Desperate Measures (13 page)

“Oh yeah I remember that too, she gave Nana another bucket of quarters, parked her at the machine next to her and told her to keep playing. That day when we got home Dad, thankfully, had already left for work, probably eating lunch by the time we walked into the house.”

“Dean, it’s been fun reminiscing like this and I miss you. We don’t get to see enough of each other.”

“When this is all over…” His mother delivered a slap to his muscled bicep and cut short Dean’s statement. Turning his head, he saw Constance’s warning stare and pursed lips. He realized his error. “Uh, I mean when I get to St. Kitts in a few weeks, I can’t wait to get Chad on a surfboard.”

“Have fun with Mom, I wish I was there. I’m sure you two will have a blast.”

Dean ended the conversation on a positive note. “We will and we miss you too. When we get down there, for old time’s sake, me, you, and Mom are going to have a night out; dinner in the fanciest restaurant and a night of gambling in the hotel casino. Deal?”

“Deal!” Caitlin agreed to the suggestion and ended the call.

* * * *

Carol Spencer Timmons, Jack’s youngest sister, sat on the balcony and looked at the Point Pleasant boardwalk. It wasn’t yet six on this clear July evening but she could see the neon lights of the boardwalk flicker on.

Larry was out of town on a fishing trip in North Carolina. She planned to take a walk on the boardwalk and have a sinful but delicious dinner, consisting of a greasy cheese steak sandwich, and maybe some of those famous boardwalk fries doused with vinegar and salt.

Carol had always been tall and slender, never had to worry about her weight much. Lately, she couldn’t deny the fact that she’d put on a few extra pounds. Her expanding waistline and deteriorating marriage, depressed her.

Carol and Larry had hit a major rift in their thirty-five year marriage. Larry had been out of work for the past year, due to a back injury, and the construction company he worked for put him on long term disability. They seemed to constantly argue over money for no reason.

Carol still held the job she loved as the director of a daycare center. They were able to live comfortably in a nice condominium, not far from the beach. She rested her elbows on the railing, the palms of her hands cradling her face. She sighed and breathed in the unique distinctive salt air aroma of the Jersey Shore.

Larry’s behavior over the last year disturbed her and convinced Carol he’d been having an affair. Unsure of his actual whereabouts at the moment, she was certain he was with another woman.

The visit from the FBI earlier in the day had shaken Carol and caused her to worry about her niece. Her problems were inconsequential compared to Caitlin’s. Carol tucked her wallet into the pocket of her shorts and pushed aside self-pity. She walked the boardwalk, determined to put together the pieces of the puzzle and attempt to help her niece.

Victoria Norris looked at the clock on her computer and couldn’t believe the time, already 7:30 p.m. After the perpetual day from hell with the FBI screening and employee questioning, she looked forward to going home and putting the day behind her. Today had been rough. It took a lot of energy for her to project a positive and calming demeanor. Her role as executive assistant required Victoria to provide quite a bit of interference when the employees were unsettled. She jumped when Dr. Albright called out to her.

“Victoria, can you come into my office for a minute? At this late hour, I won’t take up much of your time.”

“I’ll be right there.” Despite his assurance, her hopes of leaving the office in the next hour or so were dashed. She prepared herself for a long night.

A few minutes later, Victoria knocked and entered Steve’s office. Steve Albright, short and thin, with glasses that resembled the bottom of a soda bottle, had never been a looker. She couldn’t help but notice the drastic change in his appearance. Tonight he looked horrible and disheveled.

“Thanks for staying so late tonight. I know it’s been a really tough day. Have you heard any scuttlebutt?”

“The employees seemed okay after you spoke to them at the mandatory all hands meeting.”

“Good. I had a one on one meeting with each department manager as well. They’re committed to our company and will do their best to work with each individual to dispel any fears or concerns, keep moral up.

“Victoria, thank you for continuing to be so upbeat and positive during this crisis. I’ve got to tell you this company doesn’t need this shit right now. We got enough bad PR when Caitlin hired Brad. Now we have our illustrious CEO and founder getting threatening letters and disrupting this company.” Steve vented then apologized. “Victoria, please forgive my outburst. That must’ve sounded crass. Of course I’m worried about Caitlin’s safety and that of her family. We’ll work together and keep the troops spirits up.”

