by Lauren Wood
I stepped into the elevator and waited, the box gliding me down two floors. The door slid open to reveal the big mall, the Captain’s Table Steakhouse just a few yards away, wondering what that feeling was in the pit of my stomach. Is it excitement? Fear? Disappointment?
I took a deep breath, put a big smile on my face, and stepped out to see Hutch and his daughter, Blu.
They were at a booth near the front, not needing too much privacy since he rented out the whole ship. But the restaurant was immediately dark, thick wooden paneling giving it the look of an old pirate’s pub somewhere on what used to be called the Spanish Main.
As soon as I sat down, breakfast arrived. Leo the cook knew what I liked, and the spinach egg white omelet was perfectly well-done, crispy on the outside. The roasted potatoes were my favorite, and the English muffins were still hot from the toaster.
Blu was polite and gracious when they brought her scrambled eggs and fruit, following her father’s lead as he received his steak and eggs. The waitress, Stella, gave me a little wink as she turned to walk away from the table, but I tried to ignore it. I certainly didn’t appreciate it. I had to think, Leo already knows, so does Stella? What will they all be wondering, talking about, gossiping about tomorrow, and for the next seven days? What about my father, what’s he going to make out of all this? I’ll bet Caroline’s telling him right now, probably making it sound as bad as she can. But I couldn’t keep focusing on all that; that wasn’t what mattered. At that moment what mattered most was the somewhat-reduced Hutchinson family, and that they have the best week of their lives.
Hutch said, “The food is delicious, Dana. May I call you Dana?”
“Please do … Hutch.”
He smiled and turned to Blu. “S’good?”
She nodded, pushing a piece of watermelon into her mouth. “Yes, thank you.”
Hutch asked me, “How do you stay so thin? You must have a gym here.”
“Oh yeah, I go when there’s a spot open. It’s usually pretty crowded.”
Hutch smiled. “Won’t be this time.” He didn’t say anymore about it, and I was glad. We’d just met, and I found myself immediately hoping he wouldn't come on with some tacky line about showing him my routine or whatever, especially not right there in front of his daughter. But he left that matter completely alone, as if it had been the mere afterthought that it seemed to be. He went on, “Anyway, I’m glad you could see your way clear to joining us.”
I smiled, glad he brought it up, and for reasons other than sheer curiosity. “It’s certainly my pleasure. Though I have to say, it’s generally the kind of thing Caroline, our cruise director, would do.”
Hutch let the moment land, silence at the table. “Would you rather she do it?”
“Do what?”
“I don’t know, I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, well, um, just, y’know, show you around the ship, be your escort, as it were.”
Hutch smiled, taking a sip of his coffee. “I see. Nevertheless, we feel a bit more … comfortable with you.” He turned to Blu to confirm. “Wouldn’t you say, Blu?”
Blu nodded, swallowing her food to say, “‘Zactly.”
I couldn’t help but smile, and I really didn’t want to help it. What more was there to do but shrug and butter my muffin? We were going to have a splendid time and there was nothing I was going to be able to say or do about it.
*
After breakfast (Hutch tipped a hundred dollars!) we strolled around the ship. I showed them the rest of the mall, a glittering city block of polished glass and chrome, the world’s most tantalizing trinkets on display; diamonds and fine silk, but also the colorful, humorous t-shirts and flip-flops so popular among their post-adolescent passengers. They passed the IMAX theater, which had 3-D presentations of a variety of deep sea documentaries as well as the latest blockbusters.
Hutch looked around, impressed. “Wow, this is really something. It’s quite a place to live. How long have you been doing this?”
“My dad took the job almost ten years ago, after my mom … ” But a quick glance at little Blu told me I’d already said too much. The last thing I wanted to do was to drudge up sad memories for the Hutchinsons, especially not those memories in particular. But it was too late to backpedal away from the subject, and both Hutch and Blu seemed to know it. “Anyway, it’s been about ten years.”
“So, about half your life,” Hutch presumed and I nodded. “Or two thirds of mine.”
Odd thing to say, I couldn’t help but think. He must want to know how old I am, and he wants me to know how old he is. There can’t be too many reasons for that.
But I wasn’t intimidated or upset by it, not at all. In fact, I was intrigued, to put it in the most gentile way I can.
Blu asked, “Have you always been a singer?”
I didn’t have to give that one too much thought. “Ever since I was a kid, Blu. I sang in the shower, school plays, all that stuff. When we came to the ship it was … it was a little harder for a while, I have to admit. I really didn't sing at all for a few years, to tell you the truth. I just kept my head down, I had a tutor so there was always schooling to do. And I gotta say, all the things there were to do, and Oceania was brand new at the time, it helped, y’know? Just to know there was still some fun to be had out there, and for me … it was in my own backyard!”
Hutch said, “Speaking of that, who feels like a swim?”
