Fool Me Once

by Mona Ingram

  Using every ounce of willpower he possessed, Josh managed not to give in to anger. There would be time for that later. He settled Carlos in a deck chair.

  “That’s okay,” he said. “But tell me what you remember.”

  “I was over there,” he said, gesturing aft. “Polishing the brightwork. I heard a boat pull up and I thought it was you. I remember wondering why you didn’t call for me to pick you up. I turned around to say something, and I saw Juan lying on the deck.” He glanced toward his fellow crewmember. “Then I heard someone behind me.” He touched his head gingerly. “That’s the last thing I remember.”

  “I think I remember something, Senor.” Juan spoke for the first time. “There were two of them, and they were speaking a foreign language.” He frowned. “I’m not sure what it was.”

  “Can you guess?”

  “It could have been Czech or something like that. But I can’t be positive.” He shrugged his shoulders apologetically.

  Josh walked to the railing, turning his back on the two crewmembers. He was afraid he wouldn’t be able to mask his fury, and he didn’t want them to witness it. Leaning over the side, his eyes fastened on the motor launch. He turned, speaking to Carlos. “At least Miss MacMillan wasn’t back yet.”

  Fear stabbed his heart as he watched Carlos’ face. The color drained from it and he stood up unsteadily. “But Senor Josh, Miss Olivia came back about an hour ago. I brought her myself.”

  Josh was across the deck before Carlos finished speaking. Heart pounding, he ran down the passageway, knowing that she wouldn’t be there. “Olivia!” he called, knocking on her door, and then shoving it open. He looked into the en suite bathroom. Droplets of water still clung to the shower door. He continued down the passageway, throwing open each door and calling her name. He ran back up on deck, breathing hard.

  “You’re absolutely sure she was on board?” he asked, knowing what the answer would be. “She didn’t leave?”

  “No Senor. I’m positive.”

  Josh turned on his heel and walked into the salon, out of earshot of the crewmembers. He flicked open his cell phone, punched the speed dial and took a deep breath. “Dirk” he said, trying to calm his pounding heart. “They’ve taken Olivia.”

  * * *

  Olivia opened her eyes. Her head felt fuzzy and it ached. She was in the back seat of an open boat, running parallel to the shore. The sound of the hull slapping against the water was agonizingly loud, making the pounding in her head even worse. Her hands were bound in front of her with duct tape, and she tensed, recalling the scene on the yacht. She had to think! Closing her eyes, she feigned unconsciousness. She needed a few minutes to figure out what was happening. Her thoughts darted here and there and she worked to free her hands, but nothing made sense. She remembered making notes on her computer, eager to share what she had learned with Josh. He’d told her earlier that there were more arms dealers than anyone realized. What was it he’d said? Oh, yes. He’d said that they were multiplying ‘like fleas on a dog’. Well, he was right. And thanks to Eliska, she’d discovered another one. She needed to get free, to tell him about her friend’s startling revelations.

  Through lowered lashes she checked her progress with the duct tape. It was slightly looser, but there was still a long way to go.

  A sudden thought skittered across her mind. Could this be something to do with Eliska’s father? What if he’d questioned Eliska and found out that she had told her about the illegal arms? She shuddered, recalling her friend’s words. She’d called her father ‘evil’. Olivia mouthed a silent prayer, hoping that Eliska and her mother had escaped; that they were on their way to freedom.

  And then there was Josh. Could he be in danger from Eliska’s father? There must be some connection between Josh’s mission and Jiri Blazek. Her heart started to pound, knowing that she had to get free and warn him.

  She opened her eyes again. The breeze generated by the boat’s movement tousled her hair, but it felt good. Her head was clearing. The two men in the front continued to face forward and she glanced around, trying to fix her position. The boat slowed down and she recognized Puerto Banus. Had it only been a few hours ago that she’d walked those streets with Eliska? It didn’t seem possible. The driver throttled back the engine, and she sensed instinctively that he didn’t want to attract attention. Not that there was anyone around to see them. She considered calling out, but who would hear? In the heat of early afternoon the docks and shoreline were deserted. Better to wait until someone noticed them she decided, as the boat cut steadily through the waves, leaving the exclusive port behind.

