by Mac Fortner
“I’m sure we will,” Chad said, wondering if she knew for certain.
“Who do you think the target is?”
“I don’t know. It worries me that Kailey was bending down when she was shot. It was like Bloodshot missed his target,” Chad said.
“I don’t know why anyone would want her killed.”
“Who would have anything to gain?” Chad asked.
“That’s a good question. If she and dad separate, she only gets five million dollars. That’s not enough to quibble over,” she said.
“What would she get if your father dies?” Chad asked.
“Five million either way. She’s much richer with him alive.”
“Would you receive his fortune?”
Alexis looked at Chad with suspicion. “Are you trying to say I would be better off if dad died?”
“No, no. I’m just trying to make sense out of all this. I know there is no way you would want your father dead.”
They both took a drink of wine.
“Cam said something that makes me wonder though,” Chad said, “He thinks the target hasn’t been shot at yet. Eric told him someone would die. To make it look like an accident from the game it would have to be someone new.”
“What about Brady Osborn? He was killed.”
“That wasn’t done by Bloodshot. They have the rifle he was murdered with. Not the same type Bloodshot uses.”
“Maybe Senator Frasier was the target, and the rest was to make it look like a game gone wrong.”
“I think he would have just made the hit and left town. The rules in Canada didn’t say that every target had to be related with each other. But here we’re all getting hit as a group, other than the few that were actually killed.”
They drank again. Alexis leaned over and kissed him.
“Now that is much better than talking about Bloodshot,” he said.
“I think so,” she said and removed her clothes.
Chapter 48
.
Chad and Alexis picked me up in the limo promptly at six. We picked Robin up fifteen minutes later. She was wearing a long black dress, split up the side almost to her waist, and cut down in the front almost to her waist, exposing her beautiful cleavage. The gold belt seemed to be holding everything in place. She looked good enough to eat. She wasn’t in the mood for that, though.
“Hello sweetie,” I said as I opened the door for her and bent down to kiss her.
“Hello,” she said but dodged my attempt to kiss.
She slid into the limo and kissed Alexis and Chad.
I said, “I see you’re still not happy that I held back from you.”
“Is there anything else I should know?”
“No. That about covers it,” I said, sounding a little perturbed myself, “but, if I could find out all of this, why didn’t your crackerjack team come up with anything.”
“Okay you two,” Alexis said, “get it out in the open and talk about it.”
“He held back valuable information about the Bloodshot case,” Robin said.
“Oh that,” Alexis said. “Chad told me all about it. Chad even accused me of wanting my father dead, and then he made mad passionate love to me.”
“I did not,” Chad said, “at least not the part about accusing you.”
“Sounded like it to me.”
“Okay you two,” I said.
They laughed. I thought I saw a smile creep into the corners of Robin's mouth.
“Okay, Cam. I’m not mad at you. I’m just hurt a little,” Robin said.
“I know I should have told you earlier, but I really don’t trust your team.”
“Well, I hope you can trust them tonight because they’ll be at the party.”
“How did you get them invited?” I asked.
“I didn’t. They’ll be outside watching.”
“You’re afraid Bloodshot will be there tonight?” Alexis said.
“It would be a good opportunity for him,” Robin said.
“I don’t think that’s necessary. He’s probably still in the Keys somewhere,” Alexis said.
“I don’t think so,” Robin said.
We arrived at the Arlington estate. It was decorated beautifully.
Lights were strung around all the pine trees, and a series of spotlights were shining up, onto the house, making it look larger and even grander than it already was.
William and Kailey had gone all out. I looked at Chad and shook my head.
“Wow,” Alexis said, “I’ve never seen it look so majestic.”
“It’s breath-taking,” Robin said.
We were among the first to arrive. The party seemed to be taking shape on the back lawn. As soon as we stepped onto the patio, Kailey spotted us and came our way. I was worried. She looked as though she was on the hunt in her red sequined mini dress which was also cut down the front exposing even more than Robin.
“Hello Alexis, Chad,” she said and kissed them both on the cheek.
She then kissed Robin full on the lips and the same for me. “Hello you two,” she said sultrily. “So glad you could make it.”
When Robin regained her composure, she said, “We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Your house looks lovely,” I said.
“Thanks. Of course, I had nothing to do with it. It’s not my territory.”
Awkward silence.
Kailey placed her arm in mine, nodded her head toward the bar and said, “Let’s go get some drinks. It’s going to be a big party.”
Everyone followed me, being dragged by Kailey, to the bar.
When we stopped at the bar, Robin came up to my other side and put her arm in my other arm. Now that’s a really awkward moment.
“I’ll have a glass of bubbly, sweetie,” Robin said in the southern accent she used on me down in the Keys.
“I’ll have a soda,” Kailey said in a schoolgirl's voice.
I turned and looked at Chad, who looked as though he were enjoying my predicament, way too much.
Chad stepped beside Kailey and tried to engage her in conversation. All he got from her were one-word answers.
