Page 112 of Trace of Doubt
“Why?”
“You were worth more to me dead. Mom planned to ask you about what happened with Travis. She’d talked to Dad, but he refused to listen. I bugged her room and learned she’d requested all the public records on the case. Aria has the curious gene, and she questioned Mom about my preoccupation with other things instead of her. If I took off, the three would put it all together.”
“So you waited for Mom’s death?”
“I helped it along. A friend of Eli’s showed me how to replace her medications so I could implement my plans. I decided to keep you alive in the event you could be of value.” She finished her coffee. “Besides, you amuse me. It’s like being kids again. You’re such a people pleaser. Reminder, today your purse stays in the car.”
“When are you removing the contract?”
“As soon as you ace all the tests.”
She’d presented me with another reason to find the evidence against her before she bored of me.
In less than an hour, I emerged from my bedroom. Definitely unlike the Shelby Pearce I knew. The clothes, false eyelashes, and makeup changed the outer me, except the determined me existed stronger than before. For a lingering moment, I thought of Denton and if he’d approve of the look. Or any of them. My few days away from him complicated my emotions. I missed him—the laughter, conversations, long walks... the way he listened. His love for me seemed like an impossibility. But if I survived this ordeal, he and I might have a chance at happiness.
The conversation with Marissa bumped against my brain. Surely Mom and Dad saw through her ruse. Or maybe they were fearful of losing another daughter and granddaughter.
At the restaurant entrance, Marissa handed a uniformed valet her keys. She’d chosen a sophistication of her own identity and not a disguise. We walked inside, and she garnered admiration from every male, young and old. A trim man standing near the corner caught her eye, and her soft voice rose. “Feng, how kind of you to join me for lunch.”
“My pleasure. Who is with you?”
“This is Shelby Pearce, my sister and new assistant.” Without turning to me, she continued. “Shelby, Feng owns several restaurants. We’ve been close friends for a long time.”
He nodded. “You never mentioned having a sister or needing an assistant. We have matters to discuss.” His obvious annoyance ushered in an uncomfortable pause.
“I trust her implicitly,” Marissa said. “Nothing jeopardizes what you and I have together. Or the future.”
“All right.” He pointed toward a double door. “After you, ladies.”
During lunch Marissa displayed another feature of her evolving personality—graceful gestures, respectful and complimentary word choices, and an apparent concentration and attentive focus on Feng. She still played games.
“Will I see you in San Francisco?” he said.
“Just as we planned. Will John be there?”
“He wouldn’t miss the opportunity. His offer to us still stands.”
“I haven’t decided. The decision is complicated.” She pursed her lips.
“The meeting is in two weeks. Marry me, Marissa, and we’ll build a vast empire.”
Marissa reached across the table and took his hand. “I’m afraid, darling.”
Why the vulnerability? Unraveling my sister seemed impossible.
In the car, I closed my eyes to mentally seal all I’d observed. Marissa had given Feng my entire name but not his. Always a reason... to show she respected his investigation of me but kept his status secret?
Marissa touched up her lipstick. “Time’s up. What did you see during lunch?”
I stared out at the busy street ahead and asked the One who had all the answers to guide me. “The use of your first name, dress, and appearance show Feng is aware of who you are. You met him originally in a professional setting, but it moved into a personal relationship. Too soon to tell if he initiated the pursuit or if you saw a benefit in manipulating him for personal gain.
“He has feelings for you that extend beyond the title of his mistress or living together. He wants to own you, and marriage accomplishes his need to control and possess. You play into his affections and lead him on. Might even marry him if he can keep you entertained. But he’s smart, and you have to be careful.
“His dark side can be dangerous. He’s introduced you to someone powerful who could add dollars and possibly a safety net to your investments. He flinched when you asked if this man planned to be in San Francisco, as though he suspects a rival. I sincerely doubt Feng is in the restaurant business, most likely a cover.” I took a deep breath. “How’s my analysis?”
A full twenty seconds passed before she spoke. “You’ve had an excellent teacher.”
Marissa drove home in a brooding mood I hadn’t seen in years.
