Borrowing the Doctor (The Collins Brothers Book 2)

by Victoria Pinder

  Daniel promised. She slipped into the shower and counted to sixty. She wore her jeans again, found a clean shirt, changed, and then rushed out of the cabin.

  She’d let him sleep.

  Daniel couldn’t protect her at the bank. It was her responsibility. It was her life that hung in the balance.

  She closed the door behind her as quietly as she could. Another shiver rushed through her. Yesterday, she’d been attacked. She scanned the halls everywhere, and she took most of her steps on the heels of other random people from this ship.

  Once again, she had to be her own hero and not depend on anyone at her side.

  Chapter 27

  Kate told the wait staff in the sit-down restaurant to bring her to her sister. A moment later, they escorted her to Stephanie.

  Kate rubbed her forehead, unsure why she came. In twenty minutes the tender left to bring her to shore from the ship. She had her ticket reserved to be first, but her head pounded.

  Kate joined her sister at her table. Stephanie wore a pale yellow and white sundress with earrings and makeup done for today. Kate wore jeans, a tee shirt, and her sneakers. She tried to hold herself together and took the seat opposite her. “Morning.”

  “Morning.” Her little sister gazed at her then smiled. “You did have sex with Daniel. You’re glowing.”

  “I used a body scrub,” Kate fired back. “What I do is not your business. Why did you insist on this breakfast, sis? You can’t expect me to help you in whatever scheme you’re hatching.”

  “Everything I do is not a scheme.” Stephanie simpered. “Having sex with the groom’s cousin means you won’t stop Eric and me tomorrow.”

  “Fine. Whatever. Hope the dress being white won’t burn you for the lie of purity,” Kate snapped. “We both know you’re not marrying him for love, but let the fool buy into your act. Can I go now or did you call the paparazzi to villainize me?”

  “I don’t always have the choice or your strength, sis.” Steph’s gaze went to the table. “I can’t stop Dad.”

  The waiter brought over the bread tray to pick a dessert.

  “Why not?” Kate stood up. “It’s not like he ever did anything to benefit us growing up. He’s stopped me from being what I wanted, and from who I should have been. He’s set me up, and he has no right to control either one of us. Let him go. Marry Eric because you want to and be free of our father.”

  Kate turned around and stormed out of the restaurant. Her stomach grumbled, but she’d order food later. She had a ship to take to shore and things to do. Food came later.

  She took the steps two at a time, down to the first floor to get off the ship.

  People crowded downstairs, and Kate checked on her passport in her purse. Then she stepped on board the tender to take her to shore. Goose bumps appeared on her arm, and she tucked her hands in her pockets to find a seat.

  She clutched Daniel’s watch, and it calmed her. Then she took a seat in the corner of the ship and stared at all the families and groups on their way to shore. She swallowed.

  Nothing happened on the tender, and the second she stepped on land, a shiver ran down her spine. She shook it off and made her way past the vendors to get to the street. She needed to stay sharp and alert.

  Her hand shook a bit, but she flagged down a taxi.

  This afternoon, she’d see Daniel again, and that thought stayed in the forefront of her mind. First, she had to go to the bank.

  Chapter 28

  Someone banged at the door forced. Daniel sat up and rubbed his eyes. Someone pounded to get inside his cabin, and Daniel glanced down to the empty spot on the bed beside him. Where was Kate? He stood up and blinked away the last of the sleep in his eyes. Then a coldness seized at his heart. Where was Kate? Had someone kidnapped her last night?

  He opened the door. His mind raced, but it wasn’t Kate. Instead, his blond, blue-eyed brother, Liam, stood there. Daniel let the door half close, and Liam followed him into the room.

  Daniel grabbed his pants and dressed.

  “Where’s Kate?” his brother asked. “Did she tell you why she’s here?”

  “Her sister’s wedding.” Daniel yawned, but his mind sharpened. “She did have a breakfast appointment with Stephanie.”

  Liam shook his head.

  Daniel stilled. What did his brother know? Daniel grabbed a button-down shirt from his side. “Where is she?”

  “Agent Houlihan threatened her. I made some calls this morning.” Liam caught his breath. “We’re docked. Get your shoes on, and I’ll fill you in while we go.”

  “Talk.” Daniel pushed his feet into his sneakers and tied the laces fast.

  Liam shrugged. “Kate believes if she turns evidence from a bank deposit box against her father, the Bureau will drop the art theft charges against her.”

  “The evidence is here, I take it.” Daniel grabbed his passport and buckled his belt. “Okay. Where are we going?”

  “Listen, bro.” Liam followed him and they went to the stairs to take them off the ship. “Her father is a major player in some big crimes being investigating. The theft took place at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston during our brother’s charity event.”

  “Our family?”

  “The New Year’s party.”

  “What?” Daniel stopped. “I never met Kate, and we were there.”

  Liam shook his head. “I wasn’t able to go.”

