Love, Lies & ...Secrets

By Christie De Vries

When RN Cate Ross leaves Melbourne, for a new life on the Gold Coast, following a disasterous affair and the death of her parents, never in her wildest dreams would she have thought that she'd be working for a real live, Hollywood movie star; Darla Daniels. The movie actress' own skeletons will eventually threaten Cate's life. Through her job, she meets the very handsome, Doctor Ben Carter who has his own demons. Can Ben's love break through the solid walls Cate has built up? Will the evil machinations of Darla's daughter Olivia, be Cate's downfall? What secrets has the houskeeper kept hidden, all these years?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christie De Vries
• Release date: Jan 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370280537

Christie De Vries

I'm an indie author. I love to write and have just published my first romance/mystery novel, Love, Lies, & ... Secrets. I also love to paint and live in Melbourne, Australia.

Book preview

Dedication

For all the Hollywood Women: the elegant and dazzling women, who captured our hearts and imaginations on the silver screen.

Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Elizabeth Taylor, Katharine Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and so many more. Never forgotten... for the laughs, the sheer drama, the amazing talent and for being bigger than life. With Love x

A huge thank you to Kate Lowther, for your valued opinion and friendship. Apologies for the many crazy sounding messages, and thank you, for your very welcome help proof reading/cover ideas and for checking that the story flows. You're a beautiful Soul!

As always, for my dear friends: Tanya and Angie for their encouragement and loyal friendship, two more beautiful Souls. I'm truly, blessed.

For Oma Edie x

And certainly not least: for you, Angel. You know who you are, and this, … is for you…xox

Author's Note

All characters and events portrayed in this novel, are purely fictitious and entirely the imagination, of the author: except for Ms. Carmen Dell' Orefice, who does exist and is still very much in demand as a model in her mid-eighties.

Locations mentioned do exist, with the exceptions of: Dr. Ben Carter's surgery, Oakley Manor and the Bedford police station and lab. Since I have used a fair amount of American slang, I decided to write the novel using American English, rather than Australian English for convenience sake.

Warning: The story contains low level drug use, low level sex scenes and occasional coarse language.

Table of Contents

Copyright Page

Dedication

Author’s Note

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Epilogue

Afterword

About the Author

Contact

Prologue

The woman lay on her side on the rusted, metal bed, facing the wall and was still unconscious.

He had bound her hands and feet together, with plastic cable ties. Her mouth, he'd covered with duct tape.

Everyone thought he was stupid. Hadn't the Bitch told him that, over and over? He'd been trodden down all his life, but that would change, very soon.

Then they'd all see, just how clever he was...

He made sure he still had plenty of sedative in the little metal, topped vial and spare syringes.

He had the stun gun, just in case he needed it. Wouldn't want the little lady getting boisterous! Maybe, he'd torment her a little... Especially, if she acted up...

Soon, it would all be over… he just had to be patient a little longer and everything would be his...

Chapter One

Cate

Spring, present day...

Cate Ross was enjoying the long drive, up to the Gold Coast. The windows of her red, beat up old Toyota Sprinter were wide open, the warm late Spring air, blowing through her shoulder length, deep blonde hair. The past couple of years, had been more than difficult, for Cate. She had worked her butt off, saving every penny she could, so that she would have a little nest egg to fall back on, should she have trouble finding work on the Coast. She doubted it, though. Nursing was one of those professions that could take you, anywhere in the world.

Cate had lived in Melbourne most of her life; had gone to school there and had done her nurse's training at The Royal Melbourne hospital. Now that her thirtieth birthday was fast approaching, she had decided that she needed a change of scenery.

Two years earlier, she'd become involved with an anesthetist at the hospital she'd been working at. Cate had fallen in love, only to discover that the bastard was married. When you let people in, you only get your heart broken, this was Cate's motto now. She certainly wouldn't make that mistake again, any time soon! Since the death of both Cate's parents in a freak light plane crash the year before, Cate had decided she needed new surroundings and to make new memories.

The death of her parents had hit Cate particularly hard, because she'd had no-one to share the grief with, no other family to help her sort through her parent's house and belongings. Following the funeral, she'd been terribly depressed, not leaving her flat for weeks at a time. Eventually, Cate sold her parent's house and put the money in a term deposit bank account, virtually forgetting about it. Money wasn't something Cate cared about much, as long as she had enough to pay the bills and could afford an occasional treat.

