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Heart pounding, Keira woke from a deep sleep. Sun filtered through the thin drapes, then the sound of her cell bouncing on the nightstand alerted her to the fact she’d put it on vibrate during her somewhat bizarre interview the day before.
It could only be one person.
Grabbing it before it stopped, she flipped it open. “Hello?”
The burley voice, easily recognized, “Ms. Brown?”
“Yes.” What was his name? Had she even asked?
“Could you come to the office for a phone interview with Mr. Hancock?”
Thank God he didn’t want to do an online interview complete with web cam. “What time?”
“Ten.”
Her gaze flew to the clock, holy crap that was in less than an hour, how had she slept so late? Oh, right. She hadn’t been able to until about five that morning.
“I’ll be there.” She hung up before he could respond and fairly flew out of the sofa, turned bed.
Keira managed to walk through the small office door as the bell heralded ten of the hour. Brawny man was already on the phone.
“Here she is now boss.”
He stuffed the receiver in her hand. And Jamison Hancock aka Antonio DeLuca’s voice cloaked her in evil.
*****
Rockets bounced around in her stomach. An hour ago she’d succeeded in landing a job with Hancock Industries.
Now what?
Tomorrow she’d be boarding a small private jet to whisk her away to Fantasy Island. She could hardly believe that name? Men. All about their pleasure.
Tyler hadn’t been like that. And most good men aren’t. But these were rich playboys. The one thing he failed to mention. The girls on the island were not only underage, nor consenting adults, but held against their will in a prison paradise.
She could very easily disappear. For real this time though. If DeLuca or whoever his cohorts were on the island caught her snooping and took care of her, no one would know.
Worse, he’d get away with what he was doing.
Keira bit her lower lip as she watched people on the pier. No one knew her cell number at the station, but, still DeLuca had someone on the inside. Who could she call?
The Becketts. At least they could reach Gabe, Tyler’s partner. Four bars, a strong enough signal to reach the opposite coast. It would be a little late in the east but it couldn’t be helped.
“Hello?” The male voice sounded so endearingly familiar.
Jelly flowed through her knees. Her heart fluttered. The world seemed to spin and sway. Keira reached out and gripped the back of one of the benches that littered the sidewalk. It had to be Tyler’s dad.
“Hello?” Now he sounded irritated and Keira realized she hadn’t spoken.
“Mr. Beckett?”
There was a long pause. Keira thought maybe the connection had been broken. But she could still hear background noise.
“Mr. Beckett?”
“Keira?”
Could it be? Her stomach flip-flopped, nausea rolled over her. Sucking in air through her teeth and letting it out in a whoosh.
“Keira is that you?” His voice, if it was Tyler, was now urgent.
“Tyler?”
“Yes, Keira it’s me.”
“How?” She could barely hear over the ringing in her ears.
“The bullet missed my heart. I just got out of the hospital two days ago. By the time I came around, you were gone and had been spotted jumping from the bridge.”
She let the information sink in.
He was alive.
She rolled her head, let it tilt back to gaze at the overcast sky for a second. When her gaze focused again she stared straight ahead barely registering the carousel of happy children. Tears streaked a path down her cheeks to drip onto the front of her suit jacket. She didn’t care what people thought or what she looked like.
He was alive.
“You don’t sound surprised I’m alive.” She swallowed. She needed to relay the message she called for and find out what he needed her to do. They were a team.
“Remember the documentary? You told me you’d never take your life. I knew you were safe somewhere. As soon as we catch DeLuca I was going to move heaven and earth to find you. I had an idea I’d have to go through Dexter Brown first though.”
“Yes, he helped me.”
“Why are you calling me, has something happened?”
“Nothing bad. For once, I caught a break.” She paused to gaze around in case brawny guy was in the vicinity. Though Pier 39 didn’t seem like his kind of hang out. “I was looking around the docks yesterday. I had a plan to find out about the missing girls. Remember your captain said the same thing was happening on the west coast?”
“Keira, I don’t like where you’re going with this.” She could hear his slight labored breathing. Worry cascaded over her. Before she could voice her concerns, he continued, “What have you done?”
Excitement almost choked her. “I have a job with Hancock’s West Coast Division. But that’s not the best part.”
A low groan sounding as if he’d dredged it up from his soul. “I’m not going to like this am I?”
