Scent of Gardenia (Scott Tucker Series)

by Dick Waters

  Her hand looked like she had stuck it in flour compared to his dark skin. She was getting excited about her new guests, especially Jules. While she watched her hand on his body, she put her face close to his and could smell the sweet scent of lime. His aftershave was almost hypnotizing. He was responding to her touch even though he was still out. She closed her eyes, contemplating the games she was going to play with both her new guests.

  She felt his body stir. She opened her eyes to see Jules’ eyes open, trying to register what had happened, and what was happening now. His muffled yell made her laugh. Her hand left him and her fist punched him there. He made a sickening sound when his breath escaped. It took a minute for him to recover. She stood up and displayed her body for him. He closed his eyes and she hit him again only this time much harder. He recovered finally and she commented, “Jules, we’ll have none of that. You will pay attention to me, or if you prefer, suffer the consequences.” She smiled at him, and he had his eyes wide open.

  “That’s a good boy Jules. You learn your lessons fast.” She leaned over, kissing him where she punched. “It’s pain or pleasure. The choice is yours. I prefer pleasure myself, but I can make you very uncomfortable.” Her hand circled his testicles with a very light touch, and then she squeezed them hard. “Which do you prefer?”

  He shook his head back and forth, mumbling something. He couldn’t speak, since the gag was pulled tight and something was inside his mouth.

  She let up her grasp. He took in a long deep breath through his nose. “Okay Jules, this was lesson one. We’ll have a sign language going forward; you nod your head for okay, and shake it for no. When I ask you a question, I expect a quick honest yes or no…or you suffer the consequences.” She started to reach for him again and he shook his head no. “Excellent Jules, Margaret loves a fast learner. Oh, in case you’re wondering about your beautiful friend…she’s across the hall and safe. I’m quite impressed with her…it’s nice to have a lady in the house. She’s beautiful and obviously every inch a lady, but I think you knew that…didn’t you?”

  He was slow to respond, but saw her hand dart out and quickly nodded. “That’s my good boy,” she said with a big smile, this time affectionately tapping him instead of punching. Here’s rule number two; if you’re not cooperative to my many requests…you’re lovely friend will be the one suffering for your lack of sincere responsiveness. And, I will make sure you hear her pain. Do you understand rule number two?”

  He pulled on the chains and nodded his understanding.

  They both heard the chains rattle, and then they heard a frenzied rattle. “Well, Jules I think our shared friend is finally awake.” Margaret started to stand.

  “Help. Someone help me. Jules are you here? Jules are you okay? Help me.”

  Jules tried to answer her. “Holly I’m here. I’m okay, but I can’t help you.” However, only he and Margaret could hear his muffled words.

  Margaret’s response was quick and ugly. She recognized his reaction, wondering if he was actually going to vomit. Fortunately he didn’t. “This is rule number three; there will be no talking to each other, or in your case trying to.” She waited for him to recover. “This has been quite the day. I’m glad that I have space for you both. It was fortunate we bumped into each other tonight. I look forward to both of your company for a very long time. Now, to find out what your friend likes and doesn’t. I know what men like, but I need to spend some time with your friend.”

  Margaret stood and studied Jules’ body for several minutes. He was slow responding, but he was coming around. “It’s going to be fun being with you. I can see you’re going to be a challenge, but remember this Jules—it’s either pain or pleasure…take your pick. Just remember this; I hold the power either way. Now, I need to find out from Holly who you people are and what you’re doing here. However, I know the answer already…I just want to see if Holly quickly learns to tell the truth or not.”

  Chapter 46

  Mike was in the office alone. It gave him a chance to make the coffee the way he liked.

  The phone rang and he answered it. “Mike Miller, good morning, how can I help you?”

  “Mr. Miller, I’m glad you answered the phone. This is Mr. Douglas at the Bermudiana Hotel. Good morning.”

  “Good morning Mr. Douglas. How can I help you?”

  “Mr. Miller, would you know how to reach Ms. Compton?”

