by Scott Cook
Andrea’s eyes still held righteous anger in them, but he thought he saw something more. A slight softening, “And Miles says that I’m behind these rebels, right?”
Jarvis nodded.
“Wrong,” She said, pacing away and then turning back, “it’s Miles who’s setting all this up to discredit me.”
“That’s his accusation about you,” Jarvis stated flatly.
“And I suppose you believe him?”
He frowned, “No. Neither do I believe you. I don’t know enough to make a decision either way, and frankly, I couldn’t give two shits. I want Clay and his son back and want his family left alone. That’s the beginning and end of my concerns, Ms. Wellesley. I don’t give a damn what is going on between you and Miles.”
“So why bother finding me, then?”
“Because I need to find out who’s behind this and how to find my friends,” Jarvis said, “and that means that you and Miles need to be alive.”
“Well, doesn’t the fact that two men came to murder me this evening kind of reinforce the idea that I’m not the mastermind here?” She asked heatedly.
He scoffed, “You’d think so, wouldn’t you? But this isn’t my first rodeo, babe. And it’s not the first time somebody has set up a fake hit to throw me off track… if that’s the case. On the other hand, I have strong reasons to believe this was real, because of my dealings with the man who’s holding my friends.”
Her eyes narrowed shrewdly, “What are you? Some kind of government agent?”
He laughed, “As if! I’m a private investigator from Orlando.”
Her eyes went wide and she snapped her fingers, “That’s it! That’s why you seem so familiar. Scott Jarvis, the private eye novelist. And let me guess, the employee you met at the camp was named Lisa, right?”
“Yeah.”
She laughed lightly, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave… your ex-girlfriend. How delicious! Oh, I have to hand it to Miles… I didn’t think he had it in him. Maybe I’ve had more influence on him than I thought.”
Jarvis only stared with a cocked eyebrow.
“Doesn’t it seem like a huge coincidence to you that you’d run into her while rescuing your friends?”
“I don’t believe in coincidences.”
Andrea stepped close to him and put a hand on his chest, “Neither do I, handsome. Neither do I. And there’s something you should know about your gorgeous little Cuban girlfriend.”
His face darkened with just a hint of anger, “I already know.”
She nodded, “Still carrying a torch? Then you know she and Miles have been sleeping together for over a month now.”
“I know,” He said again, this time a little more tightly.
“Let me take a stab at how it went,” Andrea pressed harshly. “You bump into each other during this exciting night… not unlike tonight… later on, the two of you hook up. Maybe it’s even her idea. She slips into your room and balls your socks off. Then the next morning she acts like it was a mistake. You’re disappointed because you thought there was a chance you were rekindling things, am I right?”
“What the hell do you know about it?” he growled softly and turned to stare out through the open French doors.
“You are carrying a torch,” Andrea said with a chuckle, although not entirely unkindly. “That figures. It works out perfectly for them.”
He turned and regarded her with a sour look. He didn’t want to hear any more. She was saying what he already had discovered and felt like she might be deliberately trying to manipulate him. He turned away and tried to ignore her.
“I know more about this than I’ve said,” Andrea announced more softly now. She stood next to him but didn’t touch him. “When she first came, Lisa was a sharp girl who would be an asset to us. But she’s also beautiful and exotic. Once Miles and I split, they started up. Probably his idea. But think about it, Scott… he’s a rich man and she’s positioned to gain a lot. Do you really think it was an accident that she ran into you? Think of what she stands to gain by being with him… and compare that to a regular guy who she’s already decided to leave?”
He wanted to shut her out. Didn’t want her words to poison him. Yet the dart had gone home and the damage was already being done. He confidence in Lisa was already strained and now this was only fanning the flames of his doubt.
“I don’t mean to offend you,” Andrea said, daring to touch his hand. “Physically, Miles can’t touch you. I’d be willing to bet you’re excellent in bed. You’re obviously smart, funny and I do sense that you’re a good and honorable man. But Miles has something you don’t have.”
“He’s rich,” Jarvis admitted.
“He’s got power,” Andrea persisted. “Not just money. Power I gave him, which is no small kick in the ass, believe me. You’ve got power too, that’s obvious. But it’s different. Your power is physical, emotional and mental. The power of a good and courageous man. An honest man… Miles’ power is that of a wealthy man. It’s just different.”
He took in a long slow breath and blew it out, “Whatever. None of this matters. All that matters right now, Ms. Wellesley, is that we have to get the Christ out of here. Can you climb?”
She looked at him indignantly and then at the length of thick rope that still hung down from the balcony above, “You’re shitting me. Me, climb that rope?”
“Either that or we walk out of the front door and get plugged by the third assassin waiting in the hall,” he informed her whilst wearing a self-amused grin.
She scowled, “You think there’s another one?”
“Yeah. Maybe two more, but I’d bet one is in the car.”
“So just lean out the door and shoot his sorry ass.”
Jarvis chuckled, “It won’t be that easy. There may in fact be nobody out there… but leaving from my room will be easier. If you can’t climb, then you’ll have to ride on my back. Pack your shit.”
