Beware The Kiss Part 5

Dr. Evans had told her that the low, strained texture of her voice might be permanent and that only rest could help her vocal cords heal. But Tayler wasn't resting. She, in fact, had increased her work hours. She almost never made it home before midnight, was up by four most mornings, and worked weekends.

"Are you ready?" Tayler cleared her throat again and looked at the first a.s.signment. "I think further research is needed on this one. It could turn into a great series. There are too many barbaric practices going on in third world countries." Tayler handed the file to Jane. She opened another file and began to read. "Oh, this is interesting." Her grin was malicious.

"I'm not sure I like the look on your face." Jane leaned forward. "What's up?"

"What would you think if I did a feature on matriarchal societies for the January issue?"

"Interesting. What's the angle?"

Tayler leaned back in her chair. "How about the reactions of men living in this type of society?" Tayler squinted while she concentrated. "You know, sort of a s.e.x reversal thing. What are the parallels between matriarchal and patriarchal cultures? How do these men cope?"

"Do you want a male or female team to work with you on this?" Jane asked jotting down notes.

Tayler paused. "Actually, let's wait. I'd like to personally look into this first."

"Well, it'd be a good excuse for you to get out of here for a while." Jane lowered her voice. "At least until things die down."

"I'm not sure I like your choice of words." Tayler shuddered.

"G.o.d, Tayler, I'm sorry -I," Jane shook her red curls. She drummed her fingernails on the gla.s.s table top.

"It's okay," Tayler replied. She went back to the story. "Do you think it's a crazy idea?"

"No. Sometimes your suggestions are out to lunch but not crazy," Jane gave Tayler a rea.s.suring smile. "Oh, I'm glad you mentioned lunch."

"Did I?"

"You haven't forgotten about the awards luncheon today at noon."

"d.a.m.n, that's right. Well, I guess I'd better dig in then."

As a writer for The Narrator, a biweekly national magazine, Tayler frequently attended award lunches and dinners for colleagues and friends. Today's lunch was different though -this time she was the guest of honor.

It took nearly two hours to go through the list of story possibilities. At the bottom of the files was a manila envelope. Tayler gave Jane a puzzled look. It was stamped "Personal and Confidential." She ripped it open and removed the single sheet of paper. As Tayler read the contents the color drained from her face.

"What's wrong?"

Tayler squeezed the bridge of her nose between her thumb and index finger. "It's a death threat."

"What?" Jane jumped up from her chair. A confused expression spread over her face. "You haven't written anything lately that would cause such a response."

"I think it has more to do with the attack." Tayler's hand shook as she laid the letter down on the desk. She rose from her chair and walked to the window in her office.

"Should I call security?" Jane's eyes followed Tayler.

"No. I'll call Detective Steffan."

"In my opinion he's been really ineffective in the case so far. Maybe you should think about hiring a private detective. You know, 'B' is for 'Bungle .

"Is that a new Sue Grafton mystery?" Tayler tried to laugh.

"Very funny." Jane walked up to Tayler and put her hands on Tayler's upper arms. "I don't want anything to happen to you. I kinda like working with you."

"I'll call Steffan, okay?"

"Okay. Is there anything else I can do?"

"Yeah. Would you call Dayton's and order me a bullet proof bra in a 46D -I think that will work very nicely. Then I'll be protected and have a place to keep my Kleenex and pocket thesaurus." She smiled weakly.

"Why don't you forget about your luncheon today."

"And not give my inspiring, sensational acceptance speech? No way."

"Do you want me to go along?"

"No. Just order the bra and I'll be fine." Tayler watched as Jane shut the door shaking her head. She returned to her desk and picked up the letter.

"The Flames are hot, and fuel the Fear - a Storm at bay, clouds disappear; A gift of Black, to kill the Fool - a frightened Soul, a Game so cruel.

The Cave is dark, the Air is thin - the Night is long, your Life will Dim; Beware the Kiss, Beware the Time - on Hallow's Eve, your Blood is Mine."

Six.

