The Heart of Deception

Chapter 7

The morning dragged. With Jessica strapped to her chest in a possum pouch, Lauren had managed to do most of the housework in record time.

Why did I think this would be easier without Kurt around, she berated herself. I should have realised Helen was the more observant of the two.

She finally put the baby down for her midday nap, and returned to the kitchen. By the time she had prepared all the formula for the next twenty-four hours, her nerves were frayed. She’d never been good at playing waiting games.

When Helen arrived back at the homestead, she found a refreshing cold lunch and a very tense Lauren with flaming cheeks sitting at the table. They ate in silence. Helen munched through her food hungrily while Lauren played mindlessly with hers.

She had no idea how she was going to explain the situation to Helen. What had started out as an adventure to help her twin and maybe have a bit of fun, had rapidly digressed to a sad comedy of errors. Lauren had become fond of Kurt’s sister, and had no wish to hurt her.

“How’d you find out?” she managed hoarsely, plucking up the courage to meet her gaze.

“Which? That you aren’t Diane, or your real name?”

“Both I suppose,” Lauren muttered in defeat.

“Your first mistake was to arrive on your bike,” said Helen, pointing her fork in Lauren’s direction. “Diane’s far too stuck up to ride a motorcycle, and if she had gone and bought one, she would never have purchased anything second hand. Kermit’s registration sticker is seven months old. Your leathers and boots aren’t new either.”

She popped another piece of tomato into her mouth.

“My late husband was an undercover cop – his friends are still in the police force. I got one of them to run the number plate, to get your name,” she grinned, as she continued eating. “Diane also mentioned something about doing her post graduate stint at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. I still have a few friends who work there. One of them was able to verify that you worked there too. You and Diane stood out, not just because you were identical twins, but also because you had different surnames, and neither of you were married.”

Lauren stared down at her clenched hands, as a familiar feeling of dread had set in. She hadn’t felt it since the last fiasco she’d allowed Diane to talk her into. The only difference was this time she was facing the music alone.

“Besides,” Helen continued. “You two may look alike on the surface, but that’s where the likeness ends.”

Lauren raised her eyebrows. Her wide brown eyes met a stunning pair of blue eyes that were a perfect match for Kurt’s.

Helen grinned broadly. “Okay, so Diane has a great figure, even after having a baby, but your body is better toned. More muscle. She’d have had to train like crazy to achieve that in only one month. Your walk has a natural bounce - she moves with the grace of a lady - almost as if she’s a trained model. You exude energy. I’ve never seen Diane go jogging, and as for swimming, she only ever relaxes in the spa section of the pool on a really hot day. I haven’t seen you wear make-up yet, Lauren. Diane would never be seen outside her room without a shovel full of the stuff. You also wear your hair loose, and keep a scrunchy handy around your wrist, just in case you need to tie it up to get it out of the way. Diane is never that casual. A French roll is her most common style. Let’s face it, you lack her finesse. You’re just not chic.”

Helen took in her hurt expression. Reaching over she laid a hand over one of Lauren’s, and smiled. “There’s nothing pretentious about you. That’s what I like, and I’m sure that’s something that Kurt appreciates too.”