Are You Afraid of the Dark?
A saleslady approached them. "May I help you?" Kelly said enthusiastically, "Yes." Diane warned, "Let’s take it easy. Remember what happened the last time." "Right. No spree." The two of them went through the store, picking out a modest number of necessities. They left their old clothes in the dressing room.
"Don’t you want to take these?" the saleslady asked.
Diane smiled. "No. Give them to Goodwill."
* * *
ON THE CORNER was a convenience store. "Look," Kelly said, "disposable cell phones." Kelly and Diane went inside and purchased two of them, each equipped with a thousand prepaid minutes.
Kelly said, "Let’s exchange phone numbers again." Diane smiled. "Right." It only took a few seconds.
On their way out, as Diane was paying the cashier, she looked into her purse.
"I’m really beginning to run out of cash." "So am I," Kelly said.
"We may have to start using our credit cards," Diane said. "Not until we find the magic rabbit hole." "What?" "Never mind."
* * *
WHEN THEY WERE seated at a table in the diner, the waitress asked, "What can I get you, ladies?" Kelly turned to Diane. "You first." "I’m going to have some orange juice, bacon and eggs, and toast and coffee." The waitress turned to Kelly. "And you, miss?" "Half a grapefruit." "That’s it?" Diane asked.
"Yes."
The waitress left.
"You can’t live on half a grapefruit." "Habit. I’ve been on a strict diet for years. Some models eat Kleenex to curb their appetites." "Seriously?" "Seriously. But it doesn’t matter anymore. I’m never going to model again." Diane studied her a moment. "Why not?" "It’s not important now. Mark taught me what’s really important, and-" She stopped, fighting tears.
"I wish you could have met him." "So do I. But, Kelly, you have to start your life again." Kelly said, "What about you? Are you going to start painting again?’ There was a long silence. "I tried?No."
* * *
WHEN KELLY AND Diane had finished their breakfasts and were starting out the door, Kelly noticed that the morning newspapers were being put into the news racks.
Diane started to walk on when Kelly said, "Wait a minute." She turned back and picked up one of the newspapers. "Look!" The story was an article at the top of the front page.
Kingsley International Group is holding a memorial service to honor all their employees whose recent deaths have been the cause of much speculation. The tribute will take place at KIG headquarters, in Manhattan, on Monday, at 11:15 A.M.
"That’s tomorrow." Kelly looked at Diane for a moment. "Why do you think they’re doing this?" "I think they’re setting a trap for us." Kelly nodded. "So do I. Does Kingsley believe we would be stupid enough to fall for-?" Kelly looked at Diane’s expression and said with dismay, "We’re going?" Diane nodded.
"We can’t!
"We have to. I’m sure Betty Barker will be there. I must talk to her." "I don’t want to be picky, but how do you expect to get out of there alive?" "I’ll think of a way." She looked at Kelly and smiled. "Trust me." Kelly shook her head. "There’s nothing that makes me more nervous than hearing someone say ‘Trust me.’" She thought for a moment, and her face lit up. "I have an idea. I know how to handle this." "What’s your idea?" It s a surprise.
Diane looked at Kelly, worried. "You really think you can get us out of there?" "Trust me."
* * *
WHEN THEY RETURNED to the boardinghouse, Kelly made a telephone call.
They both slept badly that night. Kelly was lying in bed, worrying. If my plan fails, we’re both going to die. As she was falling asleep, she seemed to see Tanner Kingsley’s face looking down on her. He was grinning.
Diane was praying, her eyes tightly closed. Darling, this may be the last time I speak to you. I’m not sure whether to say good-bye or hello. Tomorrow, Kelly and I are going to KIG, to your memorial.
I don’t think our chances of getting away are very good, but I have to go, to try to help you. I just wanted to tell you once more, before it may be too late, that I love you.
Goodnight, my dearest.
Chapter Thirty-Two
THE MEMORIAL SERVICE was being held in KIG Park, an area that had been set aside in back of the Kingsley International Group complex, as a recreation facility for its employees. There were a hundred people gathered in the park, which was accessible only through two gated paths leading in and out.
In the center of the grounds, a dais had been erected, and half a dozen KIG executives were seated there. At the end of the row sat Richard Stevens’s secretary, Betty Barker. She was an attractive patrician-looking woman in her thirties.
Tanner was at the microphone. "?and this company was built by the dedication and loyalty of its employees. We appreciate and salute them. I have always liked to think of our company as a family, all working together toward the same objective." As Tanner spoke, he was scanning the crowd.
"Here, at KIG, we have solved problems and executed ideas that have made the world a better place to live in, and there is no greater satisfaction than-" At the far end of the park, Diane and Kelly had entered. Tanner glanced at his watch. It was eleven-forty. There was a satisfied smile on his face. He continued speaking:
"?knowing that whatever success this company has had is due to you." Diane looked up at the platform and nudged Kelly, excitedly. "There’s Betty Barker. I have to get to her." "Be careful." Diane glanced around and said uneasily, "This is too simple. I have a feeling we’ve been-" She turned to look back and gasped. Harry Flint and two of his men had appeared at one of the gates.