Scent of Gardenia (Scott Tucker Series)

by Dick Waters

  He laughed again with that deep laugh. “The ‘blind drivers’ are the ones who have the least trouble with those.” He laughed again. “The rest of us hold our breath and close our eyes going around them.”

  She looked over at him and knew she was going to really enjoy his company. She undid her hair letting it cascade across her face.

  *.*.*

  About an hour later, he pulled up in front of the Bermudiana Hotel. He removed her suitcase from the trunk and ushered her into the hotel lobby. He helped her with registration and carried her bag to her room. Jules opened the door to her room and placed her suitcase on the wooden stand. He opened the drapes and she joined him to look out at the town of Hamilton and Hamilton Harbor.

  “What a nice view,” she announced.

  “Ms. Compton, if you think that’s something, wait until you see the South coast.” He opened the sliding glass door to her balcony.

  She stepped out onto the balcony. “Jules, please call me Holly.”

  He watched her take in the view. “Holly, it’s late in the afternoon. Do you want to wait until tomorrow to check some things out, or what are your plans?”

  She didn’t want to waste any time. “I was considering going to the newspaper office. I think it’s the ‘Royal Gazette.’ Is that possible?”

  “Most everything is possible. Their offices are within walking distance of here. Please let me move my car and I’ll meet you in the lobby. Give me about ten minutes.”

  “That will give me a few minutes to unpack. Thank you for carrying my luggage for me.” She looked and didn’t see a ring on his finger. “Would you also like to join me for dinner after we visit the newspaper office?”

  “Holly, are you sure you want me to accompany you? You should be able to entertain yourself with all of the tourists your age here.”

  “Yes I am. If you don’t mind joining me, I’m sure I would enjoy your company. In exchange, you can give me your own thoughts about some recent events on the island.”

  He headed back into the room and she followed. He closed and locked the sliding door. “Are you referring to the missing men?”

  She wondered how he knew she was interested in that. “How did you know I was interested in them?”

  He laughed again, answering as he headed to the hallway door, “Did you think you were the only investigator on the island. I know enough to know when someone is here for a vacation; or business. Let’s make it fifteen minutes and I’ll meet you in the lobby. I’ll give you some extra time to change.”

  She looked at him with a question on her face and then asked, “Why did you say that?”

  “Well to start with, you need to look like you’re here for vacation and not business. Besides, you’ll be more comfortable in Bermuda shorts and a blouse rather than that stuffy outfit.” He held his finger to his lips, quickly leaving the room.

  She looked at herself in the dresser mirror. He’s right. I would be more comfortable in something else.

  *.*.*

  Less than a half hour later they were entering the newspaper’s office. She was very comfortable in her Bermuda shorts and white blouse.

  Holly introduced herself, asking if they had any hard copies of the newspaper going back at least eighteen months.

  They pointed to two machines where she could examine the newspapers on microfilm. The clerk was helpful in explaining the filing system and how to operate the machine. Jules listened, but didn’t say anything during the process.

  She was soon pulling reels and looking at them on the machine. It was a slow process and finally Jules came over to her and spoke to her. “Holly, do you think if you told the woman what you were interested in she could help you find it faster?”

  “I was hoping not to talk about what I was doing here. However, I guess she could care less about that.”

  Jules nodded his head. “The offices close in an hour, so unless you plan to do this tomorrow I would suggest you mention to her what you’re looking for.”

  She rewound the machine and took the reel back to the film library. She asked the clerk to help her find the newspapers around the time of the men’s disappearances. To her surprise the woman showed her where the right reels could be found.

  Holly quickly examined the first such article, making some notes. She looked over at Jules and he was just smiling at her discovery. There wasn’t much helpful information in the several reels she was given. However, it did give her some potential reference points to when the men went missing. It also gave her some theories on what might have happened to the men. She did make note of the missing men’s yacht names; ’Import-ant’, ‘Dust B’ Gone’, ‘Roger That’, ‘Little Will’. She had previously only had the name of the ‘Import-ant.’

  Jules came over to stand beside her. “Holly, they’re trying to close shop. We can come back tomorrow if you need to.”

  “Thanks Jules, I’ve got some helpful information. I might not have to come back.”

  She rewound the tape, replacing all of the reels in their proper spots. She went over to the clerk that helped her. “Thank you so much for your help. You saved me a lot of time. Oh, one other question. I didn’t see anything about finding the body of one of the missing men?”

  “Oh that was just recent. We only put copies of the papers on microfilm after a month. The paper you want to look at is right over here.”

  “That’s okay. I’ll come back tomorrow since you’re closing now.”

  The woman never stopped walking, heading to another area inside the office. “Don’t be silly luv, you’re here now and this will only take another minute or two.” She quickly found the respective newspaper hard copy. “Here’s the article you need.”

  Holly thanked her, quickly reading the article. It gave the details of where the body was found and by whom. She made some notes and returned the newspaper to its proper location. She headed to the front of the office and offered the woman some money for her assistance. The woman only held up her hands and told her she was happy to assist.

  Jules opened the front door for her with a smile. “What’s next?” he asked.

