by Diane Rapp
Kent shook his head. “No need to worry Pete, the doc gave me a good supply of pens to carry. I put a couple in my fanny pack but hope they serve beef tacos for lunch.”
Paul announced, “I checked the menu. You should be good to go with beef and chicken fajitas, tacos, and enchiladas. They don’t even offer fried fish so the oil shouldn’t be contaminated.”
Everyone seemed relaxed, and Jason hoped there would be no reason for alarm. They donned orange life vests and walked toward the rounded end of the nearest pool. He saw Natalia in another pool, standing along an underwater ledge, intently listening to instructions from the trainer. The Asian twins giggled as dolphins swam past and let them stroke a soft underbelly. The artistic girls struck photogenic poses for the cameramen above.
Keeping her large hat on, Shirley stepped forward and held out her hand. She squealed when the dolphin rose vertically to touch her palm. Everyone laughed as the dolphin chattered at her and leaped in an arc. The instructor asked Natalia to step forward, clutch the neck of her life vest, and bend forward. The dolphin popped up to give her a “kiss” on the cheek which made Natalia grin.
The sound of photographers rapidly clicking pictures from above made Jason realize those photos would garner high prices. He used his underwater camera to snap a few candid shots of Natalia’s group before he entered the pool.
Tim introduced himself to the twins. He said, “I thought I was seeing double but I guess I don’t need my eyes checked.” The twins chuckled. Tim stood between Felix and Kent as the men gathered along the underwater ledge. He asked, “Did either of you ever wonder about your real families?”
Felix said, “I consider my adopted parents to be my real family. It was interesting to find Matt, and hopefully, we’ll develop a friendship in the future.”
Tim blushed and fiddled with the strings to his life vest. “How about you, Kent?”
Kent said, “I enjoy getting acquainted with Pete. We’d better pay attention to the trainer now.”
The woman trainer explained several behaviors that the dolphins had learned and demonstrated each stance the group would use. After the demonstration with the dolphins, she allowed each person in line to stroke the dolphin’s rubbery-smooth skin as it swam past. Then the group retreated to the rocky wall and one person at a time stepped onto the ledge to interact with the dolphins alone.
Time flew by and danger seemed non-existent as dolphin smiles infused joy into the entire group. Jason “shook fins” and got splashed when he delivered a jump signal to the dolphin. He laughed as the rounded nose gently touched his cheek in a “kiss” but the whole magical experience ended much too soon. They climbed a long ramp and entered a photo shop.
Natalia sat at a computer screen as she waited for Jason in the shop. She clicked the keyboard to scroll through each photo from their group and grinned like a little girl. Jason’s gaze scanned the room and noticed that the chubby man named Tim stood inspecting photos with a gaunt-looking woman at his side. They reminded him of a childhood rhyme:
Jack Spratt could eat no fat.
His wife could eat no lean.
And so between them both,
They licked the platter clean.
Jason sat down on the stool next to Natalia. She whispered, “These prices are outrageous. Still, I think I’ll buy a few.”
He chuckled and admitted, “I snuck a few shots of your group with my new underwater camera, so don’t waste too much money.”
“I can afford a few pictures. I really like the fin-shake and the one where the dolphin kissed my cheek. See this one? The female dolphin is pregnant and the trainer let us rub her soft belly as she floated along on her back. That doesn’t happen often.” She tagged a selection of photos and hit the buy button. “That was easy.”
Jason pointed toward the restaurant. “The twins are preparing to enter the restaurant, so let’s find a table near them.”
“You’re not buying any photos of your group?” Natalia looked disappointed as she moved to stand in line holding her credit card.
“Maybe later. We’ve got work to do, so meet me inside.” He headed toward the restaurant and sat near the table filled with twins. Tim and his lean companion sat at a table on the other side of the room. Jason noticed that Tim devoured chips while the woman sipped water.
Natalia paid for her photos and soon joined him. She held up a CD envelope in a plastic bag with happy dolphin faces printed on the front like a trophy.
A waitress breezed by carrying margaritas in large round glasses with tall stems. “Oh, those look good!” She waved her hand and pointed at the drinks. The waitress nodded and held up two fingers.
