It turned out to be a humid, sultry day by the time Tina got the call to meet Gavin Bowen, who was turning out to be one of the most difficult actors to book and with whom she’d had to deal with. The map on her phone told her that the address of the place he was staying in was not far from the resort. In fact, if she wanted to, she could just walk along the beach and find her way to the beachside entrance of the mansion that Gavin was vacationing in — it belonged to a tech bazillionaire, his PA had briefly explained. “They’re close friends.” Of course they were.

“I’m not far from there, less than 15 minutes or so if I took my time walking on the beach.”

“Yes, we’re familiar with the resort. Gavin eats there sometimes. Best restaurants on the island. Any time this morning would be fine, Ms. Porter-Kennard.”

Less than 15 minutes later, Tina waited by the charming white picket-fence gate that was open to the beach. Unusual for this gate to be open, given the other security measures one could see around the mansion, even from the outside. Tina tried calling out, but no one had answered. Sunlight was pouring down mercilessly. I can’t stand here all morning! She tentatively walked up the steps that led to a broad terrace/barbecue area that bordered the glass-covered mansion on its beachside, whose main attraction was an infinity pool surrounded by lounges and cabanas.  

By the time Tina got to the top-step of the terrace, finally, an occupant of the mansion noticed her arrival: a man in a white open-necked cotton-knit Polo shirt tucked into white Bermuda shorts greeted her as he stepped through a glass-sliding door. “Hello! Your name ma’am?”

Tina frowned a little, taken aback. Was Gavin expecting more than one guest this morning?

“Tina. I was invited by Gavin.”

“Oh, yes, of course. Please come in this way.”

He stepped aside so that she could walk past him through the glass sliding doors. Once she’d walked past him, he headed for the little picket-fence gate that opened to the beach.

Cool perfumed air greeted her – a welcome respite from the humidity outside. A quick glance around what looked like a casual living area told Tina the owner had a spare, hip, and expensive, esthetic. The interior décor was mostly in white, punctuated by a few jewel-toned pieces. Lots of sharp edges and breakables scattered around. Not a place that factored in children. So the owner must be childless? Less than a minute later she heard a man’s deep voice call out in surprise from around the far corner. “You’re here?!”