by Bobbi Brattz
“No one is here. Where else could they have gone?”
Mateo stopped, catching his breath. “I’ll go up to the house with one of you. Piers, try the bar.”
“Right. I’ll call your cell if I find them.” Piers raced along the path to the bar. No one was there but the bartender. Everyone appeared to be at the luau.
“Have you seen Tara anywhere? She’d be with one of the guests.”
Clarence shook his head. “No one went by here since the show started, sir.”
“Thanks.” Where do I look next?
Following the path back down, he noticed that the auditorium lights were on.
There was no one around, so he tried the door. It was locked tight.
“Tara?” he shouted. “Tara, answer me!”
Piers shook the handle. There was no one visible in the windows, but the studio lights were also on. He could only see the lights from beneath the door, as there were no windows in the training room.
Grabbing his cell, he called Mateo.
“Bring the key to the auditorium. I’m sure she’s in there.”
“We’ll be there as fast as we can. Break it down if you have to.”
Closing the phone, Piers looked around and picked up a large rock, then smashed the window beside the door, reaching in to unlock it. When he heard Tara scream, his heart dropped. She was in trouble and Cindy was the killer. Ice froze in his veins as he took the time to break away some of the glass and open the door.
“Please, don’t let me be too late,” he prayed.
* * * *
“Cindy, why are we here?” Tara asked, beginning to shiver as dread set in. They were in the room where Piers taught class, the large bed covered in ruby-red sheets with luxurious throw pillows with black accents.
“Why, we’re here because you’re going to play the game, silly. You want Piers, but you can’t have him unless you win.” She pulled a sharp blade out of her bag, pointing it at Tara.
“Wait, Cindy, what are you doing? Did you kill the security guard? Were you the one who broke into the house?”
“Questions, questions. I’m in charge now, not you. Shut up and listen to what you’re going to do for me. Now, get on the bed.”
“Cindy, I–"
“Shut up!” she screamed at Tara.
Tara realized that she was knee-deep in trouble and did as Cindy told her to do. Oh, Piers. I’m sorry. I was such a fool to leave the luau.
“You took him from me. Now you’ll pay the price.”
Cindy walked over to the bedside table and opened the drawer, taking out a small box, then threw it at Tara. She caught it in her hands.
“Put them in,” Cindy snarled.
“Look, Cindy. You don’t have to do this. I’ll leave and you can have him all to yourself. I promise.”
Slowly, the woman shook her head, her face a cold mask of death to come. She waved the knife at Tara, stalking her one step at a time.
Trying to keep Cindy talking, she asked, “You seem different than you did at the fire, Cindy. Why is that?”
The woman laughed, knife held tight in her hand.
“Cindy? You think that snivelling little coward could do this? She’s gone, and I’m here to stay.”
“Who are you?” Tara had heard about people with multiple personalities but had never met one before. All she knew at that point was that Cindy, or whoever she was now, was a danger to her and everyone else at the resort. She had to keep her talking until Piers came looking for her. At least she hoped that he would. He and Kona were extremely protective of her, but how long would it be before anyone noticed she wasn’t at the luau?
“It doesn’t matter who I am. You took him away from me, and now you’re going to die.”
Cold, dead eyes met Tara’s as the woman moved in closer with the knife in hand. Tara scooted back on the bed and sought desperately for a way to stop her.
“Wait! Cindy, you don’t have to do this. I’ll leave. I promise. Look, I’ll even give you the engagement ring.” Quickly, she slipped it off and threw it toward Cindy.
“Stop calling me that. My name is Andrea.”
“Andrea, take the ring and take Piers. I don’t want him.”
Though it killed her to say it, she lied. He was everything to her, but Tara had to do something, say something. Her shoulder began to throb with pain as she struggled to push herself backward on the bed. Andrea picked up the ring and slipped it on, admiring the way it looked. Suddenly, her watery blue eyes shifted back to Tara, cold and cruel. They sent shivers up Tara’s spine.
