Auszug. © Genehmigter Nachdruck. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.

Deceitful

iUniverse, Inc.

Contents

Chapter 1 Going Home...............................1Chapter 2 Three Months Earlier.....................21Chapter 3 Disillusion..............................34Chapter 4 Confinement..............................48Chapter 5 Secret Desires...........................61Chapter 6 An Afflatus Moment.......................71Chapter 7 Angelo...................................81Chapter 8 Confrontation............................91Chapter 9 Freedom..................................108Chapter 10 Future Happiness.........................126Chapter 11 Hell Is Freezing.........................147Chapter 12 Breaking News............................160Chapter 13 Denial...................................181Chapter 14 Who Is She?..............................204Chapter 15 Acceptance...............................222Chapter 16 The Truth Revealed.......................232

Chapter One

He was determined to dispel the living nightmare that had recently dominated his life.

One would draw the conclusion that being rich, living in the Caribbean, and having a luxurious life was the ultimate way of living. Most people would be envious of such an idyllic lifestyle, to dwell in such a paradise. Perhaps some would think that this was a perfect life. Gavin Harrison, thirty-five years of age used to think the same. He could not wait to emigrate with his family and have this perfect life. Now his thoughts are different. He is still rich and still lives on the Caribbean island of Martinique. To outward appearances he has an envious life. But all is not as it seems. He is not exempt from suffering, from feeling pain and anguish. Gavin has to deal with the tragic events that have dominated his life in recent years. He often recalled the excitement the family felt when they decided to emigrate from England. He realised how privileged he was. But sadly it seems such privilege comes at a price, a price you wished you did not have to pay. Death had stolen Gavin's happiness. Resentment had almost killed him. Life is full of people's greed for money. Thankfully only a few wish to obtain a windfall by committing murder. Gavin was a victim of such criminality. If people knew or had an insight of what Gavin had experienced, they would soon reach the conclusion that he was not having the perfect life.

Gavin cautiously sat in his seat on the seaplane, trying not to aggravate his injuries. He had taken a flight from Norway to the Dominican Republic, and was now on the last lap of his journey to the island of Martinique. Once positioned in his seat the short intensity of pain from his healing ribs subsided. He was grateful that his leg was no longer as painful. However, Gavin felt somewhat conspicuous regarding his deformed hand, so he retained wearing black leather gloves. This was his first public outing and he hoped to avoid any unwanted attention. The cramped conditions on the seaplane would do little to ease anyone's claustrophobia. The aircraft had a seating capacity of eight. This meant it was impossible to be inconspicuous. Gavin was fortunate to have a window seat, enabling him to view the array of islands as the seaplane glided over the Caribbean Sea. However, for those who did not have such a splendid view were forced to retain their glare within the aircraft, thus looking at a fellow passenger. Embarrassment gave way to a gentle smile at moments of eye contact, to be followed by a sudden flick of the eye to focus elsewhere.

It was now the month of June and the beginning of summer. Gavin was certainly glad to be going home after spending several weeks in a Norwegian hospital. Hopefully his nightmare was over, or was he being nave? His mind was full of doubt and searched for a rational explanation. Gavin took a deep breath and focused on returning home. A home that he last saw three months ago and thought he would never see again. Despite the hell of his experience, his sole intent was to try and get his life back to normal. The sooner he returned home the easier it would be to achieve, or so he thought.

The long slender body of the seaplane raced across the water, casting thousands of what seemed to be crystal diamonds in its wake. The aircraft lifted upwards, leaving the shore of the Dominican Republic. Gavin glanced out of the window and noticed the rising sun had transformed the turquoise sea into a shimmering silver plateau. The effect was periodically dazzling to the naked eye.

Gavin was deep in thought and oblivious to the two elderly ladies sitting near to him. On many a journey or when he had time to reflect, he often recalled those happy moments he had shared with Susannah. Over the past three months it had been the memory of her that had given him the strength to carry on. He would always love her, and it was very poignant to be thinking of her today, the first anniversary of her death.

Gavin remembered the first time he met her. It was over two years ago. Call it ESP (extrasensory perception), but he knew instantly they would have a future. Gavin's extravagant brother Greg, owner of a casino complex with cabaret diner, had been so excited with his new protg. "You have got to see her," he had said. "She will definitely be a star. She is a star." Gavin had lost count the number of times he had heard that one before. He knew his brother often exaggerated.

In hindsight, Greg was trying to orchestrate a spot of matchmaking. He never listened to Gavin's many remarks about not to interfere with his love life. The brothers had different tastes when it came to the opposite sex. Nevertheless on this occasion, Gavin's initial annoyance was soon converted to gratitude. That particular night Gavin went along to Calypso Tavern. That was the name Greg had given to his business venture. He was there to welcome Gavin with open arms.

"You're just in time, she's on in ten minutes," said Greg overexcited. He briskly escorted Gavin to the cabaret diner. Rebecca, (Greg's fiance), was already seated at their table. In no time at all Angelo (the head barman), had brought across their prearranged drinks. The cabaret diner was packed. All the tables and chairs were taken. People stood at the back, eager to watch the debut performance of Susannah Dubois. Calypso Tavern was buzzing with folk like bees in a hive. It was 9pm and the complex was in full operation. In the casino lounge croupiers were dealing cards, collecting chips, or spinning the roulette wheel. At the cocktail bar found Angelo with his bar staff. They hurriedly prepared the exotic drinks that many customers had ordered. The cabaret diner had a seating capacity of two hundred. People were eating, being merry, and ready for the evening's entertainment.

The live orchestra commenced. Each night the band of seven people played their instruments. Their classical sound provided a musical background for the diners. They now amplified their sound to promote Susannah's debut performance. She entered stage left in time with the flamboyant trombone introduction, delivering a saucy glare to the audience. Gavin watched in awe as the beautiful elegant figure that had captivated his attention graced the stage. A glittering tiara sparkled amidst her auburn hair. Her eyes were like sapphire gems and became instantly adorable. Gavin knew then he had to meet her.

Susannah stood centre stage and provocatively sang 'Padam, Padam,' a song made...