When Tayler arrived at the Hilton Hotel and entered the grand ballroom, she was amazed to see so many familiar faces. Of the five hundred women in attendance, Tayler recognized local and national newsmakers, leaders in the health care field, lawyers, lobbyists, bankers and business executives, artists, writers and social welfare advocates. She anxiously searched the room for Erica, certain that Erica Kirsten-Laird was a member of this eclectic group. Unable to find her, Tayler wondered, for the millionth time, when Erica would return from Greece.

"Tayler, it's nice to see you again." Dr. Susan Evans met Tayler at the door and gave her a hug.

"Dr. Evans, what a nice surprise," Tayler returned Susan Evans' affectionate hug. Without her white lab coat, Susan Evans reminded Tayler of the absent-minded doctor. Her wool jacket looked one size too large, dwarfing the good doctor in a sea of dark chocolate material.

"You look absolutely wonderful." Ev ran her eyes over Tayler's stylish red suit and draped white blouse. Her long blond hair was pulled back and held in place with a silver clip. "Let me take look at that scar." Ev tilted Tayler's head back.

While Tayler was in the hospital, she had the opportunity to learn more about Dr. Susan Evans. She had graduated from Harvard Medical School with honors and did her residency at a clinic in Harlem. As a general pract.i.tioner, Ev preferred the chaos of the emergency room over the expensive suites of private practice. Ev had grown up in south Minneapolis and had lived next door to Erica's family.

"Erica and I have known each other for so long." Ev had told Tayler. "We tease each other that we were twins separated at birth."

Tayler laughed at the memory. Dr. Susan Evans and Erica Kirsten-Laird were complete opposites in looks. "So what's your professional opinion, Doctor?" Tayler returned to the present.

"Well, I must say I did a fine job." Ev lightly touched the scar with her finger. "It's a bit red but it should lighten with time. There aren't a lot of people who can sport a lightning bolt like you can." Ev smiled and then frowned.

"What's wrong?"

"It just occurred to me that you might be starting a new craze."

Tayler saw a twinkle in Ev's eyes. "What do you mean?"

"I can just see large numbers of women coming into my office wanting the Windquest 'lightning bolt' look." As Ev and Tayler laughed two women walked past them.

"I told you she was busy. Look, she's even doing medical examinations at award lunches," said one of the women.

"I've often wondered how Elizabeth puts up with it," the other woman said in a caustic tone. "Rumor has it she takes her patients along with her on their romantic evenings."

"That's disgusting," replied the first woman.

Ev turned. "Very cute you two. I happen to be conversing with our guest of honor. Tayler Windquest, please meet Channel Seven's anchor, Parris Shepard, and weather forecaster, Diana Ford."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Tayler," Parris and Diana said in unison. They shook hands with Tayler and exchanged hugs with Ev.

"Ev, how do you rate? Diana and I never get to sit with our attractive guests of honor," Parris pouted. "We always get left out."

"Hey, speaking of being left out, Ev, is Erica back yet?" Diana looked around the room.

"Not yet but, hopefully, soon." Ev called over her shoulder. She ushered Tayler to the head table.

While she sat in her chair, Tayler was surprised by how vulnerable she had been feeling since Erica left. Though she technically had only met her once, Erica had become Tayler's safety net. If Erica was back home, Tayler knew she'd sleep better. It was a strange feeling - and hard to admit - that she missed Erica terribly. The month had gone so slowly since she left for Greece. Tayler had overworked herself to fill the time. She had called Erica's house several times but left no message with the answering service. Late at night, with sleep still hours away, Tayler found herself waiting for a phone call. A phone call that never came.

She even went to a psychic to see what the future held for her.

"Don't be afraid. You'll soon be faced with a series of very serious challenges. Be patient, the knowledge and skills you need will be revealed to you as you deal with each obstacle," the psychic had said. The woman's dark gray eyes rested on Tayler's scar. "Someone wants the power you possess." The woman's final words were, "Before you know who you really are, you will feel the hunger of an empty heart and the flames of a soul on fire. To find love you must first come to know yourself-only then can you face your enemy."

