The Visual Deception

By Jack Kregas

The Visual Deception is the sequel to Shattered Innocence.

Breeding farms run by human traffickers supply sex slaves, domestic slaves, and very young children to a $150 billion industry.

Over 30,000 cults allow breeding farms to be hidden in plain sight. A chance tip off suggests Rose may be held captive in a breeding farm disguised as a cult.

How to find and then to rescue her twin sister? The Visual Deception is the exciting conclusion to the Ruby Streeter story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jack Kregas
• Release date: Dec 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215539583

Jack Kregas

Jack Kregas was born in New England in the north east of the United States. After a stint in the US Army, he was discharged in Europe and the next forty years were spent skiing and living life to the max as well as creating several successful businesses.Winters in the Alps and summers windsurfing on Maui, Jack departed Switzerland for Maui full time with his Australian wife and small daughter. After five years he moved the family to Australia and became an Australian citizen.Jack now lives in Brisbane and plays golf and tournament poker. After having published his first book in 2015, an autobiography, It's All About Me and a few others of his adventurous life, he has written another thirteen books the latest being THE VEGAS TRANSACTIONS published in July 2021 and How to lose at Texas Holdem in September 2121.

Book preview

The Visual Deception

BY THE SAME AUTHOR

Non-fiction

It’s All About Me and a few others

It’s Not Only About Me

How to Lose at Texas Holdem

Still Losing at Texas Holdem

Fiction

Joey Moretti Thrillers

Mystical Glasses

Innocent Retribution

Contested Ransom

Decisive Sunset

Other Fiction

Choice Cruise Lines

Loysa’s Carabao (a children’s story)

Slick Justice

Club Cargo

The Vegas Transactions

Shattered Innocence

Collections of Short Stories

Tall Tales

Tall Tales Two

Tall Tales Three

The Visual Deception

The sequel to Shattered Innocence

By

JACK KREGAS

PUBLISHING DETAILS

The Visual Deception by Jack Kregas

© Jack Kregas

The moral right of the author has been asserted. All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright restrictions above, no part of the production may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book.

1st Edition 2023

Copyright: Jack Kregas 2023

This book is copyright.

Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism, or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission.

This is a work of fiction. The events and characters in this book are fabricated from the imagination of the author. Some places and locations may be real, others are not. Any similarity to any person living or dead is purely coincidental.

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my loyal followers who bought my first book, It’s All About Me and a few others, and then read the next seventeen. You have made this journey worth the effort.

It is also dedicated to my editor, Susan, who has been there from the beginning making me a far more readable author. I wish her well in her retirement.

At this point I believe The Visual Deception will be my last book.

Thank you for your support.

<><><><><>

PROLOGUE

Reno, Nevada – 5 June 2018

She opened her eyes not sure where she was. Her left arm reached out to discover the bed empty. Taking a deep breath, she got out of bed nude and shuffled to the toilet. Now awake, she moved to the marble double sinks standing in front of the left one that she used. She washed her hands without drying them. One hand reached for her electric toothbrush, the other for the toothpaste. She applied a generous amount on the brush and put it in her mouth as the humming filled her head and the bristles did their thing against her straight white teeth.

She spat into the sink and took a handful of water to wash out her mouth. Spitting again, she replaced the toothbrush and moved closer to the mirror inspecting her teeth. Satisfied, she moved back and stared at her reflection. Alert, dark eyes asked the question. Who are you, Ruby Streeter?

I am twenty, came the reply.

The eyes moved rapidly over her body seeing black hair just short of shoulder length. Her shoulders were strong, and her whole body was that of an athlete, fit and toned. Firm breasts, a flat stomach, and a well-manicured pubic area connected to legs that were long, muscled, and supported her tall frame.

She turned so her back was to the mirror and her head twisted to see her butt. She flexed it twice to reassure it was firm. Facing the mirror again, the eyes peered into her soul asking, What have you accomplished in your twenty years, Ruby Streeter?

She hesitated, not sure if she wanted to play this game. Then she set her jaw giving a determined look devoid of feeling. The muscles in her shoulders tightened, her hands gripped the sink.

I shot a man three times at point blank range and left him to die in a container after he told me what I needed to know. I planned, arranged, and made the call that set off an explosion on a luxury yacht in Cannes that killed over thirty people. As far as I know, except for one, all were human traffickers or their clients. It was payback for the pervert involved in kidnapping and selling my twin sister Rose, who was only sixteen at the time. It was revenge for the suffering and premature death of my mother who died with a broken heart that could not be healed. It was satisfaction bringing justice where the police had failed. I hunted those assholes down for over two years and will never stop till I find Rose. I now know she is alive. We have a bond as twins that can never be broken. She knows and feels this as do I. It will give her the strength to survive until such a time as I can find her and bring her home.

Beads of sweat had formed on her forehead. She shifted closer to the mirror, not blinking as she scrutinised the eyes looking back at her.

That’s what I have done in my twenty years and I would do it all again, she snarled at the mirror.

Oh, by the way, I have also found the love of my life. We adore each other. He gives me strength and consoles me. Together we have something incredibly special.