“Yes, we will. Work together that is,” she said through clenched teeth, and straightened her shoulders. Dr. Albright’s tirade and attack on Caitlin had offended Victoria and she didn’t appreciate his comments but she remained silent.

* * * *

Steve sat alone, thinking back to four years ago when he’d first met Caitlin at a Water Resources Conference.

“Dr. Albright, impressive speech you gave on the global water shortages and challenges of providing safe drinking water for mankind. I find your proposed model for water filtration quite fascinating. Do you have a minute so that we can speak further? I may have a business proposition for you. Care to have a cup of coffee?”

Steve turned to see the owner of the female voice. He almost spilled his glass of juice. He couldn’t believe how attractive and professional the woman was.

“Sure, lead the way,” he agreed.

She held out her hand. “Caitlin Martel.”

“Steve Albright.” Like a fool he repeated his name. A tingle of excitement ran up his spine at the touch of her hand.

Seated in a quiet corner of a nearby coffee shop, Caitlin got right down to business. “Dr. Albright, I’m in the process of opening my own company. I think your background and philosophy are perfect for the executive and research team I’m building.”

“Please call me Steve. I’d very much like to hear more about your company,” Steve said and stared at Caitlin. Who wouldn’t stare at her? She was bright, confident, and those eyes. No one had eyes that color, they had to be contacts.

Caitlin shared her plans for the company she’d formed and her intentions of taking it to unthinkable levels of success. The clear, concise, and well thought out business plan she’d written, captivated Steve. He wanted in. This opportunity would be a boost for his career.

It took a month of contract negotiations but Steve couldn’t turn down the lucrative incentive package Caitlin presented to him. At first Steve thought he made a monumental mistake in joining CSM Technologies as Vice President of Research and Development.

After three short months of getting the company on its feet, Caitlin announced she was pregnant with her second child. Steve couldn’t believe it. They had a lot of work ahead of them to keep the company on track. He failed to see how she could handle pregnancy then maternity leave, and still run the company. He shuddered when he remembered his wife’s behavior during her two pregnancies.

His misgivings were completely unwarranted. Caitlin didn’t miss a beat during the whole nine months, and even worked the day she went into labor. She and Alexandra were home sixteen hours after the birth. Caitlin worked remotely from home for a few days but kept on top of all business matters. Not much of a maternity leave, a shorter time than most people took for a vacation.

The ring of his cell-phone snapped Steve back into the present. He answered and couldn’t control the husky voice that came out of his throat. “Hello, Steve Albright.”

“Don’t you check caller ID? It’s me, aren’t you ever coming home tonight?” his wife, Ellen, screeched into the phone.

“Ellen, you know what’s going on here, I told you not to expect me home early. Are the kids all right?”

“Yes, they’re fine as much as you care. You’re a slave to the company and now that bitch’s stunts are interfering in our life.”

Steve chided himself for telling Ellen the details of the investigation involving Caitlin. He shouldn’t have mentioned anything about her father’s adoption, but he did, so now he had to deal with the situation. He chose to ignore Ellen’s rants.

“I’m not going to have this conversation with you. You’ve assured me the children are fine, I’m leaving in a few minutes and will see you shortly.” He ended the call.

Talk about bitches. He compared the strengths of the two most important women in his life. The scales tipped in Caitlin’s favor. Ellen could never be like Caitlin, successful and professional.

Steve left the building in a somber state. He shouldn’t have had those previous thoughts of his wife but she just didn’t understand him or his passion for success, how he thrived to fulfill his career goals. He loved Ellen but couldn’t understand her lack of drive and ambition. He couldn’t complain too much since she did take excellent care of their children, running them around to their various activities and sports events.

* * * *

At the St. Kitts Police headquarters, Tomas and Drew scrutinized the lists of flight passengers and the other leads in the case.

“Nothing promising has turned up about the shoe print has it, Drew?”

