by S. Burke
“You Yanks are so bloody polite. Thanks, love.” said Sheila in a perfect Australian accent.
He smiled and headed on his way, in the direction she had just come from. The lift deposited her in the car park, so she gave the area a quick sweep and walked towards the Porsche. Her senses on overload, she walked past the car and out the rear exit to the street. She hailed a cab, and was soon on her way to another hotel away from the Park Avenue area.
She booked in and paid cash for her room, using an Australian passport. The porter carried her luggage to the room for her; she tipped him without speaking and entered.
Again she unpacked the gown and sat down with a drink from the fully stocked bar, and then called the number again.
“I’m relocated.”
“No visible?”
“The usual. I wasn’t recognized.”
“They had no need to send flowers. Be alert. Someone else may be on your tail.”
“Understood.” She ended the call.
The man knocked on the door of 1101. There was no response, so he knocked again. Nothing.
He headed back to the lift and exited in the foyer, heading across the marbled floor to the reception desk. The receptionist gave him a huge smile. “Good evening, sir. May I help you?”
“Yes, you can. Can you buzz, Ms Sheila Harrington’s room, please?
“I am sorry, Sir. Ms Harrington left explicit instructions that she was not to be disturbed, she has a migraine.”
“A migraine? Ah, poor Sheila. Well, thank you, I’ll come back later then.”
“Ms Harrington wants to be woken at eight p.m., sir. Can I give her a message then?”
“No, thanks. I’ll catch up with her later.”
He left the hotel and walked away, punching in a number on his cell as he walked.
“She didn’t answer.”
“She made a call to reception about thirty minutes ago.”
“Could she have been in the shower?”
“That’s a possibility.”
“Tony, she also had a delivery. Flowers? She refused to open the door.”
“Fuck! Who sent flowers? That didn’t come from us.”
“Whoever it was, she clearly wasn’t expecting them. She told the kid to leave them at reception.”
“Shit!”
“I have a feeling someone else is chasing the same game we are. But who? And more importantly, why?”
Chapter 18
Craig Lombardi drove to the guests’ pick up point and waited. He had pulled his long hair into a pony tail of sorts. He wore jeans and camouflage jacket that showed his muscular frame off to full advantage.
He smiled to himself; it was nice being able to wear some good quality clothes for a change. Being a millionaire for a couple of weeks could be a pleasant way to spend his time. He was aware of his mission, very, but deer shooting had long been something he’d wanted to try. For the moment at least, he was a happy man.
The SUV pulled into the parking area on the outskirts of Heaven’s Gate property line. The driver greeted him. “Jack Crenshaw?”
“Yeah, that’s me.”
The driver extended his hand. “Welcome to Heaven’s Gate. The name’s Leonard, Mr Crenshaw, call me Lennie, most guests do. I’ll take you on up to the cabin and point out a few things for you.”
“Heaven’s Gate’s an unusual name for a hunting lodge, Lennie.”
“Wait till you see the place. You’ll understand why. The scenery is really somethin’.”
Craig looked around him; yes sure it was nice, but nothing he hadn’t seen before. “How far are we from the lodge?”
“Two hours by road.”
“Shit! That is some sized property!”
“Yes, it is. Although the track is extremely rugged, so it takes time. Plus we have three very fast running streams to cross on the way.”
“Well then, let’s get started. I’m hungry.”
“Cook made up a pile of good food to eat on the way, Mr Crenshaw.”
“Call me Jack, please. Picnic basket, hey? Nice touch. I think I may just enjoy myself.”
“Yes sir- Jack. No doubt about it. Have you hunted before?”
“Yes.”
“Deer?”
‘Yes, dear.”
Leonard laughed right on cue. “Oh, you’ll get on just fine.”
The two men chatted on and off throughout the drive. Craig ascertained that Leonard had worked at Heaven’s Gate for the best part of four years. He was reticent talking about himself, and Craig backed off on any personal questions.
“So the owner is a female, yes?”
“Yes, sir, she is that.”
“Good boss, is she?”
“She treats all the staff well, sir.”
“Jack, it’s Jack. No more of this sir crap, okay?”
“Ms Harrington doesn’t like us to be too familiar with the guests, er, Jack.”
“Forget that shit. Just don’t do it in front of her and it’s all good. Yeah?”
“Yeah.” The man laughed. “It’s all good.”
Craig noticed the road climbing steadily; no wonder they had been told most vehicles would find this place inaccessible, as the track was also narrow and the drop got steeper by the minute. They appeared to reach a plateau of sorts and Lennie stopped the vehicle.
Craig looked around him in amazement. “Jesus, you would never know this was here.”
They were on one side of a huge valley, the mountains rose steeply across the other side, the land below narrowed through a natural pass, and he could hear water flowing, fast. The scene was strictly picture post card stuff. It was early fall; even so the colours were amazing, with every imaginable shade of green and bronze, and wildflowers in intense shades of russet, amber and gold grew everywhere.
“Where’s the river?”
“We have three feeds off the mountains, Jack. Three different locations, but they all flow into the lake at one point. You’ll see in about another hour on. Do you like to fish, Jack?”
