Chapter 6
The Learjet ride had been in style, complete with flight attendants who remained out of sight when not needed. The flight touched down, and a waiting driver whisked us away to the islandhotel. I gazed out the dark window and watched as the moonlight kissed the exotic trees. My mindracedwith much more productive things, like which body part I’d threaten first.
“I made inquiries. He’s registered under the name Phillip Fillmore.”
I slowly shook my head. “How is it you allowed this scumbag to get on your island? You made it sound like gaining entrance took an act of Congress.”
“I’d need to look in the mainrecords to findwho approved him the first time he showed up, but he’s been a regular for the last five years. He’s what the resort calls a whale.”
“A whale?”
“Spends money like he has an endless supply, but he never breaks the island rules. No fights, no misconduct. Very low key.”
“Other than his spending habit.”
“If you don’t mind me asking…” Max glanced at me. “Why not just call the authorities and tell them you found him? Let them take it from there.”
I shook my head. Authorities weren’t an option I was ready to deal with. “I have twenty-three reasons.” I swallowed hard determined not to fail. “That’s the number of seniors he screwed at the nursing home. People who will get kicked out if I don’t get their money back. If I call the authorities, thestolen money will betied up in the court system. Those seniors don’t have the kind of time it takes for the justice department to get it right.”
“You’re a vigilante?” His questioned and rubbed his chin.
“Not quite.” I smiled. “I plan to take back what doesn’t belong to him, and then I’ll call the feds to take care of him.”
Silence lingered between us until the car pulled up at the hotel. The driver got out, and I went to open my door, but Max rested his warm oversized palm on my arm.
“I can’t let you physically hurt him. That will ruin the island’s reputation, not to mention it will make me an accessory to your crimes.”
“How else am I supposed to get their money back? I’d planned to beat it out of him.”
“There are always other ways, Ms. Bennett. If you come on too strong, you’ll spook him, and he’ll disappear. You need to finesse the situation.”
Bennett women weren’t known for their finesse. We handled our drama by any means necessary. In my case, I could turn on the charm as easy as flicking a switch. “I was thinking something more painful, but if finesse is what you want, then you underestimate my acting ability, Counselor. I talked you into bringing me here.”
“True, but let me lead on this one.” Max sighed. “If you follow my cue, you won’t even have to go after him. He’ll come to you.”
I stepped out of the vehicle. The wind tugged at my hair. The scent of the tropical flowers in bloom mixed with the aroma of the salty sea. I could guesswhy others considered this paradise, and I hadn’t even entered the building. The island was spectacular, even better for me it was —secluded, isolated, and an ideal place for hiding a dead body.
The woman behind the reception counter in the lobby greeted us with a cheery smile. Her makeup was impeccable and her blonde hair styled to perfection, considering the time of night we’d arrived.
“Mr. Pierce. We have everything waiting.”
A bellboy swept up the handle of my rolling suitcase and grabbed my duffel bag. I held on to the straps tight, making him yank back. “Ms.?”
“I’ll carry this one,” I answered back, earning a confused look from the princess behind the counter.
Max took the bag from my hands and slid the strap over his shoulder, earning him my glare. “I’ll take it with us.”
“Max. I thought you’d never get here.” An older woman with a sparkling gaze, wearing a designer gown, sauntered into the room. She pulled Max into a hug.
“Mother.” He awkwardly hugged the woman back. “I’d like to introduce you to Gwen Bennett. Gwen, this is my mother, Martha Pierce.”
His mother’s gaze loweredto my old tennis shoes and back up. “Client?”
“Friend,” he answered and rested his arm around my waist. “Very personal friend, so be nice.”
She gasped and held her hand to her chest. “I’m always nice, dear.”
The woman behind the counter quickly hid her smile, telling me everything I needed to know. His mother was hiding claws, no matter how prim and proper she looked.