  Daniel’s heart raced. “I’d have remembered Kate Sparrow.”

  Liam smiled then became serious again. “There is no evidence linking Kate to the art theft. But Agent Houlihan believed if he left the daughter on the string, he’d get her to do his work for him without a warrant. She’s gone to a bank, and who knows what happened to her out there.”

  “She has my watch and I have my phone.” Daniel turned it on and stared at the blue dot as it moved around the land. “She’s heading north.”

  At the tenders, Daniel saw the two men he’d spotted the other day. His fists curled, and his neck heated. The bald man had hurt Kate, even if the tapes showed no one.

  Liam directed him, and Daniel complied. They stood in the stairwell, waiting to go ashore.

  Daniel’s hands stayed curled into fists, but he followed Liam. He’d get to Kate first.

  Then they’d talk about trust.

  His entire body stiffened, and became ready to fight. Liam led him to seats, and Daniel watched the two men. First, he’d find Kate. Second, he’d deal with ‘Harry.’

  Once ashore, the two rushed through security and the market. Daniel and Liam stayed on their heels, but then the men jumped into a taxi. Daniel stared at his phone. Kate needed to be safe.

  Liam directed them to a private car. Inside, he told Daniel, “Kate turning against her family puts her in serious jeopardy. Even if her father doesn’t target her, his associates will. I spoke to Houlihan and will speak to our boss when we get back. No matter which government agency we work for, the rule is we do not put innocents in jeopardy like this.”

  Daniel stared at his phone. The blue dot had stopped.

  He read the coordinates then hit the map button. She was near the bank.

  His heart raced. He’d find Kate. He had to.

  Chapter 29

  Kate’s palms grew sweaty, as the taxi driver dropped her off at the Cayman National Bank. “You sure you want to get out here?”

  “Yeah. Here.” A bead of sweat ran down her spine, but Kate paid the man. “I’ll be ready to go about ten minutes after they open. Can you come back? I’ll double the tip.”

  “Okay.” The man nodded at her. “I’ll wait outside.”

  She sighed, but every cell in her body hoped to run. “Thank you.”

  She stepped out of the car, and squared her shoulders. The island had no breeze to break the heat on her head. She swallowed and went to the curb. The second her feet touched the cement, the car sped away. There went that tip. She bit her lip. She had to finish this now. She had no way back. She curled her hands around he
r waist then walked to the door. Her mouth fell open and she stared at the ‘Closed’ sign and the hours.

  She scratched her head and glanced at Daniel’s watch for the third time.

  She had fifteen minutes till they opened.

  Her skin crawled, and her back moistened from the eternal sunshine. She licked her lips, and stared at her surroundings. She’d never be able to watch her back out here. The trees and the construction were the only other things in sight. A tremor raced through her. She hugged herself and realized she’d be an easy target.

  Then she rubbed her head. She still had a bump from her attacker on the ship.

  She stared up and down the empty street. Then she rolled her shoulders. There was a café about a fourth of a mile down the street. Her skin crawled, and her mind raced. Someone might kidnap her here. First she took one step, then another, and then despite the tropic heat, she ran as fast as she could to the café.

  Sweat dripped off her brow the second she entered the place, but the smell of American coffee made her unwind. For the first time in a while, she uncurled her fists. In another time and place, the scenic view of the port and the veranda would an idyllic place to curl up in a chair and read. The sun and the coffee would be amazing. Her father’s men were not here from the first scan of the place. She walked farther inside, to get away from the street view.

  At the counter, she ordered a cappuccino, then found a seat in the back. In ten minutes, she’d leave. She licked her lips and sipped her drink. The coffee had an indescribable flavor that rolled down her throat, smooth. At any moment, someone could threaten her. She swallowed, and enjoyed her moment with the coffee.

  The caffeine gave her the energy she needed. In the dark, she had peace. This morning, she woke up next to Daniel, and the cocoon of the safety in his arms. She blinked. Perhaps she should have brought him here. Then she took a sip and shook her head. He was a doctor, not a bodyguard. In no way should she put her drama on him. He deserved a staid, respectable woman who loved him at his side. She finished her drink and crumpled the empty paper cup in her hand.

  The minute hand hit twelve. She stood and threw her cup into the trash. She cleaned her face with a napkin, but the hair on the back of her head rose. She turned around to the front window and her mouth fell open. Another taxi was here. Kate stuck her head out the door, but then her heart almost stopped.

  Stephanie? The blonde who stepped out of the car reminded Kate exactly of her sister.

  Kate took a deep breath, then her feet pounded into the ground, as she ran. Why would Stephanie be here?

  No one stopped her on the street, and she used both hands to throw the doors open. The jingle above her head sent Kate into a frenzy. She scanned the room. Stephanie wasn’t here.

  Kate scratched her head. Had she imagined it?

