Blinding Deception

By Jacqué Stoddard

In this sequel to Vision: The Path To Danger, Clairvoyant Helen Staples steps in to a dangerous case just as her personal life shows a glimmer of promise. For two years Helen kept her self busy with missing person cases. Most of the cases only took a few days to solve, but all served to help distract her from the broken heart shed suffered after Martin Hamlins murder.

When Quincy Hart invites Helen to dinner, she is looking forward to getting to know the handsome harbor master better. Their first date is put on hold when Helen gets involved in a kidnapping case.

Upon touching the young secretarys scarf, Helen sees the danger that the woman is in. Its a perilous case that Helen cant turn away from. An international human trafficking ring is behind the womans disappearance and after two years of avoiding dangerous cases, Helen dives into what could be the most treacherous case of her career.

As Helen searches for the secretary, using Key West, Florida as a base, she encounters a dangerous connection and blinding deception in the form of a mysterious millionaire who wants to possess Helen and her gifts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Mar 24, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450209779

Jacqué Stoddard

Jacqué Stoddard is a novelist and freelance writer. Her first novel, Vision: The Path To Danger, was an exciting challenge in a writing career that has spanned decades. She resides with her family in Massachusetts.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The early morning call nagged at Helen all day. The man on the phone was desperate, but Helen needed more time to recover from her last case.

Helen was drained after the intense and successful search for the eight-year-old heiress. The case gripped her from the first vision of the small, dark haired girl. She was crying and cold, lost in the Adirondack Mountains in New York State.

The newspaper report of the girl said that she had been separated from her class during the back to nature field trip with her private school. Unfortunately, many of the reports focused on her wealthy father, rather than the child. Helen had connected with the girl in such a powerful way that she’d rushed to New York to help find her.

Helen found the cold days grueling, but was spurred on, knowing that the girl had only a thin windbreaker to protect her from the unexpected winter temperatures. The search lasted for days and Helen couldn’t stop crying when she finally found the girl. She was near death. Helen was so stricken by the girl’s odd, blue color that it still brought tears to her eyes.

Though Helen had been home for two days, she was only beginning her recovery. She was working hard on focusing on herself and her future and putting the case behind her. As the day wore on, even her excitement over her first date with the handsome, soon to be retired harbormaster, wasn’t enough to drown out the dread that came with the morning call for help.

Helen was dressed for the evening out when the caller banged on her front door. She ran her fingers through her long auburn hair as she walked through the kitchen.

Mr. Smith. Please. I told you that I have plans this evening. She said as she opened the door.

China walked over and sniffed the man’s hand and looked up at Helen before returning to her bed in the corner of the living room.

Miss Staples, are your plans as important as finding my niece? The tall thin man asked as he walked inside.

Sir. Helen turned when she heard the car door slam in the driveway. If you have something to give me, you can leave it and I’ll call you.

Even as she said the words she knew that he wasn’t going to accept it. She wanted to stomp her feet and pitch an absolute fit of despair. Instead, she kept her upset to herself and opened the door for her date.

Did I get the time wrong? Quincy Hart eyed the man.

No. She glanced at Harry Smith. He needs help finding his niece. We did not have an appointment.

Helen’s mind cried for a rest. When Quincy asked her out, the invitation gave her a positive focus.

Should I come back later? Quincy asked.

Mr. Smith. Helen took a deep breath.

Call me Harry. The man said as he opened his briefcase on the kitchen table. I don’t have time to waste. I understand that you can’t connect with everyone. If you could look these over and tell me what you see, if anything, I’ll be on my way.

Do you mind? Helen looked at Quincy.

Not at all.

They sat at the table and Helen stared at the photo of Lesley Smith. The woman had silvery blond hair and there was a sweetness to her expression that prompted Helen to pick up the picture. As soon as she did, her green eyes widened. Visions slammed into her mind’s eye of Lesley in a large room with several other women. She looked at Mr. Smith even as the images flooded her mind.

You need the police to help you with this…she’s…been kidnapped. Helen lowered her voice as the severity of the young woman’s situation became clear.

We haven’t heard a word from the people who took her. We are not a wealthy family.

Helen touched his hand with the photo in her other hand. You’re a cop?

Retired. I’m a private investigator now.

Helen could see Lesley being pushed into a black van.

Her friend is with her.

Her friend? No.

Yes, I can see her in the van.

