Swordfish

by Andrea Bramhall

  Charlie’s cell rang.

  “They can’t have run into trouble already.” He grumbled as he pulled the cell from his pocket. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he answered it. “Hi, Alex. You okay, babe?”

  “Tell Mom I said hi,” AJ shouted from the front seat.

  “You get that?”

  “I did.” Charlie put his wife on speaker so they could all hear her.

  “We’re on our way to the airport. Should be there in a half hour or so.”

  “Good. I won’t bug you. I know how you need to focus, honey. I wouldn’t have called, but I just got the strangest message from Mrs. Richmond.”

  “Yeah? Is she okay?”

  “She said she’s fine, but she needs to talk to you as soon as you have a few minutes free for her.”

  “Is it important, babe?”

  “No, idea. She wouldn’t go into detail. Just said I had to let you know as soon as possible.”

  Charlie frowned. “Okay. If I can I’ll call her at the airport. If not, I don’t know when I’ll get the chance. I have a feeling it’s going to be pretty full on once we get to our destination.”

  “I’ll let her know, honey. Wherever you’re going, be safe. I want you and all my boys back in one piece, you hear me?”

  “Loud and clear. Love you, darlin’. I gotta go. Billy’s lost in traffic already and you know he never listens to the boys.”

  “Let me know when to expect you home.”

  “You got it.”

  “Wonder what that’s all about?” Finn frowned.

  “No idea, but I’m sure it’s nothing serious,” Charlie said. “Probably wants ideas for Christmas gifts and doesn’t know what we’re up to.”

  “Does she normally call you about Christmas gifts?”

  “Every year without fail.”

  Finn smiled and burrowed deeper into Oz’s embrace. Charlie wasn’t the only one who intended to do everything they could to make sure this family was safe. They were her family, and there was no other option. She would protect them, or die trying.

  Chapter Thirty-two

  “The bubbled wallpaper on the ceiling needs painting, Jazz.” Bailey lay on her bed, one arm behind her head, the other hand stroking the dog’s belly as she stared straight up. She could hear Cassie moving around in her room next door. She heard the shower and imagined her under the hot water. She could smell her shampoo, the gentle scent of citrus fruit and a spice she couldn’t place. Maybe cinnamon, but she couldn’t be sure. She could picture Cassie running soap-covered hands all over her body, the thick, white, creamy shower gel that she had seen in the bathroom they had shared only a couple of days ago, labeled jasmine and rice milk. “Why the hell would you put rice milk in shower gel?”

  Jazz shifted and rested her head on Bailey’s belly. Those soft brown eyes watched her as she stroked the top of her head.

  “And why am I doing this to myself? The job’s over.” Jazz whined and Bailey stared at her. “Okay, we. We found her daughter. Case closed. Once we get back to Boston, I won’t see her again.” Jazz put her paw on Bailey’s tummy. “Sorry. We won’t see her again.” Jazz whined and flattened her ears against her head. Bailey understood the inclination. She wanted to climb under the covers and try to get her mind to shut down enough to sleep. She suddenly felt more tired than she could ever remember feeling in her life. But Cassie wanted to go out and celebrate, and Bailey hadn’t the heart to say no. Instead she found herself grinning right along with Cassie. Then she did the unthinkable. She offered to take Cassie dancing after dinner.

  “What was I thinking?” Bailey pointed at her feet. “Look, they’re both left and don’t tell me you can dance, buddy, ’cause you don’t have time to teach me and I’d just be pissed.” Bailey laughed. “And I keep thinking you’re so smart you’re going to answer me back one day, when all you’re doing is acting on cues I’m giving you, aren’t you?” She ruffled Jazz’s head. “Well, I guess that’s smart enough.”

  In truth, the words had flown out of her mouth before she’d had a chance to engage her brain, but as soon as she realized what she’d said she honestly expected Cassie to politely decline. She still wasn’t sure who was more surprised by Cassie’s agreement. She chuckled. Probably Cassie.