  A few minutes later, the boat rounded a breakwater and slowed even further. Olivia scanned the pier for signs of life. Fishing boats rocked idly at their moorings, but there were no people in sight…no one to help her. She silently cursed the Spanish habit of taking a siesta. It was becoming clear that there would be no rescue from anyone on the dock. In that case, it was time to take charge of her own rescue. Grabbing onto the mooring cleat on the edge of the boat, she pulled herself upright until she was sitting on the edge of the boat. Sliding backwards into the water, she disappeared below the surface. Tearing at the duct tape with her teeth, she managed to free her hands. Lungs bursting, she broke the surface, gasping for air. The boat continued on and she struck out for the pier, energized by her improbable escape. Glancing over her shoulder, she groaned aloud as the boat made a sharp turn, accelerating back toward her with a burst of power. The man in the passenger side was half standing in the boat, eyes dark with rage.

  “Stupid woman!” A hand snaked out, grabbing the strip of leather that held her necklace together. Pulling her roughly into the boat he stood over her, watching her every movement. The stones on the necklace had cut painfully into her throat, but she glared at him defiantly, meeting his gaze with a cool disdain she didn’t feel. She’d been frightened before. Now she was terrified. Combing her damp hair with her fingers, she tried to regain her composure. Her hand dropped to her throat, and she straightened the necklace. The saltwater had loosened the knot, and it was in danger of falling from her neck. An idea came to her and she turned her head aside, afraid that the man would spot the small glimmer of hope she knew must be on her face.

  Flanked by the two men, she climbed out onto the deserted pier, her eyes casting around for someone–anyone who could help her. The pier was deserted. They shoved her roughly into the back of a windowless van and slid the door closed. She was shivering uncontrollably, as much from fear as from her wet clothes. With trembling fingers she loosened the necklace and cupped it in her palm.

  After driving for a minute or two the van stopped, and the door was flung open. Garlic Breath motioned roughly for her to get out. Squinting against the sudden light, she crawled out and stood looking around. The van had pulled up in front of a square, windowless building.

  “Wait here.” The man punched some numbers into a security keypad and a massive sliding door rumbled open. Wordlessly they escorted her inside and the door closed, cutting off the sunlight.

  * * *

  Dirk watched Josh pacing the deck. “I agree,” he said for the second time. “It has to be Blazek.” He spread his hands. “Who else could it be?”

  The two men had determined that Carlos and Juan didn’t require medical attention, and gave them the night off, along with a surprised chef who returned to the yacht with a load of groceries. If Blazek’s men decided to pay a return visit, there would be no civilians to get hurt…or to get in the way.

  Dirk had produced a Glock for Josh. It lay on the table, dark and menacing.

  “I won’t ask how you acquired that,” said Josh. He massaged the back of his neck. “I hate the thought of using it, knowing that Olivia is likely to be in the centre of the action.”

  The former SAS agent tipped back his chair and linked his hands behind his head. His relaxed pose was deceptive; penetrating blue eyes followed Josh’s every move, assessing the American’s state of mind. “Point take
n. But on the other hand, things could get ugly if we’re not armed.”

  Josh nodded his agreement and continued pacing. “I should have seen something like this coming. I underestimated Blazek and now look where we are. Olivia is in danger.”

  “All right. You underestimated him.” Dirk’s voice was crisp. “We both did. But let’s stop for a minute and figure out what we know.” He paused. “And what we don’t know.”

  Josh took several deep, calming breaths. Dirk could be irritating with that English accent, but at a time like this, his composure was a steadying influence.

