by Georgia Hill
“Don’t be so defeatist, Meredith,” Daniel said brusquely. “Would I ask you to do anything I didn’t think you were capable of?”
“Yes.”
He laughed. “Go and get some water. You’ll need it when I’ve finished with you today and then we’ll get started.”
“Yes Daniel,” Merry replied meekly.
Daniel caught her look. “I’m going to suffer for this, aren’t I?”
“Oh yes, Dan-Dan the dancing Man.” Merry turned her back on him to fill her water bottle from the dispenser in the corner. “And you have no idea how much.” Concentrating on her task, she bit her lip. “But not as much as I’m suffering now,” she murmured to herself.
It was true. Merry was finding it impossibly difficult to work so closely with Daniel and be neutral about her feelings. It got worse every time she saw how patient he was with the other dancers, how he helped out with their training whenever he could, how painstaking he was over every detail, how he never minded how many times Merry trod on his feet. And she couldn’t, no matter how determined she was, forget that one magical night they had spent together. Her mind loved his dedication and kindness and her body raged for his touch. Oh, she was in trouble.
She turned back to him. “Thanks for sticking up for me on Saturday. At the party I mean.” She still couldn’t look him straight in the eye. “With my parents.”
Daniel shrugged. “Nothing like a well-meaning parent to know how to stick the knife in where it hurts the most. My mother does the same.” He quirked a brow, held up his water bottle and quoted: “When are you going to stop wasting your talent and join a proper ballet company?” He grinned. “And now, are you ready? Have you stretched yet? Let’s get warmed up properly. We’ll need to, we’ve got a hard day in front of us.”
Merry blinked back the sudden tears which threatened. She hardly ever cried, and never over a man. She wasn’t about to start now. She took a swig of water, straightened her shoulders and turned to him with a wide smile. “As ready as I’ll ever be. Do with me what you want, Dan. I’m yours for the day!”
No matter how hard Daniel worked her, Merry couldn’t completely forget the ordeal of her challenge that was to come. Bob had taken far too long and had got far too close to her when he explained about it. He’d turned up in Maida Vale, unannounced, one evening.
“The TV studio is booked for Thursday, Meredith,” he simpered as his hand ‘accidently’ brushed her waist. “It’ll be a closed set, just you and me and the crew of course, to allay any nerves you might have.” His hand ventured lower and Merry moved away.
“I want to be there too,” Daniel interjected.
“I don’t think there’s any need for that,” Bob blustered, wrong-footed.
He took a step away from Merry and she began to breathe again. There was something about the man which polluted the very air she breathed.
“I’d really like Dan there,” Merry said. She squared her shoulders. “In fact, I insist on it.”
Bob looked from one to the other and decided to capitulate. “Very well then, although I still don’t see why.” He huffed. “I’d better let you in on the details, Meredith. Are you staying for this too, Daniel?” he added, nastily.
Daniel put an arm around Merry’s shoulders. “I rather think I might. That okay with you Bob?”
“I don’t seem to have much choice, do I?” Bob glared.
“None whatsoever,” Daniel said cheerfully. “Now, what’s she got to do on Thursday?”
Bob huffed some more and then got into his stride. “Right,” he began, “you’ll need to be at the studio by nine sharp, no later. We’ll set up a practice run, show you the mummy’s sarcophagus, do a lighting and sound set up, film the head shots and then get going properly. All meals provided, of course and we’ll get the press in later that day for interviews. That sound okay, Merry?”
“It sounds fine,” Merry said faintly, glad of Daniel’s comforting touch. She couldn’t imagine anything worse; she wouldn’t be able to eat or drink anything and certainly couldn’t envisage being in any fit state to face the press.
“So, just how long do you think you’ll be able to stay in the case?”
“What do you mean, Bob?” Merry felt Daniel’s arm tighten around her shoulders.
“Well, as it makes clear in your information pack, the longer you’re able to do your challenge, the more money you’ll raise. You have read your pack, I assume?” he sneered.
“Of course she’s read it,” Daniel answered for her.
Merry nodded, incapable of speech.
