Later, after we’ve gotten off the elevator on the third floor of Building C, with Carolina continuing up, I turn to Markos and ask the question that’s been burning in my mind. “Did you keep watch last night?”
“I did, except not the way you do it.” He strolls casually down the hall. “Your way is too boring, so I held a party at one of the bars so I could watch everyone without the peephole impeding my vision.”
“You had a party?” I ask, stopping mid-stride.
Without stopping, he says, “I thought it best if everyone let off a little steam in a controlled environment. Don’t worry, I cut myself off at three drinks so I could play nanny. They’re a good group of people, Theo. Seriously. Very professional. The party broke up before midnight, because everyone had to be up early for filming this morning. You’ll be happy to know there were no signs of anyone trying to hook up.”
“Not even Paz?” I hurry to catch up with him.
“Not even him, and if I were you, I’d let go of whatever vendetta you’ve got as far as he’s concerned. Trust me, he’s a changed man. He didn’t make a move on anyone the entire evening.”
Deciding I’d rather not have to defend myself again concerning my hatred for Paz, I steer the conversation back to where we started. “How can you be so sure no one is hooking up?”
“This ain’t my first rodeo,” he says, putting on a Southern drawl.
Using my card key, I unlock the door and push it open, expecting Markos to do the same so he can go through his own door.
Instead, he follows me in. “I forgot my key.”
Of course, he did.
“So? Have I convinced you or are you planning to stay up half the night watching everyone?” he asks, opening the door to his room.
“I’m staying up.”
He turns back to me. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Would it really be so bad if some people had sex while they were here? Ninety-five percent of the time, nobody gets hurt and there’s no scandal. It’s not like we’ve got a bunch of A-list celebs and paparazzi camped outside the hotel.”
“Did you know the three most common causes for murder are revenge, money, and sex?” I ask him, opening the mini-bar and grabbing a bottle of water.
“Nobody’s getting murdered, Theo. I know things are bad for the company, and I know you’re worried. If you want to drive yourself crazy staying up all night, believing you can stop something bad from happening, that’s up to you. But the truth is, if anyone here wants to hook up, they’ll find a way.”
“Well that’s not exactly comforting.”
“Sometimes life is messy, and all you can do is hope for the best. If shit happens, you clean up the mess, but spending all your time trying to prevent it will only stop you from having a life.”
“Thanks, sensei,” I say sarcastically.
Markos shakes his head. “Make fun of me if you like, but I’m trying to save you from yourself. You denied your feelings for that lovely events planner at dinner, which was smart with Carolina around, but if you’re not careful, you’re going to get to the end of your life having done nothing but worry about things you can’t control. You gotta live a little before it’s too late.”
23
Lemur Stink Fights Masquerading as Civilized Meetings
Nora
The next morningI’m up with the sun. Vincent, who is finally starting to bounce back from his violent illness, set up a meeting at seven a.m. to go over everything Theo and I learned during our reconnaissance mission. Unfortunately, Carolina Armas will be there as well, so it’s pretty much the worst way to start a day that I can think of. Well, I’m sure there are worse ways… say, waking up to find your house has flooded with raw sewage and everything you love is ruined or stepping outside to find it’s raining sewage. Pretty much anything with sewage would be worse than an hour with Carolina Armas, but not by much.
I arrive at the resort just after six and go straight to my desk in the lobby, where I’ll have access to a colour printer. First, I call catering services and request coffee, water, and a continental breakfast for six (in case any of the assistant directors show up). Next, I prepare a few packages of the various flora that can be found on the island, complete with photos and location maps. By the time I finish, I have to rush to make it to the meeting but I’m ready.
Food and drinks are waiting when I arrive. I smile to myself. I’ve got this shit down. I’m a total events-coordinating boss bitch who shall impress everyone in the vicinity with her kick-ass organizational abilities.
At ten after seven, Vincent and Carolina stroll in. “You poor, dear man,” Carolina is saying. “Imagine being sea-sick for two days after you’ve gotten back to land?”
“My digestive system is just so delicate. The slightest thing can totally disrupt it,” he says, scanning the room. When he sees the pastries, he lets out a squeal. “Ooh, are those bear claws?”
