by G S Binkley
Now it was Derek’s turn to squint his gray eyes at the writer. “You sure this isn’t just a way to get me to read one of your books?”
“Read it then we will talk again.” Gage also gave Derek a book by Richard Carrington. She had used Carrington’s book as research for her story.
*********
Shanti James decided to stay in St. Troy after the show Calley Carew was over for the year. She auditioned for a stage show in St. Louis and got the part. It was a six month run which gave her the opportunity to see what might develop between her and Nathan Ryan. He was around six years younger than the actor.
While Shanti sought advice from Lacy, Nathan confided in Gage along with his brother, Hank. The entire Ryan family loved Shanti as she was a stabilizing force for the youngest member of the family. Nathan counseled with his sister on one occasion.
“They come back this summer.” Nathan crossed his legs. He asked Lacy to sit with him by the lake. It was cold outside but his sister obliged him. The trio filmmakers were slated to work on another documentary and asked Nathan for his technical help again.
“And?”
Nathan jumped up, picked up some rocks and pitched them out on the cold water. “They were quite the trio… Shanti, Michael and Griff.”
“And?”
He turned around, facing his sister. “At first, it was fun working with them… but I could tell there was some tension. Michael liked Griff, Griff liked Shanti…”
“And?”
The young man shrugged. “It was easy to like Shanti.” He sat down again next to his sister. “I guess… how do I compete?”
“You don’t.”
Nathan shook his head in dismay. “Thanks for the help.”
Lacy twisted toward her youngest brother and forced him to face her. “I’ve never seen you so… unsure of yourself.” She didn’t let him interrupt. “You don’t compete because it’s not a competition, Nate. I’ve seen the games Griff plays and it’s a shame. It comes from lack of confidence…and you have never been without that. Why all of a sudden?”
He shrugged. “I really like her and, yes, I’ve seen Griff in action.”
“And you don’t think that Shanti knows this?” Lacy touched her brother’s cheek. “Why do you think she stuck around here? There’s no Michael, he left and Griff’s been out of the country.”
Tentatively, he asked. “You think she… because of me.”
Lacy lightly smacked her brother’s head. “Yes, because of you.”
His face lit with a huge grin. “I do love you.” He jumped up to leave. “Thank you.”
“Nate?” Lacy stood. “Don’t doubt yourself. It can be very destructive… I know and if it wasn’t for Gage, I’m not sure where I’d be right now.” Lacy’s mind travelled back to the day before she met Gage at the cabin on the lake. There she was with two children walking away from a hit television show and her husband was having an affair. Lacy’s self-esteem had plummeted. She began second guessing her every decision. It was then when she met Gage that the fire re-lit and with each day she became more sure of what she wanted in life. Gage and her children.
Nathan could sense that Lacy didn’t want to reveal anymore. He kissed his sister on the cheek after walking her back to her home. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Gage stood on the porch, watching. “Why so glum?”
Lacy ran up the few steps and hugged her partner. “Thank you.”
Chapter Eleven
It was a long bus ride for the young man. With each mile, his anger grew darker. He was on a mission and would not stop until it was over. As soon as he stepped off the bus, he made his way to the studio where Tony Kussler’s show was filmed. His ease in finding access into the building and Tony’s office had more to do with his menacing dark eyes than congeniality.
Tony Kussler just finished filming his show and was talking with a couple of producers when an assistant informed him that he had someone waiting in his office.
Before he said goodbye to the producers, Tony gave them instructions. “We’ve got some big stars lined up now that its award season… also, we’ve got that special immediately after the award show… make sure everything is set on that. Let’s meet next week… see who we can get for the special.” With that done, Tony headed off to his office. He was in his stride since his television talk show struck gold. Tony had become a major player in Hollywood and he wanted to make sure he stayed at the top. As he walked up to his office door, Tony couldn’t help but paste a huge smile on his face.
