Chapter 10

Carrie

Monday 7.12am

Armed with the information Xavier has given me, I feel a lot more confident as I ride the elevator down to breakfast.

Due to the alcohol consumption and Xavier not leaving until he was convinced I was clear, I’m a little jaded, and slightly nauseous as I descend to the ground floor.

I’m still not sure if this is going to work, it could backfire horribly, but since this is the last day I’m here, and the last chance to speak to my parents, it’s become a case of now or never.

As the elevator doors open, I take a deep breath and step out into the lobby.

I follow the smell of coffee and steel myself for another confrontation with my mother.

But she’s not there. Danny and Tina are sitting at a table, deep in conversation.

I release a breath and try to sound and look normal as I walk over to their table.

Danny spots me first, and I force a smile to my face. I want to hug him, and tell him I know but this is neither the time or the place to open up that can of worms.

So when he grins at me, I just sit beside him, and punch his shoulder. “Thanks for sticking up for me.”

He looks sheepish as he fiddles with his coffee cup. “Sometimes I wonder if you like pushing her buttons.”

He jabs a finger at Tina. “And you were her accomplice.”

Tina shrugs and pushes her plate of untouched Danishes towards me. I snag one and shove it in my mouth while Tina defends her part in pissing mom off.

“Carrie doesn’t need to keep mom happy the way we do.”

He scowls at her. “You don’t need to remind me. I’m trying to forget about the money she loaned me.”

There are always strings attached when mom hands out money. I’d rather be working in a fast-food restaurant and sharing an apartment worse than Xavier’s than take her money.

As the waitress comes over to take my order, it’s hard not to think about what Xavier said about them last night.

I never really looked at them that way before. But they are under mom’s thumb.

Tina is so worried about putting mom’s nose out of joint, she barely speaks around her, and if Danny is hiding who he really is out of fear she’ll cut him off, I’m beginning to see why Xavier said I’m stronger than them.

Whether it was my learning disability or my own stubborn nature, as I sit and watch them tense and waiting for mom to come down and spoil breakfast, I feel overwhelming sad they have to live like this.

I doubt I can do anything to fix that, but I can test out Xavier’s ‘strategy’ and see what happens.

I know mom’s arrived by the abrupt stop to the conversation. Mom hates it when we rib each other, so silence greets my mom as she arrives, oddly alone.

As per usual, I’m the one to ask the question no one else dares to. “Where’s dad?”

She takes a seat at the head of the table and folds a napkin in her lap. “He’s not feeling well.”

I nearly say what we’re all thinking. He got rotten drunk and has a hangover.

Since my food isn’t here yet, I decide to put Xavier’s idea to the test. “I wanted to tell you before I left tomorrow. But Myles and I broke up,” I say.

She stares at me, but her entire face tightens. “I should have known you’d spoil this weekend even more. I have no idea how you turned out so self-absorbed.”

I knew what to expect, so despite the unease on Tina’s face I quash my need to defend myself and say exactly what Xavier told me to.

“I’m sorry you feel that way.”

She narrows her eyes. “What is that supposed to mean?”

Even though it burns I keep as calm as I can. “It means I’m sorry that you feel disappointed in me.”

It’s such an awkward exchange I’m almost glad when the waitress arrives and slides my waffles in front of me.

I spear a blueberry and push it in my mouth as Tina and Danny don’t seem to know where to look.

My mother however, is staring at me with her usual disapproving frown. “I don’t know what you’re trying to achieve but I do not appreciate your flippancy. It’s no wonder Myles left you, with that wanton attitude and your wild behavior, it’s perfectly understandable.”

I nearly forget Xavier’s reminder not to retort but manage to formulate a cool response. “That’s a very real possibility. We do come from very different backgrounds. I guess I can see why you might assume that. Thank you for your perspective.”

Tina sucks in a breath and Danny looks completely confused by the interaction.

Normally I’d engage her in combat and argue until one of us either backed down, or like last night I’d leave before things escalated.

No one has ever had a calm conversation with my mom where she looks increasingly out of sorts and absolutely not in control.

