The Mystery Writer

Gamble

“You're stunning, Darcy. Really. I never understood why you wear such baggy clothes. You have the body of a goddess.” Christine tugged at the hem of Darcy's evening gown and let the material settle just centimeters above the camper's floor.

Darcy grimaced nervously back at Christine as her usual earrings were replaced with fake pearls. These matched with the gray, sparkled dress Christine had picked out for her. She absolutely refused to wear the pink dress that JT had sent over for what he assumed would be her attendance at the press release.

After fixing her hair into a simple french twist, Christine nodded her approval. Darcy then sat on the chair in front of the mirror as she suddenly felt overwhelmed and somewhat exhausted. Today would be her first outing since everything that had occurred. To be honest, she wasn't sure she was up to the event. She wasn't used to becoming fatigued so quickly. It was abnormal to her and something she hadn't quite adjusted to yet.

“Darcy they are ready.” Max stepped up into the camper but stopped on the second step. He glanced at her, up and down, before smiling widely. Darcy stood up in front of her friend, facing him. “Look at you!”

Darcy rolled her eyes. She didn't understand his sudden awe at her appearance as she felt nothing like a graceful or elegant young woman. Rather, she preferred to return to bed and sleep for half a day. She ignored her friends' stares and as she gathered a light shawl and the flashy, chained purse that matched her dress. Then she descended down the stairs of the camper. She had made it to the bottom step when a hand was offered to her. She glanced up at the owner of the hand and froze. For a moment, she had believed that JT had come to collect her.

Time seemed to stop when she found Leo's endearing gaze staring back at her. Her eyes wondered across his face and then slowly down his torso.

“You are...but how?”

He was dressed in designer clothing which, she assumed, had probably been sponsored for the night's event. What surprised her even more was that the outfit completely matched her own, making them look stunningly like a couple.

“I asked Christine what you'd be wearing to the release tonight. I hope you don't mind.”

“No, of course I don't. I just thought that we would be keeping it a secret.” She didn't want to be too obvious, especially with Max and Christine so close by.

“We will. This is just a simple, yet surprising coincidence to everyone except us.” Leo stepped closer so his voice could become more of a whisper. Darcy smiled and let her fingertips brush against the lapel of Leo's jacket. She couldn't help but to glance over the exquisite outfit that made her want to cry with happiness.

“Darcy!”

The voice was serious causing Darcy to look up in alarm, her gaze locking back onto Leo's face. She was surprised when his fingers suddenly pressed against the necklace that Christine had chosen for her.

“How did you get this?”

Glancing down at the piece of jewelry, Darcy recognized the familiar pendant. It was peculiar as it was in the shape of a snowflake on top of a sun. The contrast between cold and hot, fire and ice. Darcy glanced up to Leo as surprise traveled through her nerves. She wondered how Christine had gotten the necklace at all.

“I-, well Christine put it on, but I've seen it before. That day when we first met. When we bumped into each other, you left so quickly and you wouldn't wait. I was trying to give this back to you. Everything has been such a whirlwind. I must have left it with Christine by mistake.” Darcy tried to explain as she became worried that he'd become upset with her.

Leo touched the pendant now resting again her neck before his eyes raised to meet hers. A smile, shy and slow, began to spread across his face. Darcy couldn't help but to admire the warmth his face offered when he smiled. She was determined to see him smile more.

“That day, I was impressed by the way you didn't complain though you were obviously in pain. For the first time in a long time you made me feel curious about someone. When I realized you were a reporter, I was sure that you had purposely set the whole affair up and that there was some paparazzi hiding behind a corner or that there would be a news article about me the next day. Of course I wanted to get away from you as quickly as possible.” Darcy smiled at Leo's countenance of the day they met. The day they began to misunderstand each other seemed so far away. She lifted her arms and attempted to remove the necklace so she could finally return it to its rightful owner.

“No.” Leo pulled her arms down, squeezing her hand momentarily before letting go completely. “I want you to keep it. Please.”

After a shared look of understanding, Leo turned towards the van where Malakai was waiting for him. “Are you ready?”

Darcy had been too focused on Leo to realize Malakai's arrival, but quickly greeted him. The manager returned with a simple nod of his head.

