Melody sat in Metacorps' conference room and studied the club's floorplan sprawled on the table. The problem was gaining access to the hidden basement room, and Nydessa would, in time, reveal it. But Melody knew that the most pressing thing to do now was to protect Nydessa in the event Charmaine discovers her lackey's disloyalty. And Melody was aware to never reveal to Nydessa, at least not at this stage of the investigation, her true identity. As far as Dessie was concerned her savior was 'Satine Noire', not Melody Starr.
Then there was the real reason why Charmaine must be brought down: Short-circuit Ray Marsh's ill-gotten campaign and return the election to the voters – NO more brainwashing via "Dark Horse'. And there was the matter of Taylor's murder. Indeed, when Nydessa came to Melody that Saturday night, she hinted that she ratted on Taylor, who met her end at Charmaine's hand, but Nydessa swore she didn't know Charmaine was going to kill the Metacorps agent. This Melody believed, but she wanted to find out more about the young lady who so willingly allowed herself to be used by Ms. Shade. So she had Reyna do a background check on Nydessa, and what was found was astounding.
"Let's see," said Reyna, beautiful as ever in her chic red leather suit, a color that greatly enhanced her flawless espresso complexion. "Nydessa Charles, born October 15, 1984, in Canton, Ohio...Parents are Tom and Sarah Charles, divorced 1992...Tom remarried to Diana Reynolds in 1996. They still live in Canton, no other children. Now get this: Nydessa ran away from home January 1998, last seen in Chicago..."
Melody, ever the glamour queen in a simple black column dress enhanced with an oversized animal print silk scarf, listened intently as Reyna went through the background file. How awful for Nydessa, to be on her own since the tender age of fourteen, to be taken off the streets by Charmaine Shade under the promises of comfort and...
Nydessa told me that night...She is gay and her folks didn't quite take to her 'coming out'. That's why she ran away, to seek acceptance and independence. Only that independence is nothing as long as she remains under Charmaine's thumb.
Reyna said, "Melody, this girl was last seen March 1998, in Chicago, in the company of a woman who matches Charmaine's description. Apparently Nydessa has been with her ever since."
"And," Melody added, "she is really scared of what Charmaine is doing. Nydessa said her 'mistress' is rigging the election, and that Charmaine is directly involved in Martin McCormack's death."
Reyna nodded, "So McCormack's post-mortem reads. Melody, the cause of death is still publically listed as heart failure, but the official report cites a rare toxin delivered with this..."
She placed a replica of that odd-looking little 'bug' Marty brushed off his shirt that fateful day.
"Ingenious, isn't it? I had our man in the crime lab grab it before the cops ever discovered it. It was found within the folds of McCormack's shirt. Our own lab techs reproduced it."
Melody examined the curious little device, marveling at the intricate workmanship, cringing at its intent. "At first glance, it looks like any other insect, but–"
"But," said Reyna, "it was full of a potent drug that, when administered even in minute doses, immediately shuts down the circulatory system. The first symptom is..."
"...In other words, it mimics a massive coronary."
"Exactly, which is why the media wasn't alowed to get hold of the officical report. I bet good money Charmaine was in on that, too, just to throw the press off her and Marsh's scheme to steal the election."
So much to digest in one weekend, and with the election just two weeks away, she had to make her move. But Reyna, one who knew Melody both personally and professionally, cautioned her best agent with, "Melody, and I'm only telling this for your own good: Be careful. I can tell, just from the look in your eyes, that you've allowed yourself to become emotionally involved..."
Melody blushed, her eyes downcast. "It shows that much?"
"Very much," Reyna nodded, "and as much as I would hate to admit it, Ms. Charles is our best hope in apprehending Charmaine Shade. She knows the woman, and Charmaine might, if cornered, kill both you and Nydessa. I've already spoken to our superiors at the Justice Department, and they assure me Nydessa will not face prison if she agrees to testify against Charmaine."
Then she added, "I cannot stress this more strongly. Take care of yourself, no matter how much in love you are with Nydessa. I know, Melody, that you and Kent are on the outs, so don't allow this new relationship with her to cloud your better judgment."
******
That evening, before Cosmic Chaos opened, Audra rushed up from that secret room. Damn, what a time for Charmaine to call me into conference. She wanted me to fill her in on the lowdown about Satine. The girl checks out; she's no spy. So why is Charmaine so bent on pinning something on this woman? My God, Satine's presence has more than sealed this election for Ray, and he's not complaining.
