by Dick Waters
I called my contact at Wang to discuss the offer of the computer setup. He put me in touch with his director and I explained what we had been doing with the MIT Lab and the Real Estate listing project. He said this was in line with what they were trying to do, and having a facility using their equipment to solve business problems was easy to sell. He wanted a list of the equipment we needed. I promised him a call within the hour.
Bill’s equipment list was sitting in my ‘in box.’ I checked the list and changed the quantities on a couple of the items. I called Wang and told them the equipment we would need. This would be a big success. I was promised the equipment in less than two weeks. Now there was nothing more to do there. There was also nothing more to do on the actual real estate listing project. Bill was working on putting that data together with the help of some of Stephen’s people.
I made one more important phone call to Wang. My contact there said they were still discussing their improvement process I outlined previously, but one of the senior management reviewers wanted a Cost/Benefit analysis. It had been started but he was not optimistic it would be done for several weeks. There was nothing more I could do there.
I pulled out my copy of Charlotte Williams’ letter and reread it. I could feel her frustration and her words hit me hard again…and now with Holly going missing I knew what I needed to do. I had my own plan which is why I needed to get these things off my ‘to do’ list.
Chapter 49
I left a status note on my desk in a folder labeled ‘Status of Projects.’ This was just in case anyone needed to know what was happening on my projects. There’s nothing like planning ahead.
I headed to my apartment to take care of some personal things. Mrs. Abbott spotted me and asked, “Scott, how is your day going?”
“Mrs. Abbott, I’m making it a ‘heads-up’ kind of day. Thank you for asking.” I’m not sure she spotted my wink. She smiled a big smile and went back to tending her hanging plants.
I put some clothes together, which I thought were appropriate and found my passport. I put my toiletries into a sealed bag and thought about anything else I might need. I decided I could always add it later. I left the bag next to the couch and headed to Mercedes’ apartment.
*.*.*
The doorman was getting to know me and my routine. He indicated he would have my car taken care of. I tipped him my usual five dollars, which put a smile on his face. Two minutes later I was getting off at the 23rd floor. I knocked on Mercedes’ apartment door not expecting her to answer, but to my surprise she answered.
“Why, Scott, what a surprise! What brings you here?” she said, stepping out of the doorway so I could enter.
I was surprised to see her in a business suit, but she looked very professional. “I thought I could help you pack,” I answered, with a big smile.
There was no hand shake, no kiss and no real greeting. “Good, then let’s get to it,” she said, heading toward the bedroom. She had two large suitcases open, one on a chest at the foot of the bed and the other on a small stool near her closet. She opened a drawer and took out the contents, handing the pile to me, nodding to put it in one of the suitcases. I noticed bras and panties of different colors. I wondered if Ralph was going to see any of these.
“Scott, here’s some more things to add to that case.” I took them and put them in the case. When I turned to face her, the top of her business suit was unbuttoned to reveal she wasn’t wearing anything under it. She knew I noticed because I was staring.
She put her hands behind her on her dresser and it reminded me of her pose at the cabin years ago. “Scott, do you remember my saying earlier, ‘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 remember.” She unzipped the skirt and it fell to the floor revealing she wasn’t wearing anything under it. I think she set me up, I’m sure she wouldn’t have gone to work like this…would she?
“Well Scott, I’ll say it once more—something doesn’t fit right down there and I can’t quite put my finger on it—does that give you any ideas?” She said it, emphasizing the words.
I was getting excited when I first spotted her top unbuttoned. She smiled noticing my full excitement. I went over to her quickly, but she didn’t change her pose. My kiss showed her how much I missed her and my finger found she was more than ready. I didn’t rush and she wasn’t rushing me. A few minutes later she slipped off her top and started removing my clothes.
She laughed. “And I thought that was a gun in your pocket. I bet even though it’s not a gun, its loaded.”
*.*.*
Mercedes bed was comfortable, her shower was too, but if there was a prize for the most comfortable—she would have won it.
Hours later we were both spent, lying side by side on the bed. “Scott, I’m going to miss you. I have no idea how long we’re going to be in Bermuda. I’m trying to cram enough memories to last me several days. I hope you don’t mind.”
Her comment forced me to laugh. “If this was the treatment each time you took a trip…maybe you could take more.”
She punched me in the stomach and we were back at it again.
*.*.*
We slept for a short time. Mercedes looked at her bedside clock. “Scott, I’m really sorry, but they’re picking me up in just a few hours and I have to get some sleep. I’m sorry, but I have to ask you to leave. You know if you stay we’re not going to be sleeping. Do you mind?”
“Mind? I try to mind everything you tell me to do. That started last night…remember, you asked ‘if that gave me any ideas.’”
I tried to dress and leave, but the third time my clothes stayed on and she saw me to the door. In fact, she waved goodnight to me in the hall. She’s real gutsy. I waved to her, but I was very close to heading back. I honestly got the feeling she didn’t really want me to leave.