“We will be late if we don't leave soon, Leo.” Malakai warned, trying to hurry his charge along. Leo grinned at Darcy before inclining his head in a form of a goodbye.

When Darcy turned back towards the camper, she found that Max was already behind her and grinning at her like a mad man. She rolled her eyes and headed for the news van. As they were attending the release as part of the media, Max parked the van at the backside of the hotel where the release was being held.

Together, Darcy and Max entered the back entrance of the hotel and greeted colleagues. They tried to keep moving as they hoped to not give anyone the opportunity to ask about JT or any other news they might be privy to know.

Every few minutes there was a rush from the back hallways towards the main entrance of the hotel as more celebrities arrived. Darcy hung back from the crowd, not having the energy or the wish to take part in the rush of things. Her job was simply to report on Leo James, and he was certainly waiting for things to calm before making his whereabouts known.

“Darcy.” A hand tightened around her arm before pulling her around. She wanted to say she was surprised at JT's arrival at the venue, but she wasn't. He was glancing over her from head to toe with a disgusted sneer painted on his face. “I sent you a dress.”

Darcy wanted to laugh as it was obvious why he was so angry. He had worn a pink vest with his suit. The same color pink that would have matched the dress he had sent her. She crossed her arms and smiled up at him. She was triumphant in knowing that his plans had been spoiled.

“I believe that dress was for the press conference. I am not attending the press conference, as you see. However, you will be late to it if you do not leave now.” Darcy let her face fall and managed a a straight face. She noticed how his face hardened and his jaw ticked.

“I have delayed the press conference after hearing that Leo will hold his album release after all.” JT said through gritted teeth.

Before Darcy could respond, flashes of light began to chorus around the ballroom that had been set up for the event. Everyone's attention was turned to Leo who walked through the hoards of people that attended the event. Darcy held her breath, noticing that the celebrity was headed straight towards her and bubble formed around him as he did. Then, when Leo was mere steps from her, she and JT were enveloped in the bubble as well.

“You look very beautiful today, Darcy.” Leo grinned devilishly towards her. She smiled back as she purposely raked her gaze over him once more. “And good evening to you, JT. Darcy, I've been asked if you would join me for an interview. What do you think?”

Leo's eyes never strayed from hers and she didn't dare look anywhere else. She straightened her back and attempted to look as confident and strong as she should. As much as she hated the idea of an interview, she couldn't be happier to have an excuse to rid JT's presence from her side.

“I think I can handle that.” Darcy agreed and took Leo's offered arm. In a moment they were at the opposite end of the ballroom. She found herself admiring Leo once more as he took the initiative to answer all of the questions asked during the interview. A few more questions were answered by Malakai who had been standing close by. While the men seemed to handle the situation, Darcy had time to space out. She wondered what the reports would say the next day. Would they discuss her relationship with Leo?

“Darcy?” Leo whispered in her ear. She glanced up at him quickly, willing her cheeks not to flush as she had been caught off guard. He smiled at her and nodded in understanding before glancing towards the middle aged woman who was interviewing them. “She asked you how it is living in my home.”

“Oh I-”

She had to hesitate as thoughts floated in and out of mind so quickly. There were so many things she couldn't say. She was saved when loud tapping came across a microphone. Everyone's attention turned to the stage where JT was now standing. He began to wave everyone forward.

Once everyone was conveniently placed in front of the stage, JT rambled on about the release and the events that were to take place. It was a longer speech than necessary and the crowd released a collective sigh when they were allowed to disperse once more.

Leo escorted Darcy through the crowds to make introductions and light conversation. Darcy couldn't help but to feel relieved when Leo led her to an empty table where they could be alone for a few seconds. Max and Malakai quickly joined them.

“It is almost time, Leo. You should go get prepared.” Malakai murmured and Leo left with a quick goodbye and a moment of excitement crossed his face.

“I'll grab some drinks for all of us.” Darcy informed them and she was surprised when Malakai joined her. They didn't make any conversation at all although she had been expecting some words from the manager. Rather they went and returned without a shared words between them.

Max raised his eyebrows at her when she returned which she only shook her head in the slightest of motions.

“Miss Wren, John Thomas would like a word with you.” A rather large man in a tux informed Darcy. She snapped her teeth together.

