Isabelle grinned and started in on her food. Alexis did likewise.
After they finished their lunch, the women went back to the other table and scrolled through their information again, watched the video, and studied the layout of the offices. Luckily, it wasn’t massive, like Bethesda or the Mayo Clinic. Aspen was famous for the celebrities during skiing season—which was why this hospital specialized in orthopedics. But the general population of Aspen was less than eight thousand people, and if there was a major medical crisis, one could go to Denver.
Thinking about that point, Isabelle asked Alexis, “Do we know if Mrs. Brewster was transferred to Denver? It doesn’t look like they could accommodate someone in her condition for any length of time. It would make sense if they transferred her there.” Isabelle kept sifting through pages on her screen but could not find any information about possible transfers.
“That should be on her release form, right?” Alexis asked. “Have you thought about how you are going to gain access to one of the computers? You know, the distracting people part?”
“As soon as we get there! But most likely, I’ll pretend I got an e-mail saying they—the home office—need me to look at some schematic, but the file is too big to download on my phone, and I don’t have my laptop with me, and is there a computer terminal I could use for a couple of minutes? Then you are going to have to distract whoever else is hanging about.”
“Sounds pretty sketchy, but it could work.” Alexis considered. “You’re right. We’ll have to wait to see how it all plays out, how many people are on staff, in the area, et cetera.”
The steward returned to the cabin. “I beg your pardon, but we are beginning our descent into the Aspen area. Please fasten your seat belts and store your electronic equipment. Please let me know if I can be of service.”
The women looked up. Isabelle responded, “Thank you. I think we’re fine. Alexis?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
Alexis powered down her laptop, and Isabelle did the same. They stowed them in their humongous Fendi and Versace bags. Alexis pulled out another wad of gum and handed a piece to Isabelle.
“Ready for action?”
“You bet!” Isabelle gave her a high five.
The plane touched down without a bump and glided into the small area near the quaint alpine-and-stone terminal of Aspen-Pitkin County Airport. There was a commercial propeller plane nearby. Unlike at the huge metropolitan airports, with jetways to the gate, the grounds people here had to roll portable stairs to the planes for the passengers to get on and off.
Just as they had done earlier, the women linked arms when their feet hit the ground, making a little bit of a scene. No one would recognize either one of them on any other occasion without that disguise. They were memorable, no doubt. But in the best way possible. No one would remember Isabelle or Alexis. Only the two bimbos named Chantal and Monique, whose names were on a sign being held by what appeared to be a driver.
The women waved their arms wildly. “Yoo-hoo! Here we are!” Alexis shrieked. The women wobbled toward the man, whose face was quickly turning red. “Hey! Hey! You our driver?”
With less enthusiasm than a mannequin, the young man barely mumbled, “Yes, I am, ma’am.”
“Don’t you be calling us ma’ams. Ya hear? We are ladies.” Alexis was pouring it on thick. Isabelle gave her an elbow. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing, Monique, but don’t you be harassing this fine young man. He’s got to take us to our place.” Isabelle directed her attention to the driver. “How do you do? Don’t you mind her. She gets all uppity when anyone calls her ma’am. We should get a move on. We have a few bags . . . Er, what was your name again?”
“Richard,” he answered reluctantly.
“Well, Richard, can you go fetch our suitcases please?” Monique/Alexis turned on the charm.
“Yes, of course.” Richard pulled down the brim of his cap and retrieved their bags from the cart. “Follow me please.” He couldn’t walk fast enough. He practically threw the luggage into the back of the SUV, helped the women into their seats, and dived into the vehicle.
“Do you have the address?” Isabelle asked.
“Yes, ninety-three Primrose Path.” Richard stepped on the accelerator as if he were stomping out a fire.
Isabelle and Alexis were trying very hard not to laugh, to the point where their bodies started shaking and then tears started rolling down their faces. When Isabelle’s nose started to run, that was the final straw. They couldn’t contain themselves any longer. The burst of laughter came as an explosion, causing Richard to slam on the brakes. Both women slid off their seats and ended up on the floor of the car. That brought more laughter when Isabelle’s dreadlocks got tangled.
Richard pulled over to the side of the road. “Are you ladies all right?” He didn’t know what to think or do.
The women straightened up, got back into their seats, and buckled up. “I guess we should have done this sooner,” Isabelle said sheepishly as she clicked herself in. “Sorry, Richard. We just got in a laughing fit. Don’t you pay us no mind. We’re just happy to be away from our husbands. Ya know?”
Richard peered into the rearview mirror. “I suppose. I’m not married.” And I hope I’ll never be . . . at least to anything like you two, he thought to himself.
Primrose Path was just a few short blocks from the hospital, so they had the option of walking, but first, it was unpack, change, and visit Mrs. Brewster. They were hoping one of the other women would have some information on Brewster’s sister in Boulder. Nikki was going to check legal records, and Maggie was checking the press.
When the vehicle stopped at the lodge, Richard assisted the women as they got out, removed their bags from the back of the SUV, and brought them to the front door. He could not get back in the vehicle fast enough and peeled out as Monique/Alexis was waving a twenty-dollar bill.
“Wait! Richard! Your tip!”
He just kept on driving.
Alexis and Isabelle were doubled over with hilarity. “If only he knew what we really did to certain people.” Isabelle could barely get the words out.
Yolanda opened the front door and stared, with her mouth agape. She knew that Isabelle and Alexis were coming. But who were these two?
“Yolanda!” Isabelle blurted. “It’s us. We were practicing for a masquerade party! What do you think?”
“I think I have no idea who you are.” Yolanda looked at them with suspicion. “Miss Annie said to expect Isabelle and Alexis.”
Alexis was the first one to remove her wig. Isabelle followed.
“Oh, my Lord! The two of you had me going there! Come in! Come in! Your rooms are ready. Monte! Monte! Come get the girls’ luggage.” Yolanda led them through the foyer, then into the massive living room with vaulted ceilings.
“I forgot how magnificent this place is!” Isabelle looked out the floor-to-ceiling windows. They afforded a spectacular view of the mountains, still with snow-covered peaks.
“Yes. Stunning,” Alexis said in agreement.
Monte called from the entry. “Hey, girls! Nice to see you! Where do you want me to put your stuff?”
The guest rooms were almost identical, each with a private bath, a balcony, and a view.