The Christmas Singer

by Cheryl Wright

  “I’m afraid so. It’s needed to keep you safe.” Felicity scrutinised his face. It was probably the first time she’d really seen him. There was too much panic and mayhem earlier. Too much chaos and confusion.

  She sighed again. It seemed like everything was out of her hands. Control had been tossed out the window.

  Would her life ever be normal again?

  * * *

  “I don’t understand. Any of it.” Derek sat next to her on the comfortable sofa in their isolated hideaway. “Why does someone want me dead?” Felicity stifled a sob and fought back tears that had been threatening to escape for several hours, since that fateful moment when Dom knocked her to the ground. “I’ve never hurt a soul. Not ever.” She was more than distraught, and if she wasn’t careful, she could quickly become a sobbing mess.

  “I know.” Derek’s voice was low and comforting. “The police are trying to find out, but so far they’ve learned nothing.” Frustration gave an edge to his voice. She understood completely because she felt it too.

  “They did learn something of concern though.”

  Felicity heard herself gasp. She was shocked, of course she was. She’d lived a fairly placid life, had never broken the law, and certainly hadn’t done anything that would make someone want to murder her.

  Derek waved his hands in front of his face. “No, no. Not about you. It’s nothing you’ve done.” Her shoulders sagged in relief.

  “It’s Hector. He…”

  “What has he done now?” Her hackles rose. He had been the bane of her life for as long as she could remember. If he wasn’t her father, she’d have broken all ties with him years ago. Probably should have done it anyway.

  “Gambling.”

  She felt her face go tight. She was frowning, she knew she was. She slid to the edge of the sofa, waiting for Derek to continue.

  “He owes some bad people a lot of money.”

  Jumping to her feet she paced the floor before she could even think about it. “And so someone tries to kill me because my father owes them money?” She fisted her hands and held them tight against her body. “That is so not fair. I didn’t do anything to them. Or him.” She clenched her fists. “That low-life. He did this to me. Just like he’s done so many other things to ruin my life. I’m sure he hates me.”

  “Well, to be fair,” Derek said, looking everywhere except at her, “We’re not positive that’s the reason, but it’s all we’ve found so far.”

  Slumping back on to the sofa she put her hands to her face. This time she let the tears flow. She needed to get Hector Montgomery out of her system, and out of her life. Forever.

  * * *

  She’d had her cry, and hopefully that was the end of it. But Felicity was still really cross.

  No! Angry. Furious even, at her father. How dare he put her life in danger! All for the sake of his stupid gambling habit.

  Did her mother know what he’d been up to? Probably not – they’d hardly spoken for years. Felicity still saw her mother, but things weren’t great between them. She’d always believed her mother was as much to blame for all the anguish she’d endured over the years at the hands of her father.

  She’d let him bully her.

  She’d let him push her into the music industry as a toddler.

  And she’d sure as heck let him take her money. Greedily grasping all of it.

  For her sake, he’d said. He’d bought her a house. But it wasn’t in her name. Hector was the legal owner of it.

  He’d bought her a car. Again, in Hector’s name.

  She owned her little unit, but only because she’d refused to allow Hector to handle any of her money once she turned 18.

  Oh sure, he said he was her manager. Raved and ranted about all he had done for her. How ungrateful she was. She would be a nobody if it hadn’t been for him. On and on he had gone for about five minutes. When the abuse didn’t work, he had threatened her. They had no written contract, so she had defied him, obtained legal advice and told him straight.

  He wasn’t her manager, and he never would be again.

  She’d watched him closely as they’d argued. He wasn’t upset that their working relationship had ended. Wasn’t sad or remorseful for what he’d done. He was enraged because he would never get his hands on her money again.

  He continued to coach her for a fee, to ‘guide her toward stardom’ he said, but Felicity knew better. Fame meant more money, and Hector wanted as much of it as he could get his greedy hands on.

  Not happening. Not now, and not ever again.

  She’d finally broken those unrelenting ties.

  She sat with her eyes closed and took a deep restorative breath. Keeping calm was going to be difficult. Being so angry was not at all good for her well-being.

  Well neither was being shot at! She hadn’t asked for this, hadn’t done a thing to cause it. Breath. Breath. Calm. Breath. Breath. Calm. Breath. Breath. Calm.

  Slowly she opened her eyes, only to discover Derek watching her every move. No doubt wondering what she would do next.

  “I’m okay,” she said, moving to a standing position. “I’m forcing myself to be calm. To not be so angry.” The last word came out forceful, and ironically, angry.

  “It’s not working, then?” Derek asked, a chuckle escaping his lips. She glared at him.

  “Not funny.” Now she was pouting. She didn’t do pouting. Okay, yes she did, but usually when she didn’t get her own way. And usually when Hector was involved.

  Hector! Her blood pressure moved upward again, so taking a deep breath she slowly let it out.

  Derek watched her. Closely watched her. “I’m okay.” His expression told her he didn’t believe it. “Really. This time I really am okay.”

  “Good, because you can’t let him get the better of you.”

  He was totally right. Her father had done so much to ruin her life, but this time he wouldn’t win. She would make sure of it.

