Web Secrets

Web Secrets

Ronnie Dauber

Copyright © 2018 Ronnie Dauber

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used by any means, graphic, electronic, mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and book reviews.

Printed in the United States of America 2018

This book is a fiction novel, and all names, characters, and situations are a product of this author’s imagination only.

Author Credits: Series & Sequels

Sarah Davies Series: Mudslide Revised (2017)

Sarah Davies Series: Firestorm Revised (2017)

Sarah Davies Series: Whiteout Revised (2017)

Sarah Davies Series: Raging Waters Revised (2017)

The Crown Series: From Cradle to King (2016)

The Crown Series: From Slave to Hero (2016)

The Crown Series: From Prince to Prophet (2017)

The Crown Series: From Shepherd to King (2017)

The Crown Series: From Captive to Delegate (2017)

The Crown Series: From Orphan to Queen (2018)

One Glorious Night (2017)

The Rising Son (2018)

The Boy Who Would be King (2017)

Books may be ordered through Amazon stores or by contacting:

Smashwords at http://www.smashwords.com

Or Ronnie Dauber’s website at http://www.ronniedauber.ca

ISBN-13: 978-1979813334

Dedication

To my granddaughter, Tori Dauber, who has been a loyal supporter of my fiction books and who has encouraged me to keep writing.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Love’s Illusions

Suspicious Minds

Above Suspicion

The Killer Among Us

Domestic Spy

First Flight Out

Two For One

The Sound of Gold

The Plot Thickens

A Chip in Time

Chance or Intent?

Pandora’s Box

Slowly it Opens

Backdraft

The Frame

Deceived

Prospect for Revenge?

Live Wire

Fugitive

Flaps Down

Smoking Gun

Secret Delusion

Prologue

Dark Shadows

Distant rumblings of thunder taunted the balmy night air as sheet lightning lit up the ominous sky and sent icy shivers across Madison’s neck. She waited in the shadows with her breath caught in her chest, her insides shivering with fear. Reaching her clammy, shaking hand into her pocket, she clasped the cold, metal gun and held it in front of her. She pressed back into the brick wall and swallowed hard against the deafening silence, trying not to make a sound.

Suddenly, the heavy door swung open and meticulous footsteps crunched the stones on the rooftop patio as they moved steadily towards her. Fear shot up into her chest and thumped like a bass drum against her rib cage. Tears began to trickle from her eyes and her ears pulsated with the intensity of her heartbeat. She wiped away the sniffles with her sleeve that dripped on to her upper lip and then flicked her dark locks back over her shoulder. Staring ahead, too terrified to blink, she clenched the weapon firmly in her hands.

She hated guns. They terrified her, and she’d always promised herself that she would never touch one. But right now it was the only defense she had to ward off a psychopath who wouldn’t stop until he had killed her.

You can’t run from me, the ominous voice spoke methodically.

His cynical words echoed in her head, and she trembled even more. He called her name again in soft, disparaging chants as the ominous sound of his footsteps on the gravel drew defiantly closer. She shifted her eyes towards the door that was hidden in the shadows of a brick wall. He called her name again. She gasped as his silhouette drew closer. He took another step. Her heart pounded. She swallowed and stared through blurry eyes.

There was a sharp noise to the left of her, and instinctively she turned towards it. Nothing was there. She looked back quickly, and her heart jumped. She screamed! He was standing right in front of her, and the light on the nearby wall reflected a hideous smile that ripped through her like a two-edged sword. She tried to move away but her legs had become like rubber, and her body was paralyzed with fear. She stared into his cold, devilish eyes and trembled.

Madison gripped the gun tighter and tried to fire it, but her hands trembled, and she fumbled it. She groaned loudly and tried again and again, but nothing came out. He reached forward slowly and pulled the gun from her hands. Tears flowed uncontrollably down her cheeks as she held her hands over her face.

He reached towards her again, and this time he gently wrapped his arm around her and pulled her up and close to his side. She cried out as she grabbed his hand and tried to pull him off of her. No! Please stop. Let me go.

She dug her heels into the tiny stones and slapped at his hands repeatedly as he forced her across the patio floor. He stopped at the balcony railing on the far wall that overlooked the busy New York street eight stories below.

Madison screamed as he let go of her and pushed her backward onto a cement bench. She gasped as she landed painfully on the edge of the solid fixture, and then squirmed away from him she tried to regain her composure. Her gun fell out of his jacket pocket and landed on the ground a few feet away.

