by Ashley Woods
Kristen put her arms around him tighter and said softly,
“I love you too Anthony.”
Anthony kissed her, “You are mine forever."
13 PRELUDE
Over the following months, the romance between Kristen and Anthony continued at a strong, unrelenting pace. He was always full of surprises and would often fly Kristen off to quickie excursions to South America and the Caribbean.
They also traveled from the major European cities, to the quaint chateaus in the country. Anthony spoke French and German, almost as fluently as Italian. He knew his way around and had friends throughout the world.
Kristen had traveled to many of the same places before on her own, or with her parents, but she now enjoyed seeing the world through his eyes. She never had a chance to grow tired of him. He had so much to offer.
Kristen was never in doubt again that Anthony was very serious about her, when he showed her his family’s hometown in Sicily, and introduced her to several of his relatives. He started buying her jewelry and priceless artwork. Their tastes were similar, and he always delighted her.
She protested slightly, when he made her cut up her credit cards, and he opened new accounts for her, footing all the bills. He encouraged her to buy a classier wardrobe and set her up with the best designers. They attended all the major parties and charity functions, and Kristen was proud to be seen with him. He was well-liked by everyone.
One day, he surprised her with the news that they would be going to a major ball at Mar-a-Lago. It was considered to be one of the most popular events of the Season and was always attended by dignitaries from around the world. Kristen was excited for the next two weeks, awaiting the night.
Anthony paid an exorbitant amount to have her ball gown custom made by a top fashion house and rushed to her in time. It arrived the day before the gala, in the late afternoon.
Kristen spent the entire next day dressing for the party, and Anthony was absolutely stunned when she paraded herself in front of him.
“My God! You look like a Princess!” He proudly smiled at her as he took her arm and led her to the white limousine waiting outside.
Kristen loved everything about Mar-a-Lago. She was readily provided with a handsome military escort, as she strode down the red carpet into the ballroom. The gowns that were present at the event were breathtaking, and all were very unique. Nothing off the rack at this party. Everyone shimmered!
She danced with Anthony, smiling up at him with adoring eyes. He was truly her prince! He looked down at her and pulled her even closer. They were the perfect couple, and it seemed that they were put on earth for each other. Kristen could not imagine finding anyone else that she could be happy with, even Michael. They were for keeps!
Anthony introduced Kristen to the various royalty and Hollywood moguls that paraded past them. She was now on a first name basis with the wealthiest people in the world, and she loved this life.
She knew this was one of her mother’s favorite balls and wished that her parents could be there to meet Anthony. Kristen was sad when the magical night ended, but her fairy tale life continued on the enchanted island.
Kristen enjoyed all of Florida, especially Miami. The couple would drive there in his different sports cars to visit his yacht, and occasionally snorkel. They had a verbal agreement. She was only willing to get in the water if he stayed right next to her, so he would get eaten first by the sharks.
She also loved the discos of South Beach. Anthony was a silent partner at the latest hot spot and brought Kristen with him on one trip to check up on the staff.
It was well into the wee hours, when they arrived. He left her seated at a table accompanied by a large glass of flavored vodka, while he went to the back office.
Kristen watched the crowd dance, and was quite content that she had her man, and no longer needed to be part of the dating ritual. She looked at all the excitement going on around her and saw a figure approach her through the smoky haze.
As it drew closer, the familiar face of Gregory slowly materialized. He had been dancing, and sweat was soaking through the white satin shirt that clung to his abs.
He came up to her and gave her a kiss on the lips. A spark went through her body, and she sat straight up in her chair.
“Kristen! How nice to see you! What brings you way down to Miami?”
“Gregory! You look great. How have you been?”
Gregory sat down next to her, pulling his chair closer. Before she could stop him, he nuzzled her neck. Kristen closed her eyes and swooned, just a bit. She couldn’t help it.
She thought, “He is so alluring. I can’t stop this.”
She laughed above the music, “Gregory, you always have such a weird hold over me. Maybe they do worship the Devil at that club. That’s what my old landlord used to tell me.”
Gregory replied, “I told you beautiful, that I am not a member there, just a guest. No need for me to worship him, I am on his speed dial!” He thought he was being very funny, and he knew she couldn’t resist him.
“Kristen, I have been thinking of you quite a lot since I last saw you. Why did you disappear?”
Kristen stated, “You were the one that took off. Who was that woman anyway? Your wife? Was that her house that we went to?”
Gregory shrugged, “Of course not. I thought I told you, it belongs to someone else, but he is barely there.
Kristen suddenly thought, “Remember my friend Linda? The one you liked at the disco on Palm Beach? She disappeared that night and I thought that maybe she hooked up with you?”
Gregory then looked extremely uncomfortable.
Kristen continued, “It is so bizarre. She actually packed all her things and left in the middle of the night to go back to California. What did you say to her?”
Gregory acted as if he was in a daze, “I remember Linda, she had that beautiful black hair with that long ponytail that I love to pull.”
