“You’re one of the last people I expected to see here tonight,” she told him.
“Sometimes I surprise even myself.”
“If you’re looking for Flipper, he’s at the pool tables.”
“I’ll go back there in a minute. But first I wanted to talk to you.”
“Oh? Didn’t you jab me enough during the debate?”
His face reddened as if he was embarrassed. Interesting.
“About that, I owe you an apology for the way we ganged up on you,” he replied. “In fact, I’m sorry for the way I’ve treated you in general. My parents didn’t raise me to be a judgmental ass, but I’ve been acting like one.”
“Why the change of heart?”
“Seeing the way so many people put themselves out there to support Flipper and Kelsey made me wonder if they’d do the same for me. And I realized I hadn’t earned that kind of loyalty. I’ve made a lot of mistakes lately, and I hope it’s not too late to make things right.”
“How do you propose to do that?” She didn’t intend to let him off the hook just yet.
“I’d like to start by congratulating you and Flipper on your engagement.” He pulled an envelope out of his pocket and handed it to her.
“What’s this?”
“Open it.”
Tara ran her finger under the flap and then pulled out a seventy-five-dollar gift card for Catch of the Day, one of the trendiest restaurants in Gulf Shore.
“Ooooh. You’ll love that place,” Dani enthused. “That’s where Evan took me for our first real date. The food’s wonderful, and you’ll love the decor. There are tanks everywhere teeming with all sorts of marine life.”
“This is very thoughtful of you, Kenshin, but it’s too much,” Tara insisted.
“You, and especially Flipper, deserve it. Please, keep it and enjoy yourselves.”
“Keep what?” Flipper asked with an edge to his voice as he set his palms on Tara’s shoulders. She handed him the card, and confusion crossed his face. “Is this a peace offering?”
“Yes. As I was just telling your lovely fiancée, I want to make amends for my abysmal behavior.”
Flipper’s eyes narrowed. “Why?”
“Because you and I were good friends once and I miss that.”
“So you think buying us a nice meal will smooth everything over?”
“No, but it’s a start. Look, I’ve been going through some stuff of my own lately that I’d rather not get into right now. Suffice it to say I shouldn’t have taken out my troubles on you or anyone else.”
“What about Tara? Because she and I are a package deal.”
“If you love her, she must have a lot of good qualities.”
“What’s going to happen the next time I disagree with the aquarium’s policies?” she asked Kenshin.
“Hopefully we can sit down and discuss it like mature, rational adults.”
“That’s all I’ve ever tried to do, but you rejected my overtures.”
Kenshin gritted his teeth before offering a forced smile. “I was wrong to do that. I can’t promise you’ll sway me to your viewpoint, but I’m willing to listen.”
“I’m taking you at your word,” Flipper said. “Don’t disappoint me. Now, have a seat. Evan and the rest of you, come back over here, please.”
As they returned to the table, they appeared unsettled to find Kenshin there and looked at Flipper expectantly.
“I want you all to hear Ken answer this question.”
“Nothing like putting me on the spot, man.” Kenshin surveyed the sea of faces staring at him. “But let’s get it over with so the party can continue.”
“The million-dollar question is, will standing up to Wesley come back to bite us in the ass at a later date?”
“I can’t answer that with absolute certainty, O’Riley, but I don’t think so.”
“He had to have been royally pissed.”
“He was, especially after I told him I agreed with all of you.”
Kelsey’s eyes widened along with everyone else’s. “You told him that?”
“I certainly did. I owe you an apology, Kelsey, and you, too, Flipper. I should’ve spoken up sooner. I doubt I could’ve changed his mind without Sitara and the others stepping up, but I should’ve at least tried.”
“So why didn’t you?” Monica pressed.
“Too worried about my own hide, I guess. And I’ve always wanted to work with pilot whales. I think they’d be a wonderful addition to Dolphin Inlet.” He held up his hand when they started to protest. “Only under the right circumstances.”