Not even Danny can maintain a conversation where he neither agrees nor disagrees. He just evades and avoids until she gives up and moves on to another easier target, namely Tina or me.

Sure enough, she turns her attention to Tina, and her absent husband. “And what about you? Have you managed to drive away your husband too?”

Tina’s cheeks flush. “Mitch has the stomach flu,” she mumbles.

Mom’s eyebrows join together as she frowns. “Oh, for goodness sake, must you mumble, I brought you up to speak like a lady.”

Tina’s face crumples and my ire rises even further. Since she’ll never defend herself I decide to throw caution to the wind. “You brought her up to not discuss impolite conversation while we are eating too. Maybe that’s why she’s mumbling?”

My mother’s eyes snap to me and her mouth opens and closes before she recovers enough to speak. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you, Carrie, but I do not care for this.”

It’s hard to contain my triumph when she pushes her chair back and throws her napkin on the table. “I’d hoped we could have had a pleasant breakfast together and a civilized conversation. Apparently, that is beyond you.”

She spins on her heel, and totters away, looking indignant as Tina releases a breath. “How did you do that?” she whispers.

When Danny just shakes his head, and slowly starts to clap his hands with a giant grin on his face, I almost wish Xavier had been here to see it.

Come to think of it, where is Xavier?

***

Xavier

I’m midway through unblocking a drain when my cell buzzes in my pocket. I strip off a glove and ram it in my overall pocket before I answer.

I can hear the strain Julie’s voice even before I answer. “I just heard from the deputy director. We have forty-eight hours to prove this is a viable project or all the funding will be revoked.”

I curse under my breath. “I can’t wrap this up in two days.”

“You have no choice. Do what it takes. If there is a threat in the resort, I need viable evidence to show this isn’t a waste of resources.”

I stare down at the drain, still clogged with hair and God knows what else. After working to firmly establish myself and finally getting a foot in the door, I have to end six months of tedious groundwork in two fucking days.

“The manager isn’t an idiot. He’s not going to start talking. If I push, he’ll fire me and we get nothing.”

There’s an element of ice in her voice that I’ve not heard before. “We don’t have time. You’ve let them know you’re not happy. You’re in with Hadi, and he knows you are sympathetic. Do whatever it takes to get him to show you the basement level. I’ll have a team standing by.”

I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and glare at myself. “Roger that.”

Her reply comes out clipped. “The sooner the better, Xavier. Both our necks are on the chopping block.”

She ends the call and leaves me with no choice but to act.

I fix the clogged drain and go in search of Omar.

If Julie is forcing me to move this along before I’ve had time to slowly earn his trust, I’ll need to pull out all the stops to convince him I’m disgruntled and disillusioned.

I knew this day might come, and a part of me knows I have no choice but to tell him exactly what he wants to hear.

I can separate that part of me, I’ve done it before, I can play the role, so and say shit I don’t believe or do things I’d not normally do. I can justify getting my hands dirty for the good of the country but when I step through the elevator door and see Carrie walking out of the dining room; something inside my chest snaps.

Before she can see me, I hurry to the manager’s office. My pulse quickens in anticipation as I try to figure which way this will go.

If I convince him, I may end up knee-deep inside with no backup, and no weapon.

I may get the answers and the names we need, but with contact with Julie sporadic, I’m effectively on my own.

I know there are sub-basements leading to specially designed bunkers. Somehow getting into the subterranean level, hidden from the guests isn’t where I want to be without a team to back me up.

But this is why I’m here. This is why Julie came to me. I can and do whatever it takes to extract information, whether it’s by manipulating them, coercing them, or by terrorizing them.

I came to break this apart, and now I have a limited amount of time, that’s what I’ll have to do.

I rap my knuckles on the door, and am neither pleased, or relieved when he tells me to enter.

I set my face to unreadable and prepare to talk my way into his confidence.

Since he sent me upstairs to fix a busted sink, and unblock the drain only a half-hour ago, he looks decidedly surprised I’m busting into his office so soon.

“You've finished already?”

I nod and fold my arms across my chest. “I can keep fixing things, and making drinks, but you’re not utilizing my greatest area of skill. And that would be a mistake.”

