by Rosie Sams
“Seven! Lucky Seven!” the croupier with a gold nametag that read “Marty,” said as he surveyed the roulette board. Smudge barked once confirming the ball was secure.
Kerry leaped off her stool with excitement as Bradford’s number came out, again! They had been on a winning streak as evident by the array of colored chips stacked in varying heights before them. After breakfast, they had explored the hotel, ultimately ending up in the casino. They had been gambling for hours.
Alvin huffed disappointedly. He had been betting his money on the even numbers and hadn’t been so lucky. As a result, his lousy mood had returned. They all watched sadly as Marty pulled his chips away. To his right, a woman holding a Yorkshire Terrier tagged “Penny” had also won. Alvin scowled as he turned his head enviously toward them.
“I guess I’m the only loser at this table today,” he said to the little Yorkie as it stared at him. She wore a faux diamond-studded collar around her neck and a bright pink bow in her hair. Sensing his dampened mood, Penny licked his nose.
“Don’t worry, Al. You’ll get the next one,” Bradford said as he tossed two chips back to the croupier. Marty offered a nod of thanks as he tapped the chips twice on the table then dropped them into a thin slot designated for gratuities. Melody and Kerry exchanged knowing looks from across the table. Whenever one of their significant others got grumpy with a shared activity, they united to keep moods lifted.
“Break time?” Melody asked, mouthing the words silently to Kerry. She nodded in agreement.
“Bradford, darling. Why don’t we cash our winnings in while we’re ahead?” Kerry said. “Oh, and then we can stop at Abraham’s party!” She added to her statement as if it was an afterthought. Earlier, at breakfast, Melody had told them all about the new friend she and Smudge had made that morning.
“Sure. We’ve really racked them up, haven’t we, babe?” Bradford said. Kerry elbowed him in the side and inclined her head toward Alvin, inferring that he should have some sensitivity. Having a partner that could pick up on subtle clues was one of the benefits of a healthy relationship. “Ow!”
“It’s fine, guys. Lady Luck favors some more than others.” Alvin forced a smile as he put his arm around Melody’s waist. He couldn’t fool her, though. She knew he was having a terrible time, and he was awful at hiding it.
As they all walked toward the banquet hall, Melody leaned into Alvin and whispered in his ear. “Please try to enjoy yourself. This is a special trip for Kerry and Bradford,” she said.
“I know, and I am trying. This place just really has a way of getting under my skin. Maybe it’s the way the casinos are designed to mess with your head, like how the patterns on the carpet are designed to disorient you, or how there is not a clock in sight, so you lose track of time. It’s all so shady to me.”
“Are you suggesting the casino is trying to hold you captive, Sheriff Hennessey?” Melody asked with an interrogating tone.
“Maybe! I am law enforcement, you know. I’m an expert in the art of shadiness,” Alvin said defensively but in jest. Their humor broke his bad mood, and he threw his hands up in mock defeat. “Fine, fine. I promise I will try harder to enjoy this trip.”
“Good, and here’s a kiss to seal the deal.” Melody rolled up on her toes and kissed his sweet lips. “You’re a good sport, Alvin Hennessey – a terrible gambler, but a good sport none-the-less. Besides, I want you on your best behavior when you meet Abraham. He’s a nice man and Smudge’s new friend.”
As the group turned down the hallway leading to the banquet hall, they saw hotel staff running into the room. As they advanced closer and closer to the room, the never-ending sound of chiming slot machines was swapped with what sounded like a loud commotion!
“What in the world?” Alvin asked as he went into sheriff mode and pushed past the others. “Stay back, I’ll see what’s happening.” He reached for his wallet, prepared to brandish a shield if necessary. The others rushed right behind him.
“Oh, no! I hope Abraham didn’t fall again,” Melody said as she stood in the doorway.
Chapter One Hundred Seventy-Eight
Melody gasped as her eyes zoned in on the commotion! There, in the center of the room, Abraham argued with several of his dinner guests. They appeared to be surrounding him, and not one was “on his side.” Apparently, this was the business portion of the program he had mentioned to her earlier that day.
