by Joan Rylen
Vivian sat down on his ottoman. “Oh my god, Stefan, I’m so sorry you got caught up in this. Are you okay?”
Stefan lowered the ice pack and squeezed Vivian’s shoulder. “I’ll be okay. I’m just glad to see that you are, too.”
“What happened?” Kate asked, gently. “Where did Craig come from?”
“I don’t know,” Vivian said. “All I know is that he pretended to be Stefan. I was about to tear into him for getting too handsy, then I turned over and saw it was Craig.”
“I would never get too handsy,” Stefan said. “I was about to knock on the door to the treatment room when I was ambushed. Craig, you called him, grabbed me and forced me into the electrical closet on the connecting hallway. He covered my mouth in duct tape and hit me in the face a few times until I passed out.”
“Oh, Stefan, how horrible!” Lucy had sat down next to him and now leaned over, hanging on all the details.
Wendy came into the room rubbing cream on her face and sat in the other chair next to Stefan. They got her caught up on the events, and she said, “Stefan, how did you manage to get help?”
“Thankfully he didn’t knock me into next week, but I’m not sure how long I was out. It was hard to move, but I knew I had to get help, so I crawled out of the closet and managed to stumble to the spa’s front desk.”
Vivian’s hands shook as reality set it. Tears spilled from the corner of her eyes. She sniffled and Lucy handed her a tissue. It wasn’t until Kate hugged her that she started to really lose it.
“I can’t believe that just happened. He wanted me to run away with him! To leave my kids!”
“Oh, Viv,” Kate said, giving her a squeeze. “He’s obviously crazy if he thought you’d do that.”
“Yeah, you’d never leave them. Ever,” Lucy said and grabbed more tissues out of the box beside her.
Stefan patted Vivian’s back. “They’ll catch him.”
“Thank goodness Wade busted in when he did,” Wendy said.
“Yeah, Viv. God knows what he could have done to you in there,” Lucy said.
Two medics arrived, each carrying portable medical kits. “We had a call that someone needed medical attention,” the first one said.
“Over there.” Wendy pointed to the aesthetician.
The security officer came through the door. “Is everyone okay?”
They all nodded, and he walked over to the medics. After a few moments he turned to Vivian. “Are you hurt?”
“No, I’m okay. Did y’all catch Craig?”
The security officer looked down, then said, “As of right now the suspect is still at large. However, the Avon police have arrived and are searching the hotel and the grounds. I expect Agent Nelson will be back soon and will want to talk to you.”
“At large?” Vivian asked.
28
WENDY smacked her hand on the end table beside her. “Dammit, that is so not good.”
Vivian threw her tissue into the trash. “I can’t believe Craig got away.”
The security officer glanced at Vivian, still wrapped in a sheet. “Perhaps you would be more comfortable if you met with Agent Nelson upstairs?”
Vivian glanced down. “Yeah, I’ll go get dressed.”
“I’ll be waiting at the spa check-in to escort you.”
With that, the girls said goodbye to Stefan and made their way to the locker room, changed and then met the security officer. He shuffled them into the elevator and led them to a private boardroom on the main floor. He disappeared when Nelson walked in a few moments later.
Nelson had a scrape on his cheek and a fat lip. He motioned for them to sit down. “Craig got away.”
“What happened?” Vivian asked.
“He had a motorcycle hidden in the trees, just on the other side of the road. He was able to evade the Avon police. We don’t know his whereabouts.”
“Damn.” Wendy summed up the situation.
“So what do we do now?” Vivian asked. “We thought changing hotels would keep him from finding me, but clearly that didn’t work.”
“I suggest you pack your bags and head back to Denver International. Catch the next flight home.”
“What makes you think he won’t come after me there?”
“Yeah, and what about the kids?” Kate asked. “She can’t risk putting them in danger.”
Nelson didn’t answer right away.
“I will not put my children at risk.”
“Stay here in the hotel for the rest of your vacation. The staff and security officers are all aware of the situation.”
“Would you give your sister the same advice?” Wendy asked.
