All they could do now was wait. None of them liked having the ball out of their court. Rob stared at his cell phone, as if he could make it ring by sending it a telepathic message; Sharon paced back and forth anxiously, her hand supporting the bandages that protected her wounded skin.
“You know, in your condition it’s better if you don’t exert yourself, you should sit down,“ Rob asserted.
“I can’t. I’m too nervous. It’s either I do this, or I’ll shoot someone.“
“Carry on then . . .“ Rob knew it was pointless to argue with Sharon when she was feeling agitated. She acted like a lioness; the injury only kindled her tenacity.
“At least call your parents. I’m sure that the guys from the control tower have already delivered my message and your parents know by now that you are alive and well, but they would probably be glad to hear it from you in person . . .“
“Rob. Neither of us is touching this phone until Evelyn Cohen calls back and lets us know where the hell they are!“
The cell phone rang right as she completed the sentence.
* * *
The photo shoot had ended. The melancholy of parting was thick in the air. Tom and Libby seemed glum, Arthur was quieter than usual, and anyone could tell by the assistants’ faces that they most certainly would have agreed to stay in this magical place for a few more days, even without additional pay.
Gloria and Andy were in an especially dismal mood. It was hard for them to leave all the surreal warmth that had surrounded them and return to the real world, filled with doubts and uncertainty.
The bags were already packed. The photos were taken. Breakfast was over. There was nothing left to do but leave.
“Andy?“
“Yes, Gloria?“
“What if we stayed a bit longer?“
“You’ve read my mind.“
CHAPTER 37
Rob and Sharon were waiting in line at the Avis car rental agency located at the airport; no taxi would take them where they needed to go. In any case, it was better not to be at the mercy of a cab driver while they were in the middle of pursuing a killer.
Evelyn Cohen had called back. She’d gotten in touch with Arthur’s lawyer and had found out where Gloria and her crew were staying. The information was not as helpful as they had hoped it would be, because it turned out that, unsurprisingly, the location was in an orientation equivalent to the Bermuda triangle: distant, wild, and obscure. In other words, a place where you could easily get yourself lost.
While Sharon went to buy a map and some snacks for the road, Rob waited in the seemingly endless line to rent a car. Sharon managed to return before he made it to the counter and grumbled about the lost time that could not be retrieved.
“Calm down, Davis, there are only two more people ahead of us.“
“At this rate, more like ten. Why can’t we explain that this is a police matter and cut ahead of them?“
Rob looked at Sharon with a frustrated gaze. “First of all, it’s better that we don’t attract undesired attention. We don’t know if Kelly has already landed, so we shouldn’t take the risk.“
“Right,“ Sharon nodded agreeably.
“And secondly, it’s because I hadn’t thought of that sooner and I’ve already waited through this entire goddamned line!“
That was the first time Sharon had laughed since she’d been shot. “Well, don’t worry about it,“ she smiled sympathetically. “Just ask for a car with GPS. I’m not very optimistic about my abilities to decipher these maps.“
They reached the service counter and secured a gray, solid Toyota, making sure not to waive the geographic navigation system. There was quite a long drive ahead of them, about four hours, assuming that all went well.
When they got to the car, they both naturally approached the driver’s door.
“Sharon, what do you think you’re doing?“
“Driving.“
“Why?“
“Because I always drive. Besides, you drove last time.“
“Because you’ve been shot! And if I’m not mistaken, that still hasn’t changed.“
“Lame excuse. You just don’t want me to drive because I’m a woman . . .“
“Say, could it be that while you were in the ICU the doctor operated on your brain as well? ’Cause it seems to me that you’ve lost your mind!“
“That still doesn’t mean that I can’t drive, so hand over the keys,“ Sharon insisted.
“Sharon, we’ve been working together for quite some time. Do you really think I’m a chauvinist who doesn’t want to let you drive because you’re a woman?“
“No . . .“ Sharon answered reluctantly.
“And do you understand that you can’t strain yourself? Therefore, I can’t let you drive while we are on our way to catch a murderess. You need to save every ounce of strength you have.“
“Well . . . okay. But damn it, I just really wanted to drive!“
That was the first time in his life that Rob Jackie had ever managed to beat Sharon Davis in an argument. He would not forget about it for years to come. So what if she happened to be on three different types of pain killers . . . ?
* * *
The last hours Andy and Gloria had spent at the inn were magical. It was one of those days that made you wonder whether you were dreaming or not and eventually became a treasured memory. Even though Andy was sad about leaving, he was equally excited for what was yet to come. Finally, he could present his work to Kelly Danes, an important persona in the media world, who not only had given him a golden opportunity for his big breakthrough, but also a once-in-a-lifetime chance at love. And for this love, he was willing to postpone this long-awaited moment for a bit longer.
Tom and Libby were thrilled that the young couple had decided to extend their stay. They quickly fixed them a marvelous picnic basket filled with scrumptious treats and urged them to hike around and further explore the beautiful surroundings. Andy and Gloria jumped at the opportunity.
