The Greener Field

Disruptive Powers of Attraction

Once Sarah and Carrie had made it safely back to the security laden house of Sarah's parents, the two settled into Sarah's bedroom for the night. Avoiding a barrage of questions by Sarah's uninformed mother about her "handsome boyfriend," referring to the now dead Jess Danford, the two shared some delivered Chinese food and remained upstairs. Though exhausted, and after briefly preparing the room to host Carrie for the night, the two began to reflect on the tragic and harrowing afternoon of witnessing Jess Danford's death.

Suddenly, Carrie's cell phone rang.

"Hello?"

Sarah looked at her friend, curious about who would be calling.

"Yes?. . .Oh hello Mr. Hoffmann . . . OK . . . Gunther. Yes. I'm free to talk now."

The two looked at each other silently.

"Yes. She's fine. No. She went to her parent's house for the night.

Carrie looked at Sarah and winked.

"It was a terrible experience for her, I know. What? . . . Of Course, I'll be watching her. Yes, I totally agree."

Sarah looked at her friend and nodded, knowing the conversation was intended for just Carrie and Hoffmann didn't know they were still together.

"Yes . . . Alright. I guess I could do that. Tomorrow? In the lobby of the La Valencia? Sure. What hour? . . . Alright. Yeah, I do think that's important. No, she doesn't have to know of it."

Both looked at each other again silently and with a puzzled look.

"Yes, I wish it was under better circumstances, too Gunther. No, I really haven't seen many films these days. You know . . .  super busy . . . and with Sarah's situation, it's just a very intense time. No. I really want the best for my friend. And I really fear for her right now. . . I know you will, Gunther.

Sarah was staring at Carrie in disbelief. What was the purpose of his phone call?

"Aright,  I'll do that. And thank you again for your heroics today. She really owes her life to you. Alright then. Tomorrow evening . . . Good Night."

Carrie clicked off her phone and looked at Sarah with the same bewildered expression her friend had.

"So . . . what was that all about, Carrie?"

"You think I know?  I think our Mr. Hoffman just asked me out."

"On a date?"

"Well not exactly . . . but . . . yeah, I guess it is sort of that."

"Carrie? What are you doing?"

"I'm not hiding anything from you, Sarah. Gunther wants to meet to discuss how we can best protect you."

"Oh, so it's Gunther, now. And what about . . . films? That certainly didn't sound like for my protection!"

"Sarah. Relax. That film thing is just something he likes to discuss. Maybe it sets him more at ease. He's been through a lot today as well, you know."

"OK, you're right . . . But do I detect some crazy attraction  here, Carrie?"

"Come on, Sarah! No more than you must have, as well. He is a handsome guy, OK? And pretty damn brave to do what he did for you today."

"Yes, I do appreciate that. I suppose i will . . . all my life. But I'm not looking to date this stranger, Carrie. Alright?"

"Gunther Hoffmann, to you, my friend. He's someone trying to eliminate the other half of that duo that tortured you. And still poses a very real threat."

"I realize what he's doing, Carrie. But why did he do this tonight? Call you. Don't you see where he wants this to go?"

"Come on Sarah. I'm a big girl. You think I'm going to let anything go there?"

"To be honest . . . I'm not sure. I saw the way you two were . . . I don't know, somehow flirting tonight."

"Sarah. Let's get some sleep. We've all been through a lot. OK, so this guy's hot, and he is in the same business as I am. I have every reason to find him attractive. But thanks to you, I'm just not in the mood for romance, OK?"

"Thanks to me?"

"You know what I mean. I'm very concerned about you, sweetie. There's no guy in the world that can change that. Mr. Hoffmann just might get you out of this terrible place you're in. If I can help with that . . . I will. Now stop being silly. On one level he's just a typical guy. Can't resist the game of intrigue. You know stupid men are about that."

"Yes, Carrie . . . unfortunately, I've learned very well how they are. Deadly is how they are. I'll never trust another guy as long as I live."

"Well thanks to this stupid guy, Sarah, you'll live to fight another day."

Sarah got into her side of the queen-sized bed and just turned toward the wall. In a matter of minutes Carrie could hear her breathing deeply in a very sound sleep.

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