Gun Brooke - Course of Action

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 locked 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?"