Deceitful

By Nicholas Ralph Morgan

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 familys 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 isnt 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 21, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450255158

Nicholas Ralph Morgan

Nicholas Morgan grew up in England as the youngest of five children in a musical family. His life has centered on the stage, where he enjoys singing, dancing, and acting. He currently lives in England, where he enjoys writing passionate, dramatic, and suspenseful tales. This is his third book.

Book preview

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 naïve? 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 protégé. "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 fiancée), 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 fiancée, 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 diamanté 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.

We’ve landed Lucy dear, exclaimed Lillian, clapping her hands together out of excitement.

Aren’t we a bit early? stated Lucy. Preston won’t be here to collect us for at least another hour.

Oh that doesn’t matter dear, we can view the tropical sights and relax in the surrounding paradise. Lillian acted as though she were a carefree young woman. Lucy remained in her senior attitude and picked up on Lillian’s remark.

"You have always been such a romantic fool, haven’t you Lillian, relaxing in the surrounding paradise, it’s like something out of a Barbara Cartland novel," commented Lucy.

Well at least I know how to enjoy myself. And I don’t think you need to be wearing that cardigan, responded Lillian.

Will you two ladies be ok by yourselves? interrupted Gavin, hoping to quell any further disagreement. Lillian’s self-assertive expression was in complete contrast to Lucy’s stern exterior.

We shall be quite all right thank you, informed Lillian. Some friends of ours are coming to meet us. We do seem a trifle earlier than what we anticipated.

Gavin allowed the ladies to go before him as they descended the seaplane, becoming engulfed by the heat of the midmorning sun.

Oh the heat, sighed Lucy abruptly.

I did say you wouldn’t need that cardigan, remarked Lillian assertively.

Oh be quiet, rebuked Lucy. It will protect my arms from getting sunburnt.

Gavin watched for a few seconds as the two old dears wandered away, still bickering at one another.

This was reality, he said to himself. Gavin was finally on home ground, a prospect he thought would never happen. To be surrounded by the tropical breeze, the multitude of palm trees, papaya and mango forests. This was just part of the exotic wildlife that bestowed the island of Martinique, Gavin’s home.

Gavin walked towards his brother. The sound of gravel underfoot could be heard along with the intermittent chirp from the birds of paradise, possibly a Frigate or Egret. Greg fervently embraced Gavin, causing him to flinch from his injuries.

Welcome home Gavin, he said, but then noticing Gavin’s hurt reaction quickly continued. Sorry old chum didn’t mean to hurt you. I guess you are still pretty sore?

Here and there, replied Gavin. The brothers had always confided in each other. Being two years apart and growing up together that was to be expected. That is what makes it even harder for Gavin to understand Greg’s betrayal. Why did Greg not believe him? He totally refused to consider Gavin’s feelings without giving any credible explanation. Gavin could tell by his reception that Greg was genuinely pleased to see him, just what he would expect. But what happened to loyalty? Where was their trust, their bond? It had certainly been put to the test these last few weeks. Gavin remained optimistic that it would re-emerge now he was home. In that case then why did Gavin feel doubtful? Deep down he knew Greg would never hurt him, not intentionally anyway. But nevertheless there was doubt. Once more Gavin concluded it was too soon to make any judgements.

There followed a slight surge of water over the jetty as the brothers watched the seaplane veer away. The light aircraft gained speed as it skimmed across the turquoise plateau. It gracefully ascended into the pale blue abyss above.

It feels good to be back, stated Gavin.

Visually they were alike in many ways. Tall, handsome, of average build, green eyes, and prominent cheekbones. Both had black hair, although Greg’s had a slight curl to his. The white pale skin they had when they left England was now a constant golden brown, having lived in the Caribbean for twenty years. Their personalities were different. Gavin was more serious than Greg, but maybe that was because he was older. Out of the two, Greg was the extrovert but Gavin had the zanier sense of humour. Until recently they seldom argued. If only that were still the case.

The churn of the engine soon replaced the sound of their footsteps. The wheels of Greg’s maroon convertible on the gravel terrain added to this current tranquil invasion. Hastily they drove away, Greg pressing hard on the accelerator pedal. He was his usual charismatic manner, and made Gavin feel at ease during the short journey home. Briefly, Greg brought Gavin up to date on several matters, ranging from a progress report of their sugarcane plantation business, the wedding plans for he and Rebecca, (naturally Gavin was to be best man), matters relating to Calypso Tavern, and finally, the latest antics of their adopted mother, Loretta.

Greg mentioned that she had planned a welcome home party tonight. Gavin was not in the least bit surprised. Though if he were truly honest, he had not wanted any fuss. Yet he could hardly refuse. No doubt the merriment will do him some good. It will certainly make a change to his meagre existence of the last three months. Although Gavin did not feel like socialising, he could imagine the joy Loretta has had at organising the party and everyone else.

Regardless of the brotherly banter, not one word was mentioned about the recent events that had almost led to Gavin’s death. This had become a controversial issue, which had ignited ill feeling between them. Greg had constantly refuted Gavin’s definition of events, without even making any attempts to consider his version. Ok, so Gavin had refused to accept what Greg and everyone else believed to be the truth. Only Gavin knew the truth, bizarre as it might be. He was not going to be told otherwise. For the sake of his sanity Gavin remained steadfast to what had happened, even though he failed to understand why.

Can one put a price on freedom? Gavin’s answer to this question is definitely no. Yet perhaps this is a question few would raise. That is because we all take our daily life for granted. Never expecting freedom to be wrenched from us. Gavin was also guilty of this complacency, but not now. He had been confined against his will, and kept captive in an underground dungeon without any windows or basic amenities. Now he valued his freedom. To be in the open air and akin with civilisation was a lavish reality that all the money in the world could not buy.

The route homeward was full of twists and turns. The convertible wove in and around the dense tropical woodland before running parallel with the sugarcane plantation. In the distance loomed the monstrous Mount Pelee volcano, towering upwards over the array of yellow papayas that grew beneath it. It last erupted in 1932. What was once a horrific feature on the landscape now lay dormant, adding peace and serenity to the environment. No longer dispelling molten lava in an immeasurable rage, the volcano remained still as if frozen in time like a photograph. Its presence was in contrast to the lush tropical surroundings. Undoubtedly, nature had bestowed such beauty to this picturesque Caribbean island. Partway across the road and just ahead of them, they saw a sprightly Iguana dash across. The little reptile managed to reach sanctuary under the hibiscus shrub that boarded the roadside, cowering as the convertible sped by.

The