She’d been to the Colosseum before but never failed to stop and stare at the massive, decaying structure that once held fights to the death. The macabre nature of it all fascinated and repulsed . . . and now it was simply a tourist attraction. Sure, there was history to learn, but tourists forked over money for that special trinket to mount on their wall at home or place on their fridge door. And the men dressed as gladiators were happy to let you take a photo so long as you paid them for their efforts.
Trina walked ahead with Avery and played tour guide. Antonio and Shannon lagged behind, leaving Reed and Lori in the middle.
“Do you know your Roman history?” she asked him.
“I know what they did here. Barbaric.”
“Did you know there were female gladiators as well?”
Reed narrowed his eyes. “Seriously?”
“Not many, but that’s what I was told the last time I visited. Sometimes they were told to fight dwarfs, and other times each other.”
“Call me old-fashioned, but I don’t like to see women fight.”
“I don’t like watching men do it either.”
She looked down at the stage of the structure, imagining it filled with screaming, bloodthirsty Romans. “I’d like to think that the human condition has grown from the times this arena was used, but I’d be lying to myself.”
“How so?” Reed asked.
“From reality television where we thirst for the fight, to watching endless loops of violence on the evening news, we’re completely desensitized to pain and suffering of other people. We turn off the TV, go to bed with our bowl of ice cream, and get up the next day, tuning out what we’ve witnessed the night before.” She shook her head. “Makes me understand a little better how the Romans allowed the fighting here for so many years.”
“You’ve given this some thought.”
She was a lawyer; she fought all the time with words as her weapons. “Everyone fights. It’s the how of the fight and how far they’ll push their moral barometer that often determines the winner.”
He leaned against the rail that kept people from walking farther down the crumbling path. “What about strength?”
“If you’re talking a physical fight, yeah, strength comes into play, but often will and determination is what takes the win.”
He stared at her for several seconds. “What do you do for a living?” he asked.
She thought of her office, shut her eyes. “I told you.”
“Yeah, I don’t see the pole dancer in you.”
“Then you’re not using your imagination.” She took his hand and dragged him toward the others, who had all moved ahead of them.
“You didn’t answer your phone!”
Hours later, Reed stood in his room in nothing more than a towel as he prepared for the evening.
“I was preoccupied.”
“And what have you found out?”
“Ms. Cumberland is Ms. Redding’s divorce attorney.”
“That isn’t news.”
“They are vacationing together.”
“Hmmm, why?”
“Ms. Cumberland is also the attorney for one of her other companions on the ship.” And even though Reed knew Trina’s name, he wasn’t going to reveal that information quite yet.
“What is the significance?”
“I don’t know, yet,” Reed said.
“Has Shannon opened up at all about her ex?”
“Not yet. She either has nothing to say or has excellent control of keeping her emotions and opinions to herself.” Not that he’d prodded her overly much so far.
“Have I wasted my money sending you there, Reed?”
“No. There is something at work here, I just haven’t figured out what it is yet. And I’m not the only one on this ship watching them.”
There was a long pause. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
“Are they watching Shannon?”
“Hard to say, the women travel in a pack.”
“Well then, we need to find out who this other person is and who they work for.”
“What do you think I’m doing?”
“One never really knows, Reed.”
He looked at his reflection in the mirror. “I’ll be in touch. Don’t call me.”
“I’m paying you.”
“And your calls interrupt my investigation.”
“Find something.”
Chapter Ten
The ship was like Vegas and New York City all rolled into one. Between the different nationalities and the party atmosphere, the cruise ship never slept. Reed had to remind himself he was working more than once.
Reed read Lori’s text about going to the dance club they’d played in the first night and responded by showing up half an hour later. His eyes took some time to adjust to the scene because of the flashing lights on the dance floor. He considered his plan to arrive late a win until he reached the table she occupied with her friends to find Miguel and Rogelio whispering Spanish sweet bullshit into Avery’s and Trina’s ears.
Lori waved him over.
Her honey blonde hair was down. Something he wasn’t used to seeing. So far their time in the Italian sun had her pulling her long strands away from her face in a clip or a band. But this, this soft look around her high cheekbones, he liked. Her blue eyes sparkled in the lights, the color of her skin from the Mediterranean sun offered a healthy glow that wasn’t hidden by excessive makeup. She really was a beautiful woman. He might have fabricated a few things to get her attention, but his platitudes about her appearance were all from the heart. Or whatever organ it was that had created the warmth in his stomach.
He waved. “Hello,” he said as he approached.
Trina smiled and Avery listened to whatever Miguel was saying.
Reed took the liberty of sliding a hand along Lori’s waist and pressing his lips against her ear. “You look ravishing.” Between the hair and the off the shoulder top that displayed enough creamy flesh to make his mouth water, Reed wanted to stare.
She smiled and mouthed the words thank you.
“Where is Shannon?” he asked, realizing she wasn’t there.
Lori pointed to the dance floor.
The former first lady of California was spinning around with Antonio, who was putting his moves on. Harmless fun. The kind he didn’t mind being a part of when he wasn’t working.