  She took one more deep breath, then she slowed her steps. Fans echoed in the air with their distinct buzz. She went to the desk in the lobby. Kate read the sign. She’d ask, but the safety deposit boxes were held in the back.

  No one waited at the counter, and she rang the bell.

  She stared around the room. Her spine tingled. Stephanie was here.

  But Kate saw no one. Goose bumps grew on her arms. She hit the bell again, and waited. Daniel had those big muscles and would know how to shoot from his Marine days. No. She rubbed her arms. She’d not think about him. She stared into a monitor and crossed her fingers she hadn’t made a mistake. Ice formed on her spine. Everything she needed was in the box.

  Finally, a man came behind the counter and nodded at her. “May I help you, ma’am?”

  “I have a key to two boxes.” Kate clutched her purse closer. The FBI demanded one. “Box Seven Thirty-nine and Box Eight Ninety-two.”

  Seven Thirty-nine was her mother’s. Kate prayed her mother’s promise was true.

  “Can I see the keys, please?” the man asked then fixed his glasses. “For security.”

  She fumbled with her satchel, and found the keys at the bottom of her bag. She bit her lip and handed the man the keys. He waved ‘no’ and she showed off the key to the boxes. Her heart raced with both keys. Her mother had left it in her care, in her box, years ago, and listed a bank account. Her father’s key was more difficult to obtain. She’d hand everything required over for her freedom. “Then I need you to print out the statement to my family account.”

  The man studied her key, and had her hold it up to the light.

  Kate’s hair stood on end, as the door chimed again. She glanced around then saw a dark-suited man and a grimace.

  “They match.” The man behind the counter nodded. “Can I see your photo ID?”

  Her fingers shook, but she found her driver’s license. He inspected it, then he held open a door. “Come this way.”

  She let out her breath and scurried to follow him. “Let’s go, fast.”

  Kate’s body shook until the door closed behind them. She lost sight of the man, but the goose bumps stayed all over her body. A coldness swept down her legs. The clink of the lock wouldn’t be enough if someone had a gun.

  Daniel. She should have left him a note. Stupid.

  She rubbed her arms, and rushed to follow the clerk again. She clutched her purse close to her body. The clerk waited, and her hands shook. She opened her bag, and found her keycard.

  The clerk brought her the two boxes, and she brought them to the counter. He told her, “Your key will open these. I’ll leave you alone.”

  She shook her head and handed him the piece of paper. “I need a copy of the statement. Can you bring it back here?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He took the card and pointed to a plain light switch. “To let me in, flip this switch to a green light.”

  She swallowed. Alone. She waited until she heard the lock of the door. She sucked in her breath, then she took the first box, found a seat, and opened it. Her nose wrinkled. What? She reached inside and grabbed the documents and a necklace. Her mother had left her a necklace? She opened the papers and rubbed her throat. The paper declared her the legal owner, with all rights and permissions. Huh? How did this help her with her father? Or her sister?

  Kate shook her head, then smoothed out her brow. The other box was for the FBI. She packed her mother’s things in her purse to the side, then opened the second box. She found a set of keys and statements of multiple accounts. She tilted her head. How much was enough for her father? The numbers seemed astronomical, and nowhere did Sparrow Incorporations or Sparrow Designs get listed as an asset.

  She snapped pictures of the box and the papers with her phone. Houlihan would get everything she found here.

  Then Kate froze.

  If she put everything back, was Stephanie en route to destroy all this? Would the FBI need the physical copies?

  Her father and her sister had worked together. Did she send the pictures now or later? She snapped one more with her phone then stopped.

  The hair on the back of her neck stood. Stephanie had to be close. Kate realized she’d never get back here. She gritted her teeth and chose to get everything in her purse. Houlihan could figure everything out, and she’d be free. She’d testify and be done with the family, forever. She zipped up her bag, put the boxes back, and took her keys back.

  She stared at the room. Everything was the same. Then she hit the button to signal the clerk she was done. Her feet clicked against the ground. A second later, the clerk returned.

  The clerk scanned the room as he handed her the statement.

  She nodded. “Thank you.”

  “Kate Sparrow?” the clerk asked.

  Kate’s entire body became hard like metal, and she refused to move. The banks in the Grand Cayman never identified owners and she’d given her name. “Yes?”

  “A man in the front of the bank is looking for you. I called a cab for you to get safely away.” The man motioned her toward another door. “From the back door. Follow me, Miss.”

  If she ran, what would she see in the lobby? Kate swallowed, and
then boom. She swore she heard someone yell in the front.

  She gripped her pocketbook tight and followed the banker. Daniel would have been good company. The hallway was stark and dreary. She stayed alert to everything, and her own sweat embedded itself in her yellow and white designer shirt. Kate kept her head high and continued. The teller turned a corner, and despite her heart, she turned.

  Her grip on her purse had turned her hands red, but Kate walked through the door. She might need her purse as a weapon. A moment later, she was blinded with sunlight.