“She certainly has quite the reputation. Built the hotel empire with her late husband Billy Barnes. Their story is really something, isn’t it? May-December romance.”
“They loved each other a lot.”
“Oh absolutely. Though there have been some questions about the marriage, haven’t there? With the lawsuit from Billy’s son.”
Lizzie’s guard went up slightly. “That’s a legal matter. I can’t really comment on it.”
“Of course, of course. I’m not asking about the lawsuit specifically. I’m just interested in Sarah’s story. Self-made woman worked her way up from nothing. That’s the narrative, right?”
“It’s true. She worked incredibly hard to get where she is.” Wasn’t this story supposed to be about her and the spring break program?
“Absolutely. Starting as a maid at the Fairmont, working her way up. Very impressive.” Sandra’s tone stayed light. “Though I have to say, we’ve been having trouble verifying some of the earlier biographical details. Her background before San Francisco is a bit unclear.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Well, for instance, we have her listed as being from Texas but apparently she is really from Wisconsin?”
Lizzie said nothing.
“We’ve actually been in contact with her parents.
Lizzie’s throat went dry. Shit.
“Her mother, Isolde Fairview, had some interesting things to say. About Sarah’s childhood. About an incident when Sarah was thirteen involving a car accident.”
“I think you should talk to Sarah about this.”
“We will, of course. But I wanted to give you a chance to comment first, since you work so closely with her.” Sandra’s voice turned sympathetic. “This must be difficult for you. Finding out that someone you admire has been less than truthful about her past.”
“Sarah’s past is her business.”
“Even when it involves a juvenile record? Even when it involves parents she’s claimed are dead when they’re very much alive and struggling financially?”
“She doesn’t owe them anything.” The words came out sharp. Defensive.
“Interesting. So you were aware that her parents are alive.”
Lizzie closed her eyes. Oh no….
“We also have reports that Sarah Barnes is a lesbian. That her marriage to Billy Barnes was not a romantic relationship but a business arrangement. Can you comment on that?”
“No.”
“We have photographs of her with several women over the past few years. Women who worked for her, women she met socially. There’s a pattern.”
What? Sarah hadn’t mentioned anyone else. Was this the reporter fishing? Or had Sarah kept something else from her? Doubts crept in and Lizzie hated that. “Those could be anyone. Friends, colleagues.”
“They could be. But given your defensive reaction, I’m guessing there’s more to it.” A pause. “You’ve been spending quite a bit of time with Sarah outside of work hours, haven’t you, Lizzie?”
Lizzie’s heart hammered. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You didn’t spend time together on Carlson Island during the hurricane? Alone? In a closet?”
Her blood ran cold. Cynthia. This was Cynthia’s doing. She should have known… “That’s speculation. Lies. We’re friends.”
“Of course. And I’m sure that’s all it is. But you can see how it might look, can’t you? Especially given Sarah’s history. Especially given how quickly you jumped to defend her just now.” Sandra’s voice went softer, almost kind. “I’m trying to be fair here. That’s why I’m calling. If there’s another side to this story, I want to hear it. But if you can’t comment, I’ll have to go with what we have.”
“Which is what?”
