Deadly Deceit, page 10
Jolene unlocked the car and held Christina’s door. Christina scanned the parking lot quickly, much to Jolene’s annoyance, and leaned in to kiss her wife quickly before getting into the car.
“Yes, sweetheart, that’s all that matters.” Christina patted Jolene’s cheek and waited for the woman to claim the driver’s seat.
Jolene laughed and pulled out of the parking space. “Do you remember when we met Erin Wade?” she asked, out of the blue.
“Oh yes,” Christina replied as she rested her open palm on Jolene’s thigh. “I remember every moment of that day.”
***
“Oh, my goodness,” Christina gushed, clutching tightly to the ticket stub in her hand, “I’m so excited!”
“Baby,” Jolene rolled her eyes, “calm down a little. I don’t want you to get yourself all worked up, just to be disappointed if you don’t win. There are hundreds of names in there,” she said, motioning to the huge plastic barrel that held the names of everyone in attendance.
The drawing was being used as a fundraiser by the convention, to raise money for a local Children’s Hospital. Each of the participating authors were lined up on stage, waiting their turn to pluck a bright pink ticket from the barrel.
The lucky winner, along with a guest of their choice, would enjoy a private dinner with the author. For safety reasons, the dinner would take place in the dining room of the convention center, which would be closed off to accommodate the event.
“I know, Jo,” Christina said, her body practically vibrating with anticipation, “don’t kill my fun.”
Jolene slipped her arms around her fiancée’s waist and hugged her back. “I’m not trying to kill your fun, Honey,” she said softly, her breath warm against Christina’s ear, “I just don’t want you to get your hopes up, then be disappointed if your name is drawn by another author. Or not drawn at all.”
Christina laid her hands over Jolene’s and relaxed into the redhead’s embrace. “I know that my odds aren’t good, Sweetheart. The chance that my name will be drawn is about four-hundred to one. The chances that my name will be drawn by the one author I am dying to meet, are downright astronomical. I’ll be happy to win, no matter what.”
“But,” she said, turning to face Jolene with a mischievous smirk, “getting the chance to meet the woman whose books have inspired many of our all-nighters? That would almost replace meeting you as the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Jolene’s jaw dropped; a sight that made Christina snort with laughter. “I said ‘almost’, Honey,” she chuckled as she placed a soft kiss on Jolene’s cheek, “You’re too easy sometimes.”
“I’ll show you easy,” Jolene grumbled playfully. The rest of her retort was interrupted by the sound of the hostess tapping the microphone.
“Good afternoon, ladies,” the perky brunette boomed, “It’s now time to find out which of you fabulous females will be dining with our talented authors this evening!”
Jolene’s heart fluttered at the way Christina’s eyes lit up. She leaned her head down, capturing Christina’s lips in a deep, passionate kiss. “For luck,” she whispered.
Christina laid her hand on Jolene’s cheek for a moment, before turning to face the stage. She snuggled back against Jolene’s chest, waiting patiently for the authors to take their places. She watched intently, awed by the twelve embodiments of literary talent standing before her.
As the first author, a tall woman with salt-and-pepper hair who wrote contemporary lesbian romance, stepped to the barrel, Christina held her breath.
“Grace Allred,” the woman announced.
A piercing squeal of delight rang out from near the back of the room. The crowd clapped and called out their congratulations as the woman hurried toward the stage to accept her dining ticket.
The drawing continued; each winner crying out their surprise when their name was announced. When the ninth author stepped up to the barrel, a brilliant smile lighting her face, Christina’s body tensed against Jolene.
“Here we go,” Jolene whispered in Christina’s ear, “Good luck, baby.”
The room quieted again, anticipation thick in the air as the beautiful blonde writer silently read the name on the ticket. She lifted the microphone to her glossy red lips and announced her dinner guest, her melodious voice floating through the room like the first notes of a Pacific Wren’s morning song.
“Christina Hess.”
**
“I still can’t believe it,” Christina said, her hand shaking within Jolene’s grasp.
