Joan couldn’t fault the previous owner’s business savvy and would keep everything exactly the same. The IRD had done an audit only a year ago and the business was squeaky clean. The timing is perfect right now to incorporate a cocaine distribution network through the Paradise. We have a customer list of every high-end roller, both domestically and internationally, who likes to spend money on girls and partying. It must be a cash only business nothing going through the Paradise books.
She looked at her watch. It had been a long night. Soon the sun would be coming up. She must get some sleep. She had promised to call Audrey but it was too late and she worried her phones may be tapped. Detective Wiley was a shit and Joan wasn’t going to give him any ammunition to tie her or Audrey to the missing drugs. She text Audrey instead and wished her goodnight.
C H A P T E R 6 7
Staci looked at the choice of rings in the jeweler’s glass cabinet. “Would you like to try one on?” the tall lean man behind the counter asked.
“Yes, only it isn’t for me. It’s for my partner.”
“I see. And is your partner more of a sapphire or a diamond girl?” The man said as he reached under the counter and removed a tray of engagement rings.
“I know she likes emeralds,” Staci said choosing a beautiful eighteen-carat white gold emerald and diamond halo ring. “How much is this one?”
“Four Thousand, Four Hundred” he replied passing it to her to try on.
She returned the ring and chose a similar style with a larger emerald. “And this?”
“Five thousand, seven hundred.”
Then she saw the perfect ring. It was an eighteen-carat white gold with a one and a half carat black diamond “This is the one,” she said.
He looked at the price “A wonderful choice. Only Six Thousand, one hundred.”
“I’ll take it.”
Staci had never been so affluent. Her mother’s insurance had paid out in full. She now owned the lake house, completely freehold, and she had a cool five hundred thousand just sitting in her bank account. Her life was almost complete. She looked at the ring. If she says yes, I will be the happiest woman alive.
The past week had proven to Staci that Joan was simply stellar at running the Paradise. She had never seen her so happy. Every time they talked Joan was full of the possibilities the business offered them. Once they were married Joan would own half of the business. Staci wanted to share her good fortune with her. Their personal and business partnership would give Joan everything money could buy. She just has to say yes. We have been in a relationship for over a year. If Ben had not been in her life, we would have moved in together a lot sooner.
She picked up her phone and left a text message. “C u soon miss u.” Joan had promised to stay at the lake house tonight. It would be a night she would always remember.
C H A P T E R 6 8
It was unspoken but both Audrey and Joan knew their phones, and even their offices and homes could be bugged. They were careful not to discuss any of their plans until they could meet in person. Audrey decided that tonight she would make a trip down to Auckland and meet Joan at the Paradise. She was curious to see the business. Joan was so excited about how things were going there. Audrey knew that as long as she was back at Tiromoana by early morning she would be OK. She would leave at sunset and be in Auckland late evening.
The phone had been ringing off the hook since the media discovered it was at Tiromoana that Mike Slater stayed the night before he was arrested and where he had anchored his boat. It wasn’t long before TV reporters were congregating around her office and photographing her beaches. She finally demanded they leave her property and had even called Detective Bromley for help controlling the crowds.
Today it had been a little easier. The crowds had finally moved on to the courthouse in Whangarei where Mike Slater’s case was being held. Audrey knew that time away would do her good and she so desperately missed Joan. She hoped they could spend some alone time after work. There was so much they needed to organize. Audrey had already set up ten storage units close to each Paradise location and planned to take a week away from Tiromoana to make the drop offs herself. She would drive to the locations and take the ferry across Cook Strait to the South Island. She didn’t want to leave any trace of her journey. She would pay cash along the way. She would drop off the rental car in Dunedin, the southern most location and return by plane. She had old school friends in Christchurch and Dunedin whom she could use as an alibi for her trip. She had already contacted them on Facebook under the guise of needing some time away after all the craziness up north. It would be a hectic schedule but she couldn’t risk any one else being involved in her plan.
It was only mid day and Audrey still had three cabins to check in. She wanted to allow plenty of time to bathe and look her very best. She hadn’t eaten for three days except the occasional fruit off her trees. She wanted to look lean and sexy for Joan. Her skin was tanned and the color suited her new lean image. I can’t wait to see her, to hold her, to kiss her.
C H A P T E R 6 9
Detective Wiley had his scheduled meeting at the prison with two King Cobras inmates at the request of the Super. It didn’t go well. The inmates were pissed. “How the fuck do we know where the drugs are? You promised the Perez brothers that you would track them down. They said you have a deal.”
Wiley realized he was down shit creek without a paddle. “I am working my way through the list you gave me and I was on Slater’s trail. I was at Tiromoana when the cops decided to raid his boat. I couldn’t get to them before them. They had the boat guarded.”
“How did the bloody cops find out about the drugs on the boat?”