Nelson considered the question for a moment before answering. “I can stay another night.”
Vivian looked at Nelson. “I’m not going home with Craig out there and risk anything happening to my kids.”
“Understood. I have to consult with Agent Cervantes, but the first thing right now is to keep you safe. Since I’m staying, and with your permission, I will arrange for us to have adjoining rooms. You girls need to stick together, and I need to know where you are at all times.” He glanced at Wendy, then quickly away.
“Permission granted,” Vivian said.
“How did Craig know where we were?” Kate asked.
“I’m going to figure that out. I will need access to all of your belongings.” He stood. “I’ll be right back.” He went just outside the door, leaving it cracked behind him.
“It’s Mexico all over again, but with our consent this time.” Lucy shivered with the heebie-jeebies.
“I don’t think he’s got cooties,” Wendy said quietly, winking at Lucy. “But if it makes you feel better, we’ll get you some Lysol.”
Trey walked up and conferred with Nelson for a moment, but Vivian couldn’t hear what was said. Nelson took a call, and the girls sat silently until he opened the door for Trey a few minutes later. He handed everyone a new room key. “Ladies, you are now in the two-bedroom Presidential Suite, with an adjoining room for Agent Nelson. We’ve arranged for your belongings to be moved once you’ve packed. We’re horrified at what occurred and want to do everything in our power to ensure the remainder of your stay is pleasant. We’re taking care of the room upgrade, and obviously there’s no charge for today’s spa services. Plus, we’ve arranged for you to have lunch at the Timberline, if you’d like.”
“Thank you so much,” Vivian said, standing up. “I appreciate y’all looking out for us, and the generosity.”
“It’s our pleasure and the least we can do after what happened.”
Nelson approached with an Avon police officer. “Vivian, this officer is here to take your statement and help you file a restraining order.”
The officer stuck out his hand. “I’m Lieutenant Martin.” He led her to the far end of the table, away from the girls. In addition to some documents, he pulled out a small notepad and pen. “Tell me what happened.”
Vivian described the events from the moment her masseur picked her up in the ladies lounge to sitting in the boardroom.
The lieutenant tapped his pen on the table. “Do you have any idea how Craig could have known you were here?”
“No, we changed our hotel reservation at the last minute. We were supposed to be in a hotel in Vail.”
“I want to be clear. You jumped off the table, he held you against your will, grabbed your arms and slammed you against the wall?”
“Pretty much, yeah.”
“We’ll be filing assault and battery charges against him. Would you like to file a restraining order?”
“Yes. Absolutely.”
He pushed the paperwork to her. “Fill this out and sign at the bottom.”
She did.
Martin handed her a business card, his cell number written on the back, then took statements from Lucy, Wendy and Kate. He spoke to Nelson briefly, they shook hands and he walked out of the boardroom.
“Are we done?” Lucy asked. “I’ve had about all the cops and robbers I can
handle.”
“Yes, for now. I need to follow up with Agent Cervantes on some things and we need to get your luggage packed so it can be moved. I’ll go through your belongings carefully in the new accommodations.”
“I need a beer,” Vivian said. “Or five.”
“Let’s go to the Timberline,” Wendy suggested.
Kate linked arms with Vivian. “Let’s go getcha five. We’re not going anywhere today.”
They left the boardroom and followed Nelson to their room, where they threw their clothes into suitcases and repacked the bar. Two bellmen arrived and loaded up two carts. “We’ll ensure these arrive at your new room.”
Wendy handed them a tip. “Thanks.”
“It’s our pleasure.”
Nelson went with the bellmen to the new room. The girls headed to the Timberline and took a table by the window.
A waiter delivered menus and asked if they knew what they’d like to drink.
“Dos Equis, extra lime for me,” Vivian said without hesitation.
Lucy said she wanted to celebrate being alive and ordered a split of champagne. Kate and Wendy both ordered a glass of cabernet.
Vivian glanced over the menu and stopped at the list of fancy margaritas. The waiter delivered their drinks and she pointed out, “Did you know y’all forgot the decimal here?”
