Resorting To The Truth

CHAPTER FOUR

SAM QUICKLY DRIED off after his shower. Running into Allie this morning had destroyed his concentration. What was it about her that had him physically reacting like a horny teenager? He never should have touched her. Massaging her side stitch away had been excruciating. He’d never been the least turned on by her when they’d met several years ago. What had changed?

Could she actually be Allie’s long-lost identical twin the way she claimed?

He laughed. That was preposterous.

Then he shook his head. If she were Allie’s twin, she had identical genes and was bound to be as untrustworthy. No matter what, she was bad news.

By the time he made it to the lobby, conference attendees were everywhere. Breakfast was ending and workshops would begin soon. His gaze stopped at Allie, her still-damp hair falling in waves to just below her chin. His mind automatically wandered to what she might have looked like in the shower, his body craving her wet, soapy curves.

He shook his head. This madness needed to stop.

Then he saw her name tag. He could barely make it out from where he stood, but it was definitely Allie Miller. If she were truly her twin, then why wasn’t she using her real name? Charlotte something. Wasn’t that the name she’d given him?

Sam checked his watch. He filled a cup with coffee from the buffet and followed his assistant conference manager down the hall toward his office.

“Everything going okay?” Sam asked Katie, who remained in his doorway after he entered his office.

Her head bobbed excitedly, making her light blond ponytail swing. “So far, so good.” Her excitement was contagious.

“Let me know if you need help with anything and I’ll get you some.” Sam walked around to the other side of his desk. With Ben in England taking care of his parents, Sam would need to make sure Katie could handle things by herself. Ben had complete confidence in her, but she was fresh out of college and had worked at the Grand Peacock less than a year. Sam reached for the messages on his desk and sipped his coffee.

“I might need an extra person directing people for meals,” she told him. “I already recruited Tom to help me decorate for Sunday night’s gathering. They’d like karaoke set up, too.”

“Sounds good.” The less he was required to be near Allie, the better. He was also pretty sure their desk clerk, Tom, had a major crush on Katie. So he’d do whatever she needed.

“I better make certain everyone gets to where they’re supposed to,” Katie said.

“Good luck!”

Her chuckle came from down the hall.

He turned his attention to the message his chief repairman had left on his desk. Sam was pleased to see the elevator part should be installed by late that afternoon.

Next, he checked his email. George, his head of security, needed to talk to him. Sam called him immediately, hoping there had been no further burglaries.

“Hey, George, Sam Briton. Give me some good news.”

“I wish I could, sir. I’m afraid there’s a problem with the video footage from yesterday’s burglary.”

“A problem?” Having cameras along the outdoor paths leading to the bungalows was always a challenge, thanks to the unpredictability of nature, which was why they checked the cameras daily. They were mostly there for the safety of the guests in case someone got hurt. Criminal activity was seldom a problem, so the cameras weren’t monitored 24/7.

“There are four minutes and nineteen seconds of palm fronds waving in the wind,” George reported. “Someone moved the cameras.”

“Moved them? Can you tell who did it and how?” No way could someone pull something like that off and not get caught. They’d have to get up in the palm trees to get access, which would probably require a ladder.

“Looks like whoever did it knew exactly where the cameras were located. And they avoided the path. The footage shows what I assume is the couple staying at bungalow 6 walking toward the main resort. Shortly after that is when the camera is tilted and the trees are all that can be seen.”

“The Snyders,” Sam clarified. “Retired couple, matching outfits.”

“That’s them. After the four-plus minutes, the camera is aimed back where it’s supposed to be.”

“So it was deliberate,” Sam concluded. “No chance a bird or animal bumped it.”

“Correct. I’m headed out there now to see if I can find footprints off the path, evidence of a ladder or any other clues.”

“Good,” Sam said. “Let me know what you find.”

* * *

CHARLOTTE SAT AT a small table in the lobby, sipping a cup of coffee that was upsetting her already roiling stomach. Could she pull off this act? Make everyone believe she was Allie? She told herself it would be easy because no one believed she was Allie’s twin, no matter how many times she repeated it.

