Basil ignored the proffered hand, dipping his head and pressing a kiss to her cheek. “It’s my pleasure, Ms. Sanchez. Would you mind if I call you Saundra?”
Her smile widened. “You may, only if I can call you Basil.” Throwing back his head, he laughed loudly. “What’s so funny?”
“My name is pronounced Base-sill, not Bass-sill.”
Saundra inclined her head. “I’m sorry. My mother was born in England, so there are times when I slip into the British vernacular.”
“Please sit down, Saundra. Can I have my houseboy bring you something to drink?”
She sat on a brocade armchair. “I never drink alone.”
“If that’s the case, then I’ll join you. What do you want?”
“An extra-dry, extra-dirty double gin martini.”
Basil gave her a Cheshire cat grin. “I like a woman who knows how to drink.” He walked to the decoratively carved doors to the room where he spent most of his time when at home and saw Thomas sitting on a chair at the end of the hall. He beckoned him. “I need you to tend bar. Make me my usual.”
“What about Ms. Sanchez?”
Basil gave Thomas his guest’s drink order. He returned to sit opposite the beautifully exotic woman whose face matched an extraordinary voice. When he’d heard the demo one of his employees had given him Basil knew he’d been redeemed. Saundra Sanchez had become his golden goose because she was the total package.
“I was blown away when I heard your demo.”
“So you liked it?”
“Liked it? I loved it. That’s why I asked to meet you.”
Saundra’s short skirt rose even higher on her trim thighs when she crossed one bare leg over the opposite knee, achieving the reaction she sought when Basil’s jaw literally dropped. “Do you usually hold business meetings in your home?”
He tented his fingers. “Occasionally I do.”
Combing her fingers through her long, silky hair, Saundra tucked several strands behind her left ear. “And I agreed to meet you in your home because I want a recording contract. I’m a twenty-six-year-old wannabe actress. I’ve gone to so many auditions that every casting director in L.A. knows my face and name.” She leaned forward on the chair. “I could’ve gotten a few major parts, but there is one thing I refuse to do. I will not compromise my morals for anything or anyone.”
“And you won’t have to with me, Saundra.” Basil held out his hands, palms up. “You want to become a recording artist and I’ll make that possible for you. What I can’t do is make you a star. But if you work with me and my people you can have any and everything you want.”
Saundra smiled at the houseboy when he handed her the chilled glass and a cocktail napkin. “Thank you.” She waited for Basil to accept a highball glass filled with an amber liquid. Raising her martini glass, she lowered her gaze, peering at him through her lashes. “Here’s to you making me a star.”
“To stardom,” Basil intoned, taking a deep swallow of his drink.
Saundra took furtive sips of her drink as she stared at the large man sitting only a few feet away. “What are you willing to offer me?”
Basil drained his glass, setting it down on a round marble-topped table. “Are you always so direct?”
“Yes.”
That was the last word exchanged between them as Basil’s head slumped, his chin touching his chest. Saundra set her glass on the table, rose to her feet and nodded to Thomas. “Will you please show me out? It appears as if Mr. Irvine has a problem holding his liquor.”
“That’s all right, Ms. Sanchez. I’ll help him get into bed.”
The sun was just beginning to set over the Hollywood hills when she climbed into the rear of the waiting car. She waited until the driver maneuvered onto the interstate leading northward to San Francisco to pull off the wig, remove the contact lenses, methodically remove layers of professional makeup that transformed her from blonde-haired, blue-eyed Allison Turner to exotic Latina Saundra Sanchez. She completed the total makeover when, using fine-tipped tweezers, removed the transparent ovals covering her fingertips.
Allison knew Tommy would wait until the following morning to call the EMTs because he hadn’t been able to wake Basil. Once he answered all the questions about his deceased employer he would return home to await his next assignment.
Chapter 17
Ana covered her mouth with both hands when she read the crawl along the bottom of the television screen: Music mogul Basil Irvine found dead in his L.A. mansion of an apparent heart attack. He was 43.
Springing up from the chair in the sitting room, she opened the door to the balcony. “Jacob! Come see this.”
He stepped off the balcony and into the air-cooled bedroom. “What is it?” Ana pointed to the flat screen resting on the table in the alcove. “It’s over, Jacob. I don’t have to hide anymore.”
Jacob wrapped his arms around her body, holding her close. It was over. Now he and Ana could live their lives without looking over their shoulders. He could take her to meet his mother, knowing Gloria would love Ana as much as he did.
His cell rang. “Excuse me, baby. I have to answer this.” He returned to the balcony, closing the door behind him. “What’s up, Diego?”
“Irvine’s done.”
“What happened?”
“I suppose he had a bad heart. His brother just issued a statement that Basil was healthy as a horse, and that he’s going assume the responsibility of running Slow Wyne.”
“What do you know about the brother?”
“His name is Webb Irvine. He served time for manslaughter. Reportedly he stomped a man to death when he was still a kid.”
Jacob stared at the choppy waters. Meteorologists were watching a tropical depression off the coast of Jamaica that was expected to make landfall in another twenty-four hours. “Do you think we’re going to trade one devil for another?”
“He bears keeping an eye on. But that’s what I’m paying Simon to do. His people will make certain he won’t fly under the radar. How’s Ana taking the news?”
“She’s shocked and relieved. I’ve got another two weeks before I go back to work. I’m going to take her to see her folks tomorrow, then we’re going to Winter Haven so she can meet my mother. And if there is enough time we’re going back to Long Key to do a little fishing.”
“Ana hates fishing.”
“That’s not what she told me.”
“Then my cousin has really changed. On a more serious note. What I can do to thank you for all you’ve done?”
“Stand in as my best man when we say our vows in front of the family New Year’s Eve.”
“Eso es una promesa, mi amigo.”
“I’m going to hang up now. Ana and I have a little celebrating to do. Kiss S.J. for me and let him know I’ll see him soon.”
Jacob ended the call, and when he turned he saw Ana staring at him through the glass. Her dimples winked at him. Opening the door, he pulled her out into the humidity, cradled her face and covered her mouth with his.
“How would you like to go out tonight to celebrate, Mrs. Jones?”
“What are we celebrating, Mr. Jones?” she whispered.
“Our love.”
Ana scrunched up her nose. “I like that.”
“I love you.”
“I love you more,” she countered.
The banter continued as they prepared to live their lives on their own terms.
* * * * *
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ISBN: 9781459234659
Copyright © 2012 by Rochelle Alers
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