by Cherry Laska
She was thrilled that the band sounded great. They were playing the instrumental and soft sounds she’d selected for a soothing ambiance while the guests ate, drank, and talked around the small high-top tables. When everyone was ready to hit the dance floor a few hours later, the easy listening music would be replaced by hits from the seventies, eighties, and nineties.
Jessica made her way through the crowd greeting the guests. “Senator, so glad you could make it.” She extended her hand, and he shook it gently.
“My wife would never allow us to miss one of your parties. You—”
As he spoke to her, someone across the room caught Jessica’s eye. It looked like Joe. She tried to angle her head to see around all the people walking through the room.
“Jessica? Are you all right?”
“Oh yes. So sorry, Senator. I saw the servers bringing something out that isn’t quite right, and I need to attend to that. Please, forgive me.”
“Not to worry, my dear. I understand.”
She made her way through the crowd, trying to locate the man she’d seen. Suddenly a hand touched her and spun her around for an embrace. She was in the arms of Farah Page, the wife of one of WGI’s biggest clients.
“Well, look at you. You look too good, you bitch. What did you have done?” Farah was serious, but not malicious. They’d known each other for fifteen years and had always gotten along well.
“You crack me up. If you can’t tell, I’m not giving it away.”The reality was she hadn’t had any work done. They’d been talking for a few minutes when Jessica caught sight of the back of the man she’d seen earlier. His size and movements matched Joe’s. She offered excuses about problems with the kitchen and promised to find her friend after things settled down. When Jessica got to the spot where she’d seen the man she’d thought was Joe, he wasn’t there. She peered through the crowd again and came up empty. It must have been wishful thinking. She had to focus on playing the hostess anyway, so she pushed Joe out of her mind.
Jessica made her way around the room greeting and catching up with WGI clients until the music stopped, and the violinist said, “Everyone, please put your hands together to welcome our host. May I present the Chief Executive Officer of Whitley Global Investments, Mr. Anderson Whitley.” The crowd applauded. Jessica made herself do the same while he made his way across the stage to the microphone.
“Thank you, everyone. Welcome.” The applause continued. Anderson smiled and waved as he waited for the noise of the crowd to die down. “WGI is so happy all of you could join us tonight. We’re delighted for the opportunity to show our appreciation to you for your continued commitment to the WGI family. WGI is proud not only to share this wonderful weekend in beautiful Miami with all of you but also to make a twenty-five thousand dollar donation to the Parkinson Foundation.”The guests clapped even louder. “Now, before the wonderful Fountainebleau staff serve dessert and we turn up the music, I’d like to thank our senior executive vice president, Laura Crawford along with everyone in our events department for making tonight and this weekend so incredible.”
The spotlight found Laura in the crowd. She’d gone all out this year. Her dress was spectacular, her hair and make-up had been professionally done. She gave a wide smile and waved.
“And of course, I’d like to recognize the excellent party touches made by Jessica Whitley. Thank you, Jessica.” A spotlight found her. She nodded and tried to look as gracious as she could. Party touches? Whatever. She laughed. This was her new mantra when it came to anything dealing with Anderson. She was sure by next year’s event Anderson would come up with some sob story that left him smelling like a rose and painted her as the villain. She wasn’t worried about it. She knew the truth and would make sure anyone important to her did too.
“So, without further ado, enjoy!”
The band started playing a slow country song. The lead singer was strumming a guitar with his back to the audience. He turned around and started singing. It was Mark. Jessica stood mesmerized. He was really good. From behind her came a whisper in her ear. “May I have this dance?”
Warmth instantly spread through Jessica at the welcomed, familiar voice. She slowly pivoted. “I’d be delighted.”
“You are—” Joe sucked in a breath, “a vision.” Jessica was wearing a floor length, turquoise dress. It was a simple design, but it was exquisite on her. He took her hand and led her to the dance floor. The band started playing a slow tempo. Mark began singing, drawing the words out in a sensual way.
“When you look at me,
my heart skips a beat.
When you smile that way,
can you feel the heat?”
Jessica had always loved dancing with Joe. He was an exceptional dancer. He moved around the floor in a way that would sweep any woman off her feet. She could feel his muscles working with grace and strength as he commanded the lead.
“What are you doing here? Did you find something?”
“I’m consumed by you.
My soul cries your name.
I crave all of you.
I hope you feel the same.”
“Yes.”
“You don’t honestly think Anderson is involved do you? I mean seriously, Joe.”
“I don’t think it’s likely. It may be unknowingly. There’re multiple suspected connections to Zircone in Miami. Some are here tonight. We’re doing our jobs and following up on all the leads, Jess. I hope you aren’t upset with me.”
The female backup singer joined in with Mark.
“I dream of you
every day and night,
I want to hold you close,
and plan our life.”
Jessica could never stay mad at Joe. Truth was her anger had vanished the moment she heard his voice when he asked her to dance. She smiled at him. Joe let out a breath and relaxed.
Jessica said, “I’m surprised you didn’t tell me you were coming.”
He brought her close and whispered in her ear, “This song is one of my favorites. I requested it for us. Feel the music. Listen to the lyrics.”