Her sister still hadn’t returned her calls and neither had Jack. Charlotte had awoken in the middle of the night and remembered that Allie and Jack had planned a trip this weekend. A New England trip, Vermont, she thought they’d said.

Charlotte could have emailed them, but figured if they weren’t answering their phones, then they weren’t checking email, either. She also surmised they might be in an area with poor cell coverage because Allie was always good about calling Charlotte back. And hearing that Raymond Foster was coming would surely pique her interest. According to what Charlotte read on the internet last night, he owned a conglomerate of most of the food brands in her fridge and pantry.

Veronica and Jared were seated across from Charlotte. From their constant chatter, they were either super relaxed or super nervous. She couldn’t tell which.

“Don’t you just adore this place?” Veronica was saying. “I’d love to bottle that salty ocean breeze and take it home with me.”

Home. That’s where Charlotte should be. Not conducting a ruse that could go wrong at any moment. Her stomach flipped again. What if she ruined things for Allie instead of helped her?

Jared laughed at Veronica’s suggestion. “That would just make me miss this place more.”

They continued their discussion on how to take the island home with them until the young woman in charge—Katie—informed them breakfast was over and workshops would begin in a few minutes. She gave directions to where things were located, reminding them that they’d received a resort map in their registration materials.

Charlotte felt confident about knowing the names of a few people. That was a decent start in pretending to be Allie. Her memory for names was pretty good, thanks to her inner artist that kept accurate pictures of people stored in her brain. Just never ask her what she ate for breakfast yesterday.

She’d checked the schedule for the workshops. Raymond Foster would be doing a two-hour presentation Monday morning with regards to what a client wanted and how to win big accounts. Charlotte thought she should attend that one so she had an idea of what to tell Allie if her sister wanted to pitch to him.

That gave her two days to get Allie to return her call.

* * *

SAM LEANED BACK in his desk chair and studied the week’s schedule Katie had provided. Nothing out of the ordinary, but he could see a few holes where he might be needed with Ben gone.

His phone rang.

“Sam Briton,” he answered after the first ring.

“Hey, Sam,” his father-in-law greeted him. “Just checking in to let you know the kids and I arrived safely in Fort Lauderdale.”

“Good to know,” Sam said. “Are my munchkins behaving?”

“Of course they are,” John answered with a chuckle. “How’s it going there? Are you managing okay without Ben?”

“Katie’s doing a great job, so far,” Sam told him. “There’s been only one hiccup.” He decided on the fly that John would be a good person to talk to about the Allie Miller situation since he was fully aware of her Charleston trouble.

“A big or little problem?”

“Not sure yet,” Sam replied. “Allie Miller is an attendee at the conference we’re hosting.”

“Allie Miller? Why is that name familiar?” Before Sam could answer, John continued, “You mean the little schemer who got caught up in that mess in Charleston?”

“The one and only.”

“Is she causing trouble again?” There was agitation evident in his tone. “You better keep a close eye on that woman.”

“Believe me, I am.” Sam swallowed, trying not to focus on how he had been closer to that woman than he should have been. “We’ve also had a burglary.” He gave John the details, including the movement of the video camera.

“Funny how it coincides with Allie Miller’s appearance,” John said.

That’s what Sam thought, too. “Yeah, real funny.” But Sam wasn’t laughing.

They chatted a few more minutes about what the kids were up to and then Emma wanted to talk to Sam.

“Hi, Daddy,” she greeted him.

“Hey there, cutie. Whatcha’ up to?”

He could tell by what she called him what kind of mood she was in. “Dad” was her usual form of address, and “Daddy” meant she wanted something. Look out if she called him “Father.” Just thinking about that superior tone gave him the willies.

“Nothing much. Papa’s cook made us chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, and later we’re going bowling so Oliver will shut up about it.”

Sam grinned. He missed them, even their bickering. “That sounds like fun.”

“I guess so.” She paused. “Daddy, I was wondering if I could get an advance—”

“I knew you wanted something.” Sam kept his tone light. “An advance on your allowance? For what?”