Now, she was going to enjoy a couple of weeks of sun and surf. She deserved it, she thought to herself and when she got bored, she could always ring her friend Gail Allen, who had an agency in Surfers Paradise. Gail was always telling her, that there was plenty of work around.

Cate arrived on the coast early in the evening, having stopped only for short toilet breaks. She drove into the quiet little motel's parking bay. She'd decided to stay out of the center of things and this motel was off the main strip and just a few minutes from Burleigh Heads, which had a major shopping complex, should she feel the need to shop. Cate entered the motel foyer and approached the desk to register.

She introduced herself to the middle aged man behind the desk.

Hi, I'm Cate Ross. I phoned from Melbourne and booked?

Good Evening, Cate. I'm Jim, the owner. Welcome, to the sunny Gold Coast! Are you planning on staying long? Jim asked.

I'm not really sure, yet... at least two weeks. I just want to soak up some sun. Take a break, you know...

Well, you're welcome to stay as long as you like, dear. I've given you bungalow 8, it's the nicest and the last bungalow at the end of the path, so you'll have no noisy cars or foot traffic going past. There are plenty of towels etc., and I've popped some fruit and things you might like, in the fridge. Here’s your key.

Thanks so much, Jim. I really appreciate the extra little touches!

Not a worry dear, just ring if you need anything, anything at all.

Cate left the office and followed the path, till she found bungalow number 8. She'd only brought one suitcase with her, since most of her belongings were in storage; until she knew what she was doing. When she entered the bungalow, she was pleasantly surprised by the spaciousness. She opened the door facing a small deck, which was surrounded by palm trees... the heady perfume of frangipani dancing past, on the warm breeze. The bungalow had polished wooden floors in the living area, bedroom, and sand colored tiles in the bathroom and kitchenette. Scattered rugs and bright accents of red and green, completed the hacienda look.

Cate unpacked her suitcase and put away her clothes and personal items, keeping a one-piece bathing suit, a sarong and a pair of strappy sandals out, thinking she had time for a quick swim in the pool before dinner.

Just as she was about to leave, her cell phone rang.

Hello? Cate speaking.

Cate! It's Gail, how are you? When are you arriving? Wait, till I tell about this great job offer I have for you. You won't believe it!

Cate laughed.

Gail! Hang on a minute... I'm here already, just got to the motel. I was just about to go for a quick swim, before dinner.

Oh, wonderful! Why don't you pop over to the agency in the morning and we can catch up?

Sure thing. Let's make it lunch, so I can have a sleep in! said Cate.

Some people, have all the luck. Ok, I'll see you then… can't wait to see you!

Me too, Gail. Really looking forward to seeing you! Bye. Cate rang off and headed to the pool for a few leisurely laps, followed by a lovely cool shower and some food!

The next morning, Cate woke late and had to rush to get ready to meet Gail, sure she'd be late. Traffic was light and she made it to Surfers Paradise, with minutes to spare.

Gail's agency was situated on the Esplanade, with the ocean visible from the waiting room. Gail had furnished the area, with modern office furniture. Scattered palms and other lush foliage plants, were carefully placed to create a calm, inviting space. The attractive receptionist, greeted Cate.

Good morning, you must be Cate... Gail's just on a call, but she'll be out shortly. Would you like a coffee? It's freshly ground.

My favorite yes, thank you!

The receptionist, brought the coffee over with some magazines. Cate sipped the delicious brew and sat back to look out at the ocean. She was eager to find out about this fabulous job! She hadn't quite finished her coffee, when Gail came out of her office.

Cate! So glad you're here, it's been way too long! Gail hadn't changed much over the years. In her mid-thirties, with luscious auburn hair and amazing blue eyes, she looked great. She had started the agency after they had both completed their nurse’s training, while Cate had chosen to gain surgical experience.

Gail, you look fantastic! So good to see you!

They hugged each other and Gail motioned Cate, into her office.

So, tell me Cate, what's been happening in your life? asked Gail.

