SIX

 

 

Jeff gathered Carolyn’s purchases from the cashier and walked with her out the door. “Where to now?”

She checked the time and grinned. “The spa.”

“Nice. My girl loves our spa.” He laughed softly as he led the way. “Thank God I get an employee discount, or I’d be broke.”

“Wow. That’s a nice perk. I wish my employer offered things like that.”

“Darius is the best.” He held the door open for her, then followed her to the spa’s reception desk. “I’ll keep your things with me. Call when you’re done, and I’ll escort you to your next appointment.”

“Thank you, Jeff. I’ll see you in a couple of hours.” She waved as he left and turned to the woman behind the counter. “Hi. I’m Carolyn Soucek. I have an appointment.”

“Good morning, Miss Soucek. My name is Julie. I have you scheduled for a massage, leg waxing, mani/pedis, and then a facial before your makeup is done. Did I miss anything?”

“That sounds like everything. Lunch is provided as well, right?”

“Yes. I’ve ordered the salad you wanted to be brought in from our restaurant here in in the hotel. Melanie is preparing the massage room, would you like something to drink while you wait?”

“May I have a bottle of water?”

“Absolutely, I’ll be right back.”

Left to her own devices, she checked out the front lobby. The smoky blue walls were very calming, and the gurgling water features, burning candles, and Zen music created a relaxing atmosphere. She took a seat in a leather chair and closed her eyes. She would love a room like this in her place.

Julie returned with a cut crystal glass of water that was infused with fresh berries and orange slices. “Here you go. Is there anything else I can get for you?”

Carolyn accepted the glass using two fingers. The odds were good she wouldn’t crush it that way. “No, thank you.” She took a sip and gave Julie a smile. “This is wonderful.”

“We pride ourselves on healthy, yet flavorful beverages.”

A few minutes later, Carolyn looked up as someone came into the room.

“Miss Soucek? I’m Melanie, I’ll be your masseuse today,” the woman said softly.

“Hello. Please call me Carolyn, Miss Soucek makes me feel like a kindergarten teacher.”

Melanie laughed. “Carolyn it is.”

She followed Melanie into a small, darkened room with a table in the middle. A Himalayan salt lamp glowing in the corner provided the only light source. From somewhere the sounds of rainfall and frogs croaking played softly. All in all, the room was warm and inviting.

“Undressed as much as you’re comfortable with. You can keep your panties on if you prefer. Then lay face up on the table and under the sheet. I’ll give you a few minutes.”

Carolyn had no problem with nudity when it came to other women, so she stripped to her birthday suit. She laid face up on the table and moaned. The bed was warmed and seemed to invite the occupant to take a nap.

A soft knock preceded Melanie’s return. “Are you ready?”

“Mmm,” was her response.

Melanie chuckled softly. “I get that a lot.” Wet squishy sounds joined the frogs as she coated her hands in oil. “I’m going to start with your hands and arms. Then I’ll have you flip over. Let me know if you want me to use more or less pressure.”

When it came time to flip over, Melanie started at Carolyn’s shoulders, working out knots that she didn’t even know she had. For a small woman, Melanie had the strength of a man in her fingers. The scented oil was warm and penetrated into her muscles like melted butter on toast. Heaven. She’d gone to heaven.

After the hour-long full body massage, Carolyn was more relaxed than she had thought possible. Why hadn’t she done that before? Weekly massages were definitely required from now on. Who knew having a stranger’s hands all over her body could be pure bliss?

When she was done, Melanie pulled the sheet over Carolyn’s body and rubbed her back to absorb any excess oils. “Your wax is next. I’ve hung a robe on the hook for you to wear. Take your time getting up. I’ll meet you outside with a glass of water. You need to hydrate well after a massage.”

Carolyn had never felt such pain in her life. As another strip ripped the hair from her leg, she grit her teeth to hold back a shriek. How did women endure waxing delicate areas? One strip even close to down there, and her blood-curdling screams would’ve brought Jeff running.

