Chapter 24: Diamonds and The Red Dress

Expensive champagne was flowing like water, and there was an air of excitement at a party for the whales at The Ranch. It was one of Derrick’s most significant wins. Everyone was happy, and the entourage was exceptionally social as they blended with big spenders from Japan and China. The buy-in had been a million. Small change to them. The casino had done well, and Derrick’s take had been ten million.

Susan was gregarious and feeling like her old self again. Even though she’d made it clear to Derrick that she preferred simplicity, he had given her a diamond neckless and matching three-carat stud earrings right before the party. She was nervous about wearing expensive jewelry.

“Get used to it,” Derrick said. “I love showing you off. You’re my biggest prize. It’s a small token of my love and appreciation for you.”

The sparkling diamonds lit up Susan’s face as she stood under the glittering chandeliers. She was surprised when Daren strode over to her and said, “You look amazing. A blonde wearing a red dress and diamonds is as good as it gets.”

“Thank you,” Susan said, blushing. The way he was looking at her with unconcealed interest made her feel uneasy. Everyone knew he’d had an affair with her look-alike, Jenny.

Derrick’s only reaction was a slight redness around the collar of his white shirt, loosely unbuttoned at the neck. He was a man who did not lack confidence.

“Daren, I’d like to invite you to the wedding,” Susan said. “We’re keeping it small, but we want you there.”

Daren’s dark eyes lit up. “Have the wedding here—my compliments. There’s nothing I would like better.”

“Take him up on it,” Millie said with a broad smile. “Weddings at The Ranch are fantastic.”

“What do you think, Susan?” Derrick asked.

“I’m not sure. I just want something small and elegant.”

“I can do any kind of wedding you want,” Daren said. “It’s the least I can do. Derrick is a big name in the tournaments. Whales come from all over the world to be in this tournament, and they want to play against the best.”

Susan nodded, not fully understanding. All she knew was that whales had mastered the art of gambling and made a tremendous amount of money.

“For God’s sake, take him up on it,” Millie said. “It would be so much easier. All we have to do is the invitations, flowers, and buy the dress.”

“I’ll take care of everything, including the flowers and dress,” Daren said.

Susan looked at Derrick, uncertain.

“Weddings are a lot of work, Susan,” Derrick said. “It would make it easier for everyone.”

Susan looked pensive. “You’re too generous, Daren. Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Daren said. “I would be insulted if you got married anyplace else.” He shook hands with Derrick and congratulated him again. Then he hugged Susan and walked away to mingle with the other players.

Derrick led Susan to the dance floor. The band was playing old Frank Sinatra music, and a singer was belting out the songs. Derrick was a fantastic dancer. It was glitzy and glamorous like Vegas used to be. It was exhilarating to be here with the wealthiest people in the world, though Susan didn’t let it go to her head. It was one night—a big party where expensive champagne flowed like water and glasses clinked. She’d never heard so much laughter. She would enjoy it. And tomorrow, she would go back to the real world of checking to see if Derrick needed buttons sewed on his shirt and helping Maria decide on the menu for dinner. She would send Derrick’s clothes to the cleaners and help Gil trim the roses. But for tonight—she was Cinderella at the ball with her prince.

Towards the end of the evening, when she and Millie were having a quiet moment, Susan couldn’t help wondering how Derrick and Daren could remain friends. And the fact that Daren wanted to pay for their wedding was mind-boggling.

“It’s business,” Millie said, sipping a martini. She was wearing an emerald green dress that complimented her red hair. “The wedding will bring more people to the casino. Daren will more than cover his costs.” Millie paused. “Daren has a charisma about him that makes people feel comfortable. And when they’re relaxed, they spend more money. He does extra things for the whales and high rollers—puts expensive cigars in their rooms—gives them perks—free meals. And all the alcohol they want when they’re gambling. The Ranch is like old Las Vegas—the way things used to be. The more he gives them—the more money they spend.

That night Susan realized that the entourage was a tight click that no one dared enter. The entourage only danced with each other, and after a few drinks, they would cut in on each other. It was all in fun, but Susan noticed that Fran had only danced with Max. It was as though she was an outsider looking in, and Susan didn’t like it. Susan was friendly with Fran and tried to draw her into the tight-knit circle.

