“This is just—awesome.” Melissa put her hands on her face.
“You and Todd are good people. I hope we can stay in touch after the show is over.”
“I’d like that. You’ve been so hospitable. I don’t feel so lost anymore. I feel like I’m laying down roots. I thought Southern hospitality was a myth because, to be frank, I haven’t seen much of it.”
“Well, that’s how you know you’re talking to a real live Texan. People who’ve lived in the South all their lives still exhibit courtesy, respect, and looking out for a neighbor or friend. It’s just our way, and nobody’s going to change it.”
Melissa laughed. “Now I know what to look out for.”
They ran back to the path and hopped on the golf cart. Parker would drive Melissa back to the hotel, then zip back to the bungalow to get ready to meet Wes. He’d seemed kind of skittish last night, but she wanted to get to the bottom of this. Sooner rather than later.
* * *
Riley and Parker entered the ballroom and took a seat at their assigned table. It was day two of the event and there was going to be more schmoozing before they were able to do a dry-run on the obstacles courses. Breakfast with Wes had been a bust. They’d tried his cell and went to his bungalow, but there was no answer. After looking around, Parker decided to go to the next scheduled function. He’d probably be there, Riley thought.
Jen approached them. “Parker, you and Melissa are speaking next.”
“I remember it on the revised itinerary,” Parker said. “You switched our spot with Wes’s and we’re going to be the closing speakers.”
“I should have left it the way it was.” Jen rolled her eyes. “Wes didn’t show up for the opening remarks, and Jeremy had to fill in for him.”
The hair on the back of Riley’s neck stood up. “Really?”
“Wes can be that way sometimes.” Jen’s jaw ticked. “He probably found some woman.”
“He asked if he could meet with us this morning for breakfast. He didn’t show,” Parker said. “When was the last time you saw him?”
“After the mixer, he went over to the course construction area. We’ve been doubling our safety efforts. The network insisted Wes sign off on the safety inspection personally each day until the lunatic who’s been sabotaging us is caught.” Jen whispered the last sentence.
“Did anyone else know there was a new protocol?”
“No. Just security. We’ve kept it under wraps since we don’t know who’s doing this.”
“What did they have to say?”
“They’re doing a search of the hotel. But so far, nothing.”
“Where else could Wes be besides his bungalow?”
Jen thought about it for a moment. “There’s the yacht he rented. It’s down at the marina. I totally forgot about it.”
“Why did he need a yacht?”
“He heard a rumor some network VIPs were coming down to talk about new opportunities. He wanted to be ready to impress. But the kicker is Wes gets seasick. I mean, bad. I didn’t mention it to the security team, but I assumed they already knew.”
Riley noticed Parker scanning the room. It was jam-packed. She was looking for the people who weren’t there. He swept the room quickly. Sunny and Jax were missing.
“No worries,” Parker said. “Move Melissa and me to the afternoon panel. We’ll check out the yacht real quick and be back before you know it. What’s the name of the boat?”
“The Big Kahuna.”
“Of course.” Parker shook her head.
Riley and Parker left the ballroom and began a quick pace to the jeep.
“I know what you were doing,” Riley said. “I counted Sunny and that aluminum-pants-wearing Jax as being absent.”
“Good observation skills. You may make a decent detective yet.”
He opened the door for her. When she got in, he shut it but didn’t move.
“What’s wrong?” Parker asked.
“We’re going to play this smart. OK?”
“OK.” She held up her hands. “If we get a good clue, we’ll call the security team.”
Riley hopped in the vehicle and backed out of the parking spot. He was hoping Parker would keep her promise. They followed the markers for the marina on the island. Ten minutes later, they were there.
“There it is. The Big Kahuna.” Parker peeked from behind the marina sign. “Is that what passes for a yacht down here? There isn’t even a helipad on it.”
“Elitist.” Riley laughed. “You’ve been spending too much time on the Bad Ass Princess.”
