Resorting To The Truth

“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.