Audrey stepped out of the bathroom wearing a thick, terry-cloth robe. Never before had she enjoyed a cold shower. The air-conditioning she had flipped on when they’d returned to the suite had done its job and made the cottage downright chilly.
The cloudy glass doors separating the bedroom and living area where Lee would sleep were closed in the event Lee had already returned from the security office. The staff had swarmed the sauna and them after hearing about the “mishap,” as one of the employees called it. They left a guard outside the cottage while Lee went to find answers. Still, she felt the need to call out. “Anyone there?”
Silence. She crossed the room to get clothes from the suitcase except it had disappeared from the spot she’d left it near the dresser. She spun around in a circle, in case she misremembered. Nowhere to be seen. Had Lee come and gotten it? What if he decided their covers were blown and taken off without waiting for her? Maybe Kendra had recovered and they considered her a liability and left her here. Her heart rate sped up at the new thought as she inhaled and exhaled slowly. Ridiculous. There had to be a logical explanation for her missing luggage. It was possible her memory was faulty after a traumatic experience.
The closet beckoned, and her feet enjoyed walking on the cold wood. In fact, it was hard to imagine ever craving hot temperatures again. She flung open the white door to find a row of dresses, shirts, pants and men’s suits, hanging side by side. On the top shelf of the closet, two suitcases rested side by side as if in the overhead bin on an airline.
Uncomfortable chills ran down her spine. Someone had come into the room while they were gone and taken everything out of their suitcases, Lee’s included. Audrey felt more exposed than ever. She left the closet open and moved to the dresser. Inside the top drawer, the T-shirts and lounge pants she assumed no one would see were placed in neatly folded piles. Had someone laughed when they saw a T-shirt so obviously from a discount store or, worse, alerted someone to a fraud in their midst?
Her eyes drifted to the itinerary on the top of the dresser. They were expected at dinner within the hour. Hopefully, the meeting would happen and then they could leave. She missed her own bed even though it was still on a moving truck somewhere across the country. How could she sleep, though, knowing someone wanted to kill them? Obviously, it wasn’t hard to get in their room, either, if someone had been through her things.
She grabbed a black dress but wasn’t ready to put on the diamond-studded shoes until it was necessary. They had higher heels than the tan pumps. Her arches complained in advance with phantom pains. She dressed and got ready quickly—everything except straightening her hair. A door opened and closed in the distance.
“It’s me.”
Audrey slid open the pocket doors to find Lee seated on the couch. He had already changed before the visit to the security office and wore a hunter-green polo shirt and tan pants. His head rested in his hands, a posture that practically screamed defeat.
“Is everything okay?”
He straightened and crossed to the patio. She followed him outside as he clicked on an instrumental music station to play through his phone. “Apparently they pride themselves on the grounds being swept for listening devices daily, but we need to be cautious.”
“They went through our stuff.”
He nodded. “It’s their personal butler service. It’s why we made sure nothing was in our bags. They claim it’s for luxury but someone from the security team escorts the employee who does it. In case there’s something there of concern.” He shrugged. “Add it to the reasons why the club is considered a safe meeting place.”
Maybe for criminals, but she felt the opposite. “What did you find out?”
“It’s a good news–bad news situation.”
“Bad news first. I have a strict policy about that.”
He half smiled and only then seemed to take in her appearance, his eyes widening just enough to be noticeable. She smoothed down the skirt, worried for half a second she’d put it on wrong. “Is this what Kendra would wear to the dinner?”
“Probably.” He turned his attention to the ocean. “I’m not sure I can separate the news into categories. There are security cameras in the hallway. The security guard showed me the footage. We go in the pool room and the employee comes out and then it becomes obvious the footage is looped to show an empty hallway for the next twenty minutes.”
“You’re saying someone hacked the feed.”
“Yes. The benefit is now I know there are hallway cameras. I was able to casually ask, as if concerned for our safety, where the other cameras were located in the resort. There were none in the pool room and there are plenty of appointments on our itinerary that are completely in the dark so to speak. I would imagine the CEO of the Masked Network would know that as well, and would never set up a meeting where he could be captured on camera.”
Audrey picked up Lee’s copy of the itinerary from the coffee table. Aside from one dinner table assignment, they seemed to be identical. She waited for him to continue but he remained silent. “Was that both the good news and bad news? That all sounded like bad news.”
He tilted his head. “The apparent owner of Aislado was so horrified their security system had been tampered with she assigned us a personal bodyguard. He’s waiting outside our cottage.”
“So that’s the bad news?”
Lee raised his eyebrows. “I thought that would make you feel safer. He’s probably retired from some elite special forces.” Lee shrugged. “From a different country.”
“Someone, who is probably a giant of a man, trained to covertly observe, who knows how someone with my supposed qualifications and motivations should act will be watching my every move. And perhaps is trained to use deadly force to keep the best interests of this den of thieves.”
