Prince Charming (Behind the Screen, #1) (2 page)

****

H
armony was up at the crack of dawn. There were several messages on her mobile. She took her time to read each one. Both men were sweet, and she enjoyed the attention she got. She slid out of bed and dashed for the shower. Fifteen minutes later she was dressed and ready to go, and forty minutes later she arrived at work.

‘Morning Doctor Moore,’ said a nurse. ‘Did you have a good day off?’

‘I did thank you,’ said Harmony. ‘I had a great day off. And I’m looking forward to my weekend off.’

‘Yes don’t I know it! Weekends are like gold dust.’

‘True, but we chose this profession, so we accept it.’ she smiled and picked up what she had to take over from the other doctor. ‘It looks like a busy day.’

‘Isn’t it always?’

It was a busy day at the hospital for Doctor Moore, it always was. But she loved her job and she loved to cut and diagnose. There was something about all of it that made her heart skip. She worked the whole morning, and when she’d tried to catch a break, she was called into an emergency surgery. It was a busy morning for the doctor, and she wouldn’t want it any different.

****

D
erek walked into the police station mid morning for his shift. He was excited and looking forward to the weekend. Harmony was one hell of a woman, he couldn’t believe his luck. He’d set out in his mind what he’d do for her. He was certain he’d whisk her off her feet and hopefully make her his.

‘Good morning, Derek,’ said Yasmina, his partner.

‘Morning, Yas.’

‘You look joyful.’

‘I’ve got a date!’

‘Wow, good for you! It’s about time you found love. So who is this lucky lady?’ They walked towards their office.

‘Her name is Harmony, she’s a teacher, and she’s gorgeous!’

‘Wow, you’re smitten.’

‘You could say that.’

‘Have you done a check on her?’

‘No, that’s no way to start a relationship.’

‘Ha! Online dating is a forest of unknowns. You’ve got to watch it.’

‘First, I think it’s Harmony who should be worried because I’m a man. And for goodness sake, what would a nice woman like her do to a detective?’

Yasmina giggled. ‘So what have you planned for this lovely lady?’

‘I’ll meet her for a drink first, see if we click. Hopefully after that she’ll agree to join me for dinner.’

‘Sounds like a plan.’

‘Yes, I just hope she’s the woman in the picture.’

Yasmina laughed as she remembered his last date. The woman looked nothing like her picture. ‘I’m sure she is.’

‘I hope so, she’s amazing, and has a great personality too.’

Just then they were called into a briefing. They stood with other detectives as the chief of police spoke to them. There was a photo of a blond woman on the board.

‘Missing person?’ asked Derek.

‘Yes, parents and friends haven’t seen Rose Armstrong for over a week. At first they thought nothing of it, but when her place of work called to find out if they knew where she was, they worried. The last time she was seen was the evening of her date.’

‘Date?’ asked Yasmina.

‘Yes, Rose was online dating.’

Yasmina looked at Derek.

‘Do we know which dating site?’ asked Derek.

‘Yes. So far nothing,’ said the chief.

‘What do you mean nothing?’ asked Derek.

‘So far there are no suspects. All the men who had been in contact with her are in the clear.’

‘That makes no sense. There should be a record of everyone who joined the site.’

‘That’s being looked into. It’s obvious that if she was taken by an online dater, he would cover his tracks well.’

‘Yes, I see,’ said Derek. He thought about Harmony and hoped she wouldn’t fall into the same trap. ‘Do you think he’ll strike again, if it’s the online dater?’

‘If it is, I think so. We’re looking for a pattern, but there isn’t any yet. Rose is the only one reported missing so far, so this might be a one off. Either way, we need to find out what happened to her fast.’

There was more talking. The team were assigned to what they needed to do. Derek and Yasmina headed out to speak to the parents, friends and work colleagues. They would need as much information as they could get.

‘This is terrible,’ said Yasmina as they drove off.

‘Tell me about it. I hope it has nothing to do with an online predator.’

‘You worried about your date?’

‘A bit.’

‘Maybe you should warn her.’

‘No, I don’t want to cause alarm when there is none. Well at least not yet. We don’t know the real story yet.’

‘I guess you’re right.’

