Emily's Vengeance

By Stephen van Scoyoc

Emily was a happy, bubbly little girl until events took a tragic turn one summer night in Galveston, Texas. Suddenly her mother and sister are dead and Emily is left dying in the swamp while the murderer calmly drives away. Emilys life is spared when she is found and rushed to hospital with critical head injuries. The killer is tracked down, tried, and convicted. In the months to come Emily appears to recover fully, but there remains a deeper, unhealed injury. Emily and her father settle back into a comfortable life before fate strikes another sudden blow and Emily is left alone. Sorting through the personal effects of her father she discovers his darker side. She learns from a diary that he had plotted a bitter revenge against the murderer and his family. Emily makes a solemn vow and retrieves the gauntlet her father dropped. As a series of unfortunate deaths begin to occur in the convicted mans family who could have suspected that they were being committed by such a young, charming, and educated woman? Even if they suspected they would never catch her but things are not at all what they seem.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Feb 7, 2001
• ISBN: 9781462099771

Stephen van Scoyoc

Stephen Van Scoyoc is an American writer living in England. He served in the Navy and later worked as an investigator and lecturer in investigative techniques. He drew on his personal experience and that of countless contacts in law enforcement, forensic, medical, and psychology fields to write Emily’s Vengeance.

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Emily’s Vengeance

Stephen L. Van Scoyoc

Authors Choice Press

San Jose New York Lincoln Shanghai

Emily’s Vengeance

All Rights Reserved © 2001 by Stephen L. Van Scoyoc

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher.

Authors Choice Press

an imprint of iUniverse.com, Inc.

For information address:

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Lincoln, NE 68512

www.iuniverse.com

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons or events is coincidental.

ISBN: 0-595-17063-3

ISBN: 978-1-4620-9977-1 (eBook)

Contents

EDICATION

INTRODUCTION

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

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

CHAPTER FORTY

CHAPTER FORTY ONE

CHAPTER FORTY TWO

CHAPTER FORTY THREE

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR

CHAPTER FORTY FIVE

CHAPTER FORTY SIX

CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN

CHAPTER FORTY EIGHT

CHAPTER FORTY NINE

CHAPTER FIFTY

CHAPTER FIFTY ONE

CHAPTER FIFTY TWO

CHAPTER FIFTY THREE

CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR

CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE

CHAPTER FIFTY SIX

CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN

CHAPTER FIFTY EIGHT

CHAPTER FIFTY NINE

CHAPTER SIXTY

CHAPTER SIXTY ONE

CHAPTER SIXTY TWO

CHAPTER SIXTY THREE

CHAPTER SIXTY FOUR

CHAPTER SIXTY FIVE

CHAPTER SIXTY SIX

CHAPTER SIXTY SEVEN

CHAPTER SIXTY EIGHT

CHAPTER SIXTY NINE

CHAPTER SEVENTY

CHAPTER SEVENTY ONE

CHAPTER SEVENTY TWO

CHAPTER SEVENTY THREE

CHAPTER SEVENTY FOUR

CHAPTER SEVENTY FIVE

CHAPTER SEVENTY SIX

CHAPTER SEVENTY SEVEN

CHAPTER SEVENTY EIGHT

EPILOGUE

AFTERWORD

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

END NOTES

EDICATION

As I reflect on the efforts that went into this novel I am acutely aware of how much I depended on the contribution of others to develop the details. I am deeply indebted to all these people for the time and efforts they made as well as their encouragement and good humour. My partner Susan, whose decades of experience as a psychologist helped me design the mind that could so cleverly and precisely pursue revenge without remorse. Lt. Paul Gordon of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol who not only advised me about police procedures across jurisdictions and forensic details, but also spent many hours training me in this professional field. Susan Gordon of S.O.R. security and investigations school who read the manuscript for realism. Long time friends Roseann and Jerry Engeldorf who read the manuscript and loaned some of their best qualities to two important characters in the novel. Debbie Biscoe-Ingram, a nurse at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where Emily was treated, for her advice on trauma care and procedures as well as her patient reading of the first drafts of the book. Pam and Dudley Watson, who braved many editions of the manuscript and raised questions about continuity and plot. James and Sarah Scotchman, my step children, who put up with my seclusion, obsession, and whimsical mood swings while writing the novel. Finally, to my son Douglas who, each night, peered around the door of my study and begged Can I have another chapter to read?

