by Red Phoenix
She smiled when he let go, lamenting, “Dang, I miss that girl.”
“Lea misses you as well, but was kind enough to take on the responsibility of the house so I could come without delay. She wanted you to know she was here with you in spirit.”
Brie looked into his eyes, searching for something more. He kept a peaceful expression under her scrutiny. “Is she okay, Tono?”
He could not lie to her, but stated simply, “She did share that she has some personal business that keeps her in Denver.”
Brie dropped her gaze, mumbling, “I was afraid of that.”
Not wanting her to worry he added, “But Autumn told me they’ve been trading a lot of jokes these days.”
“I’m glad that Autumn can be there for her.” Brie looked up at Tono sadly. “I really hate that at a time when we all really need each other, none of us can be there for one another.”
Position of Power
To distract Brie from her mounting worries, Tono insisted on starting a new routine at the hospital.
Sitting down next to Sir’s bed, they worked side by side—Brie with her heavy-duty laptop and Tono with his much smaller tablet. After he was done looking through his emails, Tono glanced over and noticed Brie’s eyes were glued to her screen. She had quite the passionate look on her face.
“Good footage?”
She blushed as she took off her headphones and smiled at him. “Yeah, it was the one I recently shot with Master Anderson and Boa.” She looked at the screen again and bit her bottom lip before exclaiming, “It’s so dang hot…”
Brie looked at Sir. “You remember that night I left to film at the Haven, Sir? I had no idea just how sexy the single spotlight in the dark would be as a setting for these two. I didn’t think I would have much to work with, but…” she fanned herself, “these two men really know how to command the stage.”
She grinned at Tono before sliding her headphones back on.
Tono chuckled to himself as he opened up a new email that had just popped up on his screen. He was thrilled to see it was from Marianna, a favorite model he’d worked with during the nationwide tour the year before.
Dear Tono Nosaka,
I cannot tell you how excited I am that you are back doing the art you love and were born to create. I’m honored that you have asked me to come to your home in Denver to work with you.
I say with a full heart that I look forward to being in your presence again.
Unfortunately, I am visiting my parents overseas for the summer but will be coming out to the US in the fall, and would dearly love to reserve a time to work with you then.
I can just imagine how beautiful the fall colors will be in the mountains there. What a perfect backdrop for your Kinbaku art.
I was heartbroken to hear of your father’s passing, but I know he is with you in spirit as you tie every knot.
My blessings to you, Tono Nosaka.
With much respect,
Marianna
Even though the mention of his father still wounded him, Marianna was right. His father would be anxious to see Tono applying the skills he’d painstakingly passed on and perfected in his only son.
Tono looked up to see Brie walking over to Sir to take his hand. “Will today be the day, Sir? Is this the day you turn your eyes toward me and squeeze my hand?” She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek before turning toward Tono.
He heard her stomach rumble and looked up at the clock to see that it was twelve. Noon was a significant hour. It was the moment the sun was at its zenith and had the most power—exposing everything under it with its bright light.
Tono narrowed his eyes in thought. Standing up, he asked her, “Is there someplace good we can go for lunch?”
Brie shook her head. “The only place I’d recommend is the café, but that’s where Lilly cornered me.”
“Perfect.”
She looked troubled and frowned. “Why?”
“If Lilly is stalking you, returning to that place will send the clear message that you are not alone and you are not afraid.”
Brie let out a nervous sigh. “The idea of that frightens me, Tono. Especially since her deadline is drawing near.”
“All the more reason to show her that you are not afraid. It’s better to meet the enemy in a position of power.”
She was trembling when she took the hand he offered. “I’m willing, Tono, as long as you’re with me.”
“Good.” He turned his attention back to her husband. “Sir Davis, as you’ve just heard, I will be taking Brie out for lunch. Should we happen to see Lilly, I will call the authorities so she can finally be apprehended. I give you my solemn promise not to put Brie in harm’s way, but I’m sure you agree it’s time to bring this to a close.”
Before they left, Brie leaned over and tenderly kissed Sir Davis on the lips. “Don’t worry, I promise to come back soon.” She automatically stared at the monitor but didn’t see a change. She looked at Tono and shrugged, but he could tell she was hurt.
As he led her out of the hospital, Tono asked her, “You do realize the reason you see no change in the monitor?”
She shook her head sadly.
“You are his heartbeat. Sir Davis lives and breathes for you.”
Brie stopped for a moment, crushing her head against his shoulder in an attempt to keep her tears at bay. When she finally looked up, she told him in a voice full of emotion, “Thank you, Tono. I needed to hear that.”
He put his arm around her as they walked together in silence out of the sterile environment of the hospital and into the sunshine.
Brie lifted her head and purred, “I love the sun.”
“You’ve seen far too little of it. I hope that changes today.”
A shiver coursed through Brie, but she nodded and continued on.
“Walk with your head up and a smile on your face. If she is anywhere near, your lack of concern should unsettle her.”
Brie forced a smile.
“She does not control you, toriko.”
Brie digested his words, looking at him a few moments later with renewed confidence. “No, she does not,” she agreed. “I want her to feel unsettled.”
