The Golden Collection

by Kam Carr

  I and Georgina looked at each other and she burst into a fit of laughter. I ran my finger over my lips. How was I going to answer this?

  “Um mm” I began. “It’s not something you would want to know!” I kissed Georgina's forehead and she smiled sweetly at me.

  Brett yawned and looked down at his watch. “My bed is calling me. Amber lets head back to the hotel.”

  “Okay” Amber exhaled. Before leaving her eyes turned to Georgina. “You will tell tomorrow during lunch when he isn't with you!”

  I was glad we didn't have to go that far to our room. The club we were at was in the hotel complex. I stood up and held my hand out for Georgina. As she rose I witnessed her wobbling all over the place. I scooped her up in my arms and carried her all the way to our suite.

  I placed her down at the door and she was leaning against the door frame. “Did you have a nice time?” I asked as I unlocked the door.

  “Yes” she replied as she fell through the door and stubbed over to the bed. She kicked her shoes off and lay down. “Did you?”

  I lay down next to her. I was tired. “Yes.” We turned to face each other. “I love you, Miss Dawson” I whispered planting a little kiss on her sweet nose.

  “I love you too.” With that we both fell fast asleep.

  ***

  Georgina

  My head was pounding.... Why did I agree to have lunch with Dee and Amber after a whole night of drinking? Amber and Dee were deep in conversation, while I sat with my head rested on the table. I had left Maxwell in bed, god he was lucky!

  “Are you going to tell us or what?” I looked up; both Amber and Dee were waiting for me to speak. “Come on, Georgina. I have been dying to hear how you met my brother!”

  I rolled my eyes. Not this again? Why did everyone seem so interested at the moment?

  Dee placed her head in her hands and her eyes went all dreamy. “Was it love at first sight?” She was a hopeless romantic at heart. Amber made a mocking face like she was going to be sick.

  “George! Tell me?” Dee begged. “I'm getting divorced and I'm six months pregnant. I need to know if there is any hope for me.”

  I reached out and grabbed my sister’s hand. Carl was a bastard! He gone off with another woman and had filed for divorce. He was denying the baby was even his. Dee was better off without him. Dad had already promised her somewhere to live. Even in spite of how my Father behaved sometimes, he did care about me and my sister. I sat back and widened my eyes. They were not going to let this drop. Maybe I could tell them after all it didn't matter now as me and Maxwell were going to get married.

  “You really want to know?” I teased. They both nodded and Amber clapped her hands in glee. I raised an eyebrow. “Amber, are you sure? After all this is your brother?”

  “Just fucking tell me” she spat.

  That afternoon I told Dee and Amber all about the first encounter with my Mr Golden Rule.

  Maxwell

  Me and Brett were sat poolside with beers. The best cure for a hang over. Georgina was lunching it up with the girlie’s. Oh, how I loved the high life! I didn't want to go home. Shame we only had a few days left.

  “I can't do it!” Brett said.

  I peeked over my sunglasses. “Do what?”

  “Break up with you sister.”

  “Why?”

  He sat up on his sun bed and I followed suit. “I don't know. One moment it’s like we have nothing in common. Then, I have to be with her all the time.”

  I took my sunglasses off and gave my best friend my full attention. “Maybe you love my sister and you’re just scared to admit it. As sicking as I see it” I shrugged. “Someone has too!!!”

  “Love?” He looked like someone had punch him in the chest and he was finding it hard to breathe. “How did you know you loved Georgina?”

  “You just know, Brett!”

  He began to shake his head. “I'm not sure if I could do the whole serious relationship thing again.” He let out an agonizing sigh. He must have been referring to the Ex-wife. He had never explained what had happened and frankly, it was none of my business.

  “I was in the same position as you when I met Georgina. Do you know how many times I had to convince myself I could live without her?” Brett shook his head. “Too many! Then one day everything just fell into place and I realized I couldn't be with anyone else.”

  Brett began to look around sarcastically. “Wow! Where's the real Maxwell Thomas gone?”