“Now, I’ve told all of you again and again. This is how I want things done. It’s my business and my choice,” Abraham said authoritatively. “When you run a company the way I have and made the millions that I have, you can tell me what to do.” His tone was firm, unrelenting. Melody noticed his clothes were disheveled.
“This kind of excitement can’t be good for his health. He actually looks like he was in a struggle,” Melody said to Kerry. They watched along with Bradford and Smudge as Abraham addressed his guests. Alvin had paused just inside the doorway, observing the argument.
“Yeah, and look at that chair. It’s knocked on its side.” Kerry pointed toward it.
“What in the world were you thinking, old man?” a mustachioed man said as he stepped aggressively into the circle to face off with Abraham. The man must have been half his age. “You say you were of sound mind when you made this decision, but clearly you were not! Perhaps dementia is setting in, and a physician should examine that noggin of yours!”
From the corner of her eye, Melody spotted a blonde woman quickly draining amber liquid from a high ball glass. In a moment of attention-seeking defiance, she threw the emptied glass to the floor, shattering it. A busboy poised with a broom and dustpan dashed to the broken fragments and swept them into the pan. It was as if he expected her to smash it. Melody suspected this wasn’t the first time she smashed a glass, and since Abraham said he threw these banquets often, she presumed she knew who the woman was.
“I think that’s his daughter, Pauline. She looks like him,” Melody said to Kerry, pointing to the blonde. They kept their voices low.
“She looks delightfully spoiled.” Kerry’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
Abraham took a step back from the mustachioed man who towered over him. His expression was more angry than intimidated, though.
“Listen here, Winston, you’re not going to bully me. I’ve dealt with men with more power than your pathetic self, and while I’m still on this Earth, I’m running the show. But I assure you that when my time is indeed up, even though I have no intention of leaving anytime soon, Felicity Carruthers will take over the management of all operations as I have so stated. She’s proven her worth more than any of you - even my own daughter.” Abraham pointed at the redheaded named Felicity, then looked at the blonde confirming Melody’s suspicion that the woman was indeed his daughter.
“Maybe we should head back to the casino. The tension in the air here is killing my mojo,” Bradford whispered to Kerry and Melody. His words fell short, though, as he suddenly spotted Smudge on the move. She was padding quickly across the parquet floor toward her new friend, Abraham. She rubbed against his legs, affectionately. She had taken the opportunity to visit him when a distracted Melody turned to answer Bradford, and her leash went slack.
“Smudge!” Abraham said excitedly as he looked down at her.
Winston looked at Smudge in awe. He was visibly offended by her presence, and it was evident to Melody that he didn’t appreciate the interruption of their big discussion.
Abraham, on the other hand, reached down and scooped up the little pup. Happily, he received the kisses against his cheek that the happy Frenchie offered as she squirmed in his arms.
“Come in, come in!” Abraham said enthusiastically once he saw Melody and her friends standing near the door. He motioned to one of the waiters. “Get them some food and drink, please. Everyone, this lovely lady is Melody Marshall, and these are her friends. She was kind enough to help me this morning when I took a bit of a tumble.”
“Abraham, we are in the middle of a
discussion,” Winston said irritated.
“We don’t want to interrupt,” Melody said as she led the others over to where Abraham was standing with Smudge. She took a moment to study the faces of the others in the room. The fact that they were arguing so aggressively with Abraham gave her a bad feeling. Bradford was right. There was bad energy in this room tonight.
“Don’t be silly!” Abraham said as one of the waiters righted the overturned chair then helped Abraham into it. He still held onto Smudge tightly. It was evident that he adored the sweet girl. “Please, come have a drink. I presume you two are the future bride and groom I heard so much about?” He motioned to Kerry and Bradford as they came closer.
“Yes, sir. We’re set to be married this weekend,” Bradford said.
“That settles it. Drinks are on me,” Abraham said, but Melody suspected, however, that the drinks were on Abraham regardless. “Benji, please bring out two bottles of your finest champagne.” Benji, one of the waiters, nodded and headed toward the bar to fulfill Abraham’s order.
