by Ali Vali
“Someone tried to kill you, Kai,” Hadley said, her teeth and fists clenched. “Do you think this woman was aiming for your leg? If you’re dead, your legacy will be all your mother, your people, and I will have left.”
“I’m not planning to die,” she said, placing her hand on her chest. “I’m planning to flush these idiots out and blast them from existence. There was an easier path to the truth, but Edil and her soldiers killed them all. Dead women aren’t of use to us, but it took more than three people to place all those pods. The shooter today was low in the line of command, even if she has a military background. The suits they were wearing aren’t our standard issue and didn’t stop the blast of Edil’s triton from a chest shot.”
“You can stay for now, but a unit will be with you at all times. Try to shake loose to try something on your own and you’re back here,” Galen said. “Do we understand each other?”
“Yes, Majesty, perfectly.” She bowed and saluted, since Galen’s statement hadn’t been motherly advice but a command. “I’ll report daily unless we find something.” She knew she had to see this through, but nothing she’d said softened Hadley’s expression. “Mom, would you do something differently?”
“No, but maybe we’re not meant to solve every problem.”
“Vivien’s with me. Would you leave Mama somewhere with no defense?”
“My worry for you doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. I’m proud that you’re the kind of leader who won’t back down, so may the goddess watch over you and keep you both safe.”
“Thanks, Mom, and you have my word I won’t enter any fight without backup.”
“Stay true to who you are, my love, and that will see you through,” Galen said as both she and Hadley made the hand sign for love.
The screen went dark, and for the first time in her life, the water that was her home and a place she thrived in held dark secrets that meant her harm. She keyed in Edil’s line and was relieved the spear was clean. All she had to figure out was why someone had shot it at her.
*
Vivien looked out through clear water, and her mouth stretched in a smile when she saw the school of clownfish swim by in a riot of color. She was amazed at how long she’d been under without a tank, but not as shocked to find Frankie swimming alongside her. He kicked his legs and seemed to laugh, releasing a stream of bubbles.
Franklin never went in the water, but now he seemed as at ease in it as she’d always been. She swam over to him and took his hand so they could explore this beautiful place together, but suddenly a large cloud of blood formed and the temperature dropped.
She started to panic as the water filled with large predator sharks and then—her eyes opened and she was in Kai’s arms. The dream had lasted as long as it usually did, but there were so many differences. Frankie had never been there, and she’d never woken up before the sharks tore into the girl.
“Hey, you okay?” Kai asked, pressing her hand to her cheek.
“Bad dream I haven’t had in a long time.” It struck her fast that Kai was hurt and she’d been helping her but hadn’t finished. “Why didn’t you wake me?” She stared at the white bandage on Kai’s leg.
“You were tired after we got back from the hospital so I didn’t want to disturb you. It’s been a weird day so it’s okay to zonk out for a while.”
“Wait.” She scrubbed her hands over her face and blinked furiously. “We went to the hospital? I don’t remember any of that.”
“It wasn’t that memorable, but I’m sure our meeting with the coast guard will be more so. In all the years I’ve been diving no one has ever aimed anything at me, much less shot me.” Kai stretched out more, and she moved to make them both comfortable.
“We need to call my dad,” she said, and continuing with her day of surprises, she found she really needed to talk to her father. “I don’t remember any other boats around us, and I doubt anyone on the rig was waiting to hurt you.”
“I was clear underwater too until I felt the spear.”
Having Kai’s fingers run along her back was putting her to sleep again, but she needed to get so much done. “I have to get up.”
“Your dad can wait until they’re finished.” Kai pointed to the cutter coming toward them. “Maybe they can figure out what all this is about.”
“Maybe,” she said softly. A thought surfaced that they might be after Kai, but why?
The coast-guard guys took their statements and said no one had reported any other suspicious activities, but they were putting divers in the water to see if the intruders were after anything specific. As they watched them go down, she reached for her phone.
Winston was quiet as she told him what had happened, and when she finished, he still didn’t say anything. “Dad, are you there?” she finally asked.
“Are you two planning to come back? If you do, I want you both to come stay with us.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I’m not sure Kai will be up for that.” In a matter of weeks her life had changed so much she barely recognized herself. “We’ll be fine at my place.”
“Viv, our place is more secure. All this stuff we’ve found and all that’s happened makes me afraid for you and Franklin. Please don’t fight me on this.”
“I’ll call you when we get back,” she said as she watched Kai start to raise anchor. “Can you call Frankie for me?”
“Will do, and be safe.”
“If you tell me what needs to be done, I’ll do it,” she said to Kai. She really wanted to be back in her room alone with Kai.
“Let me get everything ready since it’ll be faster. Then you can set our course back. Everything okay with your dad?”
“I…” The words ran through her head like a ticker tape, but she wasn’t sure how Kai would take it if she added love you to complete the phrase. It frightened her that it might be possible to scare Kai away.
“Don’t think so much, okay?” Kai said with a smile. She never looked away from her, and that gave her some courage but not enough. “You’re safe with me.”
