Libby and Goldie turned around to see another dozen Victor Universe t-shirted zombies working on getting past the hotel bellman.
“How in the heck did they know I was going to be here?” Goldie said.
“Get us out of here,” Libby said to the desk clerk.
He was quick on his feet and escorted them to an office, away from the lobby.
“I’ll be getting the police, so sorry about this, so sorry.”
Libby and Goldie sat in the office of the hotel manager. Libby was stunned at everything that had transpired since she’d found Goldie’s little dog trotting out of her gorgeous home.
“I’m at a loss. This is insane.”
Goldie, for her part, also seemed stunned by the turn of events. Even in the life of a major movie star, the last few hours had been nuts.
“You didn’t have this place on your schedule.”
“No, they must have followed me.”
“Unless…” Libby’s suspicions had been raised back at the convention center.
A few clicks on Twitter, and there it was: an exclusive video of the crowd at Dream Factory Comic Con. There was a video of Goldie running. Someone had already sold the footage to the paparazzi.
“One of the fanboys?” Goldie asked.
“No, this is us runningtowardthe camera. Look, the partition is behind us, and so is the crowd. It could only be one person.”
“Hollis!”
“I’m afraid so.”
“He sold the video and then tipped them off that I’d be here? He’s worked for me for three years!”
“They were probably paying big money.”
Goldie put her head in her hands. “Ugh, now what, now what?”
“You need to get out of L.A.”
“I do. Yes.”
“Come to Irish Hills with me. There’s a flight at four.”
Goldie looked at her.
“Lake Manitou? I mean, I do need to be really under the radar.”
“No more under the radar than the old Two Lakes Grove Hotel. Remember that place. It’s totally empty. You’d have the run of the place, and you’d have your Sandbar Sisters. We’ll help you hide out. Lick your wounds. Drink. Whatever you need.”
“I thought Hollis was a friend, sort of. I guess he was just here for the money.”
Libby wanted to hug her friend. She wanted Goldie to feel safe enough to cry, yell, or do whatever she needed. But Goldie had a wall up; it had been up even before the events of the day. She was used to being taken advantage of by people wanting a piece of her and not giving anything in return.
Instead, Libby reached out a hand again. Goldie took it. Goldie blinked away tears. She squeezed Libby’s hand in thanks. And then pulled back and wiped her face.
“Your idea is the best one on the table.” Goldie fished her cell phone out of her purse.
Libby watched as Goldie dialed.