Well, after the disastrous affair with that doctor two years ago, you remember? ... the one who turned out to be very married... and then, Mum and Dad. I just felt, I needed a complete change of scenery. I've been working at St. John's hospital in Bendigo, but the politics were driving me nuts. So, here I am!

Let's go and grab some lunch at this new little bistro around the corner. I have a job, that has your name on it! said Gail.

Ok, let's go, I'm starving. Woke up too late, to grab breakfast...

They walked the short distance to the bistro and sat down at a table outside. People were walking casually over to the beach: families with multiple kids in tow, making the most of a hard earned vacation. The surf was up today, Cate noticed.

When they were seated, Cate lit up a cigarette.

You're not still smoking? asked Gail.

I am! I've tried to give up, so many times. I just bought one of those electronic vaporizer things, but I need a real cigarette now and again.

They both ordered a salad and Cate ordered a red wine, for each of them. Once they'd finished their meals, Cate spoke.

So, tell me all about this job you keep referring to!

Well, you're not going to believe it when I tell you, but I swear, it's all true! Do you remember the Hollywood actress, Darla Daniels? asked Gail.

Of course! Who could forget her? She lives here, in Australia? She’s one of the most famous women, of the twentieth century!... Won a truckload of Oscars?

That's the one, and it's six Oscars, in total! You won't believe me, but she has a huge mansion in the Hinterland and she's looking for a nurse/companion. Or rather, her doctor is. Apparently, she hasn't been well lately and Dr. Carter would like a nurse on site, to keep an eye on her. The only drawback is, it's a live in position, Gail explained.

Well, that's a bummer for a start, said Cate. Wait... She must be a hundred!

Darla Daniels, is ninety-two and still has all her marbles, apparently. She had that huge mansion built, when she moved here in the Sixties’. She has a housekeeper Elvira, who lives there and a cook who comes in twice a week. Also a middle aged daughter, who lives in New York, I believe.

Sounds like, she has all the help she needs, said Cate.

You would think so, but her doctor is adamant she needs a nurse.

I don't know, Gail. I'm not so sure about the living in part, said Cate.

The place has plenty of room, you'd have an entire suite to yourself plus time off when you need it and... a weekly retainer of two thousand dollars!

Are you kidding me? asked Cate. She must be loaded... I mean, she hasn't worked in over fifty years!

True, but apparently she was very shrewd with property investments... And, she took both of her husbands to the cleaners when she divorced them, said Gail. Look, why don't you have a think about it, before you decide. I can arrange for an interview, at least. Go and meet her, then decide. And you'd really be helping me out!

I guess I could do that, said Cate hesitantly.

You've got nothing to lose and besides it beats working your butt off, on some hospital ward!

They finished their wines and Gail took her leave.

I have to get back to the office. I'll call you when I've set up the interview. It's been so good to see you...

You too, Girlfriend! Thanks for lunch... I'll wait to hear from you...

Absolutely! Bye.

She sat for a while longer, gazing out over the ocean... the shimmering waves of surf racing towards the sand... endlessly being pulled backwards, only to race forward again.

Cate drove back to the motel and changed into her swimsuit. She walked over to the beach and lay down on the warm sand, to bask in the sunshine and think. Living in someone else's house and having to be virtually on call at all hours... Cate, was hesitant about taking the job. But the money, was unbelievable! And, it might be interesting meeting a real Hollywood Star...

***

Darla Daniels

Darla Daniels had been born Karla Danielsohn, in Munich in 1923, of Austrian parents and had been discovered by the great American film director George Parker, not long after landing in Hollywood in 1943, at the age of twenty. Parker had directed her in fifteen films, she'd fallen in love and married him, giving birth to her daughter Olivia, somewhere between films.

Darla Daniels, had wowed Hollywood and the rest of the world with her debut film, 'Dark Night'. Darla played a young polish refugee, who flees war torn Europe for America and eventually becomes involved with a film director, who makes her into a Star. Upon finding out he has been cheating on her, she shoots him in a jealous fit of rage and then turns the gun on herself. George Parker, had drawn an impressive performance from his protégé, coaching her himself, and not just in the dramatic arts.

Cinematographer Ralf Sherman, had used all of his mood lighting tricks, the T-bar klieg lighting with surrounding darkness to make the focus on the actor's eyes even sharper.

