Mind Games, Deception is Key
Deception is a part of life, and as with nearly every aspect of life, it can be used for good or for evil. For instance, it brings pleasure to many people when a surprise party is planned in their honor, and deception is a necessary tool to make that enjoyable moment possible. Deception is also required when playing games like Poker, Chess, or Risk.
Now on the flip side of that coin is the kind of deception used to cheat, steal, and lie in order to gain an unfair advantage over a competitor or an adversary. Or is it unfair? After all, isn’t it said that ‘all’s fair in love and war’?
Many times the deception is impossible to avoid when matters of the heart impair your judgment. But so what if they do, the ends will justify the means…or will they? Eventually, the web of lies will take on a life of their own and bind you to a fate of their choosing. And that, is when Mind Games become dangerous…
Mind Games by Susan M. Baer
(excerpts)
Mercedes leaned forward. “…Do you recognize these documents, Dr. Carrington?”
AJ glanced at them. “They are department authorization forms…”
“Are they authorizations you signed?”
AJ took a closer look. The items listed were for his department and they looked legitimate until he saw the miscellaneous item…He never asked for miscellaneous funds. Every cent had a purpose and he made damn sure it was documented. He turned the page over and saw his signature on the bottom. His heart rate increased.
“This is a forgery. I have never requested…”
Mercedes’ expression was cold and emotionless. “Jameson claims you did.”
“…I can prove these are forgeries. I have copies of every authorization I have submitted in the five years I have been the director.”
Charles cleared his throat. “Yes, well unfortunately your office appears to be missing some documents.”
“You searched my office? Who the hell authorized that? It certainly was not me…I took an oath to care for and protect those who have put their trust in me.”
“That oath will be worthless if you are found guilty of embezzlement,” Charles said.
************
Douglas walked to the suite and felt his heart race with excitement. He unlocked the door and stepped inside. When the master key slid into the lock on Dr. Carrington’s door he nearly squealed with glee. This was almost too easy.
…A vision of AJ begging for mercy from the court after his sentence was read, made him laugh out loud.
“Find something amusing?”
Douglas dropped his keys and spun around. He saw Mercedes sitting in the large, leather, winged back chair in front of Dr. Carrington’s desk, and his heart leapt into his throat.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
She crossed her legs and twirled her foot carelessly.
“I could ask you the same thing,” she said. “Your office is quite a bit out of the way from here.”
“I am the hospital administrator. It is my job to make sure things are running as they should be.”
“I suppose that’s true…But somehow I think even your cronies would have a hard time believing you forgot…it was you who closed it down.”
He crossed his arms and leaned back against the desk. “And what about you Mercedes? How exactly do you plan to explain your presence here…?”
“I’m an interested board member, Douglas. I want to get to the truth…I am simply setting a trap for the real thief to return to the scene of the crime.” She laced her fingers together across her waist. “And it appears he has.”
…Coming soon, Mind Games, The Lincoln Series, Book II by Susan M. Baer.
Other books by Susan M. Baer:
Amorous, The Lincoln Series, Book I
Conceit, It’s All About Jake, The Lincoln Series, Prequel
Come Home to Lincoln, The Lincoln Series, Prequel
Coming Spring 2017:
Redemption, The Lincoln Series, Book III
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