Natalia nodded. “You’ll either drink a margarita, Jason, or I’ll be forced to drink two,” she said.
“I’ll be happy so long as I can eat enchiladas with all the trimmings to counteract the effects of alcohol.” He dipped a corn chip into green salsa and crunched. “I heard Pete and Kent order chicken tostadas, and they informed the waitress about their allergies to shellfish. She said she’d explain to the cook.”
“Maybe we’ll have a nice safe adventure. I see that Roberto and Geraldo ordered a pitcher of margaritas, so everyone should be very happy after lunch.” Natalia nibbled a chip, testing that the salsa was not too spicy. She smiled and took a large bite. “These chips are fantastic and the salsa tastes yummy.”
The waitress delivered two giant margaritas to their table and stood ready to take their order. Natalia ordered a chicken-fajita salad and Jason ordered a full enchilada dinner. They sipped their tart drinks laden with tequila, licking salt off the rim of the glasses, and listened to conversations from the twins’ table.
Jason’s gaze regularly swept the area until he spotted an older couple sitting near the door. He leaned forward and said, “There’s an older couple sitting behind you, don’t look now. Casually drop your napkin and take a glance. They’re sitting under that large painting of a matador and a bull.”
Natalia dropped the napkin, and then pretended to search for the waitress as she turned and took a quick look. The waitress quickly stopped by and handed her a replacement napkin as she sped past.
Jason chuckled as Natalia stuck the new napkin in the neck of her blouse. “So who are they?” she asked.
“They’re the people who met the Latino twins yesterday. His accent sounded South American but she is definitely a Yank.”
Natalia frowned at the way he said Yank, but refrained from comment. “Why don’t you take a few candid shots of the restaurant with your new camera, Jason? I’d love to include the restaurant among my dolphin pictures,” she said in a clear voice.
“Of course, dear.” Jason focused on Natalia with the camera, adjusting the view frame to include the older couple. Then he turned and clicked several pictures from different angles around the room. As he leaned in to show her the previews on the digital screen, he noticed movement from the corner of his eye. He quipped, “That older couple just left, so I guess they didn’t want to eat enchiladas.”
“We’ll watch for them outside when the twins leave,” Natalia suggested. She lowered her voice and added, “While you were snapping pictures, Geraldo walked toward the older couple. I saw him give them a curt nod and he continued to the men’s room.”
Jason frowned. “That might mean that he signaled them to depart. Stick close to those Latino brothers as we leave.”
“Oh, you got a picture of Shirley. She was in our group but didn’t seem to enjoy contact with the dolphins. The man at her table is her brother but they don’t look much alike do they?”
“How do you know they’re siblings?” he asked sipping his margarita.
“When they met in the photo shop he said, ‘I had a fabulous time, Sis.’ It was obvious.”
Strolling guitar players wandered between the tables, obscuring most conversation from the twins’ table. Jason grumbled about the loud music until the food arrived. Servings were large and hot, both in temperature and spice. The dish
es were slightly different than Mexican food served in America, but very good. Natalia felt relieved that the twins enjoyed their fare without allergy attacks.
Conversations grew quiet as everyone ate. Thirty minutes later the group at the twins’ table stood, left generous tips, and meandered toward the door. Natalia and Jason followed immediately.
Roberto and Pete chatted and ambled toward the exit while Geraldo and Kent maintained the pace just behind them. The door attendant asked the name of their ship and spoke in rapid Spanish over a hand-held radio. Jason eased closer but failed to understand the reply through the static of the radio.
The air felt heavy and oppressive as the group stood waiting for transportation. Natalia stiffened. Once again she felt hatred directed toward the fake twins. She spun on her heels, trying to focus on the phenomenon but felt confused. Several minds were definitely filled with malice.
Jason noticed Roberto squint in a flash of reflected sunshine. Both men reacted as a red van sped up the circular drive with its hood aimed at the group of twins. Wheels squealed and rocks flew as the red van gained momentum.
“Watch out!” Jason shouted.