The smile didn’t last long when his dark eyes fell on the man he never wanted to see again. Tony held it together. His composure was relaxed as he walked across the room to his desk. “Blade. Thought you were dead.” Tony tried to insert some levity in the uncomfortable situation.
“Maybe left for dead…but dead I am not.” His blonde hair was short and dark threatening eyes gave no pause that he was there for pleasure.
“So… what can I do for you? Oh!” Tony reached in his coat pocket and withdrew his wallet. “Need a few bucks?”
Blade was direct to the point. “I’m here to finish the job.”
Tony sucked in a deep breath. “Listen son…” Glaring dark eyes bead down on the talk show host. “…Blade. There’s nothing to finish…all is good.”
Blade leaned closer making Tony sit back in his chair. “You started it and I’m going to finish it.”
Tony held up his hand. “Now wait… first off, I only wanted you to check on Lacy, you know, find out the dirt. Nowhere did I say hurt her.” He treaded lightly now. “That was on you.”
Blade slammed his fist on the desk. “That bitch got me locked up. Three fucking years in the hole… now it’s time to get even.”
Tony tried to reason with the very irate young man. “How did you get locked up? I hadn’t heard from you for…”
“Like I said three years…” Blade was on the edge of his seat. “…since you wouldn’t give me any more money, I tried to rob this convenient store.” The ex-prisoner smiled at Tony. “Maybe I have some unfinished business with you as well.”
Tony was contemplating on how to contact security at the moment. “I got money, Blade. How much?” All he wanted to do was get rid of the guy staring him down at the moment.
“Ain’t bout money no more.” Blade stood up to his full height of six foot two. He was hell bent on revenge. “All I want from you… where can I find her?”
The talk show host started stumbling over his words. “I.. I… listen, I… really not sure. Ah, there…maybe she’ll show up at the award show.”
Blade stood at the desk for a long moment. His hard look softened for a brief second. “I will take some money.”
Without hesitation, Tony flipped his wallet open. “Here.”
With cash in hand, Blade was gone.
Tony dialed security. After giving a brief description, Tony relaxed. It didn’t last long. Tony knew that he was the catalyst for what Blade intended to finish. His dilemma now was deciding how he could warn Lacy Levine without implicating himself.
Blade roamed the streets of Hollywood after wolfing down a few hamburgers. The hunger in his stomach subsided but not his taste for revenge. He blamed Lacy for the three years in prison. He blamed the movie star for wrecking his black sports car. He blamed Lacy for having to pretend to like the woman he met in prison. Pretending to like her so he could get money for cigarettes and have her post the letters he sent to the actor. He sickened him that the woman was so obliging and he could manipulate her with ease. Too bad I had to dispose of her. He blamed Lacy for that act of murder. In his mind, everything that bad that ever happened to him was Lacy fault. Deep down he hated women. That abhorrence cumulated into one target… Lacy Levine.
*********
Lacy and Gage were slated to attend the television award show. Their show was nominated again for several Emmys. They cancelled their appearance when several of the children came down with the flu as well as Stella.
“Mark, it can’t be helped.” It was a last minute call to Mark Calico from Gage.
“I understand… Julie will be with me and Ryan.” Mark booked the hotel suites months ago since after the award show the hotel hosted one of the after show parties. “Hey, since you and Lacy aren’t going, why not see if Shanti would like to come out.” Mark didn’t say it but he was well aware that she was dating Lacy’s brother.
“Hmmm… I’ll ask Lacy what she thinks.” Gage declined going alone to the award show when Lacy insisted that the blonde didn’t have to miss it but the writer had no intention of leaving when the kids were sick.
As it turned out Shanti James was able to get away from her acting job for a few days and asked Nathan to go with her. He accepted readily. Gage promised Nathan that Mark would show him around.
It was Friday night before the award show on Sunday. Hayley was feeling better as well as Sammy but Derek was still under the weather along with Stella. Dani decided to stay a few days with her grandparents. She had no desire to get sick her senior year.
