“I’ll talk you through the controls to get us stopped, at least. Then you can go down and shower and change. We aren’t going to be alone much longer.”
Gently she propped him against one of the chairs, and in a matter of minutes he detailed how to take the boat off autopilot and halt them.
“Now, what to do with him?” She put her fists on naked hips, forgetting she stood in the salon without clothes.
“I think over the side. This far out, as far as anyone knows, he and I fought and he fell off. That keeps you out of trouble. Maybe.”
“You stay there and see if I can handle getting him out of here alone.”
“Take him under the arms,” he directed. “And go to the stern—the back. That’s where it will be easiest to push him over.”
Progress was slow, but she tugged Henry to the back edge and pushed him into the water. She looked over the side. Henry floated, his arms out and face down. Then, slowly, very slowly, he sank below the surface. The ocean was supposed to have taken him over a year ago, and now it had him.
She made her way back to Derek, whose face had more color. “We should tell the truth of what happened,” she said. “They’ll know anyway, as soon as they see this.” She pointed to the blood staining the salon. “But let’s tell them I got rid of the body before you woke up and could advise me how that was wrong. I can say I was distraught and just wanted to get the body out of my sight.”
“Okay, go and shower. I’m feeling better.”
She leaned over to kiss him and then dashed to clean up.
When she returned to the salon, Derek sat in the pilot’s seat and had gotten them underway. “Feel okay?” he asked.
“Better, yes.”
“Okay, we have the gun and all of this blood to prove he's dead, but we need photographic evidence to support our story. There's a camera in the chest in my stateroom. Go get it and I'll tell you what pictures we need.”
When they finished, Derek said, “That’s all we can do for now. We’re headed back to the dock.”
“And to a hospital. You need to see a doctor. You were out for so long, I thought you were dead. Will it be okay if I clean up some of this blood so we aren’t walking through it?”
“It’s best to stay out of it as much as possible and leave it. The Feds will want everything as it was.” He smiled at her. “Sometimes they get it and sometimes they don’t.”
When the boat was on course for San Francisco, Derek opened a compartment and pulled out a satellite phone.
“Jim? Where the fuck are you, buddy?”
Thia smiled hearing his language. He was going to be okay. Thank God.
When he got off the phone Derek told Thia Jim was at the Oglethorpe’s but had called the Coast Guard to find them, pick them up and see the As You Wish back to port. Since Derek had provided their coordinates, rescue was fast approaching.
* * * *
“Good morning, Thia. Is that second cup of coffee for me?” Jim Jenson slipped in beside her.
“Only, if you want to explain to Derek why you’re drinking his coffee.”
He took the cup. “He shouldn’t be drinking coffee anyway, with the whack he took on the head.” He sipped, made a face and added sugar. “I heard you had an exciting time, day before yesterday.”
“I have to admit it was exciting, but I’m not in a hurry to do it again.”
“How is Derek doing?”
“Evidently he has a very hard head. He spent most of yesterday having it examined. I think they did everything but take his brain out to look at it, and didn’t find anything wrong so there is a good chance he will get out of here today.”
“I thought I would come by and tell him what happened, and get your statement if you don’t mind.”
“Sure, but let’s go in and see him first. I’m sure he’s anxious to hear all about it.”
“I’d like to see him, too. I’ll wait until he’s discharged before chewing his ass about his letting you on board.” He sent her a mock glare. “How is he taking it, missing all of the action?”
“I know he’s a little disappointed, but mostly I think he’s happy the Coast Guard got to us and we’re all right. Thanks for that.”
“You’re welcome.”
They pushed the door open to Derek’s room.
“Derek, look who finally showed up.” He was dressed and sitting in a chair.
“I took your coffee," Jim said. "It’s time you cut back.”
“Thanks,” Derek groused. “Good to see you, though.”
Jim took the other chair after Thia sat on the bed. Derek reached for her cup and sipped before handing it back.
Jim jokingly said, “I see you’re ready to get out of here.”
“After what they put me through yesterday, you’re damn right I am. Thank you for sending the Coast Guard after us. We needed the help.”
“No problem. By the way, the As You Wish is at your dock.”
“Great. Okay, how is the case going?”
“Very well, actually. Arrested twenty-seven dealers including three distributors. We rounded up not only a large amount of about every kind of drugs you can imagine but retrieved the shipment that recently arrived on the Natant Revel. I’m sure it will slow down illegal sales for several weeks if not longer.”
“What’s happened to the Oglethorpes?”
“Their deal still stands, so they'll be on probation for five years but out on their own recognizance. So, if they don’t get involved with drugs again, they’re not in bad shape.”
“I’m sure they won’t. Thanks for your help, Jim.”
“Well, I’m here to get your statements so we can wrap this thing up. Which one of you wants to start?”
“I don’t seem to remember much so it might be better if you start with Thia. Besides, she has the more exciting story.”
Thia chuckled. “You could say that. After all, Derek slept through most of it. Of course, if it hadn’t been for me he wouldn’t have been knocked out.”
Thia told the story much like it happened, leaving out the details of how she used her body to stall and catch Howard off guard. She did say she pushed him overboard while she still thought Derek was dead.
“That should do it. I do have one last question. Can I call you guys the next time I need help?”
They looked at each other, then said simultaneously, “Sure.”
SHE SHOULDN’T, BUT SHE WILL
The Passionate PIs
THE END
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