“You know Riv and I are just friends. It’s not like I’m gonna be calling him all the time, Gina. I just need to tell him something super life-and-death important. I know my dad’s at the theater with everyone, but no way do I want to go through him. He left for work stressed to the max. So can you puh-leeze give me Riv’s number?”
Gina crossed her eyes and stuck out her tongue. “Sorry; like I said, that’s uncool. I totally respect my guy’s privacy. You know?”
Avalon’s voice grew louder. “He won’t be upset. He’d want you to give it to me. I’m positive. I just never had any reason to ask him for it. I should have. I just didn’t do it because I was so afraid you’d take it the wrong way.”
Gina made a mock innocent face. “Me take it the wrong way? Why would I be upset if a girl who glommed onto my boyfriend from day one, and who is diggin’ him more than she’s willing to admit, wants his number?”
Bianca put up her palm to advise Gina to slow down, but Gina waved her off.
“I don’t like River that way. You don’t even know me. Okay, well, if you hate me so much that you won’t help me, I’ll have to get Erik to drive me to the theater so I can give him the message in person.”
Gina looked panicked but quickly recovered. “Hey, Avalon, I’m really sorry. You’re a really sweet girl, and, honestly, I know you and Riv are just friends. Please excuse me for being a total twat.”
“Okay, Gina. But you shouldn’t call yourself a—”
Bianca looked at Gina curiously as she continued to pour on the bull.
“No, Avalon. Seriously, I deserved it. You know, my sister, Taylor, was the biggest bully in school and totally insecure. She still is. When you’ve got a big sister like that, sometimes you just pick up the worst habits, you know? Gosh, I’m so sorry.”
Avalon’s voice was calmer. “Yeah. I’ve got a younger sister named Isabella, and I know she watches me closely. I’m not perfect, but I really want to be a good example for her. I see her copy me a lot.”
Gina pretended to stick two fingers down her throat and gag. “Does she have green-and-blue hair?”
“No. Listen, Gina, I really need to talk to River.”
Gina grabbed Bianca’s phone out of her hand and texted one letter to herself. “Oh, hold on, Avalon. My baby is texting me. Oh, how sweet is this? He misses me and wants me to call him right away! And he put a little kissy face in the text. OMG, is he the most romantic boyfriend, or what? So listen, Avalon, he’s waiting for my call. You just give me the message, and I promise I’ll tell him right before we have phone sex.”
Bianca twisted her face in protest but Gina ignored her.
“Just kidding about that last part. Well, I mean, we’re not gonna do that now. He’s so busy helping his mom. So, what’s your message?”
Avalon sighed loudly. “I really wanted to tell him myself.”
“This is the best I can do, Avalon. If it’s that important, then giving me the message is the right thing to do.”
Avalon paused. “I guess. But it’ll sound real weird.”
“I grew up in a weird family. I’m cool with whatever you tell me.”
“Okay, well, just tell River that this morning I painted a lady trapped in a castle with a dragon.”
Gina and Bianca shared a look. Trying not to laugh, Gina turned away from Bianca. “Oh, no, you painted a lady trapped in a castle with a dragon. Was he a big mean, green dragon?”
“I don’t think he’s really mean. The thing is, after I kept painting, I realized that the lady I was painting was Mrs. Dalworth. I recognized her in my painting because I saw her on TV that time. Anyway, in my painting, she looked really frightened, and River needs to know.”
Gina made a face. “That’s kind of lame, Avalon. You painted the picture, right? So you could have made her look any way you wanted her to look. And how convenient that she looks like River’s mom.”
“I know how it sounds, but, no, I didn’t paint anything on purpose. Would you please just give River the message?”
Still unable to make eye contact with Bianca, Gina went on. “Okay, so you just need me to tell Riv that you painted his mom trapped in a castle with a dragon, and she looked really frightened but not necessarily because of the dragon. Like, maybe the dragon was her friend.”
“Except for the last part, yeah. Could you tell him that exactly as I said it, Gina? Please?”
“Sure thing. I better go, Avalon, you know, before River wonders why I’m not calling him. I’ll give him your message first thing.”