“Who did your decorating for you?” Chad said.
“Veto’s,” Kailey said and tightened her hold on me.
“Have you used them before,” Chad asked.
“No.”
I looked at Robin. She gave me a strange look. I couldn’t tell if she wanted to kill me, or if she wanted to fuck me. My better sense told me, she wanted to kill me.
“Well, glad to see y’all arrived early,” William Arlington said, as he patted me on the back.
I tried to shake his hand as I said, “Hello Bill.”
I couldn’t get my right hand away from Kailey. That left his hand hanging in mid-air waiting.
“Kailey, for God’s sake, let go of him for a minute,” Bill said.
She did, but she never moved away from my side.
We shook hands. Bill didn’t seem disturbed.
“Any news about Bloodshot?” Bill asked.
“Nothing yet,” Robin answered. “We’re still working on it.”
“We have extra protection here at the party tonight,” I said. “You know, all of us being together.”
“Yes, it would be an excellent opportunity,” Bill said. “I know about your FBI men watching us. My guys spotted them as they arrived.”
“If they could spot them, I’m sure Bloodshot could too,” I said turning to Robin.
She said, “We also received word about Bill’s men.”
“Touché,” Bill said.
“Well, at least we know we have protection,” I said.
“Cam, do you mind if I borrow Kailey for a few minutes?” Bill said.
“Not at all,” I said, placing my hand on her back and edging her toward Bill.
She went, reluctantly.
“I’ll talk to you guys in a few minutes,” he said, and took Kailey by the arm and led her away.
“Alexis,” Robin said,
“Would you mind showing me through the house?”
“Not at all,” Alexis said.
“Excuse us, gentlemen,” Robin said. “I think you guys need some time to yourselves.”
We did.
Chapter 49
Chad and I circulated through the party. It was starting to get crowded now, and I was worried Bloodshot might be here. I realize I could be wrong. He might not be anywhere close, but this was a good chance for him to find everyone together.
~***~
Andrei’s phone vibrated. He read the text.–[FBI]
Of course, they’re here. I wouldn’t have expected anything less of them. Not that it mattered.
Andrei moved into position. He was two streets over, far away from the FBI and Bill’s guards. This spot had a perfect opening through the houses and trees, which to find his target. He opened the small sliding window on the side of his van and assembled his rifle. He then attached it to the swivel holder and adjusted the sight. He could see Kailey’s nipple when she turned just right. What a beauty. I really hated to shoot her.
~***~
I saw Bill and Kailey standing alone on the patio. It looked like a friendly conversation. I was glad of that.
“They don’t look like they’re talking about you,” Chad said.
“Hope not.”
“She’ll be back soon enough to have another go at ya’,”
“Yeah, I know.”
Robin and Alexis returned with fresh drinks in their hands.
“What a beautiful house,” Robin said.
“I know. I wouldn’t mind moving in with Alexis and Chad someday.”
“I bet you wouldn’t,” Robin said, “Especially if mommy would stay.”
The three of them laughed.
“You think that’s funny, but I could get killed,” I said.
“Don’t worry,” Robin said, “It’s just a schoolgirl crush.”
“I’m going to get another drink,” Chad said, as he put his arm on Alexis’s back.
“Alright,” I said, “We’ll meet up with you again in a while.”
I walked Robin to the opposite end of the patio.
“I need to tell you one more thing,” I said.
“I thought there was more.”
“It’s Kailey. She picked me up today as I was walking back to the office. She overheard Alexis and Bill talking about Bloodshot. It sounded to her as if one of them, if not both, are involved with him some way. She wanted me to prove them innocent.”
“Did she say what it was she heard?”
“No,” I lied again. I didn’t want Bill to get investigated for murder on hearsay.
“She just said if I checked into it, I might be able to prove her wrong,” I said.
“Maybe I should talk to her,” Robin said.
“No, don’t do that. I have a line of communication with her, and if you say anything to her, I’ll lose it.”
“Um huh,” Robin said, “you sure do. Now is there anything else you need to tell me?”
“No,” I lied once more. It was becoming a habit.
My cell phone rang. It was Jack.
“Yes,” I answered.
“You might be right about James,” he said.
“How so?”
“I looked at the obituary and also found a picture of Brady from ten years ago at a fundraiser in Arizona. Brady had a two-inch scar under his right eye. James doesn’t.”
“So you think Brady and James swapped lives?” I asked.
“It looks that way. That’s probably why he was paid monthly,” Jack said.
“Thanks, Jack, will you keep looking? It could be life or death.”
“I’ll call you as soon as something else comes up,” Jack said.
“Goodbye.”
I hung up and looked at Robin.
“Okay,” she said, “What else haven’t you told me?”
I filled her in on James and Brady.
“You do amazing work,” she said. “I should be mad again, but you’re right. Why didn’t my men discover any of this?”
“They’re not as involved as we are. No skin off their nose.”