He frowns. “I don’t think I understand.”

I try to keep my voice casual. “I’m a little surprised Gerald didn’t mention the private security you have up here. That’s right up my alley.”

His eyebrows rise. “Is that so?”

I keep my answer brief, and don’t give away any additional info. “I’ve been watching your security team since I arrived. Considering who vacations here, they’re sloppy.”

Since I already know he hired them personally, I’m not surprised when he bristles. “My men are all highly trained and come with the highest recommendations.”

I shrug. “They’ve been working in the private sector too long. I managed to get into three supposedly secure zones, just by showing them my temporary ID card. They’re soft.”

His face blanches. For a man with hundreds of extremely wealthy guests with multiple secrets to hide, security is everything.

“I find that hard to believe. The head of security is an inactive Marine.”

I sniff and make sure my contempt shows in my reply. “Marines think they’re better than everyone else. It’s not surprising you have one up here among the elite. This is a nice cushy job and there’s an element of snobbery. And that’s why your security is now a joke.”

He stares blankly, so I don’t bother to expand on the healthy rivalry between The Special Forces and The Marine Corps.

I raise my hands as if it’s not a big deal. “You don’t have to take my word for it. We can go look at the security footage.”

Considering I’m insulting his choices, he’s remarkably calm. “And you think you’re qualified to judge a highly professional and elite team of security experts do you?”

I knew it would come to this, so I lay all my cards out on the table. “I’m overqualified for judging. I’m ex-Special Forces and until six months ago I was working private security in Denmark for the Royal Family.”

His eyebrows rise and he looks equally impressed and concerned. “I don’t usually take unsolicited advice.”

That almost brings a smile to my face. “Maybe you should. Because right now, there are two men on your team who are stealing from you.”

His expression stays the same which surprises me. If he’s concealing what Julie and I think he is, then security is paramount.

I hammer the final nail in the current team’s coffin. “You have some of the countries wealthiest families staying here each season, I think you have more than enough cause for a complete overhaul of your security team.”

He’s either considering what I’m saying or trying to think of a way to have me killed, either way, it’s now or never.

I uncross my arms and take a step closer. “Why not make the most of me while I’m here?”

He narrows his eyes, but his posture relaxes slightly. “I’ve been speaking to Hadi. He tells me you left the Armed Forces? Do you mind if I ask why?”

I raise my hands. “Hard to keep fighting for a cause when you no longer believe in it.”

He’s too savvy to give himself away, so he just walks around his desk. “And what do you believe in now Mr. Reid?”

The answer comes out way too sincere. “I don’t know anymore.”

When he says nothing else, but I can tell he’s wavering, so I stay silent.

I match his gaze, unblinking until a faint smile appears at his thin lips. “Perhaps I can help you find a new purpose?”

Fuck. Did he just give me an opening? “Maybe.”

His eyes stay locked on me, but he gestures to the door. “If you’re correct about my security, I may have a position for you. But you will need to prove yourself.”

I keep my posture relaxed. “And what does that entail?”

His lip curls into a smile that makes my stomach tighten. “One step at a time Mr. Reid, first show me the footage, then if you were correct, you can show me what else you can do.”

I slowly nod as if this isn’t a big deal.

I keep my posture loose, as I walk out the door after him.

Keeping my eyes on him, I scan the lobby for any sign of Carrie or anyone who could possibly trip me up just when I’m near the finish line.

Julie gave me a deadline, and if I can convince Omar I’m authentic, and I can replace one of his men, I may just be able to find the evidence I need.

***

Carrie

With nothing to do but pack up, I wander into the lobby, and notice Xavier and the manager walking away from me.

He looks so serious, and so focused, it’s hard not to think about how he helped me achieve something I’ve waited my whole life to do.

I finally outdid my mom. I kept my cool and I managed to tell her about Myles without feeling the need to defend myself.

My feet edge towards him without me thinking about why. I have to mentally stop myself from joining him in the elevator.

He’s obviously working. The last thing he needs is me hanging around like a bad smell.

Since I still haven’t made up my mind about the job offer and I’m still not sure if I could really ever consider living somewhere so isolated, I decide I may as well take a look around what potentially could be my home.

