Hamilton Stone's Blog, page 2
December 30, 2012
Global Superspa
The first chapter of Global Superspa available with Global Superstar and Superstar Resurrection on Amazon
Ed was on a temporary stage set up in the heart of London’s Mayfair. It was the opening night of the first ever Global Superspa. He had just performed a track from his critically acclaimed new album and the whole of the West End was at a standstill. Kaine had promised a surprise like no other. To make sure the world’s media watched, pictures had deliberately been leaked of Lillian Simone, a well-known British film star from the 1950s, looking rejuvenated and amazing. There had been back-to-back coverage of her transformation with several sceptical news commentators declaring that the pictures must have been heavily air brushed.
Conspiracy theories about Kaine’s recovery had flourished on the Internet, everything from the cancer being a publicity stunt, to him being dead and his much younger brother passing himself off as Kaine. Some were convinced he was really a vampire or alien from outer space.
Ed looked to Kaine, who nodded.
Ed went backstage to take Lillian’s hand and guide her out into the blinding flashbulbs. She looked stunning in a backless dress, her svelte figure and demeanour that of a woman in her thirties.
Lillian stood transfixed by the attention as tears of joy rolled down her flawless face.
A minute or two later, caught up in the hysteria, she twirled and posed enjoying every second of her comeback. Just two months before she had been an absent-minded recluse, relying on a team of carers as she struggled to even walk across her bedroom to use the toilet. Kaine had always enjoyed her films and had contacted her offering her the chance to be at the opening of the London spa. He had three newly rejuvenated American actresses lined up for the LA opening, a sporting hero from the 1950s for the opening in New York, and a Cold War politician for Moscow. The other openings were delayed until later in the year as the schedule had proved tiring and time-consuming.
Kaine walked out and took centre stage with Ed and Lillian either side of him. It took several minutes for the crowd to calm down before he could speak.
‘Tonight we have made history… and as you can see… the results speak for themselves.’ Kaine pointed to Lillian, who jumped up and down excitedly, blowing kisses, before continuing. ‘We are at the forefront of a technology that is about to transform the lives of millions.’
‘ONLY FOR THOSE THAT CAN PAY!’ Someone in the crowd shouted.
Kaine ignored them. ‘As you know, tonight we open the world’s first Global Superspa. Ed and I are leaving first thing in the morning to be at the New York opening of America’s first at midday local time. Then we fly on to Los Angeles for the opening of the world’s first mega-spa, Global Superspa LA… we’ll fly to Moscow the day after. We have a surprise at each opening, although I am sure you’ll agree with me when I say it will be hard to surpass the ever-lovely Lillian here.’
Everyone cheered as Lillian, overcome by the attention, paraded along the stage and shimmied at the crowd, her famous breasts back to their perky best.
Kaine and Ed laughed and cheered along. It took several minutes for the cheers to die down so Kaine could continue. ‘As you know, photos were disappointingly leaked of Lillian’s transformation prior to tonight’s opening, but I am certain that our surprise guests tomorrow will be kept tightly under wraps. In fact I can guarantee it! To be honest with you I’ve been left with practically no security of my own!’
Everyone knew Kaine’s security was legendary. It had been suggested recently that Kaine’s security bill now surpassed even that of the President of the USA. Although if the truth be known it could have been run a whole lot cheaper and more successfully if control freak Kaine left things up to his head of security, Vladimir, and did not micro-manage everything down to the last detail.
Kaine and Ed turned and walked into the spa, followed by a few carefully selected news anchors, sports presenters and weather forecasters from the following morning’s news programmes. They all gasped excitedly, marvelling at the luxurious surroundings. Each of them were taken to a private room where they were given a complimentary massage, facial, pedicure, and manicure followed by a different dose of the panacea depending on how old they were. All under the eagle eyes of Kaine’s security team.
The next day the UK woke up to see an exuberant news team who remarkably all looked the same age, despite their massive age differences. And each and every one of them was only too happy to extol the benefits of attending a Global Superspa.
December 29, 2012
Global Superstar
Prologue
The overwhelming panic within her turned to relief when he opened his eyes and smiled.
‘I knew you wouldn’t let me down,’ he said.
Later, while dressing, he remembered the pain and all-consuming feeling of sorrow. By contrast, the next task seemed easy, it would take time, a lot of luck and once again her help. She had been at the beginning – her actions had sent everything askew – it was only right she would be at the end.
He kissed her lightly on the brow as he left.
She slumped to the ground and wept… her penance was not over.
Chapter 1
Now
Ed Harvey, global singing superstar, made his way through Los Angeles airport surrounded by bodyguards, his assistant and the usual array of paparazzi. The trip had been an enormous success by any usual standards. He had toured Asia, Africa, South America, Europe and finally North America to rapturous reviews. In a year he had grown meteorically from an unknown into the biggest-selling singer in the world and had all but signed a contract to feature in a film that promised to be massive. He removed his sunglasses and checked himself closely in the mirror of the restroom in the first-class lounge. After weeks of late nights he had lines around his eyes, and the usually taut skin around his jaw was slackening. It was barely discernible to anyone else, but Ed felt anxious. He quickly replaced the sunglasses.
A flurry of adoration enveloped Ed as he boarded the plane. A pretty stewardess giggled when Ed thanked her for showing him to his seat. A usually arrogant ‘seen it all’ businessman took furtive sideways glances at Ed; even the hard-bitten, overly made-up dragon of a Cabin Services Director swooned at the newly crowned triple-A-list VIP.
A steward bustled over. ‘Champagne? Freshly squeezed orange juice, sir?’
‘Just water and ice please, mate,’ Ed answered. He closed his window shutter and turned his face away from the prying eyes all around.
The sooner the plane touched down in London the better.
