“Ewww!”
He laughed and pushed his way into my apartment. “I’ll help you haul your stuff to the chopper.”
“No. I don’t want you touching any of my stuff. Gross!”
Again, he laughed and took a seat at my kitchen bar. “Hurry up.”
I did as I was told and the two of us were on the roof climbing into the chopper within ten minutes.
White was already in his seat. “Took you long enough,” he directed at Brown.
“Get over it. I didn’t finish the project I was working on because you called. Be happy I’m here.” Brown’s surly attitude returned and I kept my mouth shut.
“What project?” White asked.
“Please.” I held up my hands. “Please don’t ask. I do not want to hear anything about it.”
Brown’s grin returned and White caught on. “Sorry, man.” He’d adopted his own grin and I scowled.
Brown flew us to the local airport and we transferred to a small jet.
“Why didn’t we just drive to the airport?”
“Traffic sucks,” White replied as we loaded our gear and bags onto the jet.
“Wait until you see this yacht,” Brown cut in. “You’ll understand the hurry.” He looked at White. “Are you sure there isn’t room for one more on this one?”
“Positive. Maybe next time.”
“I’d love to take a pay cut for a few months to run with Waterstone. I’m qualified.” Brown said.
“You’d go back to security just to waste your time away on that yacht?”
“For a few months. Hell yeah.”
The two men continued to chat as they entered the cockpit and I was left in the cabin alone. I took a seat near the back of the cabin because they faced toward the front of the plane and I could see both White and Brown as well as get a slight view out the windshield.
I could clearly hear the men talking, but I didn’t pay much attention until I heard White ask Brown if this new woman was a keeper.
“I doubt it. But, she’s fun and famous so I’ll hang in as long as I can.”
“Famous? Who?”
“I’m sure I’ll tell you someday, but since you want to know, I’ll keep it to myself.”
“Ah. Of course. Let me know when you’ve figured out who you wish you were dating.”
“You won’t believe me unless I walk up to you with her on my arm so we’ll leave it at that.”
“Fair enough. I promise I won’t believe you until you prove it to me.”
The men laughed and my thoughts drifted again. Every once in a while, one of the men turned in their seat to include me in their conversation, but I was so distracted by the thought of being practically alone with White in a romantic environment that I wasn’t worth talking to. By the time White came back to check on me I was feeling sick to my stomach, and my skin was clammy. If I had to make the first move I’d probably just throw up on him.
“Are you okay? You aren’t getting motion sickness are you?” He reached out for my forehead.
“No. I’m fine.” I moved the loose strands of hair from my face before he could.
He narrowed his eyes.
“I’m serious. I’m fine.”
“Okay, then.” He turned his back on me.
“How much longer?” I asked as he maneuvered back into the co-pilot’s chair.
“We’ll land in less than ten minutes,” Brown threw back over his shoulder. “Are you sure you’re feeling okay? You still have a short chopper ride. I’d be happy to fill in for you.” He’d turned away from me, but not before I caught the broad grin.
“I’m fine, Brown. Don’t you want to get back to your mysterious lady friend?”
“I wouldn’t mind, but I’d rather go for a cruise on that yacht."
Shortly after that we were on the ground and collecting our bags.
“Let me know when you need a ride home,” Brown called after us as we exited the plane.
“Brown’s not flying us the rest of the way?” I asked when he didn’t get out of the plane with us.
“No. Gary’s sending someone to get us.”
We made our way to another part of the airport and were greeted by a familiar face.
“Commanders.” Sam stood at attention. He was clean-shaven with a tight haircut and a pilot’s uniform. When I first met Sam he’d picked White and me up in Fairbanks to fly us to the Alaskan compound. He was my main pick from that compound for my elite team, Team Grey. Realizing I’d been designated the head of the elite team always gave me a rush of pride. Why was he here? He should be off doing elite team stuff or training troops.
“I wish you wouldn’t salute, Sam. We’re here on a job, but I’d rather everyone didn’t know that.”