What friend? Harry leaned closer. She went on vacation with her friends and I’ve interviewed them. They came home.

Lesley went to the Keys with three co-workers. Two planned to go back to Boston with Lesley…while the other…I can’t get her name, only the letters M J…she was going somewhere else. You should check on this because she never arrived. Helen lit a cigarette, ignoring the man’s sour expression.

So they weren’t kidnapped for ransom?

I’m afraid not, no. Helen rubbed her upper arms as the chill seeped into her bones. She’s in big trouble. These men are flesh peddlers. The women are to be auctioned off. Her words were striking and she had to struggle to keep a low tone.

Harry’s fist came down on the table and the Great Dane let out a deep growl as it rushed to Helen’s side.

Damn it. I knew it was something like this. He stood and paced the kitchen. The Florida cops are still treating the case as a disappearance without foul play. They aren’t looking for her.

Helen drew in a breath. She’s in a warehouse. Helen closed her eyes. It’s on a small island in the gulf. Very small. The warehouse takes up the center of the island and it is surrounded by trees and…fabric.

Fabric?

Helen looked at Quincy who was holding on to her every word. It’s a fabric net type of thing.

How many men are holding them? Harry Smith asked as he returned to his seat.

Don’t think about going up against them by yourself. Helen said. You need to go to the F.B.I. They’re investigating several similar abductions in the region. This is a big operation.

Helen got up and poured herself a brandy, offering the men a glass as an afterthought. She was getting colder with each moment and suddenly felt that the danger was unavoidable.

Look, Mr. Smith, I just finished a big case. I need some time to rest. I’m not as sharp right after a tough case. I feel like I’ve been in a marathon and quite frankly, this case feels too dangerous for me to involve myself in. All I can say is that your worst fears are right on target. Tell the police to search for… Helen raised her hand. Mary Jorge…that’s the co-worker’s name and Uma something, they are in the warehouse with Lesley. Uma is a foreign tourist and they are looking hard for her. There is some political connection with that woman. Give the feds these names and you’ll get your help.

Just like that?

I believe so.

They plan to sell her?

Yes sir. I do have the sense that you still have time to find her.

You said she’s in a warehouse. On an island off the Keys.

Yes.

Do you know how many small islands fit that description?

Yes, sir, too many. In her mind’s eye she could see the area as clearly as if she was in a plane just above it.

The room fell silent and Helen closed her eyes. Her heart was telling her to help, but the danger she was feeling was similar to the Abington case. Fear tightened around her throat. She didn’t want to deal with the darkness. Finding people in trouble was one thing, going up against evil was yet, another. The foreboding the washed over her made her skin tingle.

Why did you go to New York? Couldn’t you help locate that girl from here? Mr. Smith asked.

My gifts are sharper when I’m closer to the subject. The girl was lost on a mountain thick with trees.

And you found her.

Helen studied the photo of Lesley, amazed by the pace of the connection and the clarity of the visions flooding her mind.

Come to Florida with me. I’ll pay all of your expenses and what ever retainer you require.

Now wait a minute. Quincy joined the conversation. You’re asking her to put herself in a dangerous situation.

I’m asking for her help. Look, I’ve hit a dead end.

Helen shook her head. I need to take these things to my office for a few minutes.

Without waiting for their responses, she picked up the photo and blue paisley scarf. She went into her office and closed the door behind her in an attempt to block out their anxiety.

She sat down at the desk and laid the scarf above the photo. Helen lit a few gingerbread scented candles and leaned back in the chair with her hands on Lesley’s items.

The image of a man standing over Lesley made her close her eyes and focus. The man was in his forties, a retired boxer who looked as though he’d taken one too many hits to his round flattened face.

Helen could see more of the room. There were women standing against the walls, some were on cots, crying or writhing in pain. The captors had guns but readily used their fists to subdue the women.

Helen stood up as darkness ended the image. She walked over to the mantle and stared up at Martin’s picture.

This one is going to get hairy. I have to help, don’t I? She asked as she touched the bronze frame. Maybe you can help me with a little strength. What I’m seeing scares me Martin, but I think I can find her if we act fast.

Helen blew out the candles and walked out of the office. She knew that she couldn’t fight involvement in the case. Exhausted or not, Helen had to help the man find his niece. It had been a hard lesson, but Helen had learned that she had to respond when urged on by her gifts.