Tara slipped off the bed on the opposite side, but Andrea followed, stalking her with each step she took.
“You aren’t needed anymore. I have what I want now. All I need is him. You’ll die, and he’ll get over you fast with me at his side.”
“Why…” Tara swallowed hard. “Why do you want him? He’s just a doctor and he’s lousy in bed.”
“You lie. He’s going to pleasure me. You were just a diversion. I know he wanted me the first time I saw him, but you pushed your way into his life. I remember how you threw yourself at him that first day in class. You tramp. I hate you.”
“Andrea, please listen to me. I don’t love him. The only reason I accepted his proposal was so that he’d give me all his money. Honest.”
At that, Andrea stopped, staring at Tara as though she believed her. The blue eyes softened and refocused, the knife becoming shaky in her hand.
“What…what are we doing here?”
“Cindy?”
“Yes. How did we get here? We were at the luau. Oh, my God, it’s happening again. It’s her, isn’t it?”
“Cindy, throw the knife down and let’s go back to the luau. Piers is waiting for us.”
Again, the eyes changed, turning hard and bitter.
“She’s not going anywhere with you.” Andrea raised the knife as she moved toward Tara.
“Cindy! Cindy, come back. We can stop her together.”
There was nowhere else to go. Tara backed into a corner, watching as Andrea moved closer and closer. The knife was only a few inches away from her heart when she heard him.
“Put the knife down, Cindy.”
“Piers!”
He was at the top of the stairs near the entrance, moving slowly down toward them.
“Stop where you are. She’ll be out of our lives in a minute and then we can go back to the party.”
“Cindy…Let’s talk about this. Why are you trying to kill her? We can live without her. She’s just a useless woman. Give me the knife and we can leave here. I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”
Her eyes changed once again.
“Dr. Piers? What’s going on?”
“Cindy. Throw the knife away, now. Hurry. We might miss the fire dance if we don’t hurry.”
“Oh, okay.”
Once again, Andrea took over. “Stop talking to her like that. She’s nothing, a nobody. She can’t please you like I can. She’s useless!”
“Put the knife down,” he said as he reached the bottom step.
Tara’s heart was in her throat. She feared for Piers’s life if he continued to move forward. The knife flashed as Andrea spun back to Tara, raised her hand and took a swipe at Tara.
A scream sounded, but it wasn’t from Andrea, it was from Cindy, who threw the knife away. Andrea shrieked and tried to retrieve it, but Piers was on top of her, struggling to keep her away from it.
“Tara, run!”
She shook her head. “I’m not leaving you, Piers.”
“Get out now,” he shouted as he went down hard, taking Andrea with him. She was insanely strong for a woman, her eyes wild with hatred.
“She has to die, Piers. You know that we can’t be together unless she’s dead. She pulled the wool over your eyes. Can’t you see that? Tara’s evil. She bewitched you.”
“No, she’s not. She’s just a woman who caught my eye. You know I’ve been waiting for you, don’t you?”
&nbs
p; “I saw her throwing herself at you. She’s a tramp.”
Suddenly, Andrea threw herself to the side and grabbed the knife, scrambling to her feet. She rushed toward Tara, the lights flashing off the blade. There was nowhere for Tara to go. She screamed, putting her hands up to stop her. As the knife plunged downward, there was the sound of a shot. Andrea paused, turning to look at Piers. He stood only inches behind her and grabbed her shoulders, pulling her away from Tara.
Van stood at the top of the stairs, gun in hand. Andrea slowly dropped to the floor, her eyes wide with fear. “You…you killed her,” Cindy said, watching Van with tears in her eyes.
“Piers, do something. Help her,” Tara pleaded.