Sam smiled and stuck out his hand instead. White grabbed it in a familiar grip and they pulled each other into a hug. Some of my partners made it clear they didn’t like to be saluted, but I suspected Brown and Red reveled in it.
“Good to see you again, Ms. Grey.” Sam avoided tacking on the commander title. It always made me uncomfortable anyway. I didn’t really earn that title but had been given it by default. He held out his hand to me as soon as he and White were clear of one another. I was pulled into a similarly rough embrace.
“You look good in that uniform, Sam. Being a part of Team Grey has its perks.” I tugged on his lapel as we separated.
“Thank you, ma’am. Yes, it does.” He held his head a little higher.
“So, how’s the job?” White asked as Sam led the way to his chopper.
“Good. I’m getting tired of all the luxury, though. It’s not easy, you know.”
They laughed.
“I am going to have to switch you out before long.” White said. “It’ll be time to train a new batch of recruits, and I really need your help.”
“I know it. I need to get back out there. I can feel myself getting softer every day. I wasn’t completely kidding about this not being easy. The yacht has an exercise room, but it’s hard to utilize when I’m on duty all the time.”
“You can’t be flying all the time,” I said.
“No, but I do have other duties, and then there’s the view. It’s quite distracting. And it doesn’t help that I haven’t eaten better in my entire life.”
“Did Gary say anything to you about why we’re here?” White asked.
“He only informed me that you are allowed to do whatever you want on the yacht without question. Plus, you have run of the chopper if you need it. Even said to allow you to pilot if you need to.”
“I expected him to let me brief you. Glad he hasn’t lost his sense of propriety.” White’s voice held a hint of satisfaction. “Grey and I might need a little help with a simple surveillance job. I’m hoping it’ll be quick and painless.”
The flight out on the chopper didn’t take as long as I thought it might and I was soon staring down at a large and beautiful boat.
“Is it a boat or a ship?” I asked as we descended.
“This is Carmen’s Retreat.” Sam answered with pride in his voice. It was almost as if the yacht belonged to him.
“As beautiful as I remember.” White said.
“Isn’t she?” Sam sighed.
Neither of them answered my question, so I decided I’d call her a boat. I knew I’d be corrected if it were considered a ship. Mariners were particular with that kind of thing, I’d found. I didn’t know the size requirement for the classifications, but I knew a ship was bigger than a boat.
“Let me get those, ma’am.” A young man, wearing the same uniform as Sam, took my bag and handed it off to the porter, then reached back to help me from the chopper.
“So happy to have you join us, Commander Grey. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“No commander talk this trip, Billy.” Sam eyeballed the porter gathering our luggage. “She’s just Ms. Grey at the moment.”
Billy smiled. “Ms. Grey,” he tried it out. “Very glad to meet you.”
Poor Billy, I
thought as I watched him struggling to acknowledge White. It seemed physically painful for him not to stand at attention and salute White.
“Mr. White.” He finally greeted him.
“It’s been a long time, Billy. How’ve you been?” White extended his hand. Billy hesitated but recovered and took White’s hand with a firm shake.
“Good. Thank you, sir.” He beamed. “Scott will show you to your suite.” He indicated the older man waiting for us who wore a haughty expression that matched his crisp uniform. Scott gave a terse nod that I almost missed as the porter crossed between us to retrieve our bags.
“You go on ahead, Alex,” White said. “I’ve got a few things I’d like to discuss with the men before I get settled.”
I wondered what he was going to discuss with them, but I didn’t argue. I didn’t want to crush Billy’s hero worship he had going on. But, as soon as I reached Scott I turned to look back at the men in hopes of catching a glimpse of the conversation. I hadn’t had any real cause to use my lip reading skills lately and this could be good practice.
“Ma’am?” Scott questioned.
“One moment Scott,” I held up my finger.