Here’s the deal. You take care of my expenses. I’ll go to Florida with you. I’ll point you in the right direction, however, I don’t intend to get too close. Helen said as she sat down at the table. You do have to act fast. I’ll… Helen looked over at Quincy, his tight jaw spoke volumes about his disapproval. I’ll fly down there with you tomorrow if you can arrange it.

Harry Smith took out his cell phone and booked them on a five a.m. flight to Key West.

You’ll need to rent a boat.

The color drained from his face. A boat?

She’s on an island. I’ll need charts to get you close and you’ll need a boat to rescue her.

I don’t…I’m not good on the water.

Hire someone then.

Helen checked her watch. It was eight o’clock and her evening had been turned upside down. She could feel Quincy’s tension as the minutes ticked by.

I’ll pick you up at three. Smith said as he closed the briefcase. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help.

We are going to find her. Helen managed a smile for him.

Helen closed the door behind Smith and turned to Quincy. I’m so sorry. It’s the nature of my work.

Something that will take some getting used to.

Helen found promise in his words. Do you still want to go to dinner?

You have to get some rest. You have a busy day tomorrow.

I could call and order Chinese. Helen reached for the phone. We still have to eat.

That we do.

Helen made the call and joined him at the table.

How do you know that this guy is on the level?

Helen smiled. I know…I can see his trouble. I can certainly see Lesley Smith’s situation. Don’t get me wrong, I can’t read or help everyone. When a case screams for my attention, the way that this one does, I can’t turn away.

I could go for another brandy. Quincy smiled.

Sure. Helen poured them each one. I try not to look ahead too far. It exhausts me. Like this case, I knew that it was coming as clearly as looking to the sky and seeing dark clouds tells you that a storm is on the way.

How can you do it though? I mean, according to the news, you’ve just spent three days tromping through the woods looking for a little girl. I’ve hiked in the Adirondacks with Noah and I know how tough the terrain is. We went for pleasure in the spring, not the fall, in snow.

I knew I would find her. Helen said. It was worth a little discomfort in order to do it. Helen took a sip of the brandy. And now, Lesley Smith needs me. Tears filled her green eyes as she felt the woman’s pain. There is a man, one of her captors…she’s lashed out at him and he’s beaten her several times. The woman is running out of time.

I’ve followed your career from the time you found Johnny Abrahams in that well. I don’t mind telling you, I’m amazed by what you do.

It’s a gift that can also be a huge burden. Helen leaned back in the seat. It’s been hard to adjust to.

I thought you always had the gift. Didn’t you have a…regular clientele?

I did readings, as my mother did. I worked with her when she became ill and took over when she died. That was very different. I never had visions until a few years ago. The visions changed my life. Well, the visions and Martin.

How so?

He taught me a great deal about myself in the short time that we had together. Martin was the first person who accepted my visions as a gut feeling to the nth degree. Most people see my ability as something bizarre and mysterious. If it weren’t for Martin, I don’t know where I’d be right now.

Why do you say that? Quincy leaned forward as he waited for the answer.

Imagine for a moment that you get dreamlike images in your mind when you are wide awake. These images are impossible for you to see according to all of society’s norms. Now imagine that they are fact. Like having a video camera and seeing into someone else’s life. It can drive a person crazy or at the very least…

Helen pictured her mother, driven to distraction and depression by something Helen didn’t understand at the time. Helen shook her head.

I think that my mother was more than just clairvoyant. She had visions and never accepted them. Maybe she could have saved lives. I’ll never know because she refused to tell me what was bothering her when she’d be upset for days on end.

That must have been difficult for you.

It was because I couldn’t understand it then. When I first had visions of that kidnapped boy, I thought I was going nuts. All I could think about were the things I was seeing in my mind. I lost weight. I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t sleep. I could feel his panic and then his resignation. That was what made me act.

Helen took a deep breath. Believe me, Martin thought I was a big nut case when I first went to his office to help him. Helen laughed at the memory. We learned together that whatever the visions were, they were real. When I was pulled to that well, which was nothing more than a hole in the ground, I was amazed to see the boy looking up at me, even though I could see him down there in my mind.

How did you get involved in the Abington case?

Helen shivered at the thought of the brutal killer. I had visions of a young woman being murdered. Helen’s mind went back to the first day she’d worked the case with Martin. She’d walked into his office to find him throwing darts. Her heart was history when their eyes me. The memory made tears flow down her cheeks.