Lee leaned back. “Well, when you put it that way, it’s not as good of news as I initially thought.” He reached for her hand, the same way he had when he’d led her into the hospital. Except his grip was softer. He squeezed ever so gently and the warmth rushed through her bones. This was nothing like the dry heat of a sauna. “I need to apologize. I thought the best course was to keep you in the dark as much as possible. Obviously, I didn’t know Sylvia would be here or I would’ve taken greater care to prepare you.”
She appreciated the admission, but he still seemed too calm for her taste. “Someone is trying to kill us, Lee. Why aren’t you more stressed out?”
“Because we have an advantage most would-be victims don’t.”
“Which is?”
“We know someone’s trying to kill us.”
She wasn’t amused.
“I’m serious. Imagine we’ve received a memo. It gives us an edge. We can’t be caught off guard.”
“We also can’t relax!”
He eyed her. “You wouldn’t have anyway.”
“What would Kendra have done?” The question sounded desperate, her voice higher than intended.
He searched her eyes as if seeing her insecurity, her secret hope that he’d tell her she wasn’t out of her depth, and they would make it out alive and successful.
Instead, he let go of her hand. “I don’t like focusing on what-ifs. Hey, tell me how you knew about that bolt stuff?”
She almost rolled her eyes. Confirmation she was there only because she looked like Kendra. He hadn’t been interested in her as a person or he would’ve realized how. “You can’t get a doctorate in engineering without picking up a few principles. I just put them into practice and hoped it would work. The more important question is who tried to kill us? Is our cover blown?”
Lee shook his head. “This isn’t the MO for anyone in the Masked Network. It seemed...juvenile, almost.”
“Juvenile or not, it was effective.”
“Almost.” He sighed. “We are surrounded by criminals. Maybe someone fears if the Kimmets joined the Network they’d eat into their money-laundering territory.”
“Your covers have their own enemies?”
“The bottom line is I don’t know yet, so my gut tells me to continue with the mission.”
“Sylvia knew our schedule would include sauna time. She’d seen our itinerary.”
Lee shook his head. “It’s crossed my mind, but it doesn’t make sense she’d try to take us both out.”
His phone vibrated, and he pressed a button to silence an alarm. “It’s almost time to go to dinner. Remember to keep things light, talk about the amenities here or the view, but if she asks any specific questions, give short answers without any hesitation, even if you don’t know what Kendra would’ve said. And stand by it.”
For the next twenty minutes he went over Andrea and Lee Kimmet’s fake backstory. They met at law school and developed a growing interest in money-laundering schemes. He listed their supposed favorite books and movies and hobbies. Lee stopped every couple minutes, though, as if sure she wasn’t paying attention.
“I’m looking these things up, but the browser on this burner phone is slow. I can’t just say I love the true crime genre without knowing any authors or plots.”
Lee stood and pointed to the door. “We’re out of time. Remember, your name is Andrea Kimmet. If someone talks to you, try to figure out what they’re expecting of you or simply mirror them. When you’re asked a question don’t hesitate but don’t talk too much, either. And if Sylvia asks, please tell her we’ve made up.”
“Do you care if she doesn’t like you?”
His pallor seemed to turn gray. “You have no idea.”
It seemed so out of character that she wanted to ask if Lee had been in a relationship with Sylvia before but he rushed them out the door. As they approached the main lodge, her feet decided not to cooperate with the three-inch heels and she tipped to the right, knocking Lee momentarily off the path. He regained his balance and grabbed her elbow just in time to prevent her from gaining some grass stains.
A man in a black suit—that had to be specially tailored to account for his giant trunks of arms that probably could snap a spine in half—appeared seemingly out of nowhere. “Are you all right, ma’am?”
“Yes, yes, I think so, thank you.”
Lee guided her into the building. “I think we’ve just met the bodyguard. From now on, no more heels.”
“No complaints from me,” she said, even though her cheeks heated at the frustration in his voice. Of all the things she thought she might fail at in taking her sister’s place, she didn’t imagine she would be bested by footwear.
They arrived at the dining room. The entire back wall was glass, much like the cottage. If she’d gone to a place like this for fun, she would have no need for conversation. Just set her in front of the view. The host escorted her to a table set for two in the far corner. Each table, and there was probably only fifteen total, was placed a good ten feet apart, likely to promote private discussion. The host waited for her to be seated before placing the napkin on her lap and pushing her into the chair.
“Ah, you beat me here.” For her part, Sylvia looked gorgeous in a teal and copper dress. She practically glided to the table as she flashed her brown eyes at Lee, but she didn’t acknowledge his presence.
“Sir, we have your reservation at the next table,” the host said.
Lee bent over as if to kiss Audrey’s cheek but whispered, “Hopefully, I’ll have the meeting and we’ll be gone by dessert. Just keep things light.”
