• At The Lighthouse, a trendy club catering to the college crowd, Alicia Sinclair flirted with her on-again off-again lover, Kyle Marshak.  Alicia said some pretty mean things about Kyle’s virginal girlfriend, Emily Bowman, but he found her sexual energy undeniable.  After fending off the unwanted advances of a drunken patron, Alicia considered her plan of action and finally cornered an innocent Emily, claiming she had something very important to discuss with her.
   
• Olivia Marshak spent some quality time with her old friend, Diana Harris, at the Gypsy Grille while prepping for an impromptu late-night meeting with a potential client.  She lamented to Di that her marriage to Randy had gotten stale, thanks in part to Randy’s obsession with his new book.  Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Olivia’s client.  However, instead of the geriatric Malcolm McClaine, Olivia found she was entertaining his much younger, very handsome son, Payton McClaine.

SCENE ONE – The Lighthouse

The thumping music was beginning to give Emily a headache; truthfully, she had only used the old “my lights are on” excuse to step out of the club, breathe some fresh air and listen to a few brief moments of silence.  On her way back into the club, she bumped into Alicia Sinclair, who startled her with a vague statement.

“There’s something I would like to discuss with you.”

“Sure,” Emily said, forcing a smile.  She didn’t know Alicia that well, but she’d never been especially sociable on the few occasions they’d interacted.

“Well, it's kind of silly. I was thinking how odd it was that we barely know each other. I don't think I've seen you since the wedding.”

Ah yes, the wedding, Emily remembered with a grimace.  Karen had insisted that both Alicia and Emily be bridesmaids.  Emily remembered Alicia scowling through the whole ceremony and complaining about the color of her gown.  Shaking her head as if to erase the memory, she nodded at the other young woman.

“Well,” Alicia sighed, “I just thought you were a really nice person and that it was a shame that we haven't stayed in touch.  The truth is, I don’t have many female friends.”

Big surprise, Emily thought.  Alicia was obviously waiting for some sort of response.  “Thank you for… uh… saying that I’m nice.  I appreciate that.”

“I'm no fool,” Alicia said, the smile falling from her lips.  “I know you don’t trust me and I know you think I'm a slut.”

Emily’s eyes bulged at the unexpected bombshell.  “Oh my God, I’d never say that!”  To your face.

“I know you wouldn't. But I can see it in your eyes. That's okay, though, there's some truth to that.”

“Alicia, I guess I'm just not sure what it is...”

“Did you ever meet my mother?”

Another non-sequitur, Emily thought, growing impatient.  “I don't think so. Was she at the wedding?”

“God no, Karen would drop dead before she'd let that happen. But I do think you’ve met my mother. Probably several years ago.  She's a janitor at the high school. She probably emptied your trash for you.”

“Oh... No, I don't remember her. Why?”

“She wasn't an easy person to grow up with. Just ask Karen, I'm sure she'd have some more colorful words for her. Anyway, the point is... I've never really gotten along with women because my mother always hated women. She was a slut, too.”

“Alicia, I don't really think...”

“Wait... Let me say this. I don't... want to be like her, Emily. I want to be... different. I need to be more outgoing, more... well... like you.”

What the hell?  “Alicia, I'm flattered. But, really, I think you’re just fine the way you are. You're very pretty and I don't think you lack for friends.”

“I don't have any friends, Emily, not really. But I'd like to change that. I'd like to be your friend, Emily. Can we do that?”

Emily took a deep breath, still a bit confused by this whole display.  Clearly Alicia was after something.  For some reason, Emily thought of her grandmother.  She could just see Ellen Bowman shaking her head.  She’s up to no good, she’d say.  “Well... sure we can, I don't see why not.”

“Oh good! I'm so glad! Well, that's enough of that little drama, don't you think?”

“Sure,” Emily said, wearing her best plastic smile.  Just then, Alicia reached over and pulled her into a quick hug.  Thoroughly shocked, Emily just patted her back, trying to breathe.  She looked up and saw Kyle approaching.  He seemed similarly confused.

“What’s going on here?”

Emily was about to speak when Alicia chirped, “Just having a little chat with your beloved, Kyle.”

“Don’t you have a rock to crawl back under?”

Meow, Emily thought.  Where’d that come from?  “Kyle!”

“No, that's okay, Emily. I understand the way Kyle feels about me.”