He glanced at Lori.
Or even when he was working.
Trina laughed at something Rogelio said, and Miguel leaned over the women to translate to Avery.
At face value, it looked like any normal night in a club where two best friends were finding a couple of girls with whom to get naked. Only Reed picked up on Trina’s tense shoulders and tight smile when Miguel pushed into her personal space.
“Miguel?” Reed directed his attention to him. “Where were you guys today? We missed you in Rome.”
“I’ve seen the city many times and decided to rest my morning away to have my energy for tonight.” He said something in Spanish and turned to Trina. “Let’s dance.”
“Oh, I don’t—”
“You didn’t come here just to drink. I won’t bite.”
Avery pulled Trina from the chair. “C’mon.”
From where Reed sat, Trina seemed to reluctantly fall into the pressure of her friend and moved from the table to the floor.
Reed positioned himself on the other side of Lori so he could watch. “No slumber party tonight?” he asked.
“No. We wanted to get her out.”
He looked around. “Trina, or Shannon?”
“Trina. She’s had a hard few months.”
He wanted to ask why but held back. “A week of nightclubs and dancing should help.”
Lori didn’t look convinced. “Why aren’t you here with a friend?”
“I’m here with you.”
“No, I mean on the ship? Seems a little strange that you’re traveling alone.”
“Actually, I planned
on a buddy of mine coming. But he got a job at the last minute and couldn’t get away.” His lie was easy. He’d used it before when asked why he was somewhere alone.
“That’s too bad.”
“Not really. I might not have latched on to you and your friends if we were one over the needed testosterone dose.”
“Is your friend a nice guy?” Lori watched the dance floor closely.
“Yeah, unless he’s watching football.”
Lori smiled, turned her attention toward him.
“Are you a sports guy?”
“Take it or leave it. The big games are fun because of the party they create. You?”
“My younger brother was All-American in high school, played college football, but then tore his ACL and was out. We watch the games during the holidays, but that’s about it.”
“You’re close with your brother?”
“Yeah. What about you? Brothers or sisters?”
“Two sisters.” Which was the truth. “One older, she’s married with two of her own, and then the baby in the family.” Who was twenty-three. His parents had a whoops kid. The kid that surprised everyone when his mother announced she was pregnant. Reed was fourteen when his baby sister was born.
“I always wanted a sister,” Lori confessed. “I guess that’s why I have so many girlfriends.”
He followed her gaze, found it landing on her friends.
“You’d have been the best older sister.”
She grinned. “You saying I’m old?”
He didn’t take the bait. “I’m saying you hover.”
“You keep saying that.”
He stopped a cocktail waitress and ordered a beer, asked Lori if she wanted something. She waved him off.
The music switched beat, and Trina and Miguel returned to the table.
Trina reached for her glass and finished what was in it.
“I’ll get you another one.”
“I’m good.”
He ignored her and turned toward the bar.
“Having fun?” Reed asked.
Her eyes were glossy and her cheeks were pink. “I forgot how much I like to dance.”
She moved to sit on the high stool and slipped a little. Reed reached out to catch her, but she found her balance using the table. “Did the ship move?”
Lori laughed. “No, you did.”
“Geez, I didn’t even have a lot to drink.”
“You didn’t eat much at dinner,” Lori reminded her.
Miguel arrived with their drinks right as Rogelio and Avery were returning. Close behind were Shannon and Antonio.
“We’re going to step out and get some air,” Shannon told them.
Lori lifted an eyebrow.
Avery laughed. “You know what that means, right, Lori?”
Lori leveled a finger in the air in Avery’s direction. “It means what happens in the Mediterranean—”
“Stays in the Mediterranean,” Miguel finished for her.
Trina laughed a little easier, smiled a bit wider. Miguel took that as an invitation and put his arm over her shoulders.
When she didn’t shrug him off, Reed put his beer down and decided maybe drinking wasn’t a great idea tonight. He couldn’t help but think of Miguel as a fox circling Trina’s henhouse. And Trina was uncharacteristically intoxicated.
Miguel reacted to Reed’s stare and lifted his chin.
“Hey Trina, what is it you do for a living?”
She closed her eyes and shook her head. “I was a . . . a flight attendant.”
That’s right, he thought he heard that fact earlier. “Was?”
Lori leaned in. “Now she’s a pole dancer with me.”
“Again with the pole dancing.”
“And I own the strip joint.” Avery joined the lie.
“Now this I want to see,” Miguel said.
Trina stood on wobbly legs and pretended the stool was a large pole. Miguel licked his lips and Rogelio clapped.
“I think you might need to slow down.” Avery patted Trina on the shoulder.
Trina blinked a few times, her smile a little too wide. “I’m fiiine.”
“Let’s take that on the dance floor.”
Avery and Lori exchanged glances when Miguel kept Trina upright and walked her away.
Rogelio nodded at Avery, encouraging her to join his friend. She waved him off.
“Is she okay?” Avery asked Lori.
“I don’t know. I’ve never seen her like this.”
