by Cindy Cromer
“I’m not going to have this conversation with you. You’ve assured me the children are fine, I’m leaving in a few minutes and will see you shortly.” He ended the call.
Talk about bitches. He compared the strengths of the two most important women in his life. The scales tipped in Caitlin’s favor. Ellen could never be like Caitlin, successful and professional.
Steve left the building in a somber state. He shouldn’t have had those previous thoughts of his wife but she just didn’t understand him or his passion for success, how he thrived to fulfill his career goals. He loved Ellen but couldn’t understand her lack of drive and ambition. He couldn’t complain too much since she did take excellent care of their children, running them around to their various activities and sports events.
* * * *
At the St. Kitts Police headquarters, Tomas and Drew scrutinized the lists of flight passengers and the other leads in the case.
“Nothing promising has turned up about the shoe print has it, Drew?”
“Nope. The carpenter wears a size nine and fits the weight projection based on the imprint. He says he used the side door a couple of times. Quite a few of the other workers wear a size nine too. Frankly, I don’t see the sense in pursing that avenue further until we have a shorter list of potential suspects. Let’s wrap up here so you can get back to the hotel. They should be back from Nevis shortly.”
“Yeah, I agree on both counts. At least we may have gotten a breakthrough with the Nevis Airport records. I have the New York FBI office working on that passenger,” Tomas said and packed his briefcase.
* * * *
Tomas walked up the four stone steps in front of the lobby. Guests strolled in and out of the hotel but one scene caught his eye. The same damn thing happened every day. He chuckled and observed Caitlin attempting to get Alexandra away from the ledge surrounding a scenic fountain at the entrance. Each and every day, the two-year-old tried to climb into it and swim.
In a frustrated voice, Caitlin said, “You can’t swim in there, Alexandra. We’re going to the pool. Let’s go now.”
“Mommy, look, Tomas!” Alexandra cheered.
Tomas scooped the girl up and she grasped his neck in a tight hug. Alexandra must’ve forgiven his transgression of driving in circles the other day. Good thing kids had short memories and didn’t hold grudges. Alexandra and Tomas were buddies again.
“Thank you for the diversion.” Caitlin sighed.
“No problem,” Tomas replied and put Alexandra down. The six of them entered the elegant atrium, Mitch and the kids in front, Caitlin, Scott, and Tomas a few steps behind. “You guys look relaxed and tanned. Have a good day?”
“Compared to earlier in the week we had a great day, no issues came up.” Caitlin answered. She waved to a couple across the lobby. “Oh look, there are the honeymooners I met this morning. I’m going to say hi.”
“Caitlin, wait.” Scott growled.
She’d already taken off across the expansive and crowded lobby. Tomas tried to run after her but Scott held him back.
“Shit man, what’re you doing? Does your wife always have to take off like that? She did the same damn thing at the beach yesterday and look what happened.”
Scott, still gripping Tomas’s arm, grinned. “Tomas, nothing’s going to happen, look who she’s talking to.”
“Isn’t that…”
“Absolutely, let’s go. Play along with me all right?” The FBI agents made a beeline for Caitlin and the couple.
“Oh, here he is now. Scott, meet Pete and Kathryn. They’re here on their honeymoon and live in Orlando.”
Scott smiled and extended his hand. His eyes never wavered from Pete’s. “Ah, Orlando, only about two hours from us. Pleasure to meet you. How did you meet Caitlin?”
Tomas took a few steps back and found a vantage point from which he could observe reactions and facial expressions. He scrutinized Pete, who didn’t give a hint of recognition or nervousness.
“We’re in the suite right next door to yours and we met your wife this morning.”
Kathryn chimed in, “Your wife raves about this island. In fact, she was just telling us how wonderful the restaurant is in the hotel.”
“I’m sure she was. The seafood dishes are delicious. Hey, I have a thought, why don’t you two join us for dinner tonight? The kids already ate in Nevis but my wife and I only nibbled on some appetizers,” Scott suggested.
