Page 12 of Crime and Publishing

“Killian Stafford, literary agent.” Killian extended a hand. I didn’t want to shake it but I thought that might be too much of a snub. “I’m hoping that once Christina has wowed Hugh with her work, I can swoop in and seal the deal.”

“You sound confident,” Morrie said. “But any one of the retreat writers could end up with the publishing contract.”

“Our deal is as good as done, I’m afraid.” Killian puffed out his chest. “I’ve already connected Christina with Hugh on numerous occasions. He’s said that he wants Christina at Red Herring Press, but it’s just a matter of her writing the perfect book. And we think her new manuscript is the one. Hugh and I just have a few clauses to iron out and we’re ready to seal the deal.”

“Then what are the rest of us doing here?” I asked, my chest tightening. The advertisement for the retreat said that Hugh chose one writer every year to champion through his company. If Christina was that author, did that mean I didn’t even have a chance?

“I know what I’m doing here,” a woman leaned into our circle and whispered conspiratorially. “I’m here to make sure Hugh Bristonpays.”

CHAPTERSIX

“If our friend Charlie were here, he’d say that sounded like a threat,” Morrie said.

“Oh, it is a threat.” The woman laughed, her throaty voice cutting the air with tension. “I want to watch that foul man dance on the end of his own noose.”

I opened my mouth to say something, but realized I had no response. What do you even say to that?

Relax, Mina – people make idle threats all the time. Just because you’re used to seeing murder everywhere, doesn’t mean that this woman actually intends to do Hugh Briston harm.

Beside me, Killian guffawed. “I’m surprised Hugh let you in, Vivianne. Isn’t there a restraining order?”

“That was a rumor Hugh put around to make me seem like a hysterical woman. But that’s where I’m clever.” Vivianne lifted a finger. My eyes caught the glint of several sparkling jewels on her fingers. “I’m here under a pseudonym. Helena Fox. I’m going to make my ex-husband’s weekend as miserable as he made the last fifteen years of my life.”

“Sounds like a good plan to me,” Heathcliff said. “I’m big on revenge, myself. Maybe we can swap tips?”

But Vivianne wasn’t listening. She leaned forward into our circle, her voice dripping with venom as she continued her story. “For fifteen years I followed that man all over the world while he built the Red Herring empire. I smiled for his publishing friends and let literary agents fondle me beneath the table if it would land him the deal he wanted. I did everything for that man, and how did he repay me?” Her voice rose above the din. “He repaid me by divorcing me when I got ‘past my prime,’ and cutting me off without a cent. Well, I’ll have the final laugh. Just you wait. You all have a ringside seat for the literary drama of the decade.”

With those final damming words, she spun on her heel and stomped off. I heard another woman cry out as Vivianne nearly bowled her over.

“Don’t go running off now.” The new woman clapped her hands, and the room fell silent. “Hello, writers and your guests. My name is Donna Bollstead, the owner of Meddleworth House. I’ve recently inherited Meddleworth from my parents, who tragically died in a boating accident in the summer. Those of you who’ve attended literary events at Meddleworth before may notice some changes around here, namely the opening of our brand-new spa and wellness center. The castle – like the changing landscape of the book world – must move with the times, but I think you’ll see that we’re just as dedicated to preserving Meddleworth’s literary heritage as ever.”

“Please,” Killian scoffed at us as he raised his glass. “Donna would sell every first edition in the library if she could make more room for her precious spa.”

Christina shushed him.

“Donna sounds young,” I whispered to Morrie.

“She looks about your age,” he whispered back. “Though her breasts aren’t nearly as—”

“Too much information, thanks.” I turned back to listen to what Donna is saying.

“—Hugh’s flight in from New York City was held up by the bad weather, but he’s just in his room freshening up and will be down here any moment. Please enjoy the free drinks, canapés, and entertainment, and we will retire to the restaurant at 7PM for a seated dinner. Thank you.”

“Enjoy I shall.” Heathcliff whirled around and headed back to the bar, leaving us with Killian and Christina. I leaned down and nervously touched the bandana I’d tied to Oscar’s harness. It was covered in cute cartoon skulls, and the color perfectly matched my dress. Just knowing Oscar was at my feet and Morrie was at my side made my nerves a little calmer.

Hugh will be here any minute…

“This is a pretty nice party Donna’s put on for us,” I said to Christina.

“It’s all so much more opulent than I remember,” Christina said. “I must say, I prefer Champagne and canapés to the beer and crackers they had last time.”

“You’ve been here before?”

“I attended the retreat three years ago when Donna’s parents still ran the hotel. There was no spa, the rooms weren’t nearly as lush, and the restaurant was more of a pub. I like what Donna’s done with the place. I feel like I’m going to write some amazing words here.”

“With the price tag on this retreat, you’d better,” Killian muttered. “Donna’s making a killing from us this week. But it will all be worth it when Hugh publishes Christina’s book.”

I decided not to rise to his bait. I got the feeling that Killian made his money from his confidence, and I knew from wrangling Morrie’s ego that just because a guy like Killian said the deal was done didn’t mean the ink was dry yet.

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