Chapter 57

Chapter 57
Annie stood on the ferry boat watching the island comes into view. She briefly looks towards her publisher’s assistant who clearly was fighting for her sanity. The waving of the boat certainly doesn’t seem to agree with her stomach.
“Annie,” she whispers before reaching for her vomit purse. She couldn’t wait to receive the proper bag so instead she used her own very expensive purse. She looks visible pale and unsteady where she was trying to reach the bench to sit down.
“Do you need help?” she asked trying her best to conceal her smirk.
“How long,” she swallows heavy.
“Maybe an hour. You should have taken those white little pills,” she said kindly. She approached the girl, only for her to launched another bullet shot of vomit. This time she targets not the purse but Annie’s dress. “Sorry,” she said her mouth foul tasting. She swallows again, her throat sore from the burning sensation.
Annie disgusted looks at herself. She turns around going in search of somewhere to try and clean herself. This certainly wasn’t the picture she wanted to be splashed all over the newspapers.
“Miss Annie,” the woman slowly approached her.
Annie looks towards her uncertain as to who she might be. Her expression wasn’t one of curiosity but instead of concern. “Do I know you?” she asked softly.
“I am your assistant,” she answered softly.
“I don’t have an assistant,” Annie pulls the dress that now start smelling very foul from her skin.
“Hanna Black hired me.” She said softly. “I have a cabin reserved for you.”
“My mom?” Annie was puzzled. She realized her mother was worried. “I wasn’t aware.” This now makes her wonder why the publisher’s assistant didn’t reveal this to her.
“I know where you can get clean quickly.” The woman showed her into a cabin. “I will quickly search for clean clothes. You try and clean yourself.” The woman slipped out closing the door behind her.
Annie stepped from the bathroom, freshly showered but still dressed in a towel robe. Before she could even wonder the door opened and the woman enters. Behind her was a man holding a tray with something light to eat and deliciously smelling coffee.
“You are a lifesaver.” Annie gladly took the offered coffee. She now watches the very efficient assistant showed her what she found. Once she finished her drink she quickly dressed. She shook her hair free allowing the ocean curls to slide over her shoulders.
“Miss Annie, are your aware what type of island this is?”
“What’s your name?” Annie now fully dressed face the woman with a concerned look.
“Jenny, James.”
“Okay Jenny, I am not sure but whatever was going on here, I will follow the rules set out by the publisher. This was her idea to launched my creative words. She wants a different kind of book.”
“Okay, I will stay in the background if you need me.” Jenny quickly gathers the dirty clothes and dishes before she slipped out of the cabin again.
The man has been watching Annie where she stood leaning against the railing. He was enjoying the eagerness and curiosity of her expression as she watches the island comes into view.
“Hey,” he said now standing near her.
Annie turned to face him. Her eyes twinkling with enjoyment. “Hello,”
“First time to this island paradise?”
“Yes, and I like the view.” She said honestly.
“I am glad. I live on the other side of the island. If you are interested, I can show you around. Are you part of a touring group?” he asked with a white tooth smile.
“No, I am here for work.” She said looking back towards the fast-approaching island.
“Really, what kind of work?” he looks genuinely curious.
“I am a writer,” she said feeling suddenly shy.
“What’s your name? I am Ricardo Diamond.” He holds out his hand.
“Annie Black,” she accepts the offered hand.
“Really, well you should sign my book. I am going to be the best uncle once my niece hears about this. The girl is a nut for reading. It drives me crazy but now that I actually met a life writer not just a name on a book. I can see the attraction.” He said grinning.
“Thanks, I think.” She said blushing.
“Miss Annie, you have a phone call.” The publisher’s assistant finally made her appearance again. The woman has a serious displeased look on her face watching the man beside her.
“Excuse me, Ricardo.” She approached the woman and took the phone. This was also something that would be an annoyance to her. The publisher controlling her movements.
“Hello, Annie?’ she said very professional.
“This is Grace Stevens.”
“What can I do for you, doctor?” a frown now between her eyes.
“Did you reach the island yet?”
“No, but we are almost there. Why do you ask?” Annie found this call very strange.
“You and I need to talk. This is important.”
“Does this have anything to do with my mother?” Annie was instantly worried.
“No, but this is important. I don’t want to talk on the phone. Will you meet me tonight at the restaurant?”
“Sure,” Annie was now truly puzzled.
“Thank you.” The line went dead.
The ferry has finally dock. Annie gathered her belonging before she walked down the ladder. The moment she stepped onto the ground, a man approached her and the publisher’s assistant. “Miss Annie Black?” he questions.
“Yes,”
“I am you driver, Paul.” He reached for her belongings. He opened the back door of the vehicle. She quietly slipped into the backseat. The assistant joined her.
“What is on the agenda?” Annie asked looking at her watch. “I am hungry.”
“I have arranged everything at the hotel.” The woman said swiftly. “Miss, I am sorry about the incident on the ferry.”
“It’s fine,”
The vehicle pulled away driving in the direction of the hotel. Annie watched everything eagerly. She was making a point of knowing what’s going on around her. Privately she knows this would later mean freedom of being trapped here. She was a woman with her own hidden mission. She must not forget what her mother revealed just before she left.
Leo, my son…