He didn’t even look down. “No, ma’am, there’s no mistake. That’s a $500 margarita.”
“Holy guacamole!” Lucy yelled.
Vivian fanned herself with the menu and asked, “Does that come with a little sumthin’ sumthin’ extra? Like an orgasm?”
“What the hell do they put in that thing?” Wendy asked.
“Only the best ingredients, including Barrique de Ponciano Porfidio tequila.”
“Bet y’all don’t sell too many of those, do you?” Kate asked.
“You’d be surprised.” The waiter smiled and tucked the serving tray under his arm. “We also have a $1,000 margarita.”
“Heyzoos Kristo, does that come with two?” Vivian snickered.
“Let’s order a round and see if Trey will cover it!” Wendy said and clapped.
“That’s typically not a complimentary cocktail,” the waiter informed them.
Vivian squeezed lime into her beer. “After the day I’ve had, I think I deserve it and all its pleasures.”
29
THE girls finished their delicious, free (yay!), and for Vivian, mostly liquid lunch in the Timberline, then headed upstairs to check out the accommodations in the Presidential Suite.
Vivian stepped into the foyer, mouth agape, and started giggling. “My gosh, I’m downright giddy!”
“Like a picture out of a magazine,” Kate said. “It’s perfect.”
“It’s a helluva lot better than our regular-ass room,” Lucy laughed. “Not that it was bad, but come on!”
The girls entered the living room, marveling at their surroundings. Lucy called them into the kitchen, where she was opening the drawers and cabinets.
“They have all the top-of-the-line gadgets,” she said and pushed buttons on a Vitamix blender. “Wolfgang Puck would approve.”
Nelson got up from the dining table and pointed to their purses. “May I?”
The girls said yes.
He began rifling through their purses. “Those are your rooms,” he said, pointing to the bedrooms to the right of the kitchen, “and that door,” indicating a door on the far side of the living room, “goes to my hotel room and needs to stay unlocked at all times. I can’t help you if I can’t get in here.”
“Got it,” Vivian said.
The balcony ran the length of the suite, and the views from the top floor were even more majestic than on the eighth. “I will so be having breakfast out here,” Kate said, draping herself against the railing. “Crepes. Not Vivian’s powdered donut death of a baked good.”
“You know you like them,” Vivian said.
Lucy yelled from the master bath, “Come check this out!”
Vivian hustled in to see what the fuss was about and found Lucy spread eagle in the ginormous jetted tub. Her hands and feet didn’t even touch the side.
Vivian jumped in as Lucy scooted over. “I bet we could fit 10 people in here, maybe more.” She looked up to see Agent Nelson’s face in the doorway, turning red. “Maybe we’ll try that later.”
“This makes me wanna go get in one of the real hot tubs,” Kate said.
“Yeah, I don’t want to be cooped up in the room,” Vivian said.
“Let’s swimsuit up,” Lucy said, hopping out of the tub. “Wait a second, we’re supposed to be at the bike rental place in two hours.”
Nelson shook his head. “You’d better cancel.”
“Why?” Wendy asked.
Nelson cut his eyes to her. “You’re safer here on the property.”
“Could some of your guys pose as other bikers or skateboarders or something?” Kate asked.
Nelson shook his head. “We couldn’t cover Vivian completely, or the rest of you. It’s best to cancel the bike ride.”
“You’re probably right.” Lucy looked disappointed. “No sunset soirée for us, I’m afraid.”
Aw, she went all out making plans for today. Vivian flashed with anger. Stupid-ass Craig.
They unpacked again, set up their new, improved and larger bar, got changed, including their Ridge slippers and giant, plush robes.
Lucy looked at Vivian as they stepped into the living room. “You going to wear that necklace? I thought you were worried it would turn green on ya? The hot tub’ll do it.”
Vivian unclasped it and set it down on the kitchen counter. “Thanks for reminding me.”
Kate set her watch on the counter, too and told Nelson they were ready to roll.
