Chapter 30
The night was perfect. The sky was clear. A breeze brushed Storm’s hair away from her face. She sat around a small bonfire with Harlan, Kian, Randal, her father, and Robin. Harlan had found a spot off to the side, away from the crowd, but close enough to keep watch should anyone approach.
Robin had found Kenneth and Randal and told them to join the group. There wasn’t much Storm could do to stop the invite once the play was in action. She would have preferred to be alone with Harlan.
Later, when they went back to their room and everyone went back to theirs, she would make love to him and tell him she would be returning home tomorrow afternoon. For now, she would relax against his full laugh and the safety of his presence.
Kian said something and her father chuckled. If she hadn’t seen it for herself, she would not have believed how much her father enjoyed the evening. Could that be a sign that her dad would accept Harlan into their fold? She shouldn’t get ahead of herself. In a month, she and Harlan might not even be talking.
A waiter brought over a tray of drinks and food from the buffet. Her stomach growled, giving her away. Harlan stood.
“Are you the only one who touched this food?” Harlan said.
The young waiter nodded his head. “Yes, sir. Like you told me.”
“And the drinks?”
“Same. Everything is from the hotel’s buffet. Plenty of people are eating and drinking. I made sure nothing crossed over from anywhere else, and I never turned my back.”
Kian took the tray.
Harlan handed the waiter a couple of twenty-dollar bills. “Good job.”
The waiter’s face lit up like the bonfire. “Thank you, sir. If you need anything else, let me know.”
“Don’t go far.” Harlan gave the young man a nod, and he hurried back to help other guests.
The food was passed around. Harlan handed her a glass. Someone screamed near the pool. Some people went toward the cry for help. Others ran away.
“Everyone stay here. I don’t want Storm alone, but I need to check this out,” Harlan said. “You should have backup,” Kian said.
“Only if everyone else stays.” Harlan pointed his laser glare on each of them as if he expected his orders to be without question. He and Kian took off.
“Maybe we should help too,” Kenneth said. “Robin, stay with Storm.” Her father and Randal went in the direction of the commotion, ignoring the instructions.
“Wait,” she called after them, but they continued as if she hadn’t spoken.
Robin looked at her. “I’m not staying here. Are you coming?”
“We don’t know what’s going on. Someone could have fallen in the pool.”
“Based on everything you’ve been through, if I were you, I wouldn’t hang out alone, tucked way over here. No one would hear you yell or notice if you went missing.”
“But Harlan said not to move.”
“When are you going to start listening to yourself? I’m going up there to see what’s going on. Stay or not. It’s up to you.”
She didn’t know if she should stay or go. A crowd had formed by the pool. Someone was yelling. People came from the inside out to see the spectacle. If she stayed, she’d be alone, hidden from the crowd. She would be safer with everyone else.
Of course, she would.