Earlier that day, Myra’s plane arrived just before noon. She retrieved her suitcase and wheeled it to the car rental counter. Myra hopped into a blue Audi SUV and drove to the hotel. She thought the Sunnydale people might think it odd that she would stay at a studio hotel. If she were as rich as she claimed, she would stay at the Hilton. The Pensacola Beach Hotel looked marvelous, but there was no time for luxury. Not yet, anyway.
Myra knew Izzie and Yoko had spent their first day at work, and Annie’s plane was landing in Tempe. Everything was running on schedule. Then it occurred to her,Where is Maggie?It took her a moment to remember that Maggie was waiting for Annie in Tempe so she could fly back to Florida to see Jeremy again. Myra thanked her lucky stars she was able to keep Maggie supplied with candy, although that wasn’t necessarily a good thing.
It took just under thirty minutes to reach her hotel. She phoned Mrs. Clayton to confirm their appointment for the next morning.
Arizona
Kathryn pulled up to the security gate at Sunnydale. “Hi. I’m Kathryn Lucas here to see Janet Turner. I am reporting for work.”
The security guard looked at her curiously, picked up the phone, and dialed a number. “Hello. I have a Kathryn Lucas here. Says she is reporting for work.” He nodded a few times. “Will do.” He turned to Kathryn. “She said to come back tomorrow morning. Seven sharp.”
Kathryn looked a little confused. “I was told to be here today. Four o’clock.” She looked at the clock on her dashboard. “It’s four o’clock, right?” she asked, as if she wasn’t sure she had made a mistake.
“Yes, but Ms. Turner said for you to come back tomorrow. You can call her if you want.”
“Nah. That’s okay. I’ll be back in the morning. See ya.” Kathryn made a U-turn and headed to the apartment Annie had rented for her.That was odd, she thought to herself.But considering what we already know, it seems to fit. Kathryn would surely bring it up at their video call.
Annie’s jet arrived in Tempe around four in the afternoon. Just enough time to grab her rental, check into her hotel, order room service, and then get on the video call scheduled for six her time, nine on the East Coast.
Maggie had met up with her at the hangar. “Ships passing in the night. Will catch up later.”
Annie pulled into the Royal Palms and was greeted by a young fellow wearing white shorts, a white cap, and red shirt. “Good evening, Ms. Dresden.”
“Good evening to you. How did you know it was me?”
“When you did your early check-in, you included the car you would be driving. It’s a beauty.” The young man was referring to the white Porsche Cayenne Coupe.
“Thanks.” She handed him a tip. “Don’t go joyriding.” She looked at his name tag and smiled. “Scott.”
“Oh, no, miss. I wouldn’t think of it.”
She handed him another five-dollar bill. “That’s for calling me ‘miss.’” She winked.
Annie unfolded herself from the sleek, highly polished car. She looked like a movie star. And that was the point. They wanted Sunnydale to think they’d hooked a wealthy, influential, childless, sibling-less, no immediate family, pocketbook. She might bring some equally wealthy, influential, childless, sibling-less patrons into the fold. Or perhaps investors. Annie understood all too well that many people at that level didn’t care about what or where the investment was going. As long as it made a profit, or allowed for a huge tax deduction, it didn’t matter. Most didn’t dig deep enough to find out if their money was doing something nefarious or something good. Putting more money in their pockets was the fundamental goal. It was the ’80s all over again.
Annie’s income bracket was to be awed, admired, envied, and coveted. She knew it, but she never flaunted it. She used it, but never boasted about it. She was one of the unusual ones. She used her money for good, lived modestly, and occasionally treated herself and her Sisters to a good time somewhere. A very good time.
The concierge greeted her with a warm welcome. “Good afternoon, Ms. Dresden. Welcome to the Palms. My name is Evan. Gerald will be taking your luggage to your room.” He handed her the key card. “In the meantime, is there anything I can assist you with?”
“Thank you. I shall be ordering something from room service. Do you have any personal recommendations?”
“If you like beef, our sliced steak sandwich is absolutely delicious.”
“With some melted cheese?” She raised her eyebrows.
“As far as I’m concerned, there is no other way to eat it.”
“Sounds delish.”
“If you’d like, I can place the order for you. How quickly do you want it brought to your room?”
Annie checked her watch. “Half hour?”
“Done!” The man smiled. “If there is anything else, please do not hesitate.”
“Thank you, Evan. I appreciate your assistance.”
The bellhop was waiting with his cart. “Good evening, Ms. Dresden.”