“It’s not my fault my sister got a luxury yacht with a helipad one Christmas.” Parker strained to get another look. “Paydirt. I see Sunny on the deck in a bikini. She’s arguing with someone.”
Riley took a peek too. Sunny was going ballistic. She backed away as the person she was with came out the door. It was Jax. They were bickering, but it was hard to hear anything useful.
“Well. Well. What do you know?” Riley whistled. “What do you think the chances are they’re reigniting their showmance?”
“I don’t think Hector would give a damn. And it would be touching if it wasn’t Wes’s boat.”
“I knew it! I never liked that guy. No respectable man goes around with his dingleberries hanging out for all the world to see.”
Jax went to the front of the boat with Sunny squawking away behind him.
“OK. It’s not a smoking gun, but they’re up to something. Let’s call for back up.”
“Right.” Parker nodded. “But I want to take a look on that boat first.”
“Parker. What did we just agree on?”
“We have to get on that boat and see if Wes is there. If they go out to sea, they could dump him over and all we’ll have is a suspicion they did something.”
He hated when she made sense. He’d seen his share of true crime investigation shows to know boat crimes were almost impossible to solve.
“We’ll call security from the boat. Let’s go.”
Riley and Parker eased onto the boat.
“Let’s check the cabins,” she said in a low voice and carefully opened the door.
There were several doors. So they started with the first one, but there was nothing. Second was the same. Third was paydirt. Wes was lying on the bed tied up.
“Wes!” She went over to the showrunner who was tied up and motionless on the bed. Parker took his pulse. “I got a pulse. They must have given him something.”
“We have to get out of here,” Riley said as soon as Wes was freed. “I can carry Wes out. We have to get to the cops.”
Just then they heard the rumbling sound of the engine and the boat began to move. Parker grabbed onto Riley for support. Riley took Parker’s hand and headed for the door. It looked like they were going for a ride whether they wanted to or not. A thousand things could go wrong. Jax and Sunny could be armed. But she was right, the further out they got the more harrowing it could get.
“OK. Bruiser, let’s go commandeer this boat,” Riley said as they eased out of the cabin door.
Sunny spotted them. “What the hell are you two doing here?” Sunny looked surprised. “Jax! We’ve got company!”
The yacht began to speed up.
“We’re here to give Wes a ride back to the marina. And to kick your ass.” Parker looked at Riley.
“You know it was nothing but dumb luck that you got this far on the Ultimate Champion.”
“You’re just mad because you can’t make it past the second round. You hack.”
“Too bad, Riley. We could have had some fun together.” Sunny picked up a goblet on the table and smashed it on the side of the table to form a makeshift shiv.
“You’re not his type.” Parker grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her arm. She looked at Riley. “You go ahead and get that wingnut Jax. I’ve got this.”
“You sure?”
Parker nodded. “Yeah. This won’t take long.”
Riley didn’t want to leave P
arker alone with the glass-wielding Sunny, but he knew the farther out to sea they got, the harder it would be for someone to spot them. He gripped the railing and continued to the bow of the boat. Jax was frantically searching for something in an open trunk.
“Give it up, Jax,” Riley yelled.
“Well, if it isn’t the pretty boy quarterback.” Jax turned around with a spear gun in his hands. “I hate to tell you, friend, but this isn’t going to end well for you.”
“It’s over.” Riley glanced back. The shore was getting farther and farther away. “Turn this boat around while you still have a chance.”
“It’s too late for that. My sabotage didn’t work. That lying rat bastard Wes is still making money, his show is a success. He broke a promise, and now he has to pay.”
“All of this for what?” Riley moved a little closer. “Glory? Money?”
“I wouldn’t expect you to understand. You have those things. What would you know about wanting those things? People like you lead a charmed life. I tried football and baseball in high school, but I never made the cut. Finally one day I decided I was going to stop being a wimp and started hitting the gym and doing extreme sports. I got noticed then. Then I found the show, and Wes promised to make me a star. If I hadn’t hurt my ankle during my winning season, I would have made it up that damn flagpole. Wes screwed me.”