  The water shut off next door, and she imagined Cassie rubbing her pink skin with a towel and wrapping another around her hair, just like she had done two days ago when Bailey had been packing her bag to leave Savannah. She groaned and covered her face with her arm. “I’ve gotta stop doing this to myself. Yes, she’s gorgeous, yes, she’s funny and witty, and I can talk to her without making a complete idiot of myself. But let’s face it, girl, she’s not gonna give a washed up old cop like me a chance.” Jazz whined, expressing her disagreement. “No, no, you can be honest. I’ve got more gray hairs than black ones now, more lines around my eyes than a telephone exchange, and those jeans I keep in the back of the wardrobe to slim back into? It’s time to admit that’s not gonna happen and accept this spare tire’s here to stay.” She patted her middle. “But that’s okay. You love me, don’t ya?” She rubbed the dog’s head and chuckled as she rolled over and offered her belly for attention again. “We should just accept that Cassie is way out of our league and try to forget all about this silly little crush. We’re fine on our own, girl. Just like before.”

  She lay back against her pillow again and stared at the bubble paper on the ceiling. Somehow, before just didn’t seem appealing.

  Chapter Thirty-three

  Masood sipped on his iced tea and watched the tender approach quickly from the shore. Hakim Qandri was pushing the limits of the engine as he approached and Masood was grateful his old friend was so reliable. The same could not be said for some of the others who worked for him.

  “Tea, my friend?” he said when the tall man stepped onto the dark wood deck of the boat.

  “Thank you.” He accepted the glass and waited patiently for Masood to continue.

  “We have a leak, my friend.”

  Hakim looked over the rim of his glass then sipped slowly before he answered. “I have thought this for some time, General. Do you know who?”

  “I have only a suspicion, my friend.” He paused and looked out to sea, and let the gentle waves with their foaming white breakers soothe him. “I am almost certain that I can get the information from our American friend.”

  “Have you asked him?”

  “He claims to have no knowledge of any such betrayal.”

  Hakim grunted. “Seems unlikely in his position.”

  “Exactly. I have become increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of information he has been giving us also. It seems he does not know everything that is going on.”

  “How so?”

  “I have reason to believe that Miss Sterling is already en route here. Our friend has yet to inform me of her travel itinerary or which hotel she will be staying at once she arrives.”

  “Sloppy work.”

  “It is beyond sloppy, my friend. I have told him I wish to see him and make arrangements. I feel we must bring him in for a little chat when he lands. I will find out if he is playing one side against the other, or if he has lost his usefulness to us.”

  “And if he has, General?”

  “He will not be the first to find a watery grave in the Red Sea.” Masood stared out to sea again. He truly loved the boat. It was his home away from home, his safest place, and one where the only higher power he had to obey was the ocean.

  “Will that not cause other issues? If we do not know the plans of the authorities, we will be at a distinct disadvantage.”

  “Very true. But a spy in the camp puts us at an even greater one.”

  “I understand. What do we know of the girl’s movements?”

  “Not as much as I want to know, Hakim. I know that she boarded a plane from JFK airport, and I know she is en route. I want you to find out where she will be staying. How large her security contingent is, and profiles on them.
I want every detail.”

  “Yes, sir. Do you think she’s reliable?”

  “I think Miss Sterling is a very ambitious woman. An exceptionally clever woman, and quite a cold woman. She is not easy to read, though. I have never met a woman like her.” He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “She is also very, very beautiful.”

  “I remember seeing the pictures, General.”

  “I think I need to spend more time with her to make up my mind.”

  “Of course.”

  “What I have no doubt about is her value. I feel it is essential to maintain her allegiance one way or another.”

  “I’m not sure I follow, General.”

  “Miss Sterling will be staying in Israel with me after this is all over.”

  Hakim frowned. “What if she is not honest? If she’s playing games?”

  “Then she will not stay voluntarily.” Masood smiled. “I would prefer her to stay as one of my wives, but she will stay as my…guest, if she refuses that honor.”

  “Understood. I will find the information you require and make the other arrangements for our American friend.”