“I’ll whisper sweet, sweet things
to win your heart.
You are my soul’s desire,
right from the start.
Let go, hold on,
give me your touch.
Let go, hold on,
hold on to me.”
Jessica started to say something, but Joe cut her off. “Please, Smoke, sshhh. Feel the music. Listen to the lyrics.”
She let go and held on, getting lost in the moment.
“My heart belongs to you.
You are my happiness.
I promise my everything
if you’ll love me too.
“Let go, hold on,
give me your touch.
Let go, hold on.
Hold on to me.
Hold on to me.
Hold on to me.”
It couldn’t have been more perfect until Jessica saw Anderson approaching them as the song ended. Shit, she thought.
“Jessica,” Anderson said, more charming than he’d been in her presence in a while. “I’m glad you’ve met my new client. Besides being a wise investor, I see he’s quite the dancer.” He looked at Joe. “You won’t mind keeping my wife entertained while I take care of some business, will you, Mr. Romeo?”
“It would be my pleasure,” Joe said.
Anderson headed off, slapping backs, shaking hands, and kissing cheeks as he went. A new song was starting up.
Joe’s eyes had that mischievous look. He said, “This will give us more time to talk and more time to dance. Hold on to me.”
The innuendo was there. Jessica leaned closer and caressed his back. She felt him tense. It was nice to know she had that effect on him. Oh my, she thought. We’re in it deep.
After dancing to Mark’s impressive version of the iconic Smokey Robison’s One Heartbeat, Joe led her off the dance floor. She looked around and was glad to see the guests were all loosening
up. In planning the party, she had made sure there were plenty of servers and bartenders. At the beginning of the night, she’d talked with each bartender personally to ensure they wouldn’t pour weak drinks.
“So, you’re really a WGI client?”
“I am. I have extra money to invest. The wealth management division of WGI is reputable, comprehensive, and has performed well. Plus, being a client provides me an opportunity to keep an eye on the asshole.” He smiled, and then got a more serious look. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”
He placed his hand on the small of Jessica’s back to guide her. Her dress had a very low-cut open back. Joe’s thumb made contact with her bare skin causing a rush of warmth to shoot through her. He cleared his throat. “Introduce me to a few people.” He maneuvered her past a crowd at the dessert bar. “Very nice party by the way. I’d expect nothing less.” Coming from Joe, the sincere compliment meant something. It was a statement of his belief that she did everything well.
“Thanks.” She smiled up at him. They were headed toward a group waiting for hand-rolled cigars. Jessica recognized a few of the men. “So, who is it you want to meet, and what do you want me to tell them?”
“I want to meet Juan Benitez and Carlos Lopez. We know these guys have strong personal and business ties to Cuba and possibly ties to Santiago Suarez. What I want you to tell them about me is the truth,” Joe said and laughed at the shocked look on her face. “Relax. Not all of the truth. Only that I’m a new client, I mentioned I like a good cigar, and you think I’m sexy and irresistible.” Ever so slightly, he caressed her lower back, moving his thumb that was still in contact with her skin.
When they reached the group, the men all turned to greet their hostess. “Gentlemen, hello. I’d like you to meet a new friend and fellow cigar lover. This is Joe.”
The men shook hands and introduced themselves. All, that is, except for Carlos Lopez. He had just been given his cigar and headed out to the patio to smoke it.
“Joe, I’m Juan Benitez. Mucho gusto. So, you have become a client of Anderson’s? He will take good care of you. What line of work are you in?”
Joe started telling his backstory, which was fully supported and documented by the agency in case someone decided to do an on-the-spot search on him. Working undercover in today’s world with the instant availability of information demanded that precautions be taken. The CIA, FBI, all other U.S. agencies, as well as many police departments, had increased their number of techies by at least twenty-five percent in recent years. The alphabets were full of techies these days.
While Joe worked on getting information from Juan, Jessica grabbed a freshly rolled cigar and followed in the direction Lopez had gone. She found him sitting alone on the terrace at a small table. “May I?” Jessica said. He looked up at her with wide eyes. “Carlos, don’t look so surprised. You remember I love cigars, don’t you?”
“Why, no. Please, join me.”
“The aroma of the leaves is intoxicating. As a little girl, I used to try to get close to my father and his friends when they were smoking their cigars to smell the smoke. Whose idea do you think it was to have the hand-rolled cigars here tonight?” She raised one eyebrow and gave him a look with her head slightly cocked.
“Well then, I owe you a thank you. Muchas gracias.”
“De nada.”
Jessica sighed. “These are good, but Cubans are my favorite.So smooth the smoke just rolls and plays in your mouth.” She smiled. “I really like Bolivar Belicosos. To me they’re the best full-bodied figurado on the market. Did you know they’re crafted right in the heart of Cuba within the old Partagas factory in Havana?”
“Yes. I’ve been there.”
“Lucky you.” Jessica picked up the guillotine embossed with the WGI logo and cut the end of her cigar as she talked. “Belicosos are so flavorful with their complex profile. I love that they start out with a woody and floral taste then the flavors roll to fruit and spice. Such rich, bold, and incredibly smooth flavor. I miss them. My source stopped being able to get them for me.”