“You accomplished a lot.” He hedged a little further. “You turned it around. You can stop this downward spiral. You don’t want your legacy to end with a bad bout of lunacy.”
“It’s too late. Wes has to go and unfortunately for you and Parker, you do too.”
The commotion from behind made them both look in the direction of the back of the boat. Parker and Sunny were fighting. Parker had just clocked Sunny and pushed her against the railing. Sunny couldn’t keep her balance and fell overboard.
“Sunny!” Jax yelled and aimed the spear gun at Parker.
“No!” Riley lunged at Jax, who turned the spear gun at him and fired. Riley felt a sharp sting as the spear sliced right through the skin of his forearm. He grabbed at the gun and was able to push it away. Jax punched him in the side and tried to straddle him, but Riley was too strong for him. He pushed him off him, which gave him time to stand up and recover. Jax charged at him, but Riley caught him with a right hook to the face. Jax fell out cold onto the deck.
The boat was beginning to slow down. He looked up at the window and saw Parker at the controls. He looked at Jax, who hadn’t moved.
“Stay there, Jax. I’ll be right back,” he panted and walked toward the door. By the time he got to the entrance, Parker popped out.
“Riley!” She flung her arms around his neck.
“Hey, babe.” He squeezed her tight. “I see you decided to make Sunny swim back to shore.”
“She had it coming. The bitch tried to stab me.” Parker pulled back and looked at his arm. “You’re bleeding!”
“I’m fine. It’s just a flesh wound.” He caressed her face. “I’m just so happy you’re OK. I don’t think I could take it if I lost you.”
She smiled. “I told you before. It will take a lot more than some crazy twit and a guy dressed like a generic supervillain to take us down.”
“I love you.” He kissed her.
“I love you too.” She looked at his arm again. “I need to get something on that to stop the bleeding. There’s got to be a first aid kit on board.”
“First, let’s tie up Jax. You know the supervillain always makes another go at the heroes before he’s ultimately taken down.”
“Good thinking.” She looked around. “We need rope.”
Riley went over to the chest Jax was rummaging through. “Got some. I’ll tie up Jax. Think you can navigate this thing back to shore?”
“I’m pretty certain.” She shrugged. “I’ll radio in for help too.”
“Don’t forget to tell them Sunny’s floating around somewhere.”
“Do I have to?”
“I don’t know how great a swimmer she is, but it’s a tough swim back to shore.”
“She’ll be all right. I threw a life preserver overboard while you and Jax were fighting.”
“Good job, Bruiser.” He kissed her again, then went to tie Jax up.
* * *
An hour later, they were back at the marina. The coast guard had picked up Sunny, and the police placed her and Jax in custody. Wes was coming out of his groggy state, thanks to the emergency services crew that had arrived. He was coherent and looked less lethargic than when they’d first found him. They’d also patched up Riley’s arm. Jen had been called, and they were waiting for a ride back to the resort.
“See?” Riley said as he walked toward her. “Just a flesh wound.”
“Good. I’d feel awful if it put you out of commission. You’ll be in training soon.” She put her arm around his waist. “Let’s check on, Wes.”
They walked over to the other ambulance where Wes was being treated. The showrunner was showing signs of being himself. She could hear him asking where the camera crew was.
“Wes. You’re looking much better,” Parker said.
“Thank heavens you were there. Those psychos nabbed me last night,” Wes said.
“I know Jax was furious with you. Why?”
“When Jax didn’t win, the backers he’d had lined up for some fitness products he developed pulled out of the deal. Not to mention the endorsement deal that fell through.”
“Isn’t that a bit extreme?” Riley said.
“Not if you’re a cracked nut who thinks he deserved to win,” Wes lamented.
“What about Sunny?” Parker said.
