by Jamie DeBree
Knowing there wasn't any way to get out of this himself, he went back to the couch and took out his cell. Finding the number, he hesitated a minute, then pressed send.
"Vince, we have a problem. Or several."
Chapter 6
When Holly woke, the sun was shining through the windows, and a well-dressed man was sitting in a chair at the side of the bed. Disoriented, she blinked a few times and then awkwardly pushed to a sitting position.
"Who are you?" she said, tightening her grip on the covers. She wasn't sure where the nightshirt she was wearing had come from, but the fact that her under things were missing was disconcerting.
The man smiled. "I'm the man who's going to make you famous." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and his chin on laced fingers. "Play your cards right, and do what you're told - we'll all make a lot of money and your books will sell like hotcakes."
She rubbed a hand down the side of her face, confused. "I was kidnapped. And shot. And now you're telling me you want to make me a star. Do I have any choice in all of this? Because right now, I really just want to go home. And I need to make sure Edd--"
"Eddie Pierce is fine for now," the man said, holding a hand up to silence her. "As to whether you have a choice or not..." he shrugged, leaning back in his chair again.”We all have choices. Some are just more unsavory than others."
Holly's leg was throbbing, the feeling mimicked in her head. "You might as well just tell me," she said, shifting on the bed as she tried to find a less painful position. "Then I can tell you no, and be on my way."
He laughed. "You are a fiery one, aren't you? I can see why Sean was so disappointed when you turned him down. He likes a little sass, though personally, I think it gets old very quickly."
The bedroom door opened, and the butler from the night before came in, tray in hand. "I'm sorry, Sir. It's time for her medication." At the other man's nod of assent, he placed the water and another small paper cup with pills in it on the nightstand and left without so much as a backwards glance.
Holly took the cup and fished out the longer pill again, swallowing that with a sip of water. Her captor eyed the leftover pills as she placed them back on the table.
"Take the others too, Ms. Saunders. It's not a request." His firm tone grated on Holly's nerves, and she folded her arms over her chest, raising her eyebrows in challenge.
"I don't think so," she said, shaking her head for emphasis. "Not until you tell me who you are, and what you want. I'm tired of these stupid games."
He regarded her thoughtfully for a moment, then inclined his head slightly. "As you wish. My name is Leland Ellison. And I've been retained by Sean Winston to procure your cooperation in playing the part of his loving girlfriend in public for an indeterminate amount of time, beginning next week."
Holly shook her head. "No. Absolutely not. And when I get out of here, I'm going straight to the police. You can't just kidnap someone and force them to be your...or his, in this case, girlfriend."
Leland grinned. "Of course it's not legal, but it is entirely possible, I assure you. Given the cost of non-compliance, you may want to hear his terms before you rush to a decision you'll undoubtedly regret."
Holly stared back at Ellison, careful to keep her expression neutral. Inside she was more than a little afraid of what he would say, and the muscles in her leg were twitching uncomfortably as the pain started to flare. There had to be some way to get out of this mess, she just had to listen, and then figure it out. She could do that. Then she'd get back to Eddie, and--
"I take it from your silence that you're ready to see this," he said finally, apparently realizing he'd get no acknowledgment from her. He pulled open the nightstand drawer and took out a remote control, pointing it at the bare dresser on the wall across from her bed. A mechanic whirring sound accompanied a small TV that rose out of the console. The monitor came to life with the press of another button, and Holly gasped, recognizing Eddie's personal recording studio on the screen.
"How did you get this?" she asked, leaning forward to look more closely at the video. "Did you tap into his surveillance feed? Who helped you?" The old couch called to her, and she wished she could be on the other side of the glass.
"How is unimportant," Ellison said. "You should be more concerned with the next little bit." The bouncer from The Afterglow stepped into the studio and went to the couch, lifting up one of the cushions to place something underneath the back portion of the furniture. He pushed a few buttons on the device, then replaced the cushions, staring at them for a few minutes before he turned and walked away.