“There’s nothing we can do for her, Tara.” He took the knife from her and threw it a few feet away, then lay Cindy down on the floor, holding her in his arms. “Cindy, it’s all right now. She can’t hurt you anymore.” When Cindy released a guttural laugh, he realized it was her alter ego and put her down, moving over to where Tara stood, shaking.
A shift in her features told him that Cindy was trying to take the lead. “Piers,” Cindy called, reaching her hand out to him. Tara felt sorry for the woman and made a move to go to her, but Piers stopped her, pulling her into his arms. Van raced down the stairs and kicked the knife farther away. By the time he reached them, Cindy had blood coming from the corner of her mouth, her voice now a hissing gurgle.
“He’s mine. He’s…” Her eyes rolled back in her head and she stopped breathing.
Piers stood holding Tara, who began to cry. It was over. The killer was dead.
“But, Piers, Cindy was an innocent. It was Andrea who…”
“It’s all right now, Tara. She’s gone.”
Van reached down and looked for a pulse. He shook his head at Piers.
“She…she’s dead, Piers. I caused that. She said I pushed myself on you and she was right. I did.”
“Tara, you’re in shock. Give yourself a few minutes to calm down. I’m taking you to the hospital.”
“No. She was right. I forced myself on you. I forced you to notice me.”
“That’s not true, Tara. Listen to reason.”
“I have to go.” She tried to get away from him but couldn’t get past him. Mateo and three cops rushed down the stairs.
“Are you all right?” Mateo asked.
“She’s in shock, but she didn’t get hurt. I’m going to take Tara to the hospital.”
“The ambulance is on its way. I called for it when we realized you were in here.”
Tara felt things wobbling around her as she fell into a void of darkness.
Chapter 22:
One Month Later
“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may–"
Piers didn’t wait for permission, but seized Tara’s lips, pouring all his love and passion into the kiss. There was a roar of approval from the guests.
Kona laughed. “Trust Piers to dominate the ceremony.”
Mateo, the best man, joined in the laughter, but when Rae smiled at him, he sobered up. It was time to celebrate.
Looking down at Tara, Piers marvelled at how gorgeous she looked in her white sarong and white flowers woven through her hair. She was stunning. Her braids hung low down her back, her eyes full of joy.
“You are so gorgeous,” he murmured in her ear.
“You are so handsome, husband.”
He pulled back and gazed into her eyes.
“I guess that makes us even, wife. I love the sound of that.”
“Let’s join our guests.”
“The resort guests cheered for the couple as Piers scooped up Tara in his arms and raced for the ocean. The wedding was held at the beach, and they’d incorporated the luau for the reception. Orchids abounded as each female guest received one.
When Piers didn’t stop at the shore but ran into the water, Tara screamed with laughter.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m taking my new wife for a swim.” Together they were submersed, then came up sputtering, laughing, and splashing each other. Some of the guests joined in.
“Now we have to go get changed, you silly man,” Tara shouted, unable to stop giggling.
Piers chuckled. “Now you’re talking. Let’s go.”
“Piers, you are a devil.”
“I know. That’s the best part of marrying you. I don’t have to share you anymore.”
“Hey, I resent that.” Kona stood behind them, soaked as well. His Hawaiian shirt was plastered to his skin, showing off his muscles. He had a wide grin on his face, his eyes shining with happiness for the couple. “I wish you both pure joy and happiness.” He held out his hand and shook Piers’s, then took Tara in his arms and kissed her with a brotherly peck.
“I’m going to go see what your bridesmaids are up to. Have fun, you two.”
Pulling her into his arms, Piers murmured in her ear, “He seems to be okay with the fact that we won’t be doing ménages anymore.”
“I think Kona has more interesting ideas since he’s single again.”
“Tara, you’re not jealous, are you?”
She turned to him, wondering at the wary look in his eyes.
“Not in the least. He’s a good friend and I love him. I love you in a much different way, Piers. You are the man for me, and always will be. Besides, not every woman has a good-looking doctor for a husband.
“Let’s go get you dried off. I’ll take special care of you.”
