Desperate Measures (23 page)

As if attempting to diffuse a heated argument, Tomas broke into the conversation. “Caitlin, if it will make you feel any better right now, there’s no indication this guy is back on the island yet. I repeat yet, so don’t let your guard down. Barry is with Lukas in Barbados. I can’t believe I’m saying this about a PI but I hope to hell he can get us some kind of lead. I know damn well he’ll grill the guy even if the FBI can’t touch him at this time.”

Caitlin blew out a breath so hard her bangs fluffed in the air. She turned and stomped down the remainder of the staircase, threw her bag on a nearby chair, and dove into the crystal clear pool to play with her children.

* * * *

After Caitlin’s grand exit, Tomas grabbed Scott’s arm in a firm grip. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell her. What’s wrong with you? You know there’s going to be hell to pay when she finds out that you kept this from her don’t you?”

“Stay the fuck out of it, Tomas! There’s more to this than you know. You didn’t look far enough into the background of the person we know as Michael Holmes, did you? In his history, there was an armed robbery case against him that should’ve been airtight but turned out to be the embarrassment of the century, not only for the police department but the DA’s office as well. Unsigned paperwork, missing evidence, the DA had no choice but to throw the case out. She needs to hear it from him once and for all, not me. Do I need to spell anything else out?” Scott gritted his teeth.

“I get the picture and it explains Jack’s resistance in coming here. He’s trying to keep Caitlin safe by drawing this guy to him, right?”

“That would be my guess since only Constance and Dean are heading to Atlanta tomorrow. Jack claims he’s finishing hurricane preparations and is flying out on the evening flight.”

“Jesus Christ! I hate being in the middle of this shit!” Tomas said and stormed off.

After finishing eighteen holes of golf, Barry raced toward the waiting air-conditioned limousine, an oasis to him after being stranded in the desert. A quick glance back told him Lukas, the old geezer, could play another round. He’d had enough of the heat and longed to plop into the back seat of that long stretch cool haven. Barry reached the car and dove into the vehicle. After a few seconds, he righted himself and pointed the air vents at his face, full speed. Lukas, not a drop of perspiration on him, entered and sat next to Barry.

“Lukas, the next time you summon me here, make it January or February, all right? Not the middle of the summer.”

“Barry, Barry, you obviously aren’t a tropical climate kind of man. I’ve never seen anyone sweat so much in my life.”

“We all have our preferences. I was born in Canada, moved to upstate New York when I was ten, met Sheila in college and we moved to New Jersey…” After an awkward pause, Barry continued. “Never mind about any of that, the point is, give me a snow bunny any day over a beach bunny.”

“How come you never remarried? You’re a handsome guy and great catch.”

Barry shot Lukas a look and put up a protective shell. He had to, if he didn’t melancholy would overwhelm him. He had no intention of discussing his deceased wife or his failure to move on and get on with his life.

Barry disregarded Lukas’s question. “I’m in no mood for serious talk, personal or professional. We’ll get down to business later, after I take a shower. That’s why I’m here isn’t it, business? One other thing, as your guest I have a simple request.”

“Yes, we have minor business to discuss but relax a little and enjoy some vacation time. What’s your request? I’m sure my staff can accommodate all of your needs.”

“Your damn shower heads better spray ice chips instead of water!” Satisfied with the now lightened mood, Barry leaned back and joined Lukas in a bout of laughter.

“How about a compromise? If the water’s not cold enough to meet your satisfaction, the butler can bring a tub of ice and draw you a bath. Will that suffice?”

Barry chuckled and mopped his brow with the hand towel attached to his waist.

“That’ll be just fine, heaven in fact. Call ahead so my bath is drawn when we arrive.” Both men laughed again.

* * * *

“Welcome to St. Kitts, ladies and gentlemen.” The pilot spoke from the cockpit. “On behalf of the crew and myself, we thank you for flying with us and hope you had a comfortable flight from New York. Enjoy your stay. We’ll be taxiing for just a few minutes and then will un-board the plane. Please see a flight attendant if you don’t have the customs declaration forms. You will need all of your paperwork filled out and completed prior to clearing customs.”