Caitlin whipped her head around and stared at her husband.
Tomas, arms clasped across his chest, fascinated by the verbal exchange, decided this was his cue. He stepped forward, put his arms around Caitlin and Scott, and kissed them both on the cheek. Just to be a real smartass, he purposely didn’t introduce himself to Pete and Kathryn but did acknowledge them.
Tomas encouraged the two couples. ”Scott, you and Caitlin go out and have a great evening tonight with Pete and Kathryn, gamble a little too. I’m up for babysitting the kids. They should be worn out and asleep early after all that time in the water today.”
“Sounds wonderful, we’d love to join you for dinner tonight. What time shall we meet?” Pete asked Scott.
“Let’s meet in the lobby at 8:30, have a drink at the piano bar, and then a late dinner.”
“We’ll see you then.” Another round of handshakes took place.
After the couple left, Caitlin spun around to her husband and Tomas. “What the hell was that all about? You two are suspicious of everyone and everything. That dinner invitation is completely out of character. Neither one of you would ever be that eager to have dinner with a couple we hardly know.” She jabbed her index finger at Tomas’s chest and continued to rant. “And you, volunteering to babysit again?”
Scott answered for himself and Tomas. “They seemed very nice and you enjoyed yourself so much today without any unpleasant excitement. I thought I’d be spontaneous for once so we could continue what’s been our first perfect day here. Tomas is right. We should spend an evening out by ourselves, dinner, casino, or maybe even dancing. How does that sound?”
Caitlin raised an eyebrow at both men. “All right, yes, I have to admit it sounds like a wonderful evening. I’m going to take a dip in the pool with the kids and then get ready. See you back at the room.”
* * * *
Flustered and nervous, Lukas Bucklin replaced his cell-phone into the charger, his aged and bony hands trembling. The phone call came as promised. Lukas couldn’t believe what was happening. Correction what had happened. Bucklin straightened his shoulders, took a deep breath, and regained his confidence. He walked up the stairs to his study, looking forward to the morning. Tomorrow he’d put his plan in motion, tonight he would iron out the details. This time he’d do it right! No loose ends.
* * * *
The supposedly newly married couple walked with their arms wrapped around each other through the lobby. The blushing bride asked, “We’re blown right?”
Pete pecked her on the cheek. “You betcha, sweet cakes!”
“Are you going to call the boss man and report in?” Kathryn gazed at Pete.
“Nah, let’s see how tonight turns out. I want to see what Scott has planned for the finale of his Academy Award winning act.” His hand dropped down to her firm behind, gave her buttock a pinch, and whispered in her ear. “We still have some time, let’s pretend we’re really on our honeymoon.”
* * * *
After Caitlin left, Tomas laughed. “You’re something else, man! How did you keep a straight face, better yet how did Chris Dobbs not even twitch a muscle? He had to know you made him.”
“Oh, he knew he was made. I have to admit the guy’s good, real good.”
“Aren’t you going to tell Caitlin who he really is?”
Scott boomed an emphatic answer. “Nope! This is just the eye opener my dear wife needs right now. She’s too trusting. She fell right into that honeymoon story. Before the appetizers arrive she’ll have their whole sigh
tseeing agenda compiled, e-mail addresses and phone numbers exchanged to keep in touch. This is just the shock she needs to make her finally realize everyone isn’t who he or she appears to be.
“She’s getting threats out the ass and yet has no qualms what-so-ever about befriending perfect strangers. I may, and I use the term loosely, clue her in tonight, after my curiosity gets the better of me and I’ve determined how Chris intends on playing this out.”
“The big man must be getting sloppy to send Chris. Surely he knew you’d recognize him,” Tomas mused.
“Quite the contrary, my friend.” Scott slapped Tomas on the back. “As I see it, this plan was put in motion with the directive given ‘Send your best man.’ You or I don’t need two guesses to figure out who gave that order, and we both have to admit Chris is the best.”