“That mate is the big question. And Audrey Wetherby is the answer. Everything happened at Tiromoana - the drop off, the pick up, the murders, the arrests, the appearance and disappearance of the cocaine – you name it, she’s there. But no worries mate; I have it all under control. I have a tail on her twenty four seven. She will lead us to the drugs. I have no doubt about that. And when she does, have your mates ready. We will take her down and you will get your coke.
Wiley knew you don’t fuck with the Cobras. He had known the minute the sting went down that only twenty kilos of cocaine was found on the boat. There was no sign the rest of the cocaine had been thrown overboard. Police scuba divers searched the area around the boat and beaches nearby with no success. It is believed that the drugs had been transferred to another boat and taken out of the country. Or they are still on land? Wiley’s gut was with Ms. Wetherby. He had hired an ex cop who worked as a private investigator. He was a mean son of a bitch and he would watch the woman day and night until she lead them to the coke.
Already the PI had bugged her phone, office, cottage and computer and was camped surreptitiously in the bush nearby. You have no chance lady. It is just a matter of time.
C H A P T E R 7 0
Joan saw her enter the lobby. She looked stunning. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed her. “Audrey. How wonderful. You made it in record time.” She said taking her hand and leading her over to the bar. “Champagne?”
“This place is fantastic! I just love the décor. It is so very different from what I imagined it to be. So sophisticated.” Audrey said impressed. “Did Frankie do all of this? What a shock. She was so butch and the Paradise is so feminine.”
“How long can you stay?” Joan wondered looking at the time.
“I have to be back at Tiromoana by mid-morning to check out some guests. I will have to leave no later than five in the morning.
“Then we have lots of time to catch up.”
“Where can we talk in private?” Audrey asked looking around at the crowded bar and lounge area.
“We can talk in my office. Grab your drink and follow me.” Said Joan.
The women shut the door to the office and lowered their voices. Audrey was bursting with all the news from Hihi. Joan was impressed with Audrey’s distribution plan. “Are you sure you c
an take the time off work?’ She asked concerned.
“Ben, Steve and their mates had booked the four cabins next week and I am presuming that they won’t be able to keep their reservation and we have stuffed up any possibility of there being another drop. It will be the perfect time for me to take a road trip. I’ll just put the No Vacancy sign at the gate.
“I should come with you. I need to visit all the Paradise locations anyway to introduce myself and meet the staff. I will ask Staci to keep an eye on things here. I don’t like the idea of you doing this alone.”
“You are a darling. How is Staci?” asked Audrey hearing her name. “You don’t talk about her very much. Is she doing OK?”
“She is great. She pretty much leaves me alone to run the Paradise. She is moving into her mother’s house permanently.”
Audrey looked around at her surroundings. “I have never set foot in a brothel before. I am dying to see what the suites are like. Can I meet some of the girls?”
Joan laughed. “You are funny. I will see if any of the girls are between customers. It is a busy night and most of them are working. But I can show you one of the suites and give you a mini tour.”
Time went by so quickly that when Joan looked at the time it was after midnight and knew that Staci would be waiting for her at the lake house. She had a dilemma. She loved both women, but it wasn’t that easy. Staci was young, vibrant and beautiful and was now a powerful woman of great wealth. Their futures were intertwined. If Joan wanted to continue running the Paradise, she couldn’t afford to destroy their relationship by continuing a sexual relationship with Audrey. Audrey, on the other hand, was exciting, ruthless and daring. Audrey defended my honor by killing Frankie. For God’s sake how debonair can a woman be? She trusts me. She loves me. My future with Audrey has no limits. But I cannot tell her about Staci. What am I to do? She texted Staci, “Can’t make 2nite luv u xx.” She would need to make a decision, and soon.
C H A P T E R 7 1
PI Jones was preparing his campsite for the night. He had a small tent pitched in the bush near the Hihi Holiday Camp. He had no idea whose land he was on. Could be Audrey’s or the local Maori or council land. He didn’t care. It was summertime and there were lots of campers in the area. Before anyone complained he would be out of there.
He checked his gear. He had every kind of gadget money could buy. His latest toy was his drone. It was incredible. It could go where no man dare to tread. He would use it over Tiromoana to get a general idea of the area. His boss has said not to be spotted and that would be difficult with guests and the boss lady milling around all day and most of the night.
The tide was out and Wiley had told him that you could walk along the shoreline to her two private beaches. Rumor had it that the drugs were dropped off by boat at the second beach. It was early evening and it wouldn’t get dark for at least a couple of hours. He donned his boat shoes and grabbed his backpack. I just need to get the general lie of the place. Where the cabins are located, where her office and cottage are. Where the tracks lead from the beaches.
Half an hour later, Jones realized that he had found the perfect spot. Flying the drone from the street would be difficult, if not impossible. Most of the property was covered in seventy-foot pines. The only area he could fly the drone safely was from the beach. He heard voices approaching and realized that a young couple was heading down one of the tracks to the beach. He could see through the trees they were carrying fishing rods and tackle boxes. Better get the fuck out of here. Jones retraced his steps gingerly across the jagged rocky shore back to his campsite.