Ruby turned and walked to the window that looked out over Reno and the valley below. Glancing up at the sky she said, I will find you Rose. Be strong.

She then turned back towards the mirror with resolve on her face spitting out the words, Just wait to see what the next year brings. With that she went into the shower where double heads sprayed steaming water over her body.

CHAPTER ONE

It had been almost two weeks since Ruby and Carl had returned from France. She had no problems readjusting to life in Reno living with Carl. His concern made her realise how much he cared for her. She did not take for granted how fortunate she was and realised without Carl by her side she would never have had the strength or ability to uncover the fact that her twin sister was indeed still alive.

The trauma of coming to grips with this information in the circumstances that she had witnessed, churned in her head despite her best efforts to put them to the back of her mind. She was eager to get on with the search for Rose but knew Carl was correct in saying it was not the time. She would wait but not forget her vow to find her twin.

In the meantime, keeping busy was important and with the party for Carl’s thirtieth birthday in the planning stage, there was much to be done. She had answered the encrypted email from Gerald saying he was arriving on the 17th with valuable information. She advised him that he was to stay with them and to call when he arrived at the airport. The importance of the information that had Gerald flying from France, Ruby did not want to think about and become upset. She would deal with it when she knew exactly what he had to say.

Also, her father, Sigi, had confirmed that he would arrive on the 19th which was perfect timing. It allowed her to discuss with Gerald what they would reveal to Sigi and how they knew Rose was alive. The story had to be true but at the same time eliminating specific details. A lot would rest on Gerald to be persuasive.

Camila, the live-in housekeeper, had coffee and a fresh baked apple pie on the kitchen breakfast counter as Carl and Ruby sat with her in the late afternoon to plan the birthday party. Camila had come with the house when Carl bought it and was considered part of the family.

There is no need to hire caterers. My friend Maria and I will do all the cooking. I spoke to her and she agrees. What I need to know is how many people are coming so we can plan the food.

I was going to let Carl make that decision. Till now we have my father and maybe he is bringing someone. Gerald and, I presume, his wife will be with him. So, four plus us with Maria makes eight, added Ruby.

Carl said, You know I’m not keen on this kind of event but I do think it’s an opportunity to thank my friends for their support over the years as well as celebrate my birthday. I don’t have a lot of friends except for those who I work with and they’re more than friends. I want Jose and his mother, and his new girlfriend. Then Alex, and maybe she’ll bring Joe. He has been her mechanic for a few years now. I don’t know anything about their relationship or if they’re a couple. I don’t ask. Seng-Ho, and his wife of course, and then Jan and her husband Jones.

I believe I said hello to Jan once but never met her husband, said Ruby.

I hired her when we needed help before I sold the security arm of the company. She’s a natural organiser and fits in with the team. When I let the others go, Jose gave me an order to keep her as it frees him up from paperwork. I have met her husband only a couple of times. He’s a lawyer and an agent for basketball players.

That’s a strange combination.

He was a big star at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. A black guy from the ghettos of New York bound for a huge NBA contract until he tore up his knee. That ended his dreams. Jan was a hippie chick who met him at a rock concert. She told him he was too smart to bounce a ball. He should become a lawyer and an agent to keep the young players from getting screwed by owners. The rest is history. She doesn’t need to work but was bored. Now she feels she has a home with us.

That’s nine more making seventeen, counted Camila.

There are only two more who I know I want to invite. They are DD and Mimi. I don’t know if they will come from Vegas but I want to ask them.

I would like to meet DD. He sold you this house and you rescued his wife from a cartel who was trying to ransom her. I have heard so much about him. I’m keen to make his acquaintance.

We go way back. He gave me a job after my parents died and looked after me. He was only a casino manager then. Now he’s the CEO of a dozen casinos. I want you to meet him.

Me too. I have not seen Senor DeMarco in many years, said Camila.

I’ll call him tonight.

We plan for about twenty. No problem. Maria and I can handle that easy but may need to ask her son to help too.

I agree Camila, but only if you and Maria join us for the party.

Okay, Senor Carl, said Camila shyly.

One more thing. I’ll send out invitations that advise there are to be no gifts. It’s not that kind of party, stated Carl.

DD, Carl. How you doing?

Making money and kicking ass as usual. You sold the security company so now you can retire.

I’m keeping the original team and a couple of new members so Lasttec goes on helping people who need it. I’m calling because there are a few changes in my life and I’d like you to join me for my birthday party. I’m thirty on the 22nd and the party is on Saturday the 23rd at the house. I want you and Mimi to be there.

Hell yes. We’ll be there. I’ll have the casino in Reno send up a few musicians to play while we dance. I would not miss it. We’ll be there my friend.

I hoped you would. I’ve been living with an Australian girl for a year or more. I think you’ll like her.

If you like her, so will I. See you in in a couple of weeks.

I’ll send you the invitation. Thanks DD.

DD is going to come with Mimi. He is a certain type with a lot of rough edges but a heart of gold. He’s very similar to my father. He taught me things and made sure I was looked after. He had no reason to support me except he knew that’s what I needed. I have instilled that philosophy at Lasttec. We help each other and those who need our help.