  * * *

  Derek had insisted it wasn’t safe for Felicity to go home, so she’d been staying at a hotel.

  The hotel was dressed ready for the festive season. A large Christmas tree stood in the foyer. Decorations were strewn all around the walls.

  Even the room was decorated for the upcoming season.

  Everywhere she went, Dom went too. He was there around the clock, even when his side-kick was on duty.

  The hotel was wonderful, luxurious even, but it wasn’t home.

  Felicity had adored the spa in her luxury room, and had used it several times, soaking her weary body in the enormous tub, adding loads of scent-filled bubble-bath.

  She missed Meow.

  They’d only been there a few days, and he was being looked after, but she still missed him.

  Finally, Derek took her back to his place, giving her a break from the monotony of the hotel. At least his place wasn’t dressed up with Christmas decorations.

  It just felt so inappropriate right now.

  From the moment she stepped inside his mansion, Felicity was in awe of her surroundings. The hotel had nothing on this place. You only had to look at the clothes Derek wore to know he was a man of money, but now she was blown away.

  The entrance reminded her of a historical movie with its spiral staircase with a beautiful woman gliding down the stairs. This was the height of luxury, and so far, she hadn’t gone beyond the front door.

  His living room alone was bigger than her entire apartment.

  “Sit. Take a load off.” He motioned toward the black leather lounge suite that stood just inside the door.

  Felicity surveyed the room. Everything was perfectly co-ordinated. In addition to the lounge suite, there were several recliners, all black, to match the sofa. Each chair had a matching ottoman, and it all sat on expensive beige carpet.

  As she sat, Felicity stared at the far wall, with its floor to ceiling windows. The view across the bay was amazing. She couldn’t wait to see it once the sun went down.

  Derek was one luc
ky man. She’d thought perhaps he’d come into money but knew deep down it was hard work that got him where he was today.

  But with no one to share it with, what was the point? At least in her tiny apartment she was happy, and she had Meow. She was such a loveable cat, and it was always a thrill to be welcomed home by her each night.

  Meow. She’d tried not to think about the kitty, because she missed her so very much.

  “What’s up?” Derek’s voice came out of nowhere, and she startled.

  “I was thinking about Meow.” She watched as he contemplated her, sitting down beside her as he did. “I miss her.”

  “She’s okay. She’s being cared for.” She must have looked as if she didn’t believe him because he added, “I promise.”

  She nodded slowly and sank back into the luxurious sofa. It was a certainty she could lose herself in this thing.

  Derek’s hand reached out and he touched her cheek. Softly but with so much passion. He leaned in and his lips touched hers ever so gently. Like fairies dancing across her lips. She sighed, wanting more. Needing more.

  She wondered if Dom hadn’t been standing nearby would the kiss have been so chaste.

  Felicity was running. She had to get away, but this place was unfamiliar, and she had no idea where to go.

  She stole a glance behind her, trying to catch a glimpse of this person who wanted to kill her. What she saw terrified her. He was tall, really tall, and he was built like a bear. He was running, trying to catch up with her, and Felicity knew for sure he would eventually reach her. His long legs meant that his one step would equal two of hers; it was inevitable that she would be outrun.

  She took a deep breath, endeavoring to keep herself from running out of air when she needed it most.

  As she turned the corner, she slammed into something hard. It was him. But how could he be around the corner when he was behind her? Felicity was totally confused now. She closed her eyes momentarily and shook her head trying to clear the fog in her brain. She opened her eyes. Wide. And stared at the man blocking her escape.

  “What….?” She was more confused than before. This man was definitely the same man chasing after her.

  He grabbed her by the shoulders and began to shake her. “Felicity.” She felt his grip on her shoulders. “Felicity, wake up.”

  She opened her eyes and stared into Derek’s concerned eyes. She sighed. Deeply. Thank goodness it was only a nightmare. But it was so incredibly real.

  “You were screaming, like, really screaming. What happened?” He appeared really concerned, as she knew he would be.

  Felicity leaned into him, and put her arms around Derek, holding him tightly. She felt the tears trickle down her face. “It was so real. I was there, and he was chasing….” Derek put a finger to her lips.

  “I will not let anyone hurt you. Ever. I promise.” His hand came up and massaged her back, trying to help her relax. She felt safe here, felt safe with Derek. And she was certain he’d keep her from harm.

  Now all they had to do was find out who was trying to kill her, and why.

  Chapter Eight

  Dom was there. Always there. Even as she slept.

  She slept in the bedroom while he was next door in the lounge room. She’d insisted – how could she sleep knowing his eyes were on her every movement?

  This had been the routine for about a week now. They would come home from performances, and Dom would thoroughly check out the luxury hotel apartment while Derek stood with her at the door.

  It was surreal.

  As Dom checked out the apartment, she glared at the stunning Christmas decorations strewn around her room. If she could, she’d have them all removed.

  It felt further from Christmas than she ever imagined possible.

  Besides, Felicity was tired of it all. She wanted to go home. Her real home, where Meow would cuddle up with her while she read her novel, then snuggle in once she turned off the light.

  She really missed Meow. A lot. She stifled a sob. Joe and Maurice were caring for her dear kitty, and truth be known, spoiling her rotten.