He then stood straight, “Are you sure that is where she went? She told me that night that she had a call from a sick relative and needed to ring her back. She said she was moving to Aspen to look for a better job. She prefers the snow.”
Kristen looked puzzled.
“How could she have told you all that? Aspen? When you walked up to her at the disco, you barely said anything, and she said about one sentence back to you. I think you are imagining it all Gregory.”
Kristen then sounded very accusatory, “How do you know she has black hair? She was wearing a blonde wig when you met her. A very short one.”
Gregory quickly replied, “You are right. I think I am fantasizing about someone else, from another time. No one that you would even know.”
Kristen retorted, “You know so many women Romeo, that you can’t even keep them straight.”
Gregory ignored her remark, “Does it really matter? We are together once again, fate is such a sweet thing. You are quite the temptress.” He moved in on her very vulnerable neck again, and Kristen pulled back.
Gregory looked puzzled, “Don’t you want me Kristen? Why the distance?"
Kristen gave him a little push, “Gregory, you need to go. I am here with someone.”
Gregory just ignored her and put his hand on her knee. Without a word, Kristen quickly stood up, straightened her dress, and rushed over toward Anthony’s office.
Anthony had already returned to the front of the hallway, near where Kristen had been sitting. He had his back turned, and did not see at first, who Kristen had next to her. She came up to him, and her boyfriend put his arm around her shoulder,
“Ah-ha, there you are. Come with me, I want you to meet one of my partners.”
As they walked, Kristen did not notice that Anthony slowly turned his head to the side and shot a stare straight at Gregory.
But Gregory did see Anthony. He took a drink from Kristen’s glass and sat there, legs spread apart, casting a defiant look right back at him. He then lit up a cigarette and blew a nonchalant smoke ring into the air.<
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Anthony cocked his chin up at Gregory, and then nodded at some of the staff members that were standing against the wall.
Gregory looked a bit closer, and it finally dawned on him who Kristen was with. He now looked worried what the bouncers would do to him, and immediately stumped out the cigarette. They began to approach him, so he quickly proceeded to leave the club. They followed quietly behind him.
Anthony spent another hour at a desk in the office, as he kept Kristen carefully planted in a corner. He did not offer her any more alcohol. She was very tired and kept nodding off. Anthony finally helped her from her chair, “OK, I am done here. We are going back north.”
Kristen looked disappointed, “North? You mean Palm Beach? I thought we were staying here in a hotel tonight? I don’t want to go back.”
Anthony had no apologies for her, “We are going now. I will have the car brought up.”
He never mentioned Gregory to her, and as far as Kristen knew, he never witnessed anything. But, Anthony saw it all, and he worried that Kristen had too many admirers. He knew the time was coming soon, when he needed to clearly mark his territory.
Earlier, after Anthony’s security team had escorted him from the building, Gregory roughly pushed the valet to the side, and grabbed the key for his Mercedes from the board.
As he entered the safe confines of his car, his cell phone began to ring. He looked at the overseas number that was calling and knew that he was in big trouble.
“Well, you have gone, and done it again Gregory. Once I learned that you actually invited Miss Kenworth months ago to the Guest House, in addition to all the others, I decided to not let on that I knew about it.
At that time, it was not even your fault, because I did not share with you that I had a vested interest in her. Now, I realize that was a mistake.”
Gregory tried to speak.
“DO NOT INTERRUPT ME!” The voice cleared his throat, and then continued in a calm manner.
“But, I do know that since then, that you were informed by Mr. Harris, of my involvement with her, and now I am VERY distressed that you have chosen to dishonor me by this new pursuit.”
Gregory protested, “Oh, come on Father. Nothing happened tonight, all I did was talk to her.”
Karl became angry again, “You for one, are very aware, that I know everything, and that my confidantes are everywhere. You were all over her tonight, and I am very upset with you. This cannot continue. Do you clearly understand me?”
Karl preferred that their family relationship be kept private from all outsiders. He had many enemies, and Gregory was safer that way. Also, Karl was less likely to be embarrassed by his first born’s mischevious ways.”
Gregory was now apologetic, “Yes, I understand Karl. Crystal clear. Do you want me to come back home to see you sir?”
Karl laughed, “I am not sure you would be able to withstand the heat son. I need to cool off for a bit.”
He became serious, “Stay away from Kristen, and we will discuss this in person when I return to the island. I am not sure when that will be.” He then abruptly hung up.
Gregory was completely flustered by Karl’s reaction.
He thought to himself, “Why can’t we just share her, like we have done with most other women? Why did he have to set his scope on Kristen first?”
Gregory wanted her badly, and he did not think he could give her up. He had gained respect for her and could see her being much more than the usual source of amusement, or just a casual girlfriend. With her, he could see a future.
He was hooked from the moment he first saw Kristen at Club Colette. And, he could not get that night with her out of his head. Gregory became so upset, that he decided he needed some major type of distraction. He turned off his phone, slammed his foot down on the accelerator, and headed south to Key West.
