Millions of Reasons to Lie

By Karen Alterisio Nelson

Just minutes before a bullet shatters Ethan McMurrays skull, he tells his wife, Arial, that he loves her. But during this frantic cell phone call from the road, McMurray also makes a strange and disturbing request: he asks her to find the hidden communication in the books of their company, make backups of the company records, dissolve the business, and leave town.

Six months later, still reeling from her husbands unexpected deathone that the authorities have labeled as a gang initiation killingArial moves to Newfield, Massachusetts, the Boston suburb where she grew up. Now, bar brawls and girl fights are all part of life for young widow Arial and her prankster sidekick Eli Winters.

But her husbands past soon catches up with her, and the mystery of his death deepens. Aided by Marco Romano, local hottie and security specialist, she tries to solve Ethans murder. They separate the good guys from the bad while trying to stop the killer from adding Arial to his growing list of bodies.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jul 13, 2012
• ISBN: 9781475937176

Karen Alterisio Nelson

Karen Alterisio Nelson is a New England native. She has been a wife and mother for eighteen years and a lover of the written word her entire life. Nelson and her husband have two teenage boys and live in a small town northwest of Houston, Texas.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Ethan McMurray pulled onto the dark two lane highway as he left the Bare Bones Bar in Santa Fe, Texas. Once he was over the bridge to Galveston Island, he would be home. His mind was still reeling from the brief exchange with his project partner, Henry Simon. The investors, whoever they were, would be demanding their money back once they learned the deal was off. Ethan could no longer in good conscience finish with the design on the Jester project knowing what he now knew. Henry’s client, the money guy, Mike Porter, was supposed to be some kind of spook and his buyer was someone with a bad attitude and no sense of humor. After a break-in at the engineering firm a blackmailer was demanding the four million dollars Porter had entrusted them with. In exchange, the blackmailer would return the digital plans for Jester and not report them to the Feds. Ethan hoped if he could just talk to Porter, maybe he would handle the blackmailer and retrieve the four million dollars himself. Porter was after all, in almost as much trouble as Ethan and Simon were if they chose to talk. Ethan understood that put them at risk from Porter as well. He’d never dealt with someone of Porter’s caliber and had only met the man once so he couldn’t accurately gauge the man’s character but he figured he should assume Porter didn’t have a lot of patience. Damn you Henry, if you’d just told me the truth from the start. He mumbled to the empty car. I shouldn’t have threatened the blackmailer with going to the Feds first. That was probably a mistake. He ran a hand through his messy brown hair. Arial and I will just have to disappear for a while, that’s all. I can tell her we’re taking a spontaneous vacation. We’ll just start over somewhere else with new identities. I’ll tell her everything once we’re safe. She’ll be furious but we’ll be alive. He dialed the house, Pack our suitcases Babe, we’re headed to Tahiti.

Tahiti? Why Tahiti?

I just want to take my girl to a place almost as beautiful as she is. He smiled as the sweat ran down his forehead and into his eyes. He pushed his perpetually messy brown hair back off his forehead where it was plastered.

Ethan, I have a budget meeting with the San Antonio people Monday.

Babe, how many times do you think you’ll get an offer like this? Pack us up I’ll be home in ten.

He exited the dark road and drove through the city park that stretched out for the next three blocks. It was dark and quiet. Empty benches sat in the glare of the street lamps breaking up the shadows along the walking path that followed the road. The light at the four-way intersection up ahead turned yellow and he slowed to a stop. The car rocked forward and Ethan checked in the rear view mirror as the driver of the SUV stepped out of the vehicle. A man’s silhouette blended with the night in dark clothing and a dark baseball cap pulled down low over his face. He left the door open and walked toward Ethan’s car. Ethan looked around, this late at night there was no one around, no witnesses, and no help. He put his foot down and the tires squealed as he sped off. He tapped his phone to call his wife back, fumbling with it as he tried to control the car with one hand.

She answered on the first ring, I still can’t go to Tahiti.

I’m sorry Arial, I love you so much. He sobbed as his voice shook.

Ethan?

Just listen, if I don’t make it home go back to Boston as fast as you can! Don’t stay here! I don’t think they know about you but you should leave anyway. Don’t trust anyone, you hear? No one Arial. Look in the books I left something that will explain everything. Just dissolve the business and make backups of everything! You hear me? Everything Arial and lock it up somewhere safe. God, I love you so much. I wish I had more time. His voice broke, I’m so sorry. He He swallowed hard as he tried to steer the speeding sedan.

Ethan? Ethan what’s happening?