Millie took Susan aside. “Fran is not one of us,” Millie said. “And she never will be. It’s easy to get mixed up with the wrong kind of people in this town. She talks too much, and I’ve heard one of her close friends has mob connections. Be careful what you say to Fran.”

“What do you mean?” Susan asked.

“You can’t chance a friend who might talk to the wrong person—and you get robbed. You’re wearing diamonds. She’s wearing costume jewelry. She can’t be your friend.”

Susan thought Millie snobbish but understood that she was only trying to protect her. When they left the casino in stretch limos, Fran wasn’t with them. Max was on duty. He was Derrick’s bodyguard. Daren provided extra protection at the party, and when they left the casino, they were surrounded by huge burly bodyguards. Derrick had his arm around Susan’s waist, and Max and Bruce were beside them at the ready.

When they got home, Susan carefully took off her diamond earrings and diamond necklace, placed them in the jewelry box, and handed it to Derrick. “Thank you again. I’ve never had anything so beautiful.”

“Would you like to show your appreciation,” he said with a wry smile.

“I would,” she said, her gray eyes dancing, not wanting the evening to end. She was well aware she was leading a fairy tale life with the man of her dreams.

It wasn’t just the diamonds that made Susan feel more passion than she’d ever known possible. It was the level of intimacy that they had with each other—beyond anything she had ever imagined possible.

The next few weeks were filled with preparations for the wedding. There was a lot to do. Daren had hired a wedding planner, and she had sent out two hundred invitations. The details and meetings with the wedding planner seemed endless.

Millie, Susan’s Matron of Honor, had selected a floor-length, off-the-shoulder, blush-colored chiffon dress. After trying on a dozen dresses at the bridal shop, Susan decided on a floor-length backless, white tulle dress. It was a soft romantic low-cut dress that showed cleavage and looked both demure and sexy.

Today she had an appointment with Daren and the wedding planner. They would have lunch at the Italian Restaurant at The Ranch and go over the wedding details. Millie was supposed to go with her but forgot and had a tennis match.

Daren and the wedding planner were sitting at a table, having a glass of wine, when Susan arrived. She slid into her seat, and Daren presented her with a dozen roses.

“Thank you,” Susan said. “They’re beautiful.”

“The florist special ordered them,” the wedding planner said. “We wanted to be sure this is the rose you wanted for the wedding.”

“That’s it,” Susan replied. “It’s my favorite rose; it’s called Miranda. It was my mother’s favorite, too.”

“I can see why it’s your favorite rose,” Daren said. “Enjoy them.” He glanced at the wedding planner. “Order as many as Susan wants.”

The wedding planner made a note then asked, “Where’s Millie? I thought she would be here.”

“She’s playing tennis this morning,” Susan said. “I’ll fill her in.”

The server came, and Susan ordered a seafood salad and a glass of iced tea.

The wedding planner took off her black horned rimmed glasses and said, “I’m thinking—big for the bridal bouquet. Not ostentatious, but good-sized.” She tapped her pen on the table. “The roses in the bridal bouquet will give us the splash of color we need to offset your pale blonde hair and off-white dress. Trust me; it will be smashing.”

Susan nodded. It was as though the color of the rose and the bridal bouquet was the most important thing about the wedding. She watched as the wedding planner scribbled in her white leather notebook.

“While we are on color—I would like your blush and nail color to match the roses,” the wedding planner said. “I have hired a makeup artist. He’s the best. His name is James.”

Susan frowned. “I don’t wear much make-up. I don’t want to look overdone. I’d like to do my make-up. It will save money.”

Daren laughed. “We don’t have a limit. Whatever you want.”

“Your skin is like porcelain, but everyone who is anyone has James do their make-up for their wedding,” the wedding planner pushed.

Susan squirmed, feeling uncomfortable.

“We’ll get back to you on that,” Daren said diplomatically.

“Moving on,” the wedding planner said. “When can you go for your fitting?”

“I’m free next week,” Susan said.