“I love it.”
“Good, ‘cause if you get bored with the hunting, the fishing is superb.”
“This place is a well-kept secret.”
“It’s very exclusive. Ms Harrington never advertises; word of mouth is all it needs, and folks keep comin’ back again and again. How did you hear about it?”
“Friend of mine was up here a year or so back, he’s been urging me to come here ever since.”
“What’s his name?”
“Patrick Hanlon, you remember him? Big blond bastard, with a voice like a deep well.”
“Oh, yeah. I remember, big tipper. We always remember those.”
“Yup, that’d be him, generous man is Patrick.”
They sat on the hood, hungrily munching on delicious chicken and avocado sandwiches provided by the cook. They washed it down with ice cold Heineken beer.
“Wow, my favourite stuff. So that’s why I needed to provide my food preferences. Nice touch.”
“First class all the way, Jack. You do get what you pay for. Folks that don’t enjoy themselves here have gotta have something wrong with ’em. You know?”
“Looks that way, my new friend, looks that way. How long now?”
Leonard checked his watch. “We’ll be there by three p.m.”
“Excellent, I look forward to the sunset. Have we all got mounts allocated?”
“Oh, yes, and then some. If you can handle some heavy duty horse flesh, Ms Harrington has a stable of Arabians. Beautiful animals.”
“Better and better.”
“Ms Harrington usually likes to meet and greet the first time guests, Jack. But she’s away on business; she’ll be back in a couple of days.”
“Sounds like a nice ol’ girl.”
Leonard almost choked at the mere thought of Sheila Harrington being described as nice, let alone old. He said nothing and looked forward to Jack setting eyes on her for the first time. The reaction was always the same. The men’s jaws invaria
bly dropped and their eyes glazed over.
This should be fun to watch.
Chapter 19
Hyatt Regency Hotel Ballroom
Eyes followed her as she entered the room; stunning in black, with long hair almost the same ebony colour caught up in a sweep of soft curls and fixed with a couple of diamond combs, a diamond pendant on a gold chain and a bracelet that glittered with precious things as she moved.
The women eyed her jealously. Beauty like this was always a threat.
The men eyed her with lust. How would it feel to have a woman like that on your arm?
Nobody was terribly surprised when she was ushered to the primary table and seated next to the Governor himself.
He stood as she arrived and bent, kissing her on the cheek in welcome. He sat when she was seated and she said her ‘hellos’ to the rest of the table.
Malcolm gave her a sycophantic grimace that was meant to pass as a smile; his frumpy wife glared.
The director shook her hand. Hot shot lawyer Abe Levine grinned and appeared disappointed when she failed to look shocked or discomforted by his presence. He introduced the beautiful blonde actor who was his partner and she was the only one at the table who appeared comfortable. Beauty does that. Sheila smiled and told her how much she enjoyed her work; she meant it, the woman was talented.
The band struck up a waltz, and Governor Damon Henderson stood and offered Sheila his hand. “My dear?”
She moved fluidly into his arms and they danced close, he uncaring of the whispering around them, unaware that his face clearly betrayed his feelings for the woman in his arms.
She was totally aware, and revelling in it. She was also aware of other eyes boring into her back, so smiled radiantly up into Damon’s besotted face. Go ahead, look all you like. You can’t touch me here.
Abe Levine had never managed to be socially acceptable in spite of his reputation. He was new money, and new money influenced no one in this town. Political clout and a well-respected ancestry was what it took. Levine had only gained himself one short evening of acceptability.
Her family had been old money, very old money. Mayflower connected. She was, on a social scale, untouchable. Although murder, of course, could be a great leveller.
She hoped the learned attorney enjoyed it. He would never be included again, unless she decided it was okay.
Damon was hers. She knew that. Her power over him was strong, too strong for anyone but herself to break.
The night progressed beautifully. Damon introduced her to everyone that mattered; senators and congressmen and women. They were photographed together for the first time, in exalted company.
Craig Lombardi said his goodbyes to Leonard and entered the cabin. He was apparently several days ahead of the others, so missed out on meeting the owner. He knew already she was in New York for the ball, and it gave him the time he needed to check the place out without her being present.
The cabin landline rang and he was surprised to find the lodge housekeeper on the line apologizing for Leonard not bringing him straight up to the main Lodge. It was customary for all new arrivals to sign the register and be given the list of all available amenities. She would send Leonard back down to the cabin to bring him up. Craig protested that it was fine and he’d come up on foot, but she insisted. A few minutes later, Leonard hooted the horn and he again climbed in.
“Sorry, Len, but the housekeeper insisted. I could have walked.”
“It’s a hike, and it’s getting late. I’ll get you back when you’re done.”
“How far is a hike in your opinion?”
“Two, maybe three miles give or take.”
“Shit, seriously? Just how big is this place?”
“Look around you. As far as you can see in any direction and beyond, it’s that big. I should’ve taken you straight up to the main lodge. With her away I figured it wouldn’t matter till tomorrow.”
“No problem.”