I squinted my eyes to watch White say something about trusting their discretion and then he looked up at me and mouthed, “Stop it.”
Sam and Billy followed his gaze and I instantly felt very conspicuous.
I turned my attention back to Scott and followed him from the helipad toward my suite.
“Here we are, ma’am. If you’d like, I can give you a full tour while Mr. White speaks with the Captain,” Scott said as he opened my door for me.
“That sounds great. Do I have time to change first?”
“Of course. I’ll wait outside the door.”
I went to my bag and realized White’s bag was right next to mine as well as all of the equipment. I went straight to the door and opened it to find Scott.
“Scott. Mr. White’s bag is in my room. He might want it in his.”
“My apologies, Ms. Grey. This is Mr. White’s room too. This was the only suite available when Mr. White requested to board and he assured me that one room would be satisfactory.”
“Crap.”
“Ma’am?”
“I’m sorry, Scott. I wasn’t expecting this. If it’s all you have, I’ll have to make do. Thank you. I won’t be long.”
Maybe I am experiencing motion sickness, I thought as I shut the door and ran for the bathroom. I hovered over the toilet for a couple of minutes but managed to keep everything down. I truly didn’t think I could make the first move, but if he didn’t I knew I’d be ready to kill someone in a day or two. I brushed my teeth and changed into a happy little dress and put on my sandals instead of my heavy boots.
“Ready,” I said as I met Scott outside in the corridor.
He smiled. “You look much more comfortable, ma’am. If you’ll follow me—”
What did he mean, more comfortable? I worried I might not be fancy enough for this yacht. The decorations and layout were opulent and lavish, and I was wearing a cute, casual dress.
I caught a glimpse of some other passengers sitting at a bar. My wardrobe anxiety dropped away when I noticed they wore clothes similar to mine.
“That is Mr. and Mrs. Klingman. They take this trip every year.”
“Klingman? The name sounds familiar.” I squinted my eyes to get a better look at the older couple. The squinting didn’t help. It just made them look a little blurry.
“It should. They’re big names in Hollywood circles. Each of them inherited unspeakable sums from their families and use it to back blockbuster movies. I don’t know how they choose which movies to invest in, but chances are, if you’ve been backed by the Klingmans you’ve got a hit on your hands.” He stopped. “Would you care for a drink from the bar?”
“How long before we get to Jamaica?”
“About three days.”
“Then I’d love one.”
It might be a good idea to calm down a little before I saw White again. This sharing-a-room nonsense gave me a little thrill. But, it should have been presented to me before the trip, especially since there was only one bed and we had our own men on the ship who would eventually talk. Maybe that’s what White was lecturing the guys about at the helipad.
“What would you like?”
“I don’t care. Surprise me.”
He nodded and I took a seat on one of the couches scattered around the deck while I waited. I was surprised that none of the passengers seemed to care that we’d been flown in. No one other than crew greeted us and I was certain they heard us coming before we landed. Choppers weren’t quiet. I was out of earshot but was able to make out the plump and red-cheeked Mrs. Klingman’s lips asking Scott who I was. “Ms. Grey, ma’am.”
“No first name?” Mr. Klingman asked.
“None that she has shared, sir. I can tell you that she comes from patriotic and wealthy stock.” This satisfied the couple and I watched as he returned with a glass of champagne. At least they noticed, even if they are too good to acknowledge us personally, I thought.
“I hope this will be to your taste, ma’am.”
“I’m sure it’s perfect.” I took a sip as he continued the tour. The champagne was sweet and bubbly. I could sit and drink the stuff until I fell over.
We slowly made our way around the berthing deck as he pointed out the dining room, the bar we’d just come from and one of the pool areas. The exercise room and a theater were also located on this deck.
“How many passengers do you have on board?”
“Now that you and Mr. White have joined us, ten.”
“And you’re at full capacity?”
“We can carry more passengers but the suites aren’t at full capacity. We have two single men aboard who each have their own rooms. Again, I apologize. I didn’t realize you would be uncomfortable with the arrangements. I wish there was something I could do to accommodate you.”