The TV went black and began its descent back into the console. Ellison replaced the remote, and then turned to Holly with a grin.
"I find that when the motivation is sufficient, people are more willing to listen. Are you willing to listen now, Miss Saunders?"
She nodded, knowing it was probably a bluff, but not willing to risk the potential explosion. "I'm listening."
He smiled. "Excellent. The terms are simple. You will play the part of Sean's lovely yet quiet writer-girlfriend in public. This includes enough affectionate displays to be convincing even to the press. We will provide the back story for your relationship, a room in Sean's home where you'll stay, and more spending money than you've probably ever had in your life." He clasped his hands together, the rubbing motion reminding Holly of an overly-dramatic cartoon villain in a movie. "When you aren't working," he continued, "You'll be able to work on your books in peace."
"And why would I do this for you again? Because frankly, that sounds horrifying. You want me to be a slave, more or less. Or at least look like a mistress."
"Exactly!" He got to his feet and started pacing, back and forth behind the chair he'd vacated. "We want you to look like a mistress. And if you happen to sleep with Sean, so much the better. Your name linked with his will send your books soaring into the sales stratosphere. And having "stolen" you from Eddie Pierce will boost his credentials as well."
Holly wrinkled her nose. "That's one of the worst marketing plans I've ever heard - and I've heard many. But you didn't say why I'd want to do this. I can sell plenty of books just off my name alone."
Ellison laughed. "That's cute, honey, but you and I both know that your numbers haven't been all that great lately. You do this though, and not only will your books sell, I'll guarantee you a movie deal before our arrangement ends.
She waited, staring pointedly until the amusement left his face.
"The bomb hidden in Eddie's couch is still there. All I have to do is watch the monitor, and choose the right time for your rock star to have a rather untimely accident. Or you can play along, and stay away from Eddie Pierce, and he'll get to stay in one piece. Your choice, Ms. Saunders."
Holly nibbled at her bottom lip. There wasn't a choice, really - not right now at least. She couldn't just let them blow Eddie up, and there was no way to know if Ellison was bluffing or not. Considering she'd been shot in the leg by real bullets, she wasn't willing to risk Eddie's life on the gamble. But once her leg healed, and she had some freedom back...
"I won't sleep with him," she said, needing to make that clear up front. "And I want to know exactly what kind of affectionate displays you expect from me right from the start. I don't suppose you'd be willing to draw up a contract?"
Ellison laughed. "So you could sue us later?" He shook his head. "Smart girl, but no. Our deal is strictly under the table, and you will do whatever you need to in order to make your relationship with Sean look convincing. Or else." He got his phone from his pocket and stared at the screen for a moment, then tapped out a message.
"That was our PR girl. She has the press release ready and I don't think we can wait much longer." He shot her a pointed look. "So what's it going to be, Ms. Saunders? The old boyfriend or a shiny new one?"
"What press release?" Holly frowned. "I'll agree to your plan, Ellison, but only because you leave me no choice. What makes you think I won't run off the first chance
I get though?"
He smiled. "Well, there's Steve, for one thing. Your bodyguard will be with you night and day, to insure your...continued cooperation. And if you're gone for more than thirty minutes at any one time, we'll detonate the bomb. So it really is in your best interests to play by our rules." He tapped at his phone again, then put it back in his pocket. "The press release will go out to all media outlets immediately to let the police know you are no longer missing, but that you've been injured in a car accident and are currently under the care of your secret lover, Sean Winston. As soon as you're able, we'll need to hold a Q and A session for you and Sean to go public with the romantic story of how he stole you from Pierce."
The man looked almost giddy, and Holly fought the urge to roll her eyes. There was something else going on here, she'd swear to it. No way could a mere rivalry between stars make that big of an impact on sales. She'd get to the bottom of it before she left, no matter what. Sean Winston and all of his cohorts could just go to hell for all she cared. And she'd be happy to send them there.
