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Chapter 11: Back to the FutureIn which the road is about to take a sudden twist…
Seattle 2020: Fogle TowersLogan pushed back from his computer in annoyance as the buzzer from the lobby sounded insistently, signaling either a delivery or a guest.
"Bling can you get that?" he called out. "Bling? Damn." He remembered that he had sent Bling out on an errand and he hadn't yet returned. He sighed as he stood up and walked over to the intercom unit on the wall.
"Cale here. What is it?"
"Sir, there's a package here for you at the desk, and Miss Bartlett is waiting to come up." The voice of the doorman sounded faintly metallic over the intercom.
Logan sighed, "Give Miss Bartlett the package and send her up, Johansson." Without further pleasantries he snapped off the intercom and went over to shut down his open files. Ashley was an airhead, interested only in fashion and in being entertained in the manner to which she was accustomed, but he still didn't want her catching a glimpse of his work. Never could tell when she might repeat something she shouldn't, without knowing what she was saying.
When the door chimes sounded, Logan was already there and he opened the heavy wooden door, giving a practiced smile to the tall slender blonde. He leaned in to give her a brief welcoming kiss as he smoothly extracted the Express letter she held in one of her perfectly manicured hands. As always, she was dressed in the height of fashion, her short skirt and high heels designed to draw attention to her long perfect legs. Ashley was model thin, almost boyish and her overall impression was one of cool elegance. Logan liked his women that way. Sophisticated, poised, and not too bright. After his hellish marriage to Valerie he was careful to pick girlfriends who had no more interest in a real involvement than he did. They used him to further their goals and he used them to perpetuate his image as a dilettante playboy around town.
"What brings you here now, Ash?" he inquired casually, careful to hide his annoyance at her intrusion.
"Logan, it's an absolute crisis. You simply have to escort me to the Dillinger's party tomorrow night."
"Why do I have to do that?" His voice was quiet and Ashley missed the irritation in it.
"Because James Ford of Ford Modeling will be there and I need to meet him. This could make or break my career. I know you know him; you went to school with him. You have to introduce me."
"Ashley, I told you I couldn't make this party a week ago."
Ashley looked at him pleadingly. Then in a change of tactics she glided over to him.
Standing close she ran one red tipped finger up his chest teasingly. "You know I'll make it well worth your while." She pulled him down for a kiss and her tongue darted teasingly over his lips, even as she rubbed herself suggestively against him. Logan felt his annoyance at the interruption melting as his body responded to her proximity. The Express envelope in his hand fell to the floor unnoticed as his hands came up to pull her hips hard against him.
An hour later, Logan stood buttoning his shirt as Ashley watched from his bed. "So are you taking me to the party, Logan?"
He sighed. It was time to move on from Ashley. Her demands were growing, and he detected a certain air of possessiveness recently. He decided he'd take her to the party, put in a pitch with his old friend for her, and that would be the end of Ashley. There were plenty of her type around, all looking to be arm candy for a presumed wealthy Seattle socialite. He'd have a new one within a week.
Smiling
he turned to her, "I'll pick you up at eight. But right now I have an
appointment.
Let yourself out, sweetheart." Walking to the bed he leaned over and dropped a
light kiss on her upturned mouth. Then
he turned and left the room and a few minutes later, the apartment.
Somewhere in Idaho
Max shivered as she sat alone in the small cabin. There was a fire going in the fireplace, but that was the only source of heat. There was no electricity here and no central heating. Outside the snow was thick on the ground. She was well supplied with firewood and food supplies but she was not used to being alone.
Since coming to live with the Guevara's, Max had become accustomed to the constant presence of servants only a push button away. Now she was completely alone in this desolate place as she waited for Logan to come for her.
Only a month ago, she had been safe and pampered and getting ready for graduation from her exclusive Swiss finishing school. But then had come the day that had changed her life. The headmistress herself had come to her in the middle of the night, awakening her from sleep and motioning for her to dress and follow her silently. Max had followed her to a back door of the school where a small beat up car had been waiting.
"You must go to your father." The headmistress had whispered placing an envelope into Max's hand. Max had opened it and read the few words in her father's handwriting.
Linetta, you must go with the person who waits for you. Do not ask questions. You will receive more information as it is needed. Your mother and I love you. All will be well, nina. I promise you.
The car ride had been followed by a trip in a decrepit private plane, and then by one in a larger one. Finally she had ended up here in this small deserted cabin. Each step of her trip had ended with her being handed an envelope with directions from her father. The final one had been simple and direct.
Wait here for Logan. He will explain it all to you.
So she sat and waited and wondered when he would come.
End of Chapter Eleven…TBC…
