Course of Action

by Gun Brooke

  “Forget it. Didn’t you see the look on her face this morning? She was looking forward to socking it to the press for their shoddy research and to this creep for trying a scam in the first place.”

  Annelie knew Carolyn was right. She reached into her briefcase and pulled out a copy of the document Margo had given them early that morning.

  Name: Trevor Albert White.

  Age: Born in Chicago, January 12, 1945.

  Parents: Deceased.

  One sister: Geraldine White, location unknown.

  Trevor White had lived in the same trailer park as Stuart Clint for many years. The man was on disability, mainly because of his drug addictions. As she turned the next couple of pages, Annelie noted that White had left Chicago for California in 1978, just like her father. Apparently, her father and White had been drinking buddies for years, sometimes working on different construction sites together.

  Reading further, she discovered their mutual drug addictions had caused them to lose several jobs. White hadn’t done time like her father but had been suspected for several misdemeanors.

  Leaning back and letting the pile of papers rest on her lap, Annelie wondered if this was how White knew about her. Had her father shared his past in Chicago with him, or had White been part of their lives even before Stuart Clint abandoned his family?

  “Annelie?”

  The gentle voice made her jump, and she looked up at Harvey standing next to her. “Yes? Sorry. I was daydreaming.”

  “I just wanted to let you know that Francine and I are completely behind you. It’s appalling how a man can treat his child this way.”

  Annelie motioned for him to sit down. “There’s something you don’t know, Harvey.”

  Harvey’s eyes narrowed as he listened to Annelie. “First of all, I’m sorry your father’s dead. Still, it infuriates me someone would try such a thing. I’m not surprised, though. There are a lot of predatory people out there, ready to do just about anything if they benefit from it.” He wavered for a minute, stroking his mustache several times. “How are you feeling?”

  Annelie tucked a long strand of hair behind her ear. Harvey’s question seemed nothing but kind. Surprising herself, she shook her head. “I’m…a little stumped,” she confessed. “Angry, of course, and upset. I’m big on privacy.” She gave a wry smile. “Very big.”

  Harvey patted the back of her hand. “I’ve gathered that. Remember, you’re not alone. Now the press will have another field day—conveniently forgetting they were wrong in the first place—but they’ll focus on him. You’ll get all the sympathy votes.”

  Annelie made a face. “I’m not sure how I feel about that, but I understand what you mean. I just don’t want the public to contribute less to my charities.”

  Harvey smiled. “Don’t worry. When people learn about this guy’s scheme—”

  “They’ll pull out their wallets, donate money to the charities, and show everyone, including that moron, who they really sympathize with.” Carolyn’s husky voice surprised them both.

  Harvey laughed. “You took the words right out of my mouth, Carolyn.”

  Annelie glanced at the contented smirk on her lover’s lips. She thought back to the precious fifteen minutes she’d spent simply lying in Carolyn’s arms early that morning. Carolyn’s soft caresses along her back and her whispered terms of endearment had soothed Annelie when she finally realized she would never be able to reconcile with her father—no explanations, no happy ending. Annelie didn’t even know she’d harbored such hopes. Perhaps they were remnants from her childhood, when she dreamed her father would return.

  Vaguely aware Carolyn and Harvey were talking with each other, Annelie looked over toward the window, the bright sunlight reflecting on the wings of the airplane. It stung her eyes, adding to the tears already forming there. I can hardly remember him, and I honestly thought I didn’t care anymore. We lived our lives well without him, Mother and I. Why am I so lost now? Have I fooled myself all this time?

  Her memories of the tall, lean man were sketchy at best. She remembered dark eyes and how he called her “the child” when he spoke to her mother. Did he ever use my name? Her mother had called her Annie and many nicknames based on that. Some were of Swedish origin, and Annelie’s favorite had always been “lilla hjärta,” meaning “little heart.”

  Mother was mild-mannered, with a generous heart, soft touch, and pale beauty. He, on the other hand, was cold and selfish. Why did she fall for him? Did she think she could change him? Well, damn it, not even having a child with her made Stuart Clint care much. He lasted for only seven years. I can do this. I can face the media and everybody else. He hasn’t played a role in my life, nor did I in his for more than twenty-five years…Annelie leaned back in her seat, the memory of Carolyn’s strong embrace vivid in her mind. As long as I have you, I’ll be okay. You empower me when I need it most, and these memories of him make that so important.

