Lizas secrets a cape cod.., p.1
Liza's Secrets: A Cape Cod Thriller, page 1
LIZA KASNER SERIES | ONE
A CAPE COD THRILLER
©2024 by Iris Glazner Leigh
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publishers, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine or journal.
The author grants the final approval for this literary material.
First Digital Version
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
ISBN: 978-1-68513-394-8
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CONTROL NUMBER: 2023949100
PUBLISHED BY BLACK ROSE WRITING
www.blackrosewriting.com
I dedicate Liza’s Secrets to my grandchildren, Alex and Margaret. As you journey through life, you will meet lots of people who will say no. Be resourceful, flexible, and kind. Never stop trying. Yes, is right around the corner.
PRAISE FOR
“In Liza’s Secrets, everyone has a secret, and some are about to explode. As Leigh guides the reader toward the inevitable confrontation, her compassion for her characters and her insight into their broken lives keep the pages turning by themselves.”
–Jacquelyn Mitchard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Deep End of the Ocean and The Good Son
“Liza Kasner has a problem. She is jobless, friendless and short on money. Her psychopathic husband is hunting her down. Liza’s Secrets, the delightful debut suspense novel by Iris G. Leigh, is about one woman’s survival. In this twisty, atmospheric novel, Leigh lovingly captures the off-season vibe of the Cape after the tourists and summer people have left, and gray skies and damp cold have replaced the sunshine and ocean breeze. Writing with good humor and insight, she perfectly describes a place peopled by intriguing characters, both local and off-Cape washashores.”
–Paul Kemprecos, New York Times bestselling author
“When you sense danger and it’s coming from someone close, you become desperate. In Iris G. Leigh’s debut novel, Liza’s Secrets, a novel of suspense, you’ll discover what it feels like to completely change your identity, leave all behind, and make your way to safety. It’s a thrilling story of lost love, new love, and a page turning adventure onto the back roads of off-season Cape Cod.”
–Barbara Eppich Struna, author of The Old Cape series
“Liza’s Secrets is an enjoyable romance belonging in anyone’s vacation luggage for reading on the beach. The main character, Liza, is on the run from her brutal husband and winds up in the town of Chatham on Cape Cod in the winter. During the off-season, she is able to find a house-sitting arrangement, two part-time jobs, and a number of friends who live there year-round. Jeff, the owner of the hotel where she stays the first night, quickly becomes a love interest.”
–Carolyn Geduld, author of The Struggle
“Franny is a victim of domestic abuse, and the abuse is escalating. She needs to get out now before her husband, Barry, kills her. With a new name and matching ID, her cat, and a different car, she leaves her old life behind. Or does she?”
–LeeAnne James, award-winning author of Justice
for Loretta and The Dusty Road to Homicide
“If you are looking for a story that will be impossible for you to put down, look no further than Liza's Secrets by Iris Leigh. Leigh economically uses words to keep you enthralled in this piece. Leigh's characters are crystal clear, and truly pure. I loved every page.”
–Trey Everett, author of Beneath the Surface,
For It Will Be Yours
“A desperate Liza escapes her abusive husband, cutting herself off from all who are dear to her. But past pain prevents her from revealing her situation to those who might keep her safe. Just as she begins to feel comfortable, Licorice, her cat, goes missing, unleashing an unbelievable chain of events that kept me guessing until the end. What a fun read!”
–Marie W. Watts, author of Tough Trail Home
“Liza’s Secrets is a poignant story of a woman trying to escape the cruelty of her cheating, physically and mentally abusive husband, who she knows is plotting her demise. The reader will follow Liza through her escape plan as she forges new friendships and a new life for herself, keeping the reader riveted until the very end, when the final outcome is accomplished.”
–Lucille Guarino, author of Elizabeth’s Mountain
“Liza's Secrets by Iris Leigh is a delightful yet suspenseful piece of escapist fiction. Leigh does a fantastic job of mixing cozy, atmospheric descriptions of the Cape with nail-biting suspense, and the overall effect is pure entertainment. Don't miss this one!”