After all, it was their first date.
The exquisite scenery enveloped them in a fairy tale of their own. Gloria felt like a little girl again and took off her shoes to feel the crisp grass beneath her feet. She was amazed at the realization that what made her feel sheer bliss did not even cost a single dime.
Gloria looked up and let the sunrays caress her; a great beam illuminated her face. She started skipping and hopping like she used to when she was a kid, when life was much simpler.
“Hey! What’s going on with you?“ Andy called after her. “I can’t run with this basket without dropping everything, it’s too heavy!“
“Too bad, Grandpa . . . Catch me if you can!“
Andy placed the well-stocked basket on the ground and raced after her. Gloria tried to pick up the pace, but he caught up with her in mere seconds and wrapped his arms around her to keep her from moving.
“Nooo, let me go!“ Gloria commanded him with giggles, while trying to free herself from his strong grasp. She would not let some kid beat her.
“No way. I want to make sure you stay by my side,“ Andy answered, fastening his arms around her.
Gloria’s slender physique allowed her to squeeze through his arms and face him. “Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.“
She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. Andy’s grip relaxed, but Gloria stayed close to him.
After they found the abandoned picnic basket, they continued their journey, searching for their own piece of heaven. Finally, they found it under the shade of an old oak tree. There was something special about this place, where there was no value assigned to any title or status they had obtained in their lives, where they were nothing more than man and woman.
Andy could not restrain himself, nor wanted to; his hands began exploring Gloria’s body. His palms embraced her flawless outline, stroking her from top to bottom, forming the coveted shape of an hourglass. He laid Gloria on the ground with him on top of her, his hands still caressing her. Even though nothing concealed
them, they were far removed from any prying eyes. The wilderness kept their secret.
Coral-colored sand grains began covering Gloria’s milky skin, as if they were tainting it; but she didn’t even mind that her body was rubbing into the soft earth. Andy began to pull off her dress, but she stopped him from doing so. Now it was her turn to be in charge, to touch him with every bit of intent, like she had fantasized when they were sitting next to each other on the drive over here. Her shyness was gone, but her desires remained. She climbed on top of him, pressing his back against the ground. Those same coral grains that were slowly falling off Gloria’s back began sticking to his body. He lifted his arms to hold her, but she did not let him. Instead, she leaned toward him and began to kiss him, her lips following along his body, until she had reached the zipper of his pants. Andy tried to sit up, but she pushed him gently back down toward the reddish sand.
She guided her hand slowly under her dress, ensuring his gaze was following her, and pulled her panties aside. Gloria took pleasure in beholding his breathing increase excitedly, wanting to burst out of his wide torso and making her slim body move up and down accordingly. She climbed on top of him, feeling the connection that was formed between them, and began to ride. Gloria’s back remained straight, but between her thighs she felt this certain warmth that made her experience a comforting weakness. She arched her back and felt lost in pleasure, but then Andy held her by the waist and began to steer her into the ultimate climax. The heat she felt inside almost blazed through her; the cool wind that stroked their exposed bodies only enhanced her blistering passion. Gloria felt all of her inhibitions slipping away like a needless shell. She allowed herself to scream like she had never screamed before, Andy’s moaning swallowed in hers. Their voices echoed in the open field, but they were lost in the wind, lost in the wild.
Gloria rolled over and lay beside Andy. He took her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers. They remained alone in the world, embracing under the open sky.
It seemed as though the sunrays had touched them, but only for a minute, and their time had now ended. They had to leave.
“Perhaps we should postpone this whole thing until tomorrow?“ Gloria asked in a seductive voice.
“I know, I’d like that, too. But there is no way to let Kelly know that we’d be late. There’s no cellular signal in this area.“
“So what?“ she replied.
“What do you mean ‘so what’? The woman has flown half way around the world to meet us, and you want to blow her off?“
“Who said I want to blow her off? I just want to postpone the meeting for a few hours. Or days . . .“
“Gloria, this is my first serious job in this industry. This incredible woman gave me the opportunity of a lifetime.“
He paused for a moment, trying to think of a way to soften Gloria; her piercing stare made it clear to him that she did not intend to give up so easily.
“Thanks to her, I met you. I think the least I can do is arrive to our meeting on time.“
Gloria smiled. Frankly, she, too, owed this woman quite a lot.
“Okay, but you’re buying me a Snickers. There’s no way I’m spending the next five hours locked in the car without chocolate.“
CHAPTER 38
Kelly glanced at her watch. Beforehand, when the pilot had announced the approximate landing time, she had changed it to the local time. Now it was almost 1:30 p.m. She was right on schedule. After collecting her luggage and passing through passport control, she would be out of the airport and on her way in less than an hour. She just hoped her guests wouldn’t be early . . .