“Oh, Dad.” Emma’s disdain came through loud and clear. She lowered her voice. “I found a birthday gift for Papa. It’s his birthday next week, you know. There’s a half-off coupon online, but it expires tomorrow.”

Sam had completely forgotten about John’s birthday. Thankfully, he had a wonderful daughter to remind him. “Tell you what, send me the link and I’ll pick up the tab. No need to get an advance on your allowance.”

“Really? That would be great! You’re the best, Daddy.” She went on to tell him about the deal she found to have a book made of family photos.

“That sounds like the perfect gift,” Sam agreed. “We can gather pictures when you get home. Is Oliver around? I need to get back to work or your grandfather might replace me.”

Emma laughed as expected and then said, “There’s one more thing.”

“Sure, what is it?”

“I heard Papa talking to you and he mentioned that lady’s name. Allie Miller. Isn’t she the one who caused all that trouble a few years ago?”

Emma had an outstanding memory. She’d been about eight at the time of Allie’s appearance in their lives. Old enough to be aware there was a problem, but too young to process the details. “One and the same,” he said, “but don’t worry. I’m keeping an eye on her.” A very close eye. Maybe too close.

“Okay.” Her answer was hesitant, then she added, “I really don’t like her.” She spoke in earnest. “But I’ll help to watch her when Papa brings us back to the island. I’m not going to let her cause trouble again.”

He was about to tell his daughter that he could handle Allie without her help, but Oliver grabbed the phone to tell Sam all about Papa’s new 3-D television.

As soon as he finished speaking with Oliver and disconnected, Katie showed up in his office doorway. “I have a list of conference attendees. All but two people have checked in.”

“Is one of them Allie Miller?” If the woman he kissed was really Allie’s twin, then Allie would be one of the missing.

Katie checked her list. “No, she arrived and checked in.” She consulted her notes. “We got a call about Peter Reynaud. He had a family emergency, but Jerry Cummings is a no-show.” She handed him the list.

The truth stared him in the face. Allie Miller was attending the conference, not her twin. He should have known when he had first seen her, and again when she’d worn the name tag. She’d lied about having an identical twin. But why? What was she up to this time?

* * *

CHARLOTTE SPENT THE morning in a teak lounge chair on the beach while everyone attended workshops. There were two or three workshops taking place at the same time, so she figured no one would miss her. They’d think she had attended a different workshop than them.

She’d brought her camera and sketch pad, but after taking several pictures of the resort behind her and the ocean view in front of her, she’d packed them away in her tote bag. Then she’d luxuriated in the sunny day and the peace she had found with the sounds of the ocean and the various birds calling as they’d flown over the water searching for food.

“There you are!”

Charlotte turned to see it was the woman from the plane. When they’d checked in together, Charlotte had learned her name was Mona. She stopped next to Charlotte’s chair, hands on her hips and her long, flowing skirt flapping in the breeze. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were avoiding me. I haven’t seen you since we checked in.”

Charlotte smiled kindly. Mona did know better. “I’ve been around. I needed a break to clear my head.” Charlotte quickly changed the subject. “How are you?”

Mona grabbed her floppy brimmed hat, which was about to blow off her head. “Wonderful! Were you in that workshop about transfer?” She didn’t wait for an answer, pulling her hat down over her mop of resistant curls. “It wasn’t just about transfer, but other techniques, as well. Most of them I’ve heard of or used before, but it was a good refresher.”

“I missed that one.” Charlotte had no idea what transfer was, but filed it away to look up later. Hopefully, Mona wouldn’t ask her what workshops she had attended. The woman was probably a very nice person, but Charlotte needed time to get used to her big personality.

Veronica and Jared were more Charlotte’s speed.

“Anyway,” Mona continued, adjusting her sunglasses, “Katie has been looking everywhere for you.”

“Me?” Charlotte pointed at herself. “Why?”

“How should I know?” Mona said on a shrug. “But I’ll take your lounge chair since you’re getting up.”

