S2W9: “Unexpected Guests”

© 2021 Phylicia Joannis

“Put those flowers over there, Arisa, and make sure none of that pollen stains my carpet. Jerry, I need you to make sure that my dress is pressed properly. Don’t take it to the cleaners on the way home to that dump where you live, make sure you go to the Asian square, and Carmen, for the love of all that is holy, please don’t stand so close. If I want to feel hot breath on my neck, I’ll get a dog. And where is Janet? She was supposed to have those hors d’oeuvres ready by now. I have guests coming in an hour. Philip?”

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Pour me a drink. And find Janet.”

“She’s upstairs with a headache, ma’am.”

“Are the hors d’oeuvres ready?”

“I don’t believe so, ma’am.”

“Then tell her I don’t care if she’s dead, those hors d’oeuvres had better be ready before that bell rings or she’ll be sleeping in a box tonight.”

“Mrs. Ellison?”

Donna Ellison placed her finger in the air as she downed her gin and tonic, courtesy of Philip. “What, Carmen?”

“A phone call for you, ma’am.”

Donna grabbed the phone and waved Carmen away. “Hello?”

“Hey, it’s me.”

Donna frowned. “Never call this number. Greg is your handler, and I am minutes away from entertaining three of the most powerful senators in the federal government. I don’t have time to hold your hand–”

“Charles Jameson knows about PilTech.”

 Donna paused. “Hang on.” Donna walked into her husband’s study and closed the door. “How did he find out?”

“He’s been digging up dirt ever since Simon Lowe offered him a deal. He’s got somebody on the inside at Dispatch giving him access to those records. I’m not sure who it is, but he’s close, and we don’t have much time.”

Donna sucked in her breath. “Do what you have to do.”

“Gladly. I owe him one.” Donna disconnected and began rubbing her temples.

“Mrs. Ellison?” Carmen’s voice floated through the closed door, followed by a brief knock.

“Yes, Carmen?” The edge in her voice was sharp, and Carmen hesitated. “Oh, for the love of, would you come in and say what you’re going to say?”

Carmen meekly opened the door. “Um, ma’am? There’s someone here for you.”

Donna looked at her watch. “Too early for the senators. Who is it?”

“A girl ma’am,” Carmen stammered. “She says she has a message for you.”

“That sounds awfully cryptic. Who’s it from?”

“Chase Avery, she says.”

Donna froze. “Chase Avery, you say?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Send her to the parlor. I’ll be there in a moment.” Carmen hastily retreated. “What are you up to, Chase?” Donna mused. She poured herself a drink and made her way to the parlor. The empty parlor. Fantastic.

“Philip!” Donna rang the service bell, and her butler entered.

“Yes ma’am?”

“Where is Carmen? She was supposed to bring someone into the parlor.”

“I believe she’s on her way, ma’am.”

“What’s taking her so long? I don’t have all day. And where is Janet?”

“Making the hors d’oeuvres, ma’am.”

“Good. I have a mind to fire her, but I know someone else will snatch her up in a heartbeat. I suppose I could tell everyone she’s a thief. No one wants a cook with sticky fingers, right?”

“Not the kind you’re referring to, ma’am.”

“Oh, Philip, don’t look at me that way. I’m only kidding. Pour me a drink, will you?”

“Of course, ma’am.”

“Ma’am?” Carmen’s mousey voice was barely audible as Donna picked up the crystal tumbler with her drink.

“Finally! Carmen, have you brought my mysterious little guest?”

“Yes ma’am. Here she is. Miracle Foster.”

Miracle took a few steps into the parlor. Her face was a mixture of fear and determination as she spoke.

“Mrs. Ellison? Hi, I’m Miracle Foster. We’ve never met before, but I need to speak to you.”

Donna stared at Miracle. There was something oddly familiar about this girl. Her clothes were ghastly, her hair was dingy, her face in desperate need of a facial, but her eyes . . .

Donna gasped and dropped her drink.

“My apologies, ma’am.” Phillip immediately picked up her glass from the rug and replaced the tumbler. “This was obviously a poor choice. Shall I get you something stronger?”

“What?” Donna blinked several times as she stared at Miracle.

“Carmen, make yourself useful and clean this up.” Philip directed Carmen’s attention from Miracle to the rug, sending her off to the kitchen for supplies. “Something stronger, Mrs. Ellison?” Philip repeated himself.

“Tea.”

“Ma’am?”

“Get me the Ivy. And don’t forget the honey.”

Philip hesitated. “Are you sure?” “We shall see. Give me a few minutes.” Philip gave her a puzzled look, but removed himself from the parlor.