  “Not exactly. She was supposed to check out of the hotel already. Why do you ask?”

  “Well, she has never settled her final bill or turned in her keys. Her luggage and personal items are still in our storage area. Mr. Miller, you’re most likely not aware of this, but I need to let you know why we’re concerned beyond what I mentioned.”

  “I’m listening, and I’m glad you’re calling. Please share your concern.”

  “Okay.” Mr. Douglas paused. “Mr. Bennett, who we knew was her guide while she was here in Bermuda, well his cab was found burning early this morning. Maybe you need to get in touch with the police authorities here.”

  “Mr. Douglas, thank you very much for your timely call. I will contact the authorities. Can you hold her personal effects until we decide what we’re going to do? Do you need me to approve the final bill, or how do you want to handle that?”

  “We can just process it against the card on file. I’m sorry to bother you Mr. Miller, but I did think you should be made aware of this situation.”

  “Your timely call is very much appreciated. If you should see or hear from her please have her call us, or call us yourself collect. Thank you. Bye.”

  *.*.*

  Mike was looking for the phone numbers at Colleen’s desk when Paddy and Scott entered the building. Instead of his usual greeting of ‘hello’ or ‘good morning’, he said, “Paddy, we have a big problem. Jules’ cab was found burning this morning and Holly hasn’t properly signed out of the hotel. It doesn’t sound good. I was just trying to find the phone numbers for the police and Jules’ cab company.”

  The door opened and Colleen stepped in to see everyone standing by her desk. “Is something wrong?” Colleen asked.

  “Yes there’s a problem in Bermuda. Do you have the Bermuda phone numbers?” Mike asked.

  She went around to the other side of her desk and pulled out a 3x5 card and handed it to Mike. “These are the only numbers I have.”

  “That’s what I need. Thanks Colleen.” Mike headed toward Paddy’s office with Paddy following.

  I spoke with Colleen. “Colleen, Mike heard that Holly has not checked out of the hotel properly and hasn’t picked up her personal items. Jules Bennett’s cab was found burning this morning.”

  “Oh my God!” she cried out. “Do you think she’s okay?”

  “Holly can take care of herself. I’m sure Mike will know more when he talks to the authorities there. I better go and see what I can do.”

  *.*.*

  Paddy was on the phone. “Chief-Inspector Hughes, I want to thank you for taking my call. I’m Patrick O’Brien and Holly Compton works for our office. What can you tell me?”

  “Mr. O’Brien we’re still processing the burned out cab belonging to Jules Bennett. There were no signs of any struggle where the cab was found. Right now our officers are trying to determine where Ms. Compton and Mr. Bennett were yesterday. We know she was doing her own investigation here.”

  “Did she visit your offices there?” Paddy asked.

  “Yes she did. In fact I met with her in person. We gave her the names of the missing yachts, pictures of the missing men along with a description and picture of the dive cage we found Mr. Elliot in.”

  “Did she give you any idea where she was headed?” Paddy asked.

  “I’m sorry I can’t help you there. We are trying to find out where they went and if we learn anything would you like us to call you? Do you want us to call the FBI about this?”

  “As far as the FBI goes, do what you would normally do. And yes, if you learn anything about her movemen
ts would you please call us collect. I’ll give you the number here.” Paddy gave him the number and hung up the phone.

  Paddy looked white as a ghost. “Mike, I don’t like what we’re hearing. Who knows who kidnapped those men and took their boats? Holly might have gotten too close to whoever is behind the kidnappings.”

  “Mike, I think we should alert Mercedes to this right away,” Paddy urged. “I’m going to call Victor Young rather than Larz Nielsen. He might not want to say anything to Larz, but I’ll let him decide.”

  *.*.*

  I went with Mike to his office. “Scott, you’re closer to Mercedes. Why don’t you make the call and I’ll listen?”

  I dialed her number. “Hello, this is Agent Strong.”

  “Mercedes, its Scott.”

  “Hi Scott. Are you calling for a date?”