Jolene smiled and pulled Christina close, draping her arm around the woman’s shoulders. “Me either,” she replied as she pressed a kiss to Christina’s temple, “but it happened.”
Christina chuckled nervously as the couple made their way to the dining room. Hours had passed since the drawing ended, but her nerves were still frazzled. As soon as her name left Erin Wade’s lips, Christina’s heart nearly stopped.
If it hadn’t been for Jolene’s careful guidance, Christina wouldn’t have made it up to the stage. The walk felt surreal, like she was dreaming the whole thing. When she’d accepted the dinner ticket from the stunning author, Christina had to work to keep from gawking like a star-struck groupie.
At the door to the spacious dining room, a burly looking woman wearing an “Event Security” t-shirt asked for their names and the name of the author they would be dining with.
“Christina Hess and Jolene Preston,” Christina replied, her voice wobbly, “we’ll be dining with Erin Wade.”
The security guard offered Christina a kind smile as she made a check mark on her list. “Nervous?” she asked.
Christina nodded. “And then some. I’ve been a huge fan for years.”
The guard smiled wider as she stepped to the side and opened the door for the couple. “Erin Wade is a favorite of my wife, too. Erin and Mrs. Wade haven’t checked in yet, but please have a seat. You’re at table six.”
Christina and Jolene thanked the woman and stepped into the lavishly decorated space. Twelve tables were spaced evenly around the room, with enough space to give the diners a modicum of privacy as they enjoyed their meal.
Many of the tables were already full, the authors and their guests chatting amicably as they waited for dinner to begin. Jolene and Christina scanned the empty tables, until Jolene pointed to a table near the stage.
“Over there, Christie,” she said, placing her hand on Christina’s lower back to guide her.
The women arrived at their table, claiming the two chairs that allowed them to see the doors without obstruction. Jolene pulled out Christina’s chair, and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder when she sat.
“Just relax, Babe,” she coached, noticing the way Christina fidgeted with her clutch. “Don’t be so nervous. You’re going to make her nervous, and neither of you will enjoy this.”
“I just don’t know what to say to her,” Christina confided, “I’ve read every book she’s ever published, and there isn’t a single one I didn’t adore. There are so many things I would love to talk to her about, but I’m afraid I’ll end up blurting something stupid. I mean, ‘Holy crap, you’re gorgeous,’ doesn’t really seem like a good conversation starter.”
Jolene chuckled softly. “You aren’t really going to say that to her, are you?”
Christina snorted and shook her head. “God, I hope not. She’ll think I’m some lunatic who’s stalking her.”
“Probably,” Jolene supplied with an amused shrug, “I don’t think her wife would appreciate it, either.”
Christina shot her fiancée a withering look. “Shut up, Jo. You’re not making me any less nervous. Just promise me something?”
Jolene reached over and rubbed Christina’s thigh reassuringly. “What’s that, Love?”
Christina sighed and met Jolene’s eyes. “If I start looking like an idiot, promise you will help me out. You’re so much better at mingling and small talk than I am.”
Jolene smiled and made the promise with a gentle kiss. Just as their lips parted, a soft voice caught their attention.
“See, Honey? I told you that you weren’t the only one who would be nervous.”
Christina and Jolene looked over at the two women standing before them. They instantly recognized Erin Wade, but neither could identify the incredible brunette on her arm.
“Oh, my gosh,” Christina breathed, climbing to her feet to welcome them, “It’s such a pleasure to meet you!”
Erin Wade offered her hand to Christina. “We’ve met before,” she said, her eyes narrowing as she searched her memory bank, “A few times, I believe.”
Christina stared, dumbfounded. How in the world does she remember that? Unable to form a verbal response, she simply nodded.
“I think Christina, here, has been at every convention signing I’ve done,” Erin said, introducing her fan to the brunette on her arm.
“I’m Christina’s fiancée,” Jolene offered, introducing herself.