Emily wasn’t aware that Kyle felt any particular way at all about Alicia.

“So disappear,” he said, his gaze fixed on Alicia.

“As it happens, I do have to be going. Emily, I am so glad we had this chat. I'll be in touch, okay? And tell Karen I will call her very soon.”

“I will,” she answered, praying to avoid another hug.  She and Kyle watched as Alicia sashayed out of the club.

“What the hell was that all about?” Kyle spat.

“That's what I'd like to know,” she mumbled.  “Still, what’s up with your attitude toward her?  I didn’t think you even knew her, aside from seeing her at the Gypsy now and then.”

“She's nothing but trouble Emily!”

“Maybe, but like it or not, she’s family now.”

“Family?”  He thought about it for a moment, piecing together the branches of the Bowman family tree.  “That makes her… what? A stepaunt? That's ridiculous.”

She laughed in agreement and led him back toward the bar.  “So you didn’t answer my question.  What’s your problem with her?”

“She's a slut.”

“So she says.  But what’s it to you?”

“Why does that feel like… an accusation?”

“Kyle, for pete’s sake, how many different ways can you think of to avoid a simple question?” 

“I’m not… avoiding anything.  She just has a bad reputation.  I know a few guys who’ve been burned by her.”

“Who?”

“Just some guys… people at work, you don’t know them.”

“You know, it’s not like I think she’s Miss Congeniality, but something doesn’t ring true about this whole thing.” 

“Look,” he said, taking her in his arms.  “I’m sorry, let me give you a straight answer, okay?  You’re right, I barely know Alicia Sinclair.  If you must know, I was a bit defensive because… well… I overheard her saying some pretty mean things about you at the Gypsy, and it just struck me as odd that she’d be hugging you like you’re her best girlfriend or something.  That’s all.”

That at least sounds more like Alicia, Emily thought.  “I agree, it is odd.  She gave me some song and dance about her mother being a slut or something…”

“What?”

“Nevermind, it’s not important.  Listen, I’m sorry to rake you over the coals.  Let’s just check to see if Michael is here yet and try and enjoy the rest of our evening.”

“Sounds like a plan.”  He kissed her gently on the forehead.  “We okay?”

“Yeah,” she said, wearing the same plastic smile she’d worn when talking to Alicia.  Something was still not right.  Why was he so defensive?  And what did Alicia mean by saying that she understood the way Kyle felt about her?  Something else was going on here, but it was neither the time nor place to figure it out.

SCENE TWO – Parking Garage

Alicia walked to her car with a Cheshire Cat grin on her face.  Kyle had laid it on a bit thick… maybe even too thick.  He could be so sloppy sometimes.  She was sure that little Miss Virgin Of The Year was in there giving him an earful.  Checking her watch, she wondered if she’d have time to make it back to her room at The Gypsy, shower and light some candles before Kyle inevitably showed up at her door.

And he will, she assured herself with a sly grin.  Just like always.  He knows where to go when The Iceberg That Sunk Titanic won’t grow up and put out.

She was almost to her car when a rustling sound off to her left caught her attention.  Turning, she saw the shadow of a man emerge from behind one of the garage’s concrete pylons.

“Leaving so soon, baby?”

“Who's there?”

“You need to slow down and let the night take you away, you sexy thing.”

A chill climbed Alicia’s spine and she silently prayed that it was Kyle playing some kind of joke on her.  “Marshak, if that's you, I wish you'd get a better…”

Suddenly, the shadow disappeared and the rustling sound echoed around her in the darkness.  Alicia made a beeline for her car when a gloved hand reached out and covered her mouth. She found herself being pulled tightly against a very large man. A glint of silver flashed in front of her eyes and she saw a knife.

“I guess you think it's funny to make fun of a man, huh? You like to make a man feel small? Make him feel like he can't handle you?”

She recognized the slurred tones instantly.  It was that creep from the bar, the one she called Bluto. What was his name? Max?

“I've handled better than you, girlie. I offered you some fine loving... and you spit on it!”

He moved with lightning speed and dragged Alicia into a dark corner of the parking garage. She saw a couple walking across the lot, laughing and talking. She thought of trying to scream. She could be really loud, even with his hand over her mouth. But, as though he read her mind, Max pushed the knife snug against her neck.

“Don't even think of screaming, my little angel, I'll cut your throat open before you get out a peep.”