  “Right.” He gathered his thoughts. “Here’s what we think Blazek knows. He knows I’m an American who likes to play poker. His contact in Monte Carlo told him I was coming here. We know that because he recognized my name when Olivia first introduced me in the Casino. We also know he’s interested in making a deal to sell me arms, because he made a point of inviting us to his home, and showed me his stockpile. He wouldn’t have done that unless he was interested in making a sale. We also know he checked out my cover story and accepted it, or Olivia and I wouldn’t have made it inside the compound.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “What we don’t know is what happened in the meantime to change his mind.”

  “We also know that Olivia isn’t his main target. It’s you he wants,” said Dirk, his tone matter-of-fact. “He’s taken her to use as leverage. We just need to find out what he’s up to.”

  “Thank goodness.” Josh pressed his fingertips into his eyes. “Ever since I realized she was missing, I keep seeing that scene in Marseilles.” He raised his head, tortured eyes meeting Dirk’s. “We can’t let that happen again.”

  “This isn’t Marseilles.” Dirk stood up and stretched. “We’ll get her back. I promise.”

  Josh swallowed. He had to believe what Dirk said. The alternative was unthinkable. “I feel so helpless,” he said, almost to himself. “Waiting for them to contact us.”

  The phone buzzed.

  “Now remember,” said Dirk as Josh prepared to lift the receiver. “You have no idea why anyone would take her. After all, you’re simply here to make a deal.” He nodded toward the phone. “Do your thing, Cowboy.”

  “Morgan.” Josh’s voice was firm.

  “Mr. Morgan.” Blazek’s voice was syrupy. Josh wanted to reach through the phone and strangle him with one hand. “I have your fiancée.”

  “I can’t imagine why. I’m the one you should be dealing with.” He injected a tone of urgency into his voice. “She doesn’t know why I’m really here, Blazek. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell her about our deal.”

  “Why are you here, Morgan? I’m beginning to wonder if you’re here to make a deal at all.”

  It was time to go on the offensive. “What is this, Blazek? You came highly recommended, but I must say I don’t like your business tactics. Is this an attempt to renegotiate the price?”

  The Czech laughed. It was a chilling sound. “You know better than that. By the way, don’t you want to know about your…fiancée?”

  “Of course I do. I’d like to speak with her.”

  “Not a chance.” He was enjoying himself. “You Americans are so arrogant. Like I said before, I simply want to know who you are, and why you’re here. Trust, Mr. Morgan. It’s everything in this business.” The bantering tone was gone. “To that end, I’ll be doing some further checking on you, and while I’m doing that you’ll have a few hours to decide just how badly you want to see your fiancée again. I’ll call you at eight o’clock. Be there.” The phone went dead.

  Josh hung up slowly, closing his eyes. “I blew it. He knows.”

  Dirk shook his head. “On the contrary. You had me convinced. What was that last part?”

  “He says he’ll call at eight in the morning.”

  “Then we’d better get our assets in place.” He picked up his cell phone. “I’ll get on to Colin again and bring him up to date. Then you and I will calculate every possible scenario. Would you mind putting on a pot of coffee? We have a long night ahead of us.”

  * * *

  Olivia peered into the gloom, her eyes adjusting slowly. She was in some sort of a warehouse. Wooden boxes of various sizes were stacked neatly along the sides of the building, leaving a broad central area wide enough to accommodate a small truck. She stood hesitantly in the middle of the open space.

  A door opened and light spilled out, illuminating the piles of crates and creating ominous shadows between the rows. Olivia recognized the figure walking toward her, footsteps echoing on the concrete floor.

  Jiri Blazek stopped in front of her, lips curled in a sardonic smile. “How kind of you to join us.”

  Her thoughts raced. She’d been right. This was somehow connected with Josh’s mission. Had Blazek found out about it? If so, why had they accosted her? “Your choice of words is hardly amusing, Mr. Blazek. Would you mind telling me why I’ve been brought here?” She could scarcely bring herself to look at him. His eyes were cold and lifeless. They frightened her more than she was willing to admit.

  “You had lunch with my daughter today.”

  “That’s right.” Olivia feigned a confusion she didn’t feel. “Is she all right? She hasn’t been in a car accident, I hope. The way she drives…”

  “Silence!” He glanced at a slim gold watch on his wrist. “Eliska and her mother are on their way to Paris by now.”

