Misfits, Inc.

by Holly Copella

  “I know it sounds crazy, but something happened to me in that dream,” he insisted almost defensively. “I woke up feeling different.” His enthusiasm quickly returned along with his charming smile. “I broke off my engagement, fell into my own fortune, and enjoyed every moment since.”

  Skyler glared at Hailey and placed a hand on his hip while pointing demandingly at Vance. “He gets hot women and wealth? Feeling a little ripped off here, Hailey.”

  “Wait,” Logan suddenly announced then looked at Hailey as well. “If that dream was your first encounter with Vance, then that means this was predetermined nine years ago.”

  “No, I met Hailey twelve years ago,” Skyler insisted.

  “That can’t be,” Logan said while shaking his head in disbelief. “That would mean I wrote “The Gift” after you’d met her.”

  Hailey stared at Logan and felt something she hadn’t before. It was as if thoughts were coming to her from her subconscious, feeding her stories she wasn’t sure she could believe.

  “I must have given you the story,” she remarked, astonished by her own admission.

  Skyler threw his hands in the air excitedly and grinned his pleasure. “Finally! She’s a confirmed believer!”

  “I don’t remember any of it, but there’s no other explanation,” Hailey informed Skyler then looked back at Logan. “Did your life change at some point?”

  Logan leaned on the bar and considered the question only briefly before speaking. “When I was in college, before I wrote the fable, my father was pushing me to become a doctor, but I wanted to be a musician. I remember waking up out of a dead sleep, sitting at the piano, and playing every symphony I’d ever heard. That’s when I changed my major.” He stared at her and shook his head uncertainly. “But why give me the story to publish?”

  Hailey shook her head and shrugged without a clue. She felt like everything was just speculation and couldn’t really prove any of it. It again seemed more like a dream than reality, and the words she was speaking weren’t even her own. She wondered if she overreacted by encouraging them but somehow couldn’t help herself.

  “She never knew her destiny,” Skyler announced as if picking up some divine inspiration. “Her uncle died unexpectedly when she was young, so everything had to happen while she slept. I was her only link to the rest of you.” He looked at Logan. “She chose you to write the story, so you could awaken her subconscious, which you obviously have.”

  “That means our meeting wasn’t accidental at all,” Logan suddenly announced.

  “It was destined from the beginning. I knew it! We have to talk to Marcus,” Skyler insisted with renewed enthusiasm. “Maybe we could combine our powers and communicate with him through our minds or some shit.”

  Logan glared at him while folding his arms across his chest. “Now I know you aren’t suggesting something as pathetic as holding hands in a circle.”

  “We have to trust our instincts,” Hailey replied then extended her hand to them.

  Skyler was quick to take her hand. Logan groaned with defeat, joined them, and took her hand. He cast a stern glare at Vance as if commanding him to join in and look stupid with them. Vance rolled his eyes and reluctantly joined hands with them.

  “I hope no one walks in and sees this,” Vance muttered with disgust.

  They shut their eyes and concentrated for only a few minutes, but it seemed like a lifetime. Nothing happened. Logan opened one eye and looked around.

  “This is ridiculous,” Logan scoffed. “Nothing happened and we look stupid.”

  Hailey gripped Logan’s hand, silencing him. He again shut his eyes. The room suddenly rattled and objects bounced on tables. All four opened their eyes with surprise but didn’t release the others’ hand. The balcony doors flew open and a gust of wind blew into the room. The fireplace erupted into flames along with every candle, starling all four. Smaller objects levitated from nearby tables. Ivy and vines grew and stretched through the open balcony doors, filling the room. Parrots and cockatoos flew into the suite, circling them and dive-bombing the cat on the nearby chair. The black cat chased after them and leaped at them from its position on the floor, attempting to catch them. Hundreds of butterflies fluttered into the room and landed on all four. It was a strange realization that somehow they were able to create this. All four were overjoyed by what they were doing. The cat danced around on its hind legs and attempted to catch the butterflies.

