Adam’s expertise is elimination.”
The seriousness of his manner made Anne feel anxious. She knew she was walking right into a minefield.
“I need more than this, Sam.”
He shook his head in protest.
“I have to go. Take care of yourself and remember what I said.”
Sam patted the top of her hand. He smiled and walked away. She watched him get into his teal Suburban and drive out of the parking lot. Not too long after he left, she couldn’t help but notice a silver BMW with tinted windows following closely behind him. They were indeed being watched. A violated sensation swept over her body, bringing a wave of nausea to her stomach. Sprinting to a nearby plastic trash bin, she released all her distress with a large heave. The acid-laced bile burned her throat, bringing tears to her eyes. After searching for a napkin in her purse, she patted the corners of her mouth. She hurried to her car and sped out of the parking lot. It was time for her to face Adam.
CHAPTER 9
Speeding down the interstate, weaving in and out of traffic, she exited 35W onto the road that would lead her to the uptown area near Calhoun’s Square. Pulling up in front of a