Something told Alicia that he would do just that. She smelled his breath; cheap bourbon. His scruffy facial hair rubbed roughly against her face. She closed her eyes and realized that they were filled with tears of fear as one slid down her cheek.

Moments later the couple got into their car and drove off. Alicia was sobbing now. She waited for him to finish.

Another rough motion and she was against a wall, the knife blade still tight against her heaving throat. She tried not to sob because each time she did, the blade sunk into her skin.

“Now... where were we? Oh yes. You were about to tell me what an attractive man I am.”

She tried to speak, but her words came out as a wheeze.  “What do you mean?”

“Do it, you little bitch. Tell me how badly you want me.”

“Please… just take my purse… there’s money… not much, but...”

Max withdrew the knife quickly and in one fast motion slid it across the front of her blouse, ripping it open. She screamed and he shoved her hard against the concrete wall.

“You think I'm playing games  here, bitch? I don't have time for this. I don't sleep with chicks who don't appreciate the real man they got. And you either appreciate ol' Max or you appreciate God because you're gonna be with one of them tonight.”

Oh God, Alicia thought. He's going to rape me.

“Now let me hear you say it? Tell me how sexy I am. Tell me how much you want to taste me.”

She couldn’t find the words, and she felt a calming sensation cross her body.  Closing her eyes, she became aware of an overwhelming need to sleep.

“Tell me!” Max yelled, pressing tighter against her.

Her sobs got louder and louder and he began screaming at her. It was getting out of control. Alicia grew numb and it was like she was in a slow motion silent movie. All she could see was Max's yellowed teeth and feel his hot, fetid breath against her face. He was screaming something, but all she could hear was the sound of her own heart beating. He withdrew the knife and prepared to plunge it into her. Drawing up all her strength, Alicia forced her knee hard into his groin.

Reality came back into focus, and with reality, the sounds of both Max and Alicia's screams filled the air. He had released his grip and dropped the knife. She began to run, but her legs were shaking so bad she fell. She summoned up all of her inner fear and made it real in a long piercing scream.

From out of nowhere, a stranger appeared. He was wearing a heavy black coat that protected him from the chilly night air. When Alicia first saw him, he was in midair, flying above her in a kicking leap.

The stranger had launched himself into the air and brought his foot up to meet Max's face. Alicia rolled over to see that Max had been standing over her, about to stab her when the man had jumped in to save her.

“Oh my god…” She whispered, unconsciously rubbing her neck where the blade had pressed against her flesh.

She crawled to her feet and watched in amazement as the stranger began launching into a series of kicks and punches. He was at least a foot shorter than Max, and probably half his weight, but he was pummeling the drunken fool like he was a sack of potatoes.

Max never once had the chance to lift his hand to defend himself; the stranger was too fast. Alicia had to step back at one point to avoid getting splashed by the blood that was spilling from Max's now-almost-toothless mouth.

Her savior was unrelenting, and as he fought, he began to growl like an animal. It went on for what seemed like forever, though in reality it was only about thirty seconds.

Max fell to the ground, unconscious and the stranger continued to kick him. Alicia was suddenly brought back to her senses and she realized that he was going to kill Max.

“Wait! Wait!” she screamed, stepping in front of the stranger. 

He fell still.  His teeth were bared like a wolverine, face flushed red, fists still clenched.

“Don’t kill him!”

“Why not?  He would have killed you.”

“Don't be like him! You've done enough. Please, don't get yourself into trouble for me. You already saved my life, that's enough.”

They stared at one another for a moment. Alicia looked down and realized how close she was to Max's prone form and recoiled quickly. She stepped to the stranger’s side and they both stared down at the bloody man.

As her heartbeat returned to normal, she found herself laughing nervously.  “My God, that was incredible. You came out of nowhere!”

He nodded slightly, keeping his gaze fixed hard on Max.  “I heard you scream. What happened here?”

“He was some creep who tried to pick me up earlier. I blew him off and I guess he got pissed.”

“Yeah, you could say that.”

“I can't believe what you did! I have never seen anyone move so fast.”

It took him a moment to respond, and when he finally did, the words were hushed, almost a whisper.  “It's not something that I’m proud of.”  He unclenched his fists and they both became aware of the blood covering his hands.

“My God, is that your blood or his?” she said, reaching for his hand.

He pulled away before she could touch him.  “It's his, I'm not hurt.”

