Page 15 of Dirty Deceit

"Some of these people are professionals and need to look the part. Look. Give me all the information you have: names, addresses, anything you can think of. I have a friend who's in security and might be able to help you. Meanwhile, I'd suggest you come home with me."

"I can't just leave Murphy…I… I've grown to care for him."

"Oh God, Gemma. I'm so sorry this is happening. But you cannot stay with him any longer. If my contact can clear him, then you can decide if you want to come back."

"What do I tell him? I can't just leave without saying anything."

"Tell him I'm having some issues, and you decided to stay with me for a while to support me in my time of need."

"You know I'm not really good at lying. I guess if I put it in writing, I can do it. I’ll go pack.”

Less than thirty minutes later, I'm on my way to Amber's apartment. She has a guest room, so I won't have to sleep on her couch. My mind is going crazy with thoughts of betrayal and deep hurt. Could it really be Murphy who's behind all of this? Is he just after my money? I settle into the small bedroom and start pacing from one corner of the room to the other.

Amber brings me some chamomile tea, but I’m so anxious I can't even drink it. The truth is, I don't know much about Murphy, and he hasn't offered the information either. But he has been so interested in me and kept me happy and sexed up that I haven't been able to think straight. Am I so gullible to have fallen for a professional con man? And I gave them all my money without looking twice.

When night comes, I get a text from Murphy. He wants to know if I'm okay. Amber and her security friend told me not to tell him anything about our suspicions. So I just give him some reassurances that I'm doing well, only helping out a friend. He texts back with endearments and lovey words, and I think I'm going to be sick.

It takes a few days, but Amber's friend Jason Elliott finds some dirt on Murphy and his colleagues. They're well-known con men in New York, and Jason has been able to track the latest scheme they're working on. We're sitting in Amber's living room, and Jason is showing me the information he has gathered.

"Gemma, I'm sorry. I don't think we'll be able to get your money back."

A chill goes through me, and I imagine having to live in my car. I slump in the chair, and tears pour down my face.

"I think you should confront him. He's still texting you, right?" Amber says.

"Yes, he's been trying to engage in conversation, but I've been blowing him off. I just feel sick to my stomach when I even think of talking to him."

"Invite him over, tell him you think he might be able to help with my problem, and we'll ambush him."

"Amber, I don't know if that's a good idea. He could get violent." Jason points out.

I want to shout that he's not a violent man, but what do I really know about him?

"Should we get the police involved?" Amber asks.

A look of terror shows on my face. Can I turn him in? He's taken my life savings, but his biggest sin was making me think I was in love with him. There's no love police to turn him into.

"I'd rather we talk to him and try and see if we can get the money back. Or at least get some sort of explanation from him."

"I think you will be disappointed by that, Gemma." Jason looks me firmly in the eyes.

"For my own peace of mind, I need to try. Let me text him."

I send him a quick text telling him how Amber and her boyfriend could use his business insight. I send him the address and wait for a response. I don't know if Amber and Jason are a thing, but they're giving me that vibe. My phone buzzes in my hand.

Murphy: I'll be there in 30 minutes. I'll bring some wine.

I don't bother to tell him to forget the wine. I just text him back a quick OK and leave it at that. He's got to have noticed I'm not as warm with him as I used to be, but he hasn't said anything. I just keep telling him I'm too busy to even think, which is partially true. I'm so ashamed of having gotten myself into this and losing all my money. I just don't know if I can trust my instincts ever again.

The intercom buzzes 25 minutes later, and Amber lets Murphy in. When he comes into the room, he seems in a good mood, but seeing our faces, he must know something is wrong.

"What's going on, Gemma?"

"This is my friend Amber and her friend Jason. Jason has been looking into the investment I made with your associate, and he's brought a few things to my attention."

His features turned to stone, and I felt something drop at the pit of my stomach.

"Aren't you going to say something, Murphy?"

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