Not as it Seems

By Anita Thomas

Josie was certain her plans were a one-way ticket to hell. For a non-believer, that was not a deterrent. She planned revenge, retaliation, and retribution! After graduating with a master's degree, Josie returned to her childhood hometown and to the company that her father built. She is determined to find out who was responsible for the death of

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Sep 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685568542

Anita Thomas

Anita Thomas received a BA from East Central University in Ada, OK. She was born, raised, and worked in that area for most of her life. While Anita's Oklahoma roots run deep, she is now retired and planting roots on a small acreage in Gilmer, TX. She enjoys spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, cats, and cows.

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Anita Thomas

Dedication

I want to praise and thank my Heavenly Father for all He has given me. I know that all good gifts come from Him. For all these undeserved blessings, I can never praise Him enough. Among those blessings is a husband, Kim, who always believes in me and calls me talented. When a normal person would have frowned at my dreams, Kim encouraged me to go for it. Our children, Katelyn and Les, are great blessings. Their support and love have kept me going when I would have quit. Their encouragement has meant more to me than they could ever understand. God gave me a large extended family, including my brother Vernon Thomas and my sister Amy Scott. We have struggled through some unbelievable hard times, but our faith in God and love for each other have brought us through. I still have to pinch myself to see if this published book is just a dream.

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Matthew 19:26 (KJV)

Table of Contents

Dedication 5

Prologue 9

Chapter I 11

Chapter II 27

Chapter III 41

Chapter IV 53

Chapter V 67

Chapter VI 81

Chapter VII 93

Chapter VIII 103

Chapter IX 115

Chapter X 131

Chapter XI 143

Chapter XII 157

EPILOGUE 167

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 (KJV)

Prologue

Josie was certain that her plans were a one-way ticket to hell, but since she didn’t believe in such a place, she continued to arrange her next moves. She sat at the keyboard and tried to put in writing the last ten years of her life. What was her purpose in writing it down? It was similar to therapy, but it was also a map. She was determined to follow that map of the past ten years. She had been in the dark for far too long. She finally realized that too many things had been hidden. Josie was determined to bring it all to light. Anyone who heard her story would agree that her hitting the wall, as she called it, was understandable. What most people would never believe was that Josie had a plan to pull herself together and then to shred the person responsible for her ten years of darkness. All the warnings about revenge, retaliation, and settling scores were lost on Josie. No amount of Bible School memory verses would convince her that justice was wrong. She was motivated to reveal and rectify the injustices, but not just for herself. This was mostly for her family and for Anne. Hitting the wall had cost her months, and now she had to move and move quickly.

When was it that she hit the wall? Was it when Anne spoke to her on the eve of her graduation from the master’s program? It did not matter when it was; Josie was determined that she had to galvanize all her strength and start moving forward. The days seemed endless in her small apartment, but the keyboard started calling to her. She tapped the keys methodically as she listed the facts as she knew them. The facts as she knew them all hinged on the information that Anne had given her those months ago. Suddenly, a sense of urgency filled her. Too many months had passed, and she could no longer sleep the past away. The ruse that she was traveling in Europe, like many wealthy college graduates, was coming to an end. She could no longer stay hidden away in her apartment, living like a recluse. It was time to resurface and right the wrongs of the past. There was no one else who could do it. Josie felt alone in her plans. There was not one person who would know about her plots, and that fact left a deep sense of loneliness inside her. She had been alone in her sorrow of the past ten years, and it seemed natural that she would be alone in her quest for justice. Justice was in her hands, even though her hands were small and unsteady. How she wished she could believe in a God who would exact justice for an orphan. The God of her parents would, but she could not believe that He was real. She refused to believe in His power; she would have to exact the revenge herself. It was with that resolve that Josie began typing a resume and putting her life in order. This was her opportunity.

"These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."

Proverbs 6:16–19 (KJV)

Chapter I

Josie took one last look at her reflection. Yes, the new blue pin-striped suit looked great, and the expensive shoes and handbag completed the image of a successful businesswoman. The pinstripes helped disguise the five extra pounds that Josie had always battled, and the blue brought out the color of her eyes. Having a new hairstyle made Josie feel revived. Her thick dark blonde hair now looked stylish and professional. Armed with a copy of her impeccable resume, Josie drove to the Macen Building and stepped inside the doors of the architectural firm. She knew to take a copy of her resume even though she had followed the professional protocol and mailed it a few weeks earlier. This would seem like any other newly graduated first job seeker’s interview, but it would not be such. If Josie had anything to do with it, it would be the beginning of her research. Her findings would determine Jack’s future or if he had a future at all.

