Wayward Son by Tom Pollack

apartment and air-freighted overnight. When you get the job, we can explore more permanent living arrangements.”
    Amanda noticed he had said when and not if . She glanced at her watch. “Isn’t this cutting it very close?”
    Luc grinned broadly. “I’ve arranged late check-in at LAX. Meanwhile, one of my limousines will take you to the airport. I took the liberty of having your luggage transferred from your car to the limo. Your jeep will be stored here.”
    She extended her hand. “I still haven’t made up my mind, Luc. But I accept your kind offer of a ride to the airport. I’ll let you know what I decide.”
    “Very well.” Luc clasped her hand in both of his. “I know you will make the right choice. Many of us are depending on you.”
    She could barely look away from his stare as the charming host backed away and disappeared into the crowd.
    Ten minutes later, Amanda emerged onto the floodlit esplanade and peered into the driveway, looking for a Renard Enterprises limo with the golden crest RE on the doors. Then Rob appeared, sprinting out of the darkness.
    “Your limo is just coming now, miss,” the valet informed her. “I put your luggage on the backseat.”
    “Thanks, Rob.” Amanda pressed a couple of bills into her young admirer’s palm.
    Opening her door, the limo driver politely introduced himself as Harris and informed Amanda that he was replacing Mr. Renard’s usual chauffeur. As they passed through the gates of the estate and turned onto PCH headed south, Amanda asked if he would raise the tinted glass partition to seal off the passenger area for privacy. She might not have the time to change clothes at the business class lounge, she thought. She unzipped the Louis Vuitton, changed into a comfortable outfit for the flight, and extracted both her British Airways and Japan Airlines itineraries, as well as her passport, from the backpack.
    Her mind was flooded with conflicting thoughts as she considered both options. How could she decide something this important so quickly? “Follow your heart,” she remembered her mom repeating to her several times as a young girl.
    Four miles down PCH, the intercom chimed softly.
    “Miss James?”
    “Yes, Harris?”
    “Mr. Renard is on the phone. He would like to speak to you.”
    “Can you put the call on speakerphone back here?”
    “Certainly, Miss James.”
    “Amanda?” Luc’s normally resonant voice sounded a little strained, but it was crystal clear over the eight Blaupunkt speakers.
    “Yes, Luc,” she replied.
    “Everything okay? Is Harris taking good care of you? He’s new.”
    “Oh, yes. Excellent. And this limo is awesome.”
    “One of the latest models. State of the art. I had the Ferrari people deliver two of their stretched F1 360s last week. Anyway, I’m calling from the observation deck on the roof of Villa Colosseum. It was great meeting you, and I can’t wait to see you in Japan next week. We’ll have dinner together.”
    Silence on Amanda’s end before she finally spoke.
    “You’re making this very difficult for me. The offer is so generous and tempting, but I’m afraid I just can’t accept, Luc.” She wondered if she would ever tell Johnny what she’d just passed up, as she softly bit her lower lip.
    Silence, on both ends of the phone.
    “Amanda,” Luc finally murmured. “I don’t think you realize what a big mistake you’re about to make. It could be life altering. Please reconsider, I beg of you.”
    “Your confidence in me is extremely flattering. But for now, at least, I see myself in archaeology, not in TV. I don’t know how to thank you, Luc. I’m sorry if this is a disappointment.”
    At that moment, the limo accelerated and then swerved abruptly. Amanda lost her balance and found herself pressed hard into the corner of the backseat against the side of the door.
    The speakerphone went silent. “Harris?” Amanda screamed, hoping he could hear her through the smoked glass partition.
    “Yes, Miss