“Sorry.” 

He pulled a wool scarf from around his neck and began wrapping his hands with it.  “I didn't know how to stop…” he mumbled.

“What?”

“I would have killed him,” he said.  “I would have beaten an unconscious, defenseless man to death.”

“To be honest, I’m starting to wonder why I stopped you.”

“You don't understand.  I don’t hurt people.  I don’t like to fight.”

“Well, who does? But sometimes you kinda have to do what you gotta do.”

“I don't fight because I can't control myself. I would have killed this man.”

Alicia stared at him, not sure what to say.

“What the hell's going on over here?”  Alicia and the stranger turned to see a potbellied security guard approach. He was barely walking at a fast clip and was already in a sweat. Rent-a-cops! Alicia thought.

“Well it's about damned time!” she exclaimed.

“I was on my break.”

“Yeah, and I was almost raped and murdered! If this guy hadn't jumped in and Jackie Chan'd him, I would have been!”

The guard scratched his balding head and noticed, for the first time, the bloodied form of Max laying on the ground.  “Oh jeez…”

“Is that all you have to say?” Alicia snapped.

“Somebody needs to tell me what happened.”

She snapped her fingers in front of his face irritably.  “Hey, will this conversation at any point involve calling the cops, maybe?”

“Yeah…” he stammered.  “Yeah, I think that'd be a good idea.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

“You kids better wait here. I’m gonna go get some help.”

The guard waddled back to his station and picked up the phone, keeping an eye on Alicia and the stranger.

The stranger stared at Max for another long second.  Alicia was about to speak when he suddenly turned.  “I need to go. This has been…”

“Wait!” she said, grabbing his coat.  “You can't leave me here with this goon! What if he wakes up?”

“He won't,” he said with a tone of regret.  “Not for a while, anyway.”

“But you'll have to talk to the cops. They’ll want to know who did this.”

“That's true.”  He took a deep breath and checked his watch.  “I'm wanted inside. I should at least go and tell my friends…”

“You can't go anywhere, Karate Kid,” the guard said, waddling back toward them.  “The cops will need a statement.”

“Fine.”

“Listen, don't sweat it,” Alicia said, placing a hand on his shoulder.  “You were amazing. Thank you so much! That sounds so shallow. How can I repay you? I don't have much money, but…”

The stranger waved for her to stop.  “Really, I don't need your money.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, everyone needs money.”

“No,” he repeated in a firmer tone.  “I don't need your money.”

“Well, there must be something I can do.”

“I shouldn't be rewarded for…this.” He waved his hand disgustedly toward Max.

“Look, you did a good thing. Don't beat yourself up.” 

The stranger gave no response.  He almost looked like he was… humming?

“Well, look, at least let me tell you who you saved, okay? My name is Alicia. Alicia Sinclair.”  She reached out to shake, but remembered his bloodied hands and reconsidered.

Instead, he nodded a greeting.  “I'm Michael Drummond.”

Alicia's face went from stunned amazement to cool calculation. Her guardian angel was none other than Kyle's rarely seen cousin from Europe. But, better than that, he was an actual Drummond, not a second rate Marshak. If Alicia were a Warner Bros. Cartoon, her eyes would have turned into big green dollar signs.

“I suppose you really don't need my money. Well, Michael Drummond, I think we are going to be very good friends.”

SCENE THREE

Kyle and Emily had waited another hour for Michael to show up before finally deciding to head home. It wasn't a moment too soon for Kyle. He'd been in prime dancing mood earlier in the evening, but his encounter with Alicia Sinclair and Emily’s subsequent inquisition had left him frazzled.  In spite of himself, he found himself making excuses to Emily, hoping she’d suggest they cut the night short.  Truthfully, he was looking for an opportunity to “drop by” the Gypsy Grille and visit Alicia.

There would be plenty of time for guilt in the morning, just like always. 

There had apparently been some kind of commotion in the parking garage because when they left, there were cop cars blocking off the third level as well as an ambulance. Kyle rubbernecked for a while, but when Emily saw the blood stained cement, she just wanted to go home.

When they arrived at the Bowman house, Emily invited him in, but he declined, feigning sleepiness.  He loved Emily dearly, but he needed something more tonight than snuggling on her father’s couch and watching MTV.