**END OF PREVIEW**
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Chapter One
“I have no idea what you want me to do. I gave you your marching orders and you failed to deliver. It would’ve been so much easier had you understood and adhered to the chain of command.” The police had arrived after I had specifically told them how much time we had to get in and out.
“Carson, we’ve been in tough spots before and we’ve always gotten out of them because of you. There’s always a plan inside that noggin of yours.” Timothy had been with me for almost two years. I wanted him to know mistakes were inevitable, but stupid ones could be avoided.
“You never listen. I feel it’s best we go our separate ways. I don’t need this drama of having that Damocles sword over my head each and every time we are on a job together” I was a couple of blocks away hidden in the shadows of an alley with my burner phone in my hand. They were too greedy and I was always pulling their fat out of the fire.
“You can’t do this. One of us will roll over on you.” I suspected as much. These last couple of years had been interesting, but it was time to move on.
“It doesn’t matter and I’m pretty much a ghost. I don’t even know what my real name is anymore. You can tell them anything you want and it will only lead to dead ends. I never trusted any of you to give you my real name.” They should have known better than to trust me. Had they followed my rules we would’ve been fat and living large in some tropical getaway.
“I can’t believe you’re going to leave us here to fend for ourselves. There’s a special spot in hell reserved for you. I won’t forget this. This isn’t over. I would keep one eye open. You never know when I’m going to show up.” Carson would have something to worry about. Casey James, on the other hand, was going to be in the wind in a matter of minutes.
“It didn’t have to be this way. I really did think you had potential, but you always thought you knew better than I did. If it matters, I don’t feel very good about this. It pains me dearly to see you suffer needlessly. You’ve always been able to adapt and this won`t be any different.” Thankfully, I had not indulged by mixing business with pleasure. Once the job was over, we never saw each other until the next time.
“I don’t suppose it would help for me to apologize.” I never thought I would see t
he day when he would finally admit to his shortcomings. It was too little too late.
“The die has already been cast. You won’t be hearing from me again.” The plans I came up with were ingenious. It was a matter of timing to get away without a trace. They had pushed the envelope too many times for me to trust it wouldn’t happen again.
“I don’t know how long it’s going to take, but I will find you and make you pay for this.” He would try, but he would fail miserably. Any breadcrumbs I left behind were extinguished with only the images on the security screen. My face was synonymous with the authorities, but their net was no match for my vast intellect.
“I wouldn’t bother and I will always be two steps ahead. It’s not bragging when you can back it up. Did you really think you and your brothers were the only ones I’ve worked with in the past? They always disappoint me. I thought maybe you were different. I was wrong.” I hung up and the sirens were almost deafening. It was still amazing they were so close and yet so far away.
I stripped off the black sweater, peeled off the black pants and put on a tight pair of blue jeans. The white t-shirt was covered by a denim shirt open to attract those of the opposite sex. I wasn’t some stick thin blond Barbie doll. I owned my curves. I was proud of them. My ample posterior was rock solid to make any man want to get their hands on me.
It did occur to me to give Timothy one chance to prove me wrong. That one chance turned into many more with my fervent hope he would be different. He brought the muscle and I was going to need somebody to fill the empty spot. I was through working with a team, but one more was necessary. Trust was a rare commodity.
I could smell the Chinese takeout down the street. I hung my head low thinking this was the last time I was ever going to taste their homemade egg rolls. Everyplace had something unique. It was the same thing every time.
The feel of the cold brick on my fingers as I stood there on the street looking at the commotion not more than a block away was comforting. The area was cordoned off with the prerequisite yellow tape to prevent the onlookers and press from getting any closer than necessary.
I had no personal connections and not even my clothes were something I held onto for more than a couple of months. My style was always changing including the color of my hair and the cut. It was liberating to cast aside one persona for another like a pair of pants that didn’t fit anymore.
My black combat boots were whisper quiet and I blended into the throngs of people going about their day. I was in remarkable shape, a little big boned, but everything else was pure muscle. My breasts were quite the handful. They weren’t watermelons, but they did have the same form of cantaloupe. Being only 5’3, 140 pounds made it necessary to have an attitude to compensate for my diminutive body type.
I reached into the bag and found one of those knit caps sailors would wear on the dock. It would do until I had a chance to color my hair. Nobody noticed me and it was exactly the purpose of my disguise. I found no one style and I was always changing things up to keep things fresh.
The people looked like sheep penned into their little lives with no sign of escape. I learned the hard way when my father was taken into custody how life was unfair.
My mother became a drunk and she was still living in the same trailer sleeping with just about anybody for companionship. When I was 16 it was necessary to leave to keep my sanity. Living hand to mouth afforded me the opportunity to survive on my own merits. I was an accomplished grifter by the time was 18. That was 7-years ago.
I found the Airport and long-term parking was my final destination. I decided to splurge by seamlessly breaking into a silver Jaguar. It had the plush leather seats and wouldn’t be missed for the remainder of the owner’s trip away from home.