Shaving. Shaving was good. She couldn’t stop the process halfway through, but she would never wax any part of her body ever again.

Fifteen minutes later, she met Julie in a little kitchen area where they had a glass of water and her salad waiting for her. “Thank you. This looks yummy.”

“You’re welcome. Take your time. When you’re finished come back to the front desk, and I’ll take you to have your mani/pedi.”

“Okay. I won’t be long.” In truth, she was starving and would more than likely inhale the salad. She forked a slice of strawberry into her mouth as she rubbed her tortured legs. There was nothing wrong with a good old-fashioned razor when one was needed. And in the colder months, she didn’t exactly keep her leg hair fashionably shaved anyway. Her motto was if it couldn’t be braided, there’s no need to worry about it.

When Carolyn walked into the main lobby area, Julie smiled so brightly she lit up the room.

“Are you ready for more pampering?” Julie gestured for her to take a seat at a pedicure station.

“Yes. After the waxing, I need something soothing.” She suppressed a shiver at the memory.

Julie winked at her and whispered, “Don’t tell anyone, but I don’t care for waxing either.”

Carolyn slipped off the slippers the spa provided with the robe and dipped a toe into the water. Mmm, nice and warm. Her soles thanked her when she rubbed them across the rocks in the basin.

A door opened across the room, and a woman with long black hair emerged. Carolyn wasn’t surprised when she sat down on the low rolling stool at her feet. “Hello, I’m Mina.”

“Hi. I’m Carolyn.” She closed her eyes and breathed out a sigh when Mina took her left foot from the water and massaged the arch. “Ahh. That’s amazing.”

“I bet. You have a lot of tension in your feet. What are you worried about?”

“Nothing,” Carolyn denied. She wasn’t about to get into witch hunters with a stranger.

Mina made a harrumphing noise but didn’t push for information.

“Mmm, that feels fantastic,” Carolyn purred when Mina pressed the pressure point connected to her calf.

She picked up the other foot and paused. “Are you having your hair and makeup done, too?”

“Just my makeup. I’ll be wearing a wig with my costume tonight.”

She nodded and then spoke again, “I foresee a hot date in your future.” A slight frown pinched her features, but she didn’t elaborate on why.

Carolyn wasn’t sure why, but her behavior was unsettling. “You’re right. I’ll be with Darius tonight.”

“Good. That’s good,” Mina murmured.

They didn’t speak again until she was finished. Carolyn couldn’t take it anymore. “Are you reading me?”

Mina winked and stood to move to the next station. “I don’t read others on purpose, but sometimes information is given to me, and I feel obliged to pass it on.”

She followed Mina over to the manicure table thinking over what she said.

As she took the chair on the other side of the table, Carolyn wiggled her fingers. “I’m excited to get my nails done. I haven’t had a manicure in ages.”

Mina adjusted the light over her hands. She filed away. Every once in a while she turned Carolyn’s hand over and frowned.

Finally, Carolyn blurted, “What?”

Mina shook her head. “Don’t ask things you may not want to know. Sometimes readings don’t go the way you want them to.”

“That’s true, but I have a feeling I should hear what you have to say.”

Mina sighed heavily. “You’re keeping a secret that could get you killed. Be very aware of your surroundings tonight. Evil lurks near and means you harm.”

She glanced up, and then returned to filing and buffing.

“I know about that. Darius has taken steps to ensure my safety, so I think I’ll be fine.”

Mina nodded. “That’s true, but he can’t be in two places at once. Whatever you do, stay out of the shadows.”

“All right, I can do that.”

Mina gave her a weak smile. “Good. Now, what color polish would you like?”

“Red. I’m going as Elvira tonight.”

That brought a real smile to Mina’s face. “Excellent. You’ll be a knockout.”

When Mina finished, Carolyn wiggled her fingers again, admiring the flash of color. “That’s the perfect color of red! When I do my nails at home, they never turn out this good.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you like them. Time for a facial and your makeup and then you’ll be ready for your date.”