“Well then,” Bob repeated impatiently, “how long do you think you’ll stay in? I have an allocation of filming hours but I can’t go over ten for the whole day.”
“Ten?” Merry stuttered. “I don’t think there’ll be any danger of using the whole ten hours. I’ll be out well before then.”
“Good.” Bob gave a sleazy smile. “Pop into wardrobe before you go home tonight and see what they have in mind for you.” He leered up at her. “I can just see you in a Cleopatra get up. Be fantastic for the ratings.”
Merry left, feeling sick.
***
All too soon, Thursday came. Merry was aware that Daniel had deliberately kept her busy to stop her dwelling on what was to come. But even after fourteen-hour training days, sleep evaded Merry and each night she tossed and turned. She sorely missed Venetia, who was still away, her shooting schedule having overrun. And, as Merry lay awake, staring at the ceiling, she ached for Daniel’s comforting arms.
Merry arrived at Fizz TV’s main studio by eight fifteen. She’d been awake since three and had only slept fitfully before then. But, early as she was, she was surprised to see Daniel there before her.
Daniel watched Merry as she walked in and a lump came to his throat. She’d worked her butt off that week, he’d made sure of that, but the shadows under her eyes told their own story and her face was thin and tense. He would have done anything to take her place for this challenge. Anything. He loved the way she used humour to deflect any worries, her easy charm and the bravery with which she was facing this.
And he loved her.
He loved Merry. He really did. But he couldn’t tell her. Not now. It was very clear she had things on her mind other than him, even if she had any feelings for him at all, which he doubted.
He couldn’t resist her completely though. “Merry,” he hugged her close. “Merry, I’d do anything to stop this.” The words were out before he knew it.
Merry stepped out of his embrace and shook her head. “I’ve got to do it, Dan.”
“Because it’s in your contract?”
Merry managed a small smile. “Because I need to prove something to myself.”
Bob walked past whistling. He put his hand up in greeting.
“And because I’m not going to let that bastard beat me,” she added.
Daniel nodded. He understood. “I’ll be right there with you, babe.”
Merry reached up and kissed his cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“’Bout time you got ready for the lighting rehearsal, Meredith.” Bob couldn’t keep the smug grin off his face.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Merry replied and stuck a tongue out at his receding back.
Pink-haired Sandy, the tiny and overly enthusiastic floor manager, showed Merry the sarcophagus. “We’ll have a close-up of you here and then it’ll open,” she explained. “If you could do a pose once you’re in, that’ll be good.” She beckoned to Hank, the lighting guy. “Shot here, Hank. That’s it Merry, just hold it there for a minute.”
To her surprise, Merry found herself admiring the sarcophagus. It towered above even her and was heavily decorated in gold and blue stripes. To her untutored eyes, it looked a near copy of Tutankhamun’s. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered. ‘As beautiful as death,’ the voice in her head added.
Sandy beamed. “It is, isn’t it? Bob did a great job of finding one for us and this one will look great
on screen. It’s a real eye-catcher. Hank, you got that?” Sandy turned to look up at Merry. “Okay lovie, we’ll set up the lighting for the shot of you inside now and then you can go off to costume and make-up and relax a bit.”
Merry gave a short, humourless laugh. She sucked in a breath while Sandy struggled to heave open the door. Merry consoled herself with the thought that it only looked difficult to open as Sandy was so little. And feeble. And weak. ‘Nothing to do with it being very weighty and solid,’ the voice in her head suggested unhelpfully. ‘I’m getting as unhinged as that door,’ Merry decided, and tried to shake the annoying sound out of her head. She looked for Daniel’s reassuring presence and he gave her the thumbs up.
“What d’you say, Merry?” Sandy smiled and then peered at the job-sheet on the clipboard she was clutching. “There we go,” she beckoned Merry forward. “Just stand at the entrance for a sec while Hank gets that lighting shot set up.” She gestured to Merry to stand just inside the door. “You can see, when you’re in it properly, that there’s a little seat there. You can perch on that while you do your challenge. Isn’t it fun?” Sandy caught the expression on Merry’s face. “You’re not really claustrophobic are you, though?” Without waiting for a reply, she continued. “No? Good-oh. Must admit to being relieved when it turned out Angie’s fear of heights was all faked, although poor old Callum struggled with swimming with those sharks.” She shuddered. “Now that I wouldn’t fancy. Made a great bit of film though. In you get then. Get a feel for it.”