INTRODUCTION

Sometimes I wonder why I ever agreed to see this young woman. After all, she has no concerns about what has happened, no qualms about her actions. She has done what many of my patients do—handed the dilemma and all the emotion over to me.

How did I become involved in this sorry story? A colleague called me and asked if I would agree to see a young woman he knew. A quick discussion about how this was an interesting case, old head injury, effect upon her personality questionable but not proven, how the colleague knew a close friend of hers and so did not feel it would be appropriate to see her himself…

It was only later that I learned Emily, not her real name of course, had been persuaded to see me by her long time companion. It was someone else’s concern that lead Emily to my consulting room and into my nightmares.

Does she have any idea how her story has taken over my sleeping dreams and half of my waking hours? I am bound by professional ethics to not reveal the contents of our sessions to a living soul—unless of course she plans to harm someone again. Then I can act so no one else is harmed.

To clear my own nightmares, to cure myself, I have to record this incredible story. I pray to God I never have to face the moment when I have to hand it over to prevent another series of killings. Or, if I am honest, perhaps I write this in anticipation of that moment, hoping it comes sooner rather than later so I no longer have to carry this burden alone…

• Sian Phillips, PhD., Psychologist

CHAPTER ONE

Catherine drifted in and out of a warm sleep as the sun crept higher in the morning sky. A white shaft of sun stalked the shadows across the cool Spanish tiles of her bedroom floor, climbed upon the white linen sheets, and prowled over her tanned hand. She could feel the warmth in delicious contrast to the cool air-conditioned air over the rest of her exposed arm. She snuggled back into the embrace of Howard, who still slept soundly, his breath softly warming her neck and his arm draped lightly over her waist. Catherine watched silently as the sun beams gradually filled the room.

Catherine glanced toward the clock on her bed stand, but her view was blocked by the empty wine bottle. A half empty glass of wine sat beside it, glowing deep red in the morning sun. She giggled to herself quietly as she remembered dribbling it on Howard’s chest then sensually licking it off his skin. It had been ages since they had shared one another so completely. Always something in the way. His job. Her job. The children. She had been so unhappy and blamed him for all of it. Fighting the impulse to climb out of bed, shower, dress, and go to the office she realized that it was her fault too. Only last week she had decided she couldn’t take it any longer, she was going to leave him. Now she felt like a fool. Howard groaned and gently pulled her closer to his still sleeping form.

Last night had been wonderful. She had never been willing to let go of the children, even for an evening. Howard had insisted on taking the children to her parents’ home in Galveston. The children would love it he said. The beach was only a short walk away and the children were both old enough now to frolic in the sand and the waves along with the tourists. Howard had taken the day off from the hospital and driven the children down to the island. Arriving at midday, he took the girls and her parents out for lunch at the Crab Shack and then, leaving the children with their grandparents, returned to their sprawling ranch home in the heart of Houston. Everything was just so when Catherine returned home from the office. The scent of fresh flowers enervated her as soon as she walked into the cool air of their home. Steaks were marinating and the grill was already shimmering with hot coals. The wine was cool and he handed her a crystal glass with wine red and deep as a ruby up to the brim. She couldn’t remember ever drinking from these beautiful glasses. She had always set them aside to wait for special occasions.

How long had that been? Ten years? Why? she asked herself.

They had eaten their steaks out of doors, beside the pool, as the sky turned crimson and darkened. The torches flickered orange and yellow while shadows danced upon their faces. She looked at her husband and saw what she had seen so many years ago…he was handsome and kind. He had been so patient and supportive when she decided to return to school and study law. Catherine had graduated with honors and then done what so many other women like her had done. She started a family and realized there was no time for herself or her ambitions. Howard had grown busier and busier and his reputation as a neurosurgeon grew. He was always in demand. When he wasn’t in the operating theater he was lecturing or traveling to conferences. She was proud of him, but felt she had lost him to his profession.