Carolyn leaned back in the beauty chair as yet another woman gave her a facial. She smiled as her mind replayed the night before. To be the center of Darius’s attention made her feel gorgeous and loved. She basked in the memories while the technician exfoliated her face.

When the woman finished, she smiled at Carolyn and gave her a thumbs up. “What are we doing with your makeup?”

“Do you know Elvira from that old late night show?”

“Yes.”

“I need to be made up like her.”

The woman clapped her hands and gathered supplies. “This is going to be fun.”

Carolyn laughed at her excitement.

Twenty minutes later she looked at herself in the mirror and gasped. “I look amazing! Girl, you have mad talent.”

The technician grinned. “Thank you. I enjoy my work. When I can do makeup like yours, I feel like I’m creating art.”

“I appreciate your talent, but frankly I think you’re being wasted here. You should be painting masterpieces.”

The lady shrugged. “Oh, I do that too, but this pays the bills.”

Carolyn slipped her a tip and rose from the chair. “I can understand that. Thank you again.”

“You’re welcome. Have fun tonight.”

Carolyn went to the front to pay for her spa day and called Jeff. “I’m ready.”

“Great. I’ll be there in a minute.”

 

*****

 

Security guards certainly are useful. Carolyn thought as they rode the elevator to her floor. “Thank you so much for helping me get all of this to my room.”

Jeff gave her a friendly wink. “You’re welcome, Ma’am. I’m looking forward to seeing Darius’s face when you show up in this tonight.”

“You’ll be there tonight?”

“I never miss it. The Halloween Ball is the event of the year at the hotel. I’m working security for the first hour, and then I’m free to enjoy the party.”

“Great! Now I’ll know two people at the party. I hate not knowing anyone.”

“I’m bringing my girlfriend, and I’ll be sure to say hello when I see you and introduce the two of you.”

“That’s even better. I’ll have another woman to talk to.”

They were a few feet from Carolyn’s door when Jeff grabbed her arm and pulled her to the side. She opened her mouth to protest, but he held a finger to her lips and tipped his head toward the door.

“Oh my God,” she mouthed. Her door was ajar.

Jeff motioned for her to stay where she was and sat the packages on the floor. Silently, he pulled his gun from his shoulder holster and edged along the wall until he could peer in through the crack in the door. As quietly as possible, he opened the door farther all while staying to the side with his gun at the ready.

When he disappeared inside, she held her breath. She expected to hear a scuffle, perhaps shouting, even a gunshot or two. Silence reigned. Seconds felt like hours. The suspense and fear for Jeff’s safety increased until she was ready to rush in after him.

She expelled her breath and sagged against the wall when he stepped out again.

“Whoever it was, is gone. I’m sorry to say they left quite a mess behind.” He scooped up her bags and continued his report. “I called the police. They will be here in a few minutes. You’ll have to stay out here or return to the lobby until they complete their crime scene investigation.”

“I think I’ll stay here in case they have questions. I may need to look the room over. There might be things missing.”

“That’s a good plan. While they do their thing, I’ll review the security feed. When the police are done do you want to stay in the room or would you like me to move you to another?”

“I think I’d like another. I won’t sleep a wink in that room. Every little sound will scare the daylights out of me.”

“Another good plan. I’ll have reservations assign you a room and make sure housekeeping has it ready for you.”

“Thank you, Jeff. I appreciate it.”

 

*****

 

Two hours later, she was finally allowed to see what had become of her belongings.

“Miss Soucek, if you would join us in your room, I would like you to take a look around and tell me if anything is missing,” Lieutenant Hurley requested.

Systematically, she opened drawers and checked the bathroom. Lastly, she looked inside the safe. She was shocked to see her cash and credit cards still neatly piled where she’d left them.

“Everything seems to be here as well as something extra,” she said, still staring into the open safe.

