Island Magic

by Michelle Garren Flye

  Rachel’s smile froze on her face. “You called her?” She took a step away from him, her eyes shining with betrayal. “Why would you…were you checking up on me?”

  Logan sighed. He’d been a magician long enough to know when the jig was up and Rachel’s sharp intelligence wouldn’t allow for anything but the truth. “I wanted to make sure you were okay. I didn’t know, then—”

  “It doesn’t matter what you didn’t know.” Her gaze froze him. “You had no right to tell her I was here.”

  Angel looked strangely satisfied. “So now you can come home.”

  “Come home?” Rachel snorted. “Right. Have you forgotten there’s nothing for me there? What I didn’t lose, you took. So no. I won’t be going home.” She gave Logan another cold glance. “Although I’ll be damned if I’ll stay here, either. Get out.”

  Her calm tone frightened him. “Rachel, I didn’t mean—”

  “Get out.” She stalked into the room, plucked up the bottle of Sangria she’d set aside earlier and twisted the cap off. “I’ve got packing to do.”

  Logan watched helplessly. He could see the protective sheen forming again. The thaw had been temporary then. She was back to what she wanted to be, no more than a shell of a beautiful woman. He had no idea how to break through to her again. “Rachel, please don’t do this.”

  For answer, she took a long swig from the bottle and wiped her hand across her mouth. “I said get out. Both of you.” Still holding the bottle, she stalked away, her head held high, into the bathroom.

  “Jesus. You’d better leave.” Angel looked around. The door still stood ajar. Logan realized it must not have latched when they came in. Angel raised one eyebrow, looking at him curiously. “What exactly were you guys doing together? You’re that magician, aren’t you? You really own this place?” She looked around and whistled softly. “Yeah, I guess that’s pretty impressive.”

  “Thank you.” He bit the words off sarcastically.

  She gave him a look of honest surprise. “I wasn’t talking about you.”

  Damn it. He was really starting to dislike this woman. “And I didn’t really mean it, either. And you’re leaving too.”

  “You can’t make me leave. She’s my sister.” She put her hands on her hips belligerently.

  “And I own this hotel. Rachel was pretty clear she doesn’t want either of us here. If you don’t leave, I’ll call security.” He folded his arms over his chest, glaring at her.

  She bit her lip, obviously considering her options. Then she shrugged and walked out. “I’m staying right here, anyway.” She motioned toward the room across the hall.

  Ignoring her, still angry and worried about Rachel, he turned and started away, not even sure where he was heading.

  “I’m taking her home.” Her words followed him down the path he hadn’t quite chosen yet.

  He paused, glancing over his shoulder. “Good luck with that. She didn’t seem too certain about going anywhere with you.”

  “She will. And now she knows you betrayed her—”

  “I didn’t betray her.” He took a deep breath. “I wouldn’t do that.”

  “Doesn’t matter.” She took a step toward him, her face earnest. “You don’t know her. She fucked up—God, so bad. She knows it, I know it, everybody that knows her knows it.”

  “Whatever she did, she’s taking responsibility for it. And I get the feeling maybe you had something to do with the loss of her husband.”

  Angel’s face flushed with combined embarrassment and anger. He smiled as she hurried to cover her momentary discomfiture. “Whatever. She’s confused. She doesn’t know what’s best for her right now.”

  He looked down at his feet, shoving his hands into his pockets. She was right about that. Maybe he should just let her take Rachel home. Maybe it was the best thing for her. Or maybe it would destroy her. He suspected the latter. He returned his attention to the dark-haired woman and nodded. “At least we agree about something.” And he turned away, certain now he had to do something, even if he didn’t know what it was.

  ****

  Rachel paced the room, her heart thundering in her chest. How could Logan betray her this way? It didn’t matter that he’d been concerned about her. The betrayal hurt all the worse. Calling her sister? Angel? The one person she couldn’t see, the one who knew it all. The one person who reminded her what she’d done. Anger warred with anguish, but it was despair that finally won out. She threw herself on the bed, her chest heaving with sobs but the tears refusing to cool her hot cheeks.