The woman didn’t sugarcoat her thoughts and feelings, Charlotte would give her that much. You knew right where you stood with her.

Charlotte rose from her chair, unhappy to be leaving the salty air and sunshine behind. Not to mention the peacefulness of the ocean. At least before Mona interrupted.

As Charlotte made her way across the sand, carrying her sandals in one hand and her tote bag in the other, she puzzled over why Katie wanted to speak to her. Had she figured out Charlotte wasn’t Allie? But why would she care? The conference fee was paid and Katie worked for the hotel, not the company that coordinated the conference.

The lobby was deserted when Charlotte arrived, except for a young woman at the registration desk. “Do you know where I can find Katie?” Charlotte asked.

The young woman gave her a friendly smile and pointed in the direction of the hallway leading to Sam Briton’s office. “She’s probably in her office back that way.”

Charlotte nodded. “Thank you.” She turned in that direction and paused ever so slightly. She had no wish to run into Sam again. Not only was her body remembering what happened between them in his office, but on the beach, as well. Her hand touched her side where he’d massaged her cramp away.

Her head held high, she took the plunge and headed to Katie’s office. The door was open, but her office was empty. Now what?

Just as she was about to look for paper and pencil to leave a note, Katie came up behind her. “Ms. Miller?”

Charlotte spun around. Her pulse rate accelerated as if she’d been caught doing something illegal. “Yes,” she said breathlessly, then continued in a stronger tone, “I was about to leave you a note. You were looking for me?”

Katie smiled. “Yes, I was. It’s actually Mr. Briton who wants to speak with you. He was dealing with some other issues and asked me to locate you.”

Charlotte’s stomach revolted. She didn’t want to talk to Sam Briton...ever. If she’d known Sam was the one who’d requested her presence, she would have stayed on the beach.

Wow! Where did that come from? Maybe the beach air was giving her the courage to stand up for herself, even if it was only in her head. Although, thinking she’d stay on the beach and actually staying there to spite Sam were two different things. After all, he was in charge of the resort. He could easily make trouble for her.

“Please step into my office, Ms. Miller.” The male voice coming down the hall was already intimately familiar. Instead of allowing Sam to intimidate her, she straightened her shoulders and tried not to be too annoyed by his tone.

Without speaking, she did as he requested. His presence was tangible as he followed her into his office. Thankfully, he left the door open as they took positions on either side of his desk. She didn’t need a repeat of last night’s regrettable incident or their chance meeting on the beach this morning.

Now if only she could erase the unsettling images from her mind. Even in the bright light of day, the ghostly impression of last evening’s intimate clinch remained front and center in her brain.

“Have a seat.” Sam’s tone was commanding as he lowered himself into his chair.

She looked at the chair next to her. “I prefer to stand.” Was she channeling Allie’s self-confidence? This could be habit-forming. Standing up for herself felt pretty good. Especially when it was out loud and not merely in her head.

He shrugged, but his eyes narrowed as if he didn’t like her newfound strength. Not that preferring to stand was actually a definitive issue. He probably didn’t care.

He reached across his desk for a piece of paper that looked as if it contained a list. His shirtsleeves were rolled up to below his elbows and Charlotte found herself fascinated once again by his well-developed, tan forearms. Her gaze traveled to his large hands with their long, slim fingers and neatly trimmed nails.

“Allie?” From Sam’s tone, Charlotte suspected it wasn’t the first time he’d addressed her.

She lifted her chin a millimeter. “Yes?” She needed to get used to answering to her sister’s name if she had half a chance at fooling anyone, especially that big client.

“So I guess the jig is up.”

“Excuse me?”

“Last night you tried to convince me you’re not Allie, but her ‘twin’ sister.” He used air quotes, which she disliked immensely, and his mouth twisted as if to mock her. “Charlotte. Isn’t that the name you used?”

Before answering, she sat down in the chair and pulled it closer to the desk so they were eye to eye. She chose her words with deliberation. “My name is Charlotte, and Allie Miller is my identical twin sister.”