Miguel pulled Trina deeper on the dance floor, making it difficult for Reed to keep track of the couple. “How much has she had to drink?”
“Not much, we shared a bottle of wine at dinner, so maybe a glass then, and two drinks here. But over several hours.”
That wasn’t a woman with a high alcohol level, unless . . .
Reed glanced at the drink Trina left behind, picked it up, and sniffed. Some kind of vodka fruit combination, but he didn’t smell anything suspicious. Not that it mattered. Most of the designer stuff had no taste and no smell.
“You don’t think . . .” Lori’s question hung in the air.
Rogelio tugged on Avery’s arm.
She wasn’t having it.
“I’m not comfortable with this,” Lori said.
Neither was Reed.
“Dude! Not now!” Avery yelled at Rogelio.
His smile fell as well as his hand from her arm.
“I’m going to get her, take her back to the room.”
Lori and Avery left the table in search of Trina.
Reed put the drink down, glared at Rogelio. “I really hope I’m wrong.”
Rogelio stared, and a wave of recognition made him think that the Spaniard knew a little more English than he let on. “Problema?”
“Reed?” Lori pushed through the crowd. “They’re not here.”
With a final glare, Reed turned and followed Lori onto the dance floor. They split up and met in the entrance of the club.
“Where did they go?”
“My guess is Miguel’s room or hers.”
“Miguel is sharing a room with Rogelio,” Avery told them.
Reed took over. “You take the back of the ship, Lori take the direct route, and I’ll find the stairwell in the front. We’ll meet at her room.”
They didn’t argue and took off in different directions.
Eyes wide open, Reed weaved through the crowds toward the forward stairwell and started the long climb. He hesitated when he reached the pool deck and those that allowed couples to enjoy a romantic walk in the moonlight, then veered off his path to the maybe route of two possible lovers. He searched the starboard side of the ship, then rounded onto the port. Reed had about given up when he heard a familiar laugh.
Trina.
Her back was to him. She and Miguel stood at the railing; Miguel’s hand was behind her neck. The man was smiling.
Until he felt Reed’s stare and looked over.
Miguel directed his attention to Trina, said something Reed couldn’t hear.
Reed slowed his pace as he approached.
“I think perhaps tomorrow,” Miguel said.
“There you are.” Reed moved to Miguel’s side, took a good look at Trina. She was hardly awake, her eyes half shut, her body upright only because of the railing she held on to and the man whose arm held her waist.
“Reed, my man. Perhaps you can help me. Seems our friend isn’t feeling well.”
His alarm shot high.
“I’m fiiine. Just a little dizzy.”
“I bet,” Reed said. “Trina?”
She blinked a few times, her hair fell in her face, and she batted it away like a child swatting a mosquito.
“Lori and Avery are searching for you.”
She attempted to open her eyes wide, licked her lips. “M’kay.”
Reed weaved his arm under hers, took her weight.
“She said she needed air,” Miguel told him.
“I needed air.”
&n
bsp; Miguel took her other side, and the two of them walked her up the remaining stairs toward her room.
Lori ran to them when they reached the hallway. “Is she okay?” Lori placed both hands on Trina’s face.
“I’m fiiine, just a li’l too much to driiink.”
“C’mon, we’re going to my room.”
“I’m okay.”
“Yep, sure you are.” Lori didn’t say anything further before opening the door to her room.
The suite had a separate sitting room and dining table. Through a set of doors, she pointed to her bed.
Miguel and Reed sat Trina down. Miguel placed her legs on the bed as Reed laid her back. Before he could stand, Trina was out cold.
Lori brushed Miguel off when he reached to remove Trina’s shoes. “I got that.”
Avery ran through the open door, past them, and to Lori’s side. “What happened?”
“I think someone drugged her,” Reed said, his eyes landing on Miguel.
“That would be my guess, too,” Miguel agreed.
What game are you playing? The question swam in Reed’s head like water down a drain.
Lori reached for the phone by the bedside.
“What are you doing?” Avery sat beside Trina and wiped the hair that had fallen in her face.
“Calling the ship’s doctor.”
Miguel shifted from foot to foot. “You should turn her on her left side in case she becomes ill.”
“Yes, this is Lori Cumberland in 1703. I need the physician right away.” She paused. “No, I can’t come down. My friend is out cold. Yes, yes, but not a lot. We think she’s been drugged. No! That isn’t the kind of person . . . okay, okay, thank you.”
Lori walked around the bed, moved Miguel out of her way, and removed Trina’s shoes.
“We’ll step in the other room,” Reed said.
“Don’t leave,” Lori told him.
“We’re not going anywhere.”
Away from the women, Miguel turned to Reed. “I know how this looks.”
Reed kept silent.
“I didn’t do it.”
“I never said you did.”
“Your eyes betray you.”
The women were focused on their friend, none of them noticing the battle of wills between him and Miguel. The fact the other man wasn’t running off might have suggested he wasn’t guilty to the others, but Reed had met Miguel’s type before. Guilty men who smiled into their lies and grieved openly for men they’d killed.
Fool Me Once (First Wives Series Book 1) Page 11
