Deadly Visions

By Gabriele Jex

DEADLY VISIONS is the story of Ariel DeMattei, a very successful but selfish woman who uses people for her own gain. Using money she inherited after the death of her adoptive parents, Ariel and her friend Lisa open their own health club, "Heavenly Bodies". The club does well but Ariel decides that replacing her partner with a beautiful celebrity would enhance the clubs prestige.
After buying out her partner and dumping her latest boyfriend, whose marriage she broke up, Ariel suffers a near-fatal automobile accident. While on the operating table, she has an out-of-body experience that leaves her shaken. As she recovers, she experiences a bizarre mental phenomenon.
Visions of a murdered homeless woman shed seen on her way to work one morning begin to haunt her until she finally sees the murder itself, and the man who committed it. After helping the police find the man, she feels relieved that the visions are finally over. But they are not; theyve been replaced by an even more terrifying one.
Busy with plans to open a second health club, Ariel is unaware of the man who is watching her every move. Not until she begins receiving strange gifts and threatening notes does she realize the danger she is in. This, coupled with the images of murder, brings her to the brink of a nervous breakdown.
Desperate for help, Ariel consults a psychic and plans to visit the parapsychology department at the local university. But on the way out of her apartment building she makes a shocking discovering and soon finds her own life in peril!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 10, 2001
• ISBN: 9781462835379

Gabriele Jex

Gabriele Jex was born in Frankfort Germany and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area where she graduated from San Francisco State University. Her poetry has been published in various books and magazines and she has received several writing awards including an award for outstanding literary achievement for her childrenÕs story, ÒMonsters On Magnolia StreetÓ, from the 2000 Persie Writing Contest, presented at the William Saroyan WriterÕs Conference. Gabriele now resides in northern California with her family and is currently working on her third mystery novel, ÒShadowed MemoriesÓ.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Ocean Park was a large Southern California coastal community with great beaches, the best restaurants and some of the choicest shops in the world. Its palm tree-lined streets were filled with Rolls Royces, Ferraris, and impressive stretch limousines. Its enormous mansions and magnificent beachfront houses were home to many of the country’s rich and famous. But despite its spectacular assets, the city was not without flaw. As with all large cities, it too had its dark side.

The old woman wiped the perspiration from her tired, line-filled face with a paper napkin as she walked slowly down the alley. She wore an old bandanna on top of limp gray hair to protect her head from the sun. The old shopping cart containing all of her earthly possessions squeaked loudly as she laboriously pushed it along. She was tired and her feet hurt terribly inside the worn shoes, but at least she wasn’t hungry tonight. Actually, the day had gone pretty well, she thought; that is, as well as a day on the street could go. The aluminum cans she’d turned in to the recycling center had brought about five dollars. Then she’d found some pretty good food in the dumpster behind the grocery.

They usually chased her away but they hadn’t caught her today, and she’d found plenty of overripe fruit and wilted vegetables. As she headed back home she saw a well-dressed young man toss almost half of a submarine sandwich and a soft drink into the trash. It was a big sandwich and it had sure tasted good. It would be easier to sleep tonight without that horrible gnawing pain in her stomach.

Almost home now, she thought, spotting the large cardboard box she’d found behind a furniture store one afternoon.

Thank goodness, no one’s taken it, she mumbled to herself as she pushed the cart up next to it. Leaning over to relieve the cramps in her legs, she glimpsed a ten dollar bill lying at her feet, and burst out laughing. Boy, it sure looks like my lucky day! She bent to retrieve the precious bill but in the same moment she heard a rustling sound in the box next to her and saw movement off to the side. Before she could straighten up she felt something thrown over her head and pulled tightly around her neck. Her rough, weathered hands clawed frantically at the object around her throat as it squeezed tighter, cutting off her oxygen and crushing her windpipe.

