Her Very Strict Captain

by Carpenter, Maggie

  “His pharmacy?”

  “That’s where he doles out his goodies. It was a prime target the night of the raid, though I’m sure it would have been emptied.”

  “What about the fourth?”

  “The Chamber of Conscience,” she said, cringing as she spoke. “I’ve never been in there, and just from its name I’m glad I haven’t, but if you managed to get the tracker into one of those rooms, he’d be trapped. The only way in and out is through the round room in the middle.”

  “At these parties you attended, was food and drink served up there?”

  “No, a full bar was available and the guests helped themselves. It was the same in the dining room. No staff allowed, except Rosemary, his housekeeper, but I only saw her there once in a while. There was also a gong. When Sonny banged it, everyone returned to the round room and he’d make an announcement, or give out gifts. He also used it at midnight as the signal for everyone to leave, though sometimes I noticed a few select people would stay behind.”

  “Who was responsible for making sure everything was ready?”

  “Rosemary, she was in charge of all things domestic. She runs his home and travels with him everywhere.”

  “She’s the woman the catering companies deal with,” Scott remarked.

  “Of course she is, and she held the keys to the kingdom in Los Angeles. Sonny adores her. No one messes with Rosemary.”

  “Rosemary Garcia,” he muttered. “I didn’t realize her role was so important. Ewen MacDonald will be checking in soon. From what he’s told me, it’s almost like he’s under house arrest. Maybe he can get the money into one of those rooms in the VIP area.”

  “Highly unlikely, but why do you need the money? Why can’t you just use the tracker?”

  “The tracker won’t be the only piece of equipment inside those packets of bills. Everything Conchello says will be recorded, and sometimes, Elizabeth,” he said, pausing and lowering his voice, “I’m guided by instinct as much as I am by facts and logistics. I have a strong feeling Conchello needs to see the cash.”

  “I totally understand,” she murmured, nodding her head. “Without that sixth sense…”

  “And the more you listen to it, the stronger it becomes, but back to Rosemary. What do you know about her? Does she have a family?”

  “No idea, but I doubt it. She lived at the mansion. Wherever Conchello is, you’ll find her.”

  “I need to contact Frank and fill him in about this mezzanine. We must find a way to get the money and tracker into one of those rooms,” Scott said vehemently. “Thank you, Elizabeth, you’ve done it again.”

  “Done what?”

  “Wowed me.”

  Chapter 25

  With eyes at the shopping centers and marinas at Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie, Sonny Conchello couldn’t understand why there had been no sightings of Dan Miller. With his long black hair, thick mustache, and tall, lanky body, he was easy to pick out of a crowd. Elizabeth hadn’t been seen either, though that was understandable. She’d blend in with all the other pretty girls who graced the islands.

  But Dan’s and Elizabeth’s whereabouts had been suddenly pushed aside. Sonny had just received yet another shocking and deeply disturbing piece of news. The man who had been shot when Dan Miller escaped was Jim Parker. The DEA chief had been on the payroll for years.

  Pacing up and down the luxurious lounge, Sonny’s head swam with troublesome questions.

  Why the hell was Jim Parker in the islands?

  Why hadn’t he returned any calls?

  Why had he been in the van being transported to the airport with Dan Miller?

  More important, what secrets had he spilled?

  Pouring himself a glass of expensive bourbon, Sonny took a drink, then headed to the servants’ quarters. Ewen MacDonald thought he was being nursed back to health by the kindly housekeeper, but Rosemary been there to pick up any tidbits of information he might let slip. So far there had been nothing of note.

  As Sonny walked down the passage, the staff who happened to cross his path nodded deferentially and dropped their eyes. Reaching Ewen’s room, Sonny walked in unannounced. The injured man was on his back with his eyes closed.

  “How are you?” Sonny asked, marching to the side of the bed and looming over him.

  “Hi, boss,” Ewen replied, groaning as he sat up. “Better, I guess. Do you need me for something?”

  “I will tomorrow night, but you’ll have to get some decent clothes. I’ll send someone to your apartment.”