“Thanks, Gina.”
Gina ended the phone call and burst out laughing. “Can you freakin’ believe that girl? I’ve heard of lame-ass, desperate attempts to get to a guy, but telling his girlfriend that you painted his mom in a castle with a dragon? What kind of nut job besides Avalon Martelli comes up with that nonsense? Does she think I’m stupid?”
Bianca wasn’t laughing. “Actually, I’m not sure what she’s up to. But if I were you, I’d deliver that message no matter what. You need to worry about covering your ass with more than a pretty dress.”
Gina blew air through her lips. “No way! Now, help me decide what to wear.”
`*`*`*`
“Hey, Mom, where’s your control panel? I need to turn down your electrical input a bit. You’re so wired, your hair is gonna stand on end in a minute.”
Arielle continued to look through a list of names on a computer screen. “Riv, I’ll rewire your control panel and disable some of your favorite body parts, starting with your mouth. And don’t even think about messing with my hair, even verbally.”
Larsen laughed. “I love when you guys go at it. I wish my mother was only kidding when she said things like that to me.”
“Oh, honey, I wish your mom only said nice things to you, too. But what makes you think I’m kidding?” Arielle winked.
River leaned against the trailer wall as Larsen continued to collate programs. “What did you need me to do next?”
Arielle, frantically trying to finish what she was doing, didn’t turn to face River. “I need you to go into the lobby and make sure that the dedication plaque for Peter and all of his photos are nicely draped. When Jess comes in, she’s going to take the before photos. We’ll have a private unveiling before the public is allowed in. Lars, Kathryn knows to come early for that, right?”
“Oh, yeah. She’ll be right on time. And Ms. Carrow, her mom, and Jinxsy will be here early, too. Along with the press and the other VIP guests.”
“Good. Riv, after that, I want you to go upstairs. The contestants will be using the two large dressing rooms. Just make sure that they’re appropriately marked for guys and girls and that each room is stocked with everything on the list I gave you. If you have any questions, ask Raphael’s wife, Natalie. She’ll show you where everything is kept.”
Larsen raised a finger. “Oh, Mrs. D, I hate to ask you this, but what you just told River reminded me. It’s okay if I sit next to Kathryn in the audience, isn’t it? I don’t want her to be alone. I’m sure you know she bought a ticket for me. I’ll leave in plenty of time to be on stage when I’m called.”
Arielle continued to stare at her computer screen. “That’s totally fine, Lars. I did know that. Don’t forget to double check with Gabe to make sure you know who’s handling the video feed. We’ve got TVs in both dressing rooms so that all of the contestants can watch the performances. If there’s any issues, ask Josh when he and Lisa get here. He’s a technical wizard.”
“Sure, Mrs. D.”
River looked at his mother. “Mom, seriously, you need to take a breath and drink some water.”
Arielle sighed and turned around. “You’re right. I do. I’m just trying to familiarize myself with this list of contestants so I don’t mess up any names or information. I’ve never really been an emcee before. I’m used to playing characters, not myself. It may sound silly, but it’s much easier to be someone else. Oh hell, where’s my hard copy of this list?”
; Larsen pointed to the stapled pages in front of Arielle’s computer. “Right where I put it an hour ago.”
River reached over for his mother’s water bottle and handed it to her. “Seriously, Mom, drink. You’ve been burning your eyeballs staring at the computer screen for nothing.”
Arielle took a long drink. “I’m a crazed woman. What can I say? Okay now, let’s see. It’s two-fifteen. We’ve got four hours and forty-five minutes until the unveiling in the lobby at seven. At seven-fifteen, the front doors open. After five-thirty, Natalie will be greeting the contestants at the back door and sending them upstairs. She has two people who are going to make sure everyone gets on stage at the right time. My head is spinning. I hope we get everything done.
“I’m going to finish going over this list, and then I’m going to go back stage and make sure everything is set up for the musicians. We’ve got twelve people coming.”
“It’ll all be cool, Mrs. D. They brought the piano in this morning.”
“What would I do without you, Larsen? You’re my sanity.”
“And what am I, Mom?”
