Kylie

Chapter 2 Lesley busied herself in the dining room, while waiting for her guests to return. She wanted to make sure everything had been set-up perfectly. The chefs had prepared a sumptuous feast, which went without saying, because she only hired the most excellent kitchen staff. Tonight’s meal would be indescribably delicious. She checked the place cards of the guests’ seating arrangements, which she had so meticulously planned. Dinner partners would not be the partners the guests had boarded the Tempted Fate with, and their game partners would be unexpected, as well. Lesley had planned this event, taking into account every eventuality that could possibly happen and she and her staff were prepared for everything. She had learned, so long ago, from him, to plan and strategize in just this way when playing a game. And she also learned, from him, that everything in life was a game. The bastard would be proud of his tutoring, she smiled stoically to herself. The most important things she had learned in life, she had learned from him. And the lessons she had learned could either lead to ultimate survival and success, or to absolute destruction, depending on how the student used them. She had learned her lessons well, before she escaped. Her guests were going to be the beneficiaries of her own painful education in survival, using pride, greed, lust, the macabre, and even misguided love. If they graduated from this accelerated course, they would be invincible. She met Edmund and Maria Grey as they came down the staircase. “The accommodations are simply breathtaking,” said Maria. “How long have you been hosting these charitable functions, Lesley?” “Oh, for quite some time, Dr. Grey,” Lesley smiled. “You look very familiar,” said Edmund. “Have we met before? Maybe in Europe?” “I’m afraid not, Mr. Grey. We’ve never met. However, I make it a habit to learn something about all of my guests. My research on you turned up volumes,” Lesley laughed. “An award winning journalist, who always seems to be in the thick of things. I must tell you I was very impressed with your biography.” “You’re too kind, Ms. Devonshire,” smiled Edmund. “Please, call me Lesley.” “Only if you’ll call me Edmund.” “And please, please, call me Maria,” she chimed in, feeling as if she were being ignored. “Oh, of course, Maria,” said Lesley. “We’ll all be on a first name basis before long,” she concluded, as Adam and Brooke joined them. “Adam Chandler,” Adam said as he held out his hand to Lesley, “And this is …” “Brooke English,” Brooke finished, as she held out her hand to Lesley, as well. Next, Jack and Erica joined the group, with Jack admiring, “This is one beautiful Grande Dame of the rivers, isn’t she? Where was she built?” “Actually, Mr. Montgomery, this boat was built in the 1860’s and it has just been refurbished for use for these types of events in the 21st century.” “Oh my,” said Erica. “A real antique.” “Yes, Ms. Kane,” said Leslie. “An antique with an unusually interesting history.” “History? What kind of history?” asked David, walking up to the group, with Krystal on his arm. “Hmm, the best kind of history, of course,” smiled Lesley. “Haunted history.” “Haunted? You mean like ghosts and goblins?” asked Krystal. “David, you didn’t tell me this would be a haunted cruise.” David just smiled and looked to Leslie to help him out. “Actually, Ms. Carey, neither Dr. Hayward, nor any of the other guests, including Ms. Montgomery, knew anything of the Tempted Fate’s history. We feel it is an added attraction and helps with the mood of the festivities,” explained Leslie. “Hmm, nothing like a couple of ghosts to add to the atmosphere,” said Krystal sarcastically. “Well, maybe some of the ghosts can be of assistance in solving the mysteries of the games you’ll be playing this weekend,” suggested Lesley. “Well, I for one, am very interested in these games. I’ve always been good at games,” smiled Adam, taking Lesley’s hand, “And I’m very interested in hearing about your particular games, Ms. Devonshire.” “All in good time, Mr. Chandler, and please call me Lesley,” she smiled back. “Well, my good guests, I see that the younger guests will be joining the wiser guests shortly. Please, let’s all retire to the dining room and I’ll explain in more detail.” Adam held his arm out to Lesley to escort her to the dining room, smiled and said, “Well, definitely, let the games begin.” To be continued…

