It took only three cups of coffee and an assortment of pastries before life returned to her eyes. “The Prince of Wellington offered me an insane amount of money to drop my case.”
“I’m sure he did. I’d apologized for him, but I’d already told him you wouldn’t bite. He didn’t believe me.”
“I hung up on him,” Cree said, taking a sip of her fourth cup of coffee.
“I noticed.” West grinned and took a sip of coffee.
“I probably started an international incident.”
“I’m sure you’ll always remain memorable.” West chuckled. “So, Cree, good morning.”
Cree smiled in that charming way that tiptoed the line from devious serial killer to almost human. “You promised me a surprise. I hope that the phone call wasn’t what you had planned.”
“Give me more credit than that. I not only have one surprise, I have two.”
“Two?” she asked picking up a piece of bacon from his plate and taking a bite.
“Would you like me to order you some bacon, first?”
“No, yours is fine.”
West pulled the envelope out of his jacket and slid it across the table to her, not releasing it until she met his gaze. “I have a condition of my own.”
Cree sat back in her chair with a harrumph. “What is it?”
“We do this together or not at all.”
Cree rose from her seat. “I don’t take orders well, especially at this time of the morning.”
“Sorry, luv, this is non-negotiable. That invitation is addressed to me.”
Her gaze went back to the envelope. “You got an invitation to the exclusive event?”
He nodded and gestured for her to sit. She plopped back down into her chair like a child made to return to the table to eat her broccoli. “The condition is that you’ll need to be my plus one.”
She peeked inside the envelope. A slow smile formed on her lips. “I can do plus one.”
“The festivities end with a formal ball, so you’ll need the attire.”
“Oh.” She glanced up at him. “I have the perfect dress.”
“We’ll need to be discreet with our snooping and minimize the number of toes we step on.”
“I can be discreet.”
He doubted that. Cree wasn’t the type of woman who would blend in. She was the kind of beautiful that any man worth a damn would notice. West lifted the paper he’d been reading before she arrived and slid a copy of the file beneath it across the table. It was a copy of the complete Billson PD file they’d compiled on Davina’s case.
She flipped it open before lifting her gaze to his. “Where did you get this?”
“I have my ways. I figured we could solve it faster if we weren’t starting from scratch.”
“This is perfect.” She lowered her gaze back down again, and he sat patiently while she read the entire file. “Her fiancé was the senator’s son?”
“You must not watch the news a lot. I’m sure it made headlines for days.”
“I avoid the news as much as possible, too much death and crime. All it takes is one look at a face of someone missing or dead and I tune in like a mosquito looking for a fresh blood supply. I have a hard time letting those cases go and let’s be honest; not everyone believes clues that come from a psychic.”
“I can’t say I’d watch too much TV either, if I were you.” He gestured to the file. “Looks like they had a short engagement.”
She closed the file. A frown marred her face. “They haven’t finished the autopsy or noted any fingerprints in the cabin.”
“It’s been less than a day, Cree. They aren’t miracle workers. Give them time. Deputy Director Harrison Reed will give us updates.”
Her frown slowly slid into a smile at the mention of Harrison’s name. A twinkle filled her bright blue eyes. West silently wondered what it would take to get that same twinkle hearing his name instead. “How is Harrison these days?”
Harrison Reed had been the man to send West to Cree a month ago after she sent him an anonymous warning letter about his daughter’s run-in with a stalking serial killer. If it hadn’t been for Cree’s warning, there was no telling how many more victims the killer would have claimed.
“The deputy director is still very thankful, and he’ll also be a guest on the Island. He said you might need backup considering you constantly find yourself in trouble.”
“And here I thought I was the drama queen. I had that last situation all under control.” Cree dismissively waved her hand.
“Well, it won’t hurt to have him and a few of his agents on the Island knowing what you’re up to.”
“It’s unnecessary. I’d hate to put him out and make him come all this way.”
“Senator Channing and Harrison are friends. He was already planning to attend.”
“Friends in high places must be convenient,” she grumbled as if all the joy had been sucked from her body and replaced with something sour.
West handed her another piece of bacon. “Harrison is a fair man, Cree. He’s looking forward to meeting you.”
West rose from his seat and slipped some bills on the table to pay the tab. “You should go home and pack. I’ll swing by and pick you up in about an hour after I run a couple of errands. That should give you plenty of time to break it to your bodyguard that he has to sit this one out.”
Cree rose while tipping her cup back to savor the last of the coffee. She grabbed the last piece of bacon and pointed it at me. “Freddie isn’t going to like that. Do you mind if I hold on to the file?”
“Not at all.” West walked her to the door and out into the lobby. “I’ll see you in an hour.”
Cree didn’t even glance back as she left the hotel. She wasn’t what he would call very observant of her surroundings. Businessmen were watching her walk out, along with a few of the bellboys. West took a seat and waited to see if any of them would follow her. He might be paranoid, but paranoia had kept him alive all these years and was the only thing that saved his best friend’s life and everyone in the castle when West stopped the terrorist. It paid in his line of work to be cautious. Speaking of which, more backup on a reclusive island might not be a bad idea. West slid the phone out of his suit pocket and dialed Cree’s home number.