  She could feel her own heart beating in her chest and she hated it. If it would just stop beating, the pain would finally go away. She hated her sister and Kevin, and even Logan for the brief moment of hope he’d offered her. Before he betrayed her. The darkness inside her chest yawned, and this time she didn’t shy away from it.

  None of it was worth it. Not the men, not the money, not even the alcohol and the fuzzy nights and painful mornings. She’d always intended it to end, she’d just thought she’d do it slower: death at a snail’s pace by sex and alcohol and indiscriminate partying. But that was the coward’s way out.

  The moment of epiphany stopped the agony of the dry sobs. She rolled over and looked at the ceiling fan, running through the events of the day. For a brief moment in time, she’d thought maybe there was another way, with Logan. But it wasn’t even his fault, not really. The need for finality had always been there, at least since the accident.

  I should have died then. And she would. Thanks to her sister and Logan, she could find the courage to end it.

  Just not here. I won’t do it here. The decision felt right. She would leave. Alone. No Logan, no Angel, no sweet Spanish kid who was almost young enough to be her son. And when she got wherever she was going, she’d isolate herself long enough to get it done.

  ****

  Logan stood from behind his desk, rolling his shoulders and staring moodily out the window. This wasn’t the way he’d imagined his night. Damn it. He turned to the bar, pouring himself a glass of Scotch and taking a sip, enjoying the rich, smoky flavor. If he had a poison, Scotch was it, and he felt the need for it right then. He closed his eyes. If only her sister hadn’t shown up.

  Maybe it’s a good thing. Maybe you were too close to betraying Nora. He shook off the thought. No. Nora would want him to help her friend. And he still had a difficult time equating Rachel with the slightly timid young woman who’d been friends with his wife. That certainly wasn’t who he’d held in his arms, locked in wanton passion.

  Everyone changed. Every experience changed them. Maybe what he’d glimpsed was a bit of the woman who could be. A warm, caring, passionate woman. He wanted to get to know that woman, but he’d been frustrated in his attempt to unlock her.

  A light tap on his office door startled him. At this hour, the offices should be deserted. It could only be Tammy, concerned about him as usual. He swore sometimes that she bugged his office. He sighed and prepared himself for her maternal attitude. “Come in.”

  The door opened and Rachel walked in. She wore a black sundress and she was as stunningly beautiful as the first time he’d seen her. He cleared his throat, trying to sound nonchalant. “To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?”

  “So many things.” She took the glass of Scotch from his hand and sniffed it, frowning a little. “What is that?”

  “Scotch.” He took it back and set it aside. “And not important. What’s going on?”

  “I want to leave here tomorrow.” She dipped her finger in the drink he’d set on the desk, swirled it and then, her eyes on his, put it in her mouth and licked it clean. She smiled a little, moving closer to him.

  He forced himself to ignore the rising desire in his chest. He didn’t want from her what she was offering…but it was still impossible to tear his eyes from her hypnotic gaze. God, she’s beautiful. He dragged his concentration back to the conversation. “You don’t need my permission.”

  “I do need transport
ation, though.”

  “Talk to the concierge.” He started to turn away. “It’s what I pay them for.”

  She caught his arm. “Don’t be that way.”

  He actually considered giving in. She’d let him make love to her. He was certain of it. But that wasn’t what either of them needed. He turned, taking her hand from his arm and holding it between both of his own. “I’ll arrange your transportation.”

  She blinked. “Thank you.” She started to turn away, but he held tight. She glanced back at him. “What?”

  “Don’t leave.”

  An odd expression flickered over her face at the two words. A simple request for anyone but her, probably. “Why would I stay?” Her lips curved, a cruel imitation of a smile. “Why would you want me to?” She pulled her hand away.

  He sat back in his chair, picking up his glass and taking a sip. “I’ll have transportation arranged for you by ten o’clock tomorrow.”

  She nodded. “I’ll be ready.” She started out, but paused, her hand on the doorjamb as if she didn’t want to let go yet. She glanced over her shoulder. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry I came here.”