  A colorful parrot landed on Vance’s shoulder and flapped its wings. The vines blossomed beautiful flowers and continued to travel the room. Before their eyes, the black cat stretched and transformed into the panther, startling everyone. It was true. Every word of it was true! There was a knock on the door. All four were startled and jumped apart. The levitating objects crashed to the tables, the birds flew out the open balcony doors, and the plant life shriveled and rolled outside. The balcony doors slammed shut with a gust of wind. The panther jumped onto one of the chairs, immediately changing back into the little black cat. They exchanged odd stares. Before anyone could speak, there was a louder more urgent pounding on the door. Hailey hurried to the door and opened it to reveal Marcus. He stood in the doorway with a serious look on his face. Hailey appeared surprised then almost humored to see him. Had they actually succeeded in summoning the Guardian to them?

  “Marcus, what brings you here?” she asked while concealing her knowing smile.

  “More bad news, I’m afraid,” he announced then appeared curious and looked past her. “Did I hear a crash?”

  “Yeah, I dropped something,” Hailey replied. “I’m a little out of sorts today. What bad news?”

  “Another girl has been reported missing.”

  Hailey felt her heart sink. It was the woman they’d heard screaming in the tunnel. She knew what they heard was Penny meeting her demise.

  “I was afraid of that,” she replied gently and fought the sick feeling in her stomach. “So you believe me?”

  “I never said I didn’t.”

  As she stared at him, she resisted the urge to blurt out everything she knew. With the way Vance had handled the news, she knew they had to proceed more cautiously, especially with someone as serious as Marcus was. She somehow didn’t think he’d handle the news very well. She also hated to admit that she found him somewhat intimidating, but she couldn’t let that stand in her way. She needed to tell him everything she knew, which included telling him who he really was.

  “We need to talk, Marcus,” she gently informed him while searching for a way to tell him his destiny.

  “I really can’t right now,” he replied. “Time with this sort of thing is critical. How about this evening? I can meet you in the lounge around seven.”

  Hailey reluctantly nodded, knowing she couldn’t rush the conversation. She would need time to convince him, and he wasn’t willing to give her more than a few seconds right now.

  “Yeah, that’ll be fine,” she replied.

  They watched Marcus leave the suite. The three men stared at her with surprise that she allowed him to leave without attempting to explain everything.

  “You should have been more persistent,” Skyler announced firmly. “The fate of this world could be in our hands. This could be the single most important moment in our lives.”

  The grandfather clock chimed three.

  Skyler looked at the clock, appeared horrified, and gasped. “Oh, hell! I’m late for work!”

  Skyler bolted for the door, surprising everyone. All three turned and watched him.

  “What happened to all that fate of the world bullshit?” Logan demanded.

  He looked back at them as he reached the door. “I’m minutes away from being fired,” Skyler announced. “We’ll save the world at eleven.”

  Skyler darted from the room.

  Vance snorted a soft laugh and tilted his head. “I guess this council meeting has officially been adjourned.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  It was nearing four o’clock that afte
rnoon. Several guests were enjoying the large pool, hot tub, and outside cabana bar. The younger crowd enjoyed the pool area since the bar was readily available and usually there were one or two waitresses working during the middle of the day. Hailey approached the cabana bar, sat on one of several empty bar stools, and ordered a fruity drink. The guys had managed to wipe out the entire minibar in her suite. She hoped Lucinda wasn’t keeping a tab on her in-room bar. As her drink arrived, she caught a glimpse of Brody crossing the terrace and heading in her direction with Rafe in tow. She hoped he wasn’t looking for her, although, she did admire how well he’d trained Rafe to follow him around on command. She’d always wanted a dog.

  “I’ve been looking for you, Hailey,” Brody announced cheerfully and joined her at the bar. He signaled the bartender for a drink. Apparently, the bartender knew his usual.

  “I’ve been busy,” Hailey replied with disinterest and avoided looking at him. She’d had a rough day and wasn’t about to take any of Brody’s sexual harassment.

  “About the other afternoon,” he announced. “I’m sorry if I offended you.”