“I will coordinate with the bridal shop and get back to you.”

The wedding planner ate a few bites of her salad but seemed preoccupied.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I have an appointment on the other side of town. If there isn’t anything else, I should go.”

“Feel free to go,” Daren said. “I’ll be in touch.”

She dashed off in a flurry, leaving Daren and Susan alone.

Susan felt uneasy being alone with Daren. She knew Derrick wouldn’t like it.

“The roses are beautiful,” she murmured, admiring the bouquet. “I appreciate everything you’ve done.”

“You’re more than welcome,” he replied. “Quite honestly, I’ve wanted to talk to you alone. You must wonder—how Derrick and I can still be friends. I’m sure you know I had an affair with Jenny.” He paused. “I’m pretty intuitive. I could tell by the way you treated me that you knew. There’s a certain reserve you have with me.” He smiled. “What are you afraid of, Susan?”

“I’m sorry,” Susan said. “It’s just that the first thing you said to me when we met was that I could be Jenny’s twin. I felt like you were coming on to me. I guess I’ve been standoffish because I don’t want to encourage you.”

Daren seemed unaffected by Susan’s bluntness. “Let’s get rid of the wall you’ve built before you even know me. We need to talk. I’m an open book,” he said, waving his hand flashing a sizeable square diamond.

Susan had already determined that Daren didn’t mind flaunting his wealth. She couldn’t help but notice how handsome he was—and his dress was impeccable. Susan could see how easy it must have been for Jenny to fall in love with him.

Susan heaved a sigh. “You’ve been very generous with me.” She took a sip of wine and said, “I can’t be bought, but the roses are lovely.”

“You’re overthinking this, Susan. I’m very generous with the whales and their wives.”

“So, it’s business?” Susan said. “You don’t have a crush on me because I look like Jenny.”

“You’re a beautiful woman, Susan. I admit to being attracted to you.” His expression was intense. “I know you’re in love with Derrick. I think we need to talk. I’m sure you have questions.”

She took a deep breath. “How long was your affair with Jenny?”

“Three years,” he said with a matter-of-fact tone. “We planned to get married. Jenny had filed for divorce right before she died,” Daren said. He took a long swallow of wine. “What else?”

“Did Derrick know about your affair with Jenny?”

“I’m sure he did. It wasn’t anything we talked about openly. Jenny said he made life more difficult for her after she spent the night with me on my birthday.”

“How did he make it more difficult?”

“He was cold to her and distanced himself from her. He asked her to move out of the master bedroom. She said she had already planned to move after we became intimate. They were leading separate lives. We started going away on weekends, and she didn’t bother to tell him where she was going. And he returned the favor.”

“I’ve heard you’re very religious—you’re Mormon. Did you feel conflicted about having an affair with a married woman?”

“Not at all. I don’t think God is going to strike me dead because I fell in love with Jenny. Jenny didn’t love Derrick, and Derrick didn’t love her. She was in a dead-end marriage and wanted out.”

“I heard she drank and gambled a lot.”

“She did. In this town—that’s what women do when they’re unhappy. And Jenny was miserable. She would be up for a while after a big win, but she’d put the money all back. We were going to get her some help. She promised she would turn over a new leaf.”

“You’re so open. Did you tell Derrick everything you’ve told me?”

“Yes, and more. I had bought Jenny a ring, and we’d picked out a new house. We were furnishing it—and collecting art. All that was left was for Jenny to get a divorce.”

Susan took a deep breath. She had one more question, and it was a big one.

“I’ve heard that some people think that Derrick killed Jenny.”

“Her parents sent an investigator, and I spent several hours with him. Derrick isn’t a murderer. He didn’t love Jenny, but I’m convinced he didn’t kill her.”

Susan breathed a sigh of relief.

“I wonder why Derrick asked Jenny to go away with him for the weekend,” Susan said with a puzzled expression. “It sounds like the marriage was over—why would he do that?”

“I didn’t want Jenny to go. Jenny thought Daren got wind of her meeting with the attorney about the divorce. Jenny was crafty and said she wanted to go to find out how much Derrick knew.” Daren’s expression grew pensive. “How can I say this without making Jenny look underhanded? Jenny felt like she was entitled to more than Derrick.”