Quincy touched her hand. I’m sorry. I can see it’s still painful for you.

Bittersweet. Helen nodded. It was the most confusing time in my life. There had been a long time between visions, but once they started…it was like a dam bursting. One shocking crime after another. I don’t know as I would have gotten through it without Martin.

Tyler said that you tried to save his cousin with one of your visions.

What?

My sister Anna babysat for Tim and his sister. I didn’t know him, but I accompanied Anna to his funeral. I overheard Tyler say that you’d tried to warn Tim not to go on that plane. He said that Tim had called him to complain about your overreaction to the trip.

I didn’t see the plane crash until it happened. I had asked Tim not to go because I had a strong feeling about it. That feels like a lifetime ago.

This is all so fascinating. Quincy crossed his arms over his broad chest. You’ve helped so many people. You must feel very good about your gift.

Good and bad.

I gather you can’t turn it on and off.

Helen studied his warm brown eyes as he processed what she was saying. From then until now, I listen to the visions. I can act on them or let them drive me quietly insane. There really isn’t a choice in there. I was planning to help Harry from the moment he called. I was indulging in a little selfishness in trying to put it off.

They talked through dinner and Helen felt close to him as they cleared the table.

Please take the leftovers with you. I’ll be gone for a few days. Helen said as she stacked the cartons in the brown bag.

Thanks. I’d still like to take you out. Would you call me when you get back?

Most definitely. I owe you one.

CHAPTER TWO

They arrived at the hotel suite at nine in the morning after a long, quiet flight to Florida. Arnold Smith, Lesley’s father, greeted them at the door.

Thank you for coming. My brother told me all about you.

Nice to meet you, sir. Helen shook his hand, hiding the fact that she was scorched by his raw desperation. Helen could feel the situation spiraling downward as she set her bag in the corner of the room.

Do you have a boat?

I haven’t been able to get a driver though. It’s peak season for private tours. I have a twenty-five foot boat waiting. The manager of the hotel said that he’d make a few calls when he heard about the situation. All we can do now is wait. Arnold said.

We don’t have that luxury. They’re going to be moving her. Helen said as the cold beset her bones. She walked over to the desk and picked up the charts.

I’m sorry to say, we don’t have a choice. Arnold sat at the small table. I’ve put up notes in the marina and talked to every shop owner in town, on and off the docks."

Damn it.

Excuse me? Harry looked at her.

I’m telling you that we don’t have time to waste. I’ll take you.

Helen realized that she was already throwing herself in too deep as she picked up the suitcase and brought it into the bedroom. She quickly changed into shorts and a short-sleeved shirt before returning to the living room

Don’t worry Harry. Just give me your ankle holster. Helen held out her hand.

Hey, I can’t turn over my gun.

I won’t go on the boat unarmed. Believe me, the men who are holding Lesley are armed and ready. I’m not getting any closer to danger without being on somewhat equal footing. I’ve been trained. I have a license to carry.

Harry agreed. I hope you don’t have to use it.

So do I. Helen put the revolver into her large purse. We’re wasting daylight. Is the boat stocked?

Yes. The guy I rented it from told me what we’d need.

Let’s go then.

Where?

Helen held up the chart and pointed to an area just south of Key West. We’ll start here.

I hope you know what you’re doing. Arnold said as he followed her out of the room.

So do I. Helen said.

She felt like she was about to stick her hand deep inside a hornet’s nest and the idea made her shiver. She wanted to find Lesley Smith and get home, but she knew that it wasn’t going to be that easy.

Tyler called as they were boarding the boat.

I’ll be back in a couple of days. You know where the key is. Helen said.

I got your message. I don’t understand what you are doing in Florida. I’m still waiting for an explanation on that and don’t even try to tell me that you decided to take a vacation.

No. I wouldn’t think of it. I’m on a case.

I knew it. Damn it! What happened to taking some time off?

I will when I get home. Please don’t worry about me.

Was that your boyfriend? Harry asked as she closed the phone and took her seat at the wheel.

No. That guy you met at my house was the man I’m interested in. Of course, you blew our first date. The man on the phone was my best friend. He’s taking care of my pup.

Harry laughed. You should see her pup, Arnold. The thing comes up to my chest.