She ignored his question. “I’m the new accountant on Fantasy Island.”
Silence.
Had he heard her? “Tyler?”
“Keira, that’s where the kidnapped girls are being sent.”
“I know. Well he didn’t tell me. Mr. Hancock made it sound very legit. ‘An elite resort for the rich and famous,’ he said. Everyone’s privacy would be respected. He doubted I’d see any of the clients. However, I’d be responsible for payroll; most of the girls have their checks directly deposited into their savings. He very carefully explained how the hostesses, that’s what he called those poor girls, were saving for their college education.”
“Strippers here in New York save also, it’s common.” She hadn’t just heard him, had she?
“What?”
“Keira, it was only a comment. Strippers make the decision, and they’re not... You know what I mean.”
“Yeah, they’re not raped. Tyler we have to save these girls.”
“Keira...”
“Karla Brown.”
“What?”
“That’s my name, you need to remember so you don’t blow my cover.”
“Keira is much better. Anyway go on, I don’t have much time.”
Concern chased away the excitement of tripping up DeLuca at his own game. “What do you mean? Aren’t you resting, you said you just got home.”
“It’s a long story, but you don’t need to worry. Finish telling me what’s going on.”
She wanted to hear more about him. How he was doing, but she knew he was right. “I leave tomorrow to start my new job. The first thing brawny asked me...”
“Brawny?” A thread of jealousy colored the one word.
“The big goon who runs the office here on the pier, he wanted to know if I was married. I have no family. I couldn’t have been more perfect. I let myself be a little reluctant, I didn’t want to act too excited.” She took a deep breath, and it sounded like he did the same. “Tyler, I think from some of the things he said there’s someone else who owns the island, he just supplies the personnel if you know what I mean.”
“And you’re now the personnel. When did you say you were leaving?”
“Tomorrow. What do you want me to do?” Again, the excitement built from the pit of her stomach.
“I want you to stay safe. Don’t take the job.”
“I thought we were a team.”
Tyler’s sigh was so loud it almost hurt her ear. “We are. You asked me what I wanted you to do. I know you’re going to go, I wouldn’t love you so much if you were a pansy.”
Swallowing down the huge lump refusing to let her words pass, she finally whispered. “I love you too.”
How good it felt to tell him, when she’d thought she’d lost her chance forever.
“I need to let the captain know right away.” She could hear paper or something rustling behind his labored breathing. He still didn’t sound well. “Okay, got a pen and pad, how can I contact you?”
“Dex set me up with a satellite phone. Once I’m on my way I won’t be able to talk freely.”
“If there is anything else I need to know before you leave call my home and leave a message with Mom or Pop.”
“Where are you going to be?”
“We’re going to the island also. Stay safe. See if you can find where the girls are. I’ll contact you tonight if possible to let you know the plan. ”
“Thank you.”
A pregnant moment of silence, then Tyler asked. “For what?”
“For not arguing with me. Agreeing we’re a team. You have no idea what that means to me.”
He chuckled. “Keira, it means I love you.”
The statement sizzled all the way to her toes.
Tyler loved her.
Now more than ever she needed to help. The only way to get her life back was to put DeLuca away. That meant finding proof that he sold those poor girls to whoever his partner on the island was.
“Do you have any idea who owns the island?” Keira hadn’t thought to ask sooner.
“Shaun Kincaid did a little digging for us and he thinks the owner is Italian, goes by the name of Bianchi . It would help if you could find proof for us.”
“Of course. I’ll make some notes tonight.”
“No, don’t.”
“Why?”
“If they become suspicious you don’t want any evidence around they can use against you. I need to talk to Gabe and the captain. I love you.” He repeated.
“I love you too, Tyler. The sooner we resolve this, the sooner I can come home to New York. Tyler, be careful. I’ll wait to hear from you.”
She clicked her cell shut and looked around. Still in the clear. Now to find the way back, before dark.
*****
Tyler looked at the receiver in his hand, dial tone buzzing. She’d hung up.
He punched in the captain’s cell number. “Keira’s alive.”
There was a pause while Abe apparently let his words sink in. “You were right then. She did fake her own death. She’s good. I wonder if she’s ever considered law enforcement work.”