Darla looked up as Josie entered the office and thought just for a moment that she recognized her. May I help you? Darla asked as she studied the pretty young woman.

Josie steadied her voice and said, Yes, I am Josie DePonit, and I have an interview with Mr. Powers.

Oh, you must be David DePonit’s daughter, Darla rattled. I thought you looked familiar. I don’t suppose you remember me. During my first week on the job, your father…oh, I am so sorry. I shouldn’t have brought that up. Forgive me; I have a tendency to talk too much. I’ll ring Mr. Powers and let him know you’re here. Darla finally quit talking.

Darla, it is so nice to finally meet you! Josie smiled. I have talked to you on the phone so many times during the past ten years that I feel like I already know you.

Darla smiled with relief; the last thing she needed was for Josie to complain to Mr. Powers. He had warned her that one more complaint about her overzealous friendliness would find her seeking new employment. Darla was a large lady with graying hair that she pulled up on top of her head in a sloppy bun. Her eyes were a pretty hazel shade, and Josie felt like Darla had a kindness inside her. Maybe I can get on Darla’s good side, Josie thought.

Darla pressed the intercom button and announced, Mr. Powers, Josie is here for her interview.

The door to Mr. Powers’ office swung open, and Jack stepped out. Josie, it is so good to see you, he exuded. How was Europe? You will have to tell me everything! Jack was still tall and handsome. He was the exact opposite of Josie. His dark hair and eyes held a mysterious appearance. He was trim, fit, and tan. Obviously, he spent time in the gym and on the sunny golf course. After all these years, he had maintained his physical attributes, and one would never guess that he was pushing his fortieth birthday.

Jack, it is good to see you too, Josie said as she held out her arms and embraced him. I had a wonderful time in Europe, but now I need to get busy and support myself. I can’t depend on your generosity forever.

Jack laughed, Sure you can, Josie. Sure you can, but I would much rather that you joined in and helped around here. Step into my office, and let’s get down to business.

Jack’s office was luxurious, just like the rest of the building. In fact, the building looked better than the last time she saw it. With a prospering company came lots of trappings. The artwork alone had to exceed several hundred thousand dollars in value. Josie noticed that Jack had bought only the finest furniture for his office, but it was his desk that made her stop breathing, if only for a moment. It was her father’s antique desk. She did not do well at hiding her surprise, and Jack noticed. Josie, you noticed. I meant to tell you about the desk. I couldn’t part with it. It is such a beautiful piece of furniture, but it is more than that. It reminds me of David. He is the reason that I am a success today. He was such a wonderful friend and a brilliant architect.

Josie struggled to regain her composure. Daddy is the reason that Jack is so successful, she thought bitterly. Instead, she said, What a wonderful tribute to Daddy that you want to keep something that was so precious to him.

A few quiet uncomfortable moments passed, and then Jack said, Back to the present, okay? I’ve looked at your resume, although there was no reason. I want you to head the accounting department. As you may remember, I was more into the construction side of the business before your father died. We shared the accounting responsibilities. This was a small business that wanted to grow. Other than a few office workers, your father and I did all of the work here. Things have pretty much remained the same, but now I have to employ an architect. You will like Mr. Morris. He is a genius! I take his designs and bring them to life. We have purchased land and built houses, buildings, and resorts for the past ten years. Needless to say, we have earned a tidy profit on those investments. Your father had the right idea when he said that this type of firm should be innovative. We don’t just design; we also build and sell. It will be your responsibility to keep our accounts in the black. Timing is important. We don’t want to work with borrowed money unless it is absolutely necessary. That may be an odd way to conduct business in today’s society, but later, you will learn more about why we do it that way. Think you can handle it?

Jack, as you know, I have a double major in accounting and business, not to mention my recent master’s degree. I hope to take my CPA exam in the near future. I understand what is required, and I am the perfect person for the job. You would have wanted me for the job even if my daddy hadn’t been a business partner, Josie proclaimed.

Josie, I am sure you are right. Let’s go to the accounting department, and I will introduce you to the staff and show you your office. You are going to notice a few great changes. We now occupy two floors of this building. This floor houses the executive offices. Mr. Morris’ office is here, Janis has a secretarial office, we have a board room and a private apartment. Jack showed her the layout as they walked toward the door. The executive office suite seemed rather large for only three people and one receptionist. Josie wondered why there was a private apartment where she remembered a storeroom. Once in the hall, Jack pointed out the beautiful paintings and statues. We now own the entire building, he boasted as they waited for the elevator. We rent the third floor to a dermatologist, and the fourth floor houses a non-profit organization.