He seems to be well-known here, Melody thought just before formally introduced her friends.
“Abraham Thayer, this is Kerry Porter, Bradford Smedley, and my fiancé, Alvin Hennessey. He’s the Sheriff of Port Warren, Massachusetts. That’s where we all live. Kerry and I own a pastry shop there, too.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alvin. I’ve always respected the men and women of law enforcement. If you ask me, it’s a dangerous job often not rewarded well enough. You’re a true hero,” Abraham said as he extended a hand toward Alvin.
“Thank you, sir. That’s very kind of you to say.” Alvin shook his hand, then glanced at the others. “And, should you ever need any assistance, please know we’re just a phone call away,” he said it loud enough so that the others could hear him. Melody sensed the atmosphere was making Alvin uneasy as well.
Benji returned with additional waiters. They carried trays of glass flutes and champagne bottles. Quickly, the team of servers popped the corks and ensured each guest had a filled flute within seconds. Abraham smiled as he watched them work.
“The Blue Rose staff takes exceptional care of us. Pauline practically lives here, and they treat us like family,” he said as he received one of the flutes from Benji. “To Kerry and Bradford on your blessed union!” He lifted the glass a moment before bringing it to his lips. Smudge barked as if she, too, was contributing to the toast.
“Yes, congratulations to you both. I love weddings,” Felicity said as she lifted her glass.
“Considering the outrageous fortune you’re about to come into, Felicity, why don’t you ‘foot’ the bill?” Winston asked smarmily. He didn’t lift his glass in celebration, but he did drain it before setting it down roughly on a nearby table.
“That’s enough!” Abraham snapped. “We have guests, and you’re all acting like blithering, greedy fools.” He then turned to Melody and her friends. “I apologize for my associate’s bad manners. He’s always been a sore loser.”
“You’re making a mistake, Abe. I promise you; you’re going to regret it.” With Abraham’s assessment of his personal character announced to the room, Winston puffed his chest and stormed off.
Abraham scowled as he watched Winston leave.
“That sounded a bit like a threat, Mr. Thayer,” Alvin said.
After a moment of silence, Abraham’s smile returned to his face. His hand stroked Smudge’s soft fur.
“Nah, don’t take him too seriously. He’s a calculated man, but bodily harm isn’t his Modus Operandi. He’d sue me before he’d harm me. Melody, why don’t you get Smudge a bowl of water from the bar. I’m sure they’ll be happy to oblige, and it will give me an opportunity to question your fiancé’s intentions.” Abraham shot her a playful wink. He also motioned toward where Benji, the waiter, was standing. He leaned on the bar top, texting on his cell phone while Pauline sat on one of the stools talking with him. Melody frowned as she thought Pauline was most likely whining to the waiter.
“Is that your agent?” Pauline asked the waiter, leaning a bit closer to him. His nose crinkled from the smell of her scotch-scented breath.
“No, my agent is refusing to answer me. I really need to get back to Los Angeles. I’m never going to get real gigs living here. Los Angeles and New York, that’s where it’s at, Pauli,” he said her name flirtatiously with a wink and a toothy grin.
Melody noticed his teeth were entirely capped and couldn’t help but wonder if Mr. Thayer was taking excellent care of the staff, too - perhaps he footed the bill for those teeth.
“Pauline?” Melody asked to get her attention. She smiled gently at the blonde woman who was clearly more than tipsy. Melody noticed she had a fresh drink in front of her. “Your father is such a sweet man. He wanted us to meet.”
Pauline looked over Melody from head to toe. She squinted her eyes as if she was having trouble focusing. Then, hiccupped.
“Who are you?” she asked coldly.
“Melody. Melody Marshall. I met your father this morning, a little after you spoke with him. He had fallen in his room. That’s my dog, Smudge. He’s holding her, see?” She pointed behind her. Pauline’s eyes followed the motion then frowned as she saw her father still holding the pup.
“My father is a piece of work. We got into a fight this morning. I got so angry with him, I threw the phone on the floor and stormed out. I guess I just missed you.” She smirked as she raised her glass to her lips.
“Yes, he mentioned you two had an argument.”