“That opportunistic bitch is mad because she slept with me and I didn’t help her career.” Wes gave them a guilty look. “Sorry about the B-word.”
Parker shrugged. “Actually. It’s kind of fitting, since she kidnapped you and all.”
“Sunny and I have history.”
Parker and Riley gave him a look as a cue for him to elaborate.
“We have a previous association from back when I produced not-so-family-oriented sexually stimulating movies.”
“You mean porn,” Riley said.
“I prefer the term interactive erotica,” Wes replied.
“You can dress it up all you like, but you were a flesh peddler, Wes,” Parker said. “Wait. I did a background check on you. Why didn’t that show up?”
“OK. OK. It’s one of the reasons I went legit. I had the money, but the stigma is hard to escape. People turn away from you at parties when they find out what you do, like the guy who shows up at the prom in a powder-blue tux. I deserved the recognition to go along with the success. So I sold the company, changed my last name to my mother’s maiden name, and started seeking out projects that were more family friendly.”
“And even more lucrative.” Parker smirked.
“Can you cut me some slack?” Wes rubbed the back of his head. “I’ve had a really rough couple of days.”
The sound of cars pulling up made them all look to the left. It was Jen and the camera crew.
“The cavalry is here.” Riley scratched at his five o’clock shadow. “And our ride. You ready, babe?”
“I thought Jen and the crew could do a little interview. You know as a bonus clip on the website.”
“No.” Parker shook her head.
“I like you, Parker. No one can push you around.” Wes smiled. “You’re a lucky man, Riley.”
“I know.” Riley kissed Parker on top of her head.
“Thanks again.” Wes stood. “If there’s anything I can do for you, just let me know.”
“You can make sure all the obstacles are taken down and reassembled to ensure no one’s going to get hurt in the finale tomorrow.”
“I would really hate it if Parker got hurt because you overlooked Jax and Sunny’s last F-U to the Ultimate Champion show.”
Wes looked at Parker. “You’re still competing?”
“Hell yeah,”
Parker said. “I made it this far. I just want my fair chance to compete.”
“And that is why you have a huge following, Parker Carson.”
“We gotta go.” Riley took Parker’s hand and headed toward the parking lot.
“Get plenty of sleep! After tomorrow, you’re going to be a star!” Wes called after them.
“I already am!” Parker yelled back, then looked at Riley. “I’m your star.”
“And my sun and my moon,” he said.
Parker winced. “I think I’d prefer not to hear the words sun or sunny for the foreseeable future.”
“I agree.”
They both erupted in laughter.
Chapter Eleven
Parker closed her eyes and drowned out the flurry of activity around her. After Damon finished his run, she was up next. It had been nerve-racking being the final contestant again. She knew it was for dramatic effect for the cameras, but she’d also seen the performance and race times of all the challengers before her. Everyone had put forth a great effort. Melissa had been outstanding and was currently in first place with a record time, but so far no was able to get to that flagpole that marked the completion of the course. She was proud of her new friend. Participating had given her a level of confidence that had been missing when she’d first met her. Melissa had just needed to find her voice. She was pretty confident that Autumn and Summer would love her and would hire her to work for their company.
Once Jax was taken into custody, the show was determined to have their grand finale. So the crew and security team had re-examined the obstacles, and he’d indeed had sabotaged two more. Jax’s bitterness about missing out on his big opportunity to get the prize money and the other perks had driven him to psychotic behavior.
The final course was made to be especially challenging, but she knew she could make it through. She just had to be mindful of the time, careful about where she expended her energy, and keep focused on that flagpole she needed to reach. She was determined to do it. She was a Carson, and Carsons didn’t quit. They powered through and gave it all they had until the bad guys were caught. And in this case, until your objective had been achieved. The money and the bragging rights would be nice, but knowing Mackenzie was back home cheering her on touched her heart. Morgan had told her once that the women in the family showed the little girl that they could do anything because they were smart, strong, and had an iron will.
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