Bed Of Lies Read online

  “I wasn’t ease dropping, but when you came in I heard you are having some problems, did you manage to get it fixed?”

  Rafe blinked slightly confused, “No, I’m on my way to do that right now.”

  She held out her hand and he took it. “I wish you all the luck.”

  Am I being dismissed? Rafe chuckled, slightly amused but he could take a hint. “I’ll leave you to your celebration.” He turned and walked out of the restroom. She had to be a triple M employee. Just this morning his Senior Executive Officer had promoted a Miss Manchester to that same position. Rafe had only seen her from a distance and now that he’d seen her close up he was glad the girl had brains, because other than being passable pretty she didn’t have much else working for her.

  Nina hurried to put on her glasses, but by the time she had them on, he was out the door. She sighed, washed her hands and headed out the door and to her new office. She hummed as walked, her step unusually light. Today would be the start of a different Nina. She decided then and there things were going to be different for her in every way, she was going to take hold of her life and begin living. She caught the last hints of cologne from the man and she shivered, it was as if he’d touched her.

  *****

  Rafe sat behind his desk trying to finish reading the report Wayne had given him. It was two hundred pages long and his eyes ached. He leaned back and stretched, it had been a long day. He arrived at six thirty a.m., he looked at his watch and cursed. It was six thirty p.m. He hadn’t meant to stay this long. Tonight he had planned to go to his apartment, if he could remember where it was, and kick his feet up and get a full nights sleep.

  “Umm, Sir?” He looked up

  “What do you want?” He snapped “Can’t you see I’m busy?” He could’ve bitten his tongue at the look on her face.

  “I… it’s getting late. I wanted to tell you good night.”

  Rafe straightened the papers in front of him, and then looked at her again. “I’m sorry for yelling. I’m just tired, you have a good night Paula.”

  “You too Sir,” She turned to go, and then she stopped. “Oh, did you get a chance to call your mother? She asked me to make sure you didn’t forget.”

  Rafe closed his eyes for just an instant, and then shook his head. “I forgot.”

  “Please do call her. I wouldn’t want her to think I didn’t give you the message.”

  “I’ll call Paula, you drive safe.”

  Paula smiled and closed the door behind her.

  Rafe sighed hard, and leaned back in the chair. His eyes went to the phone. It I call she is going to scream at me for neglecting her, on the other hand if I don’t call, I can put off the screaming to a later date.

  He sighed again as that little voice of guilt whispered in his ear. Before he could change his mind he picked up the receiver and dialed the number.

  “Well I’ll be,” he cringed at the cynicism on the other end of the phone, he didn’t even think the phone had a chance to ring before she picked it up. “Maybe I wasn’t imagining the fact that I have children. For a while I thought I was just a lonely old woman with no one to love her or care about her.”

  “Okay Mother, I’m sorry.”

  “Sorry for what?” She chirped innocently and Rafe clenched his teeth, she was going to make this difficult.

  “I’m sorry for not dropping by.”

  “Is that all you’re sorry for?”

  “I’m sorry for missing your birthday.”

  “And.”

  “And for not seeing Frank off to Spain.”

  “And?”

  “Mother there is only so much I can do!” Rafe snapped before he could stop himself.

  “Are you yelling at me?”

  Despite his best efforts Rafe could feel his teeth grinding in an attempt to keep his voice level. “No mother I’d never yell at you. I’m sorry.”

  “Then what are you apologizing for?”

  He rolled his eyes. “I’m sorry for being a bad son, and not being there when you need me.”

  “Oh Rafe,” she cooed and he would’ve sworn she had gone insane. “You aren’t a bad son, you are selfless and it has to stop. You don’t take time for your family. I know you don’t take time for your self.”

  “How do you know that? Have you been talking to Paula?”

  “No, if you had been I would have a daughter-in-law and a few grandkids by now.”

  Rafe could only shake his head in disbelief. “How did I know you would take the conversation there?”

  “Because you know what’s right and wrong, you are thirty two years old, your father was married by the time he turned thirty.”