“We need to find Bill. He might be a target for tonight,” Robin said.
“Maybe, but Alexis could also be the target. Bill killed Brady’s brother. An eye for an eye.”
“Shit. Let’s go,” she said.
“You go find them, but don’t tell Bill that Brady is still alive. Now that he knows where he is, he might have him killed before the night’s over,” I said.
“Alright, but it’s going to come out sooner or later,” she said. “What are you gonna do?”
“I’m going to take a look around. If Bloodshot is here, I’ll recognize him.”
“Be careful,” Robin said and kissed me.
“Don’t start that right now. The way you look tonight I might not be able to help myself,” I said.
Robin went back toward the party, and I walked toward the road. The ground here was a little higher and gave me a better vantage point from which to see everyone. I took the opportunity to call McNally.
“McNally,” he answered gruffly. I could tell the cigar was in his mouth.
“It’s Cam. I’ve got something for you,” I said.
“It’s about time,” he said.
“Really? What have you found?” I said.
“Never mind that. What you got?”
I told him about James and Brady.
“What ya want me to do?” he asked sarcastically.
I hung up. I don’t have time for the tough guy routine.
I watched the party. Everyone seemed to be having fun. If Bloodshot is down there somewhere, he would fit in easily. Then I realized, he would be a sitting duck if he fired a shot from down there. I turned and looked around the area outlining the property. I instantly spotted two of the FBI men and one of Bill’s guys. They weren’t any further away from the party than I was.
I began to walk up the street. Where would I hide if I were Bloodshot? I could easily hit my target from five hundred yards. The further, the better.
The lots across the road were large, and all contained mansions. The sawgrass grew in the areas they didn’t need or want to take care of. It was also a protected area for wildlife. A perfect cover for a sniper.
Using the twilight darkness, I walked across a field and came to another street. More mansions and more sawgrass.
I turned to look back at the Arlington estate. I could see the party, but not all of it. A house blocked most of my view.
I looked up and down the road. North seemed to offer the best chance of opening to a view of the whole party. I walked that way.
I came to another smaller road that curved off to the right, away from the party. I looked down the street I was on and saw nothing, so I took the smaller road.
About a hundred yards down this path, I thought I saw someone move in the tall grass. I ducked and pulled my gun from my belt holster.
I had lost sight of the movement, but another fifty yards away, parked on the street, was a black van.
Chapter 50
Robin searched for Bill and Kailey. They were nowhere to be found. She saw Chad and Alexis talking with another couple, laughing and drinking. That’s what a party is all about.
She decided to search the house for Bill before she talked to Alexis. She found them in the kitchen going over the menu with the caterers.
“Hello, Bill, Kailey. I’ve been looking for you two,” Robin said, being cheerful so as not to alarm them.
Kailey moved to Robin’s side and placed her arm through Robins.
“I’m glad you’re here to save me,” Kailey said. “I hate all this planning stuff. Bill is better than I am at it. Why don’t we go get a drink and let him handle it?”
“Well,” Robin said, “I really need to talk to Bill.”
“Aw,” Kailey pouted.
“Let me have him for a minute, and then we’ll get that drink,” Robin said.
&nbs
p; Kailey perked up, “Okay,” she said lively.
Bill excused himself from the caterers and took Robin's arm leading her to his study.
“Yes my dear, how may I help you?” Bill said.
“It may be nothing, but we’re worried that Bloodshot might be here. We received word that there was a break in the case, but what it is, I don’t know yet.”
Bill thought for a minute, then said, “We have plenty of security here tonight. If he shows up, we’ll get him. I can’t hide at my own party.”
“What if the target isn’t you, but Alexis?”
Bill turned white, “What do you know?”
“Nothing for sure, but the word I received was that it might be one of you,” Robin said.
“I have to find Alexis,” Bill said and stormed out of the room.
“Bill,” Robin said sternly.
He turned.
Robin said, “Don’t cause a scene. Let’s get her together. We don’t want to create a panic. It might set things in motion.”
“Hurry,” he said.
They left the study and stepped onto the patio. Kailey was waiting for them there.
“Ready for that drink?” she said.
“Not right now Kailey,” Bill said.
“Wait, Bill,” Robin said, “you stay here with Kailey, and I’ll get Alexis. It will be better that way.”
“Bring her here,” Bill said.
“What’s going on?” Kailey asked.
“Just stay here by me. I’ll fill you in later,” Bill said.
Robin left to get Alexis.
~***~
I kept my position in the tall grass. I couldn’t see anyone moving, but I was sure I had. I looked at the van again. It was getting dark, but I could swear there was a gun barrel sticking about six inches out of the window.
Bloodshot. If he’s in the van he would have a perfect view of the party, but who was in the field?
I decided to take a chance and move closer to the van. I saw the grass move again. This time it was closer to the vehicle. Was it Bloodshot returning to the van? I crouched and approached faster keeping an eye on the grass where I last saw the movement.