Emily was born in August of 1970. Catherine was twenty-five and with this tiny baby who needed all her attention she realized her own life would never be the same. She couldn’t blame Howard because she had wanted this for herself. She had wanted it all. Still, she was angry with him for being so successful. Three years later, in May, Sarah was born. They were, and are, wonderful children. None of the nightmares she had heard from her friends. They grew up healthy and happy. They were close to one another and still shared a room together. Still, she felt unfulfilled.

It had been Howard who picked up on this and asked her if she was happy. She had instantly replied of course I am, but the resentment still seethed inside. Catherine finally broke down one night and spilled everything out to Howard. She wanted more. She wanted her own career, but didn’t know how to manage it. Both she and Howard had come from working class homes where there was no money for the luxuries in life. She had wanted to study law for as long as she could remember, but when you’re a child you don’t think about all the obstacles. Her parents convinced her to find a good man who would take care of her…that was the ideal. She found Howard. For years she thought it was her ideal as well, but now all this.

Howard was a bit overwhelmed to learn just how unhappy Catherine was. Surprisingly, it was Howard who encouraged her to pursue her dreams and it was Catherine who voiced all the obstacles in the way. Howard had never been one to be slowed down. He always found a way around the problems. He was the one who convinced her it was possible. They had plenty of money, the university was a short drive away, and plenty of her friends had nannies to care for their children while their mothers shopped in the Galleria. Catherine’s children were already in school so it wasn’t as though they would miss much time with her. Six months later she was in law school. Three years later she graduated at the top of her class and, before she had even taken the BAR exam, she had four job offers.

Catherine’s thoughts returned to dinner beside the pool. She was feeling tipsy from the wine and wasn’t sure she heard Howard when he broke his news to her.

I’ve been thinking a lot Catherine, he started.

Catherine was frightened for a moment. She thought This is it, he’s going to leave me now that I’ve decided to stay. I deserve it.

She felt her insides clench tight with anxiety.

He went on with deliberate slowness.

I asked myself if I wanted to be doing this five years from now and the answer is no, I don’t. I don’t want to keep living with the stress of being on call eight days a week. I drive into work and see couples with their children walking in the park. I see families on their way to the beach to swim and sail. I keep thinking I want that for me, for us, but I don’t know when it will ever happen.

What are you getting at? Catherine prompted, a little relieved.

Well, I haven’t done anything yet, but I’m thinking about resigning my position. We invested most of our money and can live off the income if we have to, but we won’t have to. I’ve been offered a post to teach at the university and there is that book I’ve been asked to write. It’s not nearly as much money, but it’s a regular job with regular hours and summers off. We also have your income which is respectable. How do you feel about being the breadwinner for a while?

Catherine was stunned.

I don’t know what to say. I would never have believed you could give up your work like that. What about all the people who depend on you? What will they say?

Howard wasn’t surprised. Catherine was always worried about what others would think.

"I think they will live without me. Besides, I’ll be helping teach my knowledge to young doctors and I’ll still be writing about what I know. In a way, I might save more lives that way. Even if I don’t. They, whoever they are, don’t own me. Do they?"

He continued.

I look at you and you are still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known. I see the years go by and realize that I’m setting you aside, just like the damn wine glasses, for a special occasion that will never come. I want every day to be special. I want to see you and be with you every day.

Catherine’s eyes misted over because she knew he was telling her the truth. She could see the love in his eyes…for her…only for her. She felt guilty and foolish. Suddenly she wanted him like she had never wanted him before. She smiled at him, looked into his eyes and, with the same voice she used so many years ago, said yes.

Catherine stood, lifted her wine glass to her lips, and walked toward the pool. She set the glass at the pool’s edge. She turned to Howard and motioned for him to stay. She began unbuttoning her silky blouse. It ruffled in the evening breeze as it fell away from her body. Slipping her fingers inside her skirt, she slid it down over her slender hips and let it drop into a crumpled heap at her feet. As she stepped out of her skirt her fingers gingerly released the clasp of her lacy brassiere. She playfully dangled it at arm’s length before letting it drop onto the ground. The warm breeze caressed her freed breasts and she felt her nipples swiftly and temptingly harden with the air’s kiss. In one more motion she deftly slipped her panties down her legs, catching them on the tip of her toe, and flinging them toward Howard. Catherine turned and dived into the pool. The water, warmed by a long day of summer sun, enveloped her body. Rising back to the surface she stroked smoothly to the pool’s edge and, grasping the edge in her hands, pulled her head up to gaze at Howard.