  They had their own spoiled feline – Cfer. It meant C for Cat they’d told her when their own kitty had arrived many years ago. They are usually very serious on the surface, but once you got to know the pair, you saw a totally different side to them.

  Tonight’s performance put Felicity on edge. Derek had arranged for some of the country’s top critics to be in the audience. They could literally make or break her career. It was that vital.

  She’d given it her best, but she feared her best would not be good enough. Derek assured her it was the absolute best performance to date.

  But he would say that.

  Even if it was the worst, he would still tell her it was her best. She knew he would.

  Security had been high since the attempt on her life. Dom was with her every moment until she went on stage. Then he was standing in the curtains, as close to her as he could get. There were two dozen security officers placed around the room, including many in plain clothes. She felt safe and secure, thanks to Dom and Derek.

  She was still reeling from tonight’s show, and very hyped up. It was high paced as usual, and her brain went into overload. It always took several hours for her to come down from that natural high she got from performing in front of an audience.

  She’d sat with Dom and Derek for a couple of hours and talked. About anything and everything. She knew she was animated but couldn’t help it. That’s just what she was like when a show was over.

  Finally, she’d calmed down and finally gone to bed. Derek had gone home, and Dom had taken up his usual position in the lounge room.

  He’d rearranged the furniture the day they arrived so he could hear any movement in her bedroom. But they were on the third floor. How could anyone get in, except via the front door?

  Felicity finally closed her novel and turned off the bedside lamp.

  The bed was so luxurious, and she snuggled down into it. It was like having a holiday at a deluxe resort.

  But it was way quieter here. There were no tourists to disturb your peace and quiet, no babies crying, and no children running up and down the passageway.

  Major win.

  Felicity glanced across at the beside clock. 2am – time for some shuteye.

  She closed her eyes, and quickly drifted into a deep sleep.

  Unsure what had woken her, Felicity looked around the darkened room. A tiny stream of light escaped though a small gap in the curtains. The bedside clock told her it was 4.30am – not quite daybreak.

  She closed her eyes and tried to get back to sleep.

  She suddenly opened her eyes again. What was that sound?

  She glanced around. It was pitch black, she couldn’t see a thing, but sensed someone in the room.

  Would Dom have come in to check on her while she slept? Felicity didn’t think so.

  She rolled over in an effort to get a better look without being obvious. This time she saw the silhouette of a man.

  A big man.

  Big as a bear.

  Like she’d seen in her apartment. Her first thought was how did he get in?

  Her next thought was on how to get help. Should she shout for Dom? Scream? Jump out of bed?

  Her eyes hit the bright light of the bedside clock. Without further thought, she suddenly reached out from the bedding and swept the bedside clock from the table. She hoped it landed hard enough for Dom to hear it. The massive silhouette moved toward her, hands outreached.

  She jumped out of bed as Dom rushed thought the door, flicking on the light as he did so.

  Gun in hand, he yelled “Freeze, scumbag.” Ignoring Dom, the persistent intruder continued on his path toward Felicity. “Last warning,” Dom yelled. “I will use this gun.”

  The intruder laughed. Felicity was frozen to the spot. Everything seemed to slow down around her.

  She saw the man dive toward her. Dom subsequently moved to her. He shoved her aside, putting himse
lf between her and the low-life who had invaded her room.

  “Don’t move!” Dom was angry now, she could tell, but he was still totally in control.

  It all happened in a blur, but she clearly remembered hearing the gunshot, then her ears were ringing.

  The intruder was down, and Dom was helping her off the floor and leading her into the other room, and out of harm’s way.

  Then he was on the phone, his gun still trained on the injured man. First with the police, then hotel security, and last of all, Derek.

  Her heart was racing. She felt shaky, and when she looked down, saw she was visibly shaking. Whether that was fear, shock, or adrenalin, she didn’t know.

  What she did know was she was eternally grateful for Dom. If he hadn’t been there…

  She didn’t want to think about it. She closed her eyes momentarily and was surprised when they began to leak. Dom threw her a blanket. “Here, put this around yourself,” he said. “I think you’re in shock.

  Was she? She wasn’t sure but did what he said. In the next instant, police and security burst through the door. The intruder was handcuffed and ordered to stay on the floor until the ambulance arrived. When they finally came, Dom asked them to check Felicity out first, but because the intruder was bleeding, he got priority, much to Dom’s disgust.

  Amidst all the confusion, the hotel doctor arrived and checked Felicity over.

  Everything had happened so quickly, and she was having trouble getting her head around it all. Derek was suddenly next to her, wrapping her in a long embrace, and holding her tight.

  “Thank the Lord for Dom,” he muttered, as he continued to hold her firmly. She was quietly sobbing, and he began to rock her gently, while still keeping her encased in his strong arms.

  She looked up into his face. “You look terrible,” she told him, and he laughed.

  She joined him but continued to laugh until she cried.

  This was crazy. The whole night was crazy.

  The doctor told Derek she was in shock, and she conceded she probably was. She felt the blanket being pulled up around her again. “I’m alright,” she heard herself say as she stood, but her voice sounded like it was far away.