Without hesitating Roberto took action. He grabbed Pete’s shoulders and pushed him into a planter filled with bird-of-paradise and low bushes as the red van climbed the steps in their direction.
Angry shouts erupted. The red van clipped Roberto’s leg, reversed, and tore off down the opposite side of the driveway into traffic. Horns blared and tires squealed as the van fishtailed.
Geraldo and Kent rushed toward their respective brothers. Jason heard Roberto declare, “I’m okay. Don’t let them get away, follow them!”
Geraldo cursed and jogged down the steps toward an open-air Jeep waiting at the end of the drive. Jason recognized the older couple sitting in the front seat as Geraldo leapt into the back. The Jeep roared off chasing the red van.
Jason scrambled down the steps, heading toward a man sitting on an idling motorcycle. He flashed a badge and the man jumped off the bike. Jason shouted over his shoulder, “Call the ship, Tally. We need a doctor and safe transport!” He gunned the engine and the machine thundered away, chasing both Jeep and van.
Natalia gathered the gawking group of twins and ushered them back inside the building. She noticed that Shirley and her brother stood with mouths agape.
Using her professional stage voice, Natalia announced, “I’m calling the ship. My partner and I are members of a security team hired to keep you safe.” She flashed her credentials and speed-dialed the ship as she walked back outside. The menace she’d felt earlier had evaporated.
Roberto’s leg was bleeding and bruised, but he acted alert. Over the cellphone Natalia explained the problem to ship’s security, then bent down to speak quietly with Roberto. “Help is coming. We’ll get you to our ship’s doctor soon.” She noticed that Pete and Kent hovered nearby with stunned expressions.
“You two should wait with the group inside.” They nodded but stood frozen in place. Someone handed Pete a towel to staunch the bleeding from a scrape on his elbow.
He asked Natalia, “What’s happening? Is someone out to get us? First the tainted food and now a deliberate attack…”
Kent hissed, “We only agreed to act parts! If someone’s trying to kill Kate’s sons, the deal is off! You tell Kate Foster that we’re jumping ship and going home.” He stomped back into the building with thunder in his eyes.
Pete turned to Roberto and said, “Thanks for saving my hide. If it wasn’t for you, I’d be smashed under their wheels.” Pete broke into deep sobs. “We’re just actors, not heroes.” He ran to catch up with his brother Kent.
Roberto frowned. “I really botched it this time! Our orders were to observe and track the culprits to their boss, but I couldn’t let those guys get hurt.”
Natalia pressed a fresh towel against his bleeding leg. The connection flooded her mind with visions of men dressed in camouflage, shooting rifles and training in unarmed combat. She also saw a gate sign that read Quantico. Understanding dawned, “You’re FBI?” she gasped.
Startled, he cast a suspicious glance at her and growled, “Keep your voice down.” His gaze shifted in the same searching pattern that Jason often used. “This is not a secure place to speak.”
She nodded and replied, “My partner worked for Interpol. We’re the good guys trying to protect the twins. Why were you just supposed to watch and follow?” Natalia’s head jerked up as another vehicle roared up the driveway. A man she recognized from the ship emerged from the van, dressed in uniform with a large CCL I.D. hanging from a lanyard.
Natalia stood and announced, “Help just arrived. Let’s get you all back aboard and pray that Jason and Geraldo catch the bad guys.”
“They better catch them, believe me. Since I disobeyed direct orders, we’re in deep guano,” Roberto said in a mater-of-fact tone. “I wonder if I’ll survive the next tongue-lashing from Papa.”
*****
Jason turned the brim of his visor backwards and leaned into the wind, grateful for his aviator sun glasses. Leaning right and then left, he maneuvered the heavy bike through streaming traffic, keeping his attention on the green Jeep and red van ahead.
He mulled over the scene he’d just witnessed but couldn’t make sense of it. Why did Roberto play the hero? Was he part of a gang after the twins or assigned to protect them? It was obvious that Roberto and Geraldo were under orders, trained for a specific job, but they didn’t like those orders. Saving Pete was not part of their game plan.
He reached the green Jeep and saw Geraldo, standing in the back and leaning against the Jeep’s roll bar. Geraldo held a military-style rifle ready to fire at the red van.
