Billionaire Devils Club-Palm Beach

by Ashley Woods

  Down the street, she noticed a woman trimming her bushes. Kristen walked up behind her. Startled, the woman turned around and held her trimmer like a weapon. She then saw it was only Kristen and placed it on the ground.

  “My dear, are you alright? Do you need help?” She looked suspiciously toward Karl’s manor.

  “I am fine. Do you know if there are telephone signals out here?”

  The woman looked at her phone, “I am sorry. I don’t own one of those gadgets. My phone in the kitchen works. Do you need to use it? Are you in trouble?”

  Kristen wondered why she kept asking her that. The woman said, “Why are you here? Don’t you know you are in danger?”

  Kristen looked alarmed, “What do you mean?”

  The neighbor became very nervous, “I have seen a few women go into that house, but I never see them leave. He throws those parties all the time for his men friends…”

  The women's eyes widened, and she stopped speaking. Kristen turned around and saw that Karl had walked up.

  “Good afternoon Millicent. How have you been doing?” She just ignored him, picked up her trimmer, and went back to her bushes. Karl took Kristen’s arm, and began walking her back to the house.

  “I thought we would take a drive back into London for a nice dinner. Would you like that?”

  Kristen looked toward Millicent, and then back at Karl.

  “Yes, I would enjoy that. Do you know why my cell won’t work here?”

  “I don’t know Kristen. Mine works just fine. Maybe you need a British carrier?”

  Kristen shook her head, “This phone has worked on my trips all over the world. It doesn’t make sense.”

  Karl looked at her sternly, “Who are you trying to reach that is so important?” Kristen would not answer him.

  They walked back into his living room and each sat in a velvet throne chair. Karl started the conversation.

  “So, did you have a nice chat with Millicent?”

  “I didn’t have much of a chance because you showed up. Is she afraid of you?”

  Karl chuckled, “She is afraid of most humans, she doesn’t get out much. Just holes herself up with a bunch of cats.”

  “Well, I don’t think she cares too much for you. She told me that girls disappear whenever they come over here. I am curious. Where do they go?” She laughed nervously.

  Karl lowered his eyes, and said point blank,

  “Why, into the sea, of course.”

  Kristen looked hard at him, and then chuckled,

  “Oh, come on Karl, quit being so silly.”

  She now knew that she had been worried for no reason.

  “So, where are we going to eat?”

  Karl seemed to be absorbed in thought, “Let’s just start driving, and then I will pick one. I usually don’t need reservations, and you will need to dress up. Let me know when you are ready and I will bring the car around. I gave both my driver and the butler time off for the rest of the week so I can be alone with you.

  He started to his den, but then turned back,

  “You might want to know that my chauffeur called me earlier. Your little travel billfold that has your passport, credit cards, and other identification is in the other car, and he has it with him.”

  Kristen instantly went to her purse and looked through it.

  “How did that get left in the car? It should have been in my purse?”

  Karl walked to her and held her in his arms, “Perhaps, it fell out on the floor. Always trust me Kristen. I only have the best of intentions. I can give you any money that you need.”

  Kristen looked worried, “Thank you Karl.”

  As Kristen dressed, she heard Karl honk the horn. She tried her cell phone again. This time she just wanted to call Suzie in Chicago. It started ringing, and then went to her voicemail. Kristen was surprised it was working and pushed the number again for Anthony. It was just dead air.

  She said, “What is going on here?”

  She tapped the phone on the dresser and dialed. It still remained silent.” She sighed and went to join Karl.

  They had a lovely meal near Trafalgar Square, and afterwards, Karl took her on a long walk to see London’s lights. As they walked over the Westminster Bridge, Karl sat her up on the railing and began kissing her.

  “Kristen, I want to be with you tonight. I need you to know that you are my “Intended”. I need to take possession.”

  Possession? Those words bothered her. She was afraid to show him any negative reaction and thought even more about contacting Anthony. She just managed a small smile back at him and did not reply.

  As they drove back to his estate, Karl kept watching his side mirror. Kristen saw this and glanced out at hers. She noticed that a car appeared to be following them.

  Karl put on the brakes and pulled his car to the side. The other car slowed to a stop as if it were hesitating, and then accelerated, to pass them up. The windows were tinted and they could not see the driver.

  When they arrived at his mansion, Karl went into his den and locked the door. He stayed in there until late, and there was no attempt to take any “possession” of Kristen. She was relieved and wondered what had changed his plans.

  Kristen kept thinking how differently everything was going. She realized now it was a big mistake to leave Anthony and she hoped he could forgive her. She hated not having contact with him. It was pretty obvious that Karl did something to her phone so she couldn’t call him.

  She tried a few other numbers, and now her phone didn’t work at all, “Something was very wrong with all of this!”

  She faintly heard the front door open. She walked to the window and saw Karl getting into his car. This was her chance, she had to call Anthony!

  She walked outside in her bathrobe and carefully made her way through the tall hedges, and onto Millicent’s property.

  She looked up while knocking on the door but didn’t see lights on at the upper level. She figured Millicent was either ignoring her or was asleep.