There was another knock at the door, and Ellison opened it. Three people came in carrying photography equipment, and started setting up around her bed. Pulling the covers up higher, Holly glared at Ellison.
"What the hell is all this?"
* * *
Eddie paced in the living room, wondering how Vince could be so calm. It was nearly noon, and there was no sign of Holly at all - even her agent hadn't heard from her. He'd slept fitfully after Vince had finally rescued him from Holly's dressing room at the studio and he'd given a statement to the police. The guilt was almost overwhelming, though he knew there was nothing he could have done differently.
Except sending her away yesterday morning.
"There has to be something we can do," he said, stopping in front of the tall glass windows that overlooked the pool. "Maybe we should hire a private detective. Do you know any--"
"The police said they'd call as soon as they had something," Vince said. "You've got to calm down, Eddie. You have a show in two days - you should be rehearsing with the rest of the band."
Eddie turned around in time to see Vince point the remote at the TV. The noon news came on, and he froze as Holly's face appeared in the small box to the left of the newscaster.
"Turn it up," he said, snatching the remote from Vince's hand and raising the volume as fast as he could. Her face was as white as the sheet pulled up over her t-shirt, and the resigned weariness in her eyes made him long to hold her. The newscaster was talking, and he tried to focus on her words.
"--for more on this story, let's go right to our field correspondent live with Ms. Saunders at this very moment."
Holly's face grew larger for a moment until the camera panned out to include the face of a young reporter, leaning far closer than he needed to, in Eddie's opinion.
"Ms. Saunders, please tell our audience what happened yesterday, and where you've been since then." The camera zoomed in on Holly again. She blinked and looked off screen for a moment before she spoke.
"Some men tried to kidnap me. I was shot in the leg, but I'm being well cared for by..." she paused, glanced off screen again and then sighed, "by Sean Winston and his staff. Sean and I are...um..."
"It's okay Ms. Saunders," the reporter said with a sly grin. "We all got the press release this morning." He turned and looked into the camera. "Ms. Saunders and Sean Winston have been hiding a secret love affair, it seems. And as soon as she's well enough, she'll move into Winston's mansion." He looked back at Holly. "Should we be looking for a wedding date soon?"
The horrified look on Holly's face was all Eddie needed to know. He turned off the television and tossed the remote onto the coffee table. "None of that is true, dammit. Did you see her face? Something's wrong, Vince - and I'm not going to just sit back and let it happen. Winston's going down." He moved toward the door, but Vince was there first, and grabbed his arms tight.
"Nothing is exactly what you're going to do," he said, holding up a finger when Eddie opened his mouth to argue. "You go racing over there now, your career is over, I guarantee it. This has to be handled very carefully. Understood?"
"Who the hell cares about my career?" Eddie pushed his agent aside, striding quickly to the back door. "I need to see her." He pulled open the door and got half-way down the steps before his phone rang. Not looking at the display, he answered it on the way to the car, stopping short when he heard the familiar voice.
"Eddie? This is Holly."
Chapter 7
"Holly? Where are you? I saw the news - thank god you're okay. When I get my hands on Winston--"
Holly looked at the phone on the bed, and then at Ellison sitting off to the side. "Sell it," he mouthed, with a look that promised serious consequences if she didn't. Taking a breath she closed her eyes and focused on Eddie. There had to be some way to warn him with her words, though ideas weren't exactly hitting her over the head.
"Eddie, stop," she said, opening her eyes and looking down at the phone again. "I don't know how I can convince you, but everything on the news today is true." She glanced at Ellison, who nodded his head. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it before, but I'm moving in with Sean next week. I--" she paused, swallowing around the lump in her throat. "I guess I just needed one last fling before I committed to a public relationship. That photo of us helped me see that I can survive in the spotlight."