She stood a little taller as she shielded her eyes from the bright rays of the sun. “I have played the scared mouse long enough. It’s time I take on the role of a huntress—like Cayenne.”
“Like Cayenne,” he agreed, touched by her act of courage.
When they entered the restaurant, Tono purposely picked a table next to the window, explaining to her, “If Lilly is out there, I want to make sure she sees us.”
Brie leaned forward and whispered, “But, Tono, what if it provokes her?”
“The only way she will expose herself is if we force her hand. Until she’s in custody, you’re not safe. We have to push her to act, but on our terms.”
“How has she avoided capture so easily?”
“She appears to take after your husband in intellect.”
Brie nodded, telling him, “You should have seen the two in China—both so adept at manipulating the other.”
“It sounds…uncomfortable.”
“It was actually frightening to witness.”
Tono felt Brie’s fear start to rise as she thought back on her experiences in China. In response, he placed his hand on hers and smiled warmly. “We’re here to enjoy a good lunch together.”
Brie looked into his eyes, taking in a deep breath. “Yes, I need to keep focused.”
He raised up his hand and ordered for the both of them when the waitress swung by. The young woman winked at Tono as she grabbed the menus. “If you need anything else, you just give me a holler, hon.”
Brie giggled after the waitress left. “Looks like you have another admirer, Tono.”
He chuckled in response, but his thoughts instantly drifted to Autumn. He wondered how her day was going and looked forward to talking to her later that night—hopefully with the news that the Lilly threat had been eliminated.
>
While they ate, Tono steered the conversation, asking Brie to describe each of the scenes she’d filmed for her second documentary. It was an easy way to get her mind focused on something other than Lilly.
As she talked, he saw once again the excitement and passion he’d grown to love in her. Brie’s eyes lit up when she shared interesting tidbits about each scene. It reminded him of old times when he’d sat in the pizza parlor while she gushed on and on about her ideas for the original documentary.
“…of course, I won’t be able to use all of them, but I would if I could,” Brie said with a grin. “Each scene is precious to me, like a jewel. I really dislike the fact Mr. Holloway has the power to cut them out.”
“That would be difficult, especially if you feel strongly about the scene in question.”
“Oh, Tono, it is. I’ve actually cried tears.”
“Have you thought of gathering the ones that don’t make the final cut and creating a short film to highlight them? A bonus of sorts for fans of your work.”
Her eyes sparkled. “I love that idea! It could be on my own time and on my own dime. That way none of my scenes have to be lost.” Brie looked out the window, a dreamy expression on her face. “Someday when I’m rich and famous…I’ll do that,” she vowed.
“Good, just remember to mention me in the credits,” Tono joked.
Brie took his hand and gently squeezed it. “Of course you will be in the credits. Your enthusiasm and support have spurred me on. I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done.”
He shook his head, chuckling. “It’s been selfish on my part—longing to have a small part in the masterpieces you create.”
She blushed. “You always have a way of making me feel good, even when things seem bleak.”
“It’s a characteristic you have as well,” he replied, smiling as he stood up. “Shall we head back to the hospital and let Mr. Davis know you are safe and sound?”
“You didn’t see any sign of her, did you?”
“No, but it’s time we head back. I don’t want Sir Davis worrying unnecessarily.”
“Agreed. Although we failed to spot her, this was a great idea. I really needed to get out and bask in the sunshine.”
“You certainly did,” he agreed, guiding her out of the café.
“Thanks for coming,” the waitress called out.
Tono turned and gave her a small bow of thanks.
The woman glanced away, fanning herself.
“Yep, you’ve still got it, Tono,” Brie said, laughing lightly.
Once outside, Tono was immediately hit with the feeling of being watched. In a calm voice he told Brie, “She’s here, but keep walking as if we aren’t aware.”
He could feel the darkness near him, like a cold shadow on his soul. He glanced around nonchalantly, hoping to catch sight of her, but saw nothing. He laughed as he stopped before a small flower garden near the sidewalk and pointed it out to Brie while he dialed the emergency number and explained where they were. After getting assurances that a police car was on its way, Tono picked a flower and handed it to Brie.
She kept an outer look of calm as she accepted it, but asked in a frightened whisper, “Do you see her?”
“No, but the police are on their way.” Wrapping one arm around Brie, he continued strolling back to the hospital. “We’ll just take it slow to give them extra time to check the perimeters. Hopefully, this will soon be over.”
Tono’s plan worked, but not in the way he’d anticipated. Although the police had been unable to find any trace of Lilly, it was just as Tono suspected: She not only had been there but had observed their every move, spurring a phone call to Brie late that night.
Tono knew something was up when he saw the look of terror on Brie’s face when she answered the phone.
“Lilly…” Brie said breathlessly.
They’d been waiting for contact, so Tono grabbed the mini-recorder her lawyer insisted Brie use in case the woman called her directly.
Brie took the recorder from him, switching the phone to speaker. She closed her eyes as Lilly’s voice filled the room. “…I was surprised to see you acting so smug today, Mrs. Davis. Have you given up on Thane and found a new lover already?”
Brie was literally shaking. Tono knew that fear would transfer to her voice so he scribbled a quick note and showed it to her.