“I know, and you make me want things, but we don’t have time for me to list them all.” She laughed when Kai nodded, and she wanted the next step to be telling her family about them. “Daddy wants us to stay at the house until we know what all this is.”
“Sure, if that’s what you want.” The sails went up, and she hung on as the Salacia started to move. This was one of the most perfect moments of her life.
The trip back was smooth and the same two women who’d helped them off were there to take care of Kai’s boat when they docked. She’d intended to ask about their Palmer work shirts but forgot about it when Kai held her hand out to her. They didn’t talk much as she drove them to her parents’ place and was surprised to see the front filled with cars.
“I think we missed an invitation,” Kai said when she parked.
“I recognize one car for sure, but it doesn’t make sense.”
“Who?” Kai said, grimacing a little when she stood up.
“That’s Steve’s image enhancer over there.” She pointed to the Corvette. “I’m sure someone, somewhere is impressed.”
Kai laughed, but she couldn’t join in. Something was wrong. Franklin came out, and from his expression she was right.
“I’m here for you both,” Kai said, and her reassurance lessened Vivien’s fear.
Chapter Twenty-seven
“As of today, Winston, we’re voting to remove you,” one of the board members said as Steve tapped his fingers against his knees. His original plan was taking too long so he’d revised it after Winston exiled him to Mexico. “For now you’ll retain your post in name only, but by unanimous vote we’re putting Steve in charge of the day-to-day operations until we can find a permanent replacement. Hopefully you won’t do anything to start a run on the stock.”
“Can you at least explain what you’re doing? I’ve worked hard to get us here, and you’re going to just screw me over.” Winston pointed at the guy, and eve
n though they were feet apart, the guy backed up. “Do you honestly think I’m going to roll over and thank you for this?”
“Considering this will end up in court, give us your reasoning,” Franklin said as he reentered. Steve stared at the ceiling with a smirk, and Winston had never wanted to hit someone as much as he did right then. He stared at Steve, but he wouldn’t make eye contact, and Winston was almost afraid to glance at his son. He’d almost sacrificed his family for this asshole.
“Your father has made substantial unauthorized purchases, which could’ve been overlooked, but there are other human-resources issues that couldn’t. Since that has to do with employee information, it’s privileged.” The man who seemed to have been elected the spokesman moved closer to Steve’s father and board member Jonathon. “It’s your prerogative to drag this into the courts, but you need to know the board’s vote was unanimous.”
Winston thought back to his last conversation with Kai before she left, and the one with Vivien. For months he’d been locked in a competition he didn’t have the brains to figure out he was a part of, so Steve and his family had played this masterfully. Kai hadn’t seen who had attacked her, but from Steve’s expression he wouldn’t doubt he had something to do with that as well, since he’d been the one who sent her to that spot.
He’d been an asshole all right, and Kai had been right about Steve and the faith he’d put in him. It was too late, though, so now he was an asshole with only a forty-percent share of the company that bore his family’s name.
“I’ll call a stockholder meeting as soon as possible,” he said.
“Winston,” Steve’s father Jonathon said before their spokesman got the chance. “The people in this room represent thirty percent of all available stock.” You and your family have another forty, so think about it before you do something that costs us a lot of money. The truth is, for you to even suggest it means we’re right in removing you. It’s time to start thinking of the company and not your ego.”
“As one of the majority stockholders, it’s our right to call a meeting,” Franklin said. “Not only can we do that, but we can also call for a vote of the board.”
“Do you honestly think the rest of the twenty percent will side with you? Steve asked. “Why not stop embarrassing yourself while you and your family have the opportunity.”
“Call it, or we’ll take the steps to get it done,” Franklin said, making Winston take a deep breath.
His son was a strong man who had gotten to this point without a lot of input from him. A pain that was more of an ache ran across his chest, and he knew it was from shame and not any medical problem. “It’ll take a week to send notices, and our bylaws say we must allow another week after that. My staff will send the notices and set the time,” Winston said, and two of the board members made the motion and seconded it, and he guessed as a last sign of loyalty it was passed. He pointed to the door when his was the only dissenting vote to put Steve in charge.
“Try to understand it wasn’t personal,” Jonathon said.
“Get the fuck out of my house,” he said, slamming the door once Jonathon made it over the threshold. “Son,” he said to Franklin as he leaned against the door with one hand. “I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I’m asking anyway. If we win this vote you should take my place.”
“You’re my father, so I should say forgiveness isn’t necessary, but thanks for saying that. If we’re honest with each other, it’d be okay to admit I’m not the son you wanted or expected, and we can move on from there with you back in the big chair.” Franklin took his hand. “It’d be great if you remembered you’re my dad once we win.”
“Someone told me that exact thing just recently, so I think I’ve got it.” He kissed the top of Franklin’s head and hugged him. “And you’re wrong. You’re exactly the son I wanted. It’s not your fault I haven’t been the father you deserve.”
*
“Sir, you need to call anyone you know in the coast guard and tell them to drag their feet,” Kai said. She was alone in Winston’s study at his request again, and Vivien and the rest of the family were out in the gardens catching up. “You have to try to keep the assets out of Steve and the board’s hands until you’re reinstated.