A few moments later, he parked his car in the private lot behind the Gypsy Grille and entered the passcode to the back door (which was accessible only to residents of the apartments above the restaurant.)  Whistling a jaunty tune, he began unbuttoning his silver shirt as he climbed the steps toward Apartment D. 

He knocked on the door, wondering what color negligee Alicia would be wearing tonight.  After a few moments with no response, he knocked again.  Growing impatient when there was still no answer, he knocked a third time.  “Come on, you know who it is,” he called through the door.  “Let me in, I’m getting cold out here.”

“Kyle Marshak?”

He turned at the sound of a strange voice and recognized Emily’s mother instantly. It had been three years, but she still looked the same.  He suddenly felt like he had the time she’d caught him drawing on her living room wall when he was six. 

“Mrs. Bowman!”

“Actually it’s Harris now,” she said, a perplexed look crossing her face.  “What on earth are you doing here?”

“I was…” he began, flushing red.

“Looking for your mother, I presume,” she finished for him.  “She’s still downstairs with her client.”

What? He thought to himself.  Who cares, play along.  “Yeah, I know, I didn’t want to interrupt, so I thought I’d see if Whit was around.”

“Who?”

“Kenny Whittaker… We call him Whit.  He’s a tenant.”

“Oh, of course… Maggie’s son.”  She waved her hand in a dismissive gesture.  "All of you children have grown up so much.”

“Right,” he mumbled, thoroughly disinterested in her nostalgia.  “Well, have you seen him?”

“Not since I've been back, no.”

“Well then, I’ll just…”

“Kyle, wait,” she said, placing a hand on his arm.  “Come sit with me for a moment, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you.  Let’s catch up.”

He could think of approximately seventy-eight thousand different things he’d prefer to do with his evening, but being rude to his mother’s best friend was not an option… especially if he intended to make sure his suspicious behavior wasn’t reported back to Emily at first dawn.

Diana led him down into the back office, where she made a pot of coffee and joined him at the table.

“You’ve grown so much.”

I think we’ve covered that, he thought irritably.  “Yeah… good genes, I suppose.”  What a stupid thing to say.

“Kyle, I just have to tell you how thrilled I am that you and Emily are still together.  Even as children, the two of you were inseparable.”

He had no response.  He just nodded.

“I take it by the way you’re dressed that you went out this evening.  Emily was going out as well, were the two of you together?”

“Yes, we went to the Lighthouse and I just dropped her off.  We were both really tired and…”

“I suppose she told you we had words tonight?”

He fell silent for a moment, watching her carefully.  “Look, Mrs. Bow… I mean, Mrs. Harris…”

“Call me Diana, Kyle, it’s easier.”

“Diana… I don’t want to get in the middle of a private family matter.”

“I understand,” she said, crossing to the window and looking out into the night.  “It’s not my intention to do that.  But I’ve always considered you and your brother and sister as members of my own family.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s not that I want information from you or anything like that.  I just know that you and Emily are close and I want you to know that I intend to make things right with her.”

“I know she’ll be glad to hear that.”

She smiled and nodded slightly.  “I hope so.”

“Diana, I really have to go.  It’s getting very late.  If you see my mother, there’s no reason to mention I was here, I’ll just see her at the office in the morning.”

“Oh, that's right, you're at Drummond now.”

Oh jeez, lady, take a hint!  “Yeah, interning until I graduate.”

“Still have your eye on the president’s chair?”

He was startled by her statement.  “Excuse me?”

“Just something Olivia mentioned earlier.  As a little boy, all you ever wanted was to be in charge of Drummond Enterprises.  Still have that dream?”

“Yes,” he said emphatically.  “Why, did my mother say something that…”

“No, no.”  She put a calming hand on his.  “I was just wondering.  It’s good to have dreams, Kyle.  Hold fast to them, no matter what stands in your way.”

What the hell?  He nodded his thanks and made a quick retreat, finding his way back to his car.  As he climbed into the BMW, his hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles whitened.  He was no longer concerned about Alicia’s whereabouts or being nearly caught by Diana Harris.  His mind was focused on one thing only: obviously Diana had talked to his mother about his goals for Drummond.  What had Olivia said?  Had she indicated that Kyle wasn’t a consideration for the President’s chair?

Was it Jason, the golden boy who would “stand in the way” as Diana had put it?  Had his mother finally confirmed his long-lasting suspicion that Jason would always come first in the family business?