On the way down in the elevator I had a strange feeling—what will I do if something bad happens to her down there. My mind went to Ralph, but he wasn’t the biggest concern at the moment. However, now that I thought of Ralph…how could Ralph be expected to keep his hands off her? Have they made love? Will they make love on this visit?
Chapter 50
Mike went into the office to clear some things away before he headed to the airport. He also picked up tickets and reservation information from Colleen’s desk. He placed the tickets along with his Passport in his sport coat pocket and put the other things he needed in his briefcase. He didn’t like flying out of Logan, but there were really no other choices. His plane was leaving at 8 A.M and he had to finish up here, or be late.
He left Scott a note reminding him that if he needed help, he would call. He was sorry Scott wasn’t actually going, because he could use his help and company. Scott might even have ideas of his own to find Holly and Jules.
He left Paddy a separate note, telling him he would call near the end of each day for an update. He also indicated that if he couldn’t reach him at the office, he would try him at home. The investigation had switched from finding the missing men, to finding one of their own. He thought about Holly not having any family, which was good in this case as there wasn’t anyone else to be worried about her.
He turned off the office lights and locked the door. It was a little cool this morning, but the temperature in Bermuda would be nice this time of year. He wondered if he had packed the right clothes, but his wife actually packed for him. He did a final check of what he needed to bring with him, then started his car and quickly headed to Logan.
*.*.*
The plane ride was comfortable. As the plane descended to land in Bermuda, he noticed how attractive the turquoise water was around the small islands. He hadn’t been in Bermuda since he was stationed there with the Navy years ago. Jules was one of the recommended guides for sailors wanting to go on fishing expeditions. After a couple of fishing trips together, he and Jules had struck up a friendship.
They spent many hours together enjoying the island amenities, including the night life. It was easy for him to pick Jules as Holly’s guide.
The plane touched down. As it taxied, he thought about what he was going to do first. He couldn’t get over the fact that Holly and Jules were missing. He would have expected Jules to be able to protect her from any danger. Knowing Jules the way he did, he was very concerned for their safety. Jules would not have given up without a fight, especially with Holly at his side.
What the hell has happened Jules? Where the hell do I look first? Holly, what lead would you have been pursuing?
*.*.*
After clearing Customs, he spotted Mercedes and two other men waiting for a ride. Mike decided not to say hello to her, but conduct his own investigation. He was not surprised to see her and other members of the FBI here. It’s encouraging actually. He will be better off doing his own thing. After all, investigative work is what he used to do for the Boston Homicide division. Mercedes and the two men got into a cab, heading away from the airport. I wonder where they are staying.
Holly had been staying at the Bermudiana Hotel, but he purposely had Colleen book him at the Hamilton Princess. He caught a cab and headed to the hotel. The sky was getting much darker. He wondered if there was going to be a storm. He checked into his hotel. As soon as he was in his room, he unpacked, putting his clothes away. He was not going to live out of a suitcase while he was here. It was too early to change clothes, so he went to the lobby, deciding to see if there were any reports of missing people in the newspaper.
There was an article about an American tourist, Holly Compton, and a local cab driver, Jules Bennett, reported missing yesterday. It indicated the authorities had located his burned out cab and feared they may have been kidnapped. However, there was nothing to give the police any idea of where they had been during the day, and where they disappeared from.
The article went on to mention that there were still three missing boat captains. One yacht which belonged to Nils Nielsen, the ‘Import-ant,’ was last seen being fueled at Hamilton harbor. Although not confirmed, it was believed that the four passengers with Mr. Nielsen were operating the boat. The article also mentioned that one of the captains, Roger Elliot was found murdered. Authorities are concerned about the fate of the other missing men and Ms. Compton.
*.*.*
Mike put down the paper, giving some thought about where to start looking for Holly and Jules. Talk to me Holly…where would you have looked first? Mike closed his eyes, trying to think about what he knew from the inspector. Holly asked for the names and pictures of the men, the names of the missing yachts, and the description and picture of the dive cage where Elliot’s body was found. The names of the boats and men are interesting, but something the authorities would have been searching for. What’s a ‘dive cage,’ and where do you find such a thing? That’s what I suspect Holly would have tried to understand. Without the luxury of a description, can I find out if they’re that common?
Chapter 51
I took an early afternoon plane to Bermuda to avoid seeing Mercedes or Mike. Neither of them needed to know I was in Bermuda. It would only be a matter of time before Paddy learned I wasn’t coming into the office, but Paddy might not expect that I was in Bermuda. I have to make an excuse for today and tomorrow, and then the weekend takes care of itself. I better call the office to let Colleen know I’m sick and won’t be in today.
I was cautious going through Customs to make sure Mercedes and/or Mike were not around. There was no sign of them at Customs or anywhere around the airport. So far, so good!
