Deceptions of the Heart Read Online Free PDF Page A

longer.” I cringed at my poor choice of words.
    Sudha sputtered the glass of water raised to her lips.
    “That’s what Marnie told me,” he said slowly and deliberately, perhaps trying to determine if I would explode. “She also told me you’re planning a trip to California.”
    “Oh, no. Mrs. Cristobal, you must not go there.” Sudha turned to us once again, planting her fists on her hips.
    “I have to go.”
    Anson countered with utmost patience. “We’ve been over this a thousand times. What purpose would it serve? I don’t want you to go to California again.” His last statement sounded more like a command than a request.
    “I have money of my own.” At least, it appeared that way based on the hefty balance in Jennifer’s checking account. “I can go where I wish and do as I want,” I told him, presenting a direct challenge.
    He rubbed his thumb and forefinger over his eyes. “Of course,” he muttered. “It always comes back to that, doesn’t it? You don’t need my permission, but it would be nice if you’d a least consider my opinion.” Should Anson discuss his personal issues with Jennifer in front of the housekeeper? I flicked my eyes toward Sudha. He followed my glance. “We will discuss this further after dinner.” He snatched up his jacket and headed toward the back stairs.
    Sudha peered after him with half-closed eyes. “You should not displease him this way. This will not end well—”
    “I will deal with Anson’s displeasure. Whether it ends well or not is none of your concern. Call me when dinner is ready.” I rushed out of the kitchen, ignoring the grim determination in her dark eyes.
    ****
    I tapped my fingernail on the fine crystal water glass while I twisted my thoughts this way and that. Anson cleared his throat and directed his gaze at my incessant tapping. I ceased my nervous habit and picked at my food. His disappeared before I’d finished my third bite.
    “You’re not hungry?” he asked.
    “No. Not really.” The pepper steak smelled delicious, but I was afraid to eat it. After all my misgiving and suspicions, I didn’t trust anyone. Someone might be trying to kill Jennifer and I wasn’t sure who…or how.
    Both Price Whitaker and Sudha pushed medication at me. What was Jennifer taking? What kind of medical condition did she have? Did it have anything to do with the scar in the middle of her chest?
    No one would tell me what happened the night Jennifer fainted. Why? I was left to fill in a lot of blanks. Why would Jennifer fake an episode? Was she suspicious of everyone around her? Who was she trying to manipulate? So many innuendos and hints of deceit. Suggestions of unfaithfulness and misdeeds. What kind of woman was Jennifer Cristobal?
    Sudha barely conceals her disrespect toward Jennifer. Price Whitaker pretends he’s had enough of Jennifer’s antics. Marnie hates her because she suspects Jennifer is cheating on Anson with Price. Sairs holds some sort of grudge against her. And Anson…why doesn’t he want her to go to California? No one says what they mean or means what they say. I’m surrounded by people that don’t trust her and I can’t trust any of them.
    “It’s good.” He flicked his index finger at my food as if I wouldn’t know what he referred to without the visual aid.
    “I’m sure it is.” I pushed the plate away from me.
    The rim of the service caught the glint of the chandelier. The table looked heavy—twin pedestals supported its weight. The chairs were not a matched set, yet they worked well as a unit. The table was unadorned by a tablecloth, laid with simple place settings—bone, gold-trimmed dinner plates against brilliant red chargers. The flatware and crystal lent a sparkling iridescence to the atmosphere.
    “This is a beautiful room,” I said without thought, fingering the lace-edged napkin.
    “It should be. You worked hard enough on it…and paid enough for it.”
    My head popped up.
    Didn’t he tell me—not too many