He spoke again slowly and methodically. There was a resemblance of repentance in his voice that was soon overpowered with a threatening monotone.

You keep looking at the door. Your friend isn’t coming.

His words stabbed into her heart like a knife, and she struggled to speak. Her chest thumped louder than her ears pulsated as his voice cut through like a sharp blade. She clenched her hands at her chest and spotted the gun on the floor through the corner of her eye. But he was fast. It was as if he could read her thoughts. This what you want?

She swallowed hard several times and bit her trembling lips. She tried to speak in between her choppy breaths, but nothing would come out. Then he pointed at the gun. Here, take it.

Her eyes shifted between his obsessive glare and the daunting barrel. She wanted so badly to grab the gun and fire it, but once again she was overtaken with panic and could do nothing more than a whimper. He repeated in a quiet, monotone voice for her to take the gun but the eeriness of his expression sent waves of terror through her body. Her eyes became locked on his.

Okay, I’ll leave this right here, and we’ll see who draws first.She didn’t move her head, but her eyes followed him as he placed the loaded gun on the bench beside her. Madison stared at it through her tears; her hands now clenched at her chest and her breathing so hard and erratic that it burned her lungs. If only she could break the fearful trance, she’d reach over and pick up the gun, but she couldn’t move.

She closed her eyes, and for a split second her thoughts drifted back to her apartment and to the joy that she shared with her husband. She remembered how James would come through the front door and rub his five-o’clock shadow against her cheek, holding her tightly in his arms as he kissed her passionately. But her heart was quickly filled with sorrow because she knew she would never be with her husband again.

She opened her eyes slowly and looked up into her assailant’s demeaning eyes. Chilling sensations of terror shot across the nape of her neck, and she knew that he would kill her. Staring coldly at her, he aimed his gun at her head and said goodbye. Madison closed her eyes and left her ears to cope with the exploding sound of the gunshot that she knew would follow.

Chapter 1

Love’s Illusions

The yellow taxicab came to a stop under the large beige canopy at the front of 160 Riverside Drive. A slender young woman dressed in designer blue jeans and a green lambskin jacket waved to the driver as the attendant held the heavy glass door open for her. She scurried towards the cab carrying her black and white terrier and then slid into the back seat.

Hey, Diego, how are you today?

The rounded, middle-aged man looked at her through the rearview mirror and smiled as she gave him her destination.

So, Maddie, it’s been three months since you quit work and became the distinguished Mrs. Richards. Are we heading back to work today?

Madison sighed and brushed her dark curls over her shoulder as she took the cab fare out of her black leather handbag.

No, I’m just having lunch with my friend, Kala, from the Gallery. But it sure would be nice even though James doesn’t think so.

They arrived at the Nostalgia Café about ten minutes later and Diego clasped her hand as she gave him the fare.

Maddie?

Oh, Diego, you have that look in your eye again. Not another premonition about my future? Nothing bad has happened to me, yet. I’m still fine so stop worrying.

Sorry, Maddie, but I can’t stop worrying about you.

The taxi pulled away, and as Madison breathed in the aroma of freshly baked bread, her insides tingled with excitement. The warm spring breeze gently mussed her hair as she clipped on Max’s leash and then headed toward the red ceramic tiles of the outdoor Café. This was her favorite restaurant in all of New York City, and she smiled excitedly as she eyed the short blue picket fence that was neatly lined with colorful pots filled with every shade of tulip.

Her tall, slender friend was seated at a table waving to her. Madison sat down as the waitress served fresh coffee and croissants.

Oh, Kala, this is so good—the coffee, the croissants, being here with you again. It feels like the old days. And that blue lambskin jacket! It is so you.

I know, we sure got good deals on these. Yeah, those were the days.

Madison became quiet and sipped her coffee as she looked around her. Kala looked at her curiously.

Maddie, you okay?

Oh, sorry. It’s just that I miss this place. Nothing’s the way it’s supposed to be.

I know. You shouldn’t have eloped with James and quit your job.

Kala, it’s just that he…

It’s just that he rushed you into marriage and for what? So he can leave you alone to house sit his luxury apartment? It was too fast, Maddie, and the timing. I mean, only two months of dating and just weeks after your brother gets killed.

Madison took a tissue from her pocket and wiped away the tears.

Oh Kala, I miss Sean so much, it hurts.

