Page 123 of Trace of Doubt
Eli met us at the door when we arrived. Aria was nowhere in sight, and neither did I hear her. For the past several days, I’d done exactly as Marissa instructed. Not sure how I could continue.
Be strong. This isn’t about you.
In the confines of my bedroom, I released my grip from the blood-soaked tissues holding the dead woman’s finger and ring and laid the wadded mess on the bathroom marble countertop. I fought the urge to sob and throw up again. No doubt cameras and recording devices would send a feed to Marissa. How would I ever be a part of her inner circle when witnessing her business practices made me physically ill? Nothing in the scenario from yesterday, today, or tomorrow looked good. I had to trust God. The adage sounded easier than practicing it. In prison, I expected nefarious behavior, but not from Marissa. Witnessing her methods shook me, and yet I must gain control.
A tap at the door told me Eli had arrived with the cleaning solution. I took the jar, paper towels, and small brush without addressing him. He chuckled.
A woman and a man lay dead because of an unpaid debt.
Through the glass doors onto the balcony, I saw Aria in tears seated at the table across from Marissa. I wrestled with how to handle the situation—play into Marissa’s hand or show how much I cared for Aria’s plight? My niece had intelligence going for her, and I had to believe she’d see through my callous response to her... and see God’s sovereignty.
“What’s the hesitation?” Eli said.
“Aria’s upset and she may need more time with Marissa.”
“Doubt it. Marissa would rather have the ring. The kid gets on her nerves.”
I stepped out onto the balcony and captured Aria’s gaze. She hurried to me and fell into my embrace. Her lip bled, and a bruise rose on her right cheekbone. My fury rose for what Marissa or Eli had done to her.
The necklace we’d made together dangled from her neck.
“Trust me. We’ll get through this,” I whispered and pushed her away. “Really, Aria? Time to grow up.”
She lifted her chin. “I don’t want to be here.”
“You want to be with your granddad baking donuts?”
“Yes!”
“Take my advice and listen to your mom. She just might have your best interests in mind.” I brushed past her and handed Marissa the ring. “Sorry about my reaction earlier.”
“I make allowances for your learning curve.” Marissa slipped the ring onto a right finger and admired it. “A little big, but that’s an easy fix.” She nodded at Aria. “Sit down so the three of us can talk.”
Aria sat across from her mother. “All right, I’ll listen. Mom, I thought you were in Phoenix.”
“I changed my mind. The truth is, I’m in a position to provide anything you might want. But in order for you to benefit from my generosity, I require your respect and obedience.”
Aria took a deep breath. “I’m listening.”
Good girl, play the part.
“I’ve found a boarding school in London. Exclusive. You’ll have the finest education. Clothes. Jewelry. Vacations.”
“Why didn’t you ever tell me you had money?”
“My secret.”
Aria bit her lip. “I have so many questions, Mom.”
“First of all, call me by my first name. From this moment on, no one is to find out I have a daughter. The paperwork is completed for a last name change to Pearce.”
“What’s your job?” Aria said. “Your clothes and makeup aren’t from Walmart.”
“I own my own business, a lucrative one.”
Aria leaned forward. “Which is?”
“Again, my secret.”