  “How about you give me an hour and we can meet in the lobby for dinner. I would like to clean up some. Where do you suggest we have dinner?”

  “I’ll be waiting in the lobby in an hour and a half. If you don’t mind it will be a surprise…do you trust me? Wear something suitable for dancing. I’ll need to go home and dust off a sports coat…gentlemen dress in Bermuda for dinner.” They were both quiet walking back to the hotel.

  On the ride up in the elevator, Holly thought now was a good time to call Mike to let him know about her safe arrival, meeting Jules and what she did this afternoon. She was finding it hard to concentrate. She was staring at a very attractive tall redheaded woman with a handsome man standing almost too close to her. The woman looked annoyed, but the man looked like he was planning his next meal. She decided in that short ride how she was going to dress for dinner, and what to do with her own long-red hair.

  Chapter 27

  Mike hung up the phone. He thought about what Holly had told him about the newspaper articles on the missing men. That was a good first step. That’s why she makes such a good investigator. He was glad they sent her to kickoff this investigation. She will likely uncover something that will bring them closer to what happened to the men.

  Scott and he had planned to meet at the pub. Scott seemed concerned about something and wanted to have a talk. He thought about what it could be—it couldn’t be about the real estate project as Bill was all excited about what he was doing with the computer side of that project. I bet it’s about Mercedes.

  *.*.*

  Mike arrived at the pub and found their usual table. Maggie came across the room almost at a run, which was quite a bouncy sight.

  “Mike it’s good to see you. Are you alone tonight, or do you expect Scott or the redhead…or both?” She leaned over and gave him a peck on his cheek. She noticed him checking the top of her out
fit. “They really should get me a larger size,” she said, reaching in and pulling up on both sides.

  “I think the management might just like it the way it is.”

  She smiled, responding with, “I know Scott does too. He turns red, trying not to stare. It would be a joy to watch his reaction to my dancing. Anyway, do you want the usual and should I bring one for Scott?”

  He turned his head slightly looking over her shoulder. “You can do that, he’s headed this way.”

  She watched Mike’s eyes, turning when she thought Scott was close to the table. She looked right in his eyes and was happy with his focus.

  I sat down and she immediately put her arms around my neck and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

  “Boy, when you guys come in…you should see my energy later when I dance that night.”

  Maggie kept her arms wrapped around my neck. I could feel the color rushing onto my face.

  “Now, that’s what I was looking for,” she said with a smile, looking over at Mike. “I’ll get those drafts and be right back.” She accented her wiggle for our benefit.

  I took a deep breath. “Hi Mike. I’m glad Mercedes wasn’t here to see that greeting. I think she does really like us.”

  Mike waved his hand. “It’s not us she really likes. I think she has some fantasies about you. I don’t see her ever greeting anyone else quite like she does when you come in. Speaking of Mercedes, what’s up?”

  *.*.*

  I danced around the subject, finally coming right out, saying I was jealous about Mercedes and her work associate. “I tried several times to reach her in her hotel room. It was getting very late and there was no answer. She’s down in Bermuda with two other detectives; one of them I think is around her age.”

  The subject changed and we were on our second beer when Mike finally held up both hands and stopped me.

  “Scott, I guess I’m not surprised by what’s happening. Mercedes has always had an effect on you. You’ve been mourning Lisa’s loss for too long. Mercedes is what you need now. I’m personally glad to see you two seeing each other. In a word—it’s obvious you’re jealous of her association with the other investigator. I don’t think you have to worry about that. If she was interested in him, I don’t think she would be this intent on seeing you.” He paused. “You did spend last weekend together didn’t you?”

  I looked over to see Maggie standing at the wait station, and then at my beer. “Yes we did. You’re right about being jealous. I’ve never had these feelings before. My mind has been spinning since I couldn’t reach her last night. I’ve conjured up a whole lot of things that are pretty far fetched.” I looked at Mike who had a slight smile. “Thanks Mike for giving me your honest assessment of what is happening.”

  “My pleasure. Do you have any idea where this is going to lead?” Mike asked. He knew the answer to the question, but he didn’t think Scott had asked himself that question. He recalled his own actions when he first met the woman he married. There wasn’t anything happening around him that mattered—everything centered on her. Six months after they met, they were married. It was the best decision he ever made. I think I’m going to bring home some flowers if I can find a florist open tonight.

  I reached for my beer, finishing it. My hand was shaking and I hoped Mike didn’t see it. I thought about his question, but didn’t answer it. Where is this leading? Can I really be falling in love with her? Why not, Scott? What are you afraid of? Are you afraid of losing her too? Well, if you don’t handle this correctly…you could lose her. I thought about her saving my life. She cared enough about me to risk her own life. Doesn’t that give me an answer about how she feels?

  “Earth to Scott…have I helped you?” he asked, spinning his mug with both hands.

  I nodded my answer. However, I found myself staring at his wedding band.

  Chapter 28

  She got off the elevator and walked toward the lobby area. Jules was sitting reading a newspaper. He looked handsome in his boat shoes, khaki shorts, bright blue shirt and camel colored sports coat. She ducked into the ladies room, checked herself out in the mirror one last time.

