by Mac Fortner
Chapter 31
Kailey and I sat on the patio. I told her about Robin.
“I guess I should disappear for a while,” she said.
“Is that what you really want to do? That’s not you.”
“I want to do what will make you happy.”
“Good, then stay right here. You are no longer a fugitive. The charges have been dropped.”
“They have?” she said surprised.
“Yep. You’re as free as a bird.”
“Then she better stay away from my man,” Kailey said more animated.
I laughed. “Don’t worry.”
“Do you still love her?” Kailey asked.
I thought for a minute. “I still love the memory of her.”
“Yeah, I could see how you would. I kind of love the memory of her too.”
“She has a new boyfriend.”
“Good. I hope they will be happy,” Kailey said with finality.
I laughed again.
“What are we going to do about Tracy?” Kailey said.
“That’s a good question. If we could just find out who she really is and why she wants me so bad, we could find a solution.”
“I think Robin should run her fingerprints,” Kailey said. “I don’t have much faith in Toby.”
“I was thinking the same thing.”
We each took a drink of whiskey.
“What did you and Jack talk about in the hot tub for so long?” I asked.
“Are you jealous?” she joked.
“Yep.”
“We didn’t talk. We were naked you know.”
“I know, but I wasn’t worried. You love me too much,” I said.
She just laughed.
Now I’m worried.
~***~
The next morning we were awakened by knocking on our patio door.
“What the hell,” I said looking at the clock. It was six-fifteen.
Kailey jumped up and grabbed her gun.
“Calm down,” I said. “It has to be Stacy. No one else is allowed in here this early.”
Kailey slid her gun back under her pillow.
“You have to get rid of that thing,” I said. “It could get you in a lot of trouble.”
“I did get rid of the one I shot Barona with,” she said. “This is a new one.”
I got out of bed and slipped on a robe.
When I pulled the curtains back, I saw Chief Leland and two officers standing on the patio.
I slid the door open.
“Good morning,” I said. “What’s the problem?”
“Sorry, Cam but we have a warrant to search your boat. We received an anonymous call last night that you had drugs on board.”
“Drugs?” I said.
He turned to his men and said, “Search it. Don’t destroy anything.”
I stepped aside and allowed them to enter the boat. They began in the living room and meticulously searched every nook and cranny.
We heard an officer yell when he opened the bedroom door. He slowly backed out of the room. Kailey appeared with her gun pointed at the officer's nose.
“It’s okay Kailey,” I said. “They have a warrant.”
She lowered her gun. “The next time you walk into my bedroom unannounced you’ll get shot,” she said.
“I’m sorry ma'am,” the shaken officer said. “Didn’t know anyone was in there.”
“There’s two more asleep in the bedroom upstairs,” she said. “I’ll go get them up. He’s not as gentle as me.”
When Kailey left the officer turned and looked at me. His face was at least two shades lighter than before. I just shrugged my shoulders.
Jack walked into the room five minutes later demanding to see the warrant. Chief Leland showed it to him.
“We’re here because we have to be,” the Chief said. “It’s the law.”
“Chief.” One of the officers said from the bathroom. “Come here and check this out.”
The chief went into the bathroom and returned with a plastic bag wrapped in duct tape. Pieces of the tape were hanging off the edge. It appeared it was taped to something.
“What’s that?” I said, but I had a bad feeling I already knew.
The Chief raised his eyebrows and laid the bag on the island countertop. He drew a knife from its holder next to the sink and sliced a small slit in the bag. Using his finger, he dabbed the white powder inside and tasted it.
“Cocaine,” he said.
“That bitch,” Kailey said from the doorway. “She used the bathroom the other day when she was here. She put it there.”
Sheriff Reynolds appeared at the patio doorway.
“Chief,” he said. “Why are you doing a search of Mister Derringer's home without informing me first?”
“Morning Toby,” he said. “I didn’t know I needed to run this by you.”
“We were working this together. It’s called professional courtesy.”
“You’re welcome to join in on the search,” the Chief said. “We’ve already uncovered a bag of cocaine.”
Toby stood there red-faced.
He waved at two of his deputies. “Search the boat,” he said.
“Wait just a damn minute,” I said. “Are the two of you forgetting that I happen to be a lawyer? You can’t come in here trying to outdo each other at my expense.”
They both stopped and looked at me. “As of now Cam, you’re not a lawyer,” the Chief said, “You’re a prisoner. Someone read him his rights.”
The Sheriff’s Department joined in the search while I was being handcuffed.
Toby went back out on the patio and lit a cigarette. He stood on the edge of the deck and placed his foot on the rail. “It’s just not right framing an innocent man,” he said under his breath.
He was watching a school of fish playing in the water next to the boat when he noticed a small buoy at the end of the anchor line.
Squinting his eyes, he could see the buoy had something tethered to it by a snap ring. That was unusual he thought. He looked around. No one was watching him. This might be his chance.