“That man has so much money, he should buy a trust meter. His meter is clearly broken.” She lifted her glass again, then pointed it in Felicity’s direction. “He says it’s a ‘business’ decision, but I think it’s an ‘in his pants’ decision. You know what I mean?” She winked sloppily at Melody, then hiccupped again.
Melody’s expression was stony. As she opened her mouth to defend Abraham’s name, she felt someone pull her arm. She spun, surprised to see Alvin pulling her to the side.
“I think we should call it a night. Abraham’s looking pretty tired,” he said.
“I agree. This is not as fun as I thought it would be. I’ll collect Smudge, and we can say our goodnights.” Behind them, Pauline continued to carry on with Benji.
“What was the name of that TV show you did, again? You know, the one where you played all the characters, and it was absolutely terrible!” Pauline slapped the bar top as she laughed a little too loudly.
“Babe - don’t remind me! It was called ‘Multiple Personalities,’ and thankfully, it lasted exactly two weeks before it was canned.” Their voices faded away as Melody neared Abraham.
“Thank you so much for having us. I’m afraid it’s Smudge’s bedtime,” she said.
“That’s a shame.” Abraham gave Smudge a snuggle, and she huffed against his chin. He set her down reluctantly. “I’m so happy all of you stopped by, especially you, Smudge. Do bring her by again, soon, please.”
“Of course, Abraham. You get some rest.”
Chapter One Hundred Seventy-Nine
Melody struggled to open Abraham’s hotel room door from the outside. It wasn’t just locked; it was jammed. “Smudge! Smudge! I’m coming! Hang on!” As she pulled on the door handle with all her might, it opened a crack, but then slammed shut again. Smudge whined faintly from the other side.
Behind her, another door opened then slammed shut. Now, it sounded like Smudge was behind that one. She spun and tried to push it open. While she struggled with that door, the original one behind her opened and slammed shut again. Somewhere Smudge was crying. Tears streamed down Melody’s face as she was overcome with a sense of hopelessness.
The sound of a door slamming shut in the distance triggered Melody’s eyes to open wide, but it took them a moment to adjust in the dark.
Was I dreaming? she thought. She laid still listening to the sounds around her. Once her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she glanced toward the short hallway that led to their do
or. It was dark with a faint light from the hallway peeking through underneath it. With a sigh of relief, she rolled over to see Alvin sleeping soundly next to her. Smudge was sleeping soundly on her back between them, belly up, legs curled in the air. Both of them snored softly, in tandem. Melody sighed again as she rubbed her face. It was wet with tears.
3am? Ugh. She glanced at the digital clock next to the bed.
Just as she was about to lay her head back on the pillow, she noticed Smudge’s ears had opened. Her head lifted and turned toward the door, her bat ears like a sonar. After a split second, the little dog jumped up on all fours and barked frantically running toward the door. A split second after that, the sound of doors slamming echoed across the hall, again, followed by a faint beeping.
Alvin sprung to his feet!
“You’re under arrest!” He had his hand up as if he was holding his gun and was pointing his finger around the room. His eyes were barely open.
“Alvin!” Melody said in a hushed tone as she and Smudge jumped from the bed and ran for the door. Relieved, she saw the door was still locked. She peeked through the peephole. That gave Alvin enough time to get his bearings.
“What is it? Do you see anything?” he asked as he slipped his feet into his slippers.
“Nothing,” she said as Smudge scratched at the door. “I think we better go check on Abraham. I had a strange dream. Let’s just make sure he’s all right.” Together, the three of them headed down the hallway. Alvin was the one to knock on his door.
“Mr. Thayer, this is Alvin Hennessey and Melody Marshall. Please open the door.” To Melody, he said, “We may have to call hotel management to open it.”
“Thank goodness you’re here!” Pauline said as she flung the door open. Dramatically, she threw her arms around Alvin’s neck, pushing him back a step or two. The door shut automatically behind her. “My father is missing! We’ve been looking for him all night.” She sobbed into Alvin’s shoulder. Alvin looked at Melody, confused, but let the woman hug him until she calmed down a bit.
