Deceitful - Softcover

Morgan, Nicholas Ralph

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1450255140 ISBN 13: 9781450255141

Publisher: iUniverse, 2010

Synopsis

Despite his fascination with snow and his ownership of a Norwegian ski resort, Gavin Harrison could not wait to emigrate from England with his brother Greg to Martinique to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle in paradise. On the outside, it appears he has an enviable life as an entrepreneur and co-owner of the family's sugarcane plantation business. But all is not as it seems. Privilege comes with a price.

Still grieving for the loss of his beloved Susannah, who tragically died in a fire on his yacht nearly a year ago, Gavin isn't ready to engage with another woman carrying a torch for him. As he attempts to resume a normal life once again, Gavin begins to believe that someone is trying to kill him. Despite a plane crash, a kidnapping in the Norwegian mountains, and a murder, the people closest to Gavin still doubt his sanity.

In this thriller packed with unexpected twists and turns, hidden forces of revenge orchestrate events against a wealthy man, leaving him to wonder if he is dealing with just an unexplained bout of paranoia or an uncertain but very real demise.

About this title

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Deceitful

By Nicholas Ralph Morgan

iUniverse, Inc.

Copyright © 2010 Nicholas Ralph Morgan
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4502-5514-1

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

Going Home

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 famous by the legendary Edith Piaf. The bold piano accompaniment with the romantic violin undertones supported her contralto voice, as though the music was a wave on which her voice surfed.

Susannah's performance was outstanding, along with her attire. She wore a low-cut black chiffon gown adorned with gold sequins. The garment reached to her ankles but was cut either side up to her hips. Her upper cleavage was visible. Her slender tanned legs frequently became revealed as she moved across the stage. She played to the audience, encouraging their raucous response, maintaining a seductive rhythm to the beat of Padam, Padam. She certainly had the attributes to fulfil a singing career. Susannah possessed a seductive voice, an attractive figure with a head of true beauty, and plenty of charisma. Her stylish auburn hair and sapphire eyes deemed to capture the attention of any audience.

Gavin continued to watch, enjoying every second of her performance. She was singing in French, which seemed to accentuate the character of the song. Susannah's clarity of French pronunciation was irreproachable. Gavin's heart suddenly missed a beat as they made eye contact. What could only have been a second or two seemed an eternity, but he could not look away. She made him feel that he was the only one in the audience. Greg was certainly right when he said she was a star, for she oozed glamour and attention. Later Gavin learned that Susannah came from Oxford and her surname was actually Crawford. Dubois was a pseudonym for her cabaret work. Her performance transpired into a dramatic finish, instigating the stupendous applause that followed.

Void of any embarrassment on both sides, Gavin and Susannah chatted freely that night. They seemed equally interested in each other. Gavin's inner feeling of elation was indescribable. Susannah made him feel wanted and desired. Gavin was only too pleased to allow her into his heart. That evening they arranged to meet again, somewhere less busy and more private. It was a meeting that had proved to be beneficial for them. Cupid's arrow played its part as romance sparkled almost immediately. It was comical to think of the disastrous times that Greg had set Gavin up with a female acquaintance. Gavin was certainly glad Greg had ignored his request to butt out of his love life. For this time Gavin had hit the jackpot.

"Is it your first time to the Caribbean?" Gavin's memory of Susannah was suddenly interrupted by one of the elderly ladies. He had not heard quite what she said.

"Pardon?" replied Gavin.

"You were miles away then," came her frail voice. "I said, is it your first time to the Caribbean?"

"No," responded Gavin. The lady continued in earnest, giving Gavin the impression she was the sort who would converse with anyone.

"Mine neither," she replied with an element of pleasure in her voice. "It is for my sister Lucy though, isn't it dear?" she said, turning to face the elderly lady that accompanied her. Gavin deduced they were from England and currently on holiday. He smiled cordially and glanced out of the window, inadvertently prompting a further response.

"Do you feel bad?" she said.

"No," answered Gavin, turning to face the dear lady.

"Only you look a little preoccupied. I thought maybe you were feeling travelsick. Lucy gets travel sickness, don't you dear?" said the elderly lady. Lucy delivered a subtle frown as she answered:

"I'm feeling just fine thank you, Lillian," she replied scornfully. It was quite evident that Lucy cringed in the shadow of Lillian's domineering character. The two sisters reminded Gavin of a couple of his aunts in England, always quibbling with one another but could not bear to be apart for very long. Gavin decided to answer the English dame before she posed another question.

"I was only thinking of my fiance," he said. Lillian's face lit up. She did not hesitate in commenting further.

"Is she not travelling with you?" remarked Lillian excitedly. The answer was unavoidable.

"She died a year ago." It still was not easy for Gavin to talk about. He coughed to try and clear the lump in his throat.

"Oh I am sorry," remarked Lillian, her voice full of concern. "So you're taking a holiday to get away from it all," she assumed.

"Actually no. I live on the island of Martinique," informed Gavin.

"You live here!" resounded Lillian. "How fascinating. Did you hear that Lucy, he lives here."