The housekeeper was a nervous little woman and seemed upset that the owner wouldn’t be back for two days. She invited Craig in and made him a drink as per her standing instructions from Ms Harrington.
Lennie was coming by early in the morning with a mount for him. He said he’d show him the trails before the others arrived, give him an advantage. He’d tipped the man exceedingly well. Getting up close and personal with Lennie could prove invaluable.
The housekeeper had him complete the registration and then showed him into the study and library. She pointed out the enormous collection of books lining one entire wall.
“You can borrow anything you like to read while you are here, Mr Crenshaw. As long as it is returned on the morning you leave. We have a register and a catalogue of music as well. There is a full sound system in your cabin, and satellite, of course.”
“Firstly, if I may,” replied Craig. “Mr Crenshaw makes me feel like my father’s in the room someplace, and being that he’s been dead a long while, it wouldn’t be so good. Can you call me, Jack? Please?”
She gave him a lovely smile. “I can do that, Jack. But never in front of Ms Harrington. She is most particular about staff and clients being on first name terms.”
“She sounds, um, very, ah, fussy.”
“Yes.”
“Well, what do we have to drink?” Craig changed the topic fast, not wanting the housekeeper to feel discomfort with him; she could be a useful source of information.
He wondered just how many of the staff were Mexicans or possibly from points further south. So far both Leonard and Constance were; the accent was unmistakable. Maybe even Colombian. He shrugged. He’d find out soon enough.
“The bar is fully stocked, and if what you want isn’t available, we get it in for you.”
“I like Southern Comfort. Can I help myself?”
“Of course. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll see about dinner. We normally serve it in your private cabin, but perhaps you would like it here?”
“No, the cabin would be good if that’s not too much trouble, Connie. I’m bushed; it’s been a big day. What’s for dinner anyway?”
“You listed seafood as one of your preferences, yes?”
“You got that right.”
“The cook has prepared mountain trout cooked in foil with lemon, chives, and garlic, served with freshly steamed vegetables and a side of salad. Garlic or herb bread. For dessert you have choice of pecan pie, apple pie, and cheesecake all freshly made and served with whatever topping you care for. You can order all three if you wish. I need to tell cook if you would also like an entrée. Tonight we have homemade pumpkin soup, with freshly baked bread.”
“My God, I’ll gain weight staying here.”
“Most folks do. We have a gymnasium and an indoor heated pool if you need to work out.”
“It all sounds terrific. What dessert would you recommend, Constance?”
“Me? The cheesecake is to die for. Besides, I’ll wrap you the other pieces in case you wake up hungry. The larder and refrigerator is stacked at the cabin, but the main meal of the day is always dinner and always provided at whatever time you choose. To be eaten in whatever location you want. I also pack picnic baskets for those that like to fish at night. We have boats available. Inclusive, of course.”
“Of course. I’ll have the suggested cheesecake. I’ll browse the books while you see to it. Does the lodge have internet available, I don’t recall?”
“Oh yes, sir … Jack. The wireless reception is excellent. You will find a laptop in the cabin for your use. Each person has one.”
“How many joining me? It’s a six room cabin. I expected to find bunks, so I was kinda surprised to see bedrooms. The cabin’s a lot bigger than I figured.”
“I’ll check the guest list. Because we are not fully booked as yet, I can probably let you have it to yourself for a while. The next two weeks are relatively quiet. After that the season gets into full swing and we are booked solid for months. Would you like me to arrange the privacy for you?”
&
nbsp; “If it’s no problem?”
“Not at all. You are most welcome. I’ll make some arrangements. Dinner shouldn’t be long. I will have Leonard ready to drive you back when it’s done. Oh, the cabin has its own bar restocked daily, the same selections as this one.”
“Sounds better every minute. I’m gonna take me a look at these books.”
The housekeeper left to organize the food and cabin arrangements and Craig wasted no time. He planted the miniscule recording devices in the library shelf, and the telephone.
The last one was fixed to the base of the large lamp that graced the mahogany desk near the open fire place. This job done, he took in the details of the room. The ceilings were high with exposed rafters, and the deer heads with massive antlers looked down on him with grim disapproval.
The room had a warm ambience and the decorating was first class all the way. Fresh flowers were placed throughout the large area and their scent was sweet.
He browsed the bookshelves and was agreeably surprised to find many of the latest best sellers, all leather bound, on the shelves. He selected two; not that he anticipated having the time to read them.
The housekeeper returned to let him know dinner was ready and Len waited outside to take him back to the cabin. His hot meal was loaded into a warmer in the back of the vehicle.
Hunger won out over the urge to survey the cabin. The food was wonderful. Craig belched in appreciation, deciding to save the rich cheesecake for the morning. He opened a beer, lit a smoke and went outside.
The sky was endless, overwhelming in its beauty; the stars glimmered in the pristine clean air of the mountains. The chill in the air surprised him, but fall was here, and the nights would be cool. After Colombia the fresh mountain air was refreshing. He yawned and stretched, went inside, enjoyed another beer and then headed off to pick which bedroom he wanted.