  According to Margo, Stuart Clint was a handsome bad boy with a winning smile who had treated Anna well while he courted her. But as soon as they were married, he changed. When Anna gave birth to Annelie, he began to drink heavily and sometimes use drugs. One day he was gone.

  A gentle hand took hold of Annelie’s, bringing her out of her reverie. “The press conference should be over. Want to call Margo?”

  “No. Let’s wait till we get to the hotel. We should get there quickly since the security company is meeting us at the gates.”

  “Security company?” Harvey raised his eyebrows.

  “Margo and I talked,” Carolyn explained. “Since the convention and the latest about this bozo in California will attract a lot of attention, we agreed to hire bodyguards.”

  Accustomed to Hollywood and the paparazzi, Harvey nodded. “Good move.”

  “They’ll escort us to the hotel and accompany us everywhere while we’re in L.A. Annelie wasn’t too keen at first, were you, love? But she relented when I twisted her arm.”

  Annelie wondered if Carolyn noticed how the tender word automatically slipped from her lips, or saw the twinkle in Harvey’s eyes, but she didn’t think so and didn’t mind.

  She scooted closer to Carolyn as Harvey rejoined his wife. “He’s such a good man.”

  Carolyn nodded. “Actually, he reminds me of my father, even if he’s not quite old enough. Oh, that’s right, you’re just a baby. He’s old enough to be your father,” Carolyn deadpanned.

  “Very funny.” Annelie rolled her eyes. “All jokes aside, if my father had been like Harvey, things would be a lot different.”

  “You know what? I think Harvey really cares about you. I’m not saying he’s about to adopt you, but he definitely acts fatherly around you.”

  Blushing faintly, Annelie considered this observation. “They’re all so nice. I couldn’t ask for a better crew.”

  Carolyn gave a knowing smile. “Oh, Annie, don’t you realize Helen, Harvey, and I are the ones who are grateful to be working with you.” She caressed Annelie’s leg discreetly. “And I’m more grateful than the other two put together.”

  *

  Carolyn sat next to Annelie in the black SUV and tried not to let her know how badly her temples throbbed. After glancing through the tinted windows and studying the bodyguards who accompanied them, she closed her eyes briefly. She tried to block out the voices of Francine and Helen by concentrating on her inner self. All I need is a few minutes to relax and I’ll be fine. Just a few. Deep breaths. That’s it. Maybe that’ll help. I can’t wait to get to the hotel pool. A quick swim should make me less tense. Wonder how long I’ve got before I have to be at the Tonight Show studio?

  Seeing she had plenty of time unless something unexpected happened, Carolyn glanced over at Annelie. She seemed lost in thought, her hands clasped in her lap. As Carolyn reached over and patted the tight fists, Annelie quickly turned her head, her eyes dark with emotions.

  What’s going on in her mind? Why the dark thoughts, darling? Wanting to reassure her lover, she lock
ed her gaze onto the pale blue eyes. “We’ll be there soon,” Carolyn whispered. “Haven’t changed your mind, have you? Still going with me to the studio?”

  Annelie nodded briefly, not averting her eyes. “Of course I’m going. I’ll wait for you in the green room.”

  As they drove up to the hotel entrance, the doorman approached to open the car door. Forestalling his intention, the man sitting next to the driver held on to the door handle, carefully scanning the surroundings before opening it. He leapt outside, watching over the passengers as they climbed out of the vehicle.

  As she walked toward the reception area in the hotel with Annelie, Carolyn heard a man yell. She turned toward the tumult just as one of the bodyguards threw his arm out to shield them, pushing them farther to the side.

  “Damn it, she’s my daughter! You can’t stop me from seeing my own flesh and blood!” A tall man, wearing jeans and a gray jacket, lurched toward them. Reaching out, he grabbed for Annelie.

  “No!” Carolyn shouted.

