Fatal Deception: Part I by S.R. Burks Page A

the night. Geri stood at the bedroom door watching Alondra sleeping soundly. She rested her head against the door frame with one hand on the doorknob, and the other over her heart. She let a silent sigh escape and quietly closed the door. She paused in the hallway thinking. Staring into space, she reflected on the past then went to her room and locked the door.
    She went to her closet, pulled out a large briefcase, and carried it to the bed. She unsnapped the locks and opened it. She took out a stack of pictures and arranged them on the bed. Though she viewed them all with great diligence there was only one she picked up and stared at for a length of time. Tears began to fill her eyes. She placed the picture next to her heart and fell backward, her head hitting the pillow, she began to cry. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you,” she whispered aloud as she wept. “I was going through so much crap at the time. But I promise you, I’ll be here this time.” And she drifted off to sleep.
     
    Marc laid Deidra on his bed. She backed up to the headboard and watched as he slowly began to unbutton his shirt. Her breathing was erratic. Her plan was finally coming into fruition. She wanted him badly, now she would have him.
    Just then, his eyes fell on the picture on his nightstand. She followed his gaze, noting the distraction, and turned away rolling out of the bed. He looked at her strangely.
    “What’s wrong?” he asked, watching her head for the door.
    “I can’t do this,” said Deidra. She pulled the door to open it. He laid his hand flatly on the door closing it before she could exit.
    “I thought this was what you wanted,” said Marc.
    She backed away from him, her eyes on the floor. “I did,” she admitted. “But suddenly it just doesn‘t seem right.”
    He ran his fingers through his hair which now hung loosely. He was ready and now she didn’t want it? “You’re so strange, Deidra. You’ve been seducing me all day—no, ever since you got here!” His voice, which started low, was beginning to rise from frustration.
    Her head snapped towards him angrily. “Seduce you? You tell me you didn’t want this as much as I did? Look me in the eye, Marc Caldwell, and tell me you were reluctant to do this!”
    He backed away shutting his eyes trying to decipher through all of this, knowing full well the reason he was angry. It was true. He did want her right now but she was pulling away.
    “Marc,” said Deidra; her voice bringing him back. “Look over at the night stand. That’s where your heart is, not with me.” She made it to the door, and rushed out. His eyes went to rest on the picture of Clarice.
    Damn, she was so right, he realized. He hurried down the stairs after her, just like she wanted. “Wait!” said Marc. “I can’t allow you to leave like this. Please…” He gently caught her by the elbow just as she stepped off of the last step.
    “Marc there is nothing to explain,” said Deidra. “You love your wife and no other woman will be able to fill her shoes.” She never looked at him as she slowly walked into the living room. He followed her, and a smile came on her face, unseen to him. She had him just where she wanted.
    The hard liquor, wine, and beer were affecting his better judgment. Normally, he would have allowed her to walk out of the house and back to her hotel room, but not tonight.
    “Look, Deidra, that isn’t true,” he said. “I just haven’t found the right woman to help me move on.” He walked up behind her draping his arms over her shoulders, and pulling her into him.
    Yes! she screamed in her mind. He was hers to do with whatever she pleased, but it had to be played out just right.
    “And you never will,” said Deidra. “I can guess that you judge every woman by her, and if they don’t come up to her standards they’re out the door. In the fall, Alondra will be off to school for years; maybe even find someone to love. Then you will be alone,” she said, pulling