  She cast a glance at him with some surprise. If he had offended her? She was certain he was old enough to know it was offensive to solicit sex during business transactions. Perhaps he was too used to getting his own way. Hailey decided to be the bigger person and make nice.

  “If you’re truly sorry, I can forgive you,” she replied but still couldn’t force herself to look at him.

  “I’m not usually so forward,” he announced and fidgeted slightly, acting genuinely bothered by his behavior. “I guess with the way Lucinda was building you up as her ‘attractive’ assistant, I thought she was sending some coded message.” He smiled timidly and straightened. “When you’re as rich as I am, you get used to ambitious women handing themselves to you. I don’t like that I’ve become accustomed to doing business that way.” Brody raised his drink to her. “And in our future dealings together, you have my permission to tell me when I’m being an ass.”

  Hailey looked at him with surprise then laughed softly and clinked her drink to his. “Deal.”

  “Hailey, Darling!” Lucinda cried out. “Here you are--”

  Both looked across the terrace and saw Lucinda approach them in her flashy, revealing beach attire. She resembled a movie star from the forties, complete with big hat and sunglasses. She sat next to Hailey on the opposite side of Brody.

  “Where have you been?” Lucinda questioned.

  The bartender had a drink setting on the bar in front of Lucinda before she could even look at him. She gave the handsome, young bartender a quick once over and smiled her approval, but Hailey was certain she wasn’t approving the drink.

  “I took a walk,” Hailey casually replied.

  “You may want to stick close to the resort,” Lucinda informed her sternly. “I don’t know if you heard, but another girl disappeared. Young, attractive girls both of them.” She shook her head then sipped her drink. “If you ask me, there’s a pervert on the loose. I’ll have Marcus’ head if he doesn’t find those girls and put an end to this insanity immediately.”

  “Have you seen Marcus?” Hailey suddenly asked, showing interest for the first time.

  “No, but I’m sure he has his hands full with those missing girls,” Lucinda replied firmly. “He’d better, if he knows what’s good for him.”

  “I saw him talking to the staff,” Brody informed Hailey. “One of the cleaning ladies saw a girl go into the basement. He was going to check it out.”

  “Now why the hell would a young woman be going into that dirty, disgusting basement?” Lucinda suddenly asked.

  “Rumor has it some of the guests were secretly meeting in the laundry room to play poker,” Brody remarked.

  “I need to speak to Marcus,” Hailey announced now preoccupied and stood, having barely touched her drink.

  “In the basement?” Lucinda squawked then shook her head. “Absolutely not. It’s dark, cluttered, and creepy down there. I won’t allow you to risk it, especially with a pervert on the loose.”

  “Take Rafe with you,” Brody announced without hesitation. “He needs to be kept busy or his sunny disposition turns questionable.”

  Lucinda gave Brody a disapproving glare. “I wish you wouldn’t encourage her, Nevin.”

  Brody chuckled playfully at her comment then looked at Rafe and signaled him. He immediately approached.

  “Stay with Ms. Aramis,” Brody announced firmly. “Make sure nothing happens to her.”

  Rafe nodded without question or concern. Hailey was nearly stunned by what just happened. Did Brody just appoint Rafe as her baby-sitter?

  “Thanks--” she said then muttered under her breath, “I think.”

  Hailey walked across the terrace and entered the lobby from the poolside entrance with Rafe following her. She glanced back at him several times. It felt creepy having him following her around in silence, as was his usual manner. She finally realized she no longer wanted a dog. Hailey wondered if he’d stop outside the ladies’ restroom, or if he’d actually follow her inside. She considered testing the theory for her own amusement then saw Logan talking to Skyler at the front desk. Hailey abruptly stopped and turned to face Rafe behind her. He stopped almost in sync with her. She was impressed with how well he anticipated her movements. Although, it was somewhat creepy at the same time.

  “Give me a minute, okay?”

  Rafe obediently waited by the far end of the desk but kept an eye on her as she approached Skyler and Logan. She had to admit, he did take instructions well. If she didn’t know better, she’d be a little turned on by how attentive he was. Logan and Skyler eyed Rafe suspiciously.