  Chapter Thirty-four

  Cassie twisted, trying to get a good view of herself in the narrow motel mirror as she hummed ABBA’s famous “Dancing Queen.” She couldn’t decide between the knee length black skirt or the new dress she had treated herself to when Bailey had promised to take her dancing after dinner. The dress was a simple blue summer dress with a slight flair to the skirt. It would be perfect for dancing, spinning under someone’s arm. Bailey’s arm. It had been years since she’d been dancing with someone, and she wasn’t sure if she was excited or terrified. She craved contact from Bailey as much as she feared it. No, that wasn’t right. If she was honest with herself, she craved it more.

  Everything was turning out perfectly. Okay, it would have been more perfect if she’d actually gotten to meet Daniela—no, Finn—today, but she knew where she was, kind of. And she knew it was going to happen. Not that vague hope of maybe someday, but soon. As soon as they could. She was so close now it felt real.

  She settled on the dress after performing a girlish spin in front of the mirror and giggling to herself. Good God, woman, you’re fifty-five years old. Chill out and act your age. The excited part of herself stuck her tongue out in the mirror and told the grownup to take a hike for the night.

  She finished drying her hair, applied a little makeup, and put her lipstick in her purse as Bailey knocked on the door.

  “Hi, I just need to put my shoes on. Sit down if you like.” She pointed to the chair beside the small table and perched on the edge of her bed while she slipped the black wedge heels onto her feet and fastened the straps around her ankles. She glanced up from the bed to see Bailey still standing in the doorway. Her eyes looked a little glassy, and her mouth was open slightly. “Are you okay?” Cassie stood and checked she had her room key before she stepped out of the room. “Bailey?”

  “Sorry. I guess I spaced out a little there. Must be hungrier than I thought.”

  “Well, let’s get you fed then.” Cassie smiled. “I need you in tip-top condition for the dance floor later. Can’t have you collapsing on me.”

  “Cassie, I’ve got to tell you, I’m not much of a dancer.” Bailey tucked her hand into the small of Cassie’s back and directed her toward the car. It was becoming a habit, one that Cassie had to admit she liked more than she should.

  “That’s okay. I haven’t been dancing in years so I’ve probably forgotten how.”

  “Why not?”

  “It’s not really any fun on your own.”

  Bailey took a breath as though she was going to speak, but nothing came out.

  “What were you going to say?” Cassie asked when she got into the car.

  “Oh, nothing.” Bailey smiled. “I made reservations at a Thai food restaurant.”

  “Oh, I love Thai food.”

  “You might have mentioned that on the drive down here.”

  “I did?”

  Bailey chuckled. “Once or twice.”

  “Sorry if I bored you.” Cassie offered her an apologetic smile.

  “You didn’t.” Again, Cassie felt as though Bailey wanted to say more but held herself back, and she wondered what could be bothering her.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  Bailey glanced at her. “Yeah, I’m good. Or I will be as soon as I get something to eat.”

  The Thai Life restaurant floated on the waters of Banana Bay, and the smell made Cassie’s mouth water as soon as she climbed out of the car. The sun was setting on the horizon, and she felt the thrill of the unexpectedly romantic setting skitter up her spine. It had been a long, long time since she’d been on a date. Was this a date? Is that why Bailey seemed so distracted? She glanced over at her. Her dark shirt hung off her broad, well-muscled shoulders, and the way her jeans clung to her ass made it easy to imagine how it would feel in her hands. Don’t be stupid. What on earth do you have to offer anyone anymore? Enough baggage to sink the Titanic—again. Exactly what a strong woman like Bailey would want in her life. Sexual issues, guilt issues, trust issues, intimacy issues. Oh, and let’s not forget that the rest of the real world doesn’t even know you exist. She groaned inwardly and tried to tear her eyes from Bailey’s backside. Yep, great date material you’d make. Sometimes she truly hated the sarcastic bitch that was her inner voice.

  The waitress seated them next to the railing, giving them an incredible view of the water and the peach-tinted sky.