Arielle grimaced, a hint of a smile on her face. “You’re my insanity. If you want a compliment, wait until this is all over and everything has gone according to plan.”
River laughed. “It’ll be cool, Mom. I’m going to take off and do everything that you asked me. What do you want me to do when I finish those things?”
“Meet me back here in the trailer, Riv, and I’ll reassess my to-do list. I just need to see backstage with my own eyes and make sure it all looks good. Oh, and, Lars, make sure my podium is on the right-hand corner of the stage and the mic is working.”
River walked over and gave Arielle a kiss on the top of her head. “You’ll be awesome. I’m proud of you, Mom.”
`*`*`*`
After Larsen and River took off to do their respective chores, Arielle took another calming breath and straightened her desk as best she could. Then, jumping up, she hurried out of the trailer, across the lot, and opened the back door of the theater.
She could hear the confident voices of her team directing the setup on stage and smiled confidently. It finally felt as if everything were coming together. As she stopped for only a minute to pause before going backstage, she felt a large hand make a firm seal over her mouth and nose. Before she could physically react, the unknown assailant then pulled her toward the downstairs door. With every bit of strength, she tried to scream, but the hand was clasped so tightly over her mouth that nothing but a mere squeak was emitted. And she could barely breathe.
The downstairs door opened, and the assailant went through it first, pulling her with him, then shutting the door. After dragging her down the stairs and finding himself somewhat out of breath, he took his hand away from Arielle’s face and turned her around so she could see him.
“Hi, honey. I’m home. Miss me, doll face?”
Arielle stared in disbelief. “Phil! You degenerate piece of walking sediment. How dare you slime this theater with your presence? How dare you smother me like that and drag me down here?”
Phil grabbed her firmly around the waist and pulled him against her. “That doesn’t sound very friendly, Arielle. It doesn’t sound very respectful, either.”
“What the hell do you want?”
Phil smiled wickedly. “I’m only here for one purpose.”
Arielle tried to wrest free, but he grabbed her arms. “What the fuck do you want?”
“Oh, not too much. I’m just here to make sure that I ruin your career before it ever gets off the ground. Hmm. I wonder who will emcee amateur hour when you’re not there to play the hostess with the mostess. I wonder who will run this place after I bash your skull in.”
“Let me go!”
“You even try to scream. I’ll gag you. You play nice. We can talk. Reminisce about old times. Talk about how you ruined my career and maybe brainstorm about the many ways you’re going to make it up to me.”
“I can’t do anything with my head bashed in, can I?”
“Maybe not. But I’ll have to think about it.” Phil licked his lips like a savage beast about to feast on a dead carcass. “Come on. I’ve found a great hiding place for us down here. It’ll be like old times, baby.”
“Let me go! I’ve barely got enough time to get everything done as it is. Just get the hell out of here, and I’ll forget you ever came back to this town.”
Digging his thick fingers into her upper arms, Phil held her at arm’s length and took a good look at her. “What the hell happened to my breast implants? I paid thousands for those.”
“I didn’t need them any more than I needed you.”
“Oh, what the hell; it’ll be like doing you when we first met.”
“You repulsive scum. Don’t you dare touch me!”
Phil pushed Arielle toward the far end of the room where the scenery and flats were stored, then turned her face forward as he pushed her between pieces of old sets until they were both well hidden behind a large castle wall with a giant dragon head lying on top. Arielle looked down to see a brand-new spool of rope, a package of duct tape, a folded blue tarp, and some dirty rags on another piece of the castle wall.
Phil belly laughed as he saw a look of fear come over her face. “Oh, yeah, I brought some supplies with me. Snuck ‘em down here no more than fifteen minutes ago. So, if you even think about trying to scream or get away, I’ll shove those filthy gasoline rags in your mouth and tie your pretty wrists until they bleed. And all the while I’ll be enjoying the rest of you in a way I never did before. Or maybe I’ll make a snuff film with my cell phone.”
Arielle’s heart was racing as Phil pushed her down to the floor and sat next to her. “Look, Phil, I’m sure you really don’t want to do this. I know your career isn’t what it used to be, but what do you think it will be if you’re arrested for kidnapping, torture, and rape? Isn’t your Hollywood condo more appealing than a prison cell?”