  Kristen was desperate, so she walked toward the back and saw that the kitchen light was on. She slid her hands under a few of the windows to see if they were open. They wouldn’t budge. She then went to the back door. She was ready to break a small glass pane above it but decided to first search for a key. She lifted up a small stone frog on the stoop, and of course, there it was!

  Kristen quietly entered and rushed to the phone that was on the kitchen counter. She hurriedly dialed Anthony.

  “Please Anthony, pick it up! Please Anthony!” She only got his voicemail. She left him a frantic message. She kept calling him back and provided more details as she thought of them. She hoped that he would find her.

  As she was leaving, she considered leaving Millicent a note and knew she would understand. Then, she realized she had to get back, and decided she would just mail her a check for the overseas calls when she was safely back in Palm Beach.

  It was after midnight, and the rain-soaked cement resonated, as two stiletto heels made their way down the dead-end street in West Soho. They came to a pause at the curb, as a high-end black sedan pulled up under the dim streetlight.

  A weathered female face leaned into the car window, as it opened halfway.

  “So, love, you want me to take care of you?”

  A male voice replied, “Get in.”

  She gave the driver a hard look, but his face was in the shadows.

  He impatiently asked, “ Are you the only one here?”

  She laughed, “No other girls would come out on a night like this. I’ve got the street to myself.”

  He said quietly, “Then let’s have a go at it.”

  He reached over to push the door open, and the woman climbed in. She slid over the seat to get close to him.

  “Not here!” he snapped, and the car drove off.

  Luckily, Karl’s car was still gone when Kristen returned to the house. She went to bed, but had great trouble sleeping. Around 3 AM, she decided to fix herself a small s
nack.

  She saw that Karl’s car was back, and figured he was asleep. She sat at the kitchen table, thumbed through a newspaper for a while, and then put her dishes in the sink.

  As she walked out, she couldn’t help noticing the strong aroma of cheap perfume. She looked at the basement door and was surprised to see a large key in the lock.

  She heard rapid footsteps coming from the yard. The back door flew open, and Karl rushed into the kitchen, apparently out of breath. His clothes and hair were disheveled.

  Kristen exclaimed, “Well, what’s up with you? You look like a mess?”

  Karl was surprised to see her. He looked frustrated as he started to explain, “I heard some animals on the roof earlier, and I was just in the shed looking for something to throw at them.”

  “Did you succeed?”

  Karl half-smiled, “Yes, they were a bit unruly at first, but I took care of them. They are gone for now. Guess I’ll call an exterminator in the morning.”

  He walked up closer to Kristen. He smelled like sweat and his face had scratches on it.

  She stood back, “You stink Karl! You need a bath. I am going back to bed. She paused, “Karl, I thought things would be going better by now. I know I just got here, but I am already getting homesick for the beach and the sun. You understand? Don’t you?”

  Karl tried to hold her hand, “I know I have been sending you mixed messages Kristen, but I didn’t want to rush you. After all, you were just engaged, and it wouldn’t be proper to start up relations with you now.”

  Then he moved closer to her, “But I am more than willing to go forward with this if you give me a second chance and start showing some actual affection toward me again.”

  She hesitated, “I don’t know Karl, I am very confused about my feelings that I still have for Anthony.”

  Karl seemed upset, “Fiore is not for you. Can’t you understand that yet? I know that if we have a nice time tomorrow, that I can change your mind. I know a beautiful spa in Switzerland we can fly to for a few days.”

  “Don’t I need my passport for that?”

  “Don’t worry Kristen, I will take care of everything. Perhaps, my driver can bring it back in time.”

  Kristen had a feeling that Karl was not willing to let her go home. She might have to escape from him, and this trip would be the perfect opportunity. She hoped that Anthony would be able to find her before all that happened.

  She looked at him, and with a planted smile still on her face, she started planning her exit. She figured she could ditch him once they arrived at the airport.

  Karl’s voice brought her back from her thoughts.

  “Well, Kristen. Are you going to answer me? Don’t you think a trip to the Alps would be nice?”

  “Yes Karl, that would be very nice.”

  To change the subject, Kristen sniffed at the air.

  “Seriously Karl, what kind of cologne were you wearing earlier? It really smells in here.”

  Karl suspiciously looked toward the iron door, and then back at her.

  “If you are going to insult me Kristen, I am going to bed. Good night.” He went to the sink to wash off his hands and went upstairs.

  Kristen waited for a bit. She looked toward the iron door and put her hand on the key. It was hard to turn, and when it clicked, she had to pry the heavy door open with her fingers.

  There was a light switch on the wall. She turned it on and looked down the long staircase. The flowery scent was even stronger now. She took an uneasy step down and felt very scared. Then she heard Karl from above.

  “Kristen. Are you coming up yet? Do you need something?”

  Startled, her foot slipped on the stair, “I’ll be there in a second Karl. I don’t need anything.”

  She stepped back up and leaned on the door to quietly close it. It was even more difficult, to turn the key back to its position.

  She hurried up the staircase and scuttled into her room. Once she closed the door, she breathed a sigh of relief and locked it. She began to put her final plans in place.