“What the heck?” Jason shouted, “Don’t shoot! We need to interrogate them!”
Geraldo flashed a grin and shouted back, “I’ll shoot the tires! Watch out!”
Jason roared past the green Jeep as traffic thinned out. A loud series of pops caused him to tense and swerve, just as the back tire of the red van exploded. Pieces of tire whirled across four lanes as the van skidded, veering too far to the right and then fishtailing into a spin. Jason dodged pieces of tire and hit the brakes hard. The van sailed over an earthen embankment and tumbled down the beach toward a group of sunbathers.
People screamed and fled as the van rolled toward them, smashing umbrellas, scattering beach toys, and stopping just short of the surf. The green Jeep skidded to a halt on the highway.
A woman jumped out of the driver’s seat, aiming a derringer at the red van as she stomped forward. The older gentleman brandished a wicked-looking knife, one that rivaled the one in Crocodile Dundee. He vaulted over the embankment like a gymnast as Geraldo rushed past. They crouched low to the sand as they approached the crumpled wreck.
Jason saw that Geraldo no longer sported a rifle, but his weapon of choice was a lethal Sig Sauer P-320 handgun in gunmetal grey.
Jason felt gun envy with empty hands but he managed to reach the crashed van first.
The side door had popped open and a battered-looking man lay bleeding on the sand. His hands were bound behind his back with plastic ties, his mouth covered in grey duct tape, and blood oozed from a fresh scalp wound. Jason noticed a taxi-drivers’ badge pinned to his shirt.
Another man’s body was draped half-way through the windshield, unmoving. A third man crawled out of the far side of the van and collapsed on the wet sand.
Geraldo efficiently examined the van, and surf swirled around the ankles of the woman and older gentleman as they snapped photos of the scene with an efficiency that meant police training.
“These blokes were tracking the criminals, not trying to kill the twins!” Jason mumbled with relief. He offered his Interpol I.D. and admitted, “I’m semi-retired but still associated with Interpol.”
Geraldo nodded and flashed a Homeland Security I.D. The woman flashed a Secret Service identification. Jason felt confused. “I thought you blokes just guarded your president.”
Huffing, the woman grumbled, “We do more than protection duty. The service was originally formed to investigate counterfeiting. Since we came under the Homeland Security umbrella, we also track terrorists like these guys.” She offered her hand and shook his. “I’m Amanda Spears and this is my husband Esteban Hernandez. The boys are his sons from a previous marriage, but they joined his detail and work at Homeland.”
Jason cut the plastic ties and removed the duct tape from the man who lay groaning at his feet. “Who are these blokes?” he asked. “I bet this one was a taxi driver who got hijacked by those gents.”
“Most likely,” Esteban agreed. “De other two were part of Red Brigade, wanted for murdering Congressman Ryan thirty-nine years ago in Guyana. Most recently de Brigade counterfeits money to use in their organization.”
“They’re very bad dudes that we’ve been tracking for years!” Geraldo growled, “Roberto messed up royal, and now we won’t catch the ring leaders. These guys were just foot soldiers. My soft-hearted brother was supposed to follow them back to their boss, but he couldn’t let Pete get hurt.”
“Don’t be so hard on Roberto,” Amanda said as she patted Geraldo’s arm. “He’s got a hero’s heart and that’s difficult to override. We’ll get the Brigade leaders, eventually.”
Esteban checked the pulse of the man hanging through the windshield. “He be dead.” Rolling the accomplice over, he checked his pulse. “He should live but doubt he talk. De men be very well-trained and fear other members more than authorities.”
Geraldo clicked pictures of both suspects and pressed a search button on a very fancy phone. A beep sounded a few seconds later. He announced, “They’re both waiters who joined the Sea Mist three weeks ago, no surprise. I recognize this one as the guy who delivered the tainted dessert. Pete was definitely in his cross-hairs.”
“Three weeks ago?” Jason cried. “We were only checking names of people who joined the ship in Galveston. Would you three meet us in Emily Schultz’s suite to discuss this matter?”