‘Plus she’s internet aware. She gave a lecture to her class about internet safety. I’m sure she’s wise.’

Yasmina nodded. She turned onto the motorway and joined the M1.

****

‘G
ood Morning Mister Rees,’ said his assistant. ‘Two deliveries came in for you today!’

‘Morning, I’m guessing it’s the paintings?’ asked Marcus.

‘Yes I think so.’

‘Where are they?’

‘Just over there.’ She pointed across the gallery.

He nodded. ‘Could you bring me a coffee?’

‘Yes of course.’ She was giddy. Her boss made her feel that way.

Marcus didn’t see her in that way. She was his receptionist/assistant/ everything else, and that was all there was to it. The gallery was his life. It made him happy and he couldn’t wait to finish his masterpiece. There were several of his paintings, some had already been sold and would be on their way out. There were also paintings that belonged to other artists that would be sold and he got a commission. Twice a month he opened the gallery in the evening for a showing. Men and women from all walks of life would attend. Men and women who weren’t afraid to spend money, men and women who competed against each other, showing off just how much money they had. Marcus loved it. And he knew that his next piece would be off the charts. A piece that would be priceless!

The client list comprised of certain people. Not everyone was welcome into the gallery. It was a gallery for those with perverted tastes. Those who loved to push the boundaries and weren’t afraid to spend lots of money doing so. Marcus had certainly pushed the boundaries when it came to art, but the next work of art was something he’d never done before. It excited him, it made him want to do a lot more and he couldn’t wait until he got the final piece to the painting.

‘Your coffee,’ said Misty.

He watched his flamboyant assistant put the coffee down and then hop onto his desk.

‘When will you do a picture of me?’ she asked.

He laughed lightly and studied the short semi attractive woman. Her hair styled into ponytails with a few colourful ribbons flowing from it. Her clothes were equally colourful.

‘You know the answer to that.’ He sat back and sipped on the coffee. ‘You’re not my type.’

‘Of course I am, that’s why you hired me.’

That’s what he’d liked about her; she was too blind to see him for who he really was. And she’d do anything for him. She’d lie for him if she had to.

‘Keep telling yourself that love, but you and I both know what I say is true.’

She giggled and jumped off the table.

‘Could you bring the paintings, I’ll have a look at them now.’

‘Sure thing boss.’ She skipped out of his office.

He sat back and thought about the up coming date. He couldn’t wait to add Harmony to his painting. It was worth the wait, and he had his good looks and charm to thank for it. They would go for a drink, and he was certain he’d lock her into dinner, and from there he’d be able to take her home. If not the first night, then he’ll try again later. She was a receptionist, he had that to his advantage, at least he thought so. As far as he was concerned, she was a pretty face and that was about it. It wouldn’t be too hard to convince her.

Misty came up to the office twice with the new paintings! He took his time to study them, and she stood by his side admiring them too.

‘They are creative, aren’t they?’ he said.

‘Yes very, he’s always been expressive,’ said Misty.

‘Yes he has, and our clients love him. I know who will just love this.’ He grinned.

‘What about you Mister Rees? You haven’t painted in a while.’

‘Oh but I have. I’m working on something extraordinary. I think it will be one of my best works yet.’

‘I can’t wait,’ she buzzed.

He smiled. She was a joy to work with, though he knew she had a great big crush on him.

‘Anyway, could you find a place for these? This one I’ll keep. Give our client first glance. If he doesn’t want it, then we can show the rest of our clients.’

‘I think he’ll buy it!’ she said as she picked up the paintings.

‘I think so too, he has money to burn.’ He laughed.

I
t was the weekend! Harmony woke up with a spring in her step, literally. Her life had just taken a whirl in the right direction. She had the weekend off, which was a treat for a busy doctor like her, and she was off on some awesome dates with two gorgeous men.

She got her morning coffee, read the newspaper that had been pushed through the mail slot. This was the life. Things had happened in the world, the news was always bad, but she had to force herself to keep up with current events.

After she’d selected and read the stories that were worth reading, she had a slice of toast. Then it was time for morning yoga, and after that, Harmony hit the shower. As the water hit against her body, she memorised the lies she would tell tonight. Marcus thought she was a receptionist, and that she had a shitty boss who loved to grope her bottom. She laughed at the thought. She had the name of the company, and the number of years she’d worked there.