“No. I’m fine. I’m just curious. Where is everyone?” I’d gotten such a warm welcome from the Klingmans I was eager to meet the rest of the passengers.
“They are probably at the other pool and Jacuzzi area.” He pointed above us.
“My first name is Alex if you are questioned again,” I told him as we made our way up a deck.
“Ma’am?”
“The Klingmans,” I said. “You’re welcome to call me Alex, too.” For some reason his formality made me a little uncomfortable and I wanted him to know I wasn’t as pretentious as the rest of his passengers, at least the Klingmans. Plus, he’d been appropriately discrete when being questioned. This made me feel like he was on my side.
He stopped and turned around on the steps. “It’s very nice to make your acquaintance, Alex.” He took my hand in his and gave it a squeeze. “However, I will probably refrain in front of the other passengers. I hope you understand.”
“That’s entirely up to you.” We smiled at each other and he led me up the rest of the stairs. His shoulders seemed more relaxed and his expression was one of satisfaction.
The sun was split in half by the horizon. The brilliant oranges, reds, and pinks danced in the sky as well as on the water. A cool breeze tickled my bare arms, giving me goose bumps. I fought the urge to rub some warmth back into my arms. Scott had been especially accommodating and I didn’t want him to think he needed to run for a jacket. I tore my eyes away from the setting sun to look into the water below us. It was a deep blue and I could see the lights around the ship starting to illuminate the water around us. I breathed in the air and sighed.
Once at the railing we stood watching the water roll by and the sun sink further into the ocean for a couple of minutes. I used this moment to assess the rest of the passengers who were scattered across the deck. Sam stood in one corner keeping an eye on things.
Two couples were relaxing in the Jacuzzi and the two single men were at the bar, ogling the bikini-clad bartender. Everyone had already noticed me but I pret
ended to be completely taken with the view while I questioned Scott.
“The men and women in the Jacuzzi?”
“Mr. and Mrs. Stoddard and Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins.” Scott replied without missing a beat. “Mrs. Stoddard is a well known plastic surgeon and her husband—”
“Yes?”
“Is not.” He looked out at the sunset with great interest.
I chuckled. “Trophy?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he smiled.
“He certainly looks a bit younger than her.”
“Don’t tell her that and don’t get caught alone with him. He’s not a faithful husband and she’s not a forgiving woman.”
“Good to know. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins?”
“Janet and Steve. Janet is Mrs. Stoddard’s sister and this is their first time on a luxury yacht. They own a small grocery store in Canal Point Florida. Very down to earth couple with two kids in high school.”
“The two men at the bar?”
“Brothers. Joel and Pete Dante. Successful internet entrepreneurs. Very single and proving it both on the ship as well as in port.”
“You are perfect, Scott. Now, can you tell me where I might find Mr. White?”
“Probably still catching up with the captain.”
“I imagine it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to go wandering in there.” I mused aloud.
“I won’t stop you, ma’am.” He said.
“Thank you, but I think I should probably behave this early in the trip. I do have to share a room with the man for at least three more days.”
“Sound thinking, ma’am.” He took my champagne flute. “May I get you another before dinner?”
“Why not? When is dinner?”
He checked his watch. “Thirty minutes. No need to dress for dinner.”
I nodded and handed him my glass.
I watched the lips of the two young men as they asked Scott their questions. The Jenkins’ and Stoddards had moved to the bar as soon as Scott approached. They were all listening intently at the sparse information he was doling out. Apparently, none of them knew we’d be joining them this afternoon and we were the talk of the boat. Again, he gave my name as Ms. Grey and did not give them my occupation. I wasn’t sure if he knew my occupation but I was certain he’d heard Billy call me Commander Grey so he had to have some idea. The man was obviously not dumb.
Traces of Grey: Book Four of The Alexis Stanton Chronicles Page 2