  I gave a laugh. “Still here, mate. Just a new improved version of myself. Georgina has changed my life.” I gave a concerned look. “We have a few days left. Just don't make any harsh judgements yet.” Brett nodded.

  I lay back on my sun lodger feeling a little impressed by myself.

  Had I just been a good friend?

  I thought so. Georgina had changed every aspect of my life and I actually liked myself now. Then the dreaded thought of Oxford hit me. Had any more sick packages been sent?

  I knew I would have to tell Georgina soon. She had already worked out the bodyguard. She was too clever and inquisitive for her own good.

  Maybe I should tell her before we head home?

  NO! Yelled the voice in my head.

  She would freak out and it would spoil the rest of our time in Spain. No, I couldn't risk fighting with her again. Once back in Oxford I would hire a private detective and find out exactly who this sick cunt was!

  CHAPTER 13

  Georgina

  The holiday was over too quickly. It had been blissful hanging out with Dee, Amber and Brett. I even enjoyed seeing my Father although Maxwell was now golden boy. My Father had insisted they played golf again. I think he had taken a little shine to my Mr Golden Rule. Finally, I was with someone he approved of. I felt very sorry for Dee. Here I was all happy and loved up. She was alone. At least she was excited about the baby.

  I snuggled up to Maxwell. “The holiday was wonderful” I sighed, sadness filled my voice. After the weekend it would all be back to normal. “I wish we didn't have to go home.” Maxwell was working on his laptop. The first time in a whole week. Maybe he finally learned to separate business Maxwell from fun Maxwell? I wondered if I had taught him that.

  I hoped I had taught him something in the last few months. He had changed and all in a good way. At the end of the day he had always been perfect to me, a little overbearing, demanding and controlling. That was all part of his charm.

  “We will be home soon” he replied looking down at his watch. We were heading home on his plane and this time with air-hostess on board.

  “Can't we just stay in Spain and never go back?” I cried.

  “Afraid not... We have to sign the paperwork for our new home on Monday.” I watched a childish smile appear on his face. “Our home? I feel such an adult” he laughed.

  “Could all passengers take your sits as we prepare to land” The pilot said over the intercom.

  I looked over at Maxwell and pouted sadly. “Bliss is over!” Maxwell closed up his laptop and sat back in his seat. He grabbed hold of my hand and placed it up to his lips.

  “We have the whole weekend to do whatever we please” he winked and planted a little kiss on my hand. “We haven't done the cuffing you to the bed yet!” He smirked and his eyes glazed over with pure heat.

  I felt the wheels hit the tarmac. We were back in Oxford! I felt the disappointment wash over me. It was back to work, Debbie and all the other shit that came along with mine and Maxwell's lives.

  Just the thought of moving away and starting a fresh felt lush. I could suggest it to Maxwell but he wouldn't leave his business. He thieved in his success, plus he did look might fine all those business suits, especially the navy one! Indiscreet thoughts ran through my mind.

  I stood up and grabbed my bag. It was all back to reality now. I made my way off the plane with Maxwell following behind. I had got to the last step when I felt someone grab hold of my wrist and pull it behind my back. It felt like they were breaking
my arm.

  I screamed out Maxwell's name. Something was placed over my nose and mouth. I couldn't breathe. I tried to move it away with my free hand but who ever it was had a tight grip.

  “Georgina,” Maxwell screamed.

  I heard what sounded like a gun shot! Maxwell? What the fuck was going on? Then everything went black..........

  I slowly opened my eyes and tried to gain focus but everything looked blurry. Where am I? Then I remembered what happened when I got off the plane. I sat bolt up.

  “Maxwell!” I screamed. I tried to move but my hands were tied to the bed base. I was stuck. I called out again but I was alone. I lay back down and my tears began to fall.

  Where was I? Where was Maxwell? Would l I ever see him again?

  I couldn't stop my tears. The thought that something terrible had happened to my Mr Golden Rule killed me. Would I live to see him again? I began to pray that he was safe. I couldn't lose him or face never seeing his wonderful face ever again. I missed him already.