‘I’ve been at my job for two and a half years,’ she mumbled. ‘It’s an okay job, but not my dream job.’ She laughed. ‘What if he asks about my dream job? Or will he be lost in my looks it won’t matter.’ She laughed. She knew those types of men all too well. But hey, the man was hot! ‘Okay so...’ She made up a story about where she was born, where she went to school. She thought about what else he’d like to know. Harmony had practised it over and over and had an amazing memory, and she knew she’d ace the date.

‘I only need two dates, I think,’ she said as she shut off the shower. ‘What about the detective tomorrow?’ She stepped out and towelled herself. ‘I’m a high school English teacher.’ She laughed. The reflection in the mirror showed a strong beautiful woman, who enjoyed flirting with men. ‘I went into teaching because my parents were teachers.’ She spoke to herself in the mirror.

Harmony was satisfied. Both men would buy her story, they had so far. And she was certain she wouldn’t fall for them anyway. She never had, but there was always the exception.

The house was cleaned, the laundry done. Catch up on Grey’s Anatomy and Saving Hope were also on for the day. Harmony loved to relax and watch the hospital dramas, if only it was like that in real life. She knew for a fact it wasn’t, real life emergencies were so different to what she saw on the screen, but that was the whole point of television, escapism.

The evening came. Harmony wore a black body hugging dress that was just above the knees, and a black coat to keep out the cold night. She arrived at their meeting place, a small cosy bar. He waved her over when he noticed her walk through the door; it wasn’t hard to spot her.

‘Wow!’ Marcus stood up and held out his hands.

She took them and gave him her cheek.

‘It’s nice to finally meet you!’ He couldn’t contain his excitement.

‘It’s nice to finally meet you.’

He pulled out the seat, and she sat.

‘Thank you, what a gentleman.’ She smiled.

‘You look great,’ he said as he sat down.

‘Thank you, you look good too.’ She smiled from ear to ear.

‘What can I get you to drink?’

‘I’ll have a glass of red.’

‘Great choice. I’ll just go up to the bar and order.’

She nodded and watched as the tall handsome hunk walked towards the bar. Her heart thudded with excitement.

He returned with the drinks. Two glasses of red wine.

‘Cheers,’ he lifted the glass.

‘Cheers.’ She did the same.

They drank at the same time.

‘So,’ he said. ‘How was your day?’

She smiled. Harmony had it all detailed out in her mind.

‘My day was busy, the phone wouldn’t stop ringing today.’

‘Ah you work on weekends?’

‘Yes just half day, but that doesn’t make it any easier.’

‘Yes, it must be a pain.’

‘Well, it’s my job.’

‘It is. Do you like it?’ He sat back and studied her. In his mind he went through the details of her shape, he couldn’t wait to transfer it to his canvas.

‘It’s a job. It pays the bills.’

‘In other words, no.’

‘I guess so.’ She took another sip of the wine.

‘Do you see yourself doing something different?’

‘Erm...maybe, I’m not too fussed.’

‘Well a woman like you shouldn’t have trouble finding another job.’

‘I don’t know about that. The market is flooded these days.’

‘True, but looks play a big role when it comes to hiring.’

‘I don’t know. I’m not your usual super model type.’

‘Oh that makes it even better. You’re unique. Your beauty is so blinding, I find myself wanting to stare at you all the time.’

‘Oh gosh, you’re making me blush.’

‘It’s true, you’re gorgeous.’

‘I think you’re gorgeous too.’

‘Thank you.’ He was flattered. This was going better than he thought. Would he be able to convince her tonight?

They spoke some more. Marcus told her about his art gallery, there was a mention about his colourful assistant. They laughed and joked as they eased into each other’s company.

‘This is great,’ he said. ‘Would you like to continue the date, dinner perhaps? Somewhere else?’

‘That sounds great, but I’ll have to decline.’

‘Oh, why? I thought you were having a good time.’

‘I am, it’s not you. I just like to take things a little slow. Not too slow to the point you don’t know where it’s going, but just slow enough.’