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When Dee got to her bedroom, Rena was waiting outside the door. “I need to speak to you.”
“I’m tired.” Dee walked in and flicked on the light. “Can’t this wait until tomorrow—”
“You have to get away from Jonathan now.” Rena grabbed Dee’s wrists. “Everything is a lie, why you’re here, how you got here, everything. Jonathan kidnapped you, Dee.” She turned her loose. “He kidnapped you and has been giving you a drug to make you want to be here. To make you love him.”
Dee laughed, walking toward the bed.
“I’m serious.” Rena snatched Dee’s hand, flinging her around. “He’s been manipulating you and that’s not the worst of it. He wants to take you to Wales.”
“I know.”
“You don’t wanna go, do you?”
Dee sat on the bed, looking at the seating by the windows. “If Jonathan wants me to go, I will.”
“What do you want?”
“We’re in The Circle, Rena. We made a vow to give ourselves to Jonathan for eternal peace and spirituality. He says we can’t have a life here with these distractions and he’s right.”
“He’s tricked you. He invented this medicine called Jonathan’s Web, and he’s been giving it to you.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“I swear on everything it’s the truth.”
“Rena.” Dee stood, squinting. “The women have been saying things about you.”
“What things?”
“They question your loyalty to The Circle. Some say I can’t trust you.”
“They’re saying that because they don’t want you to know the truth.” Rena pointed to the door. “They’d do anything for Jonathan.”
“Wouldn’t you?”
Rena’s eyes narrowed as she took a tiny vial of clear liquid from the pocket of her dress. “This is Jonathan’s Web.”
Dee took it, mesmerized.
“He’s been putting it in your food, your water, drinks. He’s instructed Emma to put it in your meals, anything you consume. Only you.”
“No.” Dee sniffed it.
“It’s odorless and tasteless but it’s destructive. And, it might be dangerous. I heard you’ve been having heart palpitations. This might be why.”
“No.” She rammed the vial into Rena’s palm. “I’m not listening to these lies.” She traipsed across the room. “Jonathan loves me and he’d never do something like this.”
“Jonathan doesn’t know how to love anybody, Dee. Not you, not us.” Rena’s face tore with grief. “He did something else too. God, I can’t even say it—”
“Just stop it.” Dee lunged at her. “Everything’s fine, Rena. Why do you wanna ruin it? I’m happy here!”
“Ever wonder why you have that feeling that something isn’t right?”
Dee turned away from her.
“It’s because everything’s a facade. Your intuition is trying to tell you something’s wrong.” Rena turned her around to face her. “Jonathan will ruin your life if you don’t get out now.”
“These lies.” Dee sat on the bed, avoiding eye contact. “The other women were right. If I told Jonathan you were badmouthing him do you know what would happen to you?”
“I care about you more than my safety.” Rena leaned over her. “That’s a true friend, Dee.”
“Get out.”
“Dee—”
“Get out!” She threw a pillow at the door. “I won’t listen to this.”
“Let me prove what I say.” Rena backed up. “Jonathan’s Web wears off around six hours. Ever wonder why he’s always making you eat or drink?”
Dee closed her eyes, refusing to listen to Rena’s fabrication.
“Look, don’t eat or drink anything they give you tomorrow. And, by tomorrow night you’ll realize the truth.”
“Jonathan’s Web?” Dee mocked. “This is stupid. You’re trying to turn me against Jonathan because you know your days are numbered here.”
Rena stood at the door. “Would I lie to you?”
Dee gritted her teeth. “Yes.”
Rena sighed, eyes watery. “Don’t take my word for it then.” She opened the door. “Do what I suggested and see what happens by tomorrow night.”
She left.
****
“The case is going nowhere.” Connie sat beside Grayson on her couch that night, chewing the no-bake strawberry cheesecake she’d made. “Just when it looks like it’s pointing to one person we’re thrown off course.”
Grayson slid the creamy dessert into his mouth.
“I think Charlie’s the killer.” She bit into the tangy strawberry sauce. “The man’s lied to us and it’s obvious he’s hiding something.”
“Heard any more about Dee?”
“She’s still with The Circle.” Connie sighed, folding her legs. “It’s good to see you.”
“I’m glad you invited me over and made this lovely cheesecake.” He smiled, lifting his bowl. “You’re a regular Martha Stewart, aren’t you?”
She laughed. “I wouldn’t go that far, but I enjoy it when my food puts a smile on someone’s face.”
“It’s good seeing you smile too.” He pinched her baby toe. “Might need to hide those cute toes before I chomp ‘em off.”
“You better leave my toes alone.” She laughed, wiggling her feet. “I can’t shake that feeling I have about CeCe Babbitt. Winston and I learned more disturbing things about him bothering women who used to work with him. We spoke to them and I got chills listening to their stories.” She scraped her bowl as she scooped cheesecake. “Reminds me of what happened with Larose.”
“You should talk to someone about that.” He moved his hand up the leg of her jeans. “Attempted rape can be just as damaging as going through the real thing.”
She scoffed. “I didn’t think it would affect me like this.”
He put his arms around her shoulders and she laid her head on his chest.
“I’m sorry I kicked you out the last time.”
“Sh. You don’t have to apologize.”
She collapsed in the coziness of his touch. “It’s been a long time since I had a man to lean on.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” He rocked her. “Unless you want me to.”
“I don’t want you to, Grayson.” She gripped his arm. “I wish we could stay like this forever.”
“That’s fine with me.” He rubbed her hair. “I care about you a lot, Connie. I want to be your man. Are you ready for that?”
She lifted her head and looked at him. “Very much so.”
“Talk to me about what happened with Larose.” He grabbed her cheeks and kissed her. “Don’t be afraid.”
She took a deep breath, faced him and began.