“It’s nice to meet you,” the brunette replied, her voice just as lyrical as the author’s, “I’m Erin’s wife, Alex.”
“Oh!” Erin said, her cheeks pinking, “Where are my manners? Honey, this is Christina. Christina, my wife, Alex.”
“It’s an honor,” Christina greeted honestly. She’d been more than a little surprised to learn that the author’s elusive wife would be accompanying her to the convention.
Erin talked about her wife frequently on her website and social media page, but most fans would never catch a glimpse of the woman who inspired the author’s heart-felt works.
“For me as well,” Alex replied as Erin pulled out a chair for her, “It’s rare that I get to see what my wife does when she attends these events.”
Erin shook hands with Jolene, and the three standing women took their seats. They spent the next two hours talking, laughing, and joking about whatever came to mind.
Christina’s initial anxiety dissipated by the time their food arrived, and she found that she enjoyed the vivacious author’s company even more than she expected.
Even Jolene seemed to be enjoying herself. Prior to the conference, Jolene had never read one of Erin Wade’s books. Now, however, she fully intended to get caught up.
Unlike many of the pretentious writers who strutted around like they were the most interesting people on the planet, Erin genuinely seemed interested in Jolene and Christina. When their time was up, Erin and her wife actually seemed hesitant to part ways.
“Thank you so much,” Christina said, shaking the Wade’s hands again, “I can’t think of anything that will top this as the highlight of my year.”
Erin chuckled and offered Jolene a wink. “Well, I sure hope there is one event that will top it,” she teased as she and her wife walked the couple out of the dining room.
Christina flushed, eliciting a laugh from Erin and Jolene. Alex patted Christina comfortingly on the shoulder.
“Ignore them,” she said, narrowing her eyes at her wife and Jolene, “We all knew what you meant. I think maybe they had too much wine with dinner. They’re both awfully giggly.”
“Hey!” Jolene said indignantly, “I don’t giggle. I chuckle, snort, and guffaw, but I don’t giggle.”
Christina smiled affectionately at her fiancée’s staunch defense of her laughter. “Of course, you don’t, baby,” she placated.
“I giggle,” Erin said as the group prepared to part ways in the lobby, “but it’s not nearly as cute as my wife’s.” Erin slipped her arm around Alex’s waist and pulled her close.
Christina and Jolene smiled again and waved goodbye as the door to the elevator separated them from the Wade’s.
Chapter 8
“I don’t know about you,” Donna Erixon said as she and Jolene pulled into the Dallas PD parking lot, “but I am ready to go back to Marilynn.”
Jolene snickered. She and Donna had been paired up all week, thanks to the revolving pairing schedule. Donna hadn’t wanted to be partnered with one of Dallas’ officers, because most of them had been making passes at her, so Christian offered to take her place and let the woman work with Jolene, instead.
He and Jolene hadn’t been paired with one another for weeks, but Christian didn’t mind. He found most of the officers to be quite pleasant.
“I’m on the fence about it,” Jolene replied as the pair made their way into the building, ignoring the vulgarity of the man handcuffed between them, “On the one hand, I live here, so it’s nice that my drive home only takes five minutes. But, I do miss being in Marilynn. Dallas is pretty boring, by comparison.”
Donna nodded. She had made the same observation a few days prior. It seemed to her, that the residents of Dallas only did two things; drugs and speeding.
She and Jolene had written over a dozen speeding tickets in the past week, and interrupted five drug deals. While they dealt with drugs and traffic violations in Marilynn, the one thing they didn’t have to deal with, was racism.
Marilynn was a highly progressive and accepting city, whereas Dallas was more reserved and openly judgmental. Even though Donna lived in Dallas with her husband and son, she’d never been called the N-word so many times in one day. It seemed no matter the reason for stopping someone, the person couldn’t help but throw around that hateful word.
“I’m just sick of listening to people like him,” Donna lamented as the thickly tattooed young man continued with his string of expletives, “The racism I can tune out, because it’s not new to me. But, I can’t believe the amount of homophobic rhetoric being slung at me. I’m not even gay!”