“Not if I have anything to say about it,” he mumbled, pulling out of the parking lot.  “Over my cold dead body.”

SCENE FOUR- The Gypsy Grille

Back in the restaurant, the corner booth was covered in papers and the remains of Diana's fried chicken dinner. Diana had signaled to Olivia that she was heading upstairs about an hour ago, and O promised to lock up when they were done.

Olivia left her guest to review some contracts as she slipped behind the bar and dialed the number to the Drummond Estate.  The phone rang a few times before a female voice answered the phone.

“Maggie?” Olivia said, surprised that her father’s nurse was still up at this hour.  “I’m sorry if I woke you, I was just checking to see if Randy was still up.”

“No bother at all. Kenny was just here visiting his old mom.  I think Randy turned the lights out in his study about an hour ago.”

“I see.”  She tried to hide the disappointment in her voice.  “Well, I’ll be home soon myself.  Give Kenny a kiss for me.  Good night, Maggie.”

Olivia hung up the phone and exhaled deeply.  She had hoped to speak to Randy before bed.  They had left things so… unresolved earlier this afternoon.  Now that some time had passed, she felt as though she owed him an apology.  She could understand why it had seemed as though she were dismissing his work as unimportant.  But if he wouldn’t even talk to her…

Nevermind, she thought, there’s always tomorrow.  I’ll go in late and make time to have breakfast with him.  We’ll talk and everything will be all right.

She cleared her throat and made her way back over to the booth.  Payton McClaine sat back against the leather seat and sighed. “Your friend sure knows how to make fried chicken.”

“Diana's good at just about everything.”

“This was a good idea, meeting here. You’re a savvy businesswoman. This was just the right touch to sweeten the merger. My father would have loved it.”

“Well, I wish I could take credit for that, but, again, it was Diana's idea.”

“Ha!” He grabbed another drumstick and took a bite.  “Maybe you should put her on your payroll.”

He was joking, but the thought had merit.  “Yes, maybe,” she said, making a mental note to find out what Di’s current employment situation was.

Payton poured another glass of wine and handed it to Olivia. Then he poured himself another. “You two go way back I take it?”

“Too far back. She knew me when I was insufferable.”

“I find it difficult to believe you were ever that way.”

“Oh, it's true, it's true.”

“Well, I have a confession to make.”

“What's that?”

“When I was reading up on you, I did get the impression you were somewhat… difficult.”

She gave him a confident smile.  “Well, good, my PR people do their job well.” 

“Maybe it’s the Texan in me, but why would you want people to think that?”

“I’m a woman, Mr. McClaine, who runs one of the largest corporations in America. I need to be taken seriously.”

“Please call me Payton.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

“Why is that?”

She leaned forward, folding her elegant arms across the table.  “Well, to be honest, everytime I called you Mr. McClaine, all I could see was your father, and, well, you are a little bit more…”

“Younger?”

“I was going to say ‘vital.’”

“Oh, I think I like that.” He held her gaze for a moment before swallowing the rest of his wine.  Flashing a smile, she noticed for the first time how white and shining his teeth were.  She then wondered by she would even care about such a thing.

“Well, Payton, it's getting very late and we should really call it a night now that business has been concluded.”

“Yes, I’m sorry to have kept you away from your husband for so long. But before we wrap up, will you join me in a toast?”

“Sure!” she said, raising her glass.  “To what?

“To mergers. May ours be fruitful and long-lasting.”

“I’ll drink to that,” she said, clinking the glass and taking a sip.

They sat for another few moments in silence and for the first time Olivia got a good look at his face. They’d spent so much of the evening going over documents and contracts that she’d never really stopped and looked at him.  He was gorgeous. His salt and pepper hair shimmered in the candlelight, and his eyes were like two blue pools of… Oh, she had definitely had too much wine.

“Tell me something…” he said.

“Anything.”

Am I flirting? she wondered.

“When is that husband of yours going to put out a new book?”

That was about the last thing she’d expected him to say, and it caught her a bit off guard.  “I'm sorry?”

“Randy.  I have to tell you, I loved his last book. Now, tell the truth. Was the character of Eunice based on you?”

“Oh God, I hope not, Eunice was 75 years old!”

“Oh, I'm sorry, not Eunice…”

“If you mean Callie, than yes, that was based in part on me. From about a decade ago.”

“Callie, yes, that's what I meant. And what do you mean by ‘a decade ago?’”