  She wasn’t wearing her dark rimmed glasses so her eyesight wasn’t the best it could have been. However, she liked what she saw in the mirror. The white sleeveless sundress tied around her neck accented her ample bosom. Her long red hair hung down on one side and almost commanded the eye to the top of her sundress. She also wore the highest heels she had so she could better see Jules’ eyes. She felt more beautiful than she had in a long time. She thought - I think he’ll like what he sees. Why am I so concerned about that…this is just a dinner. Isn’t it? She gave that some more thought.

  She walked out of the ladies room, taking her time approaching Jules. He looked up. She could see his mouth drop open slightly. He immediately stood up to greet her, offering his hand.

  She smiled and shook his hand. It was even softer than when she first met him.

  “Holly, you look very different than this afternoon. I mean…you look ravishing.” He let go of her hand, adding, “I guess we should leave.” He took her arm, heading her to the lobby exit.

  She could feel the eyes in the lobby on her, or on them. She felt like a million dollars, and wondered why had she been avoiding going out on any dates?

  *.*.*

  Jules opened the car door for her and she could feel him looking closely at her. As he drove they made small talk. He pointed out some of the sights as they headed away from Hamilton Harbor. The windows were open in the vehicle. She noticed a fresh scent. She couldn’t place what it was. Could it be his after shave?

  Soon they were turning in at the sign that indicated ‘Elbow Beach.’ “Holly, thank you for letting me select where to take you tonight. I think you will really enjoy both the dinner and the entertainment.” The valet took the cab, and as he drove off in it, she could hear Jules chuckle slightly to himself.

  Once inside the resort he held her arm, leading her to the dimly lit restaurant. They were greeted by the Maitre‘d. “Good evening folks,” he said, with a deep voice.

  Jules replied, “Reservations for Bennett.”

  “Yes, a party of two. Please follow me. I have a table set for you overlooking the shore. Is that acceptable?”

  “Yes that would be fine.”

  Holly could feel many eyes watching their entrance, unable to hold back the smile. The Maitre‘d held her chair while Jules took his beside her. “Your server tonight is William. He will be right with you. I’m sure you will enjoy your meal. As she looked around the restaurant, she could tell this was an elite place.

  “Jules, thank you for choosing this restaurant. What an excellent choice. Do you come here often?”

  “No. I haven’t been here in years. This isn’t the place a single man comes…that is unless he has someone like you to enjoy it with. Holly, you look ravishing. I almost didn’t recognize you when you met me in the lobby. I guess I had expected someone wearing glasses.”

  “Thank you Jules. You look very handsome tonight as well.” She pinpointed the scent she smelled earlier. It was his aftershave. It had a sweet smell of lime. “I like your aftershave.” She thought that sounded strange.

  “Thank you. It’s an aftershave made on the island. It’s very tropical. I’m glad you like it.”

  William, the waiter, welcomed them. He covered the three specials, making a recommendation for one of the specials listed on the one-page menu. “Would you care for any refreshments before dinner?” William asked.

  She ordered a rum and coke, but Jules recommended the ‘Island Breeze.’ He ordered the same thing. William quickly returned with their drinks. Jules told him that they would enjoy their refreshment before ordering.

  Jules raised his drink, proposing a quick toast, “Here’s hoping your trip is a success.”

  She raised her glass and touched his. “I’ll drink to that.” She wondered how much older he was.

  *.*.*

  During dinner they tol
d each other about themselves. She found it very easy to talk with him, and even told him some closely guarded personal things. One of them was she hadn’t been out like this in over two years. He had echoed her, but said it had been much longer for him. She could sense there was something he wasn’t telling her. She didn’t want to pry, but she wondered what it was.

  After they had finished their cocktails, dinner and wine, they were now on their after dinner drinks. She could feel her head starting to spin a little. “So Jules, what’s your take on these missing men?”

  He looked out at the lighted beach and the ocean beyond before answering. He took a noticeable breath. “I think the men are being kept.”

  “Would you care to elaborate?”

  “Let me say it this way—we’ve only discovered one body since the four men went missing. That man went missing almost eighteen months ago. If these were not men, but women…what do you think happened to them?”

  “Well, I would think they were being held against their will, possibly for sexual purposes.”

  “Not possibly. You can be certain about that. So why do you think its anything different since its men?”

  She thought about that for a moment. “I guess it’s hard to fathom women doing that.”

  He leaned across the table, asking her, “What if someone’s fantasies became reality?” He let that sink in for a moment. “Surely you have fantasies of your own?” He smiled, holding up his hands. “Don’t answer that…let’s see what we can find for entertainment. Are you ready to see what Bermuda really offers?”

  She was glad he didn’t persist. He took her arm as they walked out of the now crowded restaurant. She wore this dress tonight because of her earlier thoughts about Jules. She wondered if it was the liquor that made her feel this comfortable, or something else. Whatever it was, or is, she was going to enjoy tonight, letting things take their course. She smiled as they left the restaurant, thinking of the many shipwrecks Jules had mentioned. She could see the headlines now…‘The Miss Holly’ shipwrecks off the coast of Bermuda.