by Delta James
Sage had knocked her automatic gate opener off of the seat next to her. Normally, she kept it on the visor, but when she was going to hit the highway at speed, she always worried about it somehow flying off, so she would remove it and place it on the passenger seat of the car. She was slowing down and making the turn as she leaned down to get it. When she sat back up, she slammed on the brakes, even though she had plenty of room, and managed to stifle the small scream that threatened to escape.
There, hanging from the arch over the gate, was a dangling body—a figure obviously meant to be her—and sticking out of its chest was a large knife.
She dialed the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Larsen answered.
“Sheriff, it’s Sage Matthews.”
“How can we help, Ms. Matthews? We haven’t heard anything else on your case…”
“Well, you might want to come out to the house. Someone left an effigy of me with a knife through the heart, hanging from the archway over my gate.”
“What the hell?” She could hear him scrambling and calling to their dispatcher. “Are you all right?”
“I am, but I’m on my way to Charlotte. I need to meet with some people this evening, then I’m taking an overnight flight to London. I’ll be there at least a week. Can I just leave this and close the gate behind me?”
“Yes, ma’am, if that’s what you need to do, but I don’t want you to stop on your trip into Charlotte, and let us know you got there safely, okay? But my advice, and choice, would be that you not go at all.”
“I can appreciate that, Sheriff, but this is part and parcel of my job, and I won’t be intimidated. I hate to feel like I’m dumping this on you, but I’m a bit freaked out. It feels like whatever it is, it’s escalating.”
“I agree. Do me a favor, leave your car with the valet parking at the airport? I’ll have Charlie fetch it back here. If you let us know when you’re coming in, we’ll meet you. I’d rather you didn’t leave it unattended.”
“Thanks, Sheriff, I really appreciate it. I hate to be such a bother.”
“Not a bother at all, Ms. Matthews. I don’t like the idea that some looney is harassing one of my citizens.”
Sage smiled. Small town Carolina life was very different from D.C.
The sky was a bright blue with large, white, fluffy clouds stirring around. The color of the sky was what she always thought of as Carolina Blue, and it seemed somehow clearer than other skies or even those closest to Charlotte. As she approached the main highway, she pulled on her Sage Matthews sequined ball cap and picked up speed. She roared down the highway, her state-of-the-art and most definitely ‘not original equipment’ stereo blaring away so she could sing at the top of her lungs. She wasn’t a particularly good singer, but she didn’t care, she loved to and in the car, speeding down the road, she could offend no one.
The six-hour trip in the fresh air cleared her head and allowed her to banish the vestiges of fear that had threatened to settle on her when she’d left earlier in the day. She pulled up to the hotel and was greeted by the concierge, who had both a bellboy and a parking valet with him. They’d rented a room so that they had a place to take a break and get ready for the overnight flight to London. The flight left at a little after midnight and would arrive sometime around noon.
“Ms. Matthews, how nice to see you again. Ms. Vincent called and should be here any time. We sent the car to the airport for her. She called and asked that you wait for her to have dinner. Sheriff Larsen called and told us of that nasty business at the end of your drive earlier today. That must have given you a fright… especially this time of year. With your permission, we’ve made a slight change in plans. We’re going to put your car in a secure area, and his deputy will be in to pick it up tomorrow. We’ll have the hotel’s executive town car take you to the airport, and we’ve arranged with the airline for VIP check-in for both you and Ms. Vincent. If it’s all right with you, might I suggest we have room service deliver your meal tonight and maybe something before you leave?”
“I hate for you to have to go to all this trouble…”
“Oh, it’s no trouble at all. I guess this is the downside of being a celebrity.”
Sage laughed. “I’m a far cry from being a celebrity but thank you.”
They unloaded her things, and she was escorted upstairs by the bellboy and two men from hotel security. When they entered the room, one of the guards stayed with her while the other swept the two-bedroom suite she and Gail would share.
“Don’t get me wrong, I really appreciate this, but don’t you think this is a bit much?”
The man shook his head. “No, ma’am. Sheriff Larsen called and talked to the hotel manager and my boss. He was pretty clear; they feel whoever left that figure hanging in front of your drive isn’t just trying to spook you. The boss was just finalizing a few things but will be up to speak with you in just a few minutes.”
Sage paled and nodded. The sheriff must have been spooked to have gone to this kind of trouble. When given the all-clear, she entered her room, tipped the bellman, and closed the door behind them. She was looking out the floor to ceiling window at the beautiful view of the city when she heard the key card in the lock. She startled and realized she was more keyed up than she thought. She smiled when Gail entered with a man she assumed was the head of security.
“Ms. Matthews, I’m Daryl Gutherie. I’m the head of security here at the hotel. Ms. Vincent is staying with you?”
“Sage, what the hell is going on?” Gail said, clearly outraged.
“Yes, Mr. Gutherie. Gail is with me.” Turning to Gail, she said, “There’s been another incident at the house.”
“Oh my God, Sage! Are you all right?”
