After the Storm

by Katy Ames

  Breathe, Sadie. Breathe.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen,” the crackle of the intercom broke through her meditative chant. “On behalf of the pilot and the crew, I’d like to welcome you to Nevis. It is a beautiful day here in the West Indies, a very pleasant eighty degrees. A welcome change for all of you escaping the cold winter weather!”

  The flight attendant’s voice had a cheerful lilt to it, friendly, warm, everything that Sadie had come to appreciate about the little island they’d just landed on. But as the plane came to a stop in front of the small airport, Sadie tuned out the woman’s instructions about customs and immigration and began collecting her things. Passport and phone in the outside pocket of her purse. Sweater folded carefully inside. Purse already slung over her shoulder, Sadie had her seatbelt unbuckled and was ready to stand the second the notification bell dinged in the tiny cabin. Despite waiting on the tarmac while the luggage handlers hauled out the gate-checked suitcases, Sadie was through the airport and out into the arrivals area in no time.

  “Ms. Carter, welcome back!” It took Sadie only a few seconds to locate the source of the welcome.

  “Peter! So nice to see you again.” Sadie embraced the older man who broke through the crowd of taxi drivers. Peter’s mouth cracked into a wide grin, his teeth a bright white against the smooth tan of his skin. Sadie grinned back. He reached for her suitcase but Sadie batted his hand away. “Don’t you dare. You know I am perfectly capable of doing this myself.”

  “Yes, Ms. Carter. I do know. Just like you know how Mr. Baker feels about guests handling luggage.”

  “Well, I won’t tell Mr. Baker, if you won’t.” Peter lifted one polo-clad shoulder in a shrug, but his smile didn’t dim. “Besides, I’m hardly a guest. Which means you should be calling me Sadie. None of this Ms. Carter business.”

  At that Peter released a shout of laughter. “Whatever you say, Ms. Carter.” They made their way across the airport’s small parking lot and Peter opened the rear door of a sleek black sedan.

  “Peter,” Sadie lowered her eyes in a teasing glare. “The back, really?”

  “Absolutely, Ms. Carter. Mr. Baker might not be here to see you with your luggage, but he will certainly be in the front drive to see you get out of the car. Back seat for you. No arguing.”

  “Yes, sir.” Sadie gave him one of her largest smiles and threw her suitcase in the trunk before he could protest. Without another word she slid into the cool darkness, listening to Peter mutter under his breath as he took the driver’s seat. As Peter eased them out of the parking lot, Sadie opened the window and let the tropical breeze tangle her hair. The fragrant warmth and salty air should have relaxed her. It’s why people came to places like this. An oasis in the middle of the wide blue ocean. She wasn’t on vacation. Nothing like it; but Sadie desperately hoped that the sun would bake away some of the tension that had coalesced over recent months.

  “Are you ready for this week, Ms. Carter?”

  Sadie released a small sigh before turning her attention back to Peter. “For the most part, yes. The team has been fantastic. There are still a few details to iron out. There always are. But I have no doubt the client will be thrilled.” Glancing at the turquoise waves breaking against the beach just feet from the road, Sadie wondered, with a view like this, how could they not be?

  “Mr. Donovan, he’s your VIP, yes? His name and head shot are all over the program notes that went through the departments last week.”

  “Yes, he’s one of them. Mark Donovan. Co-founder and CEO of D&A International.” Sadie pushed her finger into a crease that had formed in the dark leather seat. “But, really, everyone in the group qualifies as a VIP. It’s an executive retreat. Twenty members of D&A International’s leadership team. Here for a week of regrouping and relaxation. A warm weather escape to reward themselves for a year well done and energize them for the one to come.”

  D&A International, a software company that focused on enhancing corporations’ performance, was one of Sadie’s longest standing clients. She’d been running their events for years. Product launches at their corporate headquarters. Sales conferences for hundreds of their field employees. Awards ceremonies for their top performers. Retreats to high-end spa hotels for employees who exceeded annual sales goals. Events that required months of intricate planning, constant negotiations between client and venue, and a full-time staff to develop and execute day after day of highly-choreographed experiences for the lucky employees invited to participate.