Mackenzie Zegar observed the flight attendants and sighed in relief. None of them acted as if they’d received an alert of a suspicious passenger on board the plane. Still safe, they must not have found the real Mabel yet. According to his calculations she should be out for several more hours.

The thought of the slight discomfort the old gal would experience once she regained consciousness caused a sting of guilt. The sedative in the tea would give her a day or two of grogginess. The main discomfort would be cramped muscles. Being tied up and propped on a toilet seat would stiffen the skeletal and muscular structure of an older woman.

The plane stopped. Mackenzie didn’t notice any police officers or FBI agents on the tarmac waiting to climb the steps into the airplane. He pushed aside his uncharacteristic, humane, and sympathetic thoughts, and experienced a burst of confidence. He was almost home free.

One more step: clear customs. Mackenzie pulled out the compact in the purse, peered at his reflection, and checked it against the passport photo. The picture wasn’t a perfect match but close enough. Who took good passport or driver’s license pictures anyway? If anyone questioned him he could say he, more accurately she, was sick the day the photo had been taken. Satisfied with the documents and explanations, he stepped into the aisle, disembarked, and went to the customs line inside the terminal.

He crept forward, closer and closer, almost there. The traveler in front of Mackenzie had just finished with the customs agent. At the final stretch he found it difficult to control the jitters and keep his nerves in check. Damn this heat. He ran a hand over his face, worried the heavy make-up, applied over the thin facial mask, had started to run. He struggled to appear calm, cool, and collected. He had to make it through or all of his efforts would be in vain, worse he’d go to jail.

He tapped his foot beneath the counter, willing the customs agent to hurry and clear him through. He desperately wanted to observe the area around him to see if any authority figures searched for a specific passenger. He couldn’t afford to risk any movements which would make him stand out.

It seemed an eternity before the passport was stamped. The slow ass scrutinizing bastard finally said, “Here you go, Mrs. Thompson, all set. Just go downstairs to claim your luggage and show that form to one of the gentlemen stationed by the exit door. The line doesn’t look very long. Enjoy your stay.”

With teeth gritted and a forced smile, Mackenzie responded, “Thank you so much, I always enjoy my trips to St. Kitts.” Under his breath Mackenzie muttered, “Especially this trip, but why hasn’t Jack shown up yet? It would be even better if Mommy dearest were here but that’s not possible, is it? Nonetheless, my boy Luke will be here.”

* * * *

Caitlin attempted to play water volleyball with Chad while holding Alexandra so the little girl could join in the game. At the sound of her name, she swiveled her head, missing Chad’s serve. The ball landed with a splash and sprayed a plume of water at Caitlin and Alexandra.

Caitlin wiped her eyes and realized who had shouted her name. Linda crossed the heat baked deck but before she reached the edge of the pool, a security guard grabbed her arm and halted her movement. Confused by the scene, Caitlin waded toward the side of the pool. What the hell had happened now?

She targeted Pam with her eyes and directed Chad. “Chad, take your sister to the shallow area for a few minutes, will you please? Listen to Pam and Chris. I’ll be right back.”

“What’s wrong, Mom? Where are you going?” Chad questioned.

His scowl indicated disappointment at the interrupted volleyball game.

“Nothing’s wrong, honey. I just have to go to the ladies room. I’ll send Dad over to play volleyball.”

Caitlin swung one foot onto the deck and lifted herself out of the pool. It might not have been the most graceful exit but much quicker than swimming over to the stairs. Caitlin ran to Linda and the guard. “What the hell are you doing? Don’t you know who this is? She used to work here for Chrissakes!”

The security guard spun toward Caitlin. “Yes, we know Linda, but when she yelled your name, my guard went up. I’m not going to apologize to you or Ms. Sampson, my orders and directives are clear. No one is to get near you or your family. Someone running toward you shouting your name raises suspicion, no matter who it is.” He returned his attention to Linda and continued, “In this case, Ms. Sampson, you’re in the clear. Next time, please notify us of your request to see the Martels.”

The security guard concluded his statement, turned on his heel, and stationed himself discreetly near the waterfall flowing into the pool.

No longer under the inquisition of the hotel security guard, both Linda and Caitlin burst out laughing and said at the same time, “What a hard-ass!”