Fifteen films and five academy awards later, Darla had grown tired of George's philandering and had packed her bags, taking Olivia with her and moving into a rather modest, Mexican style hacienda in Brentwood, which she bought with her own money. Then, she hired the best divorce lawyer in L.A.

With the proceeds of the divorce, Darla had invested heavily in property, buying up as much land as she could. Her strategy paid handsome dividends and she made millions of dollars. Along with the jewelry George had given her following each of his brief but torrid affairs, Darla was worth over fifteen million dollars, which in the late fifties, was pretty impressive.

Following her divorce, Darla disappeared for almost a year. Nobody knew where she was. There were rumors she had moved to the French Riviera, that she'd been spotted in Capri and Monte Carlo. In truth, she spent the year in seclusion at Frank Sinatra's Palm Springs home. Speculations of a possible romance, were rife.

In 1960, movie mogul Olaf Stein announced his marriage to Darla Daniels and they were married in a private ceremony, in Malibu. Stein bought the old Claudette Colbert mansion, refurbishing the entire house in Art Deco style.

Almost immediately following the honeymoon in Marbella, Stein had secured a deal with Warner Brothers, to do a film adaptation of Herbert Dryden's 'Desire', starring Darla as a carefree divorcee, who while holidaying in London, seduces a younger man she meets at the hotel she is staying at. When Darla's character tires of the affair, she returns to her life in New York, only to find the young man has followed her. When she refuses his advances, he tries unsuccessfully to blackmail her. Realizing he has no hope of rekindling their affair, he commits suicide. What could have ended up a trashy, over melodramatic film, was actually saved from being so by the talent of its two stars.

Darla and Stein, had both created a finely crafted and revealing study of the emotional back stories of both characters, and the role of the young lover, was brilliantly played by Monty Clifford. The critics raved over Darla's performance and she won her sixth and final Academy award. Clifford, won best actor.

Following the film's release, Darla went into Cedars-Sinai hospital for a minor procedure. While she was in hospital, it was rumored she had discovered Olaf had been sleeping with some young extra, to whom he'd promised a career in Hollywood, in exchange for her virginity.