Lieutenant Hurley joined her to peer inside without disturbing the contents. “What do you mean?”

“That.” She pointed at a tiny clear bottle. It looked suspiciously like a liquor bottle you get on an airplane. “What’s in it?”

The Lieutenant took the bottle and carefully unscrewed the cap. He glanced at his partner and then took a delicate sniff of the contents. He frowned and sniffed deeper. “I’ll have it tested, but it appears to be water.”

She stared at the clear liquid and then the officer. “Why would an intruder break in here to leave a bottle of water?”

Hurley’s partner shrugged. “Who knows why criminals do what they do. Half of the time their crimes make no sense at all.”

Hurley frowned at the evidence. “It could be some kind of warning. But of what? I have no idea.”

“What’s that on the outside of the bottle,” the other officer asked.

Hurley turned it around to see what he meant. Scratching into the glass was what looked like a cross. “It looks like they took something sharp and scratched a crucifix on it.”

The other man nodded. “This close to Halloween, it might be occult related. A religious nut who’s left the reservation so to speak. I’ll check the local and national database to see if there are any reports of holy water left at the scene of a crime.”

Hurley turned back to Carolyn. “At this point, we don’t have much to go on. The room was wiped clean of prints, so unless Jeff gets something from the security camera, there’s nothing we can do. This person may be crazy enough to come back. For your safety, I suggest that you take another room.”

“That’s already taken care of. The front desk brought me a key to another room while you were checking this one. All I need to do is pack my things. Am I allowed to do that, or are my belongings evidence?”

Lieutenant Hurley held out a business card. “There’s no need to take your belongings. If you find anything strange while you’re packing, please don’t touch it. Give me a call, and I’ll take it into evidence.”

“Thank you.”

As the men left the room, Hurley turned back. “Please be careful, Miss Soucek. We don’t know what this person wants or how dangerous he is. Don’t take any unnecessary chances.”

“I’ll be careful.”

Carolyn waited until the door closed and then rushed to throw the deadbolt and flip the security bar. Taking a deep breath, she got started. She couldn’t get out of that room fast enough. Scooping up the cash and cards, she emptied the safe and closed it. In no time she had all of her clothes in the suitcase and headed for the bathroom.

She grabbed her shampoo and conditioner and froze. What was that? Holding her breath, she listened, turning her attention to the door not eight feet away.

Click…click.

A heartbeat later… scratching.

Carolyn’s heart thundered, and her breaths came in short little gasps. Sweat beaded on her forehead. Someone was trying to use a keycard to get in.

Was the intruder back?

Carolyn stared at the door for what felt like hours. Just when she thought they had gone, a loud bang sent her stumbling back. Tiptoeing to the bedside table, she called for security. As Jeff answered, the door handle rattled and turned! “Jeff! They’re back! Hurry, before they get through the door.”

“I’m coming, darlin’. Lock yourself in the bathroom and don’t come out until I tell you to.”

Within minutes Jeff’s muffled voice called from the hallway, “Carolyn? It’s all clear. Open the door.”

Still terrified, she turned the dead bolt but left the security bar in place. Slowly she opened the door and came eyeball to eyeball with Jeff.

He took a step back and asked, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Just scared.” She tried to see up and down the hallway without releasing the bar. “Are they gone?”

“Yes. They were gone before I got here. Are you packed? I want you moved to the new room immediately.”

“I have a few things in the bathroom. But yes, I’m ready.”

 

*****

 

Carolyn felt much safer as she unpacked. They had given her the room next to Darius. Even though he wasn’t there, he soon would be. She glanced at the bedside clock and noted that she had an hour before the ball began. She pulled the Elvira costume from the closet and laid it on the bed. Then she set her high heels on the floor below the long black gown and the wig above the neckline. Smiling, she nodded. That was a good-looking set. Lastly, she placed a simple black mask where her eyes would be. Her smile faded, and she sighed. It was nice but needed a little punch. If only she had been able to leave the hotel. She could have looked for a fancier mask to add a little bling.