Audra grimaced as she oversaw the usual tasks before opening. There was stocking the bar, checking the sound system, the video monitors...Oh yeah, make sure the 'Dark Horse' programs are securely installed and that the subliminals work. After the election, when Ray gives his acceptance speech, the programs are removed then destroyed. No one's going to snoop around here, asking questions as to why Ray got so damned popular all the sudden...
She nearly didn't notice the young man who entered the club then plopped down at the bar. Glancing his way, she said, "Sorry, sir, we don't open for another hour."
"That's OK," he said, "I just wanted to chat with you. It's about Satine Noire."
When Audra kindly served this man a complimentary cocktail, it hit her. Wasn't this the same guy who chatted with Ray Saturday night? The same guy who designed the club's website?
Audra became quite intrigued with Kent Phillips. In fact, she wondered at first if Kent and Ray could be in cahoots with Charmaine, but Kent seemed in the dark as far as Ray's unprecedented surge in popularity. So she indulged Kent in some small talk, most of it centering around Satine.
"I tell you, Kent," she began all the while polishing the bar top, "that Satine is one sexy gal. If I didn't have a steady lover, I'd put in my two cents."
Kent raised an eyebrow. Was it that much common knowledge? That Melody was lesbian or bisexual? From what he witnessed Saturday night – Melody and that girl locked in a erotic oral embrace – Kent began to speculate whether the word got out that 'Satine' found a new love. Still smarting from Melody's unfaithfulness (Well, to him, she was unfaithful, although she broke off the relationship long ago), Kent spent all weekend figuring out ways to get back at her. She hadn't bothered returning his many calls, and when she did call, she told him under no uncertain terms will they ever get back together.
"I can't rearrange my life to suit you, Kent," she said during that hasty Sunday morning phone conversation, "If you don't like what I do for a living, then I suggest you find someone else who will please you. I can't hide forever who or what I am. Please accept that and move on."
So Melody, after her "Dear John" phone call, said it was quits between her and him. No more one-sided marginalizing or compromising just because he dislikes her main career choice. Damn, he thought, and I was going to give her a second chance, but I guess her mind was made up the moment she laid eyes on that girl...Nydessa. There must be something about that girl I can use against Melody. I'll get her for doublecrossing me, I'll get her good.
"Say, Audra," he said, taking a sip of his whiskey, "Satine has a new girlfriend, you said. But I didn't know she was gay." Audra winked at Kent, saying in a voice couched with laughter, "Kent, we have a way of telling, and I knew she was gay the moment I saw her. But I guess Dessie got to her first."
"Dessie?"
"Yeah, club regular. Comes in here all the time. She's gay, too, but she usually hangs out here by herself. She's not into cruising, if you know what I mean."
So, thought Kent, this Nydessa comes here all the time. Wonder if she had a lover who'd...I did overhear her say something to Melody about "I can't go back to her." I need more answers...
"Audra," he asked, lighting a cigarette, "this Dessie chick...Did she have a steady lover? If you don't mind me asking, but I overheard that she had – maybe still has – a lover who abused her."
Now it was Audra's turn to raise an eyebrow. She, by virtue of being Ray's partner, and Charmaine's 'other' eyes and ears, was surprised to hear Kent ask such a question. Sure, she knew all about Nydessa, Charmaine's "pet", and that the girl came upstairs periodically to take in the club scene. But never, not even from what Ray told her about Nydessa, did she ever suspect Charmaine was abusing the girl. Why would Kent ask something unless...Is there a connection between him and Satine? She had to press Kent for details.
"I don't know that, Kent. Why do you ask? Are you interested in Satine? Or do you know her? Don't get me wrong, but your asking about Satine makes me wonder if you know her from some place..."
"Well," said Kent, "you can say we have a past together. She's..."
He had to stop himself because he began to feel somewhat guilty over blowing Melody's cover. So he had to choose his words carefuly. If Melody is going undercover to crack a drug ring, then perhaps revealing "Satine's" true identity might jeopardize her case.
But it is HER job...her involvement in Metacorps that ruined our relationship. And now, with this current assignment, meeting Nydessa, then becoming her lover...I'm sorry, Melody, but you give me no other choice...
"Audra," he said finally after taking a deep breath, not knowing the consequences of his revelation and not really caring, "let me clue you in on Satine Noire. You know that's just a stage name. In fact, she and I are really old classmates."
He noted the look of surprise in Audra's eyes then continued. "That's why I've been asking about her. I didn't know who she was until I got a good look at her Saturday night. She's really...Her real name is Melody Starr and she used to work for – get this – Metacorps."