  The words took his breath away. He knew what she meant by them and it made his heart ache. He sat very still, not trusting himself to speak. The moment she was outside the door, he picked up his phone.

  Tony answered on the third ring. “Hey man. You free? We’re at the bar. Come on out.”

  Logan brushed the suggestion aside impatiently. “I need help.” He reached for his Rolodex, thumbing through cards furiously. Finding the one he wanted, he pulled it out. “Can you guys come to my office?”

  Before Tony could answer, he hung up, dialing the number on the card as fast as he fingers could manage.

  He’d save her. Whether she wanted it or not.

  Chapter 6

  “Are you sure you can do it?” Logan stopped pacing long enough to look at the woman on the computer screen.

  “With what you’ve given me to work with, yeah. The time frame’s short, but I’ve got a crew down there already. It can be done.” She pushed her curly mass of blonde hair over her shoulder and leaned forward on the bit of messy desk Logan could see. Her eyes were intent. “Are you sure you want to do it?”

  “No.” Tony interrupted, turning the computer to face him. “Sabrina, can’t you talk him out of this? At best, it’s a felony.”

  “It’s not a felony. I’m saving her life.” Logan paused in his pacing, looking around the table. Maybe he shouldn’t have brought all of them in on this. Technically Tony was right. And by letting them in on his plan, he’d made them all accessories.

  Of course, not all of them seemed to mind. Andre, at least, seemed more interested in the mechanics of the trick Logan planned to pull off. He’d brought up several salient points. Even Lydia had gotten into the spirit of it, suggesting a couple of changes in the schedule. And she didn’t even like Rachel.

  Stacey seemed neutral, though her sharp eyes and ears had obviously taken in everything with a reporter’s natural instincts to look and listen. Only Tony had been outspoken in his opposition to the plan. Logan put a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Look, man, if you don’t want to be part of this—”

  Tony relented and shook his head. “No. If you’re doing it, I’m in. I just want you to take a second to think.”

  Sabrina’s teleconferenced voice interrupted over the computer’s speaker. “If you want it done, we don’t have a second. But Logan, Tony’s right. You need to be certain she’s worth the risk. You could lose everything with this one.” She shrugged. “Or it could turn out to be the greatest trick you’ve ever pulled off. Just…no one will ever know about it. And I won’t lie. It’s going to cost you.”

  Logan brushed the monetary consideration aside with a sweeping motion. “Do it.”

  Sabrina nodded. “Okay.” She sat back, her gentle smile lighting her face briefly. “Nice to see all you guys again.”

  “You too, Sabrina.” As the others echoed his sentiment, Logan reached for the laptop and closed it with a snap. Then he looked around the room again. “Thanks. For being with me on this. I’ll take it from here, though.” He glanced at Tony. “I’ll stay in touch, but less contact is better.” He looked at Lydia and Stacey. “You guys will handle the sister, right?”

  Lydia made a face of distaste. “If you insist.”

  “She has to make a clean slate or this isn’t going to work at all.” Logan leaned on the conference table, palms flat against the smooth wood. He wondered vaguely how much the table cost. Funny how he didn’t pay attention to things like that anymore. Sabrina’s estimate of the cost of his plan wasn’t low, but somehow that cost paled in comparison to the thought of losing her. He could spend millions of dollars on thousands of conference tables—or one magic trick—but the potential loss of one woman left him with a pain in his chest that made it hard to breathe.

  Stacey spoke for the first time, her voice gentle. “You love her.” At his sharp look and Lydia’s frown, she shrugged. “You wouldn’t go through all this for just anyone, Logan.” She put a hand on her rounded belly. “We don’t put ourselves in the way of pain for people we don’t care about.”

  Andre put his hand on top of his wife’s and their eyes met for a moment. As if something unspoken passed between them, he nodded. “Well, we should all get some sleep, huh? Tomorrow’s going to be busy.” He stood, helping her up and turning to Logan. “You’ll probably have two, maybe three days. After that, I’m pretty sure we won’t be able to stall her sister.”