  But this week, this event was a first for Sadie. This time she was on her own. A team of one.

  The planning had been no less grueling, no less precise. But given the small number of guests collecting at the hotel it didn’t make sense to have a full team in place. No, they just needed one: Her.

  She was the head of the department, after all. She’d been in the position for years and had run the gamut of every unlikely scenario and unreasonable request that the pickiest client could throw at her. And she’d risen to department head through years of hard work. Hotel reservation lists, she’d done it. Explaining to drivers how to find her clients’ private planes by their tail numbers, she had it covered. Tracking lost luggage in almost-abandoned airports at midnight, it wasn’t one of her favorite things, but she’d do it. Because it was her job. Just like this was. And she was perfectly qualified for it. One week on a Caribbean island. With Mark Donovan and his band of executive buddies. With….

  “And Mr. Avery?” Peter’s voice cut through Sadie’s thoughts.

  “Hmmm, sorry?” That name. His name. It fell into the silence between them. “What was that, Peter?”

  “Mr. Avery. He will be in the Sunset Villa?”

  “Yes.” Sadie looked down at her hand, wrapped around the leather of her seat, knuckles white against the darkness. “Yes, he will.”

  2

  Despite Peter’s prediction, Mr. Baker was nowhere in sight when they arrived at the hotel. Sadie was relieved. She didn’t dislike Mr. Baker, exactly. But neither was she in the mood to deal with his inane conversation. About her trip. About her health. About how thrilled they were to have her at the hotel. About how grateful they were for her bringing D&A International to them. As if she – they – weren’t paying dearly for the privilege.

  “I see the boss isn’t about.” Sadie reached her hand out for her suitcase as Peter pulled it from the trunk.

  “Not on your life, Ms. Carter. Besides, you never know when he is going to jump out from behind a palm tree.” Sadie failed to hold back her giggle. As ridiculous as it sounded, one never knew with Marcus Baker. This hotel – the Seven Winds – was his domain. And there was no telling what little hole or crevice he’d emerge from.

  Peter gestured to the doors leading into the hotel’s lobby. The entrance was deceptively simple. Two ebony doors took up the majority of the front of a small building that resembled a beach cottage, casually tucked under leafy palm and Poinciana trees, its bursts of red flowers licking like flames against the late afternoon sky. It was a charming entrance, cozy. But Sadie knew that what was beyond those doors was something else entirely.

  “Peter, can you do me a favor and ask Grace to bring out the keys? I’m done in from all the travel and just want to get to my room. Besides, we should save all of the pomp and circumstance for when Mr. Donovan and his guests arrive.”

  Peter cocked an eyebrow but didn’t argue. “Sure thing, Ms. Carter. I’ll give her a quick buzz.” He reached down to the small black button clipped to his shirt collar and spoke softly into it. Sadie heard the crackle of a radio from the almost invisible bud tucked into his ear before a quiet voice muttered a response. Their exchange done in a matter of seconds, Peter turned back to Sadie and gestured for her to follow.

  “Grace will meet us at your room with your keys. Come, just a short ride and we’ll have you settled in.” Sadie joined Peter on the nearby golf cart, her luggage tucked securely behind them, and held on as they sped down the path through the two-story buildi
ngs that housed the hotel’s luxurious guest rooms. Sadie had gone through the arrangements with Grace thoroughly. Her room was close to the main part of the hotel, centrally located for their various functions. Within easy reach of any of the attendees who might need her. And on the ground level so that her commute would require nothing more than opening her terrace door and walking the hundred feet to the conference room where her clients would spend their mornings.

  “Sadie!” Sadie hopped off the cart to see Grace, meticulous as always, walking towards her. The woman, roughly her own age, gave her a quick wave and warm smile. “Welcome back to the Seven Winds.”

  “Thanks, Grace. Wonderful to see you.” Sadie snagged the hotel key cards that Grace held out before embracing her. They’d only met a few times before, when Sadie had visited the island to do pre-event site visits. But they’d spent so many hours over email and phone ironing out details that Sadie already felt close to Grace. “And thank you for all that you – that everyone – has done to prepare for this week. You’ve made my job so much easier.”