Ruby could see it was an emotional moment for Carl. She was certain that this gathering of diverse friends for his birthday party would be special for all who attended.

CHAPTER TWO

Gerald called from the airport. Ruby and Carl met him and his wife, Martine, and took them back to the house settling them in one of the ensuite guest rooms. Ruby had only seen and said hello to Martine at the hospital in Switzerland. Now, she looked like a different person. With short greying hair and a trim body dressed fashionably from French couturiers, Ruby guessed she was a few years younger than Gerald, in her mid to late fifties. Her English was accented but she was not at a loss for words. Gerald seemed to have gained weight or changed tailors as the fit of his suit enhanced his dapper appearance.

They were impressed by the house and charmed by Camila. Gerald presented Carl with six bottles of 1989 Krug Vintage Brut which was a good year for champagne. Gerald announced, One bottle we should drink now when it’s chilled and the others on your birthday. One you might save as a reminder of the day.

Two hours later the four friends sat on the terrace as the sun was setting and toasted being together again under far more enjoyable circumstances. Gerald presented the first toast then Martine stated that she would like to say a few words.

It’s our pleasure to be here and we thank you for your generous hospitality. I would like to say that both Gerald and I are different people from those you last encountered. We had spent years maligned by the disappearance of our daughter, Jasmine. We went through the motions. I ran the house, Gerald concentrated on the company. We raised our son the best we could. There was no joy in our lives. In June that all changed because of you Ruby. We had a few days with Jasmine and put her to rest as well as burying our demons. It was what it was and that was enough for us to re-join the world of the living. We now are free of years of guilt and self-blame. Gerald has retired and turned the company over into the competent hands of our son. We are intent on living the years we have left to the best of our ability. That said, my main point is that we want to assure you Ruby, that we are eternally grateful for giving us closure. We never want you to think or have doubts about what you did with the help of Gerald. We look at it as a miracle. Our lives, and that of our son, have been saved. Thank you, Ruby. Now that is enough of that subject.

Gerald proposed another toast and added smiling, Martine just wanted to impress you with her English.

Ruby stood and went to both of them giving each a hug showing without words how much what Martine had said meant to her.

A discussion of their plans and what they would like to see while in Reno went on throughout the evening meal perfectly prepared by Camila. Steak and broccoli with Mexican spices added, and a Merlot from the Napa Valley was enjoyed by all. Carl had worked out menu possibilities and wine choices in advance with Camila. The one and only time Carl had travelled in France made him understand food and wine were more important to the French than the accommodation.

This has been a most enjoyable evening and I am sure the first of many. Tomorrow, after a good night’s sleep, we will discuss things of a more serious nature, announced Gerald.

We also have a favour to ask of you that we can discuss tomorrow. If you need anything tonight, please ask. We’re delighted to have you as guests in our home.

I agree with Ruby. We’ll take care of the serious things tomorrow and then have some fun, added Carl shaking Gerald’s hand and kissing Martine on the cheek.

The sun was not yet high enough in the sky to shine directly on the terrace. Martine and Gerald were now casually dressed. Martine had on shorts with a sleeveless white shirt and flat shoes. Gerald was in jeans with a Lacoste polo shirt. They sat on the terrace with coffee in hand admiring the view. Carl and Ruby joined them. Breakfast was finished. It was time to get down to business.

I followed the TV and newspaper accounts of the explosion of the yacht in Nice until it became old news. There were so many different versions and theories as to what happened that I guess no one will ever know the truth. The one fact is that Ari Renault had chartered the yacht and was involved in gun running or drugs or both. He was portrayed as the villain in all cases. Curious there was not one mention of human trafficking, stated Gerald. He sipped his coffee and grinned as Camila appeared with glasses and a bottle of Pastis.

I bought it for you, Gerald, said Ruby. We want you to feel at home. Gerald gave me a glass on our first meeting. It’s an acquired taste. Give it a try Carl.

Carl made a face upon tasting the liquid. The second glass tastes better, Ruby assured him.

Gerald continued. I mentioned to Ruby that after Jasmine disappeared, I engaged a private detective. He was hot on the trail of someone called Mr. Paul Monet and suddenly the trail went cold. Monet was Ari Renault as we now know. The detective, Charles Simon, called me last week and asked me to meet him. I agreed. He had also been following the case and realised from photos that Renault was his man, Monet. He then suspected the yacht was being used for human trafficking or at least entertaining the clients. Why it exploded, he had no idea. It was the trafficking aspect that intrigued him and he suspected a cover-up. Although retired, he nosed around and then called me.

Ruby glanced over at Carl with a look that showed she was impatient for Gerald to get to the point. Martine picked up on it and said, The French are great raconteurs. Gerald cannot be hurried.

Simon had a colourful history before becoming a detective. He was a pimp, worked as a heavy in a brothel, a bodyguard for some rather famous or well-known politicians, and other endeavours. His past was his success as a detective. He was owed favours and he knew where the bodies were buried.

Martine emptied her pastis and followed