  Logan nodded. “I’m supposed to see Jasmine weekend after next.” He wondered vaguely if he’d make it. If things didn’t go his way, he might be in jail. And how much would that matter to his daughter?

  “Tammy will take care of those arrangements. I’ll see to it.” Tony stood also, his fiancée rising lithely as he did. “And I know you say less contact is better, but I’m checking in daily.”

  Logan nodded, walking them to the door. As he closed it behind them, he said a quiet prayer. This was the right thing for him to do, the only course of action he could see. If he let Rachel leave tomorrow, he might never see her again. And if his years performing grand illusions had taught him anything, it was that any really good illusion required a good ground team. These guys were some of the best in the business, and with Sabrina’s help, he had no doubt they could pull it off. Yes, it was the right thing for him to do. He just hoped bringing his friends in on his plan was the right thing for them.

  ****

  Rachel put the last of her clothes in the suitcase and closed it. She hadn’t slept. Instead, she’d spent the evening trying to convince herself she felt no regrets. No doubts. But her eyes kept sliding sideways toward her cell phone. She could call him. Even now she could call him and tell him she’d changed her mind. All it would take would be one call and he wouldn’t let her leave. She could stay with him, probably for as long as she wanted. She squelched the tiny, needy voice in her heart that urged her to do just that. Not that she ever would. Not that she even could.

  She straightened just as a knock sounded on the door. Thinking it was the bellman, she swung the door open, but it was her sister standing there. Her gaze fell on the suitcase on the bed. “Good. You’re packed.”

  “All packed up and ready to go.” Rachel shrugged and moved away from the door. “So you can head home. My fun is over now.” She pretended to pout.

  “Cut it out, Rachel. Come home and let us help you.” Angel shoved her way into the room, as if Rachel were trying to block her.

  “Who? You and my pathetic ex-husband?” Rachel snorted.

  “Don’t!” Angel held up her hands in a stop motion.

  “Don’t what?” Rachel rounded on her with a snarl. “Don’t remind you of your transgressions? Don’t point out that you took something that belonged to me? Without asking permission and without waiting until I was done with it? With him, that is.”

  “We’ve been over this.”
Angel looked tired. “Please, Rache, try to understand. You were…so emotionally unavailable at that time and we were all hurting so much. Kevin…he needed someone and so did I, but we never meant for it to happen. God, neither one of us wanted to hurt you that way.”

  As usual, the explanations did nothing but bore Rachel. She’d heard them all before. Maybe they hadn’t meant to hurt her, but they had. Or they would have if there had been anything left of her to hurt by then. Fortunately, perhaps, it was all gone by that point, sucked into the void and leaving only the shell of her former self walking around and going through the motions of living.

  Just because it hadn’t hurt didn’t stop the hate, though. Angel she might have forgiven eventually, but Kevin? The man who, above all others, should have been right there in the void with her? His betrayal was beyond redemption, and her hatred for him was the final push she’d needed to turn her back on all of them.

  She reached for the suitcase. “I’m not your problem anymore. Yours or Kevin’s. You don’t need my permission or my forgiveness. Obviously.”

  Angel opened her mouth and closed it again. “Where will you go?”

  Rachel heaved her suitcase from the bed to the door and fixed her sister with a glare. “I don’t need your permission, either. But I’m going to the airport in Cancun. From there? Who knows? I’ve still got plenty of money to spend. Whatever looks tropical and fun.”

  “Fun?” Angel snorted. Rachel glanced over her shoulder at her sister. Angel raised her eyebrows. “Really? You expect me to think you’re having fun? Drinking yourself into a stupor and sleeping with every man with a pulse?”

  “Oh, that’s where you’re wrong, Sis.” Rachel swung around slowly, grinning at the opportunity to taunt her sister. “I’m very selective. Dear God, the men I’ve been with…” She laughed softly. “Seems I’ve still got it. I’m not just a trophy wife anymore. I know what it takes to please a man.”