  Grace gave a twinkling smile. “Always happy to help you, Sadie. And I’m glad that you’ll finally be able to spend some time on the island with us, not just popping in for a quick visit. Once this whole show gets wrapped up, I think we’ll need a little sun and sand time. Stick around for a bit after, keep me company on the beach?”

  Sadie relished the idea of sinking her toes deep into the sand, off the clock, no one wondering where she was or what she was doing. “You have no idea how tempting that sounds.”

  Grace’s smile morphed into a mischievous grin. “Just tempting, huh? Give me a few more days and it will be impossible to resist.” Peter had managed to wiggle the keys from Sadie’s fingers and had the room door propped open, the sounds of him shuffling her luggage around catching their attention. “Enough idle chit chat. I’d best get back. Marcus is on the prowl.” Grace gave Sadie’s hand a quick squeeze. “Stop by my office when you have a moment. You can keep me updated on all of the executive level drama.” With that she dashed back up the path.

  Sadie retreated into the sanctuary of her room. Peter had pulled the curtains almost completely closed, the blushing pinks of the sunset peeking through a small portion of gauzy drape. Only the lamp near the bed was on and Sadie cast a longing glance at the expanse of cool, white sheets. Peter appeared by her side, returning the keys.

  “There are bottles of water in the fridge. Along with some fresh fruit and cheese. Wine is on the wet bar. Glasses, corkscrew.” Peter pointed to various places in the room, making sure she took note of the amenities hidden in shadow. “The restaurant is already open for dinner, but in-room dining is 24 hours as well. In case you decide to eat a little later.” Peter did a quick survey, making sure he hadn’t omitted any detail. “Anything else I can get you?”

  “No, Peter. I’m all set. Thanks so much for your help. As always.”

  Peter gave her a gentle pat on the back before retreating to the door. “Anytime, Ms. Carter. Welcome to the Seven Winds. We hope you enjoy your stay.” After flashing her a jaunty grin, he disappeared, leaving Sadie alone with her plans and an irritatingly persistent sense of unease.

  3

  If asked, Sadie couldn’t say when she’d first seen him. It had most likely been years ago, during her first event for D&A. Certainly at any of the two dozen since. Jack Avery was co-founder of the company and an ever-present figure at their high-level functions. He and Mark always huddled together at the bigger events. Suits custom tailored, dark colors, jewel-tone ties that always complimented the other’s effortlessly.

  Thinking back on it, it would be wildly unfair to say that Jack didn’t stand out. In fact, Sadie was certain that Jack Avery garnered attention everywhere he went. He was too tall, too broad, too attractive to disappear into a crowd, however large. But she’d always been working, been focused on the fifteen tasks that pulled at her at any given time. That’s what life was like for her. A constant staccato of next steps, next cues, next speakers, next meals, next problem, next day, next night.

  But while Sadie didn’t remember the first time she’d seen Jack, she certainly remembered the last. It had been four months ago. D&A International had brought their sales team to Colorado to enjoy some early season skiing and pre-holiday festivities. A party before the party. Her team had known that Jack Avery was scheduled to attend, but, due to an unexpected travel change, he’d arrived a day earlier than expected. His assistant had called Sadie to give her the head’s up just as Jack had pulled his rental car into the drive. She’d raced to the hotel’s front desk even while she had the head of reservations on the phone, quickly firing off answers as the woman magically rearranged inventory so that Mr. Avery would be able to check into his suite a day earlier than planned.

  As Sadie scrambled across the wooden floor of the hotel’s lobby, wishing she’d followed her own advice and stuck to flats instead of heeled boots, she reminded herself for the thousandth time that she wasn’t saving a life, she wasn’t solving a world crisis. She was getting a hotel room. For a grown man. Who could definitely take care of himself. Especially given his assistant. And his fortune. But this was the service that D&A International paid for, and this was the service they would get. So as Sadie skid to a stop in front of the check-in desk and caught the erratic gesture from the front desk manager, she quickly turned around, smoothed down her skirt, affixed a smile to her face, and walked to meet Jack Avery as he stepped into the hotel’s lobby.