I swear I didn’t know what the Jester project was. I didn’t know it was bad. He tapped the brake as he pulled on the steering wheel taking a left turn fast. There’s a The bullet fired from the pistol in the SUV chasing him passed through the window and entered his skull, ending Ethan McMurray’s life.

The phone shook in her hand as she spoke with the police, "He was on his way back from Santa Fe to the Island. I’m not sure exactly where he was but I heard him crash."

Next, she called his brother John. His life partner Eli answered the phone. John just ran to the store for me.

Ethan just had a wreck on the phone with me. The call dropped and I don’t know what’s happening. The police are working with the satellite company to locate the car. She sniffled.

I’ll be right over. He hung up before she could say anything else.

She stood by the front door watching for his Spyder. The black Boxter raced down the street and skidded into the driveway, almost running into the garage door. He leapt from the car and ran to her, barefoot in his raggedy blue jeans and button up shirt. She held the door open for him and they embraced in the threshold. The cool Texas night closed in on them as she laid her forehead on his shoulder. His messy blonde hair, stiff with product poked her cheek as he rubbed her back.

Shh he soothed, then took her hand and led her to the loveseat.

John stormed in, the door slammed against the wall as he stood in the doorway. His brown eyes were wide with worry, I got your message. What’s happened?

Ethan had a car wreck. She cried.

John’s brow furrowed, Is he okay?

I don’t know. We were on the phone when it happened. I called the police but I haven’t heard anything.

His brown eyes grew wide, Was he hit? Did he hit someone else?

He said he’d be home soon and he loved me then I heard the crash and then nothing. She hitched in a breath and hot tears burned her eyes.

Did the call drop or did you hear anything else?

The call dropped. She nodded.

Another knock sounded and John turned round to the open door. A uniformed police officer nodded to him and stepped in the house. John backed up two paces and stuffed his hands in his jeans pockets. Arial and Eli clasped hands and stood together. The officer took his cowboy hat off and held it in his hands running the brim between his fingers, I’m sorry Mrs. McMurray there’s been a shooting.

Shooting? she shook her head. No I heard him crash.

Right, it looks like he was shot first. I’m sorry.

John cleared his throat, Was there anyone around? Do have any suspects? Was there another car?

It’s still early in the investigation. I do need to ask y’all a few questions though.

Arial nodded and motioned to the recliner beside the loveseat.

John stood behind them with his hand on Arial’s shoulder as she sat with Eli.

Did your husband have any enemies that you know of?

No she shook her head. Ethan’s a good guy, everyone likes him. She swallowed hard.

What line of work was your husband in?

He’s a mechanical engineer. He does a lot of contractual work with other companies.

What does he, did he do exactly?

Munitions, government contracts, usually with other contractors. I can give you a list. John? she glanced up at her brother in law.

Yeah, I can get you whatever you need. He shook his head sadly. I can’t believe he’s gone.

Eli put his hand over his mouth as his face screwed up in anguish. He was so kind. He waved a hand and ran toward the kitchen.

You worked with Mr. McMurray? the officer asked eyeing John studiously.

He’s my brother.

And what’s your name?

John McMurray.

Do you know of anyone who would want him dead?

No he shook his head, no one. Ethan never met a stranger. Two tears escaped his brown eyes to fall on his yellow t-shirt. In the eight years she’d known him, she’d never seen John cry. He was the strong silent type. He looked like Ethan with more meat on his bones and without the crooked nose John gave him from a wayward baseball in high school.

Where is the office located? We’ll have to check that and your homes too.

Of course Arial nodded, It’s in Santa Fe. McM Engineering.

We’ll get started and let you know when we learn anything. He stood and turned his head to his shoulder as he spoke into the microphone there. Arial stood and John followed her to the kitchen to make coffee and stay out of the way.

Shot? John asked, Who would want to shoot Ethan?

I don’t know John. Was anything going on at work?

No Arial, nothing unusual.

Eli stood by the counter preparing coffee at the pod brewer. He had his back to them and his shoulders shook as quiet mewling sounds escaped him. Arial put her hand on his shoulder and rested her head against his. He turned to her and buried his face in her neck as she held him close while he wailed. She was thankful that he was falling apart and not her. It made her feel useful.

It’ll be okay Eli. We’ll get through this. She cooed.

Why? Why would anyone want him dead? He was the nicest guy I know.

Yes he was. She sighed.

Did he say anything? John asked.

No she hoped the lie didn’t show on her face, she knew she was a terrible liar.

Nothing? John pressed.