This evening on the southern coast of New York was exceptionally beautiful. The night sky was clear and the stars were shining their brightest. There was a strange chill in the air and a light fog was rolling in, but it was still the perfect night for a cruise. The boat they were set to spend the next four days on was a renovated 1860's river boat, conveniently named Tempted Fate. It was exquisitely beautiful from it's gilted ceilings and crystal chandeliers, to the marble floors of the huge dining room accented by two long and winding staircases that one might think came straight out of Gone With the Wind. This was to be the biggest Charity event of the decade. She had been contacted by Bianca Montgomery a month earlier about organizing a fund raiser in Miranda Montgomery's honor, with all the proceeds going to the Miranda Montgomery Foundation. Miranda had touched the lives of so many in her all too brief life. This was Bianca's way, and her foundation's way of honoring the precious little life that was taken from the world far too soon. Leslie hadn't known Miranda, of course, or Bianca Montgomery. But she knew from the television and newspaper coverage of the events surrounding Miranda's birth and death, the whole sad story. It was heartbreaking and she hoped that this event was a success...in more ways then one. She had a weekend planned that no one in Pine Valley would ever forget, and she was sure that when they left the Tempted Fate their lives would never be the same again. She was standing at the top of the ramp, watching intently as Pine Valley's most prominent citizens, and couples exited their limos. They were dressed casually, just as the invitations had requested. She watched as they all made their way towards the boat, some more anxious to board than others. The invitations were brief, and had said only that this would be a weekend they would never forget, and she could tell by the look on their respective faces that no one was sure what to expect. She couldn't help but smile at that. She wasn't the least bit surprised that the first to the ramp was Erica Kane and her soon to be husband, Jackson Montgomery. They were a striking pair, there was no doubt of their love for each other...or was there? She had a knack for seeing past pretty facades, and theirs definitely was. There were cracks in their relationship and she could see them a mile away. It was going to be fun watching these two try and survive this weekend, and not just on their own, but as a couple. Behind them was Erica's eldest daughter Kendall Hart and her current paramour, Ethan Cambias. This was a match made in hell. Kendall needed someone far more interesting and lively than Ethan Cambias. Kendall always struck her as a lively free spirit, who needed a man who loved the fieriness of her spirit, who would always support her. Ethan just didn't seem to be that man. She was going to have fun with these two. Bianca and her escort and according to at least one tabloid her girlfriend Maggie Stone made their way up the ramp. Bianca was a beautiful young woman, and she seemed happy and content. But there was a sadness in her eyes, and she couldn't help but feel the need to make it all right again. Maggie didn't seem to be the one to bring the light back into her eyes. She was going to fix that if it was last thing she did. David Hayward and Krystal Carey were behind them. This pair made her stomach turn. What in God's name did such a handsome doctor see in common street trash like Krystal Carey? She was so beneath him, she had to be a substitute for someone, a way to mend a broken heart. She had to wonder if he still missed his ex wife, or perhaps that other woman he had been with...or did it stem back to his losing Erica? Could his broken heart run that deep? His daughter Babe Carey and her husband JR Chandler were next in line. They'd chosen to leave their little girl Elizabeth "Bess" at home. That was probably for the best. This cruise wasn't the place for a child. There was something about this pair, more particularly about Babe that she didn't like, she was hiding something...but what? Ryan and Greenlee Lavery were the next couple to board the ship. She really didn't see the appeal of this couple. They were gorgeous apart, and striking together, but she didn't see the love, or feel the passion. Greenlee’s mother, Mary, accompanied them. Aidan Devane and Anita Santos were next, walking hand in hand. They were wearing matching smiles, and seemed to be enjoying each other's company. But she saw through them instantly, there was no chemistry between them...no fire. They were far from in love. Aidan was smart, sweet, and handsome and he deserved someone...someone worthy of him, and this Anita wasn't the woman. She would make sure that this man found the love that he deserved, and she would stop at nothing to make it happen. The rest of the guests, including Tad Martin and his son, Jamie, Edmund Grey and his wife Maria, Adam Chandler and Brooke English, and Zach Slater who came with his Casino manager, Bobby Warner, Anita Santos’ ex, made their way to the top of the ramp. She waited a few more minutes, letting the couples talk amongst themselves as she waited for the few guests to arrive. She called for their attention a few minutes later. They fell silent after only a few seconds. She smiled that the group and began her introduction. " Hello and welcome to the Tempted Fate." She began with her upper crust British accent, " My name is Lesley Devonshire and I'm going to be your hostess. I would like to start by thanking Miss Montgomery for allowing me to host this event in her daughter's honor. I hope that you're all going to enjoy what I have planned for you. It's going to be quite a weekend." She said. She continued on with her speech and an overview of what the weekend was all about. She said that they could all go to their rooms and get settled, but not to unpack...they would find out why soon. She passed out room keys and gave them directions to their rooms. They were directed to meet back in the dining room in an hour for their next set of instructions. And with that, they all started to their rooms. She just kept smiling. They had no idea what they were in for. This was going to be a weekend that no one would soon forget. On the next AMC: Premeditated Temptations Leslie: “Actually, Ms. Carey, neither Dr. Hayward, nor any of the other guests, including Ms. Montgomery, knew anything of the Tempted Fate’s history. We feel it is an added attraction and helps with the mood of the festivities. Krystal: “Hmm, nothing like a couple of ghosts to add to the atmosphere." Leslie: “Well, maybe some of the ghosts can be of assistance in solving the mysteries of the games you’ll be playing this weekend." Adam: “Well, I for one, am very interested in these games. I’ve always been good at games,” smiled Adam, taking Lesley’s hand, “And I’m very interested in hearing about your particular games, Ms. Devonshire.” Leslie: “All in good time, Mr. Chandler, and please call me Lesley,” she smiled back. “Well, my good guests, I see that the younger guests will be joining the wiser guests shortly. Please, let’s all retire to the dining room and I’ll explain in more detail.” Adam held his arm out to Lesley to escort her to the dining room, smiled and said, “Well, definitely, let the games begin.”

The citizens of Pine Valley board a beauitful yacht, apporiately named the Tempted Fate in the New York habor. A four day Murder Mystery" fundraiser hosted by the Miranda Montgomery Foundation, the reason for the lavish weekned. A few unexecpted guests, the shadowy past of the yacht itself and secrets kept by people aboard the luxury yacht, make for a weekend that will change the face of Pine Valley forever. Relationships will be tested, lives will be lost, secerts will be revealed, passion will iginite, and destines will interwine, as the people of Pine Valley struggle to resist the temptations, and fight to keep their fates from colliding. Set in Pinve Valley 2004, in the heart of the Miranda/Bess baby swap. Tensions run high, emotions on overload, and the only two people who know the truth about the night that Miranda and Bess were born, Krystal and Babe Carey try to keep their secret while fighting for their lives. Voice: " The game is murder, and the people seated next to you may be the murderers, your partners in crime, your roommates, or your key to survival. There will only be one person in the game that you can trust...or can you?" ______________ Ethan:" It's breathtaking. I know that Miranda is smiling down on us from heaven." Bianca:" I can almost feel her." Ethan: " I think this was a great idea. What a creative and fun way to honor her." Bianca: " I was against the idea at first, but I really think this weekend will be a success."