"Of course I heard it. I'm not deaf," replied Lucy, having received a nudge from her sister.

"We left England twenty years ago, my parents, myself and my brother," Gavin hastily added, hoping to prevent a sibling showdown.

"That is a long time ago," remarked Lillian as she refocused her attention on him. She was obviously eager for more information so Gavin obliged.

"My father invested in a sugarcane plantation, supplying sugar to countries all over the world."

"Oh that does sound exciting, doesn't it Lucy dear?" said a jubilant Lillian.

"Sugar!" came Lucy's surly voice. "Not very good for the teeth."

"Well you've got your dentures dear, so there's no need for you to worry about that," assured Lillian. It was all Gavin could do to stop himself from laughing. The two old dears were a comedy act, almost like a true-life Hinge and Brackett. "So do you still have the sugarcane plantation?" asked Lillian.

"Yes I do. My folks are no longer with us now. My dad died ten years ago, my mother seven, so my brother and I own and run the business," replied Gavin.

"You're like one of those entrepreneurs aren't you? I bet you're worth a fortune," said Lillian. This time it was Lucy's turn to rebuke her sister.

"Don't be so impertinent!" she accused.

"But Lucy dear, we're mixing with the millionaires of the Caribbean," uttered Lillian.

"We are on holiday, leave the chap alone," affirmed Lucy.

Not wanting to gloat at Lillian's embarrassment Gavin looked away. Through the small window he could see Martinique in the distance, like an emerald in a diamant setting. He turned his attention to the elderly sisters and informed them they would be landing shortly.

"Did you hear that Lucy? We'll be landing shortly," said Lillian enthusiastically. Lucy gave an austere glare at her sibling, and then forced a smile for Gavin's benefit. Both ladies were wearing summer dresses in preparation for the increase in temperature. However, to Lucy's peril she was wearing a cardigan. Lillian was of the opinion that wearing a cardigan in the Caribbean was not appropriate.

"You won't want to be wearing that cardigan once we are in Martinique," advised Lillian.

"There might be a chill in the air," replied Lucy.

"Not in the Caribbean there won't be," rebuked Lillian.

"Well I prefer to have it with me," stated Lucy defiantly.

"You will only get too hot and won't want to carry it," assumed Lillian.

"I won't get too hot and besides, it will help to keep the sun off my arms," responded Lucy, annoyed at her sibling's persistence.

"As long as you don't come moaning to me about being all hot and bothered and having a migraine," accused Lillian.

"Heaven forbid that I should!" retorted Lucy.

One got the impression that the two sisters would constantly bicker over the slightest thing for the duration of their holiday. Maybe after seventy years plus of each other they had grown accustomed to it. The seaplane approached the jetty. Gavin could see his brother waiting to collect him.

Greg, aged thirty-three was two years younger than Gavin. He watched the seaplane draw near as he leaned against his maroon convertible. He was scantily dressed, wearing shorts and a T-shirt. His muscular tanned arms were folded across his chest. The morning sun was burning down on his head. He reached into the car for his cap, fanning it in front of his face prior to placing it on his head. The heat of the June sun was intensifying. Beads of sweat were already beginning to trickle down his unshaven face. Periodically, Greg looked around for signs of anyone else, but he was quite alone. Behind him lay an endless orchard of lush tropical fruit trees, a bounteous mixture of limes, coconut, and papayas, to name but a few. These delicious fruits could be seen hanging from the branches of this exotic forest that surrounded the jetty. Nature clearly owned this Caribbean island.

Greg could hear the faint rustle of leaves, not caused by any breeze but by the birds and wildlife that spent their days amongst the great-outstretched branches. One had to admire how the birds utilised nature's canopy. Greg looked across the clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. In the absence of waves the shimmering ripples flowed gracefully to shore with an air of tranquillity. No doubt submerged beneath this peaceful watery inlet was an abundance of marine life frantically going about its daily routine.

Whilst waiting for Gavin, Greg had time to reflect over their recent argument. It had been over a week since their unavoidable discord. That was the last time Greg had visited Gavin in hospital. The main issue was Gavin's stubbornness to accept reality. This had infuriated Greg to an extent that he had to retaliate. How could Gavin refute the medical diagnosis with such flippancy? After all, the doctors had saved his life. They ought to know what they were talking about. Out of brotherly love he had tried to make Gavin see reason, but it had been to no avail.

The faint hum of the engine increased as the seaplane drew nearer. Soon, Greg was able to see his brother looking out of the window. He waved and smiled. Gavin waved back to him. He felt pleased to see Greg and was confident they could reconcile their differences. A spray of water splashed across the window as the seaplane touched down. It always reminded Gavin of a travelling snowplough. The light aircraft pulled up alongside the jetty.

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Deceitfulby Nicholas Ralph Morgan Copyright © 2010 by Nicholas Ralph Morgan. Excerpted by permission of iUniverse, Inc.. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Edition details

• Publisher: iUniverse
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1450255140
• ISBN 13: 9781450255141
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 264