Alexis and the Lake Tahoe Tumult - Erica Rodgers [35]
“Mmm,” was all Jake said. His face darkened even more.
“Is there something you’re not telling us, Jake?” asked Alexis. “We can’t help if you keep us in the dark, you know.”
Alexis and Bailey faced the large man in front of them with their hands on their hips. That made him smile.
“Okay, okay,” Jake said. “You mentioned threats? Well, I received one just before we left the reserve to come over here. That’s why I was so short with you on the phone. Look, it’s right here.”
Jake reached into the inside pocket of his tux and pulled out a folded letter. Alexis recognized it at once as another message glued together out of resort brochures. The glue was still fresh. Alexis’s fingers stuck to the letter in the damp places. She and Bailey stared at the single sentence with wide eyes.
Tonight’s your last chance.
Thank You, James Bond
Bailey and Alexis followed Jake and Misty through the hotel and into the gigantic ballroom. They were early, so the room was empty except for a few waiters here and there, and Karen. She was putting some animals in their cages in places that would be highlighted throughout the evening.
Karen’s dress was bright red, matching her lipstick. When the girls reached her near the stage, Alexis saw that Bubbles had come to the party as well. He was wearing a brand-new collar that matched Karen’s dress.
“The other animals will stay in their cages,” said Karen as she hugged the girls. “Bubbles is used to people, and he’s great at getting donations! All I have to do is walk around with him and tell his story every time someone asks about him!”
Alexis looked up onto the stage and saw two large golden cages. In each cage sat a golden eagle—the largest in the eagle family. Their feathers were a golden brown, and their eyes sparkled bronze. One of the creatures spread his wings, and Alexis understood why the cages were so large. The bird’s wingspan was six feet across!
“They’re so majestic!” squealed Bailey. “They look like gorgeous statues!”
“This is Kelly and that one’s Ben,” said Karen. “They were shot last year. We’re hoping to release them as soon as it warms up.”
“They’re a surprise!” squeaked Misty. “The curtains will be closed most of the night. We’ll open them just before Jake’s speech and let people ogle the birds before we ask for their money!”
Misty chuckled. The girls could tell she was having a blast, and the party hadn’t even started yet!
Jake took the girls to a prime table right in front of the stage. Their names were scrawled in gold on two beautiful place settings. Alexis had never felt like a princess before, but she was pretty sure that this was what it would feel like.
“You girls are free to mingle all night,” said Jake. “Film anything and anyone. Even the movie stars. They know there’ll be cameras. Here—these will keep anyone from thinking you’re in the wrong place or giving you a hard time.”
Jake pulled two badges out of his pocket and handed one each to Alexis and Bailey. They were press passes.
“You don’t have to wear them,” he said. “I know they won’t match the dresses. If you want, you can just keep them with you in case anyone gets nosy about your camera.”
“Thanks, Jake!” said Alexis. “Be sure to turn on your microphone before the party starts.”
“I will. Look—I don’t expect anything to happen, but if you hear or see anything fishy, I want you to notify one of the police officers who will be on duty, all right? No being the hero?”
It was clear that Jake was still thinking about the threat he’d received. He was more than a little edgy.
“Gotcha,” said Alexis and Bailey together.
Not long afterwards, music began playing. Alexis noticed a DJ near the back of the room. People began streaming into the ballroom, and in no time the party was in full swing. It was hard not to be dazzled by all the stars. A couple of times when they spotted a favorite, they jabbed each other and whispered excitedly. The girls