  “Hey, look at me, girl!” the man seethed. “Don’t you recognize me? Get these idiots off me! I’m your father, damn it!”

  Annelie stumbled backward, and only Harvey’s grasp prevented her from falling. He simultaneously pulled Annelie toward him and put his arm protectively around his wife. “What the hell…”

  Amid the uproar, three bodyguards quickly wrestled the man to the ground. The remaining men hustled Annelie and her party toward the elevators.

  “This way,” the man in charge instructed. “We’ve already arranged for your check-in. The penthouse suites are ready.”

  Once at a safe distance, Annelie stopped to glance over her shoulder, a hesitant look on her face. “Is he the one…?”

  Moving closer, Carolyn put her hand in the small of Annelie’s back, her touch meant to comfort and protect. “If it is, we’ll find out. Hotel security and our guys will take care of the situation. Let’s go now.”

  As they resumed walking toward the elevator, increasingly concerned, Carolyn noticed Annelie was frowning. “Are you all right?”

  Annelie merely nodded, apparently too taken aback for conversation. She stood rigidly and stared straight ahead, her eyes vacant. After a silent elevator ride, the group emerged on the penthouse floor where Annelie had reserved three suites for the six of them.

  Carolyn watched Annelie anxiously as the bodyguards left them at their door, assuring them they would post a man outside their suites and investigate the incident in the lobby.

  After Annelie had mechanically overtipped the bellboy, she closed the door behind him. She leaned against it for a moment and took a deep breath. “God, I wish I knew what that was about.”

  Carolyn draped her jacket over the back of a chair on her way to Annelie. “I’m sure they’ll let us know as soon as they learn anything,” she said gently, putting her arms around her lover.

  “So you’re saying don’t assume until we know more?”

  “That’s exactly what I’m saying, love. They’ll get back to you when they’ve sorted things out.”

  “I know.” Annelie sighed, leaning her forehead against Carolyn’s. “I wasn’t prepared for such a…”

  “Violent display? I don’t blame you.” Tucking a long tress of hair behind Annelie’s left ear, Carolyn smiled faintly. “Good idea about the bodyguards, right?”

  “God, yes.” Annelie shivered in her arms. “I don’t want to think what could have happened if they hadn’t been there.”

  “But they were.”

  “Yes.” Annelie’s voice still trembled as she let go of Carolyn and turned toward their bags. “Want me to help you choose between your outfits?”

  Realizing Annelie needed something to do to normalize the strange mood after the incident, Carolyn nodded. “Sure, go ahead.” As she strolled over to the window and pretended to admire the view, she realized her head was throbbing. Furtively rubbing her temples, she knew she had to have some relief. She couldn’t go on Leno looking nauseous.

  “Hey,” Annelie said, putting down Carolyn’s bag. “Do you have a headache? Want me to rub your shoulders?” She walked up behind her lover.

  Carolyn shook her head. “You know what I really want? I’d like to go swimming, to try and relax. Come with me?”

  “I wish I could,” Annelie said. “But I promised Gregory we’d go over some last-minute details about the convention. We put it off all week and now…”

  “It’s okay.” Carolyn smiled. “I’ll find the pool and just do a few laps before I leave.”

  Annelie cupped her lover’s cheek. “I’m still going with you to the studio, naturally.”

  “Thanks, but if you get stuck in meetings, I’ll understand…” With no idea why she was almost about to cry, Carolyn shrugged, feeling ridiculous.

  “I won’t get stuck.” Annelie gently brushed her lips over Carolyn’s. “Go have your swim, and I’ll be here to help you get ready when you come back. Okay?”

  Forcing back her stupid tears and clenching her teeth against a sudden stabbing pain behind her eyes, Carolyn nodded. “Fine. I’ll just change and grab a quick shower, and then I’m off.”

  Apparently sensing Carolyn’s struggle for control, Annelie glanced toward the alarm clock by the bed. “You know, I’ve got twenty minutes before Gregory arrives. I’d love to take a shower with you.”

  Carolyn didn’t realize she had a knot in her midsection until it began to unwind. “Yes? You’re sure?”