He turned and leaned on the railing with his back to the water. Fifteen minutes later the Chief appeared with Cam in cuffs.
“I’m taking him in Toby,” he said.
“You know as well as I do those aren’t his drugs,” Toby said.
“You’re probably right, but what am I to do?”
“Forget the coke for now. He’s not going anywhere. He’s already out on bail for the same charge.”
The Chief thought it over for a minute.
“Can I trust you Cam?” he said.
“Where would I go? I’m not skipping on a million dollar bail.”
“Toby, if he does, I’m holding you responsible.”
Toby raised his hands in a surrender gesture.
“Okay, Cam. At least until the trial,” Leland said.
The Chief and his men left. I couldn’t believe they let me slide on the coke possession.
“Thanks, Toby,” I said. “You didn’t need to put yourself out there.”
“I have my reasons,” he said.
“You do? What might those be?”
“In good time Cam. In good time,” he said and motioned for his men to leave.
“I’ll see you later,” Toby said and tipped his hat to Kailey.
“Tootles,” Kailey said.
Kailey came to my side. “That’s weird,” she said.
“Yeah, they’re up to something,” I mumbled under my breath.
Diane came into the room, “I taped it all,” she said. “Just in case.”
“Good. We might need that tape.”
Chapter 32
At two o’clock the plane landed at Key West International Airport. My stomach was in knots.
I watched as Chad and Robin walked through the gate toward the luggage pick-up.
Robin saw me watching her and ran to me. She threw her arms around me and kissed me full on the lips. I returned the gesture.
“Good to see you,” I said.
“You too, Cam. I almost forgot how handsome you were.”
Chad appeared at my side.
“Hello ‘ol boy,” he said.
“Chad,” I said and hugged him.
“Where’s Kailey and Diane?” Robin asked.
“They’re at the boat getting your quarters ready along with some wine and snacks.”
“I have a room reserved at a hotel,” Robin said. “I don’t want to crowd Kailey.”
“Nonsense,” I said. “Kailey said she missed you. You’ll stay with us.”
On the ride to the boat, I filled them in on the morning's events.
“Damn, Cam,” Robin said. “Can't you keep your nose clean for a little while?”
“I guess not,” I said.
“We'll get working on this right away,” Chad said. “Do you know where the boy who set you up in the park lives?”
“Yeah, I do. But I don’t think it would be wise for me to go there.”
“Not you,” Robin said. “Me.”
“That’s good,” Chad said. “I can’t talk to him because I’m Cam's lawyer, but you can.”
“Yes, I can and in an official capacity. I filed a report on this case before I left L.A. I’m on the job,” Robin said.
“Thanks, both of you.”
We turned into my parking lot.
“Is that a Naval destroyer?” Chad said.
“That my friend is a gift.”
“Shit,” Robin said. “Do you think Kailey would want to adopt a slightly older daughter?”
Kailey and Diane met us halfway up the dock. They all hugged. My nerves were starting to settle a little now. Maybe this won’t be so bad.
“Where’s Alexis?” Kailey asked Chad.
“She might be here next week. She has some things to take care of first,” Chad said.
“Does she know I’m here?”
“She knows.”
“Well, let's go to the boat and get you two settled in,” Diane said. “We have drinks and food.”
“Good,” Robin said. “I could use both.”
~***~
Toby watched as the five of them returned to the boat. It wouldn’t be dark for six more hours. He decided to go home get a little sleep and return around eight o’clock.
~***~
We had a few drinks, caught up on the events of the last couple of months and ate a light snack.
“Don’t overeat,” I said. “We're going out tonight. I’m buying supper.”
“The last time you bought me supper it was at Arnie's hotdog stand,” Chad said.
“Yeah, I miss that,” I said.
“You miss the memory,” Chad said.
Kailey looked at me and then at Robin. I knew what she was thinking.
“Have you practiced your golf game any?” Kailey said to Chad.
“No. After you beat us so bad, I sold my clubs.”
We laughed.
“Robin, can I show you around the boat?” Kailey said.
“Sure. I’d love to see the rest of it.”
They excused themselves and went in for the tour.
“I’m going to shower and make myself pretty for tonight,” Diane said.
“Jack will think you’re pretty no matter,” I said.
“And he would be right,” Chad said.
“Enough of the bullshit, boys,” she said and left.
“So, how’s married life treating you?” I asked.
Chad looked deep in thought for a few seconds.
“Since her father was killed, Alexis has been a little distant,” he said. “She’ll come around, I’m sure. I think she just misses him.”
“Yes, she probably does.”
“Does Kailey ever talk about William?” Chad asked.
“Occasionally,” I lied. “The trauma from him being murdered caused her to lose the baby a few weeks later,” I said, lying again. She was never pregnant. She only said she was to gain access to more of his money. Which she deserved.
“That’s too bad,” Chad said.
“So, how have you spent your billions since you married it?” I said.