I know, Maddie. I miss him, too.

But, there was no one to give me away anymore, and my mom got so ill over losing Sean, and so we just eloped.

There were a few seconds of silence as Kala put her hand on Madison's. How's your mom doing? Have you been out to see her this week?

Yeah, but she's the same. Doesn't talk much, just stares out the window but when I say I have to leave, she starts to cry. Anyway, James said eloping was the best thing for everyone, for us to be together.

But you’re not together, Maddie, that’s the point. And you’re miserable now.

Only when he’s gone, but when he’s home, it’s really great.

Kala bit into her croissant and rolled her eyes. Yeah, he’s great all right. Got charm, gorgeous brown hair, a compelling smile, the perfect body—and let’s not forget his money. But are you happy?

Madison’s chest tightened as her eyes welled up again. Well, I’m happy when he’s home. He’s good to me, and he’s so passionate, and I love being with him. It’s just that he’s gone so much and it gets lonely, and when he’s home, we never go out together. Well, except for tomorrow night. It’ll be the first time he’s actually taken me anywhere.

Kala grunted as she took another bite of her croissant. I still think there’s more to him than you know. I’ve never met anyone before who kept so much to himself.

Madison jerked forward and whispered. He’s not having an affair if that’s what you’re thinking. James loves me. It’s just his work, that’s all.

Kala licked her fingers as she looked down at Max who was lying so still at

Madison’s feet. You’re awful quiet today, Max. Since when aren’t you whining for food, eh Max?

Madison smiled at Max and put her tissue in her pocket. He’s not himself lately. He scored a perfect checkup at the Vet's last month, but he’s been quiet for a couple of days now. Didn’t even want his treat this morning.

James still picking on him?

Madison fumbled with the napkin and forced a chuckle. No. He doesn’t pick on him. He just doesn’t like him around all the time. He says he has allergies, and I know it bothers him when Max’s hair gets on his clothes.

Kala sipped her coffee, and her eyes sparkled as her countenance changed. Madison smiled inquisitively and asked, Kala, what is it?

Okay Maddie, are you ready for this? Mr. Green just bought an old museum in Florida, and he sent George Bard there today to supervise the renovations.

Madison’s mouth fell open, and her heart raced. No kidding?

No kidding and Mr. Green has made me manager here. He wants you back, Maddie. We’ve gone through, like, three hostesses since you left the Gallery, and he wants me to talk you into coming back today.

Madison’s insides fluttered, and her eyes sparkled. Kala, this is too good to be true. Oh, but what about when George gets back? He’s still mad at me for not dating his son and he’s a constant thorn in my side.

Kala grabbed Madison’s arm as she stomped her feet anxiously under the table. That’s the good part. George isn’t coming back. He’s permanently located at the new museum now. So? You can start tomorrow if you want.

Madison took a breath and sighed as she looked down at Max. Wow, this is great news, but James is coming home tomorrow, and I should tell him about it before I start. Kala, don’t say it. I have to keep the peace. But I really am excited. Oh boy, I don’t think I’m going to sleep tonight.

Madison returned home, bursting with excitement. She tossed and turned all night as her mind battled the conflict between the excitement of returning to work and the apprehension of telling her husband. She knew that he didn’t want her to return to work.

She and Max were up at the crack of dawn with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee weaving its way throughout the penthouse apartment. The front door opened shortly after eight o’clock and a short older woman with permed salt and pepper hair ambled through carrying a cobalt blue sequin gown wrapped in a clear plastic bag.

Good morning, Maddie. I picked up your dress for you.

Morning, Jessie. Oh, thanks. Don’t you just love this dress? James bought it for me for our three-month anniversary last month—even though we never actually left the apartment. Anyway, we’re going out tonight, and I want it to be so perfect.

Jessie grunted as she shook her head. I’ve never heard of inviting office staff to the policeman’s ball before.

Well, he’s a good friend of the chief, and besides, he’s their IT guy. He developed their entire department database, you know. Anyway, I don’t care. I love dancing and getting dressed up. It’s going to be fun.

Jessie took Max outside for his morning walk while Madison returned to the kitchen to get her coffee. Mornings were her favorite part of the day and she looked forward to that first sip of cappuccino, sitting in her blue padded wicker chair on her balcony. She admired the colorful splendor of the bushy, fragrant roses that filled the oversized pots while the echo of the morning traffic rush below excited her of her own return to work.

