by Romancing the Crown Series (13-in-1 bundle) (v1. 0) (lit)
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"The Montebellan police have the public airport locked down. Every passenger is going through a rigorous security check." Sam walked to the high-scale map of Montebello that hung from one wall of the base commander's office. He tapped his index finger against the location of the airport, then moved his hand toward the southeast shore of the island. "The private strip at the oil field is heavily guarded, as well."
Admiral Howe steepled his fingers and leaned back behind his desk. His bulldog features appeared to be set in a perpetual frown, even though he nodded in approval. "Good. Have you gathered any more information on the suspect?"
"Yes, sir. The FBI obtained Ursula Chambers's driver's license photograph from the Colorado DMV and faxed it to me thirty minutes ago."
"Got someone out of bed there, did you?"
Sam grimaced as he opened the file folder he had brought with him. There was a seven-hour time difference between Montebello and Virginia. The clerk he had reached at Quantico hadn't been eager to chase down the Colorado people in what had been the middle of the night there.
That's when Sam had discovered one of the advantages of working for royalty. When the clerk had learned that Sam had the full weight of the king of Montebello behind him, the request had been filled within the hour.
"No problem, sir," Sam said, handing the admiral two items from the folder. "As you can see, the photograph closely matches the artist's sketch of the suspect."
Howe took the photo and the sketch from Sam and studied them briefly. "Yes, the features are very distinctive."
"The police are in the process of distributing copies of the photograph as well as the suspect's vital statistics to the security forces stationed at the airports."
Howe laid the papers on his desk. "Chambers is a striking woman. She should be easy to spot."
"Apparently she has had acting experience, so it's possible that she has disguised herself. But since she killed Caruso, who according to Gretchen Hanson was their main contact in Montebello, she probably doesn't have the resources or the connections here to obtain a false passport or other identification. Therefore it's highly unlikely that Chambers will be able to slip past the security that's in place at the airport in order to escape Montebello by air."
"Excellent."
"That leaves the water." Sam turned to the map. "We've alerted the cruise lines and other passenger ships. Police will be stationed at the ports, but we need to intensify the patrol of the coastline."
"King Marcus phoned me this morning to express his concern about that. Which is the main reason I've asked you here, Lieutenant Coburn. The king decided this mission requires a Navy officer who is more familiar with Montebello."
Sam moved in front of Howe's desk and clasped his hands behind his back. As much as he would have liked to continue the leave that had been interrupted by the king's request for his assistance, he didn't want to be relieved of his duty before he'd accomplished what he'd set out to do. He didn't like leaving things unfinished. "This mission is still in the early stages, sir. Given the geography of Montebello, it was my understanding that the king was aware of the difficulties—"
"Relax, Lieutenant. King Marcus is pleased with your conduct so far. He still feels your training is a valuable asset in the search for the fugitive. In fact, he wants to give you some help."
"Admiral?"
Before Howe could explain, there was a sharp rap on the door. Ensign Gordon, the apple-cheeked young man who was Howe's aide, took a step into the room. "Lieutenant Mulvaney is here, sir."
Howe glanced at his watch. "Good. Right on time. Show her in."
Sam turned to face the door. Kate was here? Why now? That was the second time in less than a day he'd asked himself that question.
And for the second time in less than twenty-four hours, she took his breath away.
He had never seen her in her uniform. They had been on leave when they'd met, and they'd spent most of their time wearing as little as possible. It was difficult to reconcile the image in his memory to the tall, slim woman with lieutenant's bars on her sleeves. The dress blues complemented her coloring, making her eyes look greener and her hair appear a fiery shade of auburn. Her chin was up, her shoulders back, and she appeared to be the epitome of a confident, successful naval officer.
Yet when Sam looked at her, he saw the woman who had once writhed in his arms. He felt Florida breezes and smelled gardenias.
She saluted Admiral Howe, giving him a crisp yet cordial greeting. She nodded politely to Sam, then gave the admiral her complete attention.
Once again, Sam felt a twinge of irritation. She was behaving appropriately for the circumstances, so he couldn't fault her for that. They were on duty. It wasn't the place for familiarity.
Yet they hadn't been on duty the night before when he'd driven her to the hotel where they had their quarters, and she'd treated him the same way. The memory of their affair might have haunted him for five years, but it didn't seem to have had any impact on Kate. She'd told him flat out last night that she wanted to leave the past in the past. And she'd returned the letters he'd sent years ago. When she'd said goodbye, she'd meant it.
Why couldn't he get that through his head? If her composure this morning was anything to go by, she had probably slept like a baby last night instead of being driven half nuts by dreams of hot sex.
To his disbelief, Sam felt his body stir. She'd always been able to do that to him. The mere thought of what it was like to hold her body against his could make him break into a sweat.
Deliberately, he moved his gaze away from Kate and concentrated on what the admiral was saying.
"Lieutenant Mulvaney, I'd like to compliment you personally on your handling of the situation at the King Augustus Hospital yesterday," Admiral Howe said. "King Marcus was very impressed with your conduct, both in apprehending Gretchen Hanson and in taking the initiative to ensure the welfare of the royal heir."
