Despite Peter’s prediction, Mr. Baker was nowhere in sight when they arrived at the hotel. Sadie was relieved. She didn’t dislike Mr. Baker, exactly. But neither was she in the mood to deal with his inane conversation. About her trip. About her health. About how thrilled they were to have her at the hotel. About how grateful they were for her bringing D&A International to them. As if she – they – weren’t paying dearly for the privilege.

“I see the boss isn’t about.” Sadie reached her hand out for her suitcase as Peter pulled it from the trunk.

“Not on your life, Ms. Carter. Besides, you never know when he is going to jump out from behind a palm tree.” Sadie failed to hold back her giggle. As ridiculous as it sounded, one never knew with Marcus Baker. This hotel – the Seven Winds – was his domain. And there was no telling what little hole or crevice he’d emerge from.

Peter gestured to the doors leading into the hotel’s lobby. The entrance was deceptively simple. Two ebony doors took up the majority of the front of a small building that resembled a beach cottage, casually tucked under leafy palm and Poinciana trees, its bursts of red flowers licking like flames against the late afternoon sky. It was a charming entrance, cozy. But Sadie knew that what was beyond those doors was something else entirely.

“Peter, can you do me a favor and ask Grace to bring out the keys? I’m done in from all the travel and just want to get to my room. Besides, we should save all of the pomp and circumstance for when Mr. Donovan and his guests arrive.”

Peter cocked an eyebrow but didn’t argue. “Sure thing, Ms. Carter. I’ll give her a quick buzz.” He reached down to the small black button clipped to his shirt collar and spoke softly into it. Sadie heard the crackle of a radio from the almost invisible bud tucked into his ear before a quiet voice muttered a response. Their exchange done in a matter of seconds, Peter turned back to Sadie and gestured for her to follow.

“Grace will meet us at your room with your keys. Come, just a short ride and we’ll have you settled in.” Sadie joined Peter on the nearby golf cart, her luggage tucked securely behind them, and held on as they sped down the path through the two-story buildings that housed the hotel’s luxurious guest rooms. Sadie had gone through the arrangements with Grace thoroughly. Her room was close to the main part of the hotel, centrally located for their various functions. Within easy reach of any of the attendees who might need her. And on the ground level so that her commute would require nothing more than opening her terrace door and walking the hundred feet to the conference room where her clients would spend their mornings.

“Sadie!” Sadie hopped off the cart to see Grace, meticulous as always, walking towards her. The woman, roughly her own age, gave her a quick wave and warm smile. “Welcome back to the Seven Winds.”

“Thanks, Grace. Wonderful to see you.” Sadie snagged the hotel key cards that Grace held out before embracing her. They’d only met a few times before, when Sadie had visited the island to do pre-event site visits. But they’d spent so many hours over email and phone ironing out details that Sadie already felt close to Grace. “And thank you for all that you – that everyone – has done to prepare for this week. You’ve made my job so much easier.”

Grace gave a twinkling smile. “Always happy to help you, Sadie. And I’m glad that you’ll finally be able to spend some time on the island with us, not just popping in for a quick visit. Once this whole show gets wrapped up, I think we’ll need a little sun and sand time. Stick around for a bit after, keep me company on the beach?”

Sadie relished the idea of sinking her toes deep into the sand, off the clock, no one wondering where she was or what she was doing. “You have no idea how tempting that sounds.”

Grace’s smile morphed into a mischievous grin. “Just tempting, huh? Give me a few more days and it will be impossible to resist.” Peter had managed to wiggle the keys from Sadie’s fingers and had the room door propped open, the sounds of him shuffling her luggage around catching their attention. “Enough idle chit chat. I’d best get back. Marcus is on the prowl.” Grace gave Sadie’s hand a quick squeeze. “Stop by my office when you have a moment. You can keep me updated on all of the executive level drama.” With that she dashed back up the path.

Sadie retreated into the sanctuary of her room. Peter had pulled the curtains almost completely closed, the blushing pinks of the sunset peeking through a small portion of gauzy drape. Only the lamp near the bed was on and Sadie cast a longing glance at the expanse of cool, white sheets. Peter appeared by her side, returning the keys.

“There are bottles of water in the fridge. Along with some fresh fruit and cheese. Wine is on the wet bar. Glasses, corkscrew.” Peter pointed to various places in the room, making sure she took note of the amenities hidden in shadow. “The restaurant is already open for dinner, but in-room dining is 24 hours as well. In case you decide to eat a little later.” Peter did a quick survey, making sure he hadn’t omitted any detail. “Anything else I can get you?”

“No, Peter. I’m all set. Thanks so much for your help. As always.”

Peter gave her a gentle pat on the back before retreating to the door. “Anytime, Ms. Carter. Welcome to the Seven Winds. We hope you enjoy your stay.” After flashing her a jaunty grin, he disappeared, leaving Sadie alone with her plans and an irritatingly persistent sense of unease.