Not as It Seems

By Cynthia Turner

Jazmynne Kennedy is a strong Christian woman who has the gift of helping people through their psychological turmoil. She is one of the top psychotherapists in the country and often sought after by people dealing with all sorts of addictions and mental illnesses. Jazmynne has a life changing experience that leaves her perplexed and vulnerable when she meets the gorgeous Bryce Vance. Will she be able to treat him like any other client, or will she give in to his good looks and charm? This psychological thriller will keep you guessing until the last page.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9781984570512

Cynthia Turner

Cynthia Marie Turner currently lives in Lexington, Kentucky and is a retired elementary school teacher who has a zeal for God and for children. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky University. Cynthia is a proud member of Consolidated Baptist Church in Lexington, KY., where she serves faithfully. She is the author of an inspirational poetry book entitled, “Now Faith, Now God,” and a religious fiction novel entitled, “Redialing Yo Number.” Cynthia loves to inspire people to be all they can be in Christ Jesus through consultation and prayer.

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Copyright © 2019 by Cynthia Turner.

Library of Congress Control Number:     2018914331

ISBN:                Hardcover                      978-1-9845-7053-6

                         Softcover                       978-1-9845-7052-9

                         eBook                            978-1-9845-7051-2

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 01/07/2019

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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This book is dedicated

to the following:

My family (always)

My two special friends Cheryl Jones and Jo Ellen Hale who went home to be with the Lord this year.

Eric Jones who works with the Lexington Police Department. Your insight and wisdom proved to be invaluable.

My nephew Marcus Tyler Jr. Thanks for the front cover idea.

The 43.8 million Americans who experience mental illness yearly. Please seek help!

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Jazmynne Lee Kennedy sat pensively, staring at the chamomile tea swirling around in her twelve-ounce Styrofoam cup. Jazzy, or Dr. Kennedy as her colleagues called her, was contemplating the remaining activities of the day. It was Friday, and Jazzy only had two clients to see today. She had already decided to spend a couple of hours organizing her records and streamlining her clientele so she could take on a few more new clients before the winter arrived.

Dr. Jazmynne Kennedy owned her own psychological diagnostic clinic on the west side in Monroe, North Carolina. Her practice often dealt with individuals with ADD, neurosis, and psychosis. However, for the last three years, Dr. Kennedy specialized in obsessive-compulsive behavior and addictions. Her practice grew so quickly that Dr. Kennedy had to refer and even turn some very sick patients away to give her absolute best expertise to the patients she had already taken. After her best-selling book Giants Can Be Slain hit the market, Jazmynne became one of the most sought-after diagnosticians in the country. Who would have ever thought that a shy, scrawny kid from Charlotte, North Carolina, would end up being one of the leading psychoanalysts in this country?

Jazzy was so deep in thought that she did not even see Mr. GQ enter Bon Appetite Coffee Shop. Mr. GQ—that was what she referred to men that were just so drop-dead gorgeous that she couldn’t think of another name. Wow, he is tall, she mused to herself. And look at that physique. Muscles rippling through the back of his sports jacket, and a tush that looks like you can bounce a quarter off it. Jazzy giggled to herself and literally blushed. To think that a thirty-three-year-old single woman could still yearn for such a good-looking man. And then he did it. Mr. GQ tilted his head to the side where Jazzy could see his facial features. He displayed strong cheekbones, sultry brown eyes, a beard and mustache that were meticulously groomed, and a smile that was so mesmerizing that it could bring on an asthmatic attack in a very sensitive part of your body. Acknowledging that the smile had done its job, Mr. GQ turned back around and scanned the menu for his favorite morning coffee: cinnamon toffee delight.

Jazzy dropped her head and blushed again, recognizing that she had actually been staring at this man. She felt a little bit flustered. Chastising herself for being so weak, Jazzy did not notice Mr. GQ standing at her table until he cleared his throat. Um, um, excuse me, he whispered. I don’t mean to bother you, but would you mind if I sat at your table so I can start my morning out with such an enchanting young lady? Jazzy’s jaw dropped open as she mentally repeated his words to herself: enchanting young lady.

Oh, well, sure, she stammered. Help yourself! Jazzy had no idea why she said that because usually she likes to start off her mornings in a quiet, relaxing way, not at all in conversation with a gorgeous hunk of a man.