Lacy’s immune system was wearing down around late Saturday night when Gage found her in bed running a slight fever.
“Hey, you’re hot.” The blonde felt her partner’s head.
“Thanks… I think you are, too.” Lacy tried some levity.
Gage jumped off the bed. She retrieved a glass of water and some fever reducer. “Here. Take these.” The blonde watched Lacy swallow the pills. “I knew you were overdoing it.”
“How are the kids?”
“They’re all fine… mom, too.” When Lacy cocked her right eyebrow, Gage assured her partner. “Really, they are very okay.”
That news seemed to relax the star.
Gage puffed up Lacy’s pillow then tucked a blanket around her partner. “There.”
With a sideways glance, Lacy said. “I want you in here with me but I don’t want you getting sick.”
The blonde pulled the covers over her, scooted up to Lacy and smiled. “I’m good.”
“Gage!”
“Don’t worry… like I said Stella is all better, so are the kids and Dani came back this evening.” Gage shrugged. “We’re all good.” She waved at the television. “If we can’t get out of bed, we can still watch the award show tomorrow night. Besides, Dani said your mom was going to come over tomorrow. To check on us.” Gage seemed pleased with herself. “I for one wouldn’t mind being in bed with you all day and have others wait on us.”
*********
Mark showed Nathan and Shanti to their suite. “Glad you two could make it. How’s Lacy and Gage?”
“Talked to them before we left… better.” Nathan advised Mark.
“Good. Julie and I will come pick you up later and we’ll ride in the limo.” Mark looked Nathan up and down. “I think the tux will fit you fine…” He looked at Shanti. “Julie picked your dress out. It’s in your room. See you later.”
The suite was luxurious and huge. It didn’t take long for them to check the place out. Shanti loved her dress. Nathan had only wore a tux twice in his life and hoped he would look okay. It was then Nathan stared at the woman near the bed. Shanti held up the dress. How could I not look good with her on my arm? His confidence was growing by the minute. “Want something to eat? I haven’t had breakfast.” When Shanti declined the offer, Nathan decided to wait.
The young man lurking in the lobby waited patiently for the arrival of his objective. He cornered a pretty young hotel assistant and wormed out of her that indeed Lacy Levine had a suite at the hotel. He would wait for the opportunity than exact his revenge.
Tony Kussler vacillated about telling Lacy of Blade’s intention since it was Tony that set the whole thing in motion. He planned to talk with her at the award show and feel her out. However, Lacy was going to be a no show. He hoped that Blade lost interest in his plan. Tony had not heard from the young man since that frightful day in his office. He didn’t have much spare time to worry about it now that stars from all over were congregating in town for the festivities. He was extremely busy with interviews and scheduling.
*********
Gage had her wish. She spent the majority of the day in bed with Lacy and waited on by the whole clan. Lacy tried to keep everyone out of the room as she did not want them to get the flu again. For Derek, seeing her mom in bed with Gage was just an opportunity to enjoy one of the favorite things he loved. A tickle fight. However, Lacy cut that short.
“Oh, mom.” Derek sighed.
Hayley and Sammy moaned in agreement.
Lynn Ryan handed her daughter a glass of water. “Now kids, let’s leave them alone and maybe they will feel good enough to watch the show together.”
“Does that mean we can stay up late?” Sammy loved watching award shows.
“Sure.” Gage said all too fast. She saw the look on her partner’s face but remained firm. “I already said yes.”
Lacy acquiesced. She really didn’t mind at all. “Okay, you guys can gather around… down at the bottom of our bed and we can all watch it in here.”
A roar of excitement filled the room.
“I’ll get the popcorn.” Stella turned to leave.
“It’s not til tonight, Stella.” Lacy reminded her mother-in-law.
Stella smiled. “I know. Just thought Gage would like some now.”
Gage smiled then nodded.
Everything was set for the evening at the Ballant household.
*********
It was time for everyone to get dressed up in their finery. Mark escorted his wife when he met up with Nathan and Shanti. “Ryan is coming with the limo.” He checked his watch. “Should be any moment.”