“I’ve got to make a few calls,” he said. “I’ll keep an eye out from up here. The Avon police are on the grounds.”
“Okey doke,” Vivian said, grabbing her room key, then said to the girls, “Grab your trashy, truck-stop hats.”
Lucy put on her hat. “Check.”
Wendy pulled two bottles of wine off the bar, an opener and four cups. “I’ve got all we need right here!”
They chose one of the hot tubs tucked in an aspen grove, in clear view of the four Avon police officers standing guard on the patio. The girls threw their robes on a lounger but kept on their hats. Kate turned on the timer and bubble spewed out of the jets.
“What happened to your leg?” Lucy asked Wendy.
Wendy looked down at the baseball-sized bruise on her thigh. “Kate kicked the crap out of me in her sleep last night. I screamed, but you lushes didn’t even stir.”
“I’m really, really sorry,” Kate said as she stepped into the hot tub. “I was karate chopping a bear.”
“Is Shaun battered and bruised?” Lucy asked.
She shook her head. “No. Usually my dreams don’t involve martial arts, but a bear was attacking me. I had to defend myself.”
“Well, you’ve got one hell of a karate chop!” Wendy rubbed her leg gingerly.
“I had a lesson from my cousin, Thai, before the bear charged me.”
“At least it was your cousin and not one of your dead relatives,” Vivian said.
Kate looked down at the water. “Oh no, he’s dead.”
“What?” Wendy asked.
“He was killed by a drunk driver seven years ago.”
“Oh my god, I’m sorry,” Vivian said. “I assumed because he was your cousin he’d be young…and alive. Sorry.”
“It’s okay, you didn’t know. He visits me in my dreams.” Kate reached for a cup of wine that Lucy had poured. “I always feel empowered after he visits, like I’m ready to take on the world.”
“To Thai and feeling empowered,” Lucy said, holding up her cup.
The girls cheersed, and the two closest Avon officers stepped a little closer, evidently curious about the noise.
Vivian put down her wine and floated in the bubbles. She poked he
r toes out of the water, checking on her pedicure and thinking about what Kate had said. “You know, this conversation has done a little something to empower me.” She put her feet down and stood up. “I’m thinkin’ we need to get our asses on those bikes and do what we came here to do. We will not be prisoners in our hotel, fabulous though it is. We are on vacation! To hell with Craig, and if we can catch him, all the better.”
“Now that’s what I’m talking about!” Lucy slammed her cup down, spilling wine onto the ledge of the hot tub. “I forgot to cancel that reservation anyway, so they’re still expecting us.”
“Let’s go tell Wade,” Wendy said. “He’s not gonna be happy.”
“After the lesson I had last night, I can take Craig down in one chop!” Kate chopped the water. “Let’s go!”
“I can vouch for that!” Wendy splashed Kate with her own karate chop.
They sang “Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting” and had a slow-motion kung fu fight among the aspens.
Vivian’s cup soon filled with more water than wine and she tossed it out. “I’m boiling. I’m gotta go cool down.” She dried off, wrapped her robe around her and went just outside the fence surrounding the two hot tubs. She took off her slippers and stood barefoot in the snow. “Aye yai yai, that’s cold!”
One of the police officers spoke into his walkie-talkie, and two of the other guys moved up the mountain a bit on either side.
Lucy joined her, not even bothering to put on slippers. She scooped up a handful of grassy snow, packed it and beaned Vivian. “Of course it’s cold, it’s snow!”
Vivian dug up a handful of the slushy, muddy stuff and chunked it at Lucy, smacking her right in the boob.
“Dammit, the ta-tas are off limits!”
“Sorry!” Vivian said, throwing another snowball at her. “My aim sucks.” She got Lucy in the other one.
“Oh, it’s on now!”
Kate and Wendy couldn’t resist, not bothering with robes or their slippers, and the four lobbed grassy, globby snowballs at each other, everyone getting properly covered in cold muck. They then took pictures lying in the snow and a shot of their Ridge-slippered feet in a snow circle.
Agent Nelson cleared his throat. He held Vivian’s phone.