<br><br> <center>*Most friendships are a sort of frozen
and undeveloping semi-hostility.*
― Iris Murdoch</center>
<br><br><center>
*Juliet*</center>
<br><br>Some people can live with ambiguity and uncertainty—I can't.
Even after being reassured by Shannon that Maine Blair was simply a whistleblower alerting the nation to the waste of natural resources, something inside me mistrusted her.
Elise had seemed so sincere when she warned me Blair was about to disclose matters pertaining to national security—but people can be sincere and still be sincerely wrong.
And even though Shannon's explanation was more rational, I still wanted to believe Elise because she was vulnerable like me... and besides, somehow she touched my heart.
I know it sounds corny and maybe even mystical, but I sensed she was telling the truth.
<br><br>I was driving home meditating about these things and as I pulled into my driveway I spotted Juliet Fields, my arch rival, sitting on my front stoop, apparently waiting for me.
My antennae were up. The timing of her visit told me this was not a coincidence. *So, how the hell did she know about my meeting with Shannon Holmes?*
"What did you do" she smiled, "see Shannon and take the long way home?"
"I have no idea how you know about my breakfast meeting with Shannon but I can assure you there is nothing romantic going on between us."
"Aren't you going to ask me in for coffee? I've been waiting here for over an hour."
<br><br>I put the key in my door lock, hesitated a second, and then sighed.
"I suppose you can come in for coffee—but I'm not subsidizing your spying on me."
She broke into a grin and quickly eased by me in the doorway, the faint scent of her perfume filling my nostrils. She really was a beautiful woman, but incredibly annoying.
"Nice place you have here," she said glancing around the ground floor of my Victorian house.
"I like it. It's close to the city but on a ravine where I can go hiking and unwind."
"Oh, it has a fireplace!" she observed, "Must be cozy on these cold January nights."
<br><br>I was used to Juliet's patter and how she used it to try to disarm me.
Ordinarily, I'd be on my guard, but this whole business about Maine Blair had left me feeling suspicious of everyone—but at least I knew where I stood with her.
We were frenemies.
"Why not light a fire while I'm making the coffee?" I shouted from the kitchen.
"Great idea," she enthused," I was chilled sitting out on your stoop."
<br><br>"So, to what do I owe the pleasure of this morning visit?" I asked sarcastically.
"I was worried about you, Cole—I know you're probably rolling your eyes out in the kitchen, but honestly, I was concerned. You need to stay clear of Shannon Holmes."
"Why are you warning me away from her—do you know something I don't?"
She gave a little bitter chuckle. "Actually, I do and that's why I'm worried."
<br><br>I came into the den carrying a tray with the coffee and a basket of fresh croissants and jam.
I glanced at her face and it was pale and drawn. I had never seen her this upset before.
I sat down beside her on the couch. "You're seriously troubled by her aren't you?"
"I really *am*, Cole. I know you don't trust me, but I honestly don't want to see you get hurt."
"What are you saying—Shannon's leading me on, or she presents some physical danger?"
"I'm saying if you interview Maine Blair, you could end up being killed."
<br><br>My blood froze. *How the hell did she know Maine Blair?*
She read the look in my eye and simply whispered, "I was offered the same deal as you, but luckily, she changed her mind and turned her sights on you."
"I doubt she'd disclose the identify of her guest."
"She didn't—I have my sources—they found out for me."
I looked at her skeptically. "You must have powerful connections—what are they—the C.I.A.?"
"Better," she said unfazed, "My dad owned a newspaper—his connections were able to penetrate the highest echelons of power. That's why Shannon dropped me when she found out who my father was."
<br><br>I was totally astounded and couldn't decide what was more shocking—what I was hearing, or the source from which I was hearing it.
"So, assuming what you're telling me is true, what do you think will be the effect of Maine Blair's disclosure ?"
"It will obviously have repercussions on national security."
Once again I was faced with the prospect that Shannon Holmes had lied to me.
Now the problem was, what should I do about it? At the moment, I had no idea.
I felt paralyzed. I didn't know what to do.
<br><br> <center>To be continued…</center>
<br><center>© 2021, John J Geddes. All rights reserved</center>
<br><center>[Photo](https://www.listal.com/viewimage/294058)</center>
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