“Don't go Darcy.”

Gently patting her friend on the arm, she leaned closer to Max to whisper in his ear. When she pulled away, he nodded his head in understanding.

On the opposite side of the ballroom, a young woman stepped into Darcy's path. Darcy found that the woman looked familiar, but couldn't think of who she might be.

“Leo wanted a word with you, miss. It would only take a minute, he said.” The woman looked at her expectantly and Darcy turned quickly to the gentleman in the tux.

“Allow me to speak to Leo and then I will go to JT.” The man reluctantly agreed with an incline of his head. Darcy then turned on her heel, following the woman into the back hallway. They walked past several rooms before the young woman opened a door into a much larger, empty room. After Darcy entered, the door quickly closed behind her.

After waiting for a few moments and Darcy found no one, she returned to the door she entered through. However, the door she attempted to open refused to budge. She pounded on the door, hoping someone would hear her but no one came to her rescue.

In the corner of the room, a tv suddenly sprung to life. The beginning of Leo's new music video began to play as she approached the tv. She watched the animated music video as Leo's lively voice filled the room.

“Darcy.” She jumped at the sound of JT's voice and she was distracted by his sudden arrival at her side. Just inside the door were two men also wearing tuxedos. She eyed both men before crossing her arms protectively in front of her.

“What is this about, Johnny?” She watched him closely as he began to take a few steps to the left.

“Naturally, I'm very angry at you right now. Can't you tell? I created everything perfectly. We were going to look like the most perfect couple tonight. Then you decided to wear this gray disaster and be escorted by someone else. It was supposed to be me. We should have been doing interviews and taking pictures. You ruined that for me! You and Leo.” JT muttered angrily as he began to circle her.

“No, Johnny. You ruined everything years ago. I am not yours to control. I am only your girlfriend to the public because they were forced to believe that was true. They will soon come to realize how you are blackmailing me and I will let you know now that I'm not going to let you control my life. I'm done with others trying to control me! I no longer care what others say about me. My project with Leo will soon be over and I will be leaving Channel 4 news. You'll have nothing to hold over my head.” Her words forced JT to pause his rotations around her. His eyes blazed angrily back at her before he gave nods to the two men by the door.

“You made me so unbelievably angry when you chose to break up with me. I vowed my revenge but once again you are refusing to cooperate with my plans.” Darcy barely paid attention to his words as her focus turned to the two men who were advancing towards her. Once they trapped her, she didn't know what would happen to her. She did the only thing she could think of by running towards the closest door, pounding on it and screaming with a hope that someone would find her or hear her.

Sudden screams of horror pierced the room. The sound of terror came through the speakers of the tv and when Darcy turned to see the screen, she found that everyone was in a flurry of motion. The music video had long since ended, but now those who attended the event were stampeding around the ballroom in an attempt to exit the venue. There was only a small mass of people still frozen in the middle of the ballroom. However, the most important person seemed to have collapsed and lay unresponsive.

She felt her heart leap into her throat as she recognized the elegant suit. She shook her head before slamming herself so hard against the door that she knocked the wind out of her and crumpled to the floor.

“I wouldn't allow you to escape that easily. However, things have just started to look up. I wonder what happened to your dear celebrity, Leo James.” JT bent down and forcefully grabbed a handful of her hair so he could bend her neck at will. “Maybe, if I am lucky, he will already be dead. Oh you can be sure, I did not plan to harm Leo, but it works out in my favor. Doesn't it? Who shall be blamed?”

JT grinned wildly which scared Darcy. Her thoughts got the best of her and fear began to drown her. She was quickly overtaken by panic and pain which left her immobile.

“Take her.”

 ______________

I'm sure everyone must know by now what has occurred only a few days ago. The nation's celebrity was poisoned it his very own event. They tell us even now that he is on the cusp of death and certainly the whole nation would mourn his passing.

Meanwhile, it is assumed that reporter D.W. Is to be blamed for the tragedy. After all, she is still at large with no leads to where she might be. Still, it is strange, isn't it? Why at Leo's event? Why not any number of times she undoubtedly had been alone with the celebrity. In any case, if you have any information of the whereabouts of Darcy Wren, please do not hesitate to contact the police. Let us hope that Leo James will survive this blatant attack!