Nothing John. He said he was on his way home and that he loved me. That’s all. She didn’t want to drag John and Eli into this nightmare. She might be putting them in harm’s way too. She needed to find out what Ethan had hidden away in her collection of rare books before she could tell the police or anyone else anything.

Arial sat in the sunny patch of the wood floor in her library packing her books in steamer trunks for the trip to New England. She fanned through each book for the umpteenth time, being careful with the exceptionally old ones, methodically checking for anything Ethan might have tucked away. After nearly an hour she came up empty and frustrated yet again. She slipped the padlock on the brass loop of the last trunk, making them ready to ship to their new home in Newfield, the little suburb of Boston where she’d grown up.

Hey girl Eli said surprising her as he came in the room. He looked out the wall of windows at Galveston Bay and sighed, I’m going to miss this.

You’ll like Newfield too. At least in summer you won’t melt.

The winter is cold though.

Oh she crooned, , don’t fret, I’ll keep you warm.

So the cops finally gave you the all clear to leave town, huh?

Yes they did. she nodded. Six months of digging through my life and nothing. No clues, no suspects. She trailed off. How is John feeling? He’s been so quiet.

He won’t talk about it much. Every time he tries he cries.

Does he agree with the cops? That is was a gang initiation?

Eli nodded, It’s so senseless.

Chapter 2

John was silent as he drove the rental car from Logan Airport to the hotel in Newfield. Eli sat in front still complaining about the landing.

I told you, it only looks like you’re landing in the harbor. she giggled. I thought that lady behind us was gonna beat the crap out of you.

That scared the life out of me. He put his hand to his chest. He was quickly diverted, I want to see the Old North Church and that cemetery where Mother Goose is buried.

The Granary. She nodded, You’re going to love Boston Eli, there’s so much to do and it’s so full of history. I’ll take you to the North End for Italian food, it is to die for. She warmed her face in the September sun glaring through the window. I almost moved back eight years ago when my parents were killed but I met Ethan and the rest is history. She shrugged one shoulder.

Eli turned back to look at her, Does the sky seem a darker blue to you?

It always does up here, the clouds seem lower too.

John swerved to miss a pedestrian crossing the street as they entered the little town of Newfield. She looked out at the rows of red brick duplexes that lined the residential end of Main Street.

Is San Francisco like this John? Is the sky a different color? He asked.

I don’t remember it’s been years. He murmured.

Eli put his hands on the back of the seat and sat on his knees in the seatbelt as he turned around to talk to her. I’m anxious to meet Bella.

You’re going to love her, we’re almost twins. Our mothers were twins and we were born a week apart.

It must have been hard to leave her when your father moved y’all to Houston.

It was. I begged him to let me stay with Ahny Ellen and Uncle Frank but he wouldn’t. He wanted us all together. Another eighteen months and I could have graduated with her.

John pulled in the valet lane at the Colonial Hotel and stopped the car. They climbed out groaning at the muscles that squawked from the disturbance of mobility. John handed over the keys and took the ticket then shoved a bill in the kid’s hand waiting to take the car. They walked past the fountain surrounded by flowers and greenery and through the automatic doors. The white marble floor reflected the crystal chandeliers above. The pool could be seen through the glass hall and the sound of people chatting came from the restaurant through an arch to their right. They approached the counter and two bell hops scurried over to them, greeting them with wide smiles.

This is the life. I could just stay here. Eli murmured.

It gets old fast. John mused.

You’re not going to start travelling right away are you? Eli frowned.

Pretty soon Eli, I have to get a cash flow going. John looked annoyed and Eli dropped the subject.

She left her suitcases packed, took off the blouse she wore under her brown suede vest and touched up her makeup. She brushed her long brown hair. Today her naturally curly locks hung dried straight, down her back and around her face. Her dark green eyes looked back from a thin face with a small nose and high cheekbones. She turned sideways admiring the perks of not skipping her workouts. She left her room, checking the door to be sure it locked before going down the hall to the guy’s room. She knocked and waited.

Eli opened the door and smiled. She followed him to the bed and plopped down beside him. I’m going to hang out with Bella tonight, y’all wanna come?

Nah John said and Eli rolled his blue eyes in silent protest.

Can y’all drive me to Mike’s Pizza then? You won’t have to come back for me I’m going to stay with her.

Is that what you’re wearing? Eli scoffed.

She reached in her clutch bag and pulled out a thin silver chain. She slipped it around the two inches of bare skin at her waist above her low riders and beneath the vest. Better?