  “I meant to say before,” Bailey said while they waited for their drinks. “That dress looks lovely. You obviously didn’t spend your afternoon napping.”

  Cassie chuckled. “No. When a girl’s promised a night dancing, the least she can do is try to look the part.”

  “Well, you look perfect.”

  Cassie’s heart raced. She means for dancing, that’s all. She took a healthy swallow of her wine. Shut up, bitch, I know what she meant. “Thank you.”

  The conversation flowed easily and laughter was a wonderful condiment for their three courses and bottle of wine. The dance club was within easy walking distance, and Bailey had already told her they’d get a cab back to the motel and pick the car up in the morning. She was grateful for Bailey’s foresight, but really, she was having too much fun to care. She enjoyed Bailey’s company. She was funny, and intelligent, and easy to be with. She never seemed bored by Cassie’s tales of her experiments, her students, her childhood. She actually seemed fascinated by it all. She had a knack for focusing on Cassie so completely that she was almost sure she wasn’t aware of anything else. Cassie was sure it had made her an impressive and effective interrogator. It made it difficult not to tell her everything. It had from the beginning, and Cassie was sad that their time together was almost over, so much so that a tiny part of her wished that they still had searching left to do. While she was glad that Finn had been found, she almost wished they hadn’t succeeded yet, just so she could spend more time with Bailey.

  The rhythm of the samba poured out of the club and into the night, and Cassie wasn’t entirely sure if it was the music making the stars dance in the night sky or the half bottle of wine she’d enjoyed. Either way, she didn’t care. Tonight was a celebration. Her little girl was found, which was more than enough reason to celebrate.

  She grabbed Bailey’s hand and tugged her, protesting, to the dance floor. She wrapped her arms around Bailey’s waist and encouraged her into leading them around the floor with awkward, staccato steps that had them bumping into each other regularly. Cassie giggled as she offered instruction and smiled at each tiny improvement Bailey made. Soon she was leading Cassie around the floor with growing confidence—if not imagination—and Cassie was shocked at just how much she enjoyed the warmth of Bailey’s body against her own. Every brush of Bailey’s breasts against her own made her nipples harden, and every time she stepped between Bailey’s legs she swore she could feel a growing heat.
And not just her own. Deep down she felt something she thought she’d lost. Hope. Hope that she could one day move beyond the nightmare that haunted her.

  Bailey’s eyes had darkened, her pupils dilated, and there was a lazy, sexy smile on her lips that made Cassie’s knees turn to Jell-O. She wanted to wrap her arms around Bailey’s neck, lick her lips, and pull her in for a kiss. She’d wanted to do it since the day she’d walked into Bailey’s office. It was also what she knew she couldn’t do. She needed a little distance, some time to collect her thoughts—and get her body back under control.

  “Would you like a drink?” she asked, leaning close to Bailey’s ear.

  “Please. This dancing’s making me all sweaty.” Bailey tugged at the neck of her shirt to get air down her top. Cassie bit her lip and headed for the bar, unable to stop the moan that passed her lips and grateful for the loud music that easily covered it. She needed a drink, and she needed it badly.

  She squeezed into a gap at the bar and flagged the bartender.

  “I’ll just have a bottle of water please.” Bailey’s voice was low and directly in her ear. The overheated skin at the back of her neck erupted in goose bumps, and she shivered. If she hadn’t had the bar to hold on to she was sure she would have landed in a heap at Bailey’s feet. She moaned as that particular image filled her mind and her mouth watered.

  “A mojito and a bottle of water please.” She paid the bartender and handed the bottle to Bailey over her shoulder. Her softly spoken thank you left Cassie imagining those lips planting kisses down her neck and nibbling on her ear, before venturing further. Baggage, remember?

  Cursing her own inner bitch again, she followed Bailey away from the bar and tried to content herself with sipping her drink and watching some of the truly amazing dancers who seemed to caress the floor with their feet and grace every audience member with their skill. She took her time with her drink, but it seemed Bailey had other ideas.