  Who was doing this? What had I done to deserve this? Maybe this was just a nightmare and I would wake up soon, next to Maxwell. Please, let this be a nightmare!

  CHAPTER 14

  Blake

  Bang! Bang! Bang! Who was trying to kick my door through now?

  I opened the door and was shocked to see Maxwell stood there. Was he back to threaten me again? Then I noticed he was holding his arm. Shit! Was that blood?

  His face was pale and his eyes were red. Straight away I knew it was something to do with the plan.... Fuck! What had they done?

  “Amy here?” He hesitated. I gave a little nod and allowed him to enter. I was in shock by the sight of blood. Surely this had got out of control!

  “Amy!” I yelled. My hands were shaking, I had to try and remain normal until he left. Then I would be straight on the phone to try and find out what was going on. Amy quickly came running from the bedroom. She took one look at Maxwell and screamed.

  “What the fuck has happened?” She struggled to get Maxwell’s hand away from the wound. I had to look away. He had been shot! Fuck! This was all too much. I began to worry about Georgina. What had they done to her?

  “Fucking hell... You've been shot!” Amy screamed, she ran in to the kitchen and grabbed a towel. She ran back, wrapped it tightly around Maxwell's arms and tied it. Maxwell hissed in pain.

  “Where's George?” Amy asked.

  Maxwell looked up and I noticed a single tear roll down his cheek. “I don't know!” He cried. “Everything happened really quickly... We were just getting off the plane and someone just grabbed her. They dragged her off to a car, I tried to stop them but they shot me in the arm and I couldn't stop them!” He burst into tears and fell to his knees. “I tried, Amy... I really tried!”

  I watched as this man’s world fell to bits. Why wasn't I getting any amusement from this? Instead I was full of fright, worry and remorseful guilt. If anything had happened to Georgina it would be my entire fault. Any fool could see he loved Georgina and I knew I couldn't take her away from him. Why was I having a change of heart?

  He and Georgina destroyed my life, but yet I guess none of us could help who we fall in love with. Besides, I was now happy with Amy. I had to stop all of this and I had to stop it now.

  “Amy!” I began with hast. “You need to get Maxwell to the hospital straight away.” I grabbed my car keys and handed them over.

  Maxwell shook his head. “I am not going anywhere till we find the bastards who have my woman!” He slowly stood up. “I am going to fucking beat the shit out of who ever did this.”

  “Look Maxwell... Go to the hospital and I will call the police and help them find her.”

  Maxwell finally agreed and Amy escorted him out.

  I was finally alone and could breathe. I had to find them and stop it before it got worse. I had a funny idea where they could be... I just hoped I wasn't too late!

  ***

  Georgina

  I heard a door open and close. I sat up but the room was still black. I was still trying to find it hard to focus and my eyes stung from all the crying. I could tell someone was here with me, I could hear their heavy breathing.

  “Who ever you are... Let me go!” I screamed.

  I heard a cold laugh. “Miss Dawson” said a voice. The voice did sound familiar but I was in no right mind to place a face to it. I could feel their presence at the end of the bed. My heart was beating fast and my breathing was escalating.

  “What do you want?” I cried. “If its money then your out of luck. I don't have any!”

  The voice laughed again. “At least you’re honest! That's why you get engaged to rich men and live off them.” I felt someone perch on the end of the bed. “You see, Miss Dawson. Some people find it difficult to allow others to have what is theirs. I think you know deep down why your here... I wonder how many people hate you. Oh, you play the innocent but everyone knows how you love to inflict pain on people. That's why I need to teach Daddy's little princess a lesson.” They stood up quickly. “You need to learn not to touch what isn't yours!

  I felt the tears begin to fall again. I was scared and I just wanted to be with Maxwell. What was this person talking about? I hadn't done anything wrong. Who would want to do this to me? I heard the door slam shut.

  “No!!!” I screamed into the darkness.