“Hey, what about me?” Tomas thumped his chest with his right thumb.
“Oh suck it up and stick to finding a lead in this bullshit.”
“Which reminds me.” Tomas held up his briefcase. “I wasn’t kidding. Your kids better be in bed early tonight. Drew and I made some headway on the Nevis flights, but I still have to go through the passenger logs from the cruise ships. Two specifically, the ship two weeks ago and the cruise scheduled in port on Monday.”
Caitlin and Scott walked arm in arm back to their room. The day was great, getting out for a few stress free hours by themselves was blissful. After dinner they went dancing in the hotel’s nightclub. After dancing to many of Caitlin’s favorite songs, she and Scott called it a night and left their newfound friends alone to enjoy some privacy. Plans were made to meet again in the morning.
Scott looked at his beautiful wife and couldn’t find the courage to tell her who their dinner companions really were. Inwardly he thought, It can wait until tomorrow. After everything we’ve been through, this was just the perfect evening we needed and I won’t ruin it for you, honey. In a light kiss, he brushed his lips against her temple.
Chapter Eighteen
Barry arrived at his office at 6:30 a.m. He reviewed the latest reports on the deal with Jack. His phone jangled and he scooped it up. He wasn’t surprised to hear Lukas at the other end, but was perplexed why the call hadn’t come earlier in the week.
“Lukas, how are you? Is there some problem I should know about?”
“No problems what-so-ever, Barry. You know I regard you and your company as the best and that’s why I signed that damned outrageously expensive contract for your expert services. I’m calling on a personal matter and you’ll be compensated accordingly, outside of our routine business operations.”
“What can I do for you? You know you’re my largest client and therefore my top priority.”
“This may seem odd but this request stays between you and me, you got that? I don’t want any of your other investigators involved, only you. Do I have your word?” Lukas stated firmly, leaving no room for negotiation.
“Absolutely, what do you need me to do?”
“There’s a certain person I want you to investigate and track down. Once you find the subject, let me know and I’ll take it from there.”
Barry had to suppress a choking cough when he heard the name. Talk about being in the proverbial rock and hard place, he was on the crevice of a cliff during an earthquake. Responding as naturally as he could muster, thankful they weren’t face to face, Barry replied, “Sure, give me any details you have and consider it done.”
Lukas Bucklin recited all of the information he had. Less than what Barry already knew and had already found out about the person of interest.
“That it?” Barry prayed the conversation would quickly come to an end. It didn’t. Lukas had something else to ask.
“One other thing. Barry, why don’t you come down to Barbados for a few days? I’ll send my jet to pick you up at JFK Airport. The task I gave you to do won’t take any time at all for a man with your investigative nose. Before you balk, yes all expenses are paid, and any business we discuss are billable hours.”
This request left Barry baffled and caught him off guard once again. He swallowed hard and commanded himself to answer with a neutral professional voice. “Lukas, that’s an awful lot of expense. Is there some other reason you want to meet with me? Our contract is tight and secure; we’ve had no issues regarding terms, performance, or compliance.” Barry’s mind churned, pondering the sincerity and motive behind this lavish invitation.
“Barry, lighten up will you? Can’t I ask you to join me in the Caribbean? We’ll play some golf, go boating. You’ve provided me and my company with top notch security for the past ten years. I just want to extend my gratitude.”
Barry composed himself before he responded. His thoughts raced. Inspiration hit. “Actually, a trip to Barbados is just what I need right now and thanks for the invite. Today is Friday and I can clear my plate by the end of the day and work remotely. Can your jet be here tomorrow morning?”
“I’ll send the plane and pilot up tonight. Meet him at my hanger at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.”
Barry agreed to the schedule, slammed the phone down and immediately cursed both Lukas and Jack. The position he’d been put in pissed him off and he had no one he could vent to. He found an audience, the quiet empty office, and let his anger out. “What the hell have you gotten me into, Jack? When we first landed the Bucklin contract I was furious when you refused to attend any of the meetings.