“A lot of people have lost respect for Wesley over this,” Flipper said.
“I know. But don’t forget all the good he’s done. He’s poured so many resources into our conservation and rehab efforts. He’s made sure everyone at GSA makes a livable wage and has the benefits they need. And despite what just happened, he cares about our standing in the industry and the community. His eyes lit up when I pointed out that releasing the whales will generate positive publicity, create goodwill among the public, and boost the reputation of our rehab unit.”
Monica smirked. “That’s a no-brainer.”
“Yeah, well, some of us are slower than others at recognizing the obvious,” Kenshin acknowledged. “So, can we please turn the page on this one?” He made eye contact with everyone in the group. “Can I stay and have a beer and some wings, or should I scurry out of here with my tail between my legs?”
Tanner Presley, the Turtle Lagoon curator, smiled impishly. “We’ll be glad to let you drink with us as long as you buy the next round.”
“Done. It’s a small price to pay to be back in everyone’s good graces.”
“Redemption isn’t automatic,” Monica warned.
“I guess you would know.”
Her boyfriend hugged her from behind and glared at Kenshin.
“That’s right, pal, and if you work even half as hard as she has to make amends,” Cosby fired back, “there may be hope for you yet.”
*
More than an hour later, Jo reclined in her seat and rubbed her belly.
“Well, that certainly was an unnecessary orgy of eating and drinking. But it sure was fun.”
Kelsey looked a little green around the gills. “I should’ve skipped that last glass of beer. I’m feeling woozy.”
“Am I going to have to give you a piggyback ride out to the car?”
Kelsey’s expression went a little dreamy. “Would you?”
Jo all but puffed out her chest. “Of course. Whatever you need, sweetie, you know that.”
“You two make me want to barf.” Gina Martino, a marketing specialist at the aquarium, made a gagging sound as if to prove her point. “And it has nothing to do with your sexual preference.”
“You’re just jealous,” Kelsey accused with a slight slurring of her words.
“Oh, really. Of what?”
“Of the way my partner’s always here for me while your Jeremy is…where did you say he was again?”
Gina ground out the words as though crunching rocks. “With his freaking mother, as usual. I’m seriously thinking about giving him a choice: Her or me.”
“If you do, you’d better be prepared for the consequences,” Jo advised. “Most people don’t take well to ultimatums.”
“It’s to the point where I’d almost rather be alone than be stuck with a guy who refuses to cut the umbilical cord.”
“What about all his money?” Kelsey said.
“He’s been hinting not so subtly about a prenup.”
“He asked you to sign a prenuptial agreement?”
“Not yet, but I’d bet my paltry paycheck it’s coming. And his mother’s insinuated a few times that I’m only with him because his family has money, the old battle ax.”
Jo narrowed her eyes. “Aren’t you?”
Gina glared. “I can’t believe you asked me that.”
“Hey, it’s a fair question. You’re always talking about how
stinking rich they are.”
“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean…are you even listening to me?”
Jo gave a slight shake of her head and continued to stare at something behind Gina.
“What the hell is he doing here?” the detective murmured.
Gina turned and perused the people sitting at the tables in rows across the room.
“Who?”
“Higgins,” Jo answered.
“Who’s that?”
“Officer Stan Higgins.”
Tara jerked up her head and followed the direction of Jo’s gaze. The man stood over by the jukebox, glowering at them.
“You don’t think it’s a coincidence he’s here, do you, detective?” Tara asked.
“No, I don’t. It’s time Stan and I had another chat.”
Kelsey grabbed hold of her arm as Jo stood. “Let it go. We’re here to have a good time, not get into a hassle with some jackass who wants to blame everyone else for his troubles.”
Jo leaned over and kissed the top of her partner’s head. “I let it go when he showed up at the shooting range. But here he is again, watching us with that insolent expression on his face. I’m not putting up with it.”
“Please, baby. Ignore him.”
“I can’t. And stop worrying. Everything will be fine.”