“Oh, no you don’t!” Rae cried. “You two will never come back down here. I’ll take Tara up to get changed and you can fend for yourself.”
“Party pooper. I’ll take a rain check, wife.”
“Husband, I’d be disappointed if you didn’t. See you in a little while.” Tara kissed him sweetly, tasting the salty water on his lips.
“Yuck!”
Piers looked affronted. “What do you mean by that?”
“You taste like the sea. Next time you kiss me, you’d best be salt free.”
“No deal.” He captured her lips once again and kept them for an endless kiss. By the time he was done, Tara could barely stand.
“Get out of the water, you two. Don’t make me come in there.”
Rae had begun to show, her belly slightly rounded. Mateo stood behind her, cupping her tummy with one large hand.
“You’d better listen to my wife, my friends. She can be a bit of a tyrant in her old age.”
“I hear you. Though this one’s new, she’s pretty much the same.”
“Hey!” both women exclaimed.
“Out, both of you!” After pushing Mateo aside, Rae stood there with her hands on her hips.
Tara walked away from her new husband and took Rae’s arm once she was out of the water. “I can tell when I’m not wanted.”
“You damned well are, woman. I’m going to com–"
“Later. Rae and I are going up to the house to change. See you in a bit.”
The girls walked away from the protesting man and headed home.
“I’m glad you and Piers have a house and all, but I really miss you being here with us.”
“It was time for us to go back to my place. I also had to get my practice moving again. There are a lot of pregnant women on this island.” Tara felt the devastation of loss.
“What’s wrong?”
“I can’t have children because I had the hysterectomy. I wonder if that will bother him.”
“There are plenty of homeless orphans on the island. Perhaps you two can think about that. Have you heard from your new oncologist about the last round of testing done?”
“No, and I’m worried about it. Don’t you think they should have called by now?”
“If it was serious, your new doctor would have called as soon as your results came in. Let’s get you dried off.”
The moment they entered the house, Moki came running. “The phone is for you, Tara.”
Dreading the call, she took the cordless from Moki.
“Is this Tara Jackson?”
“As of today it’s Tara Kaaumoana, but yes, this is she.”
“It’s Dr. Bleaker’s office calling. Congratulations. For your wedding gift, I have good news for you. You’re free and clear of cancer.”
“Oh, my God! Are you sure?”
“Yes, Tara. The ovaries are okay and you’re a healthy woman.”
Tears filled her eyes. Rae and Moki looked worried.
“Thank you. I appreciate the call and your timing couldn’t be better.”
Once she’d hung up the receiver, she turned to her friends.
“I’m free!”
Rae cried out and hugged her tightly. Moki, too, got in on the action. “It’s time to celebrate. Let’s get you washed up and back to your new husband.”
“I have food to serve, so I’ll see you at the luau. I am so happy for you, Tara.” Tears filled Moki’s eyes.
“Thank you for your support. I couldn’t have survived without you two.”
“Sure you could. Now get into the shower!” Moki demanded, a smile on her face.
“Yes, ma’am.”
While she showered, Tara thought about the way Van looked at Layla. She didn’t appear to be opposed to a possible connection between them either.
Maybe we have another romance starting up. Love was in the air, and she relished every moment. She rushed to dress and get back to the party.
When Rae, Moki, and Tara arrived, it was to see Piers hug Mateo. Apparently, the friendship was back on track. Tara had never felt so happy before.
“You did a great job with your seduction. Piers looks like he won the lottery.”
“I think I did, too.”
She stepped forward and into her husband’s arms.
“We’re clear, husband.”
“No cancer?”
“Not a drop. Now we can really celebrate.”
She cupped his cheeks and leaned in to kiss him, the beginning of many.
THE END
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bobbi Brattz is a happily married mother of three. She has a background in creative, technical, and journalistic writing. Under another pseudonym, she has written twelve books with many more to come.
