The Fan Letter by Nancy Temple Rodrigue Page B

Sarah's success and her unconscious leaning towards him more and more. Marty slowly developed a real liking for the boy as Davey was well-behaved and looked to him for comfort when needed.
    Months later, the final step for Marty and Davey came one morning when Sarah was called to an early shoot. She had to leave before Davey was awake. Marty heard him stirring in his room and went to the door. The boy opened his eyes and saw Marty smiling at him. “Hi, Daddy,” was the sleepy greeting that melted Marty's devious heart.
    “ M rs. Beck,
    The third party and friend are talking more and more of vacationing in Los Angeles. The current project is near completion and the author feels she ‘needs a break.’
    I have spent considerable time in this one's company and have become privy to secrets and stories. There is a growing, shall we say, fascination with the world of LA, and much speculation regarding your second party. We have seen what can come of these fascinations. This third project is quite a love story.
    Shall I continue my current assignment? Our original agreement time has lapsed. I await your decision.
    Have a nice day.
    W.F.”
    Marty chuckled over this weekly report. Knowing Wayne, he knew it meant nothing of importance. Knowing Sarah, he knew it would keep her satisfied that her fears and tremendous expense were justified and that this woman was a threat that only she could control.
    To Marty, ‘considerable time’ meant Wayne was probably dating her. And using Sarah's money! That was funny to him.
    Marty had called his friend weeks ago to get the real story. Wayne had been vague and had not told him much. Marty told him to spice up his reports or Sarah would likely fire him and fly home to assign someone else.
    “What's wrong?” Wayne had been sarcastic. “Aren't your fringe benefits working out?”
    “Listen, buddy. You just keep convincing Sarah we're dealing with a fanatic and we'll both profit. Understand?”
    “Yeah. I understand. Perfectly. But, do you realize how far off you really are?” he had asked.
    “Wayne, I don't care. I've got plans—big plans for my girl here. She needs to feel she is in control of the situation back there—whether it exists or not. You're dealing with an outsider, a nobody. Whatsa matter? You developing a conscience?”
    There had been a pause. “Maybe I am.”
    That had surprised Marty. “Maybe you'd like off the case if you can't do what you were hired to do. There are plenty of other guys I know who can make it stick.”
    “I didn't say I wanted off, Marty. I just wanted you to know something along the lines of the truth,” Wayne quietly told him.
    “Since when have I cared about the truth?” Marty declared with a laugh. “You keep everyone happy. All right?”
    “Sure, Marty, sure,” was the resigned reply as they both hung up.
    Wayne had done what he was told. The reports were short, but they convinced Sarah of her need for continued surveillance and that there was a danger to what she considered her own property—whether she really wanted it or not. This last report would probably net Wayne a bonus in case he would have to follow Leslie to Los Angeles and watch her there. Wayne might have faltered briefly for whatever reason, but the all-powerful dollar spoke loud and clear and he would continue to do what he was told.
    T here was a reception that night for Sarah thrown by the car company responsible for her extended stay. The company was thrilled at acquiring her for their world-release campaign. The party was bigger than any she had been given so far. The food and the champagne were exquisite and plentiful. There were countless toasts to their success and health.
    It had been a busy and tiring day for Sarah. Now the reception went into the late hours of the night. She ate too little and drank too much to keep up with the toasts. Her head swam and Marty could see she needed to leave.
    He made arrangements with the Matsuis to use their private yacht. He