He slammed the paper down in front of her. “Then why is Allie Miller on this list of conference attendees and not Charlotte? Why are you wearing your sister’s name tag?”

She put a hand to her name tag and swallowed with difficulty. People in the art world didn’t speak to her like that. “I’m going to trust you’ll keep this between us.”

He stared at her, and she had trouble finding her voice, as well as the words. Where was that self-confidence now?

She spread out her hands on the desk. “Here’s the deal. When I arrived, I found out there’s a man, a presenter, who is looking to switch advertising agencies. I can’t get in touch with my sister to let her know, but I’m hoping to talk the man into allowing Allie to pitch to him. She needs a large account like his to keep her business going. Meanwhile, everyone thinks I’m Allie, no matter how many times I’ve told them I’m her twin. They just think I’m lying.” Exactly like you do. “So I’ll use that to Allie’s advantage.”

“I’m not surprised.” He turned his back to her and faced the ocean through the window. “Just another lie to protect yourself.”

“What!” Charlotte leaned toward him, hands flat on his desk. She spoke to his back, wishing she could face him eye to eye. “Why won’t you believe me? I’m telling the truth!” She sucked in a breath—she should have just shoved her ID in his face when they’d first met. But at this point, she almost didn’t care what he believed. Almost. “I’m not Allie. I’m Charlotte.” It took a lot to make her mad, but she was almost there. “Is that why you summoned me here? To ask why I’m wearing my sister’s name tag? You could have had Katie ask me.”

He was silent for so long, she thought maybe their conversation was over. Then he asked, “Do you know how to climb a palm tree?”

“What?” The question was so far off topic that she nearly laughed. “Why would I climb a palm tree?”

He spun around to face her. “Never mind.” He tapped a pencil on his desk. He didn’t look at her when he said, “We’re done here, Allie. I don’t know what your game is, but I expect you to stay out of trouble this week.”

Charlotte’s eyes widened and she stared at him for a long moment. Talking to the jerk was a worthless cause. She stomped out of his office and headed directly to her room. She needed time alone to get her emotions back under control. The man made her ridiculously angry and frustrated. So unlike her true self. She rarely found someone who irritated her that much.

She ripped off her name tag lanyard and threw it on the bed. Then she opened the French doors leading onto the balcony, choosing to stretch out on the lounge chair overlooking the ocean. Breathing deeply and closing her eyes, the peacefulness of her surroundings slowly, but effectively, calmed her.

Several minutes later, she rose from her chair and stood at the iron railing to watch the ocean. She smiled. The sunlight reflecting on the water inspired her to grab her camera.

Feeling rejuvenated after capturing many different angles through the lens, she checked the time to see that lunch had already begun.

Charlotte threw the lanyard over her head and reached the lobby a few minutes later. She helped herself to the food set up on long tables.

Carrying a water bottle under her arm, a green salad in a bowl and a plate with a half sandwich and tropical fruit, she stepped outside to the lanai and peered at the square tables to locate a free seat.

She’d have been happier taking her food onto the beach or to her room for some more alone time, but instead she gravitated to the chair Jared and Veronica had waiting for her as they had promised at breakfast.

“Thanks for saving me a seat,” she said and meant it sincerely. These two were the bright spots in this trip, as well as her only information about what to tell Allie regarding Raymond Foster.

“I assume Katie found you,” Veronica said before Charlotte could sit down. “She was asking everyone if they’d seen you.” At Charlotte’s nod, Veronica asked, “So what did she want?”

Charlotte set her plate down and pulled out her chair. “Turns out, it wasn’t Katie who wanted to see me. It was the resort manager, Sam Briton.”

Veronica choked on her sudden intake of breath. “That hot guy who dragged you to his office last night like a caveman?”

“That’s the one.” Charlotte was glad she hadn’t confided in anyone about what actually happened in his office. She had merely told her new friends that Sam had mistaken her for someone he knew back in South Carolina. Someone he didn’t care for.

“What did he want?” Jared took a bite of his sandwich.