The loud chime of the front door disturbed her quiet thoughts. Parcel for J. Richards from National Tech Corp.

Yes, I’m his wife. I’ll take it, thank you.

She took the bulky parcel to their den as she often did during the week when couriers delivered parcels to James. Just as she was leaving the den, Jessie sauntered through the front door with Max at her side.

Hey, Jessie, you guys are back early.

Ah, he’s tired again today. Just wants to do his thing and come back to sleep.

I know. He hasn’t been jumping around as much lately, either. But I’m sure he’ll perk up when James gets home. You know, I still can’t believe I married a guy in his forties.

Twelve years, Maddie. That’s nothing when you’re in love. Dominic's five years older than me.

Really? By the way, is he over the flu, yet?

No, he’s a bit worse today. I wish our doctor hadn’t gotten so ill and retired.

Madison walked Jessie into the kitchen. Isn’t James’s doctor working out?

He’s okay. Even makes house calls, but I don’t care for him too much or the nurse he brings with him. Anyway, I guess it's just going to take time for the meds to kick in, but I'm sure he'll start feeling better soon. Meanwhile, I better get cleaning so I can get back home to him.

Later that day, the whiff of Parmesan chicken filled the apartment as James came through the door and plopped his suitcases onto the white ceramic floor. He threw off his sandy suede jacket just as Madison dove into his arms. They greeted each other passionately, and for a few short minutes, she was beguiled on cloud nine.

After their meal, they sat on the living room sofa talking even though Madison had tried desperately to flirt with him. But James was concerned about her well being, as always, and wanted to know everything she’d done while he was gone. He refilled her glass with wine and glared at Max who was asleep on his oversized blue pillow beside the couch.

Maddie, I really think I’m allergic to him. Madison giggled, and as she sipped her wine, he added, Seriously, have you thought any more about giving him to Jessie’s grandkids?

No, James. I’m not giving Max away to anyone. He’s been with me for years, and you know how much I love him.

She handed James the candy dish from the coffee table that was filled with treats she’d made. These are delicious, Maddie. Did you give some to Jessie?

Yeah, I did. And you were right; she and Dominic really like the goodies I bake. And baking comes easy since I’m alone so much and practically live in my kitchen.

Good. Treats always help on the road to recovery.

Madison snuggled into James and put her hand on his. Honey, I’ve been thinking about returning to work.

Maddie, we’ve been over this. I’ve got things all set for you to come with me.

She messaged his hand gently and forced a smile. Yes, but you’ve been saying this for three months now. You’re going to take me with you on your business trips but it never happens. I’m bored, I miss my job, and I miss talking to people.

James pushed her hand away slightly, and his voice became stern. You’re bored? I gave you the chance to fulfill your dream of painting. How many of your friends have their own art studio right in their home?

Madison's heart began to pound, and she was worried that she’d angered him. She took a deep breath and spoke slowly. And I appreciate that James, but I quit my job so I could go on trips with you so we could be together. But it hasn’t happened yet, and you’re always gone. I think I deserve more than this, more than being left alone all the time.

James squeezed her hands gently and with an alluring smile and captivating charm, he melted her heart once again. I’m working on a plan, and soon I’ll be able to give you everything you deserve.

You promise?

He gently lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. Cross my heart. Now come on, we have to get ready for this party.

Later that evening, they were escorted into the Valentino Banquet Hall and to an eloquently-set table where other prominent guests were being seated. James introduced her to several of his friends and colleagues including Police Chief Andrew Johnston and his wife, Rona. Madison was ecstatic to finally meet his friends.

And this is my Californian associate, Randall Bennett, James added.

Madison reached out to shake his hand. Mr. Bennett, nice to meet you.

My pleasure. And please, call me Randall.

The night passed quickly even though James spent much of the time away from her while speaking with other guests. But she was pleasantly entertained in the meantime with stories from everyone else at the table. The chief had a hardy, contagious laugh that kept everyone in stitches.

And remember that Jenkin’s guy? He thought he was so smart so we just let him take us right to the drugs.

Randall leaned forward and chuckled as he slapped the table. Yeah, the jerk couldn’t figure out that we were tracking him through the chip in his cell phone. Remember when he found out? He was so mad that he stomped on his cell and creamed it.

The laughter filled the room as Madison listened to story after story. Towards the end of the evening, Randall excused himself and James walked him to the main door. When he returned alone, Madison asked why Randall had left.