–Laurel Osterkamp, author of Beautiful Little Furies
“Hate tasted of blood and rage. With these powerful opening words, author Iris G. Leigh introduces us to a story that is all too familiar. Liza’s Secrets is the story of Franny Blackman, an abused wife who finally gets the courage to break free. Changing her name to Liza Kasner, she is reborn, and as she struggles to grow and reclaim herself, her life, and her soul, she learns the true meaning of friendship and love.”
– Karen Brees, author of Headwind, Esposito Caper, Crosswind
Chapter 1
Franny/Liza
Hate tasted of blood and rage. Franny bit her lip, gripped the steering wheel with a leather-palmed glove, and rubbed her jaw to ease the pain from clenched teeth. A glance in the mirror revealed no sign of Barry’s car. Although her hypervigilance was based on years of terror, she was certain she left with no one noticing. Keeping her speed steady, Franny was careful to avoid an accident. The newly minted blonde reflected in the mirror looked shattered and scared. Hot tears fell, and Franny swiped at them with the back of her hand. It was difficult to erase her whole life. She said her new name aloud, “Liza Kasner.” Franny Blackman did not exist anymore.
The early morning trucks kicked grimy slush onto the windshield, and she peered through the melting mounds, squinting, and afraid to stop. “If we keep a steady pace, we’ll be safe,” she whispered to Licorice, the sleeping cat in a carrier on the back seat. It was more than irresponsible to leave without a plan, but she had to escape while Barry was out of town. “Don’t worry, Licorice. We’re going to a place where Barry will never find us.” The silence from the back seat was welcome. Licorice was out cold from the kitty tranquilizers, and she envied her.
Liza took stock of her situation. She had $63,000 in bank checks, and $2,000 in cash, and was heading north on the Interstate. The note on the kitchen table was a lie. Liza wrote she was going to Florida to see her cousins. Barry was on a business trip in Hartford. She hoped this would buy her enough time to find a place to settle before he realized she was not visiting relatives. A rivulet of cold sweat running down her armpits added to her discomfort. Would her cousin Lucy in Florida cover for her? Not likely. The woman did nothing for free.
The bridge over the Hudson River signified the gateway to New England. When she spotted the sign, Liza maneuvered the car into the traffic. Driving a new-to-her car, complete with a transponder, ensured Barry could not trace her route.
Last summer, they vacationed in Chatham on Cape Cod. The quaint town and proximity to the ocean were perfect. Liza loved walking along the endless, sandy beaches and admiring the antique houses with gardens of bright flowers. If she found cheap off-season housing, she could conserve her money, weigh her options, and stay in paradise forever. Doubts took over. Would Barry look for her there? Liza shook her head. No. He hated everything about the place and would never think of searching for her in Chatham. Could she blend into a small resort town in the winter? Why not? Anyway, she had no choice.
Although Liza was dying for coffee, she convinced herself to go a little further. The snow had stopped, and the roads were clearing. By the time she reached Providence, Rhode Island, Liza was optimistic. She had cash, a car with working brakes, and identification for Liza Kasner. Franny was gone and Liza could figure things out on her own.
After another hour, her initial rush of adrenaline was waning. It was time to stop for coffee and a bathroom break. She would have to be quick, so as not to leave a sleeping kitty alone in the cold. So far, Licorice had remained in a drugged stupor. The large convenience building welcomed her. Returning, she was relieved her luck held and Licorice was still asleep. Liza’s stomach growled, and she realized she was starving. Running away gave her an appetite, and Liza unwrapped the turkey sandwich from the picnic bag and devoured it. Brushing the crumbs off her parka, a tiny blob of mayo stuck to the nylon. She swiped and licked it off her finger, relishing her newfound freedom.