Tyler’s blood ran cold. Did he want to worry about whether he’d see her again every time she went on assignment? He knew that’s what all spouses faced. She’d have to face it with him every day. Could both of them do that and keep a marriage together. Yes. Because they were a team.
All thought process stopped as he realized he’d been thinking in long range terms. They loved each other. It made sense.
“Beckett?”
“I’m here.”
“Okay, touchy subject. What you got for me.”
“She’s in San Francisco as Karla Brown.”
“I’m listening.”
“While looking for a job she found Hancock’s West Coast Division and applied. She is now the new payroll accountant for Fantasy Island resort for the rich and famous.”
“You’re kidding me.”
“Nope. Wish I were because I liked it a lot better when I knew she was alive, even though I didn’t know where. At least I knew she was safe.”
There was silence while the captain apparently processed the new turn of events. “When does she leave?”
“In the morning.”
“I’ll let Kincaid know this information.”
“I told her to look for anything on Bianchi. What should I tell her to do?”
“Find out where the girls are kept when they’re not entertaining.”
“Damn, I should have thought of that.”
“Hopefully, as an employee she’ll have run of the island.”
“I wish I knew where we could tell her to meet us.” Tyler waited, but apparently the captain didn’t have any ideas either. “I’ll see you in the morning at the airport.”
“No. I won’t be there. You’ll see Gabe. I’ll be staying here and watching our Rosa.”
Tyler couldn’t hold his surprise, he hadn’t known they’d ID’d her. “Who?”
“It’s between two women at the station. We’ve ruled out Packer. She was in the lab the day David’s source saw the woman with DeLuca on the dock.”
“You thought it was Lola in forensics?”
“Right age, right timeline when she started with the department. Coincides with when Rosa seems to have dropped off the face of the world.”
“So who else fits?”
“It’s only my own opinion, nothing official, so for now I’m keeping it to myself.”
“Understandable. Can you tell me what you’re looking for?”
“We’re going to leak some information about DeLuca. While you and Gabe are gone, I’ll be watching to see who takes the bait.” Anger vibrated through the receiver.
Tyler could understand the captain’s frustration and disappointment. After the screening process, and then the trust that’s given to an agent, it’s hard to swallow when you’ve let a bad seed slip through.
“I’ll see you when we get back then.”
“Something tells me your Keira is smart.” There was a pause and then. “She’ll do what needs to be done.”
The connection was broken, the dial tone buzzing in his ear again. The captain’s last words echoed through his mind.
Keira was smart.
Reading the number from the note he’d scribbled, he dialed Keira’s new number. After several rings she picked up.
Her voice had a breathless quality. “Hello?”
“Keira?”
“Tyler, that was fast.”
“What’s wrong? You sound out of breath.”
“I just climbed four flights of stairs.”
“What is it with you and stairs? Is your elevator out in your new place?”
“No, it’s a very old building with an antique cage for the elevator. I don’t trust the damn thing.”
It felt good to chuckle again. “Poor baby.”
“If you were here I’d smack you. So what’s up? I have packing to do.”
One more hurdle and they’d be together.
He filled her in on his conversation, then asked, “Do you know what Shaun Kincaid looks like?”
“DeLuca’s father-in-law, correct? I believe I’ve seen him somewhere in one of the society papers.”
“That’s the one. Would you know him if you saw him? Tall, very tall, gray haired.”
Keira finished for him. “Distinguished? I believe I would. You want me to watch for him?”
“Yes. I’m going to give him the picture we have on file, how have you changed?”
“I’ve cut my hair, changed the color to brown, and gave myself a perm. Oh now I wear glasses, though the lenses are glass, not prescription.”
“I’ll let him know.”
“Where will you be?”
He briefly told her about Kincaid’s techno plane and their plan. “You be careful.”
“I will. You take care of yourself, Tyler. When this is over...” There was a pause before she breathed in a seductive voice that caused a shimmer to his toes. “I have plans for you. You’ll need your strength.”
The connection clicked before he’d composed himself enough to comment.
All night her words had echoed. Played havoc with his libido and he’d found no solace in sleep. He might as well get over with the confrontation he knew would take place with the Elders.
Grabbing the picture the department had used for Keira’s APB, he shoved it in his carryall. He’d tell Kincaid to keep his eyes open for her, via her new hairdo and glasses.