Would you get on board so we can head out? Helen said as she eyed the sun’s position. She could feel they were close. The women and the men holding them were somewhere to the south. The boxer’s angry face flashed into her mind.

Hey, are you all right? Harry asked as he touched her shoulder.

Yes, I’m fine. She said as she started the engine. Get comfortable. We’ve got a long trip ahead of us.

Helen maneuvered the boat out of the harbor and headed into the Gulf as her mind was hit with flashes of Lesley Smith. Helen was filled with a heightened sense of urgency, as they got closer to the small group of islands. Some were so small that she could toss a rock from one end to the other.

In spite of the fact that the brothers were both green after the first hour and Harry had leaned over the side more than once, neither man complained. Each time she stopped to scan the area with binoculars, the brothers let out a moan before raising their glasses.

Time was against them as the afternoon found them circling one small island after another. The distance between islands was increasing and they were on the outer edge of the chart.

Helen could feel the hours of exposure as the setting sun signaled the end to their day’s search.

Their spirits were dashed as they returned to the hotel.

You can’t give up hope, Arnold. We were right there. When we go back in the morning, we’ll start where we left off. Helen said as she took off her sneakers.

Don’t you get frustrated? Harry scowled. I know I am. Can’t you try to see more…isn’t there anything else?

I’m sorry, Harry. Yes, the bits and pieces I see do frustrate me, but I balance it against what I am given. That little girl I found a few days ago…the only thing I could feel was extreme anxiety. All I saw was her curled up by a tree with two low branches. Helen studied his dark eyes. The funny part of that was, the two low branches were on the opposite side of the tree. The reporter noticed them after we found her. It is not a science, Harry. Not by a long shot. All I can do is follow the clues that I’m given.

I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful. His tone softened. Really. Hell, you were able to see things that I’ve had to hunt for. I appreciate you being here. I’m just frustrated that I can’t help her.

Helen had to let the disappointment go and look forward to what they could achieve the next day. She excused herself and went to her room for a long hot shower. Helen was towel drying her hair when she saw the boxer hitting Lesley Smith. The man shattered her nose, blood flying from her face in slow motion.

She fought back the tears as she fastened the buttons of her beige dress. The idea of sitting in the room for dinner didn’t set well with her. She needed to use dinner as a distraction from the case. The buzzing of people’s voices and feelings in a restaurant usually served the purpose when she was troubled.

She bid the men good evening and headed down to the lobby.

Helen was standing by the restaurant’s thick black wood doors looking over the menu when a tall blond man stopped beside her.

Helen looked up and smiled. It all looks good.

Helen stepped inside the door with the man right behind her.

Mr. Silva. A waiter greeted the man as though Helen was invisible. We have your table ready. Sorry miss, I’ll be right with you. Mario. The waiter waved. Show Mr. Silva to his table. The waiter turned to Helen. Do you have a reservation?

No.

How many in your party?

One.

The man nodded and showed her to a small table in the center of the busy dining room. The waiter took away the extra setting before taking her drink order. As he walked away, Helen notice the handsome Mr. Silva raise his finger for attention. They spoke for a moment before the waiter walked away and stopped by the kitchen doors as if waiting further orders.

Helen turned her attention back to the menu and was surprised when Mr. Silva arrived at her table.

Would you do me the honor of dining with me? The man smiled as he extended his hand to her.

Helen took his hand as he introduced himself and was surprised when she didn’t feel anything other than his warm skin.

My name is Adam Silva and you are?

Helen. She said as she released his hand.

What brings you to the Keys?

Business. And you?

Actually a brief break from business. Would you care to join me to discuss this further? Adam walked to the back of her chair as she set the linen napkin on the table.

She had hoped for a distraction, but she hadn’t expected one that exuded power and confidence. It struck her that all she could see was what anyone else could see. His silk suit spoke of wealth and the way he carried himself said that he was at the top of whatever business he was engaged in. What most intrigued her was the lack of information she was getting from him.

I must say. Adam Silva snapped the napkin before sliding it across his thick thighs. You look very familiar. He smiled at her. No, it isn’t a pick up line or I would have used it out by the menu.

Helen returned his friendly stare. I don’t believe we’ve met.

The waiter brought over her martini. Are you ready to order?

I’ll have the filet mignon, rare. Thank you.

Very good. He turned and rushed toward the kitchen.

It will come to me. I’m very good with…ha… Mr. Silva leaned back and