“I have to wonder why she didn’t just leave,” Susan said. “Isn’t that what most women do?”

“It was greed. Most women aren’t like Jenny. Jenny wanted half of everything and more. She was trying to get things out of the house without Derrick noticing. She had collected a lot of art and managed to get a few pieces out and put them in a storage unit. Jenny was nervous before she left on that fatal weekend because she didn’t know how much Derrick knew and was afraid he would confront her.”

“I find it strange that Jenny didn’t know she had a heart problem,” Susan said.

“Jenny didn’t like doctors. She went to them if she was sick but preferred alternative medicine. She took a lot of vitamins. But enough about Jenny. I’ve wanted to talk to you about what happened in Ohio. Are you okay? Fran told me that your ex-husband attacked you.”

“I’m feeling better. My ex-husband is very dangerous.”

“Fran filled me in. I’ve been trying to connect the dots. I can’t help but wonder how a woman like you fits in this town—a librarian with a house in the country.”

Susan laughed. “Derrick loves it here, and I love Derrick, so here I am. I read and do some gardening. Sometimes the maid allows me into the kitchen. I love to cook.” Susan paused. “Besides, we’re going back to Ohio in the summer for a few weeks.”

“You’re lovely,” Daren said, smitten by her. “But then again, you must know how beautiful you are. It’s like having Jenny back.”

Susan blushed. She’d never thought of herself as beautiful until she met Derrick. Jenny again. She recoiled slightly, uncomfortable.

“I’m sorry if I sound like I’m hitting on you.” He paused. “I’m lonely for feminine companionship. I haven’t been able to bring myself to date. No one understands what it’s like to lose the person you’re madly in love with so suddenly. Jenny was the girl of my dreams.”

“It must have been horrible,” Susan said sympathetically.

“I was in shock for days. I couldn’t eat—couldn’t sleep.”

“I’m sorry,” Susan said.

“It gets a little better every day. But when I saw you for the first time—it all came back. You could be Jenny’s twin, but you’re very different. You have a serenity about you that Jenny didn’t have. She was gorgeous, but she was tough. If anyone crossed her, she went after them. She was fearless.”

Susan nodded. “I understand how you must feel, but I can only be your friend. You’ve been so generous to me. I wish I could do something to make you feel better.”

Daren’s eyes lit up. “Talking to you helps.”

“Of course, we can talk,” Susan said, her voice reflecting exceptional sympathy. She thought he had a fleeting look of satisfaction. Had she imagined it? But then he became somber.

“I have a question about something that’s been bothering me. Do you believe in the supernatural?”

Susan drew in her brows. “Yes, I do believe in the supernatural. Is this about Jenny?”

“I’ve had people tell me that they see her in the casino. That was before you arrived. And I’ve felt her touch. Have you ever heard of anything like that?”

“Yes, I have. Being a librarian, I come across a lot of books. There are a lot of books written about that sort of thing—the supernatural. There are documented cases of what you’re describing. It’s common. I’ll pick up a book for you the next time I go to the bookstore. I have some favorites.”

Daren sighed. “Thank God, I’m not going crazy.”

Susan smiled. “You aren’t alone, Daren.” For a moment, she thought about telling Daren about meeting Derrick through the psychic but thought better of it. Derrick might not like it.

“It seems morbid to imagine that Jenny is still here and never left. I hope you don’t think I’m weird.”

“Not at all. I’ve read about it.”

Daren’s brows furrowed.

Susan turned crimson, not knowing how much they’d heard when she realized Derrick and Bruce were standing over them.

“Well, isn’t this cozy,” Derrick quipped. “Where’s the wedding planner?”

“She had to leave. She had another appointment,” Susan said in a calm voice. She gestured to the roses trying to lighten the mood. “What do you think about the roses the wedding planner brought?”

“Very nice,” Derrick said, his jaw clenched.

Daren looked at his watch. “I have a meeting. I’ve got to run.”