She leaned back against the leather seat and, against her better judgment, gave a wistful sigh.  “The character's passion, her wild and adventurous side. There was a time when I was very much like that. Randy and I were so in love then…”

“You’re something of an adventurer now, wouldn't you say?”

“Yes, I suppose. I guess you could say I explore uncharted business territories.”

He gave her a thoughtful glance.  “That can be just as exciting.”

“I agree, I love it. But I miss…”  There was that wistful tone again.

“What?”

“Nothing.  I don’t think it’s appropriate to discuss my marriage.”

“I didn't realize we still were.”

Olivia began to feel dizzy; a combination of the wine, the hour and the intensity of his gaze had gone to her head.  The distant sound of the clock in Town Square brought her back to earth and she glanced at her watch.

“It's almost 3am. I’ve kept you far too long. I guess you probably need to be headed for the airport.”

“Not at all,” he said, wiping his hands on a napkin.  “I'm staying at the Palace.”

“But I understood that you had appointments on the coast tomorrow! Wasn't that the point of this meeting?”

“I'm sorry about the misunderstanding. My father had business appointments tomorrow. We had to cancel at the last minute due to his illness. I came here in his place because I’ll be handling the Oil division now. I apologize for the late hour, he just wanted it ironed out before he met with the people from Conklin tomorrow morning.”

“I can see why, Gerald Conklin is a stickler for schedules.”

“Indeed,” Payton agreed.  “If I had to choose between going head to head with Gerald Conklin and having fried chicken and wine in a booth with a beautiful woman, well…”

She beamed at his compliment, realizing how long it had been since anyone had called her ‘beautiful.’  “Thank you, you flatter me.”

“It's so easy to do when you tell the truth.”

Olivia fought the urge to meet his eyes again. She succeeded, though only barely. “So you will be staying in Autumn Lake then?”

“For the foreseeable future, yes.”

“Well, that's wonderful, I look forward to… working with you.”

“As do I, Olivia.”

Olivia showed Payton to the door and began to clean up. She wondered why she was so vulnerable to his charms in particular, considering she had been flirted with by gorgeous men for years. Why did it come so easily now? She thought of Randy, probably home asleep in his study, the glow of his laptop the only light in the room. Once she thought that was cute. Now it seemed… terribly depressing.

**********

Outside the Gypsy Grille, Payton pulled his overcoat tight around him and slid into the back seat of the waiting limousine.  Across from him, a beautiful redhead uncrossed her legs and tossed aside the magazine she’d been reading.

“It’s about time.  I was about to send in the dogs.”

“Don’t take that tone with me, Shelby,” he snapped.  “I told you this was going to take some finesse.”

She softened a bit, joining him as the car pulled away from the curb.  She ran a well-manicured nail down his cheek.  “So how did it go?”

Payton smiled, but there was no humor to the expression.  “This is going to be easier than we originally thought,” he explained.  “It’s a miracle that woman has been as successful as she has been.”

“Airhead?”

“Not quite, but easily distracted.  Had I pushed the topic, I don’t doubt for a second she’d have made love to me right there in that booth.”

“There’s that famous McClaine ego again,” Shelby sighed, crossing her arms petulantly.  “It’s amazing you could fit through the door.”

“You’ve never had any complaints about the size of my… ego.”  He grinned at his pun.  “Perhaps if you spent less time pouting and more time researching…”

“What do you mean?  I have done nothing but dig up public records on the Drummond family for the last six months.  No stone, Payton, no stone.”

“Well, you missed one.  I almost looked like an idiot when I made reference to the husband’s book.”

“Oh, that,” she said.  “Well, what can I say, it was dull.”

He grabbed her hand roughly, growing serious.  “Listen to me, Shelby, this isn’t a game.  I’m counting on you to stand by me every step of the way.”

“Of course, I…”

“If that means memorizing every boring word of every boring book Randy Marshak ever wrote or finding out what kind of wine the old man drank or what Jason Marshak’s favorite color is, you do it, understand?”

She snatched her hand back.  “Stop pawing me, damn it.  You know I’m right here with you, just like always.  Don’t be so damned desperate.”

TO BE CONTINUED

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In The Next Episode Of Autumn Lake:

• Karen drags Ross and Emily into her plot to keep Di's return a secret from Will.
   
• Alicia learns more about the mysterious Michael Drummond.