Ariel DeMattei walked briskly along the street, head held high and shoulders back in perfect posture. The picture of confidence and success, she was beautiful and she knew it. Her blonde hair was streaked with highlights and worn in a wavy blunt cut which just reached her shoulders. She had a soft, full face with lush, slightly pouting lips, and a slim upturned nose. Her mysterious and large dark brown eyes contrasted with her light hair and skin. She was slender, firm and in excellent shape, and her long legs were accentuated by her snug, short leather skirt.

As she approached the intersection she heard whistles and catcalls from construction workers nearby. Feeling both flattered and disgusted by their vulgar display she tilted her head back, lifted her nose slightly higher, and walked past them with a look of distaste.

Ariel glanced down the block across the street and saw a man and a woman standing at an alley entrance. As she drew closer she saw that the woman was her friend and client, Stephanie Thornton.

Stephanie, what’s going on? she asked, walking to her.

Oh Ariel, you’re not going to believe this! This guy says there’s a body in the alley! She gestured to the young man standing next to her.

‘You’re kidding!" she said, looking at the man questioningly.

Believe me, this is no joke, he replied, shaken. Do either one of you have a cell phone?

Yeah, sure, Ariel said, reaching into her bag and handing him her Nokia. Here you go.

Thanks, the man said, taking the phone.

Ariel and Stephanie listened as he called 911 and talked to the operator. When he motioned that he was going back down the alley, Ariel took her friend’s arm and whispered, Come on, Stephanie, let’s go with him and see for ourselves.

I don’t know. Don’t you think that’s a little ghoulish?

Look Steph, I’m not going to stand here and let that guy walk off with my phone. Besides, aren’t you even a little curious?

Not that much!

Oh, come on.

Stephanie sighed and threw her hands up in resignation. All right, let’s go.

The two women followed the man about halfway down the narrow alleyway before they spotted the dead woman’s body on the ground.

Ohjeez, how gross! Stephanie cried out.

Ariel stood quietly and looked at the old woman, focusing on her faded flowered dress. It was an old garment, both soiled and torn, at least a size too big for her slightly built frame. Gazing down, she observed the badly run knee-high stockings and worn-out brown oxfords on her feet. The heels of both shoes were worn down to the leather and a large red rubber band was wrapped around the front part of her right foot to keep the loose sole from hanging. Ariel looked at the woman’s head, also noticing the stretched out, severely bruised arm and arthritic-looking hand. A ragged bandanna lay on the ground near her head, and the dirty, disheveled hair concealed a face turned sideways.

Stephanie waited for the man to finish his conversation and then looked at him. Are you sure she’s dead? Maybe she’s just drunk and passed out or something.

He shook his head as he handed Ariel the phone. She’s dead all right. I checked her carotid artery and there was no pulse.

‘You mean you actually touched her? Ariel interrupted. Good grief, the woman’s filthy. She probably has body lice, not to mention the fact that she might have died from some horrendous disease."

I didn’t exactly stop to worry about that. And you can relax, you’re not going to catch anything. This poor old woman didn’t die from a disease, she was strangled!

You’re kidding! How do you know? Ariel asked suspiciously.

Because I saw the marks and bruises on her neck. Believe me, you don’t want to hear the rest.

Strangled? Who’d want to kill an old homeless woman? Stephanie whispered.

I know this isn’t going to sound nice, Ariel replied. But at least she wasn’t anyone who mattered. I mean, just look at her; she’s not exactly a productive member of society. She’s a dirty street person who probably won’t even be missed."

Yeah, Stephanie agreed. At least it wasn’t someone with a life, you know?

The young man looked disdainfully at the two women but said nothing.

Ariel checked her watch and gasped. It’s getting late, I better get to work."

Yeah, let’s get out of here, Stephanie agreed. But I don’t know what you’re so worried about, you’re the boss.

And that’s exactly why I have to be there. I don’t want my employees slacking off. Ariel looked at the young man still standing next to the woman’s body. I guess you’re going to stick around until the police get here, huh?