"Thank you, sir."
"I understand you assisted in the interrogation of Hanson afterward?"
"Yes, sir. That is correct."
"Excellent. Then we can get down to business. Lieutenant Mulvaney, you are hereby removed from your current duties."
Kate blinked. "Sir?"
"At King Marcus's command, you are to assist in the coordination of the Montebellan security forces and the United States Navy in the search for Ursula Chambers." The admiral leaned back in his chair, steepled his fingers and turned his gaze to Sam. "Lieutenant Coburn, meet your new partner."
Chapter 4
Wasn't there a saying about no good deed going unpunished? The king had probably thought he was doing Kate a favor. In return for the way she had rescued his grandchild from the hospital flower bed, he evidently had decided to put in a good word for her with the admiral and recommend her for a plum assignment. Right. Some favor.
Kate lengthened her stride as she crossed the base's central square in an effort to work off her frustration. Seagulls cried overhead, riding the wind that swept in from the pier. She firmed her jaw at the noise. It was as if the fates were conspiring against her, refusing to let her forget and get on with her life.
Seeing Sam and the baby, stirring up all those painful memories was bad enough, but she'd handled it, hadn't she? How was she going to cope with seeing him every day? Working with him? Breathing his scent, hearing his voice, seeing his smile?
Well, she wouldn't have to worry about his smile. So far, he looked to be as pleased about their partnership as she was.
"I've been given a place to set up a command center in the north building. I'm meeting the superintendent of the Montebellan police there in twenty minutes." Sam touched her elbow as he changed direction. "Naturally I'll include you in the meeting now."
She couldn't help it, she flinched at his touch. "All right."
"Before he gets here, I need to ask you something."
"What?"
They had reached the building on the north side of the square. When
the Montebellans had deeded this enclave to the U.S. Navy, they had stipulated that any structures had to reflect the character of the local architecture. Although this building housed an efficient complex of modern offices, the long windows, slate roof and iron-trimmed wooden entrance doors gave it the flavor of a Mediterranean villa.
Instead of going through those doors, Sam detoured to a corner that was shielded from sight by a large cedar tree. He stopped and turned to face her. "Are you going to have a problem working with me, Kate?"
Leave it to Sam to tackle the issue head-on. She kept her gaze on the top button of his khaki shirt. "No," she lied. "I'm grateful for the king's notice. This assignment is bound to look good on my record, so of course I don't object to it."
"That's not what I meant. Will it bother you to be my partner?"
"I wouldn't expect to be in charge, since you were the one who was called in for this project first." She paused. "Do you have a problem working with a partner?"
"No, I can use all the help I can get."
"Fine." She started to move past him, but he didn't budge.
"Kate, I'm not talking about our work, I'm talking about us."
"There's nothing to talk about."
"Given our past association, I thought you might feel awkward about taking this assignment."
Her gaze went from his shirt to his throat. And she thought about how that hollow at the base had tasted. She fought the urge to lick her lips. "Thank you for your concern, Sam, but as you said, our association was in the past. And I want to leave it there."
"Right. That's what you told me yesterday."
"I wouldn't let my personal business interfere with my duty."
"You never did."
"What does that mean?"
"Your career always came first."
That's because when she'd lost the baby, she had nothing else left. She frowned. No, that wasn't right. She had chosen this career. She loved it. She had put it first before she was pregnant, too. "I think we've covered this topic, Sam."
"Have we? As I recall, we didn't do all that much talking when we were together."
That was true. They'd had far more urgent things on their minds than conversation. She moved her gaze to his mouth, remembering how he'd used it on her neck...and her breasts...and her thighs....
Kate quickly looked away, focusing on the flag at the center of the square. "Maybe I should be asking you if you have a problem working with me, given our past association. You're the one who can't seem to let it go."
Can't let it go? She's right, Sam thought. He did have a problem. A major problem. It was distracting enough just thinking about her. How was he supposed to work with her? How could he keep himself from touching her, especially here in the sunshine with her hair gleaming like autumn and her pulse throbbing in the delicate vein at the side of her neck?
He'd been wrong before when he'd thought she looked composed. Now that they were in full daylight he could see she hadn't slept any better than he had last night. There were shadows under her eyes and signs of strain around her lips.
What was bothering her? It couldn't be the same thing that was bothering him, that was for sure. If she'd been dreaming of hot sex all night she wouldn't have brushed him off yesterday or continued to treat him like a casual acquaintance today. She had never been shy about her physical needs—their relationship had been as simple and basic as things could get between a man and a woman. He'd thought the memories they shared were good ones. And they had parted on friendly terms—he'd let her go as neatly as she'd wanted—so what was going on?
If this were five years ago, he would have cupped her cheek and drawn her head to rest against his shoulder. He would have stroked her back and pressed soft kisses to her hair and urged her to confide in him.