Tayler was skeptical, but the psychic's words followed her continually. She became more fully aware of a buried interest in things strange and unexplainable. She knew that her sudden interest in precious stones, spells and rituals was due in part to her mother's comment about Erica being a witch.

Her thoughts were brought to a abrupt halt when Ev got up from her chair and stood behind the lectern.

"I'd like to welcome you this afternoon to the Crystal Society's annual benefactor's luncheon. I'm Dr. Susan Evans and I'll be your host for today's award presentation." Ev put on her gla.s.ses. Before she could continue, an unknown woman walked up to the dais and whispered something in Ev's ear. Ev nodded and wrote something on a piece of paper. She folded the note and handed it to the woman who immediately left the dais.

"It never fails. Whenever I'm asked to speak there's always someone who wants my autograph." A wave of groans rolled from the back of the audience to the front while Ev's laughter rang through the public address system. "Okay back to business. Our guest of honor and award recipient has made a profound impact on the lives of the poor in our cities. Through her professional and volunteer efforts, she helped to raise the funds needed to build three hundred homes for single mothers and their families. Mothers have been given educational opportunities to help support their families while child care is provided at facilities located within their neighborhoods for a small fee. Cla.s.ses and on-the-job training for these mothers are paid for by corporate contributions. This year alone, two hundred and fifty companies have partic.i.p.ated." Ev stopped for the applause.

"Follow-up studies have shown that the partic.i.p.ants in this project have reduced their welfare and health care costs, reduced their use of alcohol and drugs, and increased their literacy rate and employment level. This project has not only provided families with shelter, but has given three hundred families a place they can call home." The audience's applause thundered through the room.

"The project is named after our guest of honor and is known simply as the 'Windquest Project'." Applause interrupted Ev for the third time. She looked over the crowd and began to conclude her remarks. "We're honored today to have with us two of Minnesota's most gifted women. I'd like to ask Erica Kirsten-Laird to come forward to present the award."

The applause was deafening. From all the hugs and greetings she received, it took several minutes before Erica could make her way to the front of the room. When she reached the dais, Erica warmly hugged Ev who had walked to the edge of the platform to greet her. As Erica walked to the lectern with Ev, she stopped and held out her hand to Tayler.

"h.e.l.lo, Tayler, I'm happy to see you," Erica's smile was mesmerizing.

Tayler rose slowly from her chair and accepted Erica's hand. The noise in Tayler's head seemed m.u.f.fled as she stood too stunned to say anything. Erica's hand was warm against her own cool palm. Before she could respond, Ev spoke into the microphone. Tayler took her seat.

"From the look of that tan it appears Greece was exactly what the doctor ordered." Laughter rippled through the audience. "I'd like to officially welcome you back, Erica. You've been missed."

Erica stood behind the lectern, her cheeks red from the attention. She looked directly at Tayler and smiled.

Dazed by Erica's sudden appearance, Tayler struggled to regain her composure. The speech she had so painstakingly memorized came back to her in fragments. Dr. Evans was right, Erica looked absolutely fabulous. The Greek air and sun undeniably had an incredible effect on Erica. Her eyes seemed darker and more mysterious than Tayler had remembered. Against the bronzed skin her teeth shone a brilliant white. Tayler closed her eyes and etched Erica's image in her memory. She never wanted to forget this moment.

"Thank you. It's good to be home," Erica paused. "I have the pleasure of presenting the Crystal Society's highest award to a woman I met only a month ago. With my extensive out-of-the-country traveling these past several years, I'm embarra.s.sed to admit that I had to be updated on Ms. Windquest's activities. Though our first meeting was rather chaotic, I have since come to admire and respect her strength and courage.

"Born in Minnesota but raised in San Diego, California, Tayler Windquest has spread her energy and ambition far and wide. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in writing and a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University. She is a member of the President's Literary Council and has received hundreds of awards and citations for her volunteer efforts, and, of course, received the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for outstanding literary achievement." Erica paused, lowered her voice and then slowly said, "It is my pleasure to present to you Ms. Tayler Windquest."