“Blue residence,” Freddie answered on the first ring.
“Freddie, this is West Archer. Can you meet me at the Reliance Hotel Room 310? It’s concerning Cree.”
“I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
“Excellent.”
****
West was shoving his gun into the waistband of his suit when someone knocked on the hotel door. After pressing his eye to the peep hole, he unlocked it and pulled it open. “Thanks for coming.”
“Always for Cree,” Freddie said, following West into the room. “What’s going on?”
Freddie stiffened as his gaze traveled around the room. West had guns sitting next to the open half-packed suitcase on the bed. Surveillance equipment and other gadgets sat out on the desk. “Cree is on the hunt for Davina’s killer, and we’re going to an Island where I’m guessing most of the suspects will be.”
“You can go, but she’s not walking into danger without me having her back.” Freddie crossed his arms.
His scowl would intimidate most men, but it had little effect on West’s intentions. “That’s why you’re here. There are several feds that will be in attendance, but I need someone invisible monitoring her every move. Her safety is my priority and something I won’t leave up to chance.”
“I’m listening.” Freddie dropped his arms.
West grabbed the rolled picture from the closet and unrolled it, using a gun to hold it down. “This is a satellite image of the island that I got this morning.”
He’d had to call in favors for some quick surveillance and intel on what they were walking into. He’d never gone blind into any mission, and he wasn’t about to start now, no matter how headstrong Cree was.
“I’ve got eno
ugh bugs to cover most of the area, including a tracker that I’m going to plant on Cree, so there won’t be any place she goes that you won’t be able to find her.”
“You aren’t going to tell her, are you? She’s going to be pissed if she finds out.”
“Pissed is better than dead, don’t you agree?”
He sighed and glanced at the map again. “Personally, I think she’s come a long way since I saved her life. She’s stronger, she can shoot a gun, and I’ve been teaching her defensive techniques to get out of any jam, but you’re right. I’d feel better if I was there.”
“Excellent.” West pointed to the map. “That’s why I’ll have a boat at the marina, ready to take you across to the island to this cabin. I already set up everything you’re going to need to monitor the situation. I’ll have a tracker on both her and me. You’ll be able to tell if she decides to go running off and chasing bad guys without me.”
“Who the hell are you?” Freddie asked as he walked over to the table and picked up some of the gadgets. “Your gadgets are more expensive than even the military or government agencies use. You aren’t the mob; they wouldn’t be this organized. They tend to shoot first and ask questions later.” Freddie gestured to the map. “You obviously have some big contacts, and you’re running this like a well-planned mission.”
“Let’s just say I have the backing of an entire country to see that she comes out of this unscathed and lives to work on a case that is severely more important.”
Freddie tossed the gadgets on the desk. “And when that’s done? Will she come out unscathed from that one, and after dealing with you?”
“I’m not the fed that broke her heart. I haven’t promised anything that I can’t deliver.”
“See that you don’t,” Freddie threatened. “You might have the weight of a country backing you, but I have the mob. She got Moreno, the head boss, out of a jam, and he’s taken an interest in watching out for her. He’s got her back, and he’s much more ruthless, cunning, and patient than you can ever imagine, so if you don’t want to continuously be looking over your shoulder, you won’t fuck with her. Are we clear?”
“You’re threatening me?”
He shook his head. “That’s not a threat; that’s a promise.”
“Good answer. We both have the same goal.” West moved back to the map, going over exactly what he was going to need Freddie to do.
Chapter 7
T he island was stunning from a bird's-eye view. I’d been hesitant to climb into the helicopter with West, but the view alone was worth the ride, even if my stomach disagreed. The flight to the exclusive resort was short and sweet over roads with unbelievable views of waterfalls and greenery. The huge mansion resort was everything I’d thought it to be. Fit for a senator and all of his friends, who probably tossed money around the way I included ingredients in my most-sought-after desserts.
Men in suits were stationed at the resort doors as we entered.
“There are a lot of political and famous people attending,” West whispered in my ear.
His hand was splayed on my lower back as he guided me toward the reception area. I didn’t know where to look first. Chandeliers hung from the painted ceilings. Expensive Italian marble covered the floors. Everything about this place screamed affluence, and I was more worried than the mother of a toddler that my shoes would scuff the floors.
“Welcome to Killington.” The woman smiled first at West and then at me. “Name please.”
“West Archer,” he answered, and then the woman looked at me.
“I’m his plus one.” I pointed my thumb in his direction.
Her fingers clicked over the keyboard. “I’m sorry, but I don’t have a West Archer on the guest list.” She glanced at me. “Or his plus one.”
“Well, you wouldn’t; he's too modest.” An older gentleman walked over to us and held out his hand to West. “His official name is Lord West Archer attending on behalf of Prince Wellington with full authority to handle the King and Prince’s affairs.”
“Get out.” I nudged West’s arm. “And here I thought you were the jester.”
“Ah yes, we have your first name listed as Lord Archer, my apologies. Can I have the name of your guest, Lord Archer?”
The older gentleman took both my hands in his. “This woman is so much more than anybody’s plus one. She, my dear, is Cree Blue of the Lady Blue Plantation, who was personally sponsored by me and my daughter.”