Audrey gulped. She’d never been alone with a criminal antiquities dealer before. She’d heard rumors that dealers like that made their money from terrorists, but she probably shouldn’t start the conversation by asking about that. Lee left, and Audrey wasn’t sure whether to smile or not at Sylvia.
Kendra didn’t seem the type to offer smiles to everyone. She’d likely be confident and secure and not worry about what anyone else was thinking. Nothing mattered but the mission.
Sylvia picked up an empty glass and twirled it. “I heard there was a mishap in the sauna.”
“You know about that?”
Sylvia set the glass down and looked around as if searching for someone. She raised a hand and waved before looking at Audrey. “They’re trying to keep it hush-hush, but you should know by now that no one can keep secrets from me.” Her eyes held a hard edge Audrey hadn’t noticed before, and it was all she could do to keep from shivering. The woman was into art, though. That was all. Nothing to fear.
“I have to tell you, Sylvia, that while I hate to turn down the chance to connect, I’m not sure it’s the best idea to sit apart from Lee. We actually came here on business.”
The woman’s radiant teeth flashed. “A chance to connect? Is that what you call our dealings? Don’t worry, I already told you. I know about your upcoming meeting.” The coldness returned. “Don’t mistake me for a small fish. My money can easily make or break your business.” She fluttered her eyelashes. “But you’re too smart to forget that.”
Audrey turned her attention to the silverware, straightening it even though it was already perfect. Business? So Kendra didn’t talk about personal matters with her. Did Lee set her up? He had to know that Kendra’s relationship with Sylvia wasn’t for social reasons.
The only other explanation turned her stomach. Maybe Kendra didn’t approach her job with integrity and had a side business of her own. “Sylvia, I think you already know how I feel about our—” Audrey faltered for a moment until she remembered what Lee had said about mirroring others “—dealings.” She straightened, a new idea forming. “And, about earlier. I know I gave the impression that Lee and I weren’t in the best place, but we’ve worked everything out, so I think we can bring him into—”
Sylvia kept her gaze trained on Lee as he ended up at a table across the room. “Oh, I can see for myself. What did you do to that man? I’ve never seen him look at you like that. He can’t take his eyes off you.”
Audrey’s neck flushed with heat so intense she felt certain it would be a dead giveaway. Sylvia’s eyes swiveled her way. “And you’re just as bad.” She shook her head. “You keep acting like that, you’re going to make me reconsider my upcoming divorce.”
“You’d be surprised what a near-death experience can do for a relationship. The sauna changed us.”
Sylvia examined her. “I’ll keep that in mind.” She said each word slowly, thoughtfully, as her eyes bored into Audrey’s.
The waiter came around and placed a cocktail glass in front of Sylvia and a glass of flavored sparkling water that Audrey was sure she never ordered. Sylvia tossed hers back in one gulp then raised her empty glass. “The service is unacceptable. I played tennis earlier, and I’m parched.” She eyed Audrey’s glass. “Not thirsty? You always order sparkling.”
Lee didn’t cover that tidbit in the Kimmet backstory. Audrey thought sparkling water was the world’s greatest con. It smelled delicious but tasted like aggressive water. She gestured toward the glass. “Feel free to drink mine. I guess I’m not feeling quite myself today.”
“You mentioned that earlier. Don’t tell me you’re pregnant. I only do business with one person.” She flicked her chin in Audrey’s direction. “That includes your husband and anyone you’re carrying.” Sylvia reached over and downed the contents of Audrey’s glass.
She’d laugh if she thought Sylvia was joking. The tension radiating off Sylvia was enough to make Audrey squirm. “No, I’m not pregnant so why don’t we get down to business? I assume you have something you’d like me to launder.”
Sylvia’s eyes widened to platter proportions before her lips tightened. She leaned forward and grabbed Audrey’s wrist, searching her eyes. “Who are you?” Sylvia said each word slowly and deliberately.
Audrey blinked rapidly, trying to laugh it off. Sylvia’s grip tightened, nails digging into Audrey’s flesh. Of all the moments Lee could’ve chosen to stop watching. He chatted with a waiter, oblivious to the train wreck about to happen. Sylvia’s gaze swung to a man standing in the corner that Audrey hadn’t noticed before.
Sylvia opened her mouth. Instead of a scream or accusation, only a gurgle sounded. The woman’s entire body stiffened and seized. She let go of Audrey and slammed the table with both hands before her head flung backward, propelling her body and chair to the ground. The man in the corner rushed toward Sylvia but the woman’s eyes stared into the ceiling, lifeless.
Screams filled the room, but Audrey’s ears buzzed with her own thoughts as she looked back to the table and the empty glass. Sylvia had downed the drink intended for her.