  “Tomorrow night?” Ewen repeated. “You mean you want me at the party?”

  “That’s right, but you’ll be a VIP in my private quarters. You’ve earned it, and in your condition you’ll be a chick magnet, especially when you open your mouth and that Aussie accent comes out. They’ll fight over who will take you home to tend to your wounds.”

  “As wonderful as Rosemary is, I wouldn’t say no,” Ewen said with the hint of a grin.

  “I could happen. Evelyn Poole will be there.”

  “The supermodel?”

  “She just broke up with a guitar player who’s pretty rough around the edges. You might be her type. Samantha Winthrop, that British actress who won the Oscar last year, she’ll be around as well. You need to be well dressed. Make a list and give it to Rosemary. Where are your keys?”

  “On that chest of drawers by the window,” Ewen replied, pointing across the room. “Um, boss, she’s been giving me aspirin, but it doesn’t do much. If I’m going to be hobnobbing I’d like something stronger. Do you have anything by chance?”

  Sonny laughed.

  “Ewen, you know I’ve got a fucking drugstore. What’s your pleasure?”

  “Codeine, I guess.”

  “I’ll make sure you get some.”

  “Thanks. I’m looking forward to this shindig.”

  “So am I, Ewen,” Sonny said with a grin, then grabbing the keys, he turned on his heel and marched through the door.

  * * *

  Scott was speaking with Frank when he received an incoming call marked urgent from his IT specialist. Scott knew Brad Trentham wasn’t given to exaggeration. If the studious young genius thought something was urgent, it was.

  “Frank, I have Brad on the other line,” Scott said hastily. “Sounds important.”

  “Conference me in.”

  “Will do, and I’m putting you on speaker,” Scott replied, wanting Elizabeth to be privy to the conversation. “Hey, Brad, what’s up. Frank’s on the line with us.”

  “That pen we gave Ewen MacDonald might finally be paying off. I just overheard an interesting conversation with Conchello. He invited Ewen to join the VIP group in his private quarters at the party tomorrow night.”

  “Interesting,” Scott muttered.

  “Yeah, I thought so too. Conchello told Ewen to make a list of the clothes he’ll need. Someone will be going to his apartment to pick them up.”

  “Thanks, Brad. Get some equipment in Brad’s place right away. People can let things slip in idle conversation.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Hey, Frank,” Scott continued as Brad left the line, “this is a gift. We have to get those wads of money to Ewen and find a way for him to smuggle them into that VIP area.”

  “I agree. I’ll start tossing ideas around here. Let me know if you come up with anything.”

  “Will do.”

  “That’s overly ambitious,” Elizabeth remarked as Scott ended the call. “How can you possibly get the money, the tracker, and your listening device to Ewen? Even if you can, he’ll never be able to get it up to the mezzanine.”

  “He’s injured, and that might work in our favor,” Scott said thoughtfully. “His chest is bandaged… yes!” he suddenly exclaimed. “I know exactly how to do it, but I have to move fast. Elizabeth, you need to pray. If I can speak to Ewen before he makes that list and gives it to someone, we’re in business.”

  * * *

  Studying his reflection in the mir
ror, Dan Miller felt a wave of emotion. Staring back at him was the man he used to be. His short, sandy blond hair was parted on the side, and fell in perfect layers behind his ears to the nape of his neck. The dark brown, irritating contact lenses were gone, and the soft bangs floating across the top of his newly shaped eyebrows highlighted his green eyes. Without his mustache his sculptured features and full lips were prominent. Dan Miller was history. He looked nothing like him.

  “You’re a heartthrob,” Roxy exclaimed with a happy grin. “I’ve seen transformations before, but this one’s a doozy.”

  Dan smiled, then let out a grateful, satisfied sigh.

  “Thanks, Roxy, this is exactly what I had in mind,” he declared, digging into his pocket and pulling out three one-hundred dollar bills. “Here, you’ve earned every penny.”

