Lethal Habit - Chapter One

Chapter One

Nadine was growing restless. After the initial high of being in a new city, she longed for something more, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. As she was having a latte at a trendy coffee shop, an idea popped into her head, ‘what if I marry a wealthy, older man to free me of financial worries and become a movie star?’ She thought about this, giving her imagination free rein, wondering what it would be like to have that kind of career, remaking her life from scratch. The image she conjured up reminded her of Michelangelo creating the statue of David from a block of marble. She smiled to herself.

Back in the states, she had become just another cold case, and everything about her was stored in a box somewhere in police archives. It was highly unlikely that it would ever be reopened, and even if it had, she was certain it would lead nowhere. After all, there were probably millions of Nadines in the world.

The next day she opened a checking account. Earlier she had changed her last name to ‘Singer’ She was issued a visa card with a credit line of $10,000. She walked into a trendy women’s fashion store and tried on a very revealing outfit along with designer shoes.

“That dress will turn a lot of heads” the salesgirl said as she looked at Nadine in front of a full length mirror.

“That’s the idea. I’ll take it.”

Nadine handed her the credit card and was handed her items in a fashionable bag. She walked out of the store and thought about calling Sister Mary, but realized she’d left that world behind and quickly banished the idea. It made her a little sad, but she knew she could never go back to the old life. She directed her thoughts to creating the future that was taking shape in her mind.

She took an Uber to a nice restaurant and ordered the most expensive item on the menu.

“An excellent choice,” said the waiter.

She wondered if he said that to all the customers to make them feel good about their orders.

Looking around the room, she noticed a handsome man sitting alone. He noticed her looking at him and smiled. She pulled out a paperback she was reading on the life of St. Francis of Assisi. The man came over to her table.

“I noticed you sitting alone, and I took the chance that you might want to join me.”

She looked up from her book and smiled.

“My name is Eric Lustenberg. And you are?”

“Nadine.”

“American?”

“Yes.”

“Would you grace my table with your presence?”

She thought to herself, this guy is laying it on thick, but no harm in a little attention.

“Sure, why not.”

They walked over to his table which had a nice view of the city.

“So, how do you happen to be in London Nadine?”

“I’m here on business.”

“What is your line of work.”

“It’s highly confidential. I’m sure you will appreciate the fact that I can’t really discuss it.”

“Now, you’ve got me intrigued.”

“Glad to hear it.”

“Would you like to know what I do?”

“If you want to tell me.”

“I’m an entrepreneur with interests in several fields.”

“That doesn’t tell me much.”

“Let’s just say I’m a successful businessman and leave it at that. It’s not that interesting,”

“I imagine the money makes up for it.”

“Yes, you could say that.”

He wasn’t the old, wealthy man she had pictured but maybe he’d do. He was being secretive, but then again, so was she.

She noticed the expensive Rolex and custom shirt he was wearing. Everything about him spelled money.

After they’d finished their meal, the waiter brought two separate checks. Erik grabbed them both.

“Lunch is on me.”

“Thank you.”

As he got up to leave, he gave her his business card.

“I’d love to continue the conversation. Please contact me if you feel so inclined.”

With that he walked out of the restaurant as Nadine thought about what just happened. Could it be this easy?