Read Online White Lies by Jayne Ann Krentz - Free Book Online Page A

abilities? If so, why?
    Maybe he thought it would make things awkward for him, she reflected. Heaven knew her high Jones number had never served her well, socially or in her career. Members of the Society, who understood the significance of it, tended to put some distance between her and themselves. It wasn’t uncommon for people to feel uncomfortable around level-ten sensitives of any kind. Then, too, there were always those at the opposite extreme who were attracted to power in a sick kind of way.
    Upon reflection she had to admit that advertising a high-level talent could complicate Jake’s professional life.
    Give the man a break, she thought. Jake had a right to his privacy.
    “You were correct about Valerie Shipley,” she said to change the subject. “She’s got a serious drinking problem.”
    “Yes, and it’s getting worse. Valerie always liked her cocktails but after Brad was killed she really started to hit the bottle. Poor Owen. I think he’s at his wit’s end. Mom said he talked to her about putting Valerie in rehab.”
    “Did she encourage him to do that?”
    “Of course. But it’s easier said than done. Valerie won’t even discuss her problems. If she doesn’t quit the heavy drinking, I think Owen will probably divorce her.”
    “Who could blame him?” Clare said quietly. “But I’m not sure Valerie will find what she needs in a rehab clinic, even one run by the Society. She’s a mother who lost a son to an act of violence, and as far as she’s concerned, justice has not been done. I doubt if that kind of thing can be resolved with a twelve-step program.”
    “As far as I’m concerned, justicewas done,” Elizabeth said, abruptly fierce. “I just wish Valerie knew what a bastard Brad really was. I wish the whole world realized it, not just you and me.”
    “How do you tell a mother that her dead son was a sociopath? Your own parents wouldn’t even believe it when you tried to explain to them that you had married a handsome monster. Archer and Myra thought you were having some sort of mental breakdown.”
    “Brad could be unbelievably convincing.” The fork in Elizabeth’s hand trembled a little. “He always had evidence of my craziness to show people. He was even able to convince Dr. Mowbray that I was a nutcase.”
    “The creep really did a number on you. All that stuff about how you were suffering fugue states during which you tried to kill yourself. It was like something out of a horror film.”
    Elizabeth made a face. “He seemed soperfect at the beginning. It gives me chills every time I realize how wrong I was about him.”
    “Don’t blame yourself,” Clare said. “You weren’t the only one who thought he was wonderful. Archer and Myra and Matt and all your friends bought into his phony persona, too.”
    “I honestly believe that I would have been dead by now if it hadn’t been for you, Clare.” Tears glittered in Elizabeth’s eyes. “And the worst part is that everyone except you would have been convinced that I committed suicide.”
    Clare touched her arm. “It’s all right. It’s over. Brad is the one who is dead. That’s all that matters.”
    “Yes.” Elizabeth dabbed at her eyes with her napkin. “He’s gone. That’s the important thing. But no one realizes how evil he truly was. I just wish we could find a way to let everyone know the truth. After the funeral, the more I tried to talk about the situation, the more Mom and Dad tried to make me keep quiet.”
    “In their defense, I’m sure they think it’s best for all concerned if the whole thing just goes away. Murder in the family is never good for business, let alone your social life.”
    “It’s more than that,” Elizabeth replied. “I think Mom’s afraid that everyone in Stone Canyon secretly believes I’m unstable. She’s worried that I won’t be able to find another husband.”
    Clare smiled. “Are you looking for one?”
    “No.”Elizabeth shuddered. “It’s going to be a long time before I even think about marriage again, if ever.”
    “You’ll get past what Brad