  “No Mercedes, I’m with Mike Miller in his office. We got a call that Holly may be missing in Bermuda, her guide’s cab was found burned this morning. We’re not sure what’s happened, but felt if you didn’t hear yet, you should be alerted.”

  “She was down there for the Nielsen investigation, right?”

  “Right, she was down there for about five days, and Paddy extended her investigation indefinitely. She had some leads she wanted to follow up on.”

  “Was any communication made with inspector Hughes down there?”

  “Yes, Paddy just got off the phone with him. They’re still processing the burned out cab, but are also going to try to establish Holly and Jules’ movement before they went missing.”

  “Scott, thanks for calling. I have to alert people here. I’ll be in touch. Bye.”

  “Thanks Scott.” Mike said. “Paddy and I have to huddle on this and determine what our best action is. Why don’t you follow your normal routine and we’ll let you know what we decide.”

  I went to my office and spotted the coin Mrs. Abbott had given me. I shook it and let it land on the desk. It landed ‘tails up.’ I am not surprised. My own captivity came to mind. I hope something like that hasn’t happened to Holly. Would whoever is keeping the men even want a female? What happens to her if she was indeed kidnapped and they don’t? I thought of Charlotte Williams’ letter to me…what if her brother’s kidnappers need the space for Holly and Jules?

  Chapter 47

  “Carol, call upstairs and tell Mr. Marshall’s secretary I have to meet with him right away. I’m headed to Ralph’s office and then to see Max. My hope is that the three of us can meet upstairs in a few minutes. If he asks, tell him something has happened in Bermuda…that should get his attention. Thanks.” Mercedes conveyed all this as she hustled by.

  Mercedes saw Ralph’s door was open and stuck her head in. “Ralph, something’s happened in Bermuda and we need to meet about it.” He wasn’t moving. “I’m talking about now. I’m going to find Max and then go upstairs.” He wasn’t moving. “Suit yourself.” She left almost at a run.

  She came around a corner and almost knocked Max over. “Good, I found you. Max, something has happened in Bermuda and we need to talk about it right away. I just told Ralph and I’m headed upstairs to talk with Mr. Marshall.” Max wasn’t a man of many words and just followed her.

  *.*.*

  “Mr. Marshall, thank you for meeting with us on such short notice. As you know, Ralph, Max and I went to Bermuda about the missing men investigation. Well just a few minutes ago I got a call that the two people doing a private investigation on one of the missing men are possibly missing themselves. The vehicle they were using was found burned and they have not been heard from or located. It could be possible that they got too close to whoever is kidnapping those men.” Mercedes said this so fast she had to catch her breath.

  “Max, what’s your take on all of this?” Mr. Marshall asked.

  “I just heard this myself. I don’t like the sound of it. We should call Chief-Inspector Hughes and get his input. Can we call him from your office, or would you like us to do it downstairs?”

  He swung his phone around on his desk and waved his hand offering it.

  Max picked up the receiver and realized he didn’t have the number. Mercedes handed him a card with his number and Max dialed the phone. “Yes, this is Agent Max Gordon with the FBI; can I please speak with Chief-Inspector Hughes?”

  “He’s very busy this morning, but let me see if he can talk to you. You said FBI Agent Max Gordon, right?”

  “Yes, that’s right. Thank you. It’s very important.”

  There was an extended delay and everyone was quiet in Mr. Marshall’s office. “Yes, this is Inspector Hughes…Mr. Gordon?”

  “Yes, thank you inspector. I’m with two other FBI agents; Mercedes Strong and Ralph Reynolds, along with our director, Mr. Marshall. We understand Holly Compton, and Jules Bennett are missing, along with his cab found burned. Can you update us with anything else?”

  “Well Mr. Gordon we’re only a couple of hours into this situation. Yes, you’re correct the two people have not been located and we believe someone may indeed have them. Mr. Bennett’s cab was indeed found in a scenic lookout and burned. We’re processing the vehicle, but preliminary findings indicate an accelerant was used to totally destroy the vehicle. There were no signs of the two people near the cab, and no signs of any struggle there. We’re trying to backtrack their whereabouts leading up to their disappearance.”