-Mystery Writer

Now was not the time to be weak. Darcy tried to convince her protesting body to stay strong. She wasn't sure how much time had passed since the album release, but she could guess that it had been multiple days by now. There were no windows in the small, closet-like room. There was nothing to help her tell time. The only things available to her were a toilet and a bottle of water. At least, these were the only things she was able to reach as her ankle was cuffed with a chain link that was solidly holding her to a steel rod placed in the middle of the tiny room.

As she paced the short distance the chain allowed, she found that she no longer winced as the metal cuff dug into her ankle. Only silence filled her time although her mind was far from quiet. Her thoughts drew her closer to insanity by the minute, but she didn't dare try to sleep because she couldn't handle the nightmares that haunted her.

What happened to Leo James? Was he well? Was he fighting for his life? Was he still unconscious? Did he arrive at the hospital in time? Was he de-. She couldn't bare to finish the rest of the thought as she broke down into crying fits every time her mind recycled those questions. The only thing she had now was the necklace Leo allowed her to keep.

“You aren't looking very well today, my dear Darcy.” JT entered the small room with a proud grin. He didn't seem to care at all that she looked horrible. “I brought something that might cheer you up.”

JT threw a newspaper down by Darcy's feet. She quickly kneeled to flip the paper open as the headlines screamed at her. There were photos of Leo crumpled on the hotel floor and surrounded by the masses at the release. The final picture was one of him being carried by stretcher into a waiting ambulance.

“They say he is inches from death.” JT announced with glee. Darcy looked up at him, pure hatred emitting from her. How could anyone wish death upon another? However, at that moment, Darcy was also wishing death upon someone. She would even murder if given the opportunity. “The poison he ingested was apparently very lethal, but somehow he is holding on to life. It would be better for all of he would end his and everyone's suffering, don't you agree?”

JT squatted next to her, flipping the page of the newspaper so that a much larger photo of Leo in the hospital appeared. Darcy recognized his mother next to him. Darcy closed her eyes and swallowed her emotions down while praying for Leo's health and his mother's strength.

“What is better is that they think you poisoned him.” JT touched her chin which she was quick to turn her head away from him. He laughed at her pitiful attempt to escape him. “You! They think you poisoned him.”

He flipped the page once more, the last major headline popping out at her. She covered her mouth due to the surprise. In bold letters she was labeled as missing and dangerous. She had apparently escaped as an attempted murderer and was still at large. No one would believe she was missing due to JT's foul methods.

“This has turned out better that I could have ever imagined. No one would every believe that I have kidn*pped you and put you into hiding. Now, your reputation has managed to fall twice because of me! It is more than I could have ever hoped for.” JT grinned in her face. Darcy couldn't prevent the massive shiver that ran through her body. She no longer cared for any reputation or career she once had. The only thing she wanted now was to see Leo safe even if that meant he could never trust her again.

“So what will you do, Darce? What will you do when your celebrity boyfriend wont or can't protect you anymore?” JT walked slowly around her, but his attention was stolen when she rose to her feet. She felt small and weak next to him at the moment, but she knew she'd be able to get under his skin.

“And what about you, Johnny? What exactly is your plan for me? You'll never be able to allow me to walk out of here, would you? I will scream to the world how you have tortured me and kept me a prisoner here.” JT laughed, backing up as far as the room would allow. Did he think she would attack him?

“Who'd believe a murderer? However, I'm willing to offer you a deal. If you agree to marry me, I will explain that everything was a misunderstanding and that you were with me the entire time. I would be able to clear up your reputation and you'd be able to have a career.” Darcy narrowed her eyes at him, feeling disgusted at such an offer. “Or Darce, you could waste away here for the rest of your life. I have you pretty well hidden, you know? Besides, who would ever think that I am holding you here when you are believed to have run off after your murder attempt.”

She crossed her arms in front of. She was sure that JT expected her to collapse and bend to his will. She would not. She was done feeling threatened by those around her and she would not let herself fall to pieces over something that no longer mattered to her.

  “I do not care about my career or reputation, Johnny. I think you have miscalculated that about me. I will not marry you, so you better hope I am never freed from this prison. Otherwise, you will be brought to severe justice even if I have to kill you myself.”