“I don’t have that kind of power, even if I’d like to think I do.”
“I know from experience you can be persuasive when you want to be.” The numbing agent was starting to wear off so she propped her leg up. “Did the lockdown keep you from being able to communicate between the rigs?”
“We can if there was anyone to talk to. Did you need to reach someone?”
“Stupid question, so forget I asked.”
“I don’t believe you ask too many of those, but enough of that for now. How’s the leg?”
“Starting to hurt, but I’ll be okay. Let’s get back to the others—I don’t want to monopolize your time.” She touched the shell at her throat and tried to reach into Winston’s mind once more, then embedded a thought for his heart. “I believe they’ve missed you long enough,” she said when he opened his eyes and nodded.
Both Palmer children seemed to brighten with their parents’ attention, but they all retired when Vivien insisted Kai needed to lie down. Their bags were in what appeared to be Vivien’s old bedroom, and Vivien laughed when she cocked an eyebrow in question.
“My mom directed the staff, so go with it and take your clothes off.”
She did as Vivien asked and came close to humming when Vivien lay naked beside her. She forgot the idea that had come to her with Winston as Vivien kissed down her body. Through their link, she could sense how Vivien felt about her, and she opened up to the love Vivien was offering.
The rest of the night kept her mind off her leg, and when she slept she purposely joined Vivien’s dreams to keep her safe and at peace there as well. To find Franklin swimming beside Vivien made her realize how strong the bond and the link between them was.
In the morning she awoke alone but heard Vivien retching close by, so she jumped up to find her. “You okay?” She held Vivien’s hair out of the way and wiped her face with a cool facecloth.
“I think the chicken last night did me in.” Vivien moaned as her stomach heaved again. “Jesus, I hate doing that,” Vivien said when she heaved again. “Not exactly sexy.”
“You never know. I might be vomit-freaky.” She wiped Vivien’s face before handing her a glass of water to rinse her mouth out. “You’re a much better patient than I’d be.”
“You’re too nice,” Vivien said, falling against her chest still moaning. “Want to stay home with me today?”
“If you don’t mind me running a quick errand, I’ll be happy to spend the day running my fingers through your hair.” She put her arms around Vivien and stood up so she could cradle her and carry her back to bed.
“My mom used to do that a long time ago,” Vivien said, her eyes glassy with tears. “Do you really have to go?”
“Etta’s got something for me, and she’s leaving for a few months, but I’ll skip it if you’re sick.” Vivien snuggled against her when she lay down.
“Has she ever told you where she goes on her extended vacations?”
“Research is always her answer when I ask, so I stopped asking. I like to think she goes to visit a great love.” She ran her hand in a circular motion up and down Vivien’s back.
“You’re a romantic at heart,” Vivien said softly, her hand wrapped in Kai’s T-shirt. “How lucky does that make me?”
“Lucky enough to get a nurse for the day, so can I start by getting you something?”
“I’d rather nap than eat, so go visit Etta at Tulane and see if you can get her to give up her plans. If she got you another lead on your hunt, maybe we can go back out once all this cools down.”
She pressed her cheek to Vivien’s forehead, glad it was cool. Her immune system was much stronger than that of any human, but she saw no reason to take chances. If this was perhaps more than a virus, she’d figure out a
way to intervene. “Etta can wait, and there’s always a courier service if it’s important.”
“You’re sweet, but all you’ll be doing here is watching me sleep. Go and pick up a croissant from the place I first saw you. Maybe by the time you return I won’t feel like roadkill.”
“Right now just concentrate on going back to sleep and dream about non-nauseating things,” she said as she kissed the side of Vivien’s head.
She took a deep breath when Vivien placed her hand over her shell, so she cleared her mind and concentrated on bringing Vivien peace. She would induce the same deep sleep she had before, but she wanted to get Vivien there as calmly as she could. Today Vivien seemed to need the easiest path possible in every aspect of life.
The house was quiet as she moved to the front door, and outside only Vivien’s truck was in the drive. She bypassed it, opting to walk despite the heat and taking the time to talk to Isla and Talia. Everything was still quiet while they stayed on the Salacia close to shore in case the vessel was needed for anything.
“How’s your leg?” Talia asked.
“It’s there, and I can walk with no problem. The traitor hit me but missed bone. Any word on who that was?”
Isla sighed, signaling she was aggravated. “The capital is not being cooperative with information, at least with us, but you might have better luck. All we know is Edil has the Gulf on hyperdrive when it comes to patrol.”
“She’s probably afraid Hadley will have her drawn and quartered if one more thing is either found or something else happens to you,” Talia said, and they all laughed. They’d all been there, so they could relate to Edil’s nervous-cat mentality.
“I’ve got an idea about that and probably should’ve called you in for my meeting with Etta this morning.” She crossed St. Charles Avenue to stay on the sunny side, but also to make sure she wasn’t being followed. Maybe her head guard wasn’t the only paranoid one in the bunch. “Why don’t you come in and meet her and give her an escort back to the capital? If my plan works, I want to try it as soon as we can implement it.”