  “I’m not Dad.”

  “I know,” his heart sank at the pain in her softly spoken words. He knew she still felt his father’s death as deeply as she had when it’d happened. “I’m sorry I bothered you.” She whispered and Rafe could’ve kicked himself.

  “Your right mom, I’ll be there in half an hour.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  “I don’t want to wait up if you aren’t coming.”

  “When have I stood you up?”

  “Would you like me to count?”

  He cringed. “No, you don’t have to do that. I’ll be there.”

  “Good, I’ll wait up. I love you.”

  “I love you too mom.”

  Rafe hung up the phone, and then just as he was loading up his briefcase he paused. Then he was smiling. He picked up the phone and dialed Paula, she would be half way home by now.

  “Yes Sir, what can I do for you?”

  “Paula, get me tickets to a play, anything. It’s for Miranda. You know what she likes. Try to get them for two hours from now. Also, get reservations to a restaurant for half an hour.”

  “Her favorite is barbeque and Italian, which one would you like?”

  “”Which ever one you can get us into. I’ll be on my cell, call me you have it all arranged.”

  “Yes Sir.”

  Rafe hung up feeling better than he’d felt in months, it also reminded him it was time to give Paula a raise. He smiled at that, she was a great secretary sometimes she knew what he was thinking before he did.

  He gathered his things and headed for the door. Walking down the hall, and decided to check on security. Rafe ducked his head into the security room. “Hey Clem, Tony, how’s it going?”

  They straightened at the first sound of his voice and turned towards the door. “Hey Boss,” Clem said. “Same as always, quiet as a church mouse.”

  “Yeah,” Tony chimed in. “Quiet, the only other person in the building is Ms. Manchester.”

  “Really?” Rafe quirked a brow at that. “Why is she still here?”

  Clem shrugged. “She’s always here, she never stays later than seven though.”

  Rafe looked at his watch it was ten till. “Well you guys keep an eye on her, make sure she gets to her car alright.”

  “We always do Sir.” Tony smiled.

  “Have a good night, I’ll see you two in the morning.” He started to close the door but Tony jumped up and hurried towards him.

  “Uh, Boss?”

  Rafe stopped. “Yes Tony?”

  “Hey listen, I know you like to have two security officers on hand at all times but,” he paused. “This is the deal. My mother planned a surprised birthday party for my dad tonight. I just found out an hour ago. Me and my pop are so close they were afraid I’d tell him if I knew earlier. Clem said it was okay with him if I ducked out for an hour or two. Would you mind if I left for bit. I swear I’ll be right back.”

  “No, take all night.” Rafe clasped him on his back, and then looked at Clem. “Should I call for a replacement or do you think you can handle it?”

  “I’m fine Boss.”

  “Tony, go have fun, we’ll see you tomorrow night.”

  “Thanks boss thanks so much. I thought I was going to have to miss it.”

  “No problem.”

>   Tony gathered his things and almost ran from the room. Rafe turned to see Clem with his eyes on the monitors. He walked deeper into the room and his eyes followed Clem’s. He was watching Ms. Manchester with a dreamy look on his face. Rafe frowned. She wasn’t that much to look at. Actually she was a bit mousy. He took the seat next to Clem. “What are you doing?”

  “Sssh,” Clem whispered. “It’s almost time.”

  Rafe’s frown deepened, “Time for what?”

  “Watch.”

  Rafe allowed his eyes to rest on her legs, she wore sensible flat black shoes, and from what he could make out her legs had to be her best assets. They seemed to stretch on forever, which reminded him of how long he had been without a date. Just as his eyes came to the hem of her skirt he heard Clem sigh. Rafe watched as she lifted her hand and pulled off her glasses, she rubbed the bridge of her pretty nose then reached up and pulled something from her hair. He found him self holding his breath as the mass tumbled around her shoulders, then she shook it out and ran her fingers through the silken waves. He found himself wishing they were his fingers.