  “Thanks a bunch, Danny,” she replied, then tilting her head to the side, she murmured, “Would you be interested in joining this tired hairdresser for a drink to celebrate your new look?”

  “Sure would, though I want to pick up some new clothes first. Is there a men’s store nearby that will still be open? You’re welcome to join me if you want. I could use a woman’s opinion.”

  “Yes and yes,” she replied enthusiastically.

  Leaving the salon and walking only a few doors down, they entered a trendy men’s boutique. Though Dan kept a poker face, he noticed a couple of young women shoot him admiring glances. His ego soared. It had been a long time since girls had given him a second look.

  With the help of an eager salesman and Roxy’s suggestions, Dan left no longer a crumpled mess carrying a canvas tote, but a sharply dressed, well-heeled man with a leather satchel in his hand.

  Transferring the gun, cash, and phone into the expensive bag in the dressing room had been the only nerve-racking moment. The salesclerk had poked his head in just as Dan was moving the revolver. He was only saved because he’d wrapped it in his old T-shirt.

  Feeling better than he had in months, he suggested dinner at an upscale restaurant. Enjoying a delicious meal accompanied by a bottle of chardonnay, he found himself genuinely drawn to the bubbly beautician, and Roxy didn’t hold back. Reaching across the table and taking his hand, she made no bones about her attraction to him. As they left the eatery and ambled down the street, she looped her arm through his.

  “Would you like to come back to my place for a nightcap?” she asked, the sparkle in her eye and flirtatious note to her voice making it clear a drink was the last thing on her mind.

  The thought of devouring her voluptuous body and sleeping in a safe haven was too good to pass up. Abruptly pausing his step and turning to face her, he slid his free hand into her hair, and dropped his lips on hers.

  The kiss sent his heart hammering and his cock surging to life. As he slowly pulled back and gazed down at her pretty face, he realized there was a chance he might be able to swerve off his dangerous path. But there was one thing he had to do before he could exit.

  “Roxy, by any chance do you know anyone who owns a motorboat and would be willing to rent it to me for cash, no questions asked? Not now of course. In the morning,” he added, lowering his voice.

  “I sure do,” she replied with a happy grin. “You’re looking at her.”

  * * *

  Jack had returned, and while he and Scott discussed the details for seizing the encampment, Elizabeth sat quietly, listening intently. Even with David Clark’s invaluable input, there were many elements that needed to be perfectly coordinated. But no word from Ewen, Elizabeth was becoming anxious. When Jack finally left, she ambled up to the telescope, and peered out at the moonlit ocean.

  “It’s hard to believe there’s so much chaos around us,” she murmured as Scott walked up and stood beside her. “Aren’t you the least bit worried?”

  “I’m not worried, but I’m always concerned when I’m going into an elaborate operation.”

  “What about Ewen? Why hasn’t he called? If he can’t get that tracker into Sonny’s private quarters, how will you do it? And listening to Jack talk about capturing the encampment, good grief, it’s so complex. Then there’s Dan Miller. He’s still on the loose. There’s so much going on, how can you not help but worry?”

  “Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair,” he said patiently. “It gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere.”

  A soft smile curled her lips. “Where did you pick that up?”

  “I stole it from a Brit I met overseas. Elizabeth,” he continued, lowering his voice. “I’ve learned most situations are not black and white.”

  “More like varying shades of gray?” she quipped with a wink. “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. What are you trying to say?”

  “Don’t apologize, it’s actually relevant. There’s an adage, see what I see, feel what I feel, hear what I hear, then maybe you’ll understand why I do what I do. Until then, don’t judge me. You may see me as too strict or too demanding, but it comes from…”

  “From what?” she asked, not understanding the odd look on his face.

  “It comes from how much I care. Elizabeth, I love you, every exasperating, gorgeous inch of you.”

  Her heart springing in her chest, she tried to find her voice but her throat constricted, refusing to let her speak.

  “I love you too, Scott,” she finally managed, throwing her arms around his neck. “When I left here and went back to Los Angeles, you were like a shadow following me around. I couldn’t shake you, no matter how hard I tried.”

