Free All That Lies Within by Lynn Ames Page B

think of dozens of places. I have to get to the hospital, Car. What do you suggest?”
    “I’m working on alternative exits right now.” Dara could tell by Carolyn’s breathing that she was on the move. “Looks like you could take the elevator to the second floor. There are some ballrooms there. The hotel staff services them from the back via a service elevator from the basement kitchen. Looks relatively quiet, but it probably won’t be for long. Most conferences start at 8:30 or 9 a.m.”
    “That gives us about a ten-minute window.”
    “Exactly. Are you all dressed and ready to go?”
    Dara spared one more look in the mirror. Even with her makeup expertly applied, she could see the dark smudges under her eyes and the telltale signs of stress. She knew Carolyn would spot them too. “As ready as I’m going to get.”
    “Okay. I’ll meet you on the second floor.”
    “Carrie?”
    “What is it?” Dara heard the concern in Carolyn’s voice and understood why. She rarely used her best friend’s childhood nickname.
    “I… Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome, sweetie. Hurry down here so I can give you a hug.”
    The elevator opened on the second floor. Dara literally got one foot out and Carolyn grabbed her by the hand and was propelling her around the corner. “This way.”
    “What happened to my hug?”
    “Only if you want it splashed all over the social media sites.” Carolyn glanced back over her shoulder. “One of the conferences started early. It’s a geek conference. Want to place a bet on how many cell phones and tablets are walking around here right now?”
    “I’ll take your word for it.” Dara hustled to keep up with Carolyn’s determined steps. It was obvious she’d scouted the precise route.
    “This way, ladies.” The massive man in a server’s uniform held a door open.
    Carolyn handed him something that Dara assumed was money. She mustered up her best megawatt smile and met the server’s eyes. “Thank you.”
    “Don’t thank me yet. We’ve still got to get you out of the hotel, Ms. Thomas.”
    Dara knew it shouldn’t surprise her after all this time that people recognized her, but somehow it always did. “I have faith in you.”
    “Thank you, ma’am. I’ll sure do my best.” He led the way through a back corridor and around a corner, then through a set of double doors and to a service elevator.
    When they stepped out of the elevator, they were in the basement. People were hustling everywhere. Dara smelled the scent of freshly made coffee and bacon and her stomach growled.
    “I brought you some fruit and a bagel,” Carolyn said. “Somehow I doubt breakfast was high on your list this morning.”
    Dara threw her arm around Carolyn’s shoulder. “Please tell me my stomach wasn’t loud enough for you to hear.”
    “Okay. Your stomach wasn’t loud enough for me to hear.”
    “Placater.”
    “Maybe.”
    Dara released Carolyn. She was aware that heads were turning in her direction, but she ignored them. Early on in her career, she made a point of acknowledging those who acknowledged her. Then she’d experienced her first serious stalker. The consultant Carolyn hired to review Dara’s security insisted she immediately stop engaging the public so openly. Reluctantly, Dara acquiesced. Rudeness was a foreign concept to her. The idea that people might think her cold or aloof pained her and she said as much. She remembered the consultant’s response quite clearly.
    “You have a choice. You can either be friendly and dead, or aloof and alive. Pick, because you can’t have it both ways.”
    “When we get through this next door,” the hotel staffer was saying, “you’ll be in the parking garage.”
    “Thank you,” Dara said. “I really appreciate your help.”
    “No worries, Ms. Thomas. I’m a big fan.” He smiled sheepishly.
    As promised, Dara and Carolyn emerged on the ground floor of the parking structure. Dara paused for a moment to let her eyes adjust to the