He was ready to raise hell …
14 TURN TO RED
Kristen continued to have a very good month. She loved being in Palm Beach, with all the culture and beauty that it offered. Her love grew even more for Anthony. In the short slice of time since she had met him, besides the few moments of doubt, he had been nothing, but perfect to her at all times.
She had a special date with him tonight since it was Valentine’s Day. He had just flown back from New York after an exceptionally long departure, and she could hardly wait to see him. He told her that he had an extra nice gift for her.
Kristen spent the day in Palm Beach Gardens looking for a dress. Most of the display windows were specially set up, and Red was everywhere! It was the only day she would ever think of wearing red; it just wasn’t a good color on her.
She finally found her Valentine outfit, and kept shopping for other accessories, including four new pairs of shoes. She had wanted to shop in Boca that day too, but evening was approaching, and there was no way she would make it back in time.
She traveled back to the island and decided to go over to one of the cafés on County Road to get some lemonade. She parked, and as she walked down the sidewalk, she began feeling like someone was behind her. She turned around a few times, but only saw small groups of tourists.
Kristen walked into the café, “I would like a seat on the patio please.”
A few minutes later, a waitress brought her drink in a tall icy glass. Kristen sipped at it and turned her head briefly to look at an impressive sports car stopped at the corner.
A man sat down quickly at her table and put a hand on her arm. Kristen turned back and was very startled. She knocked over her drink on the table, “Oh God! Oh no!”
Her worst moment was happening. Robert St. Germain was there! He picked up her glass and fumbled as he put the ice cubes back into it. He then put his cold hand on her leg,
“Bet you didn’t think you would see me again, did you Witch?” Kristen was scared. He looked extremely threatening, and this time, there was nowhere to run off to. He stayed right up in her face, keeping his voice low,
“You know I went to jail because of you! You thought I would never find out that you were behind everything?” He kept a tight grip on her arm.
Kristen looked around frantically, and saw they were they only ones in the patio section.
She insisted, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He painfully pushed down on her arm.
Kristen sharply said, “Keep your hands off of me! You screwed me over Robert. You owe me money. A lot of money! When are you paying me back?”
She stood up, “You know Robert, there are a lot of people looking for you across the country. Why do you think I did anything?”
Robert got even madder, “Don’t even try to get out of this. I know it was you. But I can’t figure how you set it all up? Either way, I am going to remove you from this planet! You have to go!”
Kristen was scared, but calmly said, “You are a paranoid psycho, and you know it.”
Robert suddenly changed his tone, “You know Kristen, I really need a beautiful woman like you to help me with a plan that I have had in the works since I got locked up. It’s going to take place right here in Palm Beach. I am in charge of it, and I am still working out all the kinks with my partners. All you need to do is pose as my girlfriend to help me keep my cover. It is happening soon, and I’ll be taking in millions. You would get a big chunk of it. Then, I can finally retire from all of this.”
Kristen scolded him, “You first want to kill me, now you want me to help you? Like I said Robert, you are completely crazy! You seem to fantasize that you are a legitimate businessman, and you know you have never been. I did not get you put in jail. Just keep my money and stay away from me. I just want to forget you.”
Luckily for Kristen, the waitress came back out and gave St. Germain a curious look.
Kristen asked, “Can I have my check please?”
The waitress walked off to get it, and Kristen followed close behind her, like she was her safety net. St. Germain just sat there fingering her glass and was deciding whether to go after her.
Kristen paid her bill with cash and walked quickly outside to where a cab stand was. She jumped into one and told the driver to take her to West Palm Beach.
She did not want St. Germain to see her car, and she wanted him to think she was leaving the island, so he couldn’t figure out that she lived there.
Kristen had the driver travel in different directions for the next half-hour, before she told him to go back over the bridge to where she was parked.
It was crazy that Robert thought she was responsible for him getting arrested. In fact, she knew exactly what happened back then. Kristen had recently heard from friends in Illinois, who frequented the Patio Bar, that Anne testified against him, and only received a brief probation for her participation in his schemes.
St. Germain also cut a deal with the Feds, and avoided a lengthy term in federal prison, by ratting out several executives across the country. Kristen couldn’t believe the stones on this guy. She heard that he was incarcerated for just a little over a year. She now wished that they had thrown away the key.
When Kristen arrived home, she managed to compose herself, and did the best that she could to quickly get dressed. It was almost time for her date with Anthony. Her hand was shaking, as she tried to put on her make-up. She debated whether to tell her boyfriend.
As both Kristen, and the sun, began to settle down, Anthony appeared. Kristen exclaimed, “Oh, Anthony I am so glad to see you! I feel so much better now.
Anthony handed her a bouquet of red roses.
“Here are some beautiful roses to make your Valentine’s Day extra wonderful.” He then held her in his arms for a long time, “You look beautiful tonight, and that red dress on you is very sexy.”
Kristen put the flowers in a vase by her front door. Anthony had his red Lamborghini with him for the occasion, and he drove her over to an intimate restaurant on the island.
Romance was in the air, and there were roses on all the tables. Kristen wondered which table would be for them. Instead, of waiting to be seated, Anthony led her out of the main dining room, and onto the terrace.