I avoided suspicion by once again stripping off what I had and exchanging it for sophisticated attire. The red dress and a string of pearls along with the Rolex watch on my wrist was a nice touch. There was a colorful scarf around my neck and a pair of oversized Gucci sunglasses to hide the windows to my soul.
The guard didn’t even look up from his paper. I was breezing down the interstate with the window open with no sign of anything out of the ordinary.
I kept thinking about that one night a couple of months ago. I was completely blitzed out of my mind and looking to score. Last call left me with slim pickings, but there was one who captured my attention. I could barely recall his face in the haze of liquor running through my veins. He was the one that got away. By morning, the other side of the bed was still warm but he was no longer in it.
I pulled out the bottle and popped a couple of the pills. It made me feel better to know that they were there. I had turned over a new leaf avoiding fatty foods and making my body into a healthy temple. I was even doing yoga by the numbers from a course I was taking on the Internet. A calm mind went hand in hand with my new outlook on living to a ripe old age.
I thought I was going to give up the life, but it was too exciting to pass up the next opportunity. I had a list of those who had contacted me on the dark web. I rejected some out of hand, but there were a few who stood out from the crowd. One of them was going to be my next partner. They just didn’t know it yet.
Chapter two
I never was one to hide in the seedy part of any town. I lived life to the fullest grabbing onto whatever happiness I could find along the way. I had driven the expensive sports car and left it three states from where I was currently. It would be stripped for parts.
I was no stranger to Las Vegas. The three potential partners agreed to meet me at the Mandalay. I had a standing reservation under the name of Cassandra Jamison.
I waited in one of the many restaurants for my next appointment. His name was Patrick Owens and he came as a package deal with his wife Allison. I was willing to give them a chance to knock my socks off with some innovative ideas. The only stumbling block was that they did spend time behind bars.
I could hear the telltale sound of the casino raking in millions by fleecing unsuspecting victims. They were doing it legally. I had an investment in the New Jersey casino with a stake in the profits for 10-percent annually. It kept me flush, but robbing banks and other establishments had nothing to do with the money. It was the rush.
The New Jersey casino wasn’t my only investment. I had gotten in on the ground floor of some real estate deals netting me more than I could spend in a lifetime. The IRS wouldn’t be able to touch it. It was safely squirreled away in the Cayman Islands.
I fingered the crystal of the cosmopolitan sitting in front of me. I was no longer feeling them breathing down the back of my neck. I was breathing safely in one of my sanctuaries.
“I sent them away.” I turned slowly to face a man with a reputation to get things done.
“Graham Locke. I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow.” He was tanned dark and handsome, but there was only one way to find out if the rug matched the drapes.
For him, I could definitely see myself going against my first rule of business. Getting personally involved was a mistake and one that I was determined never to make.
“I decided to show up early. Patrick and Allison will not be joining you.” He had this dark aura surrounding him like a halo. There was nothing Angelic about him. I could almost see the horns of the devil in his eyes.
I kicked the chair and motioned with my hand for him to sit down. I caught the attention of the waitress and she knew to bring me what I wanted.
“I took a risk inviting you to this interview. I know you have problems playing nice with others.” There was no way to avoid him looking at my exposed cleavage. Sex did sell and made it easier for me to lull him into a false sense of security.
“I wasn’t even sure I was going to show up.” His blazing blue eyes tore through whatever resistance I had. The wall of indifference was crumbing under his gaze.
“I’m still not sure this is going to be a good fit.” The heat between us was unparalleled. He was dangerous and the death count after he left a job was u
nnecessary.
“I was about to say the same thing. My curiosity was piqued after I got the personal invitation by the ghost. I thought you were going to be taller.” I thrust my chest out and stretched my arms over my head to make him focus on my best attribute.
“Some people have this opinion about me. There’s a picture in their head that doesn’t necessarily match reality. I’ve followed your career. The only thing impressing is your ability to get out of tight situations. Frankly, everything else appalls me and makes me believe that you are what is wrong with this business.” I sipped my drink and watched him over the rim still staring at the modicum of skin I had exposed.
“I may have done things reprehensible in the past. The faces of the dead still wake me up in the middle of the night.” His body was a work of art worthy of the hand of Michelangelo painting him by the numbers.
He wasn’t muscle-bound, but he was perfectly proportioned. His six-foot height and 180-pound body had not even an ounce of fat on it. He carried himself with distinction and confidence. If he was putting on an act…it was a good one.
“Give me one good reason to give you a chance. Remember, I will make you famous which will require you to change everything about you down to your shoes.” His chest was sculpted from marble with arms big enough to carry me into the boudoir. I would not go kicking and screaming.
“I’m sure you could find somebody else, but they wouldn’t be as good. I pride myself on accounting for every variable. You can’t always do that, but you can have contingency plans in case things go off the rail.” He was all about having an exit strategy.