With that, Jo set her jaw and marched over to the jukebox.
*
Seeing Kelsey’s distress, Flipper jumped out of his seat and followed Jo. He caught up to her as Higgins berated her in crude fashion.
“—nosy-ass dyke. This is a public place, and you have no goddamn right to fucking tell me I can’t be here. I’m not bothering anyone, so go the fuck away and leave me the hell alone before I report you for harassment.”
Flipper’s arm shot out, but before he could grab the punk by his shirt, Jo elbowed the trainer aside and stepped in front of him.
“Try to touch me again, asshole, and I’ll have you in cuffs for battery on a law enforcement officer,” Higgins taunted Flipper. “Maybe while you’re sitting in jail you’ll come to your senses and dump that crazy-ass bitch you’re screwing.”
Jo was barely able to hold Flipper back this time, but she managed with the help of Scott the bodyguard, who’d come flying over from a nearby table with Evan close behind him.
“You’re not on duty, idiot, nor are you acting in a professional capacity,” Jo reminded Higgins. “And this has nothing to do with you being a cop and everything to do with you being a troublemaking little prick. Now, why are you really here tonight?”
“You’re not my fucking supervisor. I don’t have to put up with this shit from you.”
“Unless you want another black mark on your service record, I suggest you lose the attitude and heed this warning, because it’s the last one you’ll get. Go home and don’t let me catch you near Kelsey or any of our friends again.”
When Higgins launched into another profanity-laced tirade, grabbed Jo around the throat, and began to choke her, Flipper and Evan tackled him, knocking Higgins to the peanut-shell-littered floor. They grappled and got in a few punches each before Jo and Scott pulled the men apart. Higgins continued to struggle as Scott held him while Jo called for a cruiser to transport the disgraced officer to the police station.
As luck would have it, two colleagues patrolling nearby were quickly dispatched to Barb’s. The detective began gathering names and phone numbers of witnesses as Kelsey fretted about the darkening bruises on Jo’s neck. Tara fetched an ice-filled towel from the bartender and insisted on holding it against the growing knot on her lover’s forehead.
“Flipper O’Riley, if you don’t hold still you’re going to the hospital to have your head examined,” she threatened.
“It won’t do any good.” Evan clamped his hand on his squirming friend’s shoulder to keep him still. “No CT scan in the world is strong enough to detect any brains inside that impenetrable skull of his.”
Flipper cursed beneath his breath, earning him a light smack from Tara.
“Ouch,” he yelped. “I’m injured, remember?”
“Oh, really? Then why do you keep telling me you’re fine?”
Evan smirked. “You’re busted, dude.”
“Shut up.”
“Flipper!”
“I wasn’t talking to you, honey, I was talking to dillhole.” Flipper jerked his thumb at Evan.
“Hey, don’t call my baby a dillhole,” Dani chided.
Evan leaned over and kissed her. “He can’t help it, pumpkin. He’s got a head injury.”
“You’ll have one, too, if you don’t knock it off.” Flipper’s grin contradicted his warning.
“Boys! And I do mean boys,” Jo cut in. “O’Riley, if you can tear yourself away from your bluster buddy, Officer Krazinski will take your statement when he gets here.”
“Make sure you guys question Higgins about the trouble at the aquarium,” Flipper suggested. “I can’t help but think he’s involved.”
“I have my suspicions, too. It wouldn’t surprise me if he intended for Tara to be implicated for what he was doing. Hey, Scott, Evan. Don’t go away. Krazinski or his partner will need to interview you, too.”
“No problem. Listen, Flipper, if you get finished before I do, stay put. I don’t want you and Tara heading home without me,” the bodyguard directed.
Flipper sighed. “Fine, but we’re running out of bad guys. Tomorrow I’m going to insist that Wesley cancel your services. You’ve done a great job, but I’m ready to get my life back.”