Merry felt her legs begin to shake. Her stomach churned. She forced herself to take one tottering step just inside. She released the breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding and relaxed infinitesimally. It actually wasn’t too bad, at least with the door open. She looked around for Daniel again but couldn’t see him and wondered where he’d gone.
To her surprise, Sandy bounced in behind her. There was just about room for both of them but only because Sandy was so tiny. “At the back,” she chirped, “there’s a hidden door. Any problems and you can let yourself out. See the camouflaged handle? Brilliant, isn’t it?” She stared about her with interest. “It’s probably how they used to do those disappearing tricks. You know in magic acts. Used to love those as a kid. It’s quite plush in here, isn’t it?” She ran a finger along the velvet interior. “You know,” she grinned at Merry, “I wouldn’t mind swapping with you.” She sighed. “Could do with a few minutes peace and quiet. It’s been raving here this morning. Right, you all sorted then?” She gave Merry a little shove out. “Off you go to costume and make-up then and we’ll see you later. Ah, here’s Daniel, coming to escort you to the girls. I know Roxie’s got something very special for you lined up, so enjoy.” She put up a hand. “See you later,” and was gone before either of them could respond.
“How are you doing?” Daniel asked.
“There’s a door at the back,” Merry gabbled.
“I know. I’ve just had a quick look from the outside. Make you feel any better?”
“A bit. At least I can get out if I really need to. In a hurry.” Merry found his warm hand and clung on.
“Come on, babe. Let’s get you to Roxie. Maybe she’ll take your mind off things. I can’t wait to see this costume she’s got for you. You said it was going to be fantastic when you had that first fitting.”
Throughout the make-up session Daniel stayed, chatting up the girls, sipping coffee and generally getting in the way. But Merry knew what he was really doing. He was trying to take her mind off what was to come. If only it were that simple. She caught his eye and tried out a smile. He winked back.
“That make-up looks great on you, Merry,” he said, peering, with interest at the glittery blue shadow and heavy kohl lining her eyes. “It makes your eyes look huge.”
Merry pouted. “I think it’s the fear that’s doing that.” She studied her reflection in the dressing room mirror. But it was true, the exaggerated black lines made her features look enormous. She pulled a comic expression. “It’s the contrast with the terrified white face that really works.”
Jodie, one of the make-up girls giggled. “Oh, I do love you, Merry. You’re always such a laugh. Off you go now, we’re done with you. Time to get into that costume.”
True to Sandy’s promise, Roxie had a spectacular costume for Merry to wear. It was in the same vivid tones of gold and blue as the mummy’s sarcophagus and vaguely Egyptian. A long skirt made of some fine shimmering material, gathered to fine pleats at her hips and matched a bra top. Two gold serpents encircled her breasts, leaving very little to the imagination. It was all topped off with an outlandishly sequinned turban, sporting yet another snake. If Merry hadn’t been so preoccupied by fear, she would have revelled in it.
“Ooh, very Rita Hayworth,” Daniel said, camply, as she was ushered out by Roxie, who followed on with a handful of pins. “You should keep that one.”
Roxie stepped back to admire her work. She looked Merry up and down with a critical eye. “Mmm. Looking good, girlfriend. Nice to work on a bod with curves and legs, for a change.”
“I was just thinking the same thing!” Daniel said and was rewarded by a cackle from the dressmaker.
“You two have fun now, you hear,” she said, as she began to retreat to the costume room. “And don’t,” at this Roxie pointed a stern finger at Merry, “tread on your train. You’ll rip it.”
Merry looked down at her clothes. If only that were all she had to worry about. “How long now, Dan?” Half-heartedly, she waggled the Egyptian ceremonial crook and flail she’d been given to use as props.
He glanced at his watch. “Five minutes maybe. Less, if they’re on time with the schedule.”