Howard was already walking toward the pool, his drink in his hand. He was shocked, amused, and delighted. In all the years she had ribbed him about being a kid again and skinny dipping in their pool, she had never actually done it. Always something had kept her from doing something so decadent. Now, here she was, middle-aged, naked, and laughing in the pool. She was beautiful. He looked down at her and her brown eyes twinkled with mischievous intent. Her dark hair wetly clung to her face, neck, and shoulders. Her breasts were buoyed up like soft globes by the water and glistening drops clung her brown skin.

Howard set his glass down beside Catherine’s and peeled his polo shirt off. Catherine wondered how he managed to keep so fit when he worked all the time. He always said thirty minutes a day could do wonders. He was right. He looked ten years younger than he was. She reached up and, leaving wet prints on his trousers, tugged down on the legs until they dropped around his ankles. She giggled uncontrollably.a mixture of the wine, the water, and the sight of a full grown man in his underwear with his pants around his ankles. It was too absurd. She gushed out you look so ridiculous! Splashing him with both hands full of water she laughed again like a sea nymph and pushed off to the middle of the pool. She stopped, treading water, and quietly watched him strip off as naked as she.

Catherine began to swim away as he arched into a dive and entered the water without a splash. Howard surfaced where Catherine had been. He shook is head, cleared his eyes, and looked around to see Catherine looking at him and laughing.

If you catch me you can have me! she mocked.

Catherine’s heart quickened as Howard splashed toward her. She squealed and attempted to dodge past him toward the deep end. He turned to head her off and she knew he would reach her. She heard his splashes getting closer behind and felt his hand close around her ankle. She shrieked and stopped swimming, rolled onto her back, and floated lazily as he came up beside her. His hand glided gently over her wet, soft skin to caress her face.

I’ve caught you, now your mine.

Always, she replied softly as her lips pressed towards his.

Howard’s arm wrapped around her back as he pressed her body into his. His other hand gripped the pool’s edge with just enough effort to hold them weightless and above the surface of the calming waters. She felt his warmth against her skin and surrendered to him, nuzzling in close. What a contradiction. This powerful, fiery, independent woman suddenly wanting to feel powerless in the arms of her lover.

Howard and Catherine continued to play in the pool like children. They sipped the wine as the sky darkened fully into night. Draining the last drops of wine, Howard swept Catherine into his arms and carried her through the shallow water to the steps. It might have been called the rescue of Venus. He carried her up the walk leaving a trail of water and wet footprints. He didn’t worry about the carpets or the polished wood floors as he carried her toward their room. Catherine clung to his neck, burying her head against his shoulders. He lay her gently down upon the neat, white, linen sheets of their bed. Beside the bed another bottle of wine was already chilled and breathing.

You’re not supposed to chill red wine, Catherine scolded.

Howard just smiled and said softly, Really?

Catherine stretched languidly upon the soft bed, moaned, and closed her eyes. Howard dipped his fingers into the melting ice and water. He touched his cold, wet fingers on her tummy and trailed an icy rivulet up to her breasts.

Oooooohhhh…mmmmmm…that’s really nice, Catherine sighed. This was what Catherine really longed for, a long, relaxing seduction. An arousal that started warm and built as the hours passed until she became voracious. She took his hand in hers and guided it over her body before taking his fingers into her mouth, warming them. Howard knew how to take his time and please her just so. He seemed to take his pleasure from hers, allowing his own desires to warm with hers.

Catherine propped herself up on the thick pillows and sipped the wine. She was already feeling giddy and drunk. She didn’t want to drink too much…she felt just right. Then she had a devilish idea and with a grin she pushed Howard onto his back. Swinging her leg over his body she straddled him, filled her mouth with wine, and leaned forward to kiss him. She let the wine flow into his mouth and kissed him deeply, searching him passionately with her tongue. She pulled away and giggled while he laughed and cradled her head in his hands.

Not yet, she warned and playfully pulled away from him.