Caitlin may have allowed herself a moment of laughter but this whole situation pissed her off to the point of embarrassment. She resented the special treatment and attention bestowed on her, it made her uncomfortable. She wasn’t some public figure mobbed and chased down by paparazzi and fans. She led a normal life, came and went as she pleased. Now she couldn’t because those stupid notes and threats invaded her privacy.

“Linda, I’m so sorry you had to go through that. The guard’s an asshole and his behavior was ridiculous.”

“Oh, don’t worry about him. He’s just doing his job. He has high hopes of a law enforcement career and plans to join the police department, move to the United States, and join a government agency.”

Caitlin caught movement behind Linda and two wide brown eyes peered at her. Isabel must’ve heard the entire exchange with the security guard and her mother. The girl trembled. Caitlin crouched and picked her up.

Caitlin made a suggestion. “Why don’t you go play with Chad and Alexandra for a little bit? They’re right over there in the pool and want to play volleyball.”

Linda hadn’t said a word but fright etched deep lines on her face. She took her daughter from Caitlin. “Isabel sweetie, why didn’t you wait by the ping pong table with Raoul like I told you?” She smoothed her daughter’s hair.

“I’m sorry, Mommy, are you in trouble? I got scared when the guy came over to you. I snuck away when someone asked Raoul what time water aerobics started.”

Caitlin recognized the name. Raoul, the hotel Activities Coordinator, took babysitting duty often, helping Linda out whenever he could.

Linda answered Isabel. “No I’m not in trouble, honey. Miss Caitlin has a wonderful idea. Go on and play with Chad and Alexandra.” Isabel skipped away.

Caitlin stormed over to the guard and scolded him. “Isabel and Linda Sampson are my guests here today and for however the hell long they wish. Back off! You scared that little girl half to death. She thinks her mother is in trouble.”

She received a two word response with no hint of apology. “Yes, ma’am.” The guard’s attention returned to the surrounding area and guests.

* * * *

While Caitlin badgered the security guard, Linda scanned the pool area and found her daughter playing and having fun. She needed to find Raoul, oops no she didn’t. He’d found Isabel and darted through the crowd in a fury. Isabel was about to be chastised and receive a lecture.

Pleased that the disruptions were over, Linda could talk to Caitlin, finally. She found a table in the shade and waited. She utilized the time alone to prepare what she’d say, careful not to let her jealousy show.

Having said her peace, Caitlin joined Linda at a shaded table and noticed the troubled look on her face. Irritation crept up on her and she asked herself, “What happened now?” That same question repeated itself several times each day. She remained silent and waited for Linda to say something, it didn’t take long.

“Caitlin, Jumpstart came into the café this morning and told me what happened,” Linda blurted.

“Oh, Linda, it was horrible and eerie when the band made that announcement. Then I found out how that bastard used Jumpstart. I couldn’t believe it.”

“He feels really bad he fell into the trap and is worried about you. He knows enough to stay away but wanted me to let you know if there’s anything he can do to help you, he will. He admires you and looks up to you, Caitlin. I don’t mean that in a romantic sense.”

Caitlin interrupted. “I know what you meant, Linda. Jumpstart is or was an innocent lost soul. Now he’s been dragged into this mess because of me.”

“Jumpstart always kept to himself. Not many people pay much attention to him, usually ignore him. But you took the time to listen. His self-assurance rose and that’s what prompted him to move to St. Martin and open his beach bar. He thought if he got away from here, he might do better starting fresh where no one knew him. He’s done quite well I might add. Isabel and I have taken a trip or two to St. Martin and ‘Jumpstart’s Station’ doesn’t appear to have a problem starting up.”

Caitlin laughed but kept a curious eye on Linda. From Linda’s tone, she sensed something odd but couldn’t quite figure it out. Her words seemed to contain a hidden message, fluctuating between accusations slung in Caitlin’s direction, to a strong defense for Jumpstart.

Linda changed the subject. “Oh, I almost forgot, I thought you’d like a homemade meal. I made your favorite; shrimp bisque, grilled grouper, crabmeat stuffing topped with my signature lobster sauce, and rice. For Chad and Alexandra, I brought spaghetti and meatballs with the cheesy garlic bread they love. I left it with the cook in the lobby restaurant and room service will deliver it when you’re ready.”