  “What’s with rent-a-killer?” Skyler asked.

  Hailey held back her snicker. “Brody loaned him to me for my protection.”

  “Yeah? And who’s going to protect you from him?” Logan muttered to her.

  “Brody had heard Marcus went into the basement to check out a lead,” Hailey informed them. “I thought if I could get him alone, he’d listen to me.”

  “I have an hour until my set,” Logan informed her. “I’ll go with you.”

  “I want to go too,” Skyler whined.

  “You have to work,” Logan scolded.

  “I get a dinner break,” Skyler announced. “Merle will watch the desk for me.” Skyler looked at the older bellman across the lobby. “Merle, I’m taking dinner.”

  Merle looked at his watch with bewilderment. It wasn’t even four o’clock.

  Hailey studied both men then casually shrugged. “I certainly don’t need Rafe now,” she remarked. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to be off the hook.”

  She approached Rafe with Skyler and Logan in tow. Rafe casually leaned on the corner of the desk and eyed the trio approaching him.

  “My friends are going with me to find Marcus,” she announced. “You don’t need to come along after all.”

  Rafe eyed Logan and Skyler, immediately making both uncomfortable. He looked back at Hailey with little emotion.

  “I have my orders.”

  His reaction surprised her. She thought he’d be happy to go back to his regular gig. Hailey looked at Skyler and Logan and raised her brows. ­Neither man appeared pleased with the outcome. The three reluctantly walked toward the connecting corridor with Rafe bringing up the rear just a few feet behind them.

  “Hmm,” Logan muttered, “this is creepy. Usually when a suit is following a brother, someone’s getting knifed.”

  “I don’t know,” Skyler teased. “I think he’s like a little lost puppy following us home from school.”

  “That’s one serious puppy,” Hailey muttered just loud enough for them to hear. “Give me a few minutes to lose the hired goon then I’ll meet you in the basement.” As they approached the ladies’ restroom, Hailey stopped. “I need to visit the girl’s room,” she announced to the guys. “I’ll catch up with you.”

  Logan gave a half-hearted salute. Both me
n continued along the corridor. Hailey turned to Rafe and held up a warning finger.

  “You wait out here,” she announced firmly.

  He cocked his head to the side and gave her a stern glare. She hated to admit it, but she was almost enjoying messing with him. Hailey entered the elegant ladies’ restroom. It contained an outer sitting area with wicker and leather furniture and a long vanity with a wall-to-wall mirror for those who required extensive primping. There were baskets filled with amenities ranging from perfume to make-up and hairspray. She passed through the sitting area and entered the washroom area, which consisted of a long row of marble sinks and fancy little towels in a basket. Hailey was beginning to wonder if she’d ever reach the actual toilet area. She made a mental note to herself to have a peek inside the men’s restroom. She didn’t doubt they had a television and bar.

  Hailey finally entered the elegant toilet area with at least ten stalls encased in tile. The private doors went down to the floor, completely enclosing each individual toilet. She approached the stained glass window along the back wall. Thankfully, it could be opened with plenty of room for her to squeeze through. Beyond the ladies’ restroom window was an area restricted for maintenance, but it would only be a short walk to the back entrance of the spa, taking her close to one of the basement entrances.

  †

  Hailey, having made her great escape, hurried down the fire stairs to join the guys in the basement. It was almost fun eluding Rafe. She was certain he was going to be pissed, but being pissed was his usual state anyway. She finally reached the basement and looked around. She appeared to be by herself. Lucinda had been right; the basement was creepy.

  “Skyler? Logan?”

  There was no response. They wouldn’t have gone far. It hadn’t taken her that long to slip away from Rafe. Hailey approached the wine cellar just a couple feet away. She didn’t know why, but she felt she was being followed. She was about to turn when a hand grabbed her shoulder. Hailey screamed and turned to see Vance behind her. He chuckled softly, having startled her, and then turned serious.