“Nope. The carpenter wears a size nine and fits the weight projection based on the imprint. He says he used the side door a couple of times. Quite a few of the other workers wear a size nine too. Frankly, I don’t see the sense in pursing that avenue further until we have a shorter list of potential suspects. Let’s wrap up here so you can get back to the hotel. They should be back from Nevis shortly.”

“Yeah, I agree on both counts. At least we may have gotten a breakthrough with the Nevis Airport records. I have the New York FBI office working on that passenger,” Tomas said and packed his briefcase.

* * * *

Tomas walked up the four stone steps in front of the lobby. Guests strolled in and out of the hotel but one scene caught his eye. The same damn thing happened every day. He chuckled and observed Caitlin attempting to get Alexandra away from the ledge surrounding a scenic fountain at the entrance. Each and every day, the two-year-old tried to climb into it and swim.

In a frustrated voice, Caitlin said, “You can’t swim in there, Alexandra. We’re going to the pool. Let’s go now.”

“Mommy, look, Tomas!” Alexandra cheered.

Tomas scooped the girl up and she grasped his neck in a tight hug. Alexandra must’ve forgiven his transgression of driving in circles the other day. Good thing kids had short memories and didn’t hold grudges. Alexandra and Tomas were buddies again.

“Thank you for the diversion.” Caitlin sighed.

“No problem,” Tomas replied and put Alexandra down. The six of them entered the elegant atrium, Mitch and the kids in front, Caitlin, Scott, and Tomas a few steps behind. “You guys look relaxed and tanned. Have a good day?”

“Compared to earlier in the week we had a great day, no issues came up.” Caitlin answered. She waved to a couple across the lobby. “Oh look, there are the honeymooners I met this morning. I’m going to say hi.”

“Caitlin, wait.” Scott growled.

She’d already taken off across the expansive and crowded lobby. Tomas tried to run after her but Scott held him back.

“Shit man, what’re you doing? Does your wife always have to take off like that? She did the same damn thing at the beach yesterday and look what happened.”

Scott, still gripping Tomas’s arm, grinned. “Tomas, nothing’s going to happen, look who she’s talking to.”

“Isn’t that…”

“Absolutely, let’s go. Play along with me all right?” The FBI agents made a beeline for Caitlin and the couple.

“Oh, here he is now. Scott, meet Pete and Kathryn. They’re here on their honeymoon and live in Orlando.”

Scott smiled and extended his hand. His eyes never wavered from Pete’s. “Ah, Orlando, only about two hours from us. Pleasure to meet you. How did you meet Caitlin?”

Tomas took a few steps back and found a vantage point from which he could observe reactions and facial expressions. He scrutinized Pete, who didn’t give a hint of recognition or nervousness.

“We’re in the suite right next door to yours and we met your wife this morning.”

Kathryn chimed in, “Your wife raves about this island. In fact, she was just telling us how wonderful the restaurant is in the hotel.”

“I’m sure she was. The seafood dishes are delicious. Hey, I have a thought, why don’t you two join us for dinner tonight? The kids already ate in Nevis but my wife and I only nibbled on some appetizers,” Scott suggested.

Caitlin whipped her head around and stared at her husband.

Tomas, arms clasped across his chest, fascinated by the verbal exchange, decided this was his cue. He stepped forward, put his arms around Caitlin and Scott, and kissed them both on the cheek. Just to be a real smartass, he purposely didn’t introduce himself to Pete and Kathryn but did acknowledge them.

Tomas encouraged the two couples. ”Scott, you and Caitlin go out and have a great evening tonight with Pete and Kathryn, gamble a little too. I’m up for babysitting the kids. They should be worn out and asleep early after all that time in the water today.”

“Sounds wonderful, we’d love to join you for dinner tonight. What time shall we meet?” Pete asked Scott.

“Let’s meet in the lobby at 8:30, have a drink at the piano bar, and then a late dinner.”

“We’ll see you then.” Another round of handshakes took place.

After the couple left, Caitlin spun around to her husband and Tomas. “What the hell was that all about? You two are suspicious of everyone and everything. That dinner invitation is completely out of character. Neither one of you would ever be that eager to have dinner with a couple we hardly know.” She jabbed her index finger at Tomas’s chest and continued to rant. “And you, volunteering to babysit again?”