Yeah.

Well, take it easy.

The man nodded. Thanks again for the phone.

No problem.

Neither one of the women said a word as they walked. It wasn’t until they reached the street that Stephanie finally spoke.

Gee, I really feel sorry for that poor old lady. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be homeless and have to live like that. It’s so depressing.

Don’t worry about it, Stephanie, Ariel replied, as they walked to the club. Those people are drunks and bums or just plain lazy. They don’t have to live like that, it’s their own choice. Look, there are hundreds of jobs available every day. All you have to do is look at the want ads to see that. But these people don’t want to work; they’re happy living in filth and being society’s refuse!

Yeah, I guess so. I suppose they could find a job somewhere if they really wanted to. And even if they couldn’t, they could collect welfare and get free medical care and food stamps, for crying out loud. After all, isn’t that why we’re paying such high taxes?

Exactly. That’s what I mean when I say they don’t have to live on the streets like they do. If they wanted a better life they could have it. But enough about those people. Let’s talk about something more pleasant.

Say, did I tell you that I’m going to a big party up in the hills next week? Stephanie asked.

No.

Well, I’ve got to get something utterly fantastic to wear! Why don’t we get together this weekend and go shopping?

Sure, that sounds great! I could use some new things myself, Ariel said.

And afterwards we can grab a bite to eat at Carriage House.

I love the Carriage House. I mean, that’s where everybody who’s anybody eats these days! Ariel said arrogantly.

That makes it the perfect place for us, Stephanie answered with a grin.

As self-exalting as that remark was, it did have some basis. Stephanie Thornton came from one of the country’s wealthiest families. Her father, Michael Thornton, owned and controlled the family business, Thornton Meats. The multi-million dollar company made the Thornton name a household word nationwide. Then too, there was the family’s very successful winery, one of the finest in the world, located in the heart of the Napa Valley. The family also owned a magnificent mansion at the vineyard, which was used as a country estate to escape the stresses of city life.

Here we are, Stephanie said as she and Ariel walked up the landscaped path leading to the well-known health club. I can’t wait to get in there and start working out again.

I know what you mean. When you miss a few days, you start feeling like your thighs are turning to cottage cheese! Ariel replied, laughing.

Isn’t it the truth? Gee, don’t you just hate women who look like that?

Oh please, they’re revolting. And it seems like they’re usually the housefrau type, with a carful of brats screaming and jumping around!

Well, they surely can’t have any self-respect. It’s no wonder their husbands play around on the side. If you were a man, would you want to stay married to someone who let herself go like that?

No, not at all, Ariel answered. It’s their own damn fault they end up getting dumped for another woman who takes care of herself. Shoot, all you have to do is go down to the mall sometime and look at what’s walking around. I always see these gorgeous-looking men married to ugly women.

Yeah, it makes you wonder why they’re still with ‘em. I mean, they sure as hell don’t seem interested in their wives when they’re ogling every good-looking woman who passes by.

Well, I’ll tell ya, the only reason they stay with them is because of their kids. Haven’t you ever noticed how their wives are either pregnant, pushing strollers, or hanging onto a couple of snot-nosed brats?

Yeah, that’s right, Stephanie replied. I guess that’s why they pump those kids out so fast. It must give them some kind of security.

Perhaps to a certain degree, Ariel said as she pushed open the heavy glass door and held it for her friend. But let’s face it, you can’t hold onto a man just by having his kids.

Ariel and Stephanie entered the Heavenly Bodies lounge area, which contained two large sofas and tables and a juice and snack bar. After asking Stephanie to wait for her, Ariel walked into the high-tech workout room and looked around. One of her regulars was working out on a rowing machine but there was no sign of her partner, Lisa Howell. Determined to talk to her as soon as possible, Ariel peeked into the adjoining aerobics room where the six o’clock class was well underway, and asked the perky instructor if she’d seen Lisa.

Yeah, the last time I saw her she was talking to Arlene.