  The next morning, Kristen found it hard to get out of bed. She felt very faint, like energy was being drawn from her. She barely managed to stand up and walked to the bathroom.

  She looked in the mirror and gasped. Her eyes had dark circles and sallow bags under them. She looked as if she had aged several years. She returned to bed and weakly called for Karl. He did not answer.

  Kristen went back to sleep for several hours. She had horrifying nightmares where she was continuously being chased by men in dark robes. She tried hard to get away and could not awake to escape them.

  It wasn’t until late afternoon that she felt strong enough to get up again. She slowly walked downstairs, and Karl was still absent. She made a large pot of strong coffee and sat down at the television. She flipped the channels back and forth between talk shows, and then turned it off to get dressed.

  As the screen faded to black, the dark silhouette of a large man appeared, from his shoulders up. She clicked on the remote again, but it stayed displayed on the screen. She started to get scared and rushed over to the wall and pulled out the cord.

  She cried, “This place is getting too spooky for me. I have got to get out of here!” She was definitely going to ditch Karl tomorrow while they were at the airport.

  She ran upstairs to her closet and noticed her suitcases were no longer there. Karl must have moved them. It was obvious to her now, that she was only going to be able to pack a few things for the Switzerland trip, or he would know that she was planning on leaving him.

  She didn’t want to call to ask where her luggage was, in case he should he try to ask her any questions. She just wanted to keep her distance from him, or she was afraid he would catch on. He had an eerie way of knowing most everything that was going on in her mind.

  She walked down the hallway. There were so many rooms to choose from, and she hoped that her luggage was not being kept in the ones that were locked. She was now feeling gutsy and much more alert, as she walked into Karl’s room. She was pretty sure they were not in there, but was curious, nonetheless. He had an area adjoining the bedroom that contained his closets.

  Kristen opened the first door. It was filled with all his dark imported suits.

  “Boy, he has as many outfits as I do! What a Fashion Ho!”

  She then looked over to a line of cabinets that were much larger, and probably used for storage. She slowly opened one of them. The door stuck a little bit, but she pushed it with her foot.

  She saw a set of boxes. At the end of the closet, a sole black veil was draped on a hangar. Kristen’s heart took a leap. It was just like the veils she saw on those people who were hanging from the metal crosses at the party back in Chicago!

  She now thought about the three men who had watched her that day. She wondered if they were British, and if they were Karl’s friends from here. Maybe they went to the parties that Millicent was talking about.

  All she knew, was that she had very ominous feelings about remaining even a minute more in this house. She quickly closed the closet and rushed back to her room.

  She scribbled Karl a note and explained that she went for a long jog. And, even though it was useless to her, she grabbed her cell phone, and threw her purse over her shoulder.

  As she trotted down the driveway, she saw a car pull in. Her heart skipped a beat. Then it backed out and went the other direction.

  Karl returned a few minutes later and read her note. With Kristen out of the house, he settled down in his den and looked over contracts that his secretary had a messenger deliver to him. He was about to finish signing them when there was a knock at the door. He placed his pen on the desk and looked out the window. He could see the front grill of a limousine.

  As he opened the door, Anthony Fiore stood before him. His bodyguard driver was leaning on the car, keeping a careful watch over him.

  Karl looked amused, “Mr. Fiore, what brings you to jolly Old England? How nice of you to visit me
.”

  Anthony did not smile back at him. He demanded,

  “Where is Kristen? She left me several messages. I want to know what you have done with her!”

  Karl stepped back, “Excuse me for just one minute more Mr. Fiore.” He closed the door halfway and walked back into his den. He opened the desk drawer and fished around for his gun. Anthony pushed the door open and went in the house.

  Karl was just turning back from the desk, when Anthony pinned him up against it. He swiftly took the gun out of Karl’s hand, and put it on a table.

  Anthony pulled Karl close to his face,

  “Who do you think you are dealing with? Where is Kristen?” Anthony started calling loudly, “Kristen! Kristen!”

  He then pushed Karl down into his swivel chair.

  “You are such a loser! Just another Marquis de Sade wannabee.”

  Karl snickered, “Well, then you know that Kristen has been my favorite pet for quite some time.” He began to straighten his tie and remained very calm.

  “Miss Kenworth is not here. She is in London with her friends, and I have no reason to tell you anything different. She has indicated to me that she has no desire to ever see you again. She will be taking up permanent residence here. In fact, I am planning to ask her to marry me.”

  Anthony pulled him out of his chair, “Kristen loves me! And, until she tells me in person that she doesn’t, I am going to look for her. If you have touched one hair on her for any reason, I will kill you!”

  Karl clucked, “Oh, such harsh words coming from such a big man. He then gazed at Anthony’s tanned body and gave him a wink.

  “You know that I do not fear you Mr. Fiore, quite the opposite. But, for your own protection, I am going to call the bobbies on you right now.”

  He reached over for his desk phone. Anthony took his fist and smashed it. He then held Karl up, as his driver punched him hard in the stomach a few times.

  Tony was back, and perhaps, he never left.

  Karl began laughing, and Anthony gestured to his aide to stop, “Alright, that’s enough. It looks like this freak is starting to enjoy it too much.”