  “Mr. Avery. A pleasure to see you. I hope you had an easy trip.” Sadie extended her hand and after only the slightest hesitation Jack reached out and wrapped it in his.

  “Ms…?” He raised an eyebrow even as his lips curved upward into a small, friendly smile.

  “Ms. Carter. Sadie. I’m leading the team for your event.”

  “Well, Ms. Carter. Sadie. It is a pleasure to see you. Again.”

  Sadie’s pulse had returned to its regular pace after her dash across the hotel. But even as she kept her eyes casually fixed on Jack’s, she realized that her hand was still clasped in his. As the heat from his broad palm and strong fingers seeped in and spread up her arm, Sadie’s heart began to race for an entirely different reason. Perhaps Jack caught a glimpse of discomfort on her face. Or felt the subtle shiver that raced across her fingers. Either way, he released her hand and took a step back, his smile easy, charming.

  Sadie swallowed, hoping her voice would come out at a normal octave. “I’m afraid the hotel is putting the final touches on your room and you won’t be able to check in yet.” She cast a glance back at the front desk clerk who was industriously pounding away on the computer. “I’ve given them fifteen minutes to rectify the situation. In the meantime, I’d be happy to give you a quick tour of the property, show you where everything is taking place over the next few days.”

  Jack shoved his hands into the pockets of his suit pants and rocked back on his heels. “What a kind offer, Sadie. And though I’m sure you’d make a charming tour guide, I see some of my colleagues in the bar.” Just beyond the lobby Sadie saw a collection of Jack’s co-workers relaxing, rocks glasses balanced on the arms of leather chairs, dark rumblings of laughter catching between the cracking of logs in the fireplaces lining the lounge. “A Scotch and a seat by one of those fireplaces is exactly what I need after today’s trip.”

  “Of course, Mr. Avery. Please….” Sadie let her voice drop off as she gestured towards the bar. A bizarre motion, she realized, as if she was granting him permission to join his colleagues. But if Jack found it odd, he made no sign of it. Instead, he paused while he pulled a small square of paper from his wallet, scribbled something on the back, and handed it over to her.

  Sadie plucked the paper from his fingers, careful not to brush his skin with hers. If she’d been less distracted she’d have realized it was a business card before staring at it for a second. She also would have realized what he’d written on the back. And, most likely, why. But with her brain sti
ll skittering over her odd reaction to his handshake, she looked blankly between the card and his face several times before he took pity on her.

  “My cell phone number.” Still, Sadie’s face remained blank. “If you pass it along to the front desk they can just call or text. When my room is ready.”

  Sadie closed her eyes, silently cursing her stupidity. It was, of course, the solution she would have proposed if her brain had been functioning even a little. But, no. It had momentarily abandoned her. And there she stood, mute, a blush creeping up her neck as she mentally berated herself for being an idiot in front of one of her clients.

  “Certainly, Mr. Avery. I’ll be sure they contact you as soon as your room is ready.” Trying to regain some credibility, Sadie continued, “If you’d like me to bring you the keys just let the front desk know when they call. They have my number. I’d be happy to save you a trip back to the lobby. I can deliver the keys to you at the bar.”

  It wasn’t a peculiar offer. It was something her team did for their VIP clients all the time. Sadie had lost count of the number of times they’d checked guests in and met them at their cars, escorting them straight up to their rooms like they were foreign dignitaries. But Jack seemed startled by it, his head starting a steady shake before she finished speaking.

  “That won’t be necessary, Ms. Carter. I’m perfectly capable of getting into my own room. I’m sure you have far better things to do than babysit me.” Catching the eye of one of his colleagues, Jack gave a brisk wave and headed their way. But as he passed Sadie he paused, dropping his head so that his mouth was inches from her ear. “Don’t worry, Ms. Carter. I’m a big boy. I’m capable of taking care of all sorts of things.”