Ariel returned to the lounge and nodded to Stephanie before addressing the woman behind the juice counter.

Arlene, the club’s nutritionist for the past two years, was busy preparing snacks and drinks for several waiting women.

Arlene, Ariel called tersely. Where’s Lisa?

I don’t know. I talked to her a little while ago but I haven’t seen her since, the petite brunette answered.

I’ll be in my office. If you see her, tell her I want to talk to her right away.

Arlene smiled. Okay. But before she’d even gotten the word out of her mouth, Ariel was headed toward her office with Stephanie.

They had just reached the sportshop when a young Asian woman in leotards and a Heavenly Bodies tee-shirt stopped them.

Excuse me, Ariel, but I was wondering if it’d be all right if I took next Tuesday off? I’ve got a big exam Wednesday morning and I need the day to study for it.

Let me get this straight, Connie. You’re not sick. You haven’t had a death in your immediate family. You just want a day off to study? No. I hired you because I needed an extra aerobics instructor; if you want to keep your job you’d better be here when you’re scheduled.

But Jenny said she’d switch with me!

I don’t care what Jenny said. I’ve already had the schedules printed for the customers and I want them to have the instructor they expect.

Okay, she answered sadly, looking at the floor. I just thought I’d ask.

Next time, don’t bother unless it’s an emergency!

I’ll tell you, if I start giving these people an inch they’ll expect a mile, Ariel remarked grimly as Connie walked away.

lYeah, I know what you mean, Stephanie nodded. One of the reasons this club is so popular is because of the quality service."

No thanks to Lisa. I swear, she lets these employees get away with murder.

Youjust have to stay on top of things, that’s all.

lYeah, but it gets tiring," Ariel answered, pushing open the door to the women’s locker room.

Ariel stopped in front of the large vanity and looked at herself in the mirror as Stephanie headed for her locker to change. After running her fingers through her hair, she looked around the spacious area. It was a very feminine room, carpeted in mauve, the table before her equipped with blow dryers, curling irons, tissues and body lotion.

Ariel smiled to herself, recalling how excited she and Lisa had been when designing this room and then seeing it completed. It was all a dream come true.

Penny for your thoughts, Stephanie said, standing in the doorway in pink Spandex croptop and briefs.

Ariel smiled. I was just thinking how great this place turned out, that’s all. I’d better get going, I’ve got a lot of work to do in the office.

Okay, I’ll stop by later and we can make plans for that shopping spree!

Sounds good, Ariel said, waving goodbye. Have a good workout.

Ariel sat at her desk and began looking through the accounting records. Business was so good that she was considering opening another club. Her dream was to eventually open Heavenly Bodies fitness centers all over the country. She smiled as she thought of the club. It had everything: Olympic-sized pool, hot tubs and sauna, a poolside patio and snack bar, video viewing room and vitamin center. And then, of course, there was its elite clientele that truly earned the club its impressive reputation.

Ariel thought back to how far she and her partner, Lisa, had come since their college days. They had met during a physical education class at the university and quickly struck up a close friendship. Lisa was studying to become a phys ed teacher. Ariel had originally considered a career in education but had picked up a minor in business instead, hoping to get into the fitness industry. Her influence eventually persuaded Lisa to give up teaching and become Ariel’s partner in their own fitness center. Ariel dipped into her trust fund and Lisa contributed a few thousand dollars willed to her by her grandfather. Ability, dedication and hard work were Lisa’s talents, however; it was she who organized and developed all the exercise programs, spending endless hours helping their new patrons.

Ariel naturally assumed the business end of running the club. She was very good at it and quickly managed to meet the right people and make the right contacts to insure the successs of Heavenly Bodies. Through one of these contacts she had even acquired her own weekly TV spot. It was only a fifteen-minute segment on Ocean Park AM, a local morning talk show, but it was enough to make her a semi-celebrity all over Southern California. It was also valuable for promoting her club—those opportunities she never passed up!

Ariel leaned back in her chair and thought about another opportunity that had recently been presented to her. It would be a great move for Heavenly Bodies, but it meant getting rid of her partner. It’d be strange running Heavenly Bodies without Lisa, she thought, they’d been together for so long. And even though they’d grown apart she’d miss not having her around. Oh Lisa, she said to herself, Let’s face it, you’ve become a social liability. For the sake of the club’s future, you’re going to have to go.

Hi Ariel! Lisa greeted her partner cheerfully as she walked in. She was a pretty woman, with soft brown hair and huge brown eyes, thickly lashed. Faint freckles were scattered across the bridge of her upturned nose, which somehow added to the friendliness of her face. She had a wide, well-shaped mouth accented by a small mole near the corner of her upper right lip. Her athletically trim figure was a walking advertisement for Heavenly Bodies.

Arlene said you wanted to see me right away. That’s right, Lisa. Please sit down.

Chapter 2

Ariel and Stephanie strolled along Stardust Drive, stopping to browse and shop in some of the most chic businesses in the world. Ariel’s eyes sparkled as she beheld the jeweled treasures displayed in the windows of Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpel. She always felt a rush patronizing designer clothing boutiques that featured the latest fashions available, which included everything from the classically elegant to the faddishly new.

Stepping outside into the midday sun, Ariel began searching through her handbag. Damn, it’s bright out here. Now, what did I do with my sunglasses?

Stephanie paused by her side and laughed. ‘Tes, it’s a heavy cross we have to bear, putting up with yet another beautiful day in Ocean Park."

Ariel slipped on her glasses and looked out across the palm tree-lined street as a silver Mercedes and a black limousine pulled up to the intersection. Hey, Steph, check out the Benz.

That’s Dorian Parks! What a hunk of man!

We’ve got to meet him, Ariel said as the two women, heavy shopping bags in hand, slowly made their way to the parking garage where Ariel’s Ferrari Testarossa was parked.

I’ll take those, the valet said, jumping from his station.

Thank goodness! My arms are breaking! Stephanie answered, handing him her packages. The women then headed for the Carriage House Cafe, tired and hungry.

Well, crowded as usual, Ariel commented as they entered the landmark cafe.

Stephanie looked at Ariel, raising her eyebrows as she spoke. Would you really want to eat anywhere that wasn’t?

Good point, Ariel replied, tilting her head to see around a large potted plant. Do you think Amanda’s already here? She promised she’d meet us.

It’d be nice, Stephanie said, joining Ariel in scanning the highly polished hardwood tables with crisp white coverings and rose-filled bud vases.

Ariel finally spotted a table at the far wall, under a beautiful oil painting in a gold frame. There she is! Ariel said, waving to her friend, Amanda Hollingsworth, as the two began threading their way through the crowded room.

Thank goodness, she already got a table for us, Stephanie said. Just look at this crowd! What a madhouse!

So what’s new with you guys? Amanda asked lazily as her friends settled themselves.

We’ve spent all morning shopping and my feet are killing me! Ariel answered. But you should see the wonderful things we found!

I bought the most absolutely perfect outfit for the party I’m going to Saturday night, Stephanie said happily.

That wouldn’t happen to be Christina Faulkner’s birthday party, would it? Amanda asked.

Why, yes. Are you going too?

I don’t know, I haven’t decided yet.

Ariel leaned forward. By the way, is Christina still seeing Chad Oliver these days?

Yes, can you believe it? Stephanie snapped sarcastically.

I still can’t understand what a guy like that sees in a troll like Christina, Amanda sighed, shaking her head in disbelief. He’s got the hottest TV series of the season; what is he doing with her?

Ariel smiled. Oh, come now. What do you think? It’s her social standing and money, what else could it be?

What else indeed, Stephanie added. After all, she’s got the personality of a simpleton and the looks of a bad female impersonator!

At this they all