Here, you need this too. Eli said removing his braided leather chocker. He fastened it around her neck. Now you look good and slutty. Go get you some.

Nice Eli but I plan to keep my clothes on all night.

Party pooper He looked away, indignant.

What are you two gonna do tonight?

I don’t know, maybe dinner and some clubbing. Eli shrugged one shoulder.

Wonderful John said sarcastically.

What’s wrong with clubbing? I want to see Boston. Eli asked turning to face John.

I just want to lay here and watch a movie. It’s been a long day. He moaned.

Oh, you can still do that. Eli waived a hand at him and winked at Arial.

John rolled his eyes and shook his head, I guess I’ll get in the shower then.

She stood at the entrance of the dining room in Mike’s Pizza looking for Bella. The room was packed and she noticed people staring. Newfield was a small town and she was a new face. She spotted her in white skinny jeans with a pink tapered blouse that clung to her perfect figure. Bella had dyed her shoulder length brown hair maroon with wide panels of blonde highlights brushed throughout since last Christmas when Arial and Ethan came to visit. When she spotted Arial her dark green eyes flew open and she smiled then jumped up out of her chair bumping the tray from the raised hand of the waiter taking a full order to a table of four. Plates of food crashed to the floor and Bella covered her mouth and nose with her hands and sat down looking guilty. Arial walked gingerly past as the teenager got down on one knee to pick up the ruined plates and silverware scattered on the floor. Sorry about that. She patted his shoulder and went to Bella. She stood up again and they embraced. Belly I’ve missed you.

I’m so glad you’re back. It’s going to be like old times again.

Arial poured herself in the chair beside a big guy sitting across from Bella and twisting a paper straw wrapper. Hi she smiled.

Hey Arial, You look good, you’re all grown up.

Nicky Toscano? she grinned, my God you’ve grown up too. You look good. Geez, you’re chest and your arms, my God, you’re buff.

His cheeks bloomed pink. His short brown hair and dark brown eyes in his handsome face with his ripped body conjured the image of a woodcutter from some children’s story. Caveman sex was important in a girl’s life and Nicky looked like he could do the job.

I’m Nick now. My sister’s little boy is Nicky. he smiled sheepishly.

Nick parted the crowd as they walked through Shady’s. He held Bella’s hand and Arial followed close behind in their wake. They took a table near the bar and sat down. The noise from the DJ’s speakers was unbearable. The bass reverberated in her chest. The club was dark and crowded and there wasn’t a lot of room to move around. Arial was ready to go already.

You wanna dance?

Arial turned to see a tall nice looking man with blonde hair and blue eyes standing beside the table.

No thank you. She shouted back, I’m here to catch up with my cousin.

Oh he nodded and walked away.

She turned back to Bella who was yelling in the ear of an older woman holding a big round tray. The woman went to the bar and Arial shouted, How are your parents doing?

They’re good Bella leaned over the table to shout back, Mom

Will you dance with me?

Arial turned around again, another man was standing there. This one was short with red hair and green eyes.

No thanks. I’m just hanging out. She shouted. He nodded and walked away.

Mom wants you to come to dinner soon. Bella shouted.

Arial stood to move her stool closer and bumped into another man standing by the table. He smiled a crooked grin and held out his hand. She shook her head, Sorry, no she pulled her stool closer to Bella against the wall.

You should have brought a stick to fight them off. Bella said close to her ear.

Times have changed, huh? All these fuckers used to call me names. Now they want to dance with me. she growled.

Don’t hold a grudge. Kids can be mean.

Nicky beckoned to her, Come here he shouted. She leaned over the table and he shook his head, Don’t lean over the table, come over here. He shouted. She walked around the table and bent her ear to his mouth. You see that guy over there? he nodded toward the bar.

She looked to her left, Which guy? she shouted.

The one at the end of the bar staring at you dummy. He smiled.

Her face fell as the Jester Project came to mind. She saw an attractive man with black hair and a kicking body perched on a stool leaning an elbow on the bar. His blue and white flannel hung open over his baby blue t-shirt that showed off his hard chest. What about him?

That’s Marco Romano and you want to stay away from him.

Why is that?

Let’s just say he gets around. She nodded once, waiting for him to continue, Just be careful. He’s ruined more than one reputation.

She nodded. Okay She shouted as the waitress set three beer bottles on the table. Arial reached in her purse and handed the woman a fifty dollar bill. Just keep ‘em coming.

You got it hon. She smiled and stuffed the bill in her blouse pocket.

Show off Bella teased.