Darla apparently flew to London with Olivia in tow, staying at a friend's castle for a time and initiated divorce proceedings immediately. Then, she suddenly disappeared from sight and eventually the world moved on and forgot about Darla Daniels.

~~~

Chapter Two

Cate had enjoyed a couple of days’ rest, shopping and lazing on the beach and was reading the latest blockbuster mystery/romance; Love, Lies & Secrets, when her phone rang. It was Gail.

Hi, Gail!

Cate! Glad I caught you. Thought you might have been at the beach...

Oh, I've done plenty of that and shopping! Cate laughed.

Wonderful! I've set up an appointment time, for you to go up to Oakley Manor. How does tomorrow afternoon, at two sound? It'll probably take you around an hour, to drive up there. I'll text you the GPS...

Hang on, I don't have a GPS! interrupted Cate.

Girlfriend, you have got to get with the times! I'll text you the address then, just check the road directory. Surely, you have a road directory? asked Gail.

Uh no, but I'll pick one up on the way.

Well, let me know how you get on. I want to hear all about it! said Gail excitedly.

Ok, I will. Wish me luck. Bye. Cate rang off.

***

The next morning, Cate had a quick breakfast and decided to drive into Burleigh Heads to search for a Melways’ road directory. She found the one she needed at the newsagents, grabbed a coffee at a little cafe and sat down to study the map, to determine the route she’d need to take. She'd also grabbed a tourist pamphlet for Tamborine Mountain, to get a better idea of the area.

Tamborine Mountain was part of the Gold Coast Hinterland, around an hour's drive from the coast heading west. Cate read all about the eleven acres of Botanical Gardens, the Glow worm caves and the Rain Forest Skywalk. Other attractions of the area, included a winery, brewery and the local St. Bernard's Hotel.

Eagle Heights, where Darla Daniels lived, also had a thriving arts and crafts community. It all sounded wonderful, Cate thought. She finished her coffee and decided to head up the mountain. She wasn't great at following directions at the best of times, and didn't want to be late.

She began the steep climb up the mountain, the road winding itself slowly upwards... the views off to her right, were amazing. The higher up she drove, the more stunning the views of the surrounding areas became, with the ocean visible in the far distance to the east. Cate glimpsed Paragliders, jumping off the ridges and gently gliding along on the airwaves.

As she reached the top of the mountain, she looked for the turn off to Eagle Heights. She saw a turn up ahead, but she couldn't read the street sign, since most of the letters were completely faded away. Deciding to take the turn anyway, Cate checked her watch, noting she still had half an hour before the interview. She'd followed the road for about twenty minutes, before she realized it was a dead end. Damn!... Now, she was going to be late! Cate turned the car around and drove back the way she had come.

When she got back to the main road, she parked and opened the directory again. She'd taken the wrong turn; she should have turned right. Ok, she thought… let's try this again. Cate followed the main road again until she saw the turn off for Forsythia Drive. The road surface was appalling, her wheels stirring up clouds of dust and stones, causing the car to slide from side to side. She braked slowly, inching forward till she could see through the dust. The dirt road seemed to go on for miles and so far, Cate hadn't seen any houses at all, let alone the high gates, of Oakley Manor. Gail had told Cate to watch for oak trees and a stone wall, with a set of black gates.

Finally, she could see the huge oak trees ahead. Several hundred yards further, and Cate saw the gates. She turned into the driveway and got out of the car. The gates, were shut tight. She checked left and right of the gates and found an intercom, partially hidden between the ivy and the stone pillar. Cate pressed the call button and waited. Nothing. She was about to press the button again, when a tinny-sounding female voice rang out.

Who is it? What do you want? If you're selling something, we're not interested!

Yes, hello. Its Cate Ross... I'm here for the interview with Miss Daniels.

Really? the voice drawled. You're late! If it were up to me, I'd say forget it! But since it's not...

How rude! Cate was about to reply, when the gates began to open. She hopped back in the car and drove up the long driveway, lined with massive oak trees. Finally, ahead she saw the ‘house’.

‘Mansion’, would certainly describe it more accurately. The sprawling, two story house, was built of bluestone slabs, with large verandas and a portico, held up by tall columns. A fountain, decorated the circular drive, but wasn't working and the surrounding gardens, though full of plants and flowers, looked sadly neglected, grass and weeds competing for every available space.

Cate parked the car and got out and stretched. This was just, great! Late for an interview. As she was about to knock on the huge, wooden front door, it opened and facing Cate, was a tall, thin older woman, dressed all in black. Cate thought she would have looked good, in an Addams family movie.

Her grey hair was severely pulled back into a bun, her face pinched and thin lipped. She might have been pretty once, but age and a mean disposition, appeared to have left her looking rather ancient. Surely, this couldn't be the, Darla Daniels! The woman, spoke again.

Miss Ross, employees are to use the side entrance. Follow the path around the right of the house, to the utility entrance. Cate couldn't quite believe, what she was hearing. Before she could formulate a reply, the door slammed shut in her face. Wow! The housekeeper, had a severe attitude problem!

Cate walked around to the right side of the house and followed the small path, down to a set of steps and then to the left, she saw the side door. She was about to knock, but again, the door opened to reveal the woman who had answered the front door.

I'm Elvira Stone, the housekeeper. Darla isn't well and shouldn't have to be dealing with this sort of nonsense, but since Dr. Carter insists, you'd better come in. Elvira stepped to the side, allowing barely enough room for Cate to step past her without touching her. Creepy!

Follow me. She said.

Cate followed the housekeeper down a long hallway, which opened onto a large foyer. The sheer size and luxury of the house, took her breath away. The floors were all polished wood, a large hand-made rug, centered under a chandelier. Antique side tables, with huge vases of flowers, were placed at intervals along the walls, which sported a selection of art, any collector would be proud to own.

A large, wooden staircase led off to the right. To the left, a small elevator. Elvira directed Cate, to a sitting room.

Wait here, she said to Cate. Cate watched the woman get into the elevator. Sure is friendly around here, she thought. About ten minutes later, Elvira returned in the lift and beckoned Cate inside.

Darla, is very tired. You cannot stay long.

"I'm sure she must have some questions she wants to ask,