Keep calm and try to keep her talking.
“What do you want, Lilly?”
“You seem to need a reminder about what’s at stake here.”
“I understand exactly what you plan to do.” She glanced at Tono nervously.
Tono wrote another note, giving her an encouraging smile as he showed it to her.
Exude confidence.
Brie nodded, taking a deep breath.
“Really?” Lilly snarled. “You’re certainly not acting like it. While I plan to let the press in on what Thane has done, as an added little bonus, I thought it might be fun to give your parents a heads-up before I do.”
“Don’t you dare,” Brie cried, her voice tinged with anger now.
Lilly’s laughter was malicious and cruel. “What? Don’t you think your parents will still support Thane after they find out what’s happened?”
Tono put his arm around Brie and leaned in, whispering, “Don’t let her draw you in.”
Taking his advice, she assumed control of the conversation. “In the end, I can’t stop you, Lilly.”
“Actually you can, but now it’s going to cost you more. I don’t like being trivialized.”
“I’m done playing your games because I believe nothing I do will change the outcome.”
“Oh, that’s not true. If you make the mistake of choosing to do nothing, the outcome is set and you will have caused your own ruin when you could have easily avoided it.”
“I don’t believe you.”
Lilly’s gloating laughter gave Tono the chills.
“So here’s the new deal, Mrs. Davis,” she replied. “In response to your insolence. You produce what I’ve requested and gift me Thane’s Lotus. That should hit the bastard where it hurts.”
There was a long pregnant pause before Brie asked, “And if I don’t?”
“I have something else in mind and…” Lilly answered in an ominous tone, “and it doesn’t involve money.”
“What then?”
Tono could feel Brie’s fear returning and wrapped both arms around her in support.
Lilly laughed. “It’s a surprise, buttercup. Don’t be stupid, there’s far more at stake here than you know. If I don’t get what I’m asking for, you’ll end up being sorry in ways you never imagined.”
“Vague threats come from a place of weakness.”
“You really want to test that theory?” Lilly answered chillingly.
“I’m not afraid of you, Lilly.”
“You should be.”
Before Brie could respond, Lilly ended the call by saying, “Say hello to your new lover boy for me. I know he’s listening.”
After Lilly hung up, Brie tossed the phone away from her as if it were poison. “Tono, you don’t think she would really contact my parents, do you?”
Before Tono could answer, the phone rang again. Brie turned white when she saw who was calling. “It’s my mom,” she whimpered.
“Don’t answer it,” Tono advised. “Let it go to voicemail. Better to let her leave a message and find out exactly what she knows so you can form an appropriate reply.”
Brie nodded. After several rings, it switched to her voicemail and took several minutes before the phone dinged to let her know a message had been left.
“I’m afraid to listen…” she said nervously. “Lilly is doing exactly what she said she’d do, Tono.”
“Be brave. We can’t fight against this until we know.”
Brie nodded with tears in her eyes as she picked up the phone and hit the message button. He was encouraged when she left the speaker on so both of them could listen to it.
&nbs
p; “Brianna, I have no idea who sent this, but you are so lucky your father didn’t see it first. What’s going on with you? We haven’t heard from you in weeks and now we get this email? You need to call me. I deserve to know what’s happened because if this is true… Brianna, I’m afraid I’m going to have to call the police.” She paused for a moment before stating in disgust, “His own sister?”
“Oh god, she really did it,” Brie cried, turning to Tono with a look of panic.
“Before you speak with your mother, I recommend you talk to Mr. Thompson. He needs to hear your recorded conversation with Lilly as well as this message from your mother.”
“Yes,” Brie agreed dully, dropping the phone back on the couch.
“Take heart that Lilly has exposed herself with this stunt.”
“At the cost of my parents…”
Tono embraced her protectively. “They will see through the lies.”
“Not my dad, Tono. He’ll never let it go.”
“Breathe, toriko. First we speak to the lawyer, then you call you mother and see if you can douse the flames of Lilly’s deceit.”
When he let go of her, Brie picked up her cell and called Mr. Thompson, who immediately set up a meeting.
While Tono was driving her to the office, he asked her to explain what was really going on.
“I can’t. You know too much already.”
He was further put off when the lawyer requested he remain in the waiting room.
“It’s for the best, Tono,” Brie assured him. “The fewer people who know, the better for everyone.”
He stayed behind to appease her and sat down, picking up a magazine with disinterest. Flipping through it, however, he saw something unusual and backtracked until he found the page again. On it was a handwritten message in pen with decidedly male penmanship.
I hate being kept in the dark. ~BA
Tono stared down at it, certain that Master Anderson had been in this very room, exiled from a meeting with Brie’s lawyer, having no clue what was going on with Lilly. It made it easier to bear, but also gave him greater reason to worry.
What secret was Brie keeping that had the potential to tear her apart?
When the lawyer came out of the office with Brie, he walked directly over to Tono and shook his hand firmly. “That was brilliant on your part. We now have a phone number to track her movements by, which I have given to the investigator on the case.” He seemed confident when he said, “With any luck, she should be safely behind bars soon.”