By the look on his face, Andrea could see he wasn’t going to budge. She could refuse, but then he’d probably give up on her and leave. Or he’d simply pick her up and carry her out. There was something about this man, a sense of an indomitable will that she picked up on right away. It was one of the insubstantial qualities that was turning her on so much.
“Fine,” She relented, putting on a huff and walking into the bedroom.
“Five minutes,” he called after her.
“Oh, yes sir!” She needled from beyond the archway.
He sighed, rubbed his face and shook his head. In spite of what he said earlier, Jarvis did go over and pick up the good bourbon she was drinking. After examining the label, he shrugged and took a long pull from the bottle.
Then he went and stared out through the open doors at what was left of the sunset. The glowing orb had disappeared below the Pacific but its rays still illuminated the few wispy clouds on the horizon and almost directly above, turning them to pink cotton candy puffs.
He pondered his situation and not for the first time, wondered about the strange twists and turns his life had taken over the past nearly three years. At thirty-one, he’d already had a career as a uniformed police officer, a detective and now a private investigator. In that time he’d seen and experienced more than most people could even dream about. He’d had a good number of successes, a few failures yet for the most part, it was both interesting and satisfying… if a bit lonely from time to time.
“You gonna carry me and my luggage all on your back, Arnold?” Andrea asked bemusedly from behind him.
She had two large suitcases, a backpack and a large coach purse. He groaned but was also pleasantly surprised to see that she’d changed into jeans, a lightweight long sleeved blouse and sneakers. Even in the casual clothing, she exuded sex. Her ripe round body, her golden hair and her large moist eyes simply screamed eroticism.
“Don’t worry, it’s easier than you might think.”
“Ms. Wellesley,” She half-mocked him with a coy smile, “Even when you don’t say it, you’re s
aying it. How about dropping the formality and just calling me Andrea, okay?”
He took the end of the rope and looped it through the handles of all the bags, even the purse. She watched with real interest as he made a loop in the line, passed the loose end up through and around it and then back down through the loop again. He then took hold of the loose end, the loop and the rope and pulled, synching the knot down.
“Will that hold?” She asked curiously.
“Sure, it’s a bowline… a sailor’s knot.”
“You a sailor, detective?”
“All my life, practically,” He said, “Ready for a ride… Andrea?”
She made a low sort of harrumphing noise that indicated a ride would indeed be the very thing, although not quite in the way he meant. Jarvis only shook his head and gripped the rope.
“Come on, all aboard who’s going’ ashore,” he joked, “Wrap your arms around my neck and your legs around my waist.”
“I thought you’d never ask, sexy,” Andrea said with a giggle.
She did as instructed, entwining her long legs around his middle and crossing her ankles. She actually had the good sense to put her left arm under his and her right over his shoulder and grip her wrists. IN this way, he’d have more freedom of movement. She then clenched her thighs down with admirable strength.
“Am I too tight?” she breathed into his left ear.
“Jesus Christ…” he muttered, feeling heat flush through him and centering in his steadily tightening jeans.
She giggled again and he started up the rope. He used his feet to grip the line and pulled with his arms. She had to admit that the experience was exciting. Not just because it was something out of a spy movie, but also because she could feel the hard muscles of his body tensing and writhing beneath hers. It was erotic as hell and she could feel herself becoming wet. Even more than that, she could feel herself building toward an orgasm.
Halfway up, she ran her tongue lightly along his neck and gently nibbled his ear before asking, “Is it hard?”
“You want us to plummet to our deaths?” he asked in an even tone. He must be even stronger than he looked.
She chuckled softly, “These balconies are staggered. We’re like four feet off my balcony.”
“Still,” he replied, “this would be easier without you trying to give me blue balls.”
“Oh, baby…” She breathed. “When we get to the top you just give the word and I’ll make you feel sooo much better. Almost as good as you’re about to make me feel…”
“Christ…” He muttered, shivering slightly, “What?”
He continued to climb and felt her body tense. She gasped and let out a little cry of what he’d swear was orgasmic pleasure, but that couldn’t be. Just his imagination.
“What the Christ?” he muttered in disbelief.
She laughed. He was beginning to sense that Andrea wasn’t just over-sexed. There was something predatory about her, perhaps even dangerous.
They reached the balcony above and he pulled them up until he could get a hand on the railing and a foot on the floor. He then stood up and swung them both over the railing, where Andrea let go and landed lightly and lithely. He then hauled on the rope and her baggage came up and over.
As he bent over to retrieve her things, Andrea lightly ran her fingers over the firm roundness that filled out the back of his jeans. She made a soft purring sort of sound.
“Not helping,” He grumped, although there was little conviction in it.
“It helped me, baby.”
He untied her bags and took a few deep breaths, wiping a sheen of sweat from his brow, “Let me just grab a glass of water.”
“You remind me of somebody,” Andrea mused as they brought her bags into his suite. It was very much like hers, although a bit smaller.
“Probably James Bond,” he said flippantly.