"Bullshit." Eddie lowered his voice. "Someone's listening, aren't they? Telling you what to say? I may not know you well, Holly, but I know you're lying through your teeth, and I will find you, one way or the other. Count on it."
Holly shook her head, panic washing over her. "No! Eddie, you have to listen to me! I love Sean, and I'm going to be with him. There's nothing you can do about that. We had one great night, and that's all it needs to be. Just put my picture in your scrapbook and move on." Her heart beat wildly as she hoped he'd get the reference. It was all she could do, and judging by the look on Ellison's face, she'd nearly gone too far.
"I have to go now, Eddie. Please, just leave me alone."
"I can't do that, Holly," he said. "You tell Sean he's got competition. This isn't over yet."
The connection went dead, and Holly shrugged as Ellison picked up the phone. "I tried," she said as he rose from the chair, shoving the cell in his pocket. "Please don't hurt him. I did everything you asked..."
Ellison walked to the door and opened it before replying. "We'll see," he said, closing the door behind him.
Holly flopped back on the pillows, wincing at a spike of pain through her leg. The scrapbook had been a long shot, but Ellison hadn't caught on and with any luck, Eddie would eventually. She just hoped it wouldn't be too late.
There was a knock at the door, and the creepy butler entered with a tray. "Your lunch, Miss." He put it down on the bed beside her, and left without another word. She examined the contents - soup, half a sandwich, a banana and a glass of milk. What she wouldn't give for a cup of coffee...
With a sigh, she picked up the sandwich and dipped it into the soup, letting the broth soak into the bread before she took a bite. As she dipped it in again, there was a whirring sound from the wood console at the end of the bed. Frowning, she watched as the TV came up and locked into place before the monitor clicked on.
Setting her sandwich down, she watched in horror as Eddie's studio became visible, his couch front and center. In the lower right corner of the screen, a digital clock started counting down from ten.
Holly forgot to breathe for several seconds as she watched time tick away on the screen. Eddie wasn't in the frame, but how far would the bomb reach? Why were they doing this? She'd done everything they asked, and for what?
"Please don't be home," she murmured, swiping at the tears on her face. The numbers grew smaller, and her fingers curled into the blankets as she silently cursed her stupid leg and her own cowardice. She should have known they were going to set the bomb off anyways. She should never have played their game.
The countdown hit zero, and with a loud pop Eddie's couch was enveloped in a cloud of flames and smoke that filled the screen just before the feed dissolved into static.
"He wasn't there," she whispered, falling back against the pillows and squeezing her eyes shut. The gears whirred in the cabinet as she cried into the pillow, everything that had happened finally crushing her under the weight.
She heard the door open, but didn't bother to look up. She knew by his gait that it was Ellison, coming to gloat, most likely.
"Oh come on, Ms. Saunders. You knew the man for what - two days? You can't really expect me to believe you cared that much for him in so short a time."
His condescending tone was expected, but it still stung. Then it hit her. He wasn't here to gloat. She sat up and used the edge of the sheet to wipe her face.
"He's not dead," she said, confident that it was true. "If he was, our deal would be void, and you'd have no way to control me." The thought shouldn't have made her feel better, but it did. Eddie was alive. He had to be. And that's all that mattered.
Ellison clapped his hands. "Very good, Ms. Saunders. I knew you were a smart one. Your rock star didn't seem to be buying your little speech, so we felt it was necessary to punctuate it, for effect."
Holly laughed. "If you thought that would scare Eddie, think again, Mr. Ellison. It will just convince him I'm being held against my will, and he'll find a way to get to me. You'll see."
He nodded. "Yes, we thought that could happen. Which is why you're flying to one of Sean's alternate residences in about..." he made a show of checking his watch, "four hours, give or take. Someone will be in shortly to help you dress." He stood, preparing to leave.
"Which other residence?" Holly asked, her pulse speeding up at the thought of disappearing indefinitely. "Where are you taking me? And where's Sean? Why haven't I seen him yet?"