  “Inspector, thank you. How can we assist?”

  “We have the situation under control. I suggest we keep you informed of our progress.”

  Everyone looked over to Mr. Marshall who was shaking his head. Max responded, “Inspector, we would feel more comfortable if we were to return to Bermuda and help in any way we can.” Mr. Marshall was nodding his agreement.

  “Mr. Gordon, I don’t see the need for that.” They didn’t respond to him. “Suit yourself though.”

  “Inspector, we have nine missing US citizens, who we believe, went missing in, or around Bermuda, and one has turned up murdered. I think we can justify providing some of our resources assisting there. Are you personally in charge of this new investigation?”

  “Yes I am. I’ll be your contact if you indeed decide to come here. I have to go, things as you can imagine are very busy here. Have a good day. Bye.” He hung up.

  Mr. Marshall spoke. “Excellent job Max. I think the three of you should all go there as soon as you can. Thanks for touching base with me so quickly. Please keep me informed, and if you need anything let me know.”

  They all left Mr. Marshall’s office. “I’ll have the reservations made. I suggest you both be ready to fly out tomorrow and pass along any of your current duties to other staff,” Max asked, “Any questions?”

  Neither Mercedes nor Ralph said anything but nodded their heads.

  She thought about how much she wanted Scott to be with her, but she didn’t want him anywhere near Bermuda.

  Chapter 48

  I heard Colleen making Mike’s flight and hotel reservations. I decided to make my pitch to go too.

  “Mike, what’s the plan?”

  “Colleen is making my reservations, which you may have already known.” Mike studied me.

  “Mike, I would really like to team up with you on this investigation. We’re talking about one of our own missing down there. I’ve helped before and I think I can help again.”

  “Nice try Scott. However, you’re needed here to keep your projects going. Right now you’re the only one with the connections to get the Wang computer set up. Scott, I’ll make a deal with you—if I need your help I’ll call. Okay?”

  I tried to think of other reasons to convince him, but nothing came to mind. “I understand.” Mike watched me to see if we were done. “I’ll get out of your way so you can get ready to leave. Is Paddy okay?”

  “He’s still on the phone with Victor Young as far as I know. I wouldn’t be surprised if Victor got on a plane and headed down there himself.” Mike started to put things into a briefcase and I knew it was time to leave.
r />   *.*.*

  I went into my office and saw the coin still face down on the desk. I’ve got to make this a better day. I dialed her number.

  The phone rang about six times and finally, “Hello, Agent Strong.” Her voice sounded rushed.

  “Mercedes…Scott. I’m glad I caught you. Can you talk? What’s happening there?”

  “Scott, you’re lucky you caught me. I was just putting some things in my briefcase for our trip. Ralph and I are headed to Bermuda, and Max is also going back with us. We leave on the first flight tomorrow.”

  I heard what she said, but I also heard Ralph’s name. “I wish I was going with you.”

  “That’s nice, but we need to get some investigative work done,” Mercedes replied, but with some attempted humor.

  “Mercedes, you’re forgetting how well we worked on the task force together. We made a good team. I’m thankful you had my back when I needed it.”

  “I know Scott, but things are different now, especially with other members going with me. Speaking of having your back…would you like mine before I leave?”

  “Is that all, or do I have a choice?”

  “Why don’t you come over to my apartment? I have to pack and I’m leaving here in a few minutes to get my stuff together. We have no idea how long we’re going to be there. Something doesn’t fit right down there and I can’t quite put my finger on it. So, did you decide, or do I have to say anything else to get your motor running?”

  “I’m coming.”

  “I hope so. Bye.”

  *.*.*

  I couldn’t leave this early for her apartment…even though I wanted to. I picked up the coin, shook it and let it drop. It landed ‘heads up’ this time. I’m already making it a more positive day.