“Julie, thank you so much for the dress. It’s beautiful.” Shanti twirled around.
“Yes, she is.” Nathan couldn’t take his eyes off of her. He stood a little taller in that moment then turned to Julie. “And you look very lovely Mrs.…”
“Julie.” She winked. “And thank you.” She nudged her husband. “He hasn’t made one comment about my dress.”
Mark gazed at his wife from head to toe than back again. “I just said you’d look beautiful no matter what.”
Julie turned to Shanti. “See what I have to put up with.”
Both women laughed.
“I believe our ride is here.” Mark escorted the women out to the limousine.
Nathan hurried along not to be left.
*********
Just like all other Red Carpets it was littered with stars and their companions. Attendants rushed to help the stars from their limousines and then ushered them along, stopping for interviews along the way.
Shanti and Julie led the way along the Red Carpet with Mark, Ryan and Nathan tagging behind. Everyone except Nathan graced the long line at the award show before. Lacy’s brother was in awe of the fans that gathered and cameras flashing, taking in the sights and sounds. It took quite a bit of time before they were finally seated.
Nathan took his seat next to his date. “Wow. I kinda felt out of place.”
“It does take some getting used to.” Julie agreed. “At least we avoided being interviewed.” Her distain for the same questions year after year wore on her. As head of Primrose studios, Julie Grant was expected to attend these types of events.
“Thank you for coming with me.” Shanti touched her date’s knee.
A huge smile rose on his face. “You’re welcome. Just can’t believe how many people show up to watch everyone walk the Red Carpet.”
“That’s why there is plenty of security.” Mark added.
Ryan White told a story about several individuals breaking the line to get close to their favorite stars. “The committee ensures they have more than enough security to keep the stars safe. Even at that, there is always one or two weirdos out there stalking, watching for any opportunity.”
Mark and company didn’t know it but there was someone lurking in the midst, waiting.
Like a rifle with a scope, prying eyes surveilled t
he Red Carpet at the Award Show but could not find the intended target.
The award show went off without a hitch. Ryan White won best director for his work on the show, Calley Carew. Lacy was nominated but lost this year. All in all, they enjoyed the night.
After the group packed into the limousine, Mark asked. “Alright, ladies, which party do you want to attend first?” They were intent on celebrating Ryan’s win.
Discussion ensured between Shanti and Julie. After it was decided, they headed to their destination. Unbeknownst to them, a lone biker followed.
The party was in full swing when they arrived. Immediately, Mark was taken aside by Tony Kussler. “Can we talk?”
Mark laughed. “You must mean Ryan…he’s over there.” Mark pointed to the bar area.
“No!” Tony tried to calm down. He was somewhat nervous. “How’s Lacy doing?”
“Fine.” Mark noticed the talk show host was fidgety.
Tony glanced around the room, glad the star didn’t make the trip to the award show. “She doing okay? Nothing you know...” He barely looked at Mark. “…weird.”
“No, I don’t know.” Mark tried to decipher what Tony was getting at with the vague questions. “What do you mean by weird?”
Tony had reason to be anxious. Blade stopped him in the parking lot where his show was filmed a few days ago asking about Lacy. “Nothing really…” He scanned the room again. “See you around then.” In a flash, Tony was gone.
Mark saw him later talking with a few television stars. When Ryan walked up, Mark nodded toward Tony. “He seem okay to you?”
Ryan sipped his drink. “Yes, maybe a little distracted. This many people can do that.”
The party lasted late into the night. While Mark, Julie and Ryan left a little after two a.m., Shanti decided to show Nathan around the town. The young couple didn’t get back to their hotel room until almost five in the morning.
The place was trashed.
Nathan notified security then called Mark.
Their rooms were on the same floor. Mark showed up with Julie who immediately went to Shanti’s side. She was a little shaken up as was Nathan. It was a new experience for the young man.