But he wasn't part of her life any longer. She didn't welcome either his touch or him. "Don't worry, Kate. You made yourself clear twice already, and the Navy has a strict policy regarding sexual harassment."
"Good." She moved toward the door.
"But if you ever change your mind," he added softly, "be sure to let me know."
A slight break in her stride was the only sign that she had heard him. "I think it would be best if we get on with our mission," she said briskly. "What have you done so far?"
As they climbed the stairs to the second story, Sam tamped down his frustration and told her what he had related to the admiral. They reached the office he'd been assigned, and he stepped aside to let her enter first. He couldn't help noticing that she was careful not brush against him as she went by.
It was another jab to his already bruised ego. Had what they'd shared meant so little to her? Had he deluded himself, distorted the memory of how good it had been? He wanted to grab her arm, spin her around and haul her to him so he could find out.
Instead, he closed the door behind them and watched her walk around the room. He couldn't grab her. He couldn't kiss her. He'd meant what he'd said about sexual harassment. It would be a serious charge, and he wasn't about to risk his career to satisfy his urge for a woman.
No, not just a woman. Kate. His Kate. The lover who had spoiled him for anyone else.
Aw, hell.
"Have you obtained charts of the coastline?" she asked.
He pushed away from the door and walked to the large table he'd set up in the center of the room. "Right here."
She joined him, although she was careful to keep an arm's length away. She braced her hands on the edge of the table and leaned over to study one of the charts spread out there. "I know this coast. Even though there are many rocky stretches, there are innumerable places a small boat can pick up a passenger."
"I take it you think she'll try to escape by small boat?"
"It's her best course of action. With the airports closed to her and the cruise lines and ferries on alert, she won't be able to escape the island by any form of public transportation. She'll likely try to obtain the use of a private boat."
That was exactly the conclusion that he'd come to. Sam moved closer to Kate's side and leaned over the chart with her. He couldn't help inhaling her scent, and he was already leaning nearer to get another whiff before he caught himself. Damn, how was he supposed to keep his mind on business if she smelled like that? He exhaled hard and traced a line on the paper with his index finger. "The nearest island to Montebello is Tamir. Although relations between the two countries have thawed recently, they don't have an extradition treaty. If Chambers makes it that far, it won't be difficult for her to disappear."
"A small private craft would be able to cover the distance to Tamir," Kate said. "Even a rowboat could make it as long as the weather conditions were favorable."
"You said you've been stationed here seven months. How many private boats do you figure there are on Montebello?"
Kate lifted her shoulders in a brief shrug. "This is an island. The sea is a major influence on Montebellan culture. There are fishing boats, sailboats and pleasure craft of all kinds. If you added them all up, the number would likely exceed the population itself."
"I suspected as much. That's going to make this challenging."
"From what you said, the Montebellan police will be able to cover the airports, but they don't have the resources to insure that Chambers doesn't escape by water." She continued to study the map. "Our navy has been doing coastguard patrols as part of the lease agreement for this base, but with the number of ships in dry dock and the number on maneuvers, we're stretched too thin to step up the patrols to any significant extent."
"That's the problem I've been running into," Sam said. "The admiral authorized the use of any available naval resources to assist the Montebellans, but that only means telephones, radio equipment, this office and a handful of personnel who could be pulled from their regular duties. We couldn't justify diverting Navy vessels that are stationed in the Mediterranean into forming a blockade in order to look for one woman. That would be ludicrous, not to mention a threat to the stability of the ar
ea."
"So what's your plan?"
"Still working on it. For now, we're going to concentrate on checking any suspicious watercraft during the regular patrols of the coastline. The police helicopters will provide added surveillance."
"But that won't necessarily stop her from escaping. The craft she's on might not look suspicious. You would need to check out every single vessel to be certain, but considering the amount of daily boat traffic and the limited number of Navy vessels available, that would be impossible."
"Hey, I'm open to suggestions. Do you have a better idea?"
She didn't respond immediately. She studied the map for another minute, then straightened. "Sam, I don't believe we should rely on the regular coastal patrol."
He turned to face her, surprised by her comment. "Unless every soul in Montebello is a news junkie and is able to recognize Ursula Chambers from her photograph, and unless they're completely honest and willing to turn her in, we can't be certain she won't be able to find some private boat to hire."
"Of course, we can't rely on the general public to stop her from escaping. I meant that we shouldn't use a high-profile surveillance of the island."
"Why not?"
"There is already massive security in place at the airports, right?"
"Right," he confirmed. "Chambers won't get off Montebello that way."
"So if her only alternative is leaving by boat, a high-profile search using naval ships and police helicopters might force her underground."
"Ah, I see your point."
Kate nodded. "She's already a suspect in two murders, so she has nothing to lose by killing again. For the sake of public safety, I'm positive the king would want her captured as soon as possible."
"You're right. He does. That's why he's pulling every diplomatic string he's got to get help."
"Which should make our job easier. We're going to need to pull a lot of strings to organize what I have in mind."
He crossed his arms and looked at her expectantly. "Which is?"