The second floor seemed much like the first floor. There was an outer office with a receptionist and four spacious offices surrounding it. As they entered the outer office, a pretty redhead with green eyes looked up and said, Mr. Powers, Ms. DePonit’s office is ready just as you instructed. She then went back to work without a greeting. Josie was amused that her office had been readied even before her interview.

Sara, this is Ms. DePonit. As you know, she will be taking over as the head of the accounting department. Please, make her feel at home, Jack said.

Josie offered her hand to Sara and said, It is nice to meet you, Sara. Sara’s reply was a stiff cliché, Likewise, I’m sure.

Jack showed Josie her office and then abruptly said, I’m sorry to leave you so soon, but I have some pressing business to attend to. Don’t worry about Sara. You will grow fond of her. She is just hard to get to know, but she is a darned good receptionist.

As soon as the door was closed, Josie sat down and breathed a sigh of relief. Stage one of plan—implemented, she typed into her laptop.

The first week at the new job passed rather quickly. Josie soon figured out that Jack had little faith in her intelligence. This job and its title were a joke. There was not enough work to justify a head of accounting. In the course of the week, it became very obvious that this was a position created just for her. There were three other workers in accounting besides Sara. Amy was in charge of payroll. She also helped pay vendors. Carson, Jack’s brother, was in charge of purchases for the construction part of the business. He found the best prices and made the deals. Dillon was in charge of buying and selling property. Basically, he was a realtor and a very handsome one at that. That had not escaped Josie’s observation. Josie could not understand how everything worked at the company. So far as she could understand, her job was to keep a handy balance of the bank account and balance the bank statement. At times she would work with Amy to pay vendors. That was basically it. Whenever she asked about other tasks that she needed to do, she was answered with, Amy does that. Or, Carson does that. Or, Dillon does that. As for Sara, her only job was to answer the phone, direct the calls, and greet visitors. Occasionally, Sara would type letters and complete other mundane secretarial tasks.

Sara’s mood only worsened as the week progressed, and Josie wondered why she displayed such hostility towards her. Josie listed a new goal: find out what is up with Sara. She hoped that that might answer some of her questions about the firm and lead her to fill in the biggest blanks of her research. Sara’s job was small, and as far as Josie could figure out, it paid very well. How could a company keep making such amazing profits when it was overstaffed? Why would a receptionist who is so obviously overpaid and underworked be unhappy in that position?

Josie’s best information could be found on the company computer system. Jack made a big mistake when he hired Josie. He didn’t realize that she could do magic with computers. In fact, he must not have remembered the time he was called to her school. As her legal guardian, he was notified when she was expelled three days in her junior year for hacking into the computer system. She only wanted to know why her friend Danielle had checked out of school abruptly and didn’t leave an address or a phone number for Josie. Josie found out that Danielle’s family was involved in a criminal investigation and was placed in protective custody. Josie also found out that when you hack into a computer system, you should hide your tracks. Being expelled for three days was awesome. Since she had no real home, Jack sent her on an educational tour of Washington, D.C. What else could he do with her? He very seldom allowed her to come home, and when she did come back to her hometown, she stayed with her friend Sammie.

That lesson from high school had served her well; she had to be careful as she extracted information from the system. If she were caught, the punishment she would receive would not be a free educational tour. She could not do too much computer hacking during office hours. Her instincts told her to watch her back, and it was during that first week that she happened onto the reason for that foreboding.

On her fourth day on the job, Josie rearranged the furniture in her office. She placed her desk where she could look out of the window. The tall bookcase was a wonderful place to house her pottery, photographs, and her framed credentials. The walls were tastefully covered with expensive artwork, and Josie decided to leave them that way. In fact, she loved the paintings. Jack had obviously spent time and money to find the beautiful Monet reproductions. They were stunning and exquisitely framed. The only thing that seemed out of place was the welcome to our office plant that Jack had placed in her office. It was on the top shelf of the bookcase. Josie studied the room. Where could she place that English Ivy where it could receive adequate sunlight? She reached up to move it and noticed what appeared to be a small hidden camera. It was discretely hidden in the plant. Suddenly, Josie pulled her hand back. I cannot let him know I found