I glanced from suit man to West and back. “Harry?”
He chuckled. “Deputy Director Harrison Reed,” he corrected.
“Harry,” I exclaimed louder and pulled the old man in for a hug. My actions caught everyone off guard, and a few of the suits nearby looked ready to pounce until Harrison held up his hand, staying their movement. “How’s Glynis? Did you assign Frick and Frack this detail?”
I glanced around, really taking a look at the suits surrounding me to see if Agents Hunter and Fernandez, whom I’d met a month ago, were among the faces. They weren’t, but there was one face I recognized staring back at me. I’d recognize those baby blue eyes and that menacing scowl anywhere. They belonged to my almost-boyfriend, who had been avoiding me like the plague. Newly appointed FBI Agent Leonard Mason Spencer.
My smile and joy from seconds ago momentarily slipped as Mason’s gaze went to where West had his hand nestled on my back.
“Are you referring to the two agents I sent to find you a month ago?”
“Of course.” She grinned.
“Ah, well, Frick and Frack weren’t available, but my daughter is great. She’s here, and she’s dying to meet you at the cocktail reception this evening.” Harry said, pulling my attention back to him.
“I’m looking forward to it,” I said, trying to keep the questions from my face.
“Lord Archer. Here are your keys. I’ll have the concierge take you to your cabana.”
“We aren’t staying in the resort hotel?” I asked, glancing up at West.
“I thought you might like some privacy to get some work done,” he said, smiling down at me.
“Sure.” Because that was what every woman would do on a secluded island surrounded by millionaires with a beach less than fifty yards away. Work. Was that what I had succumbed to, a woman so focused on helping solve cold cases that I didn’t even enjoy my surroundings? My Grammy was right. I was going to die a lonely old cat lady, only without any cats and only ghosts to keep me company. Maybe I’d pick some place like this to haunt in my demise. Pity party for one; I could almost hear Charlotte and Freddie’s voice in my head telling me to snap out of it.
“Lord Archer, Ms. Blue, if you’ll just follow me,” the concierge said, sliding my bag off my shoulder and slipping my suitcase from my hands.
I couldn’t help but hold Mason’s gaze as we passed. Sucked I wasn’t a mind reader to know what was going on in that big head of his. There was a conversation in my future, and it had the makings to become ugly.
“Stop frowning, luv,” West whispered in my ear as we walked out of the lobby. “You’re ruining our charade.”
“Lord?” That one word had the ability to make his noble highness stop telling me what to do.
I had a job to do, one that I was more determined than ever to make happen and fast. I needed to start with the fiancé or those closest to him. I wasn’t here to make friends or play nice with the feds. Gah. I needed to bake. I needed to get my head on straight.
We arrived at the cabana, and West tipped the concierge as I took my bags into the bedroom and dropped them, opening all the other doors. The cabana was exactly like I’d thought it would be. The natural light coming in through the windows and sheer curtains made it a tiny oasis with views of the sugar-white sandy beach. I returned to the living room. “There’s only one bedroom, and I’m not sleeping with you.”
“Relax, Cree. I’ll take the couch. You can have the room.”
I should have protested and offered to sleep on the couch, but I was no longe
r in the mood to play nice.
I walked back into the bedroom and hung up the dresses that I’d brought and unpacked my clothes. I was standing at the window looking out into the ocean when I heard West enter the room behind me.
“I have a title, but it doesn’t define who I am.”
“Oh, I know.” I was a pretty good judge of character and with digging up the truth unless it came to picking boyfriends. “You’re West Archer. You’re just helping me so I can move on to your case.”
“Cree…”
I shook my head and unfolded my arms. I grabbed my swimsuit and headed for the bathroom. “We’re good; all I ask is that you just don’t lie to me even if I don’t like your answer.”
“Fair enough. If you ask, I’ll be honest.”
I spun at the door to the bathroom and pointed at him. “See, that’s the thing. You don’t think I’m smart enough to ask the right questions, so you won’t have to answer, but you’re wrong.”
“I’d never underestimate you, Lady Blue.”
A slow smile filled my lips as I lifted the hem of my dress slowly up my thigh. I pulled the Velcro strap holding the knife and sheath from around my thigh and tossed them onto the bed. I walked over to my suitcase and pulled out an identical invite and tossed that on top. The invite didn’t have his name scrolled over the top; it had mine. Next, I pulled out the picture that I’d printed three weeks ago from the internet. It had taken a full day of searching for Charlotte, Jitters, and I to find it, but it was one of him and his best friend, the prince, dressed in polo player attire with their titles and names beneath. I tossed the picture next to the invite. “You already have, Lord Archer.”
“Damn it. I missed deleting that one.”
After changing into my bathing suit and wrapping a sarong around my body, I put on a big floppy hat. I looked like a million bucks. How did I know? I might have had a dead actress help me pick it out while I spent the entire time trying to convince her to tell me who killed her and where the diamond was hidden. Trying to pin down her answers was the equivalent of using a knife as a fly swatter. Every time I asked, she managed to flitter on about something else.
Deadly Vows Page 4