“Oh, well.” There wasn’t anything for it but to get ready. First things first, she had to do her makeup. She walked into the bathroom and remembered her face was already done. And with the wig, she didn’t have to do anything with her hair either.

She was zipping up the dress and stiffened when a knock sounded at her door. Carolyn’s first thought was the intruder came back, but then she realized he wouldn’t have knocked. But who could it be? Maybe it was Darius!

She rushed to throw the dead bolt, but at the last second left the security bar in place. When she peeked out, there were two men in security uniforms holding a small wooden box.

“Can I help you?” she asked through the cracked door.

“Miss Soucek?”

“Yes.”

“We have a delivery for you, from Mr. Drummond. You’ll need to sign for it, ma’am.”

Carolyn looked long and hard at the insignia on their uniforms. Then narrowed her eyes on the guns in shoulder holsters that each wore. “If you don’t mind I would like to verify this delivery with hotel security. I’ll be just a moment.”

“Good Afternoon. This is Jeff.”

“Hi, this is Carolyn. Did you send a couple of men with a package to my room?”

“Yes, I did. Darius wanted to surprise you. I was about to call you when the phone rang and there you were. It’s safe to open the door.” She could hear the smile in his voice.

“Oh. Okay. Thank you.”

“Enjoy your present. I’ll be up in a few minutes to escort you to the ballroom.”

She hung up the phone and threw the security bar to open the door. What on earth was Darius sending to her that required a signature?

The man not holding the box stepped forward with a clipboard containing an acknowledgment of receipt printed on stationery from a local jewelry store. What on earth?

With a shaking hand, she signed it and took possession of the shoebox sized wooden box. After closing and locking the door, she sat the package on the bed and stared at it. What could possibly come from a jewelry store in a box that large? She nibbled her fingernail and looked at it from all sides. Finally, she bit the bullet and opened the lid.

“Oh my God!” she gasped. Lying on a bed of red velvet was a black masquerade ball mask beautifully decorated with diamonds. Two clusters of chocolate diamonds arched over the eye openings like eyebrows. Larger white diamonds placed side by side created a dazzling border, and smaller white diamonds were placed artfully over the entirety. There had to be thirty carats of gems glittering before her. No wonder it was delivered by a pair of armed guards.

“I can’t wear that,” she whispered as she ran a fingertip along the edge. She reached for her phone but pulled her fingers back. She had to be careful she didn’t give anything away about the break in. At least not yet. The last thing she wanted to do was interrupt Darius with something that was over and done with. As gently as possible, she picked up her phone and called the number Darius had entered into it.

“Hello, leannan. How has your day been?”

“Rather eventful. Security guards with really big guns came to my door. Thank you so much for the beautiful mask, but I can’t possibly wear it.”

“Why ever not?” Confusion colored his voice.

“It’s much too valuable. It must be worth a fortune. What if something happened to it? I’ll just wear the one I picked up at the costume shop.”

“Muierimei, did I fail to tell you that I’m a rather wealthy man?”

Carolyn sat down hard on the bed. “You are?”

“I’ve had centuries to amass a fortune. Until today I had no one to spend it on. The mask didn’t even make a dent in my bank account. Please, Carolyn let me spoil you. I would really like you to wear it for me.”

She stared at the mask nestled in the box for several seconds.

“Leannan?”

“Okay. Okay, I’ll wear it.”

“Thank you. I can’t wait to see you. I’m stuck here for a bit longer, so I’ll have to meet you in the ballroom. Is that okay?”

She laughed nervously. “Sure. Jeff said he would escort me, so I’ll be safe enough. Just look for the uncomfortable woman wearing a fortune in diamonds.”

“Nothing will happen to the mask, I promise. I’m sorry, sweetheart I have to go. One of my men is waiting for me.”

“Alright, I’ll see you in a little bit. Thank you for the gift.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll be there as quickly as I can.”