Taking another long sip of wine, Catherine leant over his chest and began to dribble the wine over him. As the wine spread and warmed on his skin she could see his skin prickle from the cold. She pressed her lips to his skin and began to lick away the wine. She loved his scent and the taste of his skin. She felt herself open and she wanted him inside her. now! She came as soon as he slipped inside of her. The rest of the night was a swirl of passion, colors, and insatiable hunger as they consumed one another.

The sun completely covered the bed and was becoming too warm. Catherine took Howard’s arm in her hands and hugged it between her breasts. It felt so good to sleep in a man’s arms all night. She loved how his body dwarfed hers. She hated to admit that she sometimes felt like a little girl and wanted to snuggle into the safety of her lover’s body. Howard was stirring and his fingers started to tease her body, stroking her breast and nipple softly. She felt instantly aroused and ashamed. How could she be so easily aroused? Of course, she had been awakened many times earlier in their marriage by Howard. Even soundly asleep he would touch her, tempt her, and want her. Now she could feel his arousal pressing against her body and she craved it again. She wanted him gently and lovingly.

Good morning, he mumbled, his mouth dry from last night’s wine.

Mmmm.I love you, she responded. Thank you for last night. It was gorgeous.

God, I can’t stop wanting you…you’re so delicious.

His hands were now stroking her tenderly along her side, her hips, and her waist. He kissed the back of her neck and her shoulder. She rolled over onto her back and looked up at him.

Make love to me. Make love to me softly, gently…please.

She felt his body over hers, dwarfing her, swallowing her up in his bulk. Then she felt his warmth filling her and she closed her eyes, feeling tears welling up. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, drawing him closer and closer until she felt they were one.

CHAPTER TWO

Catherine and Howard lay side-by-side facing the ceiling. They glistened with sweat from the sun warmed room and their shared closeness. Catherine moved the bottle of wine and looked at the clock…ten A.M. Most mornings she would have panicked, but this morning was different. It was Saturday. It was sunny and bright. The birds were chirping and the voices of children echoed in the neighborhood. She was in love again and, somehow, all those other things didn’t seem quite so important as they once did. It was like emerging from a tunnel. Suddenly she could see more than just the light at the end. She could see all around. Still, there was something to settle at the office and she couldn’t be too late.

Catherine leaned over and quickly kissed Howard before bounding out of bed.

I have to be going. I promised to meet somebody this morning, Catherine said, and then I’ll go pick up the girls at mom’s and dad’s. Promise you’ll miss me terribly!

I’m missing you already, Howard said as he reached for her.

Oh no you don’t! she laughed and jumped away. I’m late enough already.

There was no annoyance in her voice and Howard knew she had been very different this morning. She had time for him. She found being with him more important than rushing off to the office. She was starting to realize that she had made it and didn’t have to prove anything to anybody anymore.

The red Spanish tiles on the floor were still deliciously cool on her feet and she left moist footprints as she padded into the bathroom. Howard lazily watched her.

Such a beautiful woman, he thought.

Maybe it was just his imagination which had aged with the rest of him, but he preferred her to any other woman he knew. She was such a bundle of contradictions. She could be cold and harsh or she could be warm and passionate. He watched her walk softly across the floor. Petite and slender with a cat like grace, a feline femininity.

Howard thought Maybe I should join her in the shower…nah…I’m too exhausted for that!

Catherine closed the door behind her. Why are bathrooms always so cold? she wondered. She twisted the gold hot water tap full on and waited outside the shower for the water to grow warm and then steamy hot. The room filled completely with moist steam before she twisted the cold tap on. She grinned. Even after all these years Howard still scolded her for not turning on the vent fan and for all these years, like a naughty girl, she still misbehaved! She didn’t care if it soaked everything in the room. Droplets of water formed and fell everywhere, off the mirror, the towel racks, the cold porcelain of the toilet and bidet. It was lovely she thought. Sort of a miniature rain forest! The steam filled her lungs and clung to her body with a soft sensuousness.

