Tracy was exhausted as she climbed the steps to the second floor. Although she was home she felt like she was walking into an unfamiliar house. Nothing felt right about the mansion. Even though she could probably walk around the entire estate blindfolded and identify every item, it was just not the refuge she needed. For that she would have to return to a small cabin in the woods, and that was not possible for another few days at the earliest.
She was so grateful that her father wasn't around to pepper her with questions. Since Monica's return, she and Edward were spending a great deal of time together. Tracy had realized years ago that Monica was her father's perfect daughter, not his own flesh and blood. Normally that realization irritated her, but now it offered an isolation which made Tracy's sneaking out at night so much easier.
She just wanted to be alone with her thoughts, but as she opened her bedroom door she realized that would have to wait.
"What are you doing here?" Tracy snarled when she saw the intruder.
"I'm just turning down your bed, Miss Tracy. I'll be finished shortly.
"Good" was all Tracy could reply as she placed her laptop and purse on her desk and walked into her closet.
When she emerged from her en suite ready for bed, she was annoyed to see Alice sitting in one of the chairs by the window.
"What do you want now?" Tracy scowled. "Aren't there other beds that need tending?"
"I was just wondering how Mr. Luke is doing."
The statement was so simple yet so overwhelming. Tracy whirled around on the maid before she realized the message her body language was sending.
"What do you mean 'how is Mr. Luke'? I haven't seen him since I left him drunk in Sri Lanka."
"I know that's what you want everyone to believe, but I know that's not true."
Tracy couldn't believe the gall of Alice, nor could she deny that Alice was the most observant employee they had every had. Add to that her crush on Luke and Tracy knew she was in trouble.
"How can you possibly know that's not true, Alice, where you there? Did you see him? Right now he's probably doing the horizontal tango with some bimbo who can't speak English."
"Miss Tracy, if you actually believed that you would be a whole lot more worried. You used to be frantic about him but since your kidnapping you've been different. You aren't on edge all the time. It's like with Miss Lulu. You know she's not really a hostage and that Mr. Johnny will take care of her, so you aren't as worried as you might be. It's alright. I won't tell anyone – I haven't yet."
Tracy was getting quite nervous.
"What do you mean you haven't said anything yet? Are you threatening me?"
Getting up from the chair, Alice raised her hands in a calming gesture to assure Tracy she wasn't doing anything of the sort.
"No Miss Tracy, I'd never do that. All I'm saying is that I'm keeping your secret and I want you to know. I just hope everything is okay with Mr. Luke. It can't be easy for you to see him for a few days than have to sneak back here and pretend you've been alone."
"Alice, what in the hell are you talking about?" Tracy was having no success at deterring the maid.
"When Mr. Q needed me to call you at the hotel last week, the one you were staying at for that business trip you couldn't get out of, remember? Anyway I called and they didn't have you registered."
"I was using a different name. I didn't want anyone to know I was there. It means nothing."
"No, Miss Tracy. They were under renovations and no one was there. I lied for you but you really have to pay more attention to your cover story."
Tracy was stupefied. Now the maid was telling her how to sneak around! Tracy Quartermaine... who had been running around pulling the wool over everyone eyes for decades needed a maid's protection? Outrageous!
Crossing her arms and getting as close to Alice as she could, Tracy sneered up at the taller woman. "You don't know anything and if you want to continue around here I would suggest your keep your tongue in your head and your eyes on your job – NOT my business."
"You don't have to do that, Miss Tracy."
"Do what?" she demanded, seeing that her threat was having no effect whatsoever.
"I already said, I've got your back just like Mr. Luke would want me to. If you need me to drive you somewhere or pretend to be a hotel clerk on the other end of the phone, I'll do that."
Tracy threw up her arms in frustration and turned in a complete circle. "What do you want from me?" she practically yelled.
"I just want to know that Mr. Luke is alright and know if I can help you."
Alice looked so forthright that Tracy just had to shake her head.
"First Lucky then Sam, then Spumento, then Ned and now you. Soon everyone is going to know."
Tracy moved away from Alice and sat on her bed in defeat.
"He's fine, Alice."
"Can I do anything, Miss Tracy?"
"No, just keep up the charade on the blog. If you can be of help someone will ask you, but it won't be me. We can't ever talk about this again, understand?"
"Yes, Miss Tracy."
Alice moved to the door, satisfied that her Mr. Luke was alright and was close by.
"Oh and Alice" Tracy started without looking up.
"Yes?"
"Thank you for everything."
Smiling to herself, Alice left the room to continue on her evening's duties while Tracy crawled into her large, empty bed. Somehow this all had to end soon...
(If you are interested in following the blog, it can be found at lukeandtracy.blogspot)
