Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 121696 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 608(@200wpm)___ 487(@250wpm)___ 406(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121696 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 608(@200wpm)___ 487(@250wpm)___ 406(@300wpm)
“Her brother is talented. He was invited to present his portfolio to an influential art school.”
Sean’s nails cut half-moons into his palms. “Which you own, right?”
“No. It’s a ghost company. A fake front.”
“She needed money for this expensive fake school, money she could earn by opening a spa. It just so happened you knew and bought the right spot, not to mention the convenience of knowing that Juan Hernandez needed a massage therapist for his party.”
“Actually, I planted the idea of getting a massage therapist in Leona’s head. Of course I had to pretend I was Garcia when I called.”
“She could be killed!”
“You’re there.” Cain looked him over. “You’ve got … skills.”
“Which have just gone dormant.”
“What do you mean?” Joss asked in his rough voice.
Sean wanted to punch that French accent right out of his mouth. “The wife, Jeanne.” He threw daggers at Cain. “Remember?”
“Yes?”
“Juan shot her this morning. Sharks are chomping on her body as we speak. To make a long, boring story short,” he said sarcastically, “when Jeanne threatened Asia this morning with a gun in her face, I tried.” He paused, swallowing down humiliation and anger. “Nothing.”
“Interesting.” Cain exchanged a look with Joss. “Have you heard of anything like this before?”
Joss shook his head.
“Bottom line,” Sean pushed his palms on the table, bringing him and Cain on eye level, “my power doesn’t mean shit. You pull her out. She’s an innocent woman.”
“Women have always made the best weapons,” Cain said.
Sean took a breath to steady his nerves. He straightened slowly. “I won’t let you use her.”
“Go back to the island,” Cain said, “and explain to Asia what we need. Between the two of you, I’m sure you’ll find a way of getting me what I want. Then we’ll pull both of you out.”
Sean narrowed his eyes. “Are you blackmailing me?”
Cain ignored the question. “Just keep your emotions in check. Now that you care for the girl, it’s easier to screw up. There’s a lot more at stake now, at least for you.”
He wanted to jump over the table and strangle Cain. “Let me get this straight. First you offer her my bar to get me to that island, and now you’re offering me her safety, if you get your information.”
Cain sighed. “It’s hard to keep up with this game. The rules change so fast.”
Joss picked up the tablet and handed it to Sean. “I believe you still have other business to take care of before you head back.”
Sean snarled. He wanted to rip off their heads, but there wasn’t another option. He couldn’t turn to the police or the government. Juan owned them. Besides, if they found out who he was, he’d be dead before the end of the week. If he could find out where Godfrey was hiding, Asia would be free.
He snatched the tablet from Joss’s hand. “It better be working now.”
Suzie arrived with two espressos just as Sean stormed to the door.
“See you on Friday,” she called. “I’m sick of standing in for you.”
Lann stood aside for Sean to pass, his yellow eyes holding no emotion.
Sean checked his watch with dread growing in the pit of his stomach. He had half-an-hour to make his unneeded purchases.
Back on the island, the first thing he did was search out Asia. It was only after four. She was supposed to still be working, but the spa was dark and locked. Just to be sure, he went to their hut, finding it empty. It had been a long shot. Juan would never let her stay there now.
With nowhere else to look, he walked to the restaurant. The guests played volleyball on the beach. Those who didn’t participate were betting on their team and cheering them on.
He found Leona at the unmanned dining room bar with an empty glass and a bottle of Jack Daniels in front of her.
He glanced around to ensure they were alone. “Where’s Asia?”
She looked at him only briefly before fixing her attention on the glass. “Do I look like her guard dog?”
“She’s not in the treatment room.”
“Try Juan’s room,” she said with a sarcastic tone before pouring a shot and downing it in one go. She made a face.
“You’re the one who’s supposed to know what’s going on. You always have tabs on everyone. Tell me where she is.”
She jerked her head up. “Everything’s been shot to hell since this morning.” Her hand trembled as she poured herself another four fingers of whiskey.
“You heard?”
“Yeah, I heard. Everybody heard. They’re all acting goofy and peppy, but everyone is waiting for the next bomb to drop. Fuck.” She lowered her head into her hands. “I didn’t sign up for this.”
“Keep it together,” he said tightly. “Do your job and it’ll be fine.”
She downed the liquor and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “I’m sick of this.” She got up. “See you at five. Don’t be late.”