By the time she reached the Cape Cod Canal, the sky was clear, and her earlier trepidation gave way to excitement. Licorice began rousing. “We’re here, Sweetie.” Her kitty responded with a small whimper. “Get used to it, Baby. We’re in this together.” Driving along the canal, the stretch with large houses nestled in the hills was postcard-pretty. The sky was the color of blue topaz and the water sparkled. It was so picturesque that she considered getting out and taking pictures. However, her Subaru dashboard gave the temperature as ten degrees. There was no way she wanted to leave the warmth of her car. Liza had to keep going before night came. She had made it to the Cape and was
Chapter 2
Barry
By the second hour into the drive to the sales meeting, Barry could not stop yawning. He knew this was going to be a bust. Why did he even invite Donna? His personal trainer was nice to look at, but she was not well-endowed in the brains department. In addition, Hartford lacked excitement and had no appeal. The restaurants near the hotel were awful, and the bars were dreary. A proper city, like New York, would be thrilling, but the company always had their meetings in low-cost places. At least his wife, Franny, was not there to pester him. That was something.
Listening to Donna for hours was irritating. Although she laughed at his jokes and was pretty, he found himself drained from her incessant talking. What did he care about clothes and jewelry? Conversations about their future together and her feelings were annoying. When did everlasting love and moving in together become important? Barry could not understand where she had dreamed up these ideas. He never promised her there would be a forever in their relationship. He took it one day at a time and wanted it to stay like that. However, he was bright enough not to argue and wind up on the hideaway couch in their hotel room. Barry planned to stay in the king-sized bed and knew it would be better to make her happy. It was time to say something. “Babe, you’re the best. We’ll have a great time tonight. Just you and me.”
His cell rang, and he glanced at the screen. He recognized the number and felt his breakfast rise in his throat. “Hey, Donna. Let’s stop for gas. I bet you need the ladies’ room.”
Donna nodded. “Sure, that’s a great idea. I’ve got to go.”
Barry rolled his eyes, turned off the highway, and followed signs for the nearest gas station. “Okay, Doll. Take your time. I’ll be waiting right here.” While the tank was filling, he returned the call. His sweaty hands shook, and he rubbed them on his pants.
Sal picked up on the first ring. “Hi ya, Barry. Glad you called back so soon. I don’t like to be kept waiting.”
Barry felt the chill of terror run down his back. One of his old buddies introduced him to Sal when Barry could not get enough money together to make a payment. Sal was not a guy to screw. “I’m good. How are you?” Better to be friendly.
“Let’s cut to the chase. You’re in for over 185 thousand and I need it real soon.”
“Sure. I’m working on some sweet deals with my old lady clients. I buy their run-down houses and hire a cheap builder who fixes them up. Once they’re sold, everyone makes a bundle. It’s foolproof.” Flipping houses was never foolproof, but he was not about to confess this to Sal. On his latest venture, the damn builders found black mold everywhere, and it was going to take even more dough to clean it up.
“Listen, this isn’t the bank of charity. The interest’s adding up.”
“Just a few more weeks. I promise. One’s ready to flip. I guarantee a big payoff. I swear.” Barry’s stomach burned. He needed a little more time.
“I’m a friendly guy. I hear you loud and clear.” Sal cackled. “I’m going to keep a close eye on you. If I don’t see the money soon, well, you know…” He hung up.
Barry could only imagine the rest. Why did he get involved with these guys? He just needed a quick loan last month to cover expenses. The loan was too much to pay off in one payment, and he would never finish the old house on time. Barry made a fist and hit the car door. He seemed to do that a lot lately. The last time he was with his wife, she begged him for a new car. If it were not for Franny pleading for things all the time, he would not be in this mess. How had life turned out like this?
Donna approached the car and smiled. “All done. I even got us some coffee.”
It amazed Barry that she did not notice how upset he was. At least he would not have to explain anything. He attempted a smile. “That’s great, Honey. You always know how to make me happy.”
After a few minutes on the highway, Donna continued to prattle, “Oh, Barry. I can’t believe we’re finally together. It’ll be so much fun.”