“Yes, but I left without knowing much… oh shit, I need to call Sheriff Larsen…”
“Not to worry, Ms. Matthews, I’ve taken care of that,” the security guard said. “We advise you to have dinner and stay here in your room. I’m going to leave a man stationed outside your door. When you’re ready, let him know, and he’ll arrange to bring the food in and get you outside to the town car in the morning.”
“The thing hanging from the archway…” said Sage to the deputy.
“Was a real body…” The head of security reached out to steady her. “He called the local doctor who doubles as a medical examiner. The body was hung after it was dead. They believe the corpse was stolen from a local funeral home.”
Gail and Sage exchanged glances.
“Does that mean something to you two ladies?”
“Yes, I have a book that features, for lack of a better term, a stalker who does the same thing.”
“Forgive me, I’m not familiar with your work, but can you tell me the title?” he asked.
“The Well-Hung Corpse,” Sage said.
“Is it well known?”
Sage nodded. “Yes, it made the USA Today Bestseller list.”
“It landed in the Top 10. I know your gift shop carries all of Sage’s books in paperback…”
“If you like, I can send you a copy of the e-book. It might be easier for you to search for things electronically than doing it by hand,” Sage offered.
“Thank you, ma’am, that would help. Now, don’t worry. You’re safe here with us, and we’ve alerted the airline and airport security in London. I’ll let you ladies settle in. If you need anything, you call down to the front desk. Don’t open the door unless it’s me or one of the two men you’ve already met.”
“Okay, thank you, Mr. Gutherie.”
The evening went smoothly, and both she and Gail were able to relax and get ready for the trip. Sage offered to sign the copies of her books the hotel had on hand and did so before they left. Their stay was quiet and uneventful.
They were ushered into a VIP Lounge in the airport, then given special boarding passes for first-class.
Gail whispered, “This is kind of nice… we should be treated like this all the time.”
Sage smiled. “I don’
t know, Gail. It just seems a bit much.”
They were escorted to their seats at the front of the plane. Sage was glad Gail had insisted. It was a long flight to London and flying in the upgraded seats made all the difference. Airport security met them on the plane and helped them deboard ahead of the rest of the passengers, remaining with her and Gail and personally conducting them through customs at Heathrow.
Word of her arrival, and the latest activity by her stalker, had been leaked to the press, who in turn, informed the public. Just beyond the secure area of the airport, both reporters and readers waited. Sage suspected the leak had been Gail’s well-oiled publicity machine. Right before they had gone into a holding pattern over the airport in preparation to land, Gail had insisted she touch up her makeup and ensure her hair looked picture-perfect—literally. Tired as she was, complying was easier than not.
As they approached Customs, Gail poked Sage between the shoulder blades.
“Shit, Gail. That hurts.”
“Don’t slouch,” Gail hissed.
“I’m tired. I didn’t get any sleep on the plane.”
“I know… and it shows, but the press and your fans…”
“I wish you wouldn’t call them that.”
“But that’s what they are,” Gail insisted.
Sage turned and stopped Gail’s forward progression.
“No. They are my readers. If they’re ‘fans,’ that puts me on a stupid pedestal. We have a symbiotic relationship. Without me, they don’t have books to read they enjoy, but without them, I don’t have a business. I know you don’t think it’s an important distinction, but I do.”
Gail snorted. “Don’t get your feathers ruffled. I forget part of your brand is your approachability.”
Sage barely controlled rolling her eyes. It wasn’t a part of any brand. It was who she was and how she felt. She and Gail often argued at book signings. Gail didn’t think Sage should sign a book for anyone or give them swag unless they bought a book. Sage just ignored her. If someone came by the table and talked to her, she gave them swag. If they brought a book or anything else and wanted her to sign it, she did. It was that simple and one of the things she stood firm on.
In some things—a lot of things, if she was honest—Gail was right. Her readers had come out to see her, and they deserved to see her looking her best. Sage straightened her spine, pasted on a bright smile, and made it through British Airport security and the reporters, who only shouted questions about the stalker. One of the security personnel, a short, slight girl with curly red hair, pulled her aside.
“I’m a big fan, Ms. Matthews. The airline has a small conference room right over here. Would you like to commandeer it for your fans?”
Sage’s smile of relief was genuine. She couldn’t think of anything that would revive her more.
“Readers,” she corrected automatically. “I don’t call the people who read my books fans. It sets up a power differential I’m not comfortable with. And yes, that would be wonderful.” She turned to Gail. “Could you see if you can find someone to bring refreshments…”
“Sage,” Gail started, “if you’re going to spend some time, it should be with the reporters.”
“The reporters get paid to come out here and see if they can get a story. My readers came to see me. If any reporters want to stick around and don’t bother my readers, I’ll talk to them.”
The security officer escorted her and her readers to the conference room, where she was met by a representative of the airline.
“Maggie said you’d make time to sign books and talk to your fans. I’ve never read your stuff before, but I will now. I think it’s so nice of you to get off a plane and make time for your fans,” the airline official said.