She chuckled, “Sure… but there’s this guy, in a book… he’s from Florida too.”
“Oh, that narrows it down,” Jarvis quipped as he filled a drinking glass from his own bar sink and chugged it down. “Want any?”
“Sure.”
He filled another glass and handed it to her as he downed a second.
“So what’s the plan?” Andrea asked. “You need to pack, too?”
He chuckled, “I’m wearing my luggage. I Figure we simply walk down the hall, take the elevator down and drive away. Easy-peasy.”
“What about the assassin in my hall and his buddy in their car?”
“Fuck em’.”
She laughed, “Oh, great!”
He grinned at her, “They’ll be prepared to watch you. Probably don’t know I’m even here. After a few more minutes, though, if there is a guy in the hallway below us, he’ll get worried about his friends and come into your room. Once that happens… well, things are going to get interesting. We’d better get moving.”
He slung her backpack over one shoulder and picked up the heavier of her two bags in his left hand. Andrea downed her water and slung her purse, picking up her bag as well.
“Don’t’ suppose you have a big floppy hat or anything?” he asked as he opened his door and peeked out.
“It’s dark now,” Andrea observed wryly. “Wouldn’t that look stupid if not suspicious?”
He crooked his finger at her, “Clear. Let’s move. And you’re right, we’ll just have to get lucky.”
“Finally,” She mused.
They walked swiftly down the hallway and he pressed for the elevator.
“Why not the stairs?” She asked.
“Probably where your buddy is hiding,” He replied. “At least up here. We’ll go down to the second floor and then go across to the other stairs. That’ll fool em’.”
“Everything a joke to you?” She asked with a grin.
“Not everything,” he admitted. “I take lots of things very seriously. For instance, I’ve recently been informed that I may already be a winner in the Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. Isn’t that thrilling?”
She laughed, “Oh, for Christ’s sake… sorry you won’t get to meet old Ed though. He went nips up some years back.”
He sighed dramatically, “Now I don’t even want the ten million.”
In spite of the crazy situation and the real fact that her life was now in danger, Andrea found that she was enjoying herself. Not only was this man exactly what she’d been waiting for… he was charming and funny, too. He was more than just a pretty face, which touched her on multiple levels. More than that, she felt safe with him, and that’s not a sensation she’d felt in a long, long time.
That was mostly because Andrea Wellesley didn’t get scared. She didn’t have any insecurities that would make her feel the need to seek out a protector of any kind. Indeed, it was she who usually had the dominant personality, even among men. Yet for some reason, this man made her feel safe. It wasn’t just because he was large and powerful, it was something insubstantial.
When they got to the second floor, Jarvis leaned out of the elevator and did a quick scan of the hallway. He then motioned to Andrea to follow. They jogged all the way to the other end where there was an additional set of fire stairs. Jarvis pressed his ear to the door and listened for nearly a minute before pulling it open carefully, his body low.
Nothing happened. He nodded and they went in, Andrea making sure that the door closed softly behind her. They tip toed down the steps and once again, Jarvis listened at the door that led outside.
“Okay…” he said. “I’m in an olive drab Jeep. Second row. The keys are stashed under the driver’s visor. There’s also a satellite phone hidden under the passenger seat. In case anything happens, you get in the Jeep and haul ass. There’s a contact in the phone with the name Rincon. Call him and tell him what’s happening and who you are.”
“Umberto?” She asked.
Jarvis nodded, “Right.”
“What’s going to happen?” She queried.
“Hopefully nothing,” he replied, ea
sing the door open, “but you never know. Can you shoot?”
Andrea frowned, “Not really… I mean I can, but I’m not much of a shot. Something that’s been on my list, though.”
He scowled, “Okay then… you’ll have to drive. Just in case. Ready?”
“Scott…” There was such sincerity in her voice that it stopped him from opening the outer fire door. He turned to her expectantly.
“I’m sorry… about before, about how harsh I was about Lisa,” Andrea said softly.
“What about acting like a horny teenager?” He inquired lightly. “dry humping me on the floor and acting all hot and bothered during the climb.”
She grinned, “Nope, not sorry about that. Especially the climb.”
He smiled thinly and opened the door and cast a quick look around and then waved her to follow. They strolled casually but quickly toward the parking lot. The lot was fairly well lit and there didn’t seem to be any sign of life as yet.
Then something made him stiffen and pause, crouching low. She followed suit and gripped his muscled forearm.
“Car door,” he hissed into her ear, “At the end of this row.”
“Ever think you’re just being paranoid?” She hissed back, “I mean… it’s a parking lot… bound to be a few car doors in it.”
“Yeah, and I chastise myself and tell myself to relax,” he whispered with a small chuckle, “And that’s usually when a platoon of vampires busts in with RPG’s and tries to convert me to Scientology and then blow me up. Better safe than sorry… forewarned is worth a pound of cure… a bird in the hand gathers no moss and so forth.“
She punched him in the arm, “Be serious!”
“Oh, okay,” he said and grinned at her. He then crab walked forward and peeked around the rear of the SUV they were hiding behind. “Uh-oh…”