“Hmmm. You love them like that, do you?” He held up his torch for her. She held her cigar just above the flame and puffed until it was lit. “Can you keep a secret?”
“Sure,” Jessica said, thinking she could keep the deadliest secrets. She just wouldn’t be keeping his.
“I may be able to help you with that,” Carlos said in a lower volume.
“Really?” She was trying her best to keep him fully engaged and focused on her. More people were coming to the patio to smoke their cigars. “Please, do tell me more.” She scooted her chair a little closer, so he could keep his voice low.
“I may get shipments from relatives still living in Cuba from time to time.” His voice was just above a whisper.
“Oh, Carlos, you devil you. I love it. When? Any chance before we leave this weekend?”
“I happen to have some coming in tonight. I’d be happy to share with you. I’m proud of what my native country offers.”
“Gracias, Señor Lopez. Voy a estar en deuda con usted.”
For the second time that evening, Carlos looked at her in surprise. “Your accent. It’s very good. I would swear you were Cuban.” He smiled slyly and replied to her comment. “No wonder you have love for my cigars. But no, you would have no debt to me.”
Jessica eyed him while taking a long pull on her cigar. “I find myself in love with each country’s most precious, indulgent things. I love to smoke a Cuban cigar anytime, but especially after a French gourmet meal with heavenly wine. There are some bottles I just can’t get.” She needed to find out if Lopez had anything to hide. She paused, purposely trying to make him a little uncomfortable. “Do you have any associates in Paris, Carlos?” Her question coupled with her body language seemed to do the trick.
His eyes danced around nervously seeing who was around them. “No,” he said curtly. He put out his cigar carefully to preserve what remained. He placed the cigar in a slim case, put it in his pocket, and then more congenially he said, “I’ll have the cigars delivered to your penthouse in the morning. Now, if you will excuse me, I must go find my wife. If she sees me smoking cigars with such a beautiful woman, she’ll be very jealous. She’s Cuban and shall we say, very passionate.”
“I understand, Carlos. Buenas noches.”
He bowed his head slightly and went inside. Jessica hadn’t been lying about her love of cigars. She used to try to inhale her father’s smoke as a kid. As an adult, it had been a Grey Winds tradition to smoke a cigar in celebration of a successful mission. She had great memories from all over the world. She enjoyed two quick deep draws of her cigar, then went to find Joe.
When Jessica got to him, he smelled the smoke on her. The corners of his lips curled upward. She leaned in to him and quietly said, “I might have something. Carlos Lopez is getting regular shipments in from Cuba. One is coming in tonight. He also seemed jumpy when I asked about a French connection. How about you?”
“Benitez talked a lot about investments but nothing to indicate he was smuggling anything, even when I pried in that area.”
“I’m going to find out from Adam if Customs has anything.” Out of the corner of her eye she saw Anderson approaching again. He didn’t look happy.
“A client was thanking me for the cigars. Imagine my surprise when he said my wife seemed to like them too.” Anderson actually leaned toward her and sniffed loudly. He made a horrified face and growled through clenched teeth, “Jessica, you stink. Go freshen up.” He realized a moment too late Joe was standing there and had overheard everything. Anderson tried to laugh and pretend he’d been joking. All three of them knew he’d been serious and two of them knew he was a total ass. Anderson was quickly distracted by one of his biggest clients and slipped away before noticing Joe’s disapproving scowl.
Joe communicated to the team via their coms that Jessica had something. He was going to follow her up to her suite and report more in a few.
56
“COME ON, ADAM. PICK UP. Pick up.”
As Jessica listened to his phone ring, she went into the penthouse’s master bathroom to brush her teeth. Cigar breath could be nasty. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror with hair in an updo and in her gown. She would be glad when this night was over. The line connected. She could tell by the background noise and sound quality that Adam was speaking through his flight coms system.
“Hey. How’s it going?”
“Did you find anything on Carlos Lopez? He has a shipment coming in from Cuba tonight that we’re very interested in. It’s likely he’s connected to Santiago Suarez.”
“Funny you should say that. One of our informants tipped us about the same thing. We’re en route to intercept now, but there’re several targets on the radar. Wait, who is “we” and how do you know people connected to Suarez? He’s a bad dude. Oh, wait. Never mind. Forgot I agreed not to ask.”
Joe appeared in the mirror. Jessica hadn’t heard him come in.
“Adam, I know I haven’t told you much, but I need you to trust me. I need to be there when these guys are apprehended. I’m at the Fountainebleau. Can you pick me up?” Of course, she knew this was totally against regulations, and Adam could get in some trouble, but lives were at stake. “I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t critical.”
“Hold on,” he said. After what seemed like ten minutes, but was actually less than one, Adam came back on and said, “We’ll pick you up at Pinetree Park. Be there in twenty-five or I can’t help you.”
Jessica was already kicking off her heels. “Thanks, Adam. I’ll be there.” Putting her phone down, she shook out her hair from the up-do and threw it into a simple ponytail. She tore her dress off over her head. Jessica saw Joe staring and read his expression. She couldn’t blame him. She was sun-kissed, toned, and wearing a pretty, open-back teddy.