“Now your daughter is in danger, you finally had no choice but to clue me in after all of these years. What I can’t figure out is why you and the old man have me chasing down the same name. That alone has to prove he’s your damn father. How could he ever know otherwise if he wasn’t connected to you on some level? I know damn well the true identity of this person but how the hell does Bucklin know?
“I should drag your proud ass down there with me, buddy, whether you like it or not! No I’m not going to alienate anyone right now. Obviously, Lukas wants me in the Caribbean for a reason and maybe I can obtain some valuable information from him and solve this once and for all.
“The advantage is I’m closer to St. Kitts than I am here. Lukas, you just did me and Jack a huge favor. The kicker is I hold the trump card. Before I ran the background check, why didn’t you inform me beforehand who Gerard Hellerman really is? Your son hired him on my preliminary report and got him approved by the Board of Directors. Did you really think I wouldn’t dig deep enough?”
* * * *
Lukas argued with his pilot over the phone. “I don’t give a damn, get my plane to New York tonight and bring Barry here tomorrow.”
The pilot enforced his authority. “Listen to me, Mr. Bucklin. I’m not going to endanger anyone’s life, including my own, and fly back here in the middle of a catastrophe. Turn on the TV and watch the weather channel. I’ll file the flight but a return trip may not happen.”
During the phone conversations and ranting, Lukas missed the National Weather Service update. Yesterday a system had formed off of the coast of Africa and overnight had significantly strengthened and become a named tropical storm, Courtney, with winds at fifty miles per hour, almost hurricane strength. The exact strike zone could not be predicted, the cone of path extended from the Southern Caribbean to the Eastern Coast of Florida. The meteorologists were surprised at how quickly the storm developed and strengthened. They were estimating a very dangerous, destructive storm, predicting a Category five at the time of landfall. It was anticipated that by the end of the day the storm would be a Category one hurricane with sustained winds at eighty miles per hour.
* * * *
The piercing ring of Tomas’s cell-phone caused Scott to jump out of bed. He ran into the living room and overheard part of the conversation.
“Bingo, we finally found him. I’ll make sure an agent from the New York office is on site and waiting when the plane touches down.” Tomas hung up.
Rubbing his eyes, Scott demanded, “What? A breakthrough. Who’s landing in N
ew York? One of the passengers from the Nevis flight records?”
“No, not yet. Lukas Bucklin’s pilot filed a flight plan, from Barbados to JKF. He’s leaving tonight and has a return trip at 9:00 tomorrow morning. Apparently, Lukas has been at his villa for a while and came down to the Caribbean on his friend’s yacht. The plane’s been sitting at the Bridgetown Airport in Barbados for six months, until this morning. Something’s up. Why fly all the way to New York only to turn around less than twelve hours later?”
“Barbados? Lukas is down here? Must be sonny boy he’s sending for,” Scott rambled.
“Maybe, maybe not, we’ll see who lands tonight on that plane, and who boards it in the morning. At least now we know where the Senior Bucklin has been hiding out, under the radar with the lawyer running interference back home.”
Chapter Nineteen
Ginny rose out of the bed, careful not to wake Max. She slipped on her robe and made her way into the kitchen. A cozy glass enclosed breakfast nook provided a tranquil view of the summer green mountains. She started the coffee and checked her voice mail messages. The calls were from the same source, the FBI needing to question her about her family.
Frustrated, Ginny slammed the phone down. She couldn’t understand what the hell the FBI wanted from her. Her sons and brother were the only family she cared about. Once the onslaught of calls began, she’d spoken with her children. They assured her they were fine and nothing involving an investigation had anything to do with them.
She hadn’t spoken to Gary in a few weeks but he too had left urgent messages. The last time she saw her twin he’d been on the up and up and somewhat boring compared to his wild rebellious days.