I caught a cab to my hotel. I had never been to Bermuda before and was enjoying the scenic views. The driver pointed out some attractions on the way. I wished I was with Mercedes to enjoy the island sights more. Mercedes told me where they were staying, so I was careful not to book the Bermudiana or the Hamilton Princess where Mike was staying. I chose the Hamilton Harbor Inn, which was within walking distance of both hotels.
*.*.*
Once in my room I unpacked quickly, checking out the view. There was a slight view of the harbor, but I probably wouldn’t be spending much time enjoying it.
I rented a scooter for the week, as rates were much better than the daily rate. The scooter would give me a way to keep my eye on either Mercedes or Mike. I took a quick ride through the streets of Hamilton. I had been warned to be careful about driving on the left side of the road and the ride gave me some practice. There was a traffic circle just up the road from Hamilton, which if I hadn’t been following a taxi into and out of it, I would have probably driven on the wrong side. I realized I looked out of place with a long-sleeve shirt and pants.
I went back to the hotel, changing into a short-sleeve shirt, Bermuda shorts and sandals. I took the scooter, driving to the Bermudiana, which was just up the street. I parked it with about twenty others outside the hotel, taking a seat on the veranda, where I could see people coming and going into the hotel lobby. I picked up the Royal Gazette newspaper, immediately finding the article describing Jules’ burned cab and their disappearance. The sudden silence around me caused me to look at where the heads were looking. Yeah, Mercedes has been known to make an entrance.
I watched her and two other men go up to the lobby desk clerk. They spoke for just a minute, and then headed out of the hotel. They reappeared in view, getting into the next cab at the cab stand. I put the newspaper down and headed to my scooter. I followed them at a distance until they pulled into the police station. All three went into the police station, but the cab remained parked outside. I knew they wouldn’t be long, so I parked along the street and waited. After a few minutes, Mercedes and the younger man reappeared and got back in the cab.
There were many vehicles on the road so I didn’t have to be too careful about being seen. Five minutes later, they pulled into the Hamilton dock area and got out. I pulled in near the entrance and parked. Even at a distance, Mercedes looked beautiful. Her white dress shirt brought back memories, and her Bermuda shorts still focused other attention to her long legs. She had a bright blue scarf looped around her neck. The man with her was most likely Ralph. He looked to be walking too close to her—almost invading her space. They were walking away from me so I couldn’t tell what her expression was.
They spoke with a young attendant working at the fuel depot. Mercedes handed him several sheets of paper, possibly photographs. The young man pointed at two of the photos; nodding his head, talking a lot. He was gesturing with his arms, like he was talking about supplying fuel, or something else. A minute or so later he raised his hand over his head indicating something, or someone, very tall. They finished talking with him and shook his hand. The young man watched as they left, but I’m sure he was not watching ‘Ralph.’
They returned to the cab. I headed to my scooter. They were parked there for ten minutes, and then the cab finally started to move. When they were back on the road, I pulled out of the parking lot and followed. The cab drove for a considerable time, and then pulled into a business along the shore displaying a figure of a ‘diver.’ I pulled off the road and watched them go inside the small rustic shack. They were inside for a long time, and I wondered if they had exited the rear of the building. I knew they hadn’t departed, as the cab was still in the parking area.
Finally, Ralph came out of the shack and spoke with the driver. He paid the driver some money and the cab drove off. Ralph went back but didn’t go inside the building. He went around the side I could see, and then went out of sight behind the shack. A few minutes later, I heard the loud sound of an engine and then another. Five minutes later I recognized Mercedes scarf and shirt on an open back boat headed toward the open ocean. Well, that ends my ability to follow them. I assumed they might be headed to a dive area, or perhaps where Elliot’s body was discovered.
I followed the direction of the boat on my scooter until they were out of sight. They were just about out of sight when I heard the shocking sound of a horn. I realized in
time I was on the wrong side of the road, swerving in time to avoid a large truck. My heart was pumping. I had learned my lesson. I drove for about an hour looking at the island sights, then headed back to my hotel.
Chapter 52
Margaret had been enjoying all of her guests this morning. She had no dive excursions today, so it was a great day to have continuous sex. She quickly realized that when she caused the young redheaded lady to cry out in pain, the black man begged for her to stop. Margaret had a bargaining chip, already using that to her benefit—not Jules’.
However, being with a woman was a new experience. She found that not to be as enjoyable as with the men, but still worth some experimentation. Practice makes perfect. Some parts of Holly’s lily-white body had never seen the light of day. She was going to have to find a way to safely bring her out to get some sun. She thought about the passing boats seeing two redheads sunbathing in the nude. However, she realized she didn’t want to draw too much attention as the authorities were looking for a missing redheaded young woman. Maybe I can put a wig on her, but that still leaves one redhead sunbathing.
That shower water felt great on her skin. She hadn’t realized how sore her body could get from all of that pleasurable activity. Well, pleasurable for me, anyway. Those thoughts were making her think about going back for another complete round. The ringing telephone broke her focus.
She shut off the water and ran to get the phone. “Hello.”
“Hello Margaret, it’s me.”