  “That woman is a hidden gem and she doesn’t even know it.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Aaah nothing, she’s got a heart of gold and the face of an angel. But she’s so wrapped up in her job she can’t see the forest for the trees.”

  “Have you tried to talk to her?” Rafe was amused, Clem was obviously infatuated with Ms. Manchester.

  “I did,” Clem shrugged. “She couldn’t see me if I was standing right in front of her. Anyway, she’s too smart for me. I want a woman that I don’t need a dictionary to talk to.”

  Rafe laughed. “It can’t be that bad.”

  “No,” Clem turned red. “I want to be the smart one in my relationship, but I don’t know anything about what she does. She would talk me under the table.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Tony and I take turns walking her out. She is polite, sweet and she gives great gifts. She even remembers our birthdays and any special events in our lives.” He shrugged. “I…if it’s not a number she doesn’t want anything to do with it. Not saying I’m some prize, but I’m not half bad looking. She won’t give me the time of day.”

  Suddenly Rafe’s phone rang. “Oh shit!” He jumped up from the chair and headed for the door. “Sorry Clem gotta go, you keep trying, you never know.” With that he hurried out of the room and into the elevator. Again he had forgotten his mother. Rafe ran down the hall and out the door. He had promised his father that would never happen and yet here he was breaking that promise.

  *****

  The Dream Maker. Rafe shook his head, that was a flat out lie. This place created nightmares. It ruined lives and promised false pleasures. He was tired, angry and ready to burn the place to the ground. He didn’t want to be here, but he couldn’t leave. He’d promised his brother Frank that he would keep an eye on the place, while he was away. Which was far too often for Rafe’s tastes.

  It was by far the most disgusting night yet. Late April. Windy, wet, and all together dreary. Inside, the dark, elegant night club was dry, but no less revolting. The sweet smoky sounds of fifties jazz was drowned out by loud shouts of passion, low throaty moans of pleasure and squeals of sinful delight. Rafe shook his dark head, loathing welled up in his throat. Through the black domino he wore, his aching gray eyes took in all the false gaiety around him. He didn’t want to be recognized, not here of all places. Everyone in the room wore domino masks for one reason or another. The sharp cracking of the ice cubes in his drink caught his attention. He had half a mind to call Frank and tell him to get on the next available plane and hightail it back here or he’d burn this hell hole to the ground.

  Every time he came here it made him feel dirty, the need to bathe utmost on his mind. He laughed inwardly. How desperate did one have to be to come to a place like this? Observe the animals at play. The phrase rang through his mind every time he was forced to come here. “Damn you, Frank!” He cursed his brother for not tearing the place down when they had the chance. His lips turned up at one corner, the half smile dripped with contempt. He’d lost two girlfriends to this place, one of which he had gone so far as to ask to marry him, then she’d come here. In a way Rafe was glad it happened, it was better to find out now rather than be broken hearted the way Frank had been when his marriage went sour.

  People of all races and nationality prowled around him looking for their next prey. Sex did strange things to people, but then Frank already knew that. And he had capitalized on it. The club thrived. Catering to every fantasy and fetish imaginable, the only line that was never cross was children, any and everything dealing with children was outlawed, and that was the only saving grace the place had.

  Empty, that one word rang through Rafe's mind; empty smiles, empty promises, and empty lives. All of them the same, hiding behind thin black masks. Everyone came to this den of decadence to forget or to at least escape whatever monsters rode them during the daylight hours.

  Straightening up in the burgundy leather barstool, he inhaled deeply, holding the air in, he let it puff out his cheeks, then exhaled in a rush. He purposely sat at the end of the long bar so he could view the night's festivities without participating. Having already sent two lovelies away with their appetites unfulfilled, he stared into a long, wide gild framed mirror behind the bar. Something churned in his gut. It wasn’t pleasant, it left him feeling edgy, ill at ease. He didn’t like the feeling, it was unfamiliar. But he didn’t know how to get rid of it. Rafe pushed his fingers through his black curls and took a quick look around.

