Fool Me Once

by Mona Ingram

He relaxed visibly, taking her proffered hand. “Of course. I apologize for not recognizing you.” He guided her back to the table, and held her chair while she seated herself. “Eliska will be so sorry to miss you.”

  “Oh, is she here? I’d love to see her again.”

  “She’s leaving tomorrow.” He turned to Josh. “Her mother is accompanying her to Paris for a few weeks and then Eliska will be staying on to take an architectural design course when the summer is over.”

  “That sounds like her.” She turned to Josh, who had been sitting quietly during the conversation. “I’m sorry, I’d like to introduce my fiancé, Josh Morgan.”

  Something moved beneath the dark surface of Blazek’s eyes. He tapped his lips with a finger. “I have an idea. Eliska isn’t leaving until late in the day. Why don’t you and Mr. Morgan come to our home for coffee in the morning? I’ll send my car for you.” He spread his hands expansively. “Are you staying here at the hotel?”

  “No, we’re on a yacht in the harbor. The Xanadu.” Olivia paused. “I’d love to see Eliska again, but if she’s leaving in the afternoon…”

  He chuckled. “Don’t worry about that. She’s been ready for weeks. I’m sure a visit will help to make her day pass more quickly.”

  She turned to Josh, her eyes questioning. “Would that be okay with you, Darling?”

  “Of course.” He nodded to Blazek. “Thanks for offering your car, but we’ll have our own driver bring us along. Do you think he’ll have any trouble finding your home?”

  A faint smile touched the Czech’s lips. “I don’t think there will be a problem. Tell him to come to the estate at the end of via del Rosa. I’m sure he’ll know where that is. And now, if you’ll excuse me.” With one last look at Josh he turned and went to the bar.

  Josh tore his gaze away from Blazek’s retreating back and turned to Olivia. “Well, you sure told him off.”

  “I knew you’d say something like that.” Olivia sipped her drink, eyes thoughtful. “But I’m glad I behaved myself. I’m probably over-reacting, but he gave me the creeps. He must have known we saw him with that woman.”

  “Some men don’t care what others think.” He lifted her hand and brushed it against his lips. It was a gesture that was becoming familiar, like so many things about him. “But I like the fact that you felt compelled to stand up for your friend’s mother.”

  She looked at him doubtfully. “I still don’t get you, Josh Morgan. I’m beginning to think I’ll never figure you out.”

  He lifted his glass in a toast. “Here’s hoping you never stop trying.” His eyes met hers over the glass and she was glad they weren’t alone or she might have made a spectacle of herself.

  “And now, I’d better go to work.” He unconsciously flexed his fingers. “Shall I call for the motor launch?” He held her chair while she rose and walked her toward the exit.

  “No, I’ll get the doorman to do it for me. Anyway, I see Bernardo heading over in this direction.” She squeezed his hand. “I’ll be thinking of you tonight.” The doors opened, and she stepped outside.

  “And I’ll be thinking of you,” he murmured. Then he turned to face the casino manager.

  “Right this way, Mr. Morgan. The other players are assembling now in one of our private rooms.” He gestured to a door inset into a rounded arch. Jiri Blazek preceded him through the doors. The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place.

  * * *

  Sunlight streamed through the porthole, waking Olivia with a jolt. She sat up groggily, still in her T-shirt and shorts. Puzzled, she looked around. Her laptop was sitting on the desk across the room. She was sure she’d fallen asleep with it on the bed. Closing her eyes, she grasped at a fleeting image of someone standing over her bed, covering her with a light blanket. All she could remember was a sensation of being safe, and falling into a deep sleep.

  She emerged onto the aft deck a few minutes later to find Josh sitting with a cup of coffee, freshly showered and mouthwateringly handsome in a crisp white shirt.

  “Hello sleepyhead,” he drawled. “I trust you slept well.”

  “I slept very well, thanks.” She shot him a curious look. “Were you in my room last night? I could swear I fell asleep with my laptop on my bed.”

  “Your light was on when I got back and I wrongly assumed you were awake. I wanted to fill you in on my progress.” His body tensed. “I made contact.”