  ***

  Blake

  “Mother!” I yelled entering her hotel suite. She was sat reading as if nothing was going on.

  “Blake” she smiled looking up. “What are you doing here?”

  How could she act so calm and casual?

  I was going out of my head. Every worse scenario raced through my mind. I had run all the way here. I wanted Georgina to be safe, but after seeing Maxwell with the gun shot wound... I knew these people were willing to do anything to get Debbie what she wanted.

  “Maxwell was shot!”

  “I know” she smiled with pleasure. She placed her magazine on the table. “We had to do something to stop him from coming after us.”

  Who was she trying to convince me or herself?

  “You could have killed him” I snapped. “This has to stop and it has to stop now.”

  My Mother slowly shook her head. I could tell she was enjoying herself. “I can't do that!” She spat. “Georgina doesn't deserve your pity, son. Remember what she did to you? What she did to us?”

  It all made sense now why she had jumped at the chance of helping me. I couldn't believe I had been stupid! This wasn't about a Mother helping out her son. This was a Mother embarrassed because her plan to get rid of Georgina a few months ago had back fired. I stormed over to her chair and slammed my hands down on the arms. I glared at her. Ours faces only itches apart.

  “Where is Georgina?” I screamed in her face. She moved back a little. I watched as fright filled her face. I didn't want to scare her but I had to do something drastic to keep Georgina safe. “I swear to god, Mother! If you don't tell me, I will.....”

  “Room 201” she quickly confessed and pulled the key out of her pocket. “I thought it was an appropriate room for her to stay in.” She slowly placed the key in my palm. “It was the room you were both meant to spend your wedding night.”

  I cringed and stood back up. I couldn't believe she was my Mother. She was cold and evil. From today I doubted I ever wanted to see her again.

  “It's for the best!” I said. “All of this is wrong and I couldn't live with myself if anything bad happened.” I left the room and went in search of Georgina.

  CHAPTER 15

  Maxwell

  “You’re going to have to go into surgery to remove the bullet, Mr Thomas” the doctor said. I stood up there was no way I could stay while Georgina was wherever with what ever psycho that did all this. To top it all they had a gun and were obviously not afraid to use it!

  “Mr Thomas, you can't leave the hospital” the Doctor barked. “If the bullet stays in there any longer it could get infected.” The Doct
or glared at me and I sat back down on the bed. I felt the tears build up in my eyes. Why didn't I listen to her? She said on the plane she didn't want to come back and I ignored her. I needed her back by my side, how could I carry on without her?

  “The Police will be here soon to talk you.” The Doctor wrote something down in my notes. “Please try and refrain from running away!” The Doctor left and Amy entered the room.

  “Any news?” I asked instantly. Amy shook her head. “What the fuck is Blake playing at? I knew I should have never trusted that shit head!”

  “He is not a shit head!” Amy tutted as she sat down next to me on the bed. “He will find her, Maxwell. Why would someone do this?”

  I diverted my eyes to the far corner of the room. “Look in my jacket pocket” I commanded. Amy pulled my jacket towards her and began to dig through the pocket. She pulled that sick picture out and her mouth opened wide.

  “Fuck!” She said with a disgusting tone. “Why would someone do something this sick? Does Georgina know?”

  I shook my head. The promise I made to Georgina in Spain filled my head. I had promised to tell her everything, no secrets! Maybe if I had told her she would have been better prepared for tonight’s event. I felt sick just wondering what they had done to her.

  “That's why I hired the body guard, waste of money that was!” I looked up at Amy. “I need her back” I cried.

  “I know” she said with concern. She began to rub my back in a friendly way. “She will be back, Maxwell. Georgina is strong.”

  I closed my eyes and wished hard... The only wish I had ever made in my life.

  ***

  Blake

  “Georgina,” I called out switching the light. I looked over to the bed and there she was both hand was tied to the bed base. Why were they treating her like an animal? It was disgusting. She looked scared and alone. A wave of guilt flushed through me, this was my entire fault.