Catherine stepped into the gentle shower of warm water and closed the door behind her as water splashed all around. For several moments she just stood and let the water flow over her head, through her thick hair, and down her body. She filled both hands with fragrant shampoo and massaged her hair until it was thick with foam. She stepped back under the flow of water and the thick suds slowly slid down her body. Her hands followed, smoothing the suds over her breasts and tummy. She always loved this bit. It was like making love to her own body. The fingers of warm water touched her all over, the soapy suds gently kissing her skin, and her own knowing hands touching just so.

She quickly dried with the thick cotton towels, opened the door and started to step out into the bedroom. She looked at Howard who was watching the columns of steam billow out of the door and smiled. She reached back in and, with an impish look, flipped on the vent fan. Howard groaned and tossed his head back onto the pillow. He knew she would never change. He long ago learned to keep dry toilet paper outside the bathroom and never, ever forget and leave his precious books on the back of the toilet. His ancient and delicate edition of The Surgeon’s Daughter was still warped and water stained from Catherine’s sauna routine. At least when they built this house he had the sense to copy the Portuguese, tiling everything in the bathroom and placing a drain right in the middle of the floor. There was a pay off…he loved the way she felt and smelled when she emerged from the steamy fog. She was soft and warm and delicious.

He looked at her expectantly, but she clearly still had a purpose in mind. He knew to leave her to her purpose. He recognized the single mindedness that drove her. He loved that as much as anything else about her. He watched her dress and she was completely unabashed by his voyeurism. In fact, she had come to relish his admiration. Without thinking about it she always made an understated performance of it and he always stayed to watch.

She started with her hair which was thick and naturally wavy. She never did anything more than dry it and shake her head. It always settled into an attractive form. She slipped her panties on, the leopard skin ones, followed by nearly black stockings and a garter belt. He thought how lucky he was. Most women only wore stockings if they were planning a special night. Catherine loved the sensual way they felt on her legs, just a whisper of bare flesh between her thighs which touched as she walked. The snug fit of the lace at the top reminded her of a soft hand squeezing gently. She quickly slipped into a bra that matched her panties, a shimmering fabric with a leopard skin pattern. He had seen these on models and wasn’t sure he would like it on her, but one look at her breasts filling the cups and her nipples pressing against the almost sheer fabric made a believer out of him.

Catherine cupped her breasts in her hands and adjusted them in the cups. She loved the feel of the fabric. It felt wicked to her. There was something naughty about wearing a formal business suit over her luxurious lingerie.

She looked at Howard and tempted him, If you’re a good boy, I’ll let you take it off for me!

Howard decided he couldn’t wait to undress her tonight.

A simple dress slipped into place over her slender curves and equally simple, but elegant, shoes and she was ready.

I’ll grab some fruit on the way out and eat with my folks, okay? Catherine said as she quickly brushed her lips against Howard’s. I should be home by five o’clock.

I love you Catherine.

God, I love you too. I’m sure silly sometimes. Bye.

In one motion Catherine swept out the bedroom, through the kitchen, into her car, and down the street. With far less ambition than Catherine, Howard grudgingly crawled out of bed and plodded into the shower.

CHAPTER THREE

Catherine guided the big Chrysler onto the expressway and sped directly into the heart of Houston. Skyscrapers jutted out of the flat land, their glass windows glinting in the sun like giant crystals. The car was her personal reward for success. Something that was hers and hers alone. She had turned down the firm’s offer of a company car. Howard would never have bought something like this, but it was sort of like her stockings. There was something deliciously wicked about being wrapped up in its buttery soft leather seats. It was luxuriously quiet and it glided along, ignoring the bumps of the road and the bustle of other traffic.

She mulled over her thoughts as she effortlessly guided the car. Catherine was still overwhelmed by Howard’s revelations. She had convinced herself that he was like the men she worked with who no longer cared about their wives. She had watched her associates chase the latest bimbo of the month and openly put down their wives as frumpy or frigid. She regarded most with contempt and somehow had come to regard Howard the same way except his mistress had been his work. She didn’t think he had ever cheated on her, but maybe the wives of her associates were just as ignorant of their husband’s endeavors.

Now Catherine realized that perhaps he had been as trapped by his job as she had by motherhood. She knew firsthand that if you chose a demanding profession you could not simply decide at one point to sit still. You were part of a stampede moving in one direction. You either jostled for