******
Where is that girl! Honestly, if she deserts me like this one more time...
Charmaine was not too pleased when Nydessa failed to return from what had been one too many shopping trips. In fact, these little excursions had become more frequent, especially since Dessie was ordered to dig up incriminating dirt on Satine Noire. Perhaps the girl is enjoying her assignment a bit too much, and maybe she has become too close to Satine for Charmaine's comfort.
At any rate, Nydessa had proven quite useful in this latest scheme of fixing an election. All the cards were now in place anyway, so this Satine person may not be the threat Charmaine once feared. Besides, once Ray is firmly placed in the state legislature, the real challenge will be making him bend to her whims. Charmaine smiled to herself as she visualized toppling various long-time legislators, lobbyists, and others in power. With Ray Marsh as her elected henchman, she could at last gain the control of which her mother only dreamed.
If only Mother was here now, rejoicing in her daughter's victory. Charmaine knew not to celebrate too soon as the election was just two weeks away, but there was that outside chance someone could come along and ruin everything. She dispatched Taylor; she'll dispatch whoever else might have the nerve to undo what took years in the planning.
Charmaine's mind raced back to that fateful day when her life took a dramatic turn. She was just seventeen, and her mother's life was in grave danger. What a flurry of scheming and coverups just so Charmaine could carry out her mother's dream of political and economic domination. She recalled her mother's last words to her...
~~~~~
"My dear, we have trouble."
"What kind of trouble, Mom?"
"Uh...it is that man, John Eiger. He's not what he seems. See to it that he is repaid for what he is about to do."
"Huh?"
"John is going to kill me, Deidre. Now, don't cry or get all flustered. I really hate when you do that. I reared you to be fearless and show little emotion. Buck up!"
"But, Mom..."
"No! Do not 'but Mom' me! Now, here is my plan to keep you out of harm's way...."
"Mom, what if he catches up with me?"
"He won't, because you will have a new name...Let's see...what could be an apt pseudonym...Ah yes..."
"Charmaine Shade? Mom, that sounds like..."
"Like the name of a woman to be feared, and you WILL be feared and respected. Now, I have all in place. When you go to the prom tomorrow night, I want you to leave early. Say you have to go to the bathroom, any excuse you can think of to get out of there. The other girl I hired will take your place. Neither your escort nor friends will know the difference. When it is time to leave, the car will have been taken care of. There will be NO survivors..."
~~~~~
"And there were no survivors. When I left the prom, a car was waiting and took me to a safe house. Then that other girl, wearing an identical dress, made up to look exactly like me, took my place at the prom."
Charmaine took a long drag of her cigarette and a healthy gulp of red wine. She grimaced upon recalling her mother's fate, and her rebirth as Charmaine Shade.
"Afterwards, I heard the news...A car full of teenagers coming home from the prom was struck from behind. It lost control, broke through the guard rail, then careened down the embankment. The car burst into flames upon impact. There were no survivors...Everyone burnt beyond recognition. My 'body' was identified via dental records, and they were faked...Thus died Deidre Maxwell and I, Charmaine Shade, was reborn..."
Her reverie was interrupted when the phone – that special red phone which connected her with the club upstairs – loudly rang. There has to be trouble or else Ray or Audra wouldn't buzz her via the 'hot line'. She quickly picked up.
"Yes?"
"Charmaine, it's Audra. We got trouble."
"What kind of trouble?" Charmaine became quite agitated. Had Nydessa sold her out? Had her plot to rig the election been discovered? Whatever it was, she was more than ready to deal with those obstacles. However, if it meant being on the verge of getting caught, Charmaine had it all planned out. She would simply pack up and leave, letting Nydessa take the brunt of the blame and whatever legal embroilments in which she may find herself. She didn't care, and Nydessa had served her usefulness.
"Charmaine, you know that Satine woman?"
"The band's new singer."
"Yeah, only she's not who she claims to be. I just talked to her boyfriend. Satine is a Metacorps agent. Melody Starr is her real name."
Charmaine almost dropped the phone at the mention of Ms. Starr's name. It all came rushing back to her now, and once and for all, she will have her revenge on Melody. The last Starr will be just that – the last.
Composing herself, Charmaine asked Audra, "Is the boyfriend there with you?"
"Yes he is."
"Then bring him down here. I want to meet this young man, perhaps thank him for his timely news. I guess he has a reason to blow his girl's cover, but I will get it out of him – Soon."
To be continued...Go to Chapter 7
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