Rather than getting into a discussion with my siblings and telling them too much about Xavier, I head out the front door and inhale the clear mountain air.

The slightest amount of rain is falling, creating a hazy mist that doesn’t lend itself to exploring.

Disappointed I can’t go explore outside, I decide the next best option is to take a look at the swimming pool and the gym Hadi said I’d be free to use offseason.

I’ve never really been one for exercising in a gym, but I do love to swim, and due to my crazy hours it’s not something I get to do as often as I’d like.

The idea of being able to balance my life and maybe even get to know Xavier a little more, does make me lean closer to making a call to leave Oasis.

With the pay rise, and the accommodation included half the year, I could save on rent and be a whole lot closer to owning my own restaurant.

I chew my lip and head to the second set of elevators I saw beside the kitchen.

I’m so distracted, I don’t notice until it’s too late I’m in the service elevator. There’s nothing marking which floor the pool is on, just numbers, and an odd symbol I don’t recognize, so I press what I hope is the correct floor and descend.

The doors open with a ding and I immediately know I’m in the wrong place, I pivot, ready to head back up, when I hear voices coming from down the hall.

I peer out and see nothing but a concrete and decidedly unremarkable corridor.

When the scent of cooking fills my nostrils, I tilt my head and inhale the scent of fried onions and I think garlic.

Curious, I step out of the elevator and start to walk down the corridor. The elevator doors close behind me, and I feel a moment of anxiety as they close.

With my nose leading the way, I follow the smell, and then the sound I’d recognize anywhere.

A mixer, chopping, utensils and the busy sounds of food being prepared.

I round the corner and frown as I see the doors must be a secondary kitchen.

Since I know Hadi is in charge of the guest’s kitchen and he made no mention of a staff kitchen in the lower levels, I’m even more curious as to why they have need for another.

My feet edge closer, and at the sound of voices speaking in rapid-fire, I’m sure I must be hearing things.

I follow the voices, no longer interested in the kitchen, but in what sounds like a heated argument.

I creep down the hallway and stop outside a door. I press my ear to the door, heart in my throat, as I hold my breath so I can hear better.

Thickly accented conversation vibrates through the door, making shivers run down my spine.

“—strike now. We have almost everything in place. There is no reason to delay any further.”

“You aren’t here to question. You are here to follow orders—"

I don’t stay to hear anymore, I back away, still not understanding what is going on when I turn and start to head back the way I came.

My hands start to shake as I try to organize my jumbled thoughts into something resembling rational thought.

But there is no rational thought that can explain this.

Sweat starts to trickle down my back as I start to understand the enormity of what must be going on right underneath the guest’s noses.

Still not convinced I haven’t just jumped to an irrational conclusion, I try to convince myself I’m imagining something that can’t possibly be real.

My breathing starts to speed as I rush back along the way I came in. Heart hammering in my chest, panic near close to overtaking me, I pick up my pace until I’m running towards the elevators.

If this is what I think it is, I have to get out of here before someone sees me. I have to report it to the FBI, or call the police, I have to do something!

I reach the elevator, out of breath and sweat pouring off me as I slam my clammy palm against the up button.

I stare down the empty corridor, tapping my foot and struggling to breathe as I wait for the elevator to descend.

I’m so relieved when the doors finally open and no one has come charging down the hall, it takes me half a second to see someone in the elevator.

My momentary relief that it’s just Hadi is short-lived when his face hardens and he steps out of the elevator.

His entire demeanor switches and there’s a coldness in his eyes, and an oddly mixed accent I missed when he speaks. “How did you get down here? There should have been security.”

About ten minutes too late I realize what I should have done the second I saw the odd symbol on the elevator marking this floor.

As I look in Hadi’s direction I know I’ll find no mercy with him, or probably anyone else here.

I have no idea why he wanted me to take his place if this is going on underneath the resort, it seems ridiculous to think it was so easy for me to come down here.

If this is what I think it is, I’d have expected dozens of armed guards.

Whatever the reason I wound up down here, this is most definitely not a place I should ever have found out about.

The only answer that matters right now, is how the hell do I get out of here?