  Olivia wanted to pump her fist in the air, but her friend’s triumph would have to be celebrated later. She took strength from her friend’s victory.

  “Oh, that’s right. Well, we had a very enjoyable lunch. But that doesn’t explain what I’m doing here.” She eyed him warily as he circled her, his bearing predatory and menacing.

  “You’re wet,” he observed belatedly. He turned to the two men who stood quietly in the shadows. “Why is she wet?”

  “I’m sorry Mr. Blazek. We had her hands tied, but she jumped out of the boat.”

  “Yeah, but I pulled her back in,” said Garlic Breath. “I grabbed onto that thing around her neck and hauled her in like a fish.”

  Blazek pointed to her neck, eyes flashing angrily. “What ‘thing’ are you talking about? There’s nothing around her neck.”

  Olivia squared her shoulders. “It was a very special necklace, and it broke when he grabbed it. I really must protest at this rough treatment.” The words were pompous and hollow, but she didn’t care. Lashing out made her feel stronger.

  Blazek wheeled on the two men. “Where is it now?”

  “I don’t know, boss.”

  “Well find it, you idiot.” He waved them toward a small side door. “Check inside the van.”

  The men disappeared and Blazek turned back to Olivia. “Now, Miss MacMillan. You’re going to tell me all about your fiancé.” His eyes suddenly came alive; their intensity was frightening. “I want you to repeat everything you told my daughter at lunch. And then I want to hear the rest of it.”

  Blazek had just confirmed her worst fears. This had something to do with Josh’s mission. She squared her shoulders, meeting his gaze with a calm she didn’t feel.

  She shrugged her shoulders. “Really, Mr. Blazek,” she said impassively. “Your interest in me is very flattering, but I value my privacy. I’m not in the habit of discussing my personal affairs with strangers.”

  He raised his hand as if to strike her and then dropped it by his side. For a moment she thought she saw a glint of admiration in his eyes, but it slipped away, changing quickly to dislike.

  “Oh, no,” he said, shaking his head slowly. “You’d like me to lose control, wouldn’t you? That would make you feel superior.” He smoothed his tie, a gesture she had noticed in the Casino. “But that’s not going to happen. And now you will tell me about your fiancé.”

  Why had she been so foolish as to confide in Eliska? Her friend had obviously told her father everything she’d revealed at lunch. Her mind raced. Assuming she was right, and Eliska had repeated their conversation,
there was nothing to be lost by giving Blazek the same information. In the meantime, she decided to carry on with the pretense a bit longer. She sighed, touched her hair and smiled a dreamy smile.

  “Josh is the kind of man every woman dreams of meeting. I mean, what’s not to like? He’s good looking, he’s wealthy and he treats me well.” She tapped her lips thoughtfully. “Although there is that business with the gambling. Oh well, nobody’s perfect.” She turned guileless eyes on Blazek. “But he comes very close.”

  “That’s quite a glowing recommendation, considering you’re not really engaged to him.” He looked at her scornfully. “You see, Miss MacMillan. I know that he hired you to pose as his fiancée.”

  Olivia bristled. “I’m quite aware of that, thank you.” She tossed her head. “But it doesn’t negate the fact that Josh is a very exciting man.” At least that much was true. She looked around, feigning confusion. “I still don’t understand why I’m here.”

  “Because your precious boyfriend is an arms dealer, that’s why.”

  Olivia struggled not to appear victorious. If Blazek still thought Josh was an arms dealer, then his cover hadn’t been broken. She masked her joy with a show of anger.

  “He is not!” Blazek was watching her response carefully; she hoped she was convincing. “Josh is a rancher from Montana.” She gave him a haughty look, aware that she was pushing her luck. “That’s in America, in case you didn’t know.”

  He brushed aside her comment with a flick of his hand. “Where do you think he gets the money to fly around in a private jet? To stay on an eighty-foot yacht? To lose thousands at the poker table without batting an eye?”