C H A P T E R 7 2
As Audrey arrived back at Tiromoana she could feel something wasn’t right. She put the key in the door and looked around the room. Her computer desk had been tampered with. She always kept her mouse and pad on the right hand side of the computer. It was now on the left. Someone has been snooping through my computer. She checked the office and nothing seemed to be out of place. But she had a sixth sense when it came to her privacy. Someone’s been here. She was pleased that she had hidden her gun in a bag of sheep pellets in the garden shed. She headed outside to check on it. She shut the shed door behind her. It was still there. She didn’t dare go to the water tank to check on the drugs. He could be watching me. Instead she went inside and cooked herself bacon and eggs. It had been a long drive and an early start to the day and she was hungry. She also needed to think. She poured herself a mimosa, took her breakfast outside and sat looking at the bay.
She felt for the gun in her pocket. Whoever it is I need to draw him out. She opened up the local newspaper. The arrests and the drug scandal were all over the front page. It was the biggest news in the area since a year ago when the schoolgirl was murdered and thrown in the bay.
After breakfast she took a leisurely stroll around the cabins. The guests were starting their day. She chatted with them, keeping watch around her. Where is he? I can feel someone watching. She took a walk down the track to Rocky Beach carrying a pair of garden cutters. She would trim the branches hanging over the track while keeping watch. As she reached the bottom of the track she noticed a man with a backpack on the rocks below. She hid behind the tall brush blocking the view from the beach to the track. She watched him. He’s no fisherman. What is he up to?
He was removing a device from his backpack. “It’s a fucking drone! You’ve got to be kidding. Maybe he is flying it across the bay. She watched as he skillfully controlled the drone over the water and she sighed in relief. Thank God. All of a sudden he directed the drone up over her steep cliff and towards the buildings. Shit! She crouched under a large punga and watched him fly the drone. Then, he returned the drone into his backpack and headed back down the shoreline towards the Hihi township. He’s left-handed. She kept a safe distance and followed him. When he arrived at his tent site, she watched him remove his bag and climb into the tent. I have you now. I’ll be back.
C H A P T E R 7 3
Joan walked across the lawn and took a seat next to Staci. Becoming wealthy suited her. She looked absolutely stunning. Staci had always been a classy dresser but affording the latest designer clothes put her in a class all of her own. Joan knew she could have any woman she wanted and was flattered that she had chosen her. Lunch was prepared on white linen with wild flowers and bone china plates. Chicken salad and freshly baked rolls were complimented with a chilled Cloudy Bay Sav. I could get used this life. “Cheers” they toasted in a familiar ritual.
Staci wanted to know how the Paradise was going. Joan told her that it was running surprisingly smoothly and how much she loved working there.
“You know, Joan. I would love you to be my partner.
“Oh Staci I would love that but you know I can’t afford to buy in. It would take me a lifetime to afford that size of an investment.”
“I didn’t mean only my partner in business but also in life. You know, Joan, I have loved you from the moment we met. Nothing would make me happier than to share my good fortune with you. We make a great team and I just know we would be perfect together, forever.” She removed a little black velvet box from her purse and handed it to Joan. “Please say yes. You would make me the happiest woman in the world.”
Joan opened the box and stared down at the most beautiful black diamond she had ever seen. How can I say no? This is everything I have ever wanted. “Yes, Oh yes, Staci. She leaned over and kissed her.
‘Let’s make it official. Just a small ceremony here on the lawn by the lake.” Staci slipped the ring on Joan’s finger. “Just a few friends and your family.”
Joan thought about her family. She only had an aunt who lived in Dunedin. Maybe when she and Audrey took their trip, she could visit her aunt and invite her to the wedding. Wedding! What am I thinking? Audrey will kill me if I marry Staci. She will see it as a betrayal. Fuck! She mustn’t find out. Not until we have set up the distribution.
“Where did you go?” asked Staci. ‘You looked as though you were miles away.”
“That’s a great idea.” Said Staci. “ I’ll keep an eye on the Auckland office while you are away.”
The women sat and shared the intimate moment by the lake. “To our engagement” they toasted.
It was a perfect day.
C H A P T E R 7 4
Audrey knew she would have to wait until dark to dispose of Mr. PI. As soon as she returned to Tiromoana she immediately went to check the water tank. It’s still here. Next she checked her newly installed, outdoors motion cameras placed in well-hidden locations throughout the property. She removed the digital cards and checked the result on her computer. The night vision feature easily captured Mr. PI snooping around. He had entered her cottage and her office. She laughed at his stupidity. Of course she wouldn’t leave any evidence lying about. She wondered who had hired him, the Mexican Cartel? Gang members? I bet it was Detective Wiley.
The Murder Trail: The Audrey Murders - Book Three Page 12
