Delta had called Chase from the doctor’s office to tell him about her plan. He argued with her until he heard her reasoning, then he caved and planned dinner for two at the gazebo on the pond. It is lit with white lights and can be reserved for romantic evenings.
Delta smiles at Daniel, and they hold hands, having a delicious dinner before heading back to the main lodge. He kisses her softly, and she teases him with her room key. They hurry inside, laughing and holding hands.
“Let me,” Daniel says and opens the door swiftly before kicking it shut and dragging her against his body. Delta throws her purse on the table by the door and kisses him back with the same amount of passion he shows her.
Melody watches from the tree line behind the lodge. ‘Daniel is all over her!’ He walks to the window and grins when her hands slip around his body, before closing the blinds. With trembling hands, she lowers the binoculars and drops them to the ground. “No one makes a fool of me, you will both pay now.”
“Do you really think she is watching us?” Daniel asked softly.
“I’m sure of it. I noticed the car at the gas station this morning. Then again at the Doctor’s office, but I wasn’t convinced until I saw it again at the airport.”
“Why didn’t you call me or the police? Why didn’t the security team call me? What the hell am I paying them for?” Daniel grumbles and flips off the light nearest the windows.
“I didn't tell them. I suggested they get a coffee while I was inside the doctor's office. I'm assuming they didn't notice it because they didn't see it.” Delta grabs a bottle of water from the mini fridge and offers him one. “I waited at the airport until they pulled off and watched the silver car come around the drop off line. The police wouldn't have gotten there in time, and with that much traffic, it would be easy to lose her. I did the only thing I could think of doing. I called your Dad,” she says with a grin.
“Why didn’t you call me?”
“You made it perfectly clear how you felt about me, Daniel.” Delta tries to hide the hurt in her voice, but he winces when he detects it.
“Delta, I’m sorry if I hurt you, but I did what I thought was best. I was trying to protect you.”
“I understand.” She stands up and walks towards the bathroom. “I’m going to get out of this dress.”
He watches her go and runs his hands through his hair. Delta changes into her jeans and t-shirt before slipping her boots on. They are in for a long night. When she steps into the room, Daniel is sitting in the dark on the couch.
“Delta we should talk about us,” Daniel starts to say, but a knock on the door interrupts him.
“Daniel, open up,” Chase yells.
Daniel throws the door open, “It's started. The Gazebo's on fire!” Chase says.
“Stay here, Delta!” He demands and holds up his hand to stop her before she speaks. “No! I need to know you are safe. Just lock the damn door, please!”
“Okay,” she sighs. “Be careful.” He presses a hard kiss to her mouth and leaves with Chase.
From the window, Delta can see the Gazebo, and it's aglow now with hungry flames licking up and around it. Stable hands, Daniel, Chase, and the security team struggle to fight the flames. They grab fire extinguishers and surround the structure spraying foam and CO2 at the fire, but it doesn’t seem to be helping. “I hope the fire department gets here soon,” she murmurs.
When the fire alarm in the hotel goes off Delta is stunned. “Surely she wouldn’t set the whole lodge on fire?” A knock at the door startles her into action. “Fire!” The voice yells outside her door, she can hear people running towards the stairs. Delta hurries to the door and throws it open only to stare down the barrel of a cocked handgun.
“Delta, we’re gonna take a walk together.” Melody smiles at the shocked look on Delta’s face.
“Melody, this is all a misunderstanding. Daniel and I are just friends,” she explains softly.
“Friends!” The gun trembles and her fingers tighten on the trigger, causing Delta to back up a step in terror. “Don’t lie to me! Move to the door.” She jerks the gun gesturing for Delta to move. “Down the hall is the staff elevator, move quickly and quietly.” Melody shoves the pistol into Delta’s back and grasps her by the upper arm. “I will kill you, though I’d rather watch Daniel’s face when you die. The choice is yours, Delta.”
Delta walks into the hall and allows Melody to guide her to the door. Melody punches the button and waits for the doors to open.
“Face the corner!” She orders, shoving Delta inside before punching the close button and chooses the kitchen level. It should be empty by now. ‘Kill her now and be done with it!’ The voice urges.
“Not yet, I want him to suffer first.”
Delta listens to her rambling and tries to turn around. “Melody…” a blinding pain sends Delta to her knees. A trickle of blood drips down her temple, and a goose egg begins to form. Melody slams the gun down and giggles when she screams out in pain from the second blow to her collar bone. Reaching down, she grabs a hand full of blonde curls and jerks Delta's head back. “Don't speak my name again.” The elevator slows and stops. “Get up!” She snarls and releases her hair.
Delta stumbles to her feet, fighting back tears and dizziness from the pain. Melody grabs her upper