Carolyn dropped the phone into the little handbag she purchased to match the costume and reached for the mask. She tied the long satin ribbons behind her head and turned to the full-length mirror. A gasp erupted from her lungs. The mask looked amazing with the Elvira costume.

 

*****

 

Carolyn stepped through the ballroom door, cocked a hip, and paused. Nothing. She searched the crowd but didn’t see Darius anywhere. She’d been eager to see his reaction when she made her grand entrance. It wasn’t every day she wiggled into an Elvira costume with a mask worth more than her condo. The costume covered all the bits that would land her in jail for indecent exposure, but that was about the extent of it. The neckline plunged to her navel, and the skirt was slit clear to her hip. All she could say was, thank God for double sided tape. Heck, the incredible mask Darius sent covered more flesh than the dress. She looked damn good if she had to say so herself. Now she just needed Darius to see her.

Sighing, she made her way through the crowd of super hero’s, French maids, and half a dozen zombies to get to the cash bar. A glass of wine in hand, she took a moment to admire the incredible decorations.

The entire room was made to look like the inside of a castle she would expect to see in Transylvania. The rich, warm oak columns and wainscoting on the walls spoke of the era the hotel was built. Elaborate candelabras graced sideboards around the space with smaller replicas on each table. Brocade tapestry’s hung on the walls framed by the columns, and rich blood-red velvet curtains framed the doorways. But it was the high vaulted ceiling that held her attention. It was like a cathedral except the painted scenes were all of the Romanian landscape, peppered with an occasional vampire holding a swooning maiden.

Laughter from a nearby table drew her attention back to the room. She was surprised to see priceless Oriental rugs under each linen draped table. Darius had gone High class all the way. No cheap spider webs covering everything for her man. She smiled when she realized the costumed attendees added the finishing touch to the room.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Woody from Toy Story asked as he stopped beside her.

Carolyn smiled and turned to respond, but her mind to mouth connection shorted out. The man was gorgeous! His long raven hair was tied at the nape of his neck adding a bad boy appeal to the cartoon persona. The chest-hugging shirt and tight jeans were enough to make her mouth water.

The only things different between the animated character and this man were he wore dark sunglasses and didn’t tuck his jeans into his cowboy boots. She liked that. Tucked in jeans weren’t sexy, in her opinion. The glasses were a bit strange though. And this man oozed sex appeal. If she weren’t already with Darius, she would have made a play for this man in a heartbeat.

“Miss Soucek?” Woody prompted.

“Oh, yes I am.”

Woody held out his hand and bowed slightly. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Etienne, a friend of Darius Drummond.”

“Hello, It’s nice to meet you. Darius has told me wonderful things about you.”

She reached out to shake his proffered hand but instead he raised her knuckles to his lips and lightly kissed them. “He has told me great things about you as well.”

He glanced up and down her dress and smiled. “I love your choice of evening wear. You will leave Darius speechless and that I must see.”

Carolyn fidgeted with the top of her dress trying to cover a bit more skin. “You don’t think it’s too much?”

“Not at all. You look divine.”

“Thank you. I like your costume, too. I loved Toy Story.”

“Thank you. My motto is, you are never too old for cartoons. Laughter is good for the soul, and the script writers are simply genius.”

“You know, I think you’re right. When I watch my childhood favorites as an adult, I catch so many things I never did as a child.”

Etienne opened his mouth to respond when his attention was drawn to their right, and he frowned. She followed his gazed to see a man in a white uniform waving wildly.

“Precisely. I’m sorry, but the chef is summoning me. Please excuse me.”

“Of course.”

He gave her an elegant bow and turned to escort the flustered chef back to the kitchen.

Carolyn rubbed her arms and smiled, Etienne had an old world charm that was oddly calming. Darius made her feel that way too. Maybe it was a vampire thing? Or perhaps it came with their age and the era they grew up in.

She sipped her wine and glanced around the room again. Nope, still no Darius.