Sage spent the next two hours with her readers. Nothing else could have refreshed her spirit the way they did—nothing. Perhaps if she’d had a man she could truly share her life with, but she’d decided when her engagement broke up, it was probably best just to go it alone.
After the last book had been signed, Sage remained where she was and allowed Gail to usher in a group of reporters and spent the next three hours answering questions. When it was over, Sage was relieved to learn Gail had indeed hired a Rolls Royce limo and driver for the duration of their trip. Sage insisted they drop Gail and everything they would need for the signing at the Four Seasons first before proceeding to the Savoy.
“I’ve called the Savoy and given them your wake-up calls, as well as the times the driver will be there to pick you up. I’ve also given the driver the schedule and arranged for you to have dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow in your room.” Gail admonished her before she got out of the limo.
“Isn’t breakfast included in the signing event?” Sage asked.
“Yes, dear, but you don’t want to be caught with food in your mouth if someone asks you a question.” Gail gave her two air kisses, then got out after her luggage, all the books, and other event paraphernalia had been unloaded. The driver got back into the limo.
“Next stop… the Savoy.”
“Would you mind terribly just driving me around a little so I can see something of the city?”
“Ms. Vincent was quite clear in her instructions.”
“What Ms. Vincent doesn’t know won’t kill her, and I’ve got fifty pound sterling that says you can keep a secret.”
The driver grinned. “I can indeed.”
The man had grown up in London, so he easily navigated not only the most popular routes, but those that had picturesque mews, cobblestone streets, and quaint shops. He dropped her at the Savoy, ensured her bags were taken up to her room, then the concierge accompanied her to the front desk, promising a smooth check-in.
“Will there be anything else, Ms. Matthews?” the concierge asked while the bellman unpacked the last of her things. “We’re all enormous fans and think it’s wonderful you have Roark Samuels living here at the Savoy.”
“I’ve always thought this was the best hotel in the world and was thrilled when your marketing manager gave me permission,” Sage replied, smiling and handing him a large tip.
“Well, why wouldn’t she? You’re kind of a big deal.”
“No, I’m not. Back then, I was nobody, and I do write pretty steamy stuff. I was just writing my first novel, but she was always so helpful. I could email her questions about hotel details and she’d give them to me. It allowed me to lend a sense of realism to the books.” When the bellman finished unloading her luggage, Sage tipped him and thanked both him and the concierge for all their help.
“Very good, Miss. Your evening meal has been arranged, and I can either have it sent up immediately or give you time for a bath.”
“What did Gail order for me?”
“A Caesar salad with grilled chicken, no croutons, and light dressing. Would you prefer something else?”
“What’s good? What would you have?”
The concierge grinned. “Our shepherd’s pie is second to none, then I’d add our truffled mash and the crushed mint peas, mixed together. Top it off with our vanilla crème brûlée.”
“That sounds even better.”
“I will take care of it. And allow me to substitute the breakfast she ordered.”
“Perfect,” Sage said, smiling.
“Sweet or savory for breakfast?”
“A bit of both.”
“Very well, Ms. Matthews. Would you like to take a bath before or after dinner?”
“A bath would be lovely.”
“Shall I have it drawn for you?” he asked helpfully.
“No, thank you. I can manage. How about if you give me an hour?”
“Very good, Miss,” he said before withdrawing.
Sage started the bathwater and smiled at the various fragrances she could add, opting for a light mix of vanilla and lavender. The combined aroma of the steam coming out of the tub was nothing short of divine.
Sage wandered back into her room while the water ran and carefully undressed,
donning the Savoy-provided robe, and hung up her outfit. She had to admit Gail had exceptional taste—expensive but exquisite. She returned to the bath and removed her makeup, wrapping her hair in a towel provided for just that use. Testing the water, she removed her robe and stepped into the tub, sighing as she slid down so the water embraced her like a lover’s caress. Who was she kidding? It had been so long since she’d experienced any sexual gratification that wasn’t mutually negotiated at a club, she’d pretty much forgotten what true intimacy felt like.
After finishing her bath, she added moisturizer to her face and luxuriated in the Savoy’s body lotion. Fluffing her hair, she pulled on a robe and allowed the room service waiter into the room to set her dinner up on the table. Sage had opened her laptop and had it sitting on the desk. She had decided if this trip was going to cost her an arm and a leg, she was going to enjoy it. The first bite of her dinner made her relax back in the chair and moan in pure delight. The concierge had been right, it was heaven, and the rest of her meal had been even better.
After dinner, she worked on the latest Roark Samuels novel but found she was having trouble getting into it. After a frustrating hour where she deleted scenes as soon as she’d written them, she gave up and got ready for bed. She walked over to look out the window onto the thriving metropolis. It was such a harmonious mix of old and new. Sage wondered briefly about all those who had inhabited the city—walked its streets, making lives for themselves, and about all of those who had used the great river for transportation and recreation. Smiling, she removed her robe, placed it on the edge of her bed, stretched, and got into bed. Sage’s head had barely hit the pillow before she was fast asleep.