  Her heart started to pound. She wasn’t sure if it was from excitement, or fear. “And?”

  “I think he wants to do business. I’ll find out later on today.” He reached for the coffeepot and poured her a cup, then refilled his own. “By the way, I moved your laptop and plugged it in. Your batteries were about to die.”

  “That was you!” The idea of him watching her sleeping was disturbingly erotic. Flustered, she spooned extra sugar into her cup.

  “That was me. You were perfectly decent, although I can’t say as much for my thoughts.” His gaze drifted down her body. “No siree.”

  A sharp stab of desire settled in the pit of her stomach. “Josh Morgan, you’re disgusting.” The smile on her lips belied her words.

  “Who me?” he teased. “Never!”

  She glanced at her watch. “Much as I’d enjoy sparring with you, we don’t have time for this. We should be on our way soon.”

  “Chicken!” He grinned and got to his feet. “Come on, the launch is waiting.”

  * * *

  Josh greeted the driver like an old friend. “Via del Rosa,” he said, opening the back door for Olivia. “Do you know where that is?”

  “Si senor. We call it the fortress.” Dark eyes peered into the rear view mirror, studying them cautiously.

  “Oh. And why is that?”

  “You’ll see, senor.” The driver returned his eyes to the congested road.

  The car was soon climbing into the hills, leaving behind the high rises and hotels clustered along the coast. Turning off a secondary road, they entered a long driveway, and were plunged into the shade of olive trees bordering the drive. For the past several miles they had seen no other residences, and the looming wall ahead of them seemed like overkill in the somnolent countryside.

  “Senor Morgan,” the driver spoke into a security system, announcing their arrival. The gates opened smoothly, and they continued driving for what seemed like another mile. Josh absorbed every detail.

  Olivia looked around curiously. “I don’t remember the gate, or that ridiculous wall.” The villa came into view and her face lit up. “But I do remember this building, although it’s even more beautiful now.”

  Built on several levels, the villa sprawled across the top of a hill. Dun colored tiles, typical of the region covered the roof. Yellow ochre softened the exterior walls, and rounded arches invited the eye to explore further. Completing the picture, bougainvillea spilled luxuriously over the balconies surrounding the upper floors.

  The massive front door flew open as Josh was helping Olivia from the limousine.

  “Olivia!” Eliska ran down the broad tiled steps. “I’m so happy to see you.” Her eyes glittered with excitement.

  Olivia tried to hide her surprise. Her friend was dangerously thin, and dark circles rimmed her eyes, but she was still strikingly beautiful.

  “It’s good to see you, too.” She turned to include Josh in the conversation. He’d paused a few steps away, and appeared to be admiring the spectacular view beyond the lush green lawns. “Josh,” she called. “I’d like you to meet the friend I was telling you about. Eliska, this is my fiancé, Josh Morgan.”

  “I’m delighted to meet you.” He gestured expansively. “This is a beautiful estate.”

  Eliska seemed to pull back into herself. “Yes, I suppose it is,” she murmured. She guided Olivia toward the open door. “Come in, come in. You too, Josh.” She turned back to Olivia. “Mother is looking forward to seeing you again.”

  They entered the cool, spacious reception area and it took a few moments for Olivia’s
eyes to adjust. She looked up to see an elegant woman descending the curved staircase. Haunted eyes smiled from a still beautiful face and Eliska’s mother smiled graciously. “Olivia. It’s been far too long.”

  “Yes it has.” Olivia kissed her on each cheek. “Thank you for having us here on such short notice.”

  “It’s no trouble at all. I thought we would have our coffee by the pool.” Her fingers fluttered over a multiple-strand pearl necklace at her throat, far different from the hand crafted necklace Olivia wore with pride. “I think Jiri will be joining us in a few moments.” In spite of her gracious manners, she seemed extremely ill at ease.

  A servant poured coffee and Mrs. Blazek sat with a faint smile on her face while Olivia and Eliska shared memories. Josh was about to engage her in conversation when she looked over his shoulder. Her body tensed. “Here’s Jiri now,” she said. Taking over momentarily from the servants