Phil put his thumb and forefinger around her neck. “That lousy 700-square-foot condo is a fucking prison cell. You think I like all of that Hollywood Boulevard traffic outside my window? I had it made in Bel Air, and you lost everything for me.”
“No, Phil. The truth is that you would have lost your connection with Ross years before if it weren’t for me. He kept hiring you to produce his movies because of my friendship with Lisa. And with him, too. You lost everything because of who you are. And maybe you could have salvaged some of your movie career had you not driven your Jaguar down here two years ago to try to kidnap me. It’s not my fault you got your head beaten in with a baseball bat.”
Phil’s bloodshot eyes stared with contempt, and his nostrils flared as he ever so slightly tightened his hold around Arielle’s neck. “If you had stayed put like you were supposed to, none of that would have ever happened. You ruined my career and my face. Look at all of these goddamn scars I’ve got! And guess what, babycakes? After I have my fun with you, it’s going to be payback time. You can say good-bye to your pretty face.”
As Arielle began choking, Phil took his hands away from her neck, but he remained menacingly close to her. Remembering that Peter spent time in the very area where she was hiding, Arielle began to look for him, hoping that in some way, he might be able to save her by knocking Phil out or choking him to death. But she couldn’t feel any presence whatsoever. Peter had very likely gone upstairs to the stage to watch everything that was going on.
“Who the hell are you looking around for? There’s nobody here but us.”
Arielle snickered. “Oh, I don’t know—maybe that screaming woman you inserted into my promo trailer.”
Phil pulled a large jackknife from his pocket and opened it. Seeing Arielle’s fear, he gently ran it across her neck, watching with glee as her eyes watered. Arielle could only whisper. “Please stop.”
“Stop? Babycakes, I’m having way too much fun for that. And by the way, I’ll take your cell phone.”
Chapter 31
&nb
sp; River’s face was dripping with sweat when he finally located Larsen backstage. “Hey, Lars …”
“Riv, you look like you’ve been out roaming the desert. What’s wrong?”
“My mom told me to meet her back in the trailer at around two-forty-five. Dude, it’s three-thirty, and I can’t find her anywhere. Her cell just goes to voicemail. I’ve asked every single person here, and nobody has seen her. Where the hell could she be?”
Larsen was alarmed. “I don’t know. I haven’t seen her either. He thought for a moment. “Wait, she’s using the big dressing room down the hall. Maybe she went in there to freshen up and decided to rest a little. Makes sense. Have you looked there?”
“I didn’t even know it existed.”
“Come on, let’s go together. It’s a little tricky to find.” River followed Larsen down a hallway and around a corner to a dressing room with Arielle’s name written on a piece of paper taped to the door. He knocked loudly, but there was no answer. “Mom! Are you in there?” River tried to open the door, but it was locked.
“I have the key, Riv.” Larsen opened the door, and River rushed in.
“There’s nothing here but her stuff, all of that luggage I was kidding her about this morning. The bathroom door is open. She’s not in there.” River ran into the bathroom and looked behind the shower curtain just to make sure. “Wait’ I know where she might be!”
“Where?”
“This morning before you came to the house, she was saying that she wished Peter had agreed to see his mom tonight. Maybe she went downstairs where you’ve been seeing Peter to see if she could convince him. My mom is one determined person. Maybe she thought she could do the motherly thing and change his mind. And if she found him, she would definitely stay forty-five minutes if that’s what it took.”
“You’re so right, Riv. Let’s go!”
`*`*`*`
Arielle winced and squirmed as Phil kissed her neck. He could see the revulsion on her face, and it only aroused him. He rolled his tongue around in her ear but stopped abruptly when he heard the basement door being opened. Grabbing the folded tarp, he opened it and threw it over the two of them as he pushed Arielle’s head to the floor, whispering in her ear, “You say one fucking word or utter one sound, I will slit your throat. And if whoever that is happens to be someone you care about, I’ll make you watch as I slit their throat first.”
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