Merry didn’t even have that. As Daniel spoke, a young runner came up to them. “Calling Meredith Denning. Miss Denning, are you ready?”
“It’s not too late to back out, Merry.” Daniel put a comforting hand on her arm.
She stared into the green eyes she’d come to love, forced a full wattage smile and shook her head. “Let’s get the show on the road, dance boy. I’m all dressed up and raring to go.” Only the trembling flail in her hand gave her away.
Bob was standing by the sarcophagus when they got there. “Oh Meredith,” he cried and rubbed his hands together. “Don’t you look a picture?” He did his dead cod impression.
Merry looked away, revolted.
“We’ll need some stills of you, if you could just pose in front of the coffin. I mean sarcophagus.” Bob snickered and took Merry by the arm. He pulled her none too gently into place.
“I’ll be right here,” called Daniel. “And don’t forget the door at the back,” he hissed. “Just push when you’re ready and come out.” He gave her another thumbs up.
Merry nodded and let herself be photographed. She felt numb.
“Sandy, are the cameras rolling?” Bob yelled and got an affirmative from somewhere in the shadowy studio. “Right, let’s get going then. Start the clock. Remember, Meredith, the longer you stay in there, the more money we raise for Jokes for Notes.”
He rubbed his hands together again and Merry heard the dry skin rasp. It put her teeth on edge. She forced herself to give a cheery wave and stepped into the case. Turning, she obliged the hovering cameras by giving a thumbs up and then the door swung shut.
Far from the dramatic slam she expected, the door hissed into place and closed neatly, without leaving the tiniest gap. Merry felt panic rise like bile and forced herself to breathe slowly.
It was pitch black. She felt behind her for the little ledge so she could rest her shaking legs and have something to hang onto. Beads of perspiration prickled on her face and she felt sick. At least there was always the secret door she could use if desperate. Or more desperate than she was now. She gulped and tried screwing her eyes shut. It made everything worse, so she opened them to the blackness which was suffocating her.
Outside, Bob was keeping a beady eye on the clock, which was ticking the time and the amount of money r
aised.
“Twenty minutes now. Don’t look so worried Daniel, Meredith will be fine,” he simpered and turned to do a piece to camera.
Daniel paced back and forth and tried to imagine how Merry was feeling. He looked up, irritably. The hands on that wretched clock seemed to be moving too slowly. He moved well out of shot and to the back of the sarcophagus. Here, the elaborate paint job gave way to rudimentary woodwork, but the line of the secret door could just about be seen. Daniel prayed Merry wouldn’t give in to her pride and stay in too long. He leaned against the case and put a hand up to where he thought Merry might be, willing some of his strength to her.
Merry had lost track of all time. All she was aware of was an oppressive blackness weighing her down. The pressure in her head was becoming unbearable. Her fingernails scratched for the tiny handle she knew was just beside the wooden seat. Just putting her hand on it gave her some comfort. Knowing the release was there, under her control, made it more possible to stay in a while longer. But not too much longer.
An hour had passed and Daniel pleaded with Bob to call an end to it.
“Nonsense, Daniel. Meredith can get out herself, any time she chooses. You reminded me of that. It’s been hardly been any time at all. Besides, think of the money we’ll raise.” Bob gave Daniel a strangely malevolent grin.
Daniel swore under his breath. “If anything happens to her I’ll -”
“You’ll do nothing, Daniel,” Bob said smoothly. “Or we’ll have the little matter of renewing your contract to discuss. Understand? And really, you are getting into a state. Whatever can happen to Meredith, in there? If she needs to get out, she can do so, of her own choosing. Do stop being so dramatic.”
Daniel contented himself with a black look and resumed pacing. Another five minutes went by.
Merry was suffocating. Her throat closed as the panic took hold. She’d had enough. She turned the handle as Sandy had shown. It didn’t give. Merry forced what little breath she could into her lungs and turned again. The handle wouldn’t budge. This time, she smacked her hand against it, but only succeeded in hurting herself. The door wouldn’t open. Summoning her last strength she thumped the wall and yelled. It was no good. The case was solid, with thick sound-proofed walls. They couldn’t hear her from outside. She was trapped.