“Is there a problem with your seatbelt, ma’am?“
Kelly looked at the stewardess, compelled to detach herself from her sweet thoughts.
“Oh, no, sweetheart. I just didn’t notice the sign.“ She tightened the seatbelt to her body until it clicked.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we will be landing shortly.“ The pilot’s voice sounded over the speaker. “Thank you for flying with us.“
Kelly could feel the plane gradually descending. The pressure in her ears increased. That was her least favorite part of the flight – besides take off, of course.
“We would like to remind you to please remain seated while the red seatbelt sign is on.“ The flight attendant’s voice echoed throughout the plane.
As the wheels of the plane kissed the ground, a few passengers clapped their hands. Kelly was mortified by the stupid, folksy custom, but tried to ignore it. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Finally, she had reached her safe haven.
A short hour later, Kelly was already on her way to her new home, at least for the next few days. She knew that after she executed her plan, once again she would have to leave in haste. This time she hadn’t planned ahead where she would flee. She decided it would be safer to decide on the spot which flight to catch, and then disappear without leaving a trace. She toyed with the idea of Tahiti, Crete, or even Japan, but she would have more time to think about this later; right now she needed to stay focused on her plan. Tomorrow, at the exact same time, she could put this whole thing behind her.
The navigation system calculated the shortest route to the mansion, but first she had to make one stop. She typed in the address of the weapon shop. Twenty minutes later she was there. In the parking lot next to the store, there was one spot left – just for her.
A sign from above, she smiled at her reflection in the rear-view mirror.
Kelly entered the store, letting her eyes adjust to the dim light. The owner stood behind the counter and sharpened an ancient sword.
“Hello there, are you looking for something in particular?“
“Actually, I am. I came to pick up a special order. I arranged it with you several months ago.“
An intrigued grin appeared on his face. “Yes, of course. I was expecting you. I’m always curious about special orders. They happen, but not very often. That’s why I always keep tabs on them.“
Kelly felt a little bit anxious in light of the fact that someone had engraved in his memory the details of her murder weapon.
“Here, take a look. What a beautiful piece.“ He showed her the silver gun with admiring hands.
Kelly approached it, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
“I’ll just verify we have all the details in place, Miss . . . ?“
“That’s not relevant,“ she answered hastily while sliding a stack of bills toward his side of the counter.
The vendor looked at the money and then turned his gaze to Kelly, as if trying to arbitrate between his curiosity and his greed.
“You’re absolutely right.“
Kelly was still amazed to see the amount of influence a small pile of bills possessed.
Like a puppet on a string . . .
She put the silver weapon in her pocketbook, along with a pack of bullets, and headed toward the exit.
“Pleasure doing business with you,“ he called.
She didn’t bother to reply.
CHAPTER 39
They had been driving for over three hours and still had plenty of time left together in the confined metal box.
“So what did your mom say?“ Rob asked Sharon.
“That she’s going to kill me and that my dad almost had a heart attack.“
“Ouch. I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes. Or yours, for that matter.“
“Well, it’s not like I had a choice. It’s better that my murderess thinks I’m dead rather than planning to kill me again!“
Rob arched an eyebrow. “There’s a sentence you don’t hear every day.“
Sharon chuckled. “Anyway, she was mostly just upset because I had neglected to fill her in on our little plan.“ Her mother’s scolding voice still echoed in her head.
“Sharon Elaine Davis. Do you know what a parent’s worst nightmare is? Hearing that their child is dead. And do you know what’s even worse? Reading about it in the newspaper! Do you have any idea how many phone
calls I got? People were asking me when the funeral is, while I hadn’t even realized what happened. I’d already called Reverend Rayner to discuss burial arrangements, and you couldn’t even find one spare minute to let me know that you’re still alive? And not even that, I had to hear it from some airport representative? And then trying to explain to people why the funeral was being postponed, because I can’t tell anyone that you’re actually alive? What the hell were you thinking, young lady?“
That was the first and only time Sharon had ever heard her mother use that word.
“Say, what about that guy you met on the plane?“ Rob’s voice drew her back to reality, thank God.
“Who, Chris?“ Sharon could feel the blush creeping along her cheeks.
Rob smiled. In all the years they had worked together, he had never seen her so perplexed, and because of a guy, nonetheless.
“In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve had a lot on my plate for the last few days. I haven’t had a chance to talk to him yet,“ she said briskly.
Rob had foreseen that response. Sharon had so many defense mechanisms that he wouldn’t be surprised to find out she was wearing copper armor under her clothes.
“And in case you haven’t noticed,“ Rob emphasized, “we have spent the last three hours counting red cars on the road.“
“I still can’t believe we’ve only seen seven. I would have expected a lot more.“
“Sharon, you’re changing the subject.“
“Could be.“ She glanced out the window.
“So how about you call him now? At least let him know you’re still among the living.“
Only then Sharon realized that Chris might also read the New York Times.
Dark Illusion: A Psychological Thriller Novel Page 15