Barry brightened. Maybe this would not be so bad after all. He deserved a mini vacation, away from the stress. He was clever and would come up with a way to pay Sal. Everything was going to be okay.
They checked into the hotel and Donna changed into a bikini. “Hey, Sweets. Are you sure you can’t skip the meeting today? Come swimming with me.”
“I’m sorry, Babe. I’ve gotta make an appearance. You look hot.”
“Later, Big Guy. I’m out of here. Come find me at the pool when you’re done.”
Barry barely made it on time to the afternoon session with the head salesperson, the alpha commander. They competed against each other in teams. The team who sold the most policies would win the opportunity to vacation in Aruba with other insurance sales agents and their wives. The men were mostly in their fifties and would sit around the pool in baggy trunks, drinking beer, slapping each other on the backs, and yakking about the Yankees. Their boring wives wore swimsuits that covered everything but cellulite. Barry wondered what the second prize was and daydreamed through the sales videos.
On the second day, his boss, Chuck, asked Barry to meet him in his suite. It smelled like spicy food and spearmint gum. The wooden desk, covered with papers, displayed a picture of Chuck’s family that was propped against the back wall. The kids were all short and fat, like their father. Chuck’s tall and willowy wife stood next to them. Too bad the kids looked like their dad. Chuck stood close and shook his hand. Barry did not need a menu to guess what his boss had for lunch, as the aroma of egg rolls and spareribs was overpowering.
Barry backed away and Chuck moved closer with a serious expression. “Hey, Barry. What’s going on? You’re not doing so well this quarter. If you don’t get your accounts back up and make your quota, I may have to let you go. You’ve been with us for a long time. You know I don’t want to get rid of you.”
Barry smiled and said, “You know me, Chuckie, I always deliver. I love working for you.” Good thing Chuck could not read his mind. Barry could not stop thinking about the man’s ugly children.
Barry endured one more day of meetings and finished the last night in Hartford at the hotel bar with Donna. Too much liquor made it difficult for him to keep up with her antics. Falling asleep, Barry wondered if he needed to see his doctor. He chalked it up to constant stress and decided he deserved a real vacation, with a beach and drinks with tiny paper umbrellas.
Returning to New Jersey was exhausting, with a pointless conversation about seeing each other the following weekend. Barry had no way of keeping his promises after he was back home with Franny. However, Donna’s chatter passed the time, at least until they got to Donna’s apartment.
“Why can’t you stay here? Just tonight?” she pouted.
“We’ll be together soon. You’re so special. My beautiful girl.” Barry kissed her and closed the door quickly behind him. He needed a break from everyone and wanted to go home to some quiet. Too bad Franny would be there. Trying to delay confronting his wife, he stopped at his favorite bar and had a beer. It took the edge off. After another, his mood was lighter, and he headed home.
It was ten, and the house was dark. He assumed Franny went to bed early. He hoped he would not have to give her details about the conference. Before he left, Barry told her he was signing five new clients a week for annuities. Franny thought he was making a good income. He used to do much better. That should account for something.
Barry discovered the door was unlocked and wondered why Franny forgot to bolt it. He turned on the light and waited for the cat to leap out at him. He hated everything about that repulsive animal. Licorice was a dumb-ass name for a cat. He wanted a dog who barked at strangers and kept him company. Sure, a cat did not need to be walked, but scooping cat poop into a bucket was not his idea of paradise. This cat hated him, too. She was always underfoot when he tried to walk through the house. He called Franny’s name and entered the kitchen. Except for the hum of the refrigerator, the house felt empty. No one was home. When he spotted Franny’s note, written on pink paper, he grinned. After he read it, he was in a much better mood. She and the cat were both gone. His wife would drive a lot of miles with bad brakes all the way to Florida. He hoped she would find an icy road on the way, skid off, and self-destruct. He would collect the life insurance and be free. It would be better than hitting the lottery.