“God will rid this world of all you faggots,” the man spat, his eyes blazing as he fixed his gaze on Donna.
“See?” Donna asked Jolene, her tone flat.
Jolene shook her head and considered her partner. Donna Erixon’s androgynous appearance certainly caused many a glitch on the gaydar, but nothing about her screamed lesbian. Soft features were enhanced with a touch of earth-toned makeup, and a mousy-brown pixie cut complemented her face well. Add in a well-toned body, and legs that went on for days, and Donna Erixon made the perfect arm-candy for any man or woman.
Jolene tugged on the man’s bicep, guiding him roughly through the doors and down the hall toward the booking area.
“That’s just Dallas for you,” she said to her partner, “Ecumenical dogma is the native language. You’ll learn to tune it out. I know you’ve only lived here for a couple of years, but it’s not all bad. The neighborhood Chris and I live in is really nice.”
“Did you grow up here?” Donna asked as she filled out the paperwork the desk Sergeant handed her.
Jolene shook her head and turned the man over to the burly officer who came out to relieve her of her collar.
“I grew up in Marilynn. My brother and I moved out here to Dallas when I was in the Academy, and he was in college. My parents are active in the community here, and my twin brother and I spent a lot of time here when we were kids.”
“You’re a twin?” Donna asked.
She’d only been with the Marilynn Police Department for three years, and was only minimally acquainted with Jolene. The five days the women had spent as partners had yielded more conversations than they’d ever shared before.
“I am,” Jolene chuckled. She loved seeing the look on people’s faces when they learned that about her. “Joseph’s the gym teacher at Dallas High School.”
Donna smiled in recognition. “Okay,” she said as the pair made their way back to the car, “My son, Tyson, is a Sophomore. He is obsessed with being like JP.”
Jolene barked out a laugh. It always amused her that her brother’s students called him that. As a kid, Joseph had hated being called anything other than Joseph. “Most of his students are, especially when he shows them what he looked like at their age. It gives them motivation.”
Donna stopped when she reached the driver’s door, and rested her elbows on the roof of the car. “Can I ask you a personal question, Jo?”
Jolene opened the passenger door and mimicked Donna’s pose. “Sure,” she said, narrowing her eyes playfully, “As long as it’s not about my hair. I swear, this is my natural shade of red.”
Donna snickered. Like many people, she’d wondered if the blazing inferno of curls that her fellow officer sported was a natural gift, or a bottled embellishment.
“Well, that wasn’t what I was going to ask, but it does answer a question I’ve had for a while. What I really wanted to know, is why Christian took your last name? I mean, one doesn’t usually see a man taking his wife’s name.”
Jolene snorted as her eyebrow crept up her forehead. “I see you don’t listen to the gossip around the water cooler. Christian isn’t my husband,” she admitted, rubbing the side of her nose to soothe the tingle, “He’s my brother-in-law. We married each other’s siblings.”
Donna frowned and readjusted the radio on her shoulder. “I don’t pay attention to gossip,” she said dismissively, “I like to form my own opinions of people. If he married your sister, why did he take her name?”
Jolene shrugged. “I don’t have any sisters,” she said with a wry grin. She laughed outright at Donna’s perplexed expression.
“Chris is married to my twin brother. Oh, fuck,” she said as soon as the words were out, “Please, Donna. You can’t say anything to anyone about Joseph being gay. He could lose his job.”
Donna waved off Jolene’s concerns. “I won’t say anything. I guess I should have figured that Chris is gay,” she said with a frown, “no straight man is that concerned with his hair and nails.”
Jolene couldn’t help but laugh hard at the woman’s statement. Christian was, indeed, obsessed with keeping his hair and nails perfect.
“So, why did you keep your last name? Did you not want your husband’s name?” Donna asked, only slightly less confused about the name-game.
Jolene caught her breath and pulled out her phone. She swiped through her photos, until she found the one of her and Christina in their wedding gowns under the arbor.