He stopped in the kitchen where his parents were having their morning coffee and sharing sections of the paper. It had been their routine for as long as he could remember. They both looked up when he entered.
His mother’s smile quickly turned to a frown when she saw the bag. “Where do you think you’re going, Boyo?”
“I’ve got an assignment. I’ll be back in a few days.”
He gave her a kiss on the forehead and patted his dad on the back. He opened the door but his mother stopped him.
“You’re a fool.” Her tone surprised him and he swung to face her again.
“What?”
“You are. You’re barely able to keep your balance. You had an infection after surgery. Gabe’s going on this assignment, correct?” He nodded, unable to find his voice. His mother usually tried the emotional route of tears. “Then let him go and you stay here and recuperate. The doctor said no work for six weeks. For once in your damn life, listen.”
Dumbfounded he turned to his dad. “Sorry son, I know you can take care of yourself, but this time I think your mother is right.”
He dropped the carryall to the floor. He thought of Keira, maybe at that very moment, flying to the island. Gabe could handle it. Kincaid could look for Keira. Tyler could fax him the picture. If he went he could have a relapse. Then what would happen? He didn’t want to take away the focus in any way. He’d never forgive himself if something happened to Keira because he was foolish.
For the first time since moving out, he was actually going to do what his parents wanted. Besides, he needed to be healthy when Keira came home. If Keira needed anything he’d told her to call his parents. He would be there if Keira called.
He couldn’t do anything though, maybe he could help set the bait for Rosa. There were many things he could do without jeopardizing his health.
Tyler admitted, if only to himself, the real motivation was Keira.
“I guess I better go call the Cap.” Tyler bent to retrieve his bag and walked to his old room.
His father’s voice carried after him down the hall. “I guess you should have tried that tactic, instead of the crying, all these years.”
*****
Captain Rothschild watched the woman sitting at her desk through his glass windowed office. She didn’t look like she had a deceptive bone in her body. He brought his hand up tugged at an earlobe. Where had she been the day on the dock?
There was a knock on his door. He swung his gaze over to the door and brought the person into focus. Frowning, he called to enter.
“Captain, do you have anything for me today? If not I’m going to take advantage of the sun.”
Abe regarded Siena, a struggling artist on the side of her police duties. At least he didn’t have to worry about her being Rosa DeLuca. The age fit, but she’d never been outside the US and she had joined the academy and the force too soon.
He swiveled his chair around to look out at the sun-filled day and pretended to consider. Then swung around and grinned at her.
“So the light’s just right for your painter’s muse, huh?”
Tinkling laughter erupted. “Yes.”
“Since I don’t have any unidentified bad guys at the moment, I don’t think we’ll need your talents with the sketch pad.”
“Thanks,” Siena said as she almost danced out of his office.
To be young with no worries. How would it be? He couldn’t even remember a time he’d been like that.
His attention focused on the woman he’d expected to be Rosa. Except the puzzle pieces didn’t fit. Then there was the clerk in the probation office. She fit perfectly, right down to the DeLuca coloring.
She hadn’t been in the office the day the ship was at the dock. She’d called in sick, but she lived alone. There was really no way to determine her alibi.
If she was Rosa and they questioned her that would put her on the alert.
He sighed and ran his fingers through his unruly hair. His cell phone vibrated across his desk.
“Rothschild.”
“Captain.” He heard Tyler Beckett’s voice on the other end.
“Are you at the airport?”
“I’m not going.”
Abe felt relief rushed through his body. “Good, what changed your mind?”
“Keira. I want to be here if she calls. Gabe doesn’t need me there holding his hand. I’ll also be available in case you need me to flush out Rosa.”
“I’m glad you’re staying put. I’ll think on it.”
“Captain, can you tell me anything yet?”
“No, but an idea’s forming. I’ll let you know.”
He snapped the cell shut, rested his chin on his steepled fingers. Yes, he’d use Tyler. He wouldn’t exert the agent or anything, just join him in the morning for Starbucks. The last time there had been a breach David and Gabe had been at the coffee shop with him.
This time the detective and agent were gone. If nothing happened that would be a telling sign. All he had to do is come up with something important that wouldn’t jeopardize the men at the island, but peek enough interest to get to DeLuca.