Accidental Eyewitness. Alice Zogg
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Frederique, middle school English teacher and single mom, sat in the family room of her condominium in Arcadia, a stack of ungraded students’ papers in front of her. She was 44, with light-brown hair, green eyes, and an athletic body. Evie, her little girl, had long been tucked in bed, following her evening bedtime story. Kim was trying to get through the heap of students’ compositions but could not concentrate. Her mind crept back to the bizarre invitation she had received in the mail that day. Hers came with an extra note inserted, which read:
“Hi Sis,
Since you were unable to attend our wedding, I trust you’ll enjoy the party on the Isle of Ease. You may not know most of the guests, but take my word for it, they are an interesting and fun group of people. I am sorry that Evie will be the only child present, but some of the activities - - like snorkeling and swimming - - should keep her from getting bored.
“Can’t wait to celebrate with you,
Kurt”
It was true that she had been sick in the hospital with pneumonia when her brother’s wedding took place, but this “after the fact” celebration seemed totally uncalled for. As far as she knew, Kurt had taken Barbie on an elaborate honeymoon to Australia. Why can’t he give it a rest now? she mused. Of course, he needs to show off the mansion on his island. She had never been there when it was a hotel and was not particularly keen on going there now. She doubted that wearing bathing suits among women with perfect bodies like Barbie and Alexa would boost her self-image.
For another thing, even though she loved him, being around her older brother made her feel like a poor relation. Granted, he had always been generous, but she hated to feel like a charity case. Evie adored her uncle Kurt, who tended to spoil her. Would it matter to Evie if she had no kids to play with for a week? Being an only child, she was able to entertain herself. And she enjoyed swimming and water games. Kim was certain that her daughter would be thrilled to go on the trip. The timing was also right. April 8 – 14 was during spring break.
She studied the guest list once more. Why on earth was he inviting Alexa? He must really want to rub it in by showing off the young, talented, and seemingly flawless Barbie. Reflecting on Kurt’s choice of women, his first wife had definitely been best suited to him. Too bad the marriage did not last. But then, who am I to judge? I’m also divorced. He has two fine boys resulting from that union. She corrected herself; they are young adults now.
Then came arrogant Alexa with whom he had had a love/hate relationship. In Kim’s opinion, Alexa had an ego to match her brother’s. The woman’s only vulnerability was her asthma, and she even used that to her own advantage. Kurt had been obsessed with her and had taken it hard when she broke off the engagement. Who could blame him for feeling humiliated? After the breakup and until Barbie, he did casual dating, but nothing serious. Kim was not sure about Barbie. Other than being too young for Kurt, who was into his fifth decade, she had nothing against the singer. She assumed that her brother had been wise enough to insist on a pre-nuptial agreement.
The craziest choice of guest by far was Neal Victor. What strange demon possessed Kurt to invite that member of the House of Representatives? As far as she could tell, the two men hated one another. The supposedly idyllic festivity on the isle could well turn into a hostile environment of hidden power players.
Oh, what the heck, she mused, I don’t have enough drama in my life. Might as well accept the invitation. The decision made, she at last turned her attention to the stack of papers awaiting her.
Twenty-five miles farther west at his home in North Hollywood, Neal Victor stared at the invitation. The recently widowed congressman wondered if this was a joke. He re-read it once more and decided that Kurt Nobel must be suffering from delusions of grandeur. At first, the idea of partying with his onetime enemy seemed out of the question, but reading the guest list made him reconsider. One person on that list caught his attention.
He didn’t really want to meet the young bride, imagining that she would be a looker and ambitious, like most gold diggers. But exploring the small island, scuba diving in particular, captured his interest. Getting away would be a welcome distraction after months of grieving. But why is Nobel inviting me to this event? he asked himself. Is he considering running for office again and in need of political favors? If so, he can shove it, paid trip or not. Or maybe he needs a tax write-off. It certainly couldn’t be out of pure kindness.
To hell with second-guessing the man’s ulterior motive. There’s nothing wrong with accepting a free vacation. Contrary to public opinion, members of congress’ salaries were not high, given the need to maintain two households, one in their home state and another in Washington, DC.
His mind was made up. He would put his RSVP in the next day’s mail.
Barbie’s best friend from high school, Hope De Luca, was thrilled to receive the invitation. As a sophomore in college on the East Coast, the young woman had missed out on her friend’s wedding. She had come from a family of meager means and attended the University on a full scholarship. Taking time out for the wedding had not been an option. Fortunately, the week of this celebration would coincide with her spring break, and she was enthusiastic to be among the guests. The entire trip was going to be paid for; she did not have to spend a dime. How cool was that!
Hope was curious about Kurt Nobel too, having never met the man. She understood he was a rich, real estate tycoon. Other than that, she knew nothing about him. Apparently, Barbie had known Kurt less than a year and, in Hope’s opinion, had rushed into the marriage. The young woman could not imagine what he had in common with Barbie but hoped to find out in April. She and Barbie were opposites in looks as well as aptitudes. Her friend was a fair beauty and she herself was dark-haired with big brown eyes. Barbie was musically inclined and had skipped college, whereas Hope could not carry a tune but had a logical, scientific mind.
She looked out her dorm window to a harsh landscape of snow and ice. Judging by the dark clouds above, more of the white stuff would be dumped before the day was over. Hope shivered and could hardly wait for the warm, tropical days in the sun that lay ahead.
CHAPTER 4
The Triests, both middle aged, were not in agreement about whether or not to accept the invitation.
Mike insisted, “Come on, Beatrice, aren’t you the least bit curious about Kurt’s palace on the Isle of Ease? I’m interested to see what he’s done to the place.”
She shook her head.
He tried to convince her from a different angle and coaxed, “At the beginning of April, you’ll be tired from organizing the fundraiser fashion show and more than ready to relax on a tropical island.”
“Have you read the guest list?” she asked.
“Of course I have and know what’s on your mind. I’m not thrilled about it either.”
She shot him an angry glance and burst out, “There is no way in hell that I’ll socialize with the likes of Alexa Weller.”
“Neither will I, but there’ll be plenty of other folks to mingle with. We can ignore the attorney.”
“You may be able to ignore her, but I can’t. She’ll be a constant reminder of the injustice done to us.”
Mike stated with conviction, “I can almost guarantee you that we won’t come face to face with her. Most likely, Alexa will decline the invitation.”
“You think?”
“She dumped Kurt at the last moment, remember? I can’t see why he invited her, and even less why she would show up.”
“You may be right.”
“I bet you I’m right,” her spouse said.
Beatrice said, “And while we’re on the subject, why did he invite us? You’re not exactly best friends.”
“That’s a no-brainer. He wants to rub my nose in all he has accomplished on his island.”
“That’s not