  “Yeah, I thought about you too, every day,” he mumbled. “You’re not leaving again, and that’s an order.”

  “You don’t have to worry, Captain Scott. I’m not going anywhere.”

  * * *

  Scott was about to seal his words with a kiss when his phone rang. Though loath to let Elizabeth go, he hurried back to his desk.

  “It’s Ewen,” he exclaimed, glancing at the screen then snatching it up. “Hello?”

  “Hey, Scott, I assume you overheard Conchello inviting me to his private quarters at the party tomorrow night. Is that any help to you?”

  “Yeah, it’s great news. Have you given them the list of clothes you want from your apartment?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Listen carefully. This is what you’re going to do.”

  “That’s bloody brilliant,” Ewen declared as Scott finished speaking. “I can pull that off, no problem.”

  “Great, I’ll start the tracker at precisely 11:15 p.m. The money must in place by then.”

  “No worries, mate,” Ewen replied confidently.

  “I don’t know what kind of deal we can work out when this comes to an end,” Scott said solemnly, “but I’ll do my best for you.”

  “I’ve worked for assholes my whole life, but I’ve never met anyone like Conchello. I’m bloody grateful you’ve given me a way out.”

  “I suspect you’re not alone. Working for the devil, things must get pretty hot.”

  “They do, and speaking of things getting hot, I have to call you from my bathroom and I’ve been in here too long already.”

  “Go, and good luck.”

  “Luck is for rabbits, mate, but thanks.”

  “That sounded encouraging,” Elizabeth said as the call ended.

  “It was,” Scott replied as his phone rang again. “Now what?” he muttered, looking back at the screen. “It’s Sam, one of my team. He’s picking up the Jeep. Hey, Sam, what’s up?”

  “Someone broke in. They found the key in the cigar holder and cleared out the contents of the hidden storage area.”

  “That’s crazy! I didn’t get an alert!”

  “That’s weird, but it’s not the only thing. The passenger seat has been pushed all the way back and lowered as far down as it can go, like someone used it to sleep in.”

  “Pull prints and run them through the data base starting with Daniel Miller, and look for long black hairs.”

  “You’re shittin’ me,” Sam excl
aimed. “You think Miller was in this Jeep?”

  “Nothing would surprise me at this point, and Sam, leave it the way you found it. Whether it was Miller or someone else, they can’t know we discovered the theft. If they do they won’t turn on the phone. That’s the only way we’ll know where they are.”

  “Gotcha, I’ll pull the prints and see if I can find those hairs, then take off.”

  “Get me those results yesterday.”

  “You bet, boss.”

  “You think Dan broke into the Jeep,” Elizabeth asked with wide eyes as Scott ended the call.

  “Yep, and if I’m right, he now has cash, a phone, and a loaded gun; speaking of which, is there something you forgot to tell me?”

  Chapter 26

  Elizabeth’s face burned hot.

  Averting her gaze, she tried to think of something to say, but everything that sprang to mind sounded feeble.

  “Let’s start at the beginning,” Scott said patiently. “You decided to see if you could find the entrance to Conchello’s encampment off the beach. Being a cop, you’re used to carrying a weapon going into dangerous situations. How am I doing so far?”

  “Uh, yeah,” she muttered, thinking he didn’t seem as upset with her as she’d thought he would be.

  “You figured you might find a gun in the supply closet, and you did. Fortunately you had no use for it and returned it when you got back. My only question is why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Even though I needed it, I didn’t feel right taking it. I guess I was embarrassed,” she admitted. “But I was going to tell you at some point. I just never got around to it. I’m sorry, Scott. I shouldn’t have gone hunting for it in the first place. Please don’t be mad.”

  “I’m not mad, not exactly,” he said with a growing frown. “It’s just… it’s very important we’re straight with each other.”

  “I know, and I—”

  “The point is,” he continued, interrupting her, “I know I can be tough, but I don’t want you to be afraid of me, or afraid to talk to me, not ever, not about anything. If I’ve made you feel that way, I’m sorry.”