  “Of course. I need to make sure you’re okay.” Annelie began to unbutton her shirt, pale skin appearing as she undressed. “A very definite yes.” She reached out, unbuttoning Carolyn’s blouse, sliding it back over slightly freckled shoulders. “Surely you know I want to spend every possible minute with you?”

  Comforted by the desire mixed with love she saw in Annelie’s eyes, Carolyn allowed Annelie to lead her into the bathroom. “I don’t feel so good right now,” Carolyn confessed. “And…I’m sorry for acting childish.”

  “You’re not acting childish.” Annelie started the shower with one hand while caressing Carolyn with the other. “You dropped everything to stand by me last week.”

  Efficiently, Annelie undressed Carolyn before shedding the rest of her own clothes. “That guy scared all of us, and you have a headache to boot. Come here. Let me rub some of the stress away before you go swim.”

  Standing under the hot running water with Annelie’s hands roaming her body, Carolyn began to think she would find strength to get through the evening after all.

  *

  “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Carolyn Black!”

  Annelie made herself comfortable on the couch in the green room at the Tonight Show studio, not taking her eyes off the screen. Carolyn walked toward Jay Leno with her arms stretched out to greet him. After they kissed the air next to each other, Carolyn gracefully sat down in the chair next to the desk. She looked radiant dressed in a sleeveless, emerald green dress that ended just below her knees. Annelie smiled, knowing the diva mode was on.

  “You look amazing, Carolyn. Welcome to L.A. You flew in today, right?” Leno echoed Annelie’s admiration.

  “I did. For the Maddox convention tomorrow.”

  “Well, we’re of course delighted you’d come on the show at such short notice. I hear you flew in on a private jet, with the rest of the Maddox movie cast.”

  “You heard right, Jay. The production company chartered a jet to save us time, wear and tear. We’re getting ready to shoot the movie.”

  “Sounds like a luxurious way to travel, though I guess the lovely Ms. Peterson can afford it.”

  Annelie held her breath, seeing Carolyn’s eyes narrow. “Ms. Peterson is a very generous boss,” Carolyn asserted. “We’re all lucky.”

  “Now, I’ve just met Annelie Peterson, and she strikes me as a very low-key, unpretentious woman.”

  Carolyn leaned forward to emphasize the importance of her statement. “You know, she’s the kindest person I’ve ever met—a
nd the most giving. She could be sitting idly on her wealth. Instead she puts it to good use, making life a little easier for the less fortunate. I know you’ve contributed to her charities over the years, Jay.”

  Annelie chuckled and thought Leno probably regretted sharing that bit of information in the green room. He looked both flattered and embarrassed. “It’s a worthy cause for kids,” he said. “There was an interesting development with the man claiming to be Ms. Peterson’s father. What do you think about that?”

  Annelie pressed her lips together at the intrusive question.

  “That’s totally up to Annelie Peterson to comment on—or to choose not to, Jay. All I can say is this—I wish the press would do their homework better, instead of going head over heels for a scoop. The damage to people’s lives isn’t worth it.”

  Leno’s face turned serious, and Annelie wondered if he’d been subjected to his fair share of rumormongering.

  “You’re right, Carolyn.” Leno paused. “It sounds like you and Ms. Peterson have become friends.”

  The actress didn’t hesitate. “Yes, during the time I’ve known her, she and I have become very close. You know, you just click with some people. She’s great.”

  Leno nodded, and then a broad smile spread across his face. “Now, on a lighter note, you told me a funny story back in the green room, including a near disaster when you visited Ms. Peterson.”

  Carolyn flashed a broad smile. “Oh, you mean the one about my nonexistent cooking skills and how I ended up signing autographs for some very handsome boys from the FDNY instead of having pizza?”

  The studio audience, responding to Carolyn like the crowd at the Orlando convention, roared, stomped their feet, and whistled as she winked at them. Annelie smiled as her lover told the story of the pizza, embellishing it in her special way.

  “So, I take it you’re a good customer at restaurants?” Leno deduced.

  “You bet. That, and catering services. I think I’m solely responsible for my local Italian restaurant’s expansion.” Carolyn smirked. “I do, however, make excellent coffee.”