Well, thank you, he replied. Oh, oh no. I am so sorry. I was so excited that I forgot my manners. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Bryce Vance, and I started coming here about three weeks ago on Thursdays and Fridays. I love my morning brew, and this place has the best coffee around. And you are? he inquired.

My name is Jazmynne Kennedy, and I started coming here about six months ago. You’re right! It does have the best coffees, teas, and pastries around. Jazmynne marveled at how easy the introductions were going and hoped that the remaining conversation would go just as well.

While distracted, Jazmynne got the chance to look closely at this mystery man sitting in front of her. Bryce exuded confidence. She noticed that he was immaculately groomed from his well-defined eyebrows to his mustache and beard that looked like an artist had painted them on his face. He was definitely what you would call a GQ man.

Jazmynne’s thoughts were suddenly interrupted when Bryce cleared his throat and sniffled. She immediately sat at attention and acted as if she was all into what he was saying. Well, Mr. Vance, she said in a sultry voice, what makes you tick?

My dear, I neither tick nor tock. Been there, done that!

Jazmynne grinned inwardly, very glad that Bryce had a sense of humor.

"If you are asking me what I do or what my job entails, that is quite simple to answer. I am a criminal attorney specializing in arraignments, pretrial hearings, settlement conferences, trials, and sentence hearings. I work all the time, and at thirty-eight years old, I have become very comfortable with my hectic schedule.

And what about you, my beautiful angel? What exactly do you do? No, no, let me guess. You’re a model or a flight attendant or a beauty consultant? he questioned.

Wow, those are very good guesses, but I am sorry to disappoint you. Jazmynne gestured with her hands. I am a clinical psychologist and diagnostician who specializes in obsessive-compulsive disorder and addictions.

Bryce was taking another gulp of his coffee when Jazmynne spoke. He began to gag as if choking on the announcement.

Oh, Mr. Vance, are you okay? she inquired.

Uh-huh, it just went down the wrong way.

After dealing with so many chronic liars in her lifetime, Jazmynne could tell that he was fabricating his excuse but decided not to be confrontational at this point.

Wow, that is a very noble profession, he said, nodding to himself. Very noble, indeed! Bryce suddenly changed the subject and said, Hey, beautiful. How about another cup of tea and a raspberry scone? You’re drinking chamomile, right?

Yes, yes, that is exactly what I am drinking. It is the poison of my choice.

Bryce’s entire demeanor changed from a slight grin to a smirk as he slowly stood up and headed toward the cashier’s counter.

Jazmynne watched as a couple of younger women sitting close to the counter did a double take when Bryce walked past them. She noted how the red-headed, ponytail-swinging cashier flirted with Bryce as he placed his second order. Women! thought Jazmynne to herself. Always trying to get a man. Abruptly, Jazmynne frowned and remembered that it was Bryce that had asked to sit with her, not the other way around. At that moment, she was glad that he had chosen her today.

Bryce made his way back to the table and set Jazmynne’s tea and scone down in front of her. She picked up her spoon and began swirling her tea around in the cup. You didn’t want to get anything, Mr. Vance?

Oh, no, sweetheart, I just wanted to see you enjoy yourself.

What a nice guy, thought Jazmynne. He thinks about the needs of others more than himself.

Bryce gazed at Jazmynne as she took a few sips of her tea. He enjoyed watching how she held her pinky finger upright as she took dainty little sips. Is it good? he asked in a sultry voice.

Umm, delicious! Nothing like that second cup.

The pair continued to sit and talk, attempting to get to know each other before work. Jazmynne was anticipating Bryce asking her for her phone number, but he never did. He surreptitiously glanced at his watch, and Jazmynne realized that their time was almost over. She took another bite of her scone and quickly grabbed her napkin to wipe the raspberry from her cheek.

Immediately, Jazmynne got a garlic-like taste in her mouth. The first two bites did not affect her in any way, but this third bite caused her taste buds to change. She wondered if someone had dropped the scone over something that had garlic on it. Uggggh, Jazmynne muttered, not realizing the sound was coming from her mouth.

What is wrong, my dear? Are you okay? asked Bryce.

Suddenly … oh, I feel a bit dizzy and a little nauseous. I was fine while drinking the tea, but maybe the scone had some poppy or something else in it.

Well, here, let me go up to the cashier and find out what they make them with.

