“Gabe and I understand,” Felix said, standing. “There’s no need to apologize.”
“None whatsoever,” Gabe added. “When you’re ready to come back, I’ll have the Four Seasons call me and I’ll come get you.”
“Thank you. I would appreciate that. If you give me half an hour, I’ll be ready.”
“I’ll be downstairs.” Sage watched Felix exit her room and start down the hall. “Gabe?”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“How long has Felix been with the Savoy?”
“Quite some time. He’s been here longer than I have. Is there a problem? I can assure you he would never have anything to do with something like this.”
“Okay, thank you. I’ll be down as quick as I can.”
“You take all the time you need.” Gabe smiled at her. “I’m at your disposal. I give you my word, you’re safe here at the Savoy. Put the night latch on when I leave. Would you prefer I wait for you?”
“Thank you, Gabe. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
She closed the door and leaned back against it. Shaking off the feeling of unease, Sage put on her makeup, fixed her hair, and got dressed, then looked at the manuscript on her computer screen. Sitting down in the chair, she used the search feature to look for ‘Felix.’ The program came up with nothing. She was beginning to feel as though she’d fallen down the proverbial rabbit hole.
Chapter 4
Sage met Gabe in the lobby and allowed him to escort her out the rear exit, where he had a car waiting. Pulling into the Four Seasons private entrance and parking the SUV, he escorted her to the ballroom, where she was taking part in a panel discussion.
“I’ll give the Four Seasons personnel a heads-up, but I would appreciate if you didn’t leave the hotel until I come for you. Stay in the area assigned to your event or in the lobby. Try not to go anywhere alone.”
“Gabe, you’re starting to scare me,” Sage said, only half-joking.
“If I’m only starting, either I’m not doing my job, or you aren’t paying attention. My friend at Scotland Yard wants to stop by in the morning if that would work for you.”
“I can’t believe Scotland Yard is getting involved.”
“It’s unofficial at this point.” Gabe flashed a smile that would melt the panties off most women. “Felix said Management at the Savoy is hoping to interest you in extending your stay and participating in the Writer in Residence Program.”
“Me?” Sage laughed, inordinately pleased. “They do know what kind of novels I write, don’t they?”
“They do. You know what they say, no publicity is bad publicity. Besides, your books are very popular, not only with our staff but with our guests as well. Felix tells me we can’t keep your paperbacks in stock, and folks come in all the time, wanting to see the place Roark lives, eats, swims, and… how do I put this…”
“Fucks a lot of women?”
Gabe laughed. “Yes, ma’am. I understand one of the elevators is quite popular with your fans.”
“Thanks again, Gabe.”
“You’re most welcome, Ms. Matthews.”
“Gabe?”
“Ma’am?”
“Sage, please.”
“Sage it is. Have a good day and keep your eyes open. If you see anything suspicious or anyone makes you nervous, you head to the front desk or ask for security. Can I see your mobile?” Sage handed him her phone, and he punched in a series of numbers. “My contact info is in there, and I put myself as number five on your speed dial… dead center on your keypad. I keep my phone within reach at all times.”
“I wouldn’t want to bother you.”
“I’d rather you bother me a hundred times than fail to reach out when you’re uncomfortable.”
“Thank you again, Gabe.”
Gail breezed out of the ballroom. “Is everything all right?” she asked.
“Gail Vincent? This is Gabe Waverly, the Head of Security at the Savoy. He brought me over here and is going to pick me up at the end of the day.”
“Thank you for taking care of my girl,” Gail purred.
“Not a problem, Ms. Vincent. Sage, you remember what I said.”
“Sage, darling, are you sure you’re up to this?”
“Absolutely,” Sage replied brightly. “You know me… nothing lifts my spirits or makes me feel better than hanging out with my readers.”
“That’s my girl. They rearranged the panel discussion so the one that was to follow goes first. Everyone is very concerned about you.”
“I’m fine. Let’s go. I’ll see you this evening, Gabe.”
The panel discussion was engaging, and not one question was asked about her stalker. She found herself forgetting about the mutilated cover during the various event sessions.
That evening, Gabe picked her up and escorted her and Gail, who had insisted on coming back to the Savoy with her, back to the hotel and her room.
“Felix took the liberty of ordering dinner for you, Sage. If you like, Ms. Vincent, I can have them bring something for you as well.”
“Thank you. Did you like the Caesar Salad, Sage?”
“I wasn’t in the mood for a salad. I had the Shepherd’s Pie, and it was excellent.”
“Well, I hope they ordered you a salad of some kind for tonight. Sage, dear, you have to watch your weight. I’ll have the Caprese Salad,” Gail said dismissively.
“Gabe?” Sage asked hopefully.
“No, ma’am. The rib-eye steak, medium rare,” he said with a wink.
“You tell Felix he’s a good man.”
Gail looked at her askance. “Who is this Felix?”
Sage whipped her head around. First, Felix had appeared in the flesh and disappeared out of her manuscript, and now, Gail didn’t seem to know who he was.
“Felix Spenser, the Savoy Head Concierge. He’s been really helpful.”
“He’s not helpful if he’s making you fat!” Gail snarled.
“Ms. Matthews, don’t listen to her. You have a beautiful figure. Men, at least the ones I know, appreciate a woman with curves. For one thing, they tend to be nicer,” Gabe said, shutting down Gail’s tirade with a single stare.
Gail harrumphed and turned her back on Gabe.
“Can you teach me to do that?” she asked him, smiling.
“No, ma’am. You are far
