Page 25 of The Host

“If you are truly who you say you are, then I’m the one,” the gentleman smirked.

Evie retreated a bit in surprise at his comment.

“Please show me some identification, Miss Call.”

Evie blinked in surprise. “Really?” she murmured as she dug in her purse to retrieve her wallet. “Here you go,” she replied as she took out her license and handed it to the man in the suit.

The man took Evie’s license, peered at the name and photo, and then looked at Evie. A small smile of approval crossed his lips. “I apologize, Miss Call, but you’re the fifth person to say they were you.”

Evie’s eyes widened with surprise again. “Really?” she uttered. “I guess people will try anything for a free ride?” she giggled.

“More like take your place,” he uttered under his breath as he looked at Evie’s luggage. “Let me help you get the rest of your luggage.”

“This is it!” Evie replied sheepishly. “My roommate insisted I take two suitcases but I like to travel light.”

As the surprised driver placed Evie’s two pieces of luggage onto the luggage cart, their attention was drawn toward a tall slender woman around Evie’s age who had raised her voice in anger. “You be careful with that! That luggage costs more than your car!”

“Sorry, ma’am!” said the young man who pushed what appeared to be her luggage cart filled with four large suitcases.

“Ma’am?” she asked indignantly. “Do I look like your mom?” she insisted as she continued to walk out of the airport.

“Sorry, Miss,” the young man apologized again. “The limousine is to the left, miss.”

“There better be some wine for me!” she demanded. “After that harrowing flight, I need something refreshing.”

“Yes, Miss. There is a bottle of Chardonnay ready for you…” His voice disappeared as he pushed the luggage cart out of the baggage claim area, but a sign similar to Evie’s fell off of the cart and onto the sidewalk.

Evie walked quickly over to the sign and picked it up. The sign read, “Miss Avery - The Host.” Evie glanced quickly at her driver with a little bit of horror in her eyes. Evie mouthed to her driver, “She’s going to the same place?”

“It appears so,” he commented. “So glad I’m not him!” he added.

“I wonder what kind of job she’s expecting to get, but I can’t imagine anyone would hire her if she treats others like that.”

“Job?” the driver asked in surprise.

“Yes, job. She’s wanting a new job… right?”

“That… I wouldn’t know,” he mused. “But getting her ten seconds of fame will probably definitely happen if she continues to behave in that manner.” The driver stopped in front of a black extended sedan. “This is your ride.” He put the brake on the luggage cart and then opened the back passenger side door for Evie. “A bottle of Chardonnay is on ice for you along with a letter. Please read the letter as it will explain what you will need to do as we travel to the mansion.”

“Thank you, but I don’t drink alcohol. Do you have any water? Or sodas?”

“There are other beverages in the mini fridge,” he added as he waited for Evie to get into the car.

Evie took a step toward the car and then remembered she still held Miss Avery’s sign. She scanned the other vehicles around her and saw Miss Avery’s driver. Evie changed directions and walked quickly toward the driver.

“This fell off the cart,” Evie said as she handed him the sign.

“Oh. Thanks,” he uttered, perspiration dripping from his brow.

“No worries. I hope you can enjoy your drive.”

The lack of a smile on his face made Evie wonder if he had any hope of enjoying his drive. She turned around and returned to her car and climbed in. After fastening her seatbelt, Evie opened the mini-fridge and grabbed a water bottle. She quickly drank half of the bottle and then leaned her head back on the headrest as the car cautiously took off.

While the car exited the airport, Evie looked for the letter and found it laying on the seat next to her. The letter was a antique looking piece of paper with edges that had been burned. A thin black ribbon was wrapped around it with a red seal attaching the ribbon and paper together.

At first, Evie didn’t want to break the seal. It was such an unusual thing to have, and she didn’t want to ruin it, but after trying to open it without breaking the seal, she realized she couldn’t avoid it, so with a sigh… she broke the seal.

Dear Miss Amanda Evelyn Call,

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