Again the room erupted in applause. Tayler pushed back her chair and stood. As if she were in a trance, Tayler walked toward Erica. When she reached the lectern, Tayler gratefully accepted Erica's hug. She was ill-prepared for the stunning effect Erica's perfume had on her. The exotic fragrance seemed so familiar, but she could not place where she had smelled it before. Her mind swam in the scent.

"Ms. Windquest, I would like to present to you our society's most prestigious honor -the Crystal Award. This award recognizes your commitment and devotion to the 'Windquest Project,' our city's finest endeavor for single parent families in need. Congratulations." Again the room exploded with applause. Erica reached below the lectern and handed the ten-inch crystal pyramid to Tayler. When Erica's eyes noticed the scar on Tayler's neck, her smile froze. Erica took a step backward.

The strange look on Erica's face upset Tayler. She wanted to reach up and cover the red mark with her hand, but gripped the award instead. She turned and approached the microphone.

"I'd like to thank the members of the Society for this incredible honor. The check that you have presented to the Windquest Project will build three new homes and provide an education for as many families - families that would not have this chance without your n.o.ble contribution." Applause interrupted Tayler. When it died down, she gave the audience a brief overview of the selection process, the education program and the ten-year strategic plan. With her voice beginning to falter, she decided to conclude her speech. "This honor is very special to me since the woman who saved my life a month ago is also the same woman presenting me with this award. I'd like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Ms. Kirsten-Laird for risking her own life to save mine." Tayler could feel the tears stinging her eyes. "Thank you."

Erica reached for Tayler and the two women embraced. The audience stood and filled the room with applause. When the noise abated, Erica sat down at the table with Tayler. She leaned over and asked, "Will you have dinner with me tonight?"

Tayler mutely nodded her head.

"I'll pick you up at seven."

"Hi, Maria, it's Tayler. I just wanted to let you know that I won't be home for dinner tonight. I'm not sure how late I'll be." Tayler loved the Spanish accent in her housekeeper's voice. Christina had hired Maria right after the attempt on Tayler's life. "No, by all means use my car. Mother gave me a ride to work this morning and I don't need it tonight. Have the service station pick up your car at the house. Okay. You're welcome, Maria. I'll see you later tonight." Tayler hung up the phone.

"Poor Maria, she has so many problems with that car," Jane laughed. "So, it sounds like you have a date tonight."

"It's more like a dinner engagement," Tayler answered, engrossed in the research files Jane had placed on her desk.

"Sure," Jane folded her arms across her chest. "I've been around. It starts out with that 'd.a.m.n' luncheon, then progresses to the 'it's just' a dinner engagement, which leads directly to the infamous nightcap. The rest, my dear, becomes bedroom politics."

Tayler ignored Jane's comment.

"By the way, I ordered that 46D bullet-proof bra for you."

"Great," Tayler laughed, looking up from her papers.

"Hey, I figured that thesaurus could come in handy tonight."

"Why?" Tayler asked trying her best to return to the files in front of her. Her mind kept drifting back to the awards luncheon.

"I thought it might help if.. .if the evening goes well and you want to use some new words. You'll blow your credibility if you say 'Oh, baby, you make me so hot.'"

Tayler rolled her eyes. "Very funny. Say good-bye, Jane."

"Good-bye Jane."

In the evening air, Tayler s.h.i.+vered. October had announced its arrival with heavy gray clouds that threatened to drench the city. She carefully pulled her raincoat closer so as not to crush the long admiral blue jacket and short skirt she was wearing. Tayler smiled to herself as she recalled Jane's comment.

"Whew, look at those legs. You look exquisite. I only wish I could be a fly in your soup tonight."

"Have a good evening, Ms. Windquest. I'll see you tomorrow." Benjamin Ezri, the magazine's security guard, opened the door to Erica's Grand Cherokee for her.

"Thank you, Ben." The door closed. Tayler sat back and watched Erica get behind the wheel. Erica's coat was open and Tayler could see that she wore a starched white s.h.i.+rt with a stand-up collar, black wool pants and a multi-colored vest. Her long silver earrings sparkled against her dark skin. "Thanks for picking me up tonight."