She looked at the dark man again. Their eyes met and she felt her face grow warm. His dark eyes watched her and the corners of his mouth curled up on the ends. She dropped her eyes and went back to her seat where she could put her back to him.

Bella said you build guns? Nick shouted across the table.

Ethan was an Electrical Engineer. She yelled.

What did he build?

Bombs

Nick stared with the beer bottle halfway to his mouth. For real? he shouted.

Military contracts she giggled.

You’re not an engineer though.

Nope, I kept the books. She shouted.

And cashed the checks no doubt. He raised his bottle.

She smiled and raised her beer to him.

Nick pulled in an apartment complex and took a space against the second building. The girls helped each other out of the car, leaning on one another and laughing as they made their way in a zigzag to the lighted foyer.

You two have no self-control.

Bella laughed hitching in air, We know.

They climbed one flight on the carpeted stairs with Nick shushing them until they reached the first door. Nick turned the key and reached in to flip on the lights and they stumbled in the living room. Arial headed for the recliner in the corner. She squatted and sat on the armrest before sliding off to hit the floor. She lay back laughing with her arms splayed.

It’s really drunk in here. Bella giggled as she lowered herself to sit beside her.

Nick shook his head. You two back together again. This is going to be scary.

No this is going to be fun! Nick you should introduce her to your cousin Joey and we could double date.

No! Arial yelled and sat up. No fix ups! Remember that guy from Caprisi’s you set me up with?

He was cute Arial. You should have given him a chance. He owns a car dealership now and he’s still single. Bella closed one eye.

What are you doing? Arial asked.

I’m seeing double.

You’re fixin’ to puke.

Fixin’? Bella giggled.

That guy was a mechanic who chewed his nails.

Ugh Nick groaned.

You could have introduced him to soap. Bella giggled.

So what’s the deal with Marco Romano? Arial asked. Bella quieted and started adjusting her blouse.

Nick sat forward You don’t remember him from school? He’s God’s gift to women and a legend in his own mind. Disrespectful shit.

He was four years ahead of us Nick. Why would she remember him?

Arial decided to drop the subject until she and Bella were alone and she could get the scoop without the testosterone side dish.

So what’s your plan Arial? You guys gonna start another bomb making factory? Nick teased her.

I want to start a boutique. Eli, my brother-in-law was studying design when he met Ethan’s brother John. He made this vest.

It’s beautiful. Bella cooed and ran a finger over the gold stitching at the lapel.

He’s so talented. I can’t wait for you to meet him. He’s my best friend in the whole world. Bella nodded once. Oh Belly, don’t be jelly. She teased. You’re my favorite cousin.

You are an ass. Bella giggled.

Arial smiled as the smell of coffee woke her. She opened her eyes and stretched her arms over her head as she pointed her toes as far as they would go. The pillow slid off the leather sofa for the gazillionth time. It was a long night on the slippery couch. She rolled over and waved at Nick in the kitchen.

Hi there how are you feeling? he smiled.

Hey Nicky, ugh. She stuck her tongue out.

It’s Nick.

She nodded and sat up using her fingernails to scrape at the corners of her eyes. I need to counter the beer and pizza calories from last night, is there a park with a track nearby where me and Bella can take a run?

He chuckled, Yeah, I don’t see that happening. Bella doesn’t run unless someone’s chasing her.

She went to the kitchen and started opening cabinets.

Here Nick handed her a plain white mug from the dish drainer. She went to the coffee maker and poured out a cup. She brought the dark liquid to her nose and smiled as she closed her eyes.

Good luck getting her out of bed. I have to get to the job site. He hugged her quick and stepped back. I’m glad you’re home Arial you’re all she’s talked about.

I’ve missed her too. See ya Nicky, have a good day.

It’s Nick he said sternly.

I’ll work on that. You were the only boy who was ever nice to me, you’ll always be Nicky.

He rolled his eyes, Okay you get to call me that, but only you. He patted her shoulder as he headed for the door.

She took her coffee to the slider and pulled back the horizontal blind. She slid the glass door back and stepped out on the concrete balcony overlooking the parking lot. This early in the day the lot was shaded and she shivered as her thin blood worked hard to warm her, unaccustomed as it was to the chilly fall air of New England. She sat in the lawn chair and drew her bare feet up to cross them at the ankles then she wrapped her hands around her coffee mug to keep them warm.

You’re already a hot topic Bella said as she came through the slider with a cup of coffee in her hand. I got two texts this morning about Marco Romano asking around about you.

Her heart raced, What about me?

Who you are, where you came from. she