Chapter 38
Tara was yawning by the time she slipped into the back of Scott’s Hummer and half asleep when they pulled into the driveway at the cottage. Usually she humored the bodyguard while he checked out every inch of the interior before deeming it safe enough to leave them alone inside. But the scuffle with Higgins and the intense questioning afterward by Gulf Shore’s Finest had left her bone-weary. She wanted nothing more than to curl up in bed with the man she loved.
After Scott went off to “secure the exterior perimeter”—and people thought her speech was stilted—Tara changed into a black tank camisole and matching boxers while Flipper stripped down to his underwear. She considered buying him something sexier, like maybe a mesh bikini or a tight-fitting trunk, but doubted he’d wear it. He was one of those basic white briefs kind of guys. At least he didn’t wear silk boxers in paisley and floral prints like Steven did.
“You keep staring at me like that and we won’t get much sleep tonight.”
“W-what?” Tara blinked to find Flipper grinning at her.
“You were staring at me like you know what I look like without these briefs.”
“Well, I most certainly do.” Her cheeks turned pink when he winked. “Oh. You were…and I didn’t realize…” You dolt, stop being so literal.
Flipper began to rub her back. “Relax. As upsetting as that whole thing with Higgins was, he’ll finally get what’s coming to him. Jo will see to that.”
“If he gets booted off the police force, he’s liable to be more vindictive than ever.”
“How about we put those worries aside for at least a little while and get some rest? C’mon. Lie down with me and close your eyes. You’ll be snoring before you know it.”
“I do not snore.”
“Whatever you say. But I wasn’t complaining. Those little noises you make are awfully cute.”
“You’re an odd man, Flipper O’Riley.”
“I guess that’s why we’re such a perfect match.”
“Yes, apparently it’s true that opposites attract. Something tells me we’re going to have a very interesting life together.”
“Never a dull moment,” he agreed. “Now into bed with you. That’s a girl.”
They kissed and then fell asleep, comfortable and secure in each other’s embrace.
*
Flipper wasn’t sure what woke him, the sound of shoes on the pine plank flooring outside the bedroom or the chill that crept up his b
ack. He slipped out of bed and into a pair of jeans, and then padded to the door on bare feet and shut it behind him. Clutching a softball bat he’d snagged along the way, he skirted the dinette set and poked his head into the kitchen.
Nothing.
He whirled around when he thought he heard a scratching noise and stayed still, straining to catch any further sounds.
Nothing.
If an intruder was in the cottage, there weren’t many other places to hide. Flipper prowled into the living room and peeked behind the furniture.
Still nothing.
And then he noticed something that made his stomach drop to his toes. The bedroom door that he’d so quietly closed only moments before now stood wide open. Blind terror seized him as he imagined a knife-wielding lunatic looming over Tara while she lay unsuspecting beneath the covers. Panic overrode common sense and he charged into the room—only to find her slumbering away undisturbed.
He had only a moment to process that seemingly peaceful scene when pain exploded inside his skull and his world went black.
*
Tara’s eyelids shot open when she heard a loud thump, and her heart took off at a gallop when she saw someone standing in the darkness at the foot of the bed.
“Flipper?” she asked, although she instinctively knew it wasn’t him.
Suddenly a bright light blinded her. She threw up a hand to shield her eyes and tried to tamp down her mounting fear.
“Who are you, and what do you want?” she demanded with as much bravado as she could muster. “And where’s Flipper?”
“He’s, shall we say, napping on the floor,” came the reply.
Tara’s heart nearly stopped. “What did you do to him?”
“Nothing much, just introduced him to the butt of my gun. Funny, but I thought his head would be harder.”
Tara threw back the covers, but the voice froze her before she could bound off the mattress.
“Stay right there. And keep your hands where I can see them. I’d hate to have to put a bullet in that pretty head of yours.”
Tara held her hands in the air and tried not to hyperventilate. “If it’s money you want, we don’t have much. But I’ll scrape together what I can if you’ll go away and leave us alone.”
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