Page 1 of Lasting Hope

CHAPTER1

PAISLEY

Paisley stood in the sterile hallway of the hospital, her heart racing with worry. The doctor's words echoed in her mind, the weight of the situation settling heavily upon her as the adrenaline wore off. The ambulance ride had been a blur and the questions from the doctors upon their arrival came unforgivingly fast. Now it was quieter. A terrible kind of quiet where she could no longer hear Doug’s voice. His laughter. She’d never seen him quiet for long. He filled all the dead air with a constant stream of jokes and sage advice.

Her assistant, Doug, was in a medically induced coma, his life hanging in the balance. Everything had been fine. It was a normal day, getting ready to read scripts and handle a few meetings with her agent. Doug had brought in lunch like he did every day. He loved being the one to pick what they’d eat, always making sure there was a treat to split or a new dish to taste-test together.

But today they’d been short on time so their favorite deli down the road was the quick fix. Like always from that deli, they’d ordered the same thing. The tomato soup and side salad. Doug grabbed the bowl on the top. It was meant for Paisley. She knew that now. Now that the doctor told her he suspected poison. It was a chilling revelation that sent shivers down Paisley's spine. Someone had tampered with the soup. Tried to kill her. And instead, Doug was the one fighting for his life.

As she tried to process the doctor's report, Paisley's thoughts were interrupted by the approach of a young woman. She had a commanding presence and an air of urgency about her. With an intense stare, the woman made it clear she was there for Paisley. A frightening thought, considering someone had just tried to kill her. All strangers were equal, all potentially dangerous.

Introducing herself as Carmen, the woman seemed impatient as if Paisley was somehow holding her up. Didn’t she know there was nowhere else for Paisley to be but holding vigil for her friend?

"Paisley?" Carmen asked, her voice filled with concern. “Can we talk over there?”

Paisley nodded; the woman’s confidence enough to make her obedient. “Are you a detective? They said they were on their way. Do you know what's happening? Is there any news about Doug?"

Carmen sighed, her expression grave. "I’m not a detective but I do know what’s happening with Doug. He’s is in critical condition, but the doctors are doing everything they can. They're running toxicology tests to determine the exact substance that was used in the soup."

Paisley's heart sank further at the confirmation of her fears. "You’re not a doctor?”

“No.” Carmen gave no further explanation, just folded her hands neatly and looked contemplative.

A knot formed in Paisley’s throat. She’d let this woman walk right up to her. What was she thinking? Her security team wasn’t there yet. She was completely alone with this potentially dangerous stranger.

Carmen's eyes narrowed; her tone serious. "Paisley, I need you to understand something. There are situations that go beyond the reach of normal protection and justice. Some people are so dangerous, so relentless, that traditional channels can't protect you."

Confusion mingled with fear as Paisley tried to make sense of Carmen's words. "What do you mean? Is this a threat?”

Carmen took a deep breath before continuing. "Paisley, you're a high-profile individual, a beautiful actress who’s loved by millions. Unfortunately, that also makes you a target. Stalking and violence against celebrities like you is a grim reality. I know what you’ve been going through for more than a year. Where is your security right now?"

Paisley took a step back. “They’ll be here soon. I got in the ambulance with Doug. It happened so fast, but they’ll be here.”

“That’s not acceptable. You’ve been dealing with stalking for some time. Your security shouldn’t have left your side. Your food should have been secure and unable to be tampered with. This is not some creepy fan who’s interested in getting a picture of you. This should have been locked down months ago.”

“My security team works very hard,” Paisley argued in their defense.

“I’m sure they do. But that just proves my point. Even very qualified, hardworking people won’t be able to keep you safe. Especially if these threats haven’t been taken seriously. They aren’t going to cut it.”

“Then who can?” Paisley licked her dry lips. “What the hell am I supposed to be doing? It won’t stop. I don’t know who I am supposed to turn to.”

“Turn to us. My people. This will be a lot to take in, but I hope you’ll hear me out before it’s too late. Stalking statistics for high-profile individuals like yourself are alarming, and the consequences can be deadly. Your situation is one of the worst I’ve heard of. I don't want to scare you, but you need to understand the gravity of the situation."

Paisley's voice trembled as she asked the inevitable question. "But who are you? Why are you able to help me when no one else seems to be able to?”

A small, enigmatic smile played on Carmen's lips. "I'm someone who knows how to handle situations like this, someone who has seen the darkness that exists in this world. And I care because I believe everyone deserves to be safe. I know it’s a lot to ask, but I need you to come with me."

Paisley hesitated; her mind filled with conflicting thoughts. She couldn't abandon Doug, not when he needed her the most. Yet, the fear of the unknown, the lurking danger, made her reconsider. She was exposed in the hospital without her security. And Carmen was right, they’d made no progress on finding out who was threatening and trying to kill her.

Carmen leaned closer, her voice low and urgent. "Paisley, I can offer you a way to be fully safe while the threat against you is being investigated. All you have to do is trust me and leave. Right now."

Paisley's eyes darted back to the closed door of the intensive care unit where Doug lay, fighting for his life. "I can't just leave Doug. He needs me."

Carmen's expression turned grave; her voice filled with a warning. "If you stay, you'll be in the same terrifying situation as Doug. You won't be safe. Trust me when I say leaving is your best chance to protect yourself and those you care about."

The thought of leaving Doug tore at her heart. They’d been friends since ninth grade. Working together over the last five years, he’d been more than only her assistant, he was her confidant. No matter how famous she became or how many movies sets she graced, Doug was the one person who made her feel grounded, like her old self.

Late-night phone calls and whispered conversations in the corners of coffee shops had been their refuge. Paisley could share her fears, frustrations, and dreams with him, knowing he would always listen without judgment. It was the kind of friendship people dreamed about and now, because of her, he might die.