Lee bolted to Audrey’s side. She hadn’t moved from her chair despite every other guest rushing from the restaurant. Security guards ran into the room, talking into their radios as they took in the sight, but no one moved to offer Sylvia any medical help.
Lee dropped to his knees and pressed his fingers to the woman’s neck, then her wrist. No pulse. He reached for Audrey’s hands as he stood and pulled her to standing. “We need to get out of here.”
He placed a hand around her shoulder and guided her through the lobby and toward their hallway exit. The bodyguard assigned to them had the briefest look of indecision on his face before he followed them.
“What about police?” Audrey asked. “Won’t they want to talk to all the witnesses? I need to wait.”
“Shh.” He hoped the guard didn’t overhear them. “I’ll explain when we’re alone.” It only took two more minutes before they entered the cottage.
Audrey made a beeline to the box of tissues, pulled the glass door open to stand on the patio and turned her back to him.
Kendra never showed any emotion in his presence, but if she had, he would’ve given her space. Audrey, while in many ways similar, was like a magnet tugging at his heart. Lee followed her and placed a hand on each of her shoulders. When he took a moment to think about what it would be like to be in her shoes, without training, it made his stomach hurt. “You’ve been shot at, trapped in a sauna and witnessed a woman die today. It’s to be expect—”
“You think that’s why I’m upset?” She spun around and her glistening eyes met his. She frowned and bit her lip. “I mean, yes, those things, too, but I almost got us killed.”
So she must’ve figured out why he needed to get her out of the dining room as fast as possible. Lee pulled her into his chest and held her close. “I’m sure you didn’t. It’s just people like this—every guest here—wouldn’t want to stick around in case police were called.” He rubbed her back without thinking, but as soon as he was aware, he fisted his hands, taken off guard that holding her came so natural.
She pulled back enough to look up at him, her own fisted hands on his chest. “You don’t think police will be called?”
“I will see to it that justice is served when our mission is over, but until then, we stay focused on our mandate.”
“That’s not even...” She exhaled. “If Sylvia hadn’t—What I mean is that poison was intended for me.”
So many questions demanded his attention at once. He dropped his arms and sank into the closest chair. “What are you talking about?”
“Kendra apparently had a business relationship with Sylvia. She laundered—or maybe didn’t—something for Sylvia. Sylvia knew I was an imposter. She was about to call me out. She died right after she drank the drink intended for me.”
Lee closed his eyes and tried to process.
“If she hadn’t died right then our cover would’ve been blown. Either way you look at it, we’re in danger. Sylvia seemed to know we had other important business here. Maybe she already had suspicions that I wasn’t the Andrea Kimmet she’d done business with in the past. Maybe she blabbed to someone else her thoughts and that’s why someone is out to kill me.”
Her words rushed past him, demanding to be heard, but he couldn’t focus on them. Something niggled at the back of his mind. “They brought me an iced tea.”
“So?”
“So I didn’t ask for an iced tea. But it’s my standard drink. Kendra occasionally goes for the flavored waters—that must be why you were brought one.”
“You’re saying they already knew what Mr. and Mrs. Kimmet liked.” Audrey sank into the chair opposite him.
“I drank my iced tea. I didn’t even question how they knew.” He stared at the decking below his feet. “We’ve been in deep cover for years, playing our part. Kendra and I visited our law firm daily as our place of work. The entire law firm is a front for the FBI to carry out various white-collar stings, though we’ve only been in evidence-gathering mode because this—” he pointed to the ground “—is the big one we’ve been waiting for. Real lawyers do real work there while Kendra and I go to our separate offices, do our paperwork and visit luxury resorts to win over people like this.”
He swirled his finger around. “When you’ve been in deep cover long enough you start to accept the lifestyle as normal. I should’ve immediately questioned how they knew it was my favorite drink.”
“But you’re fine.”
“Exactly. So first we need to know if it was your drink or something else that killed her. We can’t make assumptions.”
“But after the sauna—”
“I admit it’s likely you were the intended target. My point is I can’t operate under assumptions. This has been a wake-up call. And we need to prepare ourselves that this life might’ve grown a bit too comfortable for Kendra.”
Her face paled and Lee regretted saying too much.
“You’re not saying Kendra has been dabbling on the side, are you?”
“I really don’t think so. I can’t imagine her doing that.” But he would do his duty and send an encrypted email to his superior.
He stood and offered his hand to help her to standing, as she was still wearing the heels. She accepted and wobbled only for a half second before walking to the steps of the bedroom. Lee crossed into the living room and pulled the glass pocket doors from either side of the wall. “I think we better get as much sleep as possible. We never know what tomorrow will bring.”
Lee had some idea, though. If they weren’t approached with a meeting or received some sort of assurances from his superiors at the FBI, he would take Audrey and leave. Mission or no mission, her life wasn’t worth the risk. He just hoped it wouldn’t be too little, too late.