“I haven’t had time to spend much of it. New car, new golf clubs. Don’t tell Kailey, and a few little things here and there,” he said.
“Kailey bought me this little boat, and I’ve ordered a new airplane, which I will pay for with some of the money you gave me,” I said.
“Let me buy it for you,” Chad said. “I’ve made enough since we’ve been talking to get it.”
“Thanks, but no thanks. Kailey offered too. It’s time I grow up and buy myself something,” I said.
“Well look at you, all grown up.”
“Yeah, that’s me.”
Chapter 33
Tracy couldn’t believe Cam was still a free man. He should have been booked after they found the drugs on his boat. It was going to be harder than she thought. The idiots didn’t even find the jewels fastened to the anchor line.
The murder weapon has his fingerprints all over it, and they haven’t even mentioned that. It was clear they were going to need some more help.
Tracy listened to the bug she planted on Cam’s boat. They were getting ready to go out for supper. The boat would be abandoned for a few hours.
At seven-fifteen she heard them making preparations to leave. She drove down to the dock area next to theirs. She cringed as her tires crunched the gravel in the lot. She parked the car among others trying to stay hidden from view. Another half hour and it would be getting dark. She waited another hour after seeing their car leave the dock.
The night was muggy, as usual. It reminded her of a hit she did down in New Orleans one July evening. The sweat was running down her face into her eyes blurring her vision. She thought about what her brother had taught her. If the conditions weren’t just right, change them. She remembered backing away from the sight and wiping her eyes with a damp cloth.
With the conditions corrected her target came into sight. She focused the cross-hairs on his head and squeezed the trigger. It was another easy twenty-five thousand dollars.
Now the conditions were right again. It was time for the icing on the cake.
She slipped on her wet-suit and staying low made her way to the ladder at the end of the dock. She checked her pocket for the key-it was there.
The ladder was slick with years of scum built-up on it. She gripped tightly and eased into the water not wanting to draw any attention to herself.
Swimming to the boat she suddenly heard a large splash off to her left. She stopped and tread water while searching the surface. Over there, she said to herself. It looks like someone swimming, or is it a porpoise? Whatever it is, it was large.
She tread water as softly as she could while she watched the thing swim toward the boat.
It went straight to the anchor line and stopped.
“No way. You better not,” she whispered to herself.
A minute later the thing swam back in the direction from which it came.
Tracy breast-stroked toward the area it was heading. She didn’t want to be seen, but she did want to see. Someone was stealing her gems. How were they going to find them on Cam’s boat if they weren’t there?
When she was close enough, she stopped and watched. A towering figure was climbing the ladder to the dock. Halfway up it slipped and fell back into the water. What a fucking calamity.
Whoever it was, was too fat to make it up the ladder on the first try. He grasped the ladder again for another attempt. This time he was successful. Tracy could see him now, Sheriff Reynolds.
“You son of a bitch,” she whispered. “I’ll fucking kill you for this.”
When Toby left the area, Tracy swam back to the boat. She climbed the rope and slid over the railing. She needed to hide the key to Danny Russell's house somewhere where those idiots could find it.
A small trophy sat on a bookcase. It said WORLDS GREATEST BOYFRIEND. No doubt from that crazy Ka
iley chick.
Tracy dropped the key in and left the boat. She had to find that son of a bitch that just ripped her off.
~***~
We were sitting outside at Spencer’s By The Sea. A beautiful view of the beach and water held our attention as we sipped our cocktails.
All three of our women were dressed in fashionable short and low-cut dresses. They turned heads as we were shown to our table.
I ordered lamb, lobster tails and shrimp cocktail for the table. Chad threw in an order of whole snapper. We shared it all.
“I have to admit it, Cam,” Chad said. “This is one of the best snappers I’ve ever tasted.”
“You’re starting to get into the swing of things already,” I said. “And it’s your first day.”
“Yes,” Robin said. “I’ve always loved this place.”
Kailey felt a knot forming in her gut. Robin and Cam have a history. They know each other quite well. I only have sex and murder to relate to.
“Kailey,” Robin said. “I must say you have great taste in yachts. That’s the most beautiful boat I’ve ever been on.”
Kailey shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “It’s only a boat,” she said. Then she stood and left excusing herself.
“What was that?” I said.
“That was a girl in love worrying about losing her man,” Robin said.
“I had better go check on her,” I said.
“No, let me,” Robin said standing. “I’ll be right back.”
Chad, Jack, and Diane looked at me.
“What?” I said. “I didn’t do anything.”
“Exactly,” Diane said.
“Kailey needs reassurance,” Chad said. “She’s a strong woman, but that doesn’t count in love.”
“I knew this wasn’t going to be easy, and when did you learn so much about women?” I said.
“Since I married one,” Chad said.
“Kailey,” Robin said, catching up to her outside the entrance of the restaurant.
Kailey stopped and turned toward Robin. She had a tear running down her cheek.