“Thanks for sharing,” Susan said, smiling. “And thanks for lunch.”

Daren winked and strode off, leaving Derrick and Bruce with puzzled expressions.

“Sit down and have a cold drink,” Susan said. “It isn’t what you think. Daren wasn’t hitting on me. He wanted to talk about Jenny.” Susan told them the story over a pitcher of iced tea and a plate of turkey club sandwiches while they looked at her with disbelief.

“Jenny never left,” Susan said with a note of finality. “Something is keeping her here—and it sounds like it’s Daren. It’s spooking him out a little. I know a little bit about such things. I’ve been to seminars and read a lot of books—I think I could help him.”

“Honey, I don’t want you to get involved in this. I don’t believe in the supernatural.”

“Yes, you do,” Susan said. “That’s how we met. You went to a psychic to contact Jenny.”

“It was a last-ditch effort to tell Jenny something that I thought she should know. But I have to admit—it creeped me out.”

“Oh, come on. We have to be open-minded,” Susan said. “To tell you the truth—I’ve felt a connection to Jenny from the beginning. When I wear her clothes—I feel her vibrations. I’ve been thinking about calling the psychic. I need to talk to someone who knows about such things.”

“It’s too crazy, baby,” Derrick said. “Jenny’s dead. She was a dangerous woman—to herself and society. She took a lot of risks—drinking and driving. She had a chip on her shoulder—if anyone stepped ahead of her in line, she would back them down. She was an embarrassment to me. What do you think, Bruce?”

“What data do we have to support the supernatural? Priests have done exorcisms for decades. And the movie, The Exorcist, scared everyone out of their wits. I have to see something to believe it, and I’ve seen it. When my grandmother was dying, she told my mother an angel was at her bedside. But she said he didn’t look like the biblical pictures. He was a giant man.”

Susan smiled. “A giant man? That debunks what the Catholic Church has taught me. I’ve always believed in Michael the Archangel. I envision him the way Michael Angelo painted the angels and saints on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. He was always my favorite angel.”

Derrick stifled a laugh. “Where was Michael the Archangel when Blaine was attacking you? He wasn’t there. And you saved yourself by the self-defense strategy we taught you. Where were the saints when Bundy was massacring his victims?”

Susan shook her head. “I don’t know. I have to blame the devil, not God.”

Derrick looked pensive. “And did the devil lead you to Blaine? Did a demon pop out when you opened the wrong book at the library?”

Susan sighed. “It’s a mystery. They say the devil lives among us, and I believe it. The Catholic Church taught me to believe in the supernatural. The prayers I said were about Satan and evil spirits. I remember a prayer that I used to say to Saint Michael:

“O Prince of the heavenly host, by the grace of God, cast into hell, Satan and all the evil spirits.”

“Did you pray this prayer every night?” Bruce asked.

“Most every night—until I married Blaine. It was my favorite prayer. Think about it—by the grace of God, cast into hell, Satan, and all the living spirits. The prayer tells us that the devil and evil live among us. And the devil can touch anyone's life. It didn’t take long for me to realize that Blaine was evil. I had a devil in my life, and I didn’t know how to get him out.”

“So, did you go to your priest for help?”

“No,” Susan said. “Because I knew the priest would tell me to stay. Catholics don’t believe in divorce.”

“No one helped me except the psychic,” Susan said. “And I feel like I should help Daren. He’s struggling. He thinks that Jenny never left. And I do, too. I feel her vibes.”

“How about you catch my vibes?” Derrick said with a wry smile. “Forget about Jenny. She was a troubled woman who had an untimely death. And I don’t want you involved with Daren. I can’t see any good coming out of it. He’s supposed to be helping to plan our wedding, not dumping on you. He should be talking to Jack.”

“I think you’re jealous,” Susan said, putting her hand over his. “And there’s no need to be. I love you.”

“Why should I be jealous?” Derrick said sarcastically. “He’s good-looking, rich, and had an affair with Jenny.” He paused. “I don’t pretend to be a holy man, but there’s a scripture I remember. Lead us not into temptation. No more meetings with Daren without someone with you.”

His tone told Susan that he meant what he said.