Everything about her supports her words – the drooped shoulders, the downturned lips, the clutched hands, but her eyes. Her eyes tell a different story. Or rather, they tell no story at all. And that right there is the bit that has all my alarm bells ringing. My intuition, honed over years as a crime reporter, is screaming that all is not as it seems.
Out of nowhere, Toni pipes up from beside me. “I’ve just checked the bookings. It seems we do, in fact, have one final spot open still.”
My body stiffens at her words. Not exactly what I wanted to hear right this second while I’m trying to find a way of getting rid of this woman. It’s as though I can hear a door slamming shut as I stand there, my brain scrambling to find another excuse now that Toni’s unknowingly ripped the other one away.
“Everything okay, gorgeous? You’ve gone stiff as a board,” I hear Jessen murmur for my ears only. How do I tell him no without being able to tell him why out loud? “Sorry, ladies. I don’t mean to interrupt, but I need to steal my girl away for just a moment. We’ll be right back.”
Before either of them can respond, Jessen takes me hand and tugs me away. The quizzical look on Toni’s face warns me that questions will need to be answered when we’re alone. Pushing the thought away to focus on the matter at hand, I try to tug my hand away. Jessen simply tightens his grip and tows me after him.
When we’re out of earshot of everyone at my table, he stops, cups my face in both his hands and locks his eyes on mine. “Something has your muscles rock solid with tension. What is it? Are you in danger? Is something wrong? Talk to me.”
I shake my head, taking a moment to gather my scattered thoughts. “I don’t know.” He opens his mouth, but before he can utter a word, I continue. “I honestly can’t tell you what it is. There’s just something about that woman that seems off.” I blow out a long breath. “Maybe it’s just the thing with my surprise package, and I’m just being paranoid.”
He doesn’t say anything for a moment, just continues to study me. Finally, he says, “I don’t believe it’s paranoia. You don’t strike me as the kind, but maybe it is just being on high alert.”
Jessen pulls me in for a quick hug before leading me back over to the table. By the time we get back, it seems Toni and the stranger have sealed the deal, and I have a new retreat attendee. The news does not make me happy. Without solid grounds to decline the woman, I guess I’m stuck with her. Another sigh escapes me.
“Agatha, may I formally introduce you to Izabella Perez? It’s official – she’s be joining us on Isla De Perlas next week.”
Ms. Perez extends a manicured hand. Reluctantly, I take it in mine and exchange a rather limp, not to mention awkward, handshake. “A pleasure, Ms. Traeger.”
“Please, call me Agatha.” I smile, praying it doesn’t look as inauthentic as hers. “What wonderful news. I look forward to seeing you in Colombia. If you’ll excuse me now though, I need to get back …” My words trail off as I use my hand to indicate the queue that has grown longer.
Quickly masking the sour expression that passes over her face, an enigmatic smirk replaces it. “Of course, I understand. I’ll see you next week. Until then, adiós, Agatha.”
There’s nothing strange about her words, yet I can’t shake the sinister feeling that comes over me at her utterance. Heads turn, once again, to follow her progress as she strides away.
Turning my attention back to the gentleman patiently waiting his turn, wholly entranced by the coldly exquisite Ms. Perez, I greet him, a hand extended to receive his books for signing. It takes a long moment for the words to penetrate the trance he’s caught in.
“Oh – yeah. Um, hi. Hi. It’s great to meet you.” His words run over each other. Blushing a bright red, he continues, “So, er – who’s the lady?”
“Sorry, I have no idea. Never met her before today.”
“Oh – right. Right. Yeah. Okay.”
“Who would you like me to make these books out to?”
“Terrence. You can make them out to Terrence. That’s me.” His nervous energy had him bouncing on the balls of his feet. “I’ve read every single one of your books. I love your writing.”
I look up at him with a grin. “Thank you so much. Which one’s your favorite?”
“Manson’s Legacy,without a doubt. I had a copy, but it got damaged, and now I can’t find it in print anymore. Not new at any rate. Will the publisher be doing another run?”
Wordlessly, I lift a corner of the tablecloth and pull out one from the stack – the delivery of books Jessen helped carry yesterday. I turn it toward the man, and his eyes light up like I’ve offered him the moon.
“This the one you’re looking for?”
“Oh my God, yeeeessss. I’ve searched everywhere.” He hauls his wallet out of his jeans pocket, and all but throws his card at Toni. “I’ll take it. Please.” If he bounces any harder, I think he might just take off.
While Toni processes the payment, I finish signing his books, the new one included. “Thank you so much for taking the time to come see me today, Terrence. It’s been a pleasure meeting you.”
His ducks his head. Clears his throat. “It’s been an honor meeting you, Ms. Traeger. A dream come true. Please don’t ever stop writing.” And with that he rushes off.
A little confused at the abrupt end to our interaction, I turn to Jessen. The man’s grinning like a fool. At my raised eyebrow of query, he chuckles. “Poor man’s got it bad.”
“Got what bad?” I ask, still confused.
“A crush, woman. That dude has a crush on you so bad.” He bumps my shoulder with his and wiggles his eyebrows.
