Identity Crisis(48)

‘Reports are coming in that Ms. Delaney’s quick exit from the gala of the year for romance writers, after winning the coveted prize, may have been for the writer’s own protection.

‘Though reporters were told that beefed-up security at the home of Garrett Thorne, who has now admitted to being Tess Delaney’s lover, is only there as a precaution, the whole situation has gotten public attention. Some are saying it’s all been just a publicity stunt. Police are not involved as far as we know, but with the reclusive nature of Tess Delaney being legendary, secrecy is bound to be the order of the day.

‘Reporter at large, Carla Flannery, spoke to Barker Blessing a little while ago at his home, and he had this to say …’

The screen cut to a shot of Blessing sitting bare-chested and well-waxed in front of a swimming pool with palm trees in the background. If someone had sliced the man’s wrist, he would have bled sincerity and concern. Then the screen split to include a picture of the young reporter, looking as determined as Blessing looked sincere.

‘Did you suspect anything during the bizarre goings-on last night at the Golden Kiss Awards, Mr. Blessing?’

‘I did, actually, Carla. Almost from the beginning I was certain there was something the matter, but there was just nothing I could put my finger on.’

‘Except my fucking leg,’ Kendra growled. Garrett shushed her. Blessing continued.

‘Yes, I was worried from the outset; right from the beginning, something didn’t feel right. I mean Tess is always so lovely and so sure of herself, and she was shaken, clearly very shaken. Not at all herself. Not at all.’

‘As if the bastard would know,’ Garrett grumbled.

Kendra raised a hand to silence him.

‘That there have been threats on the poor woman’s life explains so much. Dear God, I just can’t imagine how anyone could threaten such a delightful woman, and such a talent. Such a talent.’

Garrett wouldn’t have been surprised to see tears in the man’s eyes as he looked into the camera.

‘I’m very concerned for her, and I certainly hope Garrett Thorne can offer her the protection she needs.’ He heaved a Gallic sigh. ‘No doubt Thorne’s brother, Ellis, will see to her protection at his brother’s request. Under such circumstances, I suppose that should make us all feel a little better.’

‘Bastard,’ Kendra said.

Before Garrett could thoroughly enjoy the pleasure of Kendra taking his side, Don spoke up.

‘Is any of this true?’

‘The whole thing was blown out of proportion,’ she said.

‘Is there security?’ Don cut to the chase.

‘Yes,’ Kendra said, ‘but only as a precaution.’

‘Garrett, I want to know what the hell is going on, and I want to know now.’

Garrett couldn’t remember ever hearing Don so upset. He caught Kendra’s eye, and she gave him a nod. So he told Don about the email.

‘Fuck,’ Don whispered when Garrett finished. ‘Are you all right, Kay?’

‘I’m fine. These kinds of things aren’t unusual with celebs,’ she said.

‘I know. I know,’ Don said. ‘But still. You didn’t sign on for this.’

‘We’ve got it under control,’ she said. And though she sounded convincing, Garrett couldn’t help thinking how she had been after she’d read the email. She continued. ‘We weren’t expecting the question from the press, and we certainly weren’t expecting it to be blown all over the news, but we’ll adapt.’

‘She’s staying with me,’ Garrett said, maybe a little more forceful than necessary. But his mind was made up. He’d have no argument from either Kendra or Don. ‘Just to be on the safe side. Besides, we really had planned that anyway until we could get the excitement from the award ceremony behind us. That may take a little longer now,’ he added.

‘This is a major inconvenience for you, Kay,’ Don said, ‘Are you sure this is all right with you? With Mr. Ryde? I mean, there are other arrangements we can make if you’d prefer.’

Garrett bristled. ‘This is the best place for her, Don. And anyway, just a few hours ago you were wanting her to go public and start endorsing hair color.’

‘That wasn’t exactly what I wanted, Garrett, and certainly the situation is different now, isn’t it?’

‘The situation’s not different. It’s no big deal,’ Kendra said. ‘This sort of thing happens all the time. How the press got their ideas, I don’t know, and of course, Blessing just ate the whole thing all up, didn’t he?’

‘Well it’s better than him wanting to sue our asses,’ Don said.