An image of Avery’s father popped into her mind. She quickly pushed it away. She could allow no stray thoughts tonight, and the hatred she carried for her father was the biggest stray of them all. Her father was another topic to discuss with the therapist she would someday hire. But tonight she needed to be focused and calculated. Avery took a long sip of champagne as she scanned the crowd. She would allow herself just a single glass before she switched to seltzer on the rocks with a twist of lime. She wanted to blend in freely but needed a clear head. Champagne was her drink of choice for such an approach. It loosened her up in ways vodka and wine could not, and it took no more than a few ounces to do so.

“What’s the plan?” Christine asked.

“Let’s sneak down to the beach and hide out until dinner.”

This, too, was strategy. Avery wanted Mr. Germaine, and now Mr. Hillary, to know she had arrived. But she also wanted to stay out of sight. She would avoid them as long as possible. Long enough for them to drink too much and lose their edge. Then, when dinner was served she’d find her preassigned spot at the long table, don a big smile, and sit with all the other personalities that made up the lineup at HAP News. Out of reach and untouchable. At least for the night. Tomorrow was another day.

“Hiding out on the beach sounds delightful,” Christine said. “I’ll steal a bottle of Dom, or whatever this glorious stuff is, and meet you down there.”

They gave each other a quick peck on the cheek before heading off in opposite directions. Avery started her careful advance through the party, doing her best to avoid the land mines she knew were waiting.

CHAPTER 4 - Playa del Rey, CA Saturday, June 5, 2021

CHAPTER 4

Playa del Rey, CA Saturday, June 5, 2021

IN ADDITION TO HER EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, AVERY HAD ALSO RECRUITED Katelyn Carson, a morning show host, to hide out with her on the beach. The surf cascaded toward them in robust waves that crashed onto shore before sputtering out a few paces from where they stood. The roaring surf complimented the acoustic harmonies that spilled down from the three-man band playing on Mosley Germaine’s patio, some sort of folk music—a Lumineers cover, or maybe Mumford and Sons. The setting tempted Avery to have a second glass of champagne. She resisted.