  Frank had done wonders. Only the most elite came here. At five thousand to twenty thousand a head, it catered to only the upper crust from around the world.

  Right now it was in full swing. It always was, never a dull moment, this place was forever in demand, much to Rafe's displeasure. Soft amber lights, slow throbbing music, and plenty of drinks surrounded him, trying to pull him into the facade of false promises and lovely lying lips.

  He couldn’t get into it, he didn’t try. What was the point, it was just a sugar glazed sculpture that was ready to break the minute light hit it. And if he were honest, he hadn’t gotten into this scene in a very long time. As with everything else right now in his life, it left him with a foul taste in his mouth. Maybe he was the one who was empty, maybe he was lost. He snorted, not likely, he was too busy, his life was too full. He didn’t need this kind of fake emptiness. His restless eyes fell to the dark amber drink wrapped in his hand, lifting the short crystal tumbler to his lips, he took a hefty swallow. The ache was still there, but it had moved to his heart, he felt hollow. Not quite empty, just… alone.

  The cold wet liquor seared a trail down his throat only to erupt in a burst of fire in the pit of his stomach. Rafe exhaled sharply and pushed the empty glass away. He looked at his watch. It was midnight. Why did I come down here? He asked himself. For that matter why am I still here? This wasn’t his idea of fun. He wasn’t the wild spontaneous guy his twin brother Frank was. He could hear Frank now. Loosen up, let your hair down, and stop acting like a father! You don’t have kids, stop acting like you need to direct everything. Like you need to spoon feed people. Live Rafe, live now or you’ll regret it. Sometimes, he had to admit he did grow tired of the straight-laced life, but wild and crazy had never been in his vocabulary. He was more conscious of what needed to be done then most people, he couldn’t just let things happen, he made things happen, he couldn’t just walk away. He always had to be the realistic one, responsible for everything and everyone. Usually by midnight he was pouring over his company books, or working on some new and upcoming program to expand one of their general contracting companies and he liked it like that. This was the first time in months he’d been out this late. He signaled the bartender.

  “How about another?” He watched Ben approach. The third year political science student had been working for Frank for two years but, like Rafe, had tired of this pl
ace a long time ago.

  He grinned, showing crowded bright white teeth. “Sure thing Rafe. You finished with the books upstairs?” Ben cocked his blond head to the side while he made the whiskey sour with very little ice.

  “Yes, that brother of mine is going to kill me one day,” Rafe drew circles in the wet ring the glass had left on the counter with the tip of his finger. “I don’t see why he can’t take care of his own finances. He’s always messing up the taxes, he probably does it on purpose.”

  Ben laughed but it was a quiet sound, not like his usual blustery tones. “Frank hired my cousin before he left,” the smile didn’t reach his blue eyes. “Have you met him?”

  “No, I don't think so,” their eyes clashed.

  Ben set the drink on a red and gold coaster and pushed it in front of Rafe. “You don't mind do you?” Anxiety colored his words. “He'll only be changing rooms and monitoring cameras and taking care of any other odd and ends around here.”

  “No, I don't mind,” Rafe said evenly. “Frank can hire whoever he wants.” Deep silver eyes burrowed into Ben's blue ones. “Your cousin knows the rules?”

  “Yes,” Ben hurried to assure him. “He knows never to join in with the guests.” He fidgeted with an empty glass.

  Rafe nodded. “Did he sign the contract?”

  “Uh,” Ben cleared his throat, “Well, not exactly. You see, Frank was in a rush. He said it would be okay to sign it when he gets back.”

  “No,” Rafe shook his head, his eyes hard. “It doesn’t work that way. He has to sign the contract. You know the rules better than most. We have too many important people here to take risks.”

  “I know, but he is deeply into politics. He wouldn’t do anything unlawful.”

  “I understand, but before he can start he has to sign on the dotted line.”

  “Alright, he’s not here tonight, can you see him tomorrow night? He has a day job at the courthouse and he goes to college but only part time.”

  Rafe snorted. “Sounds like my kind of guy. I’ll see him.”