“Excuse me, sir. I work for Dr. Kipling and he wanted me to check out the equipment in the basement. He thinks you may be having some trouble with the plumbing and possibly the emergency generator. Could you show me the way to the basement?”

“Si, Senor. ” The man led Mark to the end of the hall, down some steps and down some more steps. The hallway became sparsely lighted and the smell wasn’t appealing. Too many fumes from various sources and no air circulation.

“I know you must have other things to do, Senor. I can take it from here and it might take some time, so don’t worry about me.”

“Si, Senor, as you wish.”

(more…)

Going into the bathroom, she straightened herself as best she could. Her makeup was smeared and she decided to give her face a good washing. There wasn’t much makeup left, anyway. She always wore makeup, except when she stayed at home, she felt undressed when she didn’t have it on. But her skin was beginning to beg for air. It was warm in the hospital. It had window units, but they apparently weren’t enough to keep the whole hospital cool. The staff seemed used to it, though. It was cooler inside than out, and that she was grateful for. Clint was a Texas boy and could stand the heat, but Viki was used to air conditioning. Even at the ranch, she always ran the air, full blast. Running her hands through her hair and using a little water to perk up her ‘do, she wondered where she could find some coffee.

“Later, after I check on Clint,” she thought.

(more…)

“I think that’s a little premature, Ivan. We need the test results before we consider brain surgery!” said an astonished Larry.

“Sorry, Larry, just a bit of humor. While I thought you would appreciate it, I see I was wrong,” he said rather evilly. “Did I hit a raw nerve?”

“This is not a joke to us, Ivan. Clint could have very serious injuries. If you won’t help, send us someone who will. Or get us out of this God forsaken place!” Viki was impatient, and rightfully so. Ivan had make a mockery of Clint’s accident and she wouldn’t tolerate it.

“Calm down, Viki. I think Clint’s going to be fine. He has already improved since he’s been here. His color’s good, breathing is normal, no huge hematomas visible. But we’ll wait for the test results, as Larry suggests. However, I think it would be best if you wait here. If you don’t trust us, perhaps Larry would like to sit in on the tests.”

“Oh, Larry, would you, please?”

“Of course, it would be my distinct pleasure to monitor the proceedings. Who knows what could happen to him, if I don’t supervise?”

(more…)

(more…)

“What?”

“Did you see the lady that just came in?”

“No, who was it?”

“I think it was Monique!”

“Monique . . .” muses Clint.

“You know, the lady in Monte Carlo who saw a burglar outside on her terrace.”

“Oh, that Monique.  So?”

(more…)

“All in due time, folks. I have even more surprises up my sleeve. All in the best interest of keeping you entertained and off-guard. Regardless, we should be leaving for the States tomorrow. We will all stay together in suites at the Waldorf-Astoria. Be ready to depart as soon as Mr. Buchanan has made the arrangements.”

“But, the Waldorf is in New York City! I thought we were going to Philadelphia!”

Clint was visibly upset over this turn of events.

“Ah, well, that’s another tiny alteration that I am making to the plan. I have made the determination that I cannot trust any of you. You haven’t demonstrated any loyalty for this endeavor. So I must protect the project by eliminating any possibility for unfortunate mistakes. Mr. Buchanan, I expect to hear from you as soon as the arrangements are made.”

(more…)

“Kipling, get her down from there!” Clint was appalled at the lack concern over his wife’s safety and dignity. No one seemed to think it odd that Viki was hanging there, helpless and mortified.

Ivan, in a booming voice, announced, “May I introduce Mr. Clint Buchanan and his lovely wife, Victoria! Buchanans, this is the thirteenth floor! Where all the hideous and unscrupulous come to play! We’re not normal here, in fact, we strive with every fiber of our being to be abnormal. Let the games begin!”

(more…)

“Oh, no, not again. Larry, I can’t stand to be around the man! He’s vile and loathsome. I don’t believe he’s ever had a shred of compassion.”

“Or decency. Need I remind you that he tried to kill me? He’s despicable. I have a hard time reconciling myself to the fact that I’m actually helping this bastard!”

“It’s for a good cause, though, Larry. I mean, Karen’s life is worth anything.”

“Of course, it is, Viki. But down deep inside, I’m still skeptical that I’m helping. It’s all so complicated.”

“It’ll be over soon, I hope. I hate watching this tear you apart. We’ve been friends almost all our lives so what hurts you, hurts me. I want to see you happy and healthy. Why haven’t you gotten serious about anyone, since Laurel?”

(more…)

“Whoa, it’s okay. Hold on to me. We can help you.”

“There’s . . . there’s a man out on my balcony! I think he’s been in my bedroom. Please, help me.”

Clint entered the suite of rooms and gave a cursory examination of the living room. It was a rather large suite and extended further than the Buchanan’s. Walking lightly, but quickly, he crossed over to the door he thought must lead to the bedroom. The door was open, but there were no lights on. Outside the living area was the terrace, similar, but larger than most.

“Viki,” Clint called out. “Stay with the woman and ask Larry to monitor this room and the terrace, while I check out the bedroom.”

Larry was still encouraging the distressed woman, but made his way into the bedroom, upon hearing Clint’s request. Viki stayed with her and noticed that she was much calmer than before.

(more…)

“Let’s get going, we can’t be late!”

Viki and Clint had decided to keep the latest news about Mark to themselves. They also decided to keep their own secret ideas about Karen’s whereabouts. Maybe playing their cards close to their chests would work out better. Clint was a firm believer in not telling everything he knew, save some surprises for later, he thought.

Walking toward the elevator, the four fell into silent step. They were all tired and dejected, worried about what the next few moments would bring. None of them could guess what was coming before the night was over, it would be unbelievable.

(more…)