He’s recently widowed, James whispered as he handed her a piece of paper. He’s struggling with it, and he just wanted to go home. Anyway, he asked me if you would keep in touch with him at this email address.

Me? Why me?

You’ve got a loveable smile, and he felt comfortable around you. He needs a female friend to talk to. Now, can I dance with the most beautiful woman in the room?

Madison melted in his passionate embrace as they danced to the famous Beatle classic, Hey Jude. The scent of nutmeg and patchouli radiated from his neck, stirring her senses and holding her captive long into the night. But soon her three-day rendezvous was over and James was getting ready to leave again.

Jessie was already at work cleaning the main bathroom when the doorbell chimed and the courier handed Madison a small package. She carried it into the den as usual, but her heart jumped when she saw Max curled up on the Asian throw rug.

Max, what are you doing in here?

As she ushered Max out, she noticed one of the desk drawers was opened and instinctively went back to shut it. When she saw what was inside, she gasped loudly and trembled as she slammed the drawer closed.

Her chest was still pounding when James joined her in the kitchen a few minutes later for coffee.

James, why is there a gun in your desk?

James tilted his head, raised his eyebrow and stared down at her as he poured himself some coffee.

What were you doing in my desk, Maddie?

The delivery guy brought one of your computer packages so I put it in the den. Your drawer was opened, and I saw it.

I see.

Madison wrapped her hands around her mug as she placed it slowly on the table. James, we agreed, no guns.

James sipped his coffee as his eyes bounced from her to the brass wall clock. Maddie, it’s New York City. Everyone has a gun. Seriously, you have to get over this fear of guns. You’re home alone, and I want you to be protected while I’m gone.

Some protection! I didn’t even know it was there until just now. And anyway, I don’t need that kind of protection. Madison shook so much that she struggled to keep her composure. Did I ever tell you how my dad died?

Yes, Maddie, I know how your dad died, but this isn’t the Bronx.

I don’t care. I don’t want it here.

Tears trickled down her face as Madison stood up to leave the room. But James gently pulled her into his embrace and whispered softly. Okay, okay. I thought it was a good idea, but I’ll get rid of it. I love you. Please, don’t cry.

He held her securely for a few seconds, but when the doorbell chimed, he slipped his hands down her arms and bent his knees slightly so his deep brown eyes could look into her eyes. That’s the driver, Honey. I have to go now.

He kissed her forehead, and she sank into the leather swivel chair as she listened to the door close behind him. Before she realized it, her thoughts drifted back to that one horrible night many years ago.

Madison grew up in a small community of friends in their corner of the Bronx. Her dad was a police officer, and they were very close. She even planned that one day she’d wear a shiny badge just like his. Every Saturday night they’d disappear into a little room off of their kitchen that had a small brown metal desk against one wall with two chrome chairs that were padded in blue vinyl. While she watched her dad take apart his revolver and clean it, they’d chat about everything under the sun. Her brother, Sean, and her mom would curl up together on the couch and watch Tom and Jerry on television.

On this night, Madison slipped back into the kitchen to get a drink. She closed the heavy door behind her and opened the refrigerator just as there was a sudden loud knock on the front door. Three young bearded men with long hair, dressed in black leather jackets and chains barged into their home. Madison gasped as she peeked from behind the partly opened kitchen door. One guy pushed Sean aside and shouted at her mother.

You come with us. We need stuff from your store.

Madison’s mother screamed as she clawed at the stranger. We don’t own a store. Let go of me.

I said let’s go.

No! I don’t own a store. It’s the Taylor’s.

Madison held her breath and cupped her shaking hands over her mouth as Sean plunged forward at one of them to defend his mother. A second guy knocked him to the floor giving him a bloody nose, but Sean kept yelling. It’s not us! It’s the Taylor’s next door.

Madison’s chest pounded as she scurried back to her dad. Daddy, Daddy! Some guys are hurting Mommy and Sean.

What? Stay here.

Her dad jumped up and ran into the living room but she tiptoed behind him without him seeing her. She hid behind the kitchen door and watched through the crack as her dad grabbed the guy who was assaulting her mother.

Get off of her!

The second guy grabbed Madison’s mother and pulled her to her feet by her neck, holding her in a headlock while the first guy shouted.

We want something from your store.

Madison’s dad yelled back, but then the first and the third guy wrestled him to the floor. He was a strong man, and he fought to defend his family, but they were drunk and determined