Bryce proceeded to the cashier’s station, and Jazmynne sat at the table and closed her eyes, trying to stop the room from spinning around. Rushing back to the table, Bryce quickly relayed to Jazmynne what the cashier had said: all-purpose flour, organic flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, unsalted butter, sour cream, eggs, and raspberry preserves. Jazmynne went through the list in her head and detected nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe it was the organic flour. Well, whatever it is, I am definitely not feeling well and may need to lie down for a little while.

Bryce, she said almost purring. I don’t feel well, and I think I need to go somewhere and lie down. My head is spinning, and I am feeling nauseous. Can you help me to my feet, please, so I can get to my car? I think I will be all right once I make it home.

Bryce moved to help Jazmynne stand to her feet. He grabbed her satchel and, with Jazmynne on one side and the satchel on the other, headed toward the door. Bryce noted how unstable Jazmynne’s movements were. They barely made it to her silver Mercedes before Jazmynne almost collapsed. Trying to be a gentleman and do the right thing, Bryce Vance made an executive decision and decided to put Jazmynne in his car and drive her to his house so she could sleep. Hoisting her over his shoulder, he carried Jazmynne three cars over and gently placed her in the passenger seat of his vehicle. He drove a current-model beige BMW X6 with nothing but the finest upholstery and luxury on the inside.

Once in the car, Jazmynne shut her eyes completely and leaned back on the headrest. She cracked the window open ever so slightly and prayed that she would not be overcome with the nauseous feeling. After all, she did not want to be sick in someone’s luxury car that smelled like sandalwood and Dolce & Gabbana cologne.

Jazmynne had no idea where she was going but was enjoying the smoothness of the ride. Just to close her eyes and not have to drive was heaven to her. Bryce was an excellent driver and handled his vehicle well. He was very careful when going over speed bumps and hitting potholes. He pulled up to a gated community and punched some numbers on the keypad. Jazmynne could feel him make a wide left turn, pull into a driveway, and then stop.

She was still feeling too sluggish to open her eyes but did so slightly when Bryce came over to the passenger side to help her out. He grabbed her by the waist and, in one swooping motion, lifted her and rushed to enter the house. Bryce laid Jazmynne down on the chocolate-colored sofa and whispered to her that he would be right back. Thank God, Jazzy thought to herself. A real man with real manners and values. Looks like my luck is finally kicking in.

Bryce returned to the sofa with a cold compress and a glass of Alka-Seltzer. He laid the cold compress on Jazmynne’s forehead and raised her head slightly on the pillow to try to get her to drink the Alka-Seltzer. She couldn’t stand the smell but took a few sips to help with her nausea. Bryce tried to coax her to drink a little more, but she refused.

Oh, Bryce, I don’t know what’s come over me. At any moment, I feel as though I could pass out.

Oh, really? he responded.

She shook her head yes and laid all the way back on the sofa to get more comfortable. Bryce stood and excused himself from the room for a moment. When he reentered the room, he was completely naked and wearing a two-toned, black-and-beige mask to shield his face. Jazmynne, almost comatose by then, had no idea that Bryce was standing before her totally nude.

Jazmynne, he whispered. Open your eyes, sweetheart. I’ve got a little surprise for you.

Jazmynne was too comfortable to open her eyes and moaned instead.

Come on, Jazmynne, he said again with a bit more force. Open those eyes to get your surprise.

She blinked a couple of times and managed to crack one eye open ever so slightly. She saw a completely nude masked man and was sure that she was hallucinating. She shook her head ever so gently and managed to open both eyes wide enough to know that she was not dreaming or hallucinating. Standing smack-dab in front of her was a masked man who was totally naked and totally erect.

Jazmynne let out a bloodcurdling scream and tried to stand up to flee. Bryce grabbed Jazmynne and ripped off her navy blouse and yanked her bra over her head. No, no! Please don’t do that! she implored as she sobbed. She had told herself that if she were ever a rape victim, she would not let the rapist see her being weak, knowing that this was the way they got their power. And here she was, sobbing and screaming like a banshee. Get your hands off me! she shrieked. No, no, no!

Everything Jazmynne objected to, Bryce did more of. By now, he had her cream-colored skirt off and was attempting to pull her panties down. He seized her by the arms and positioned her backward on the arms of the sofa. He hovered over her body while holding down her wrist and plunged into her vagina with such force that Jazmynne almost fell over the sofa. Jazmynne’s body went limp as the room dissolved into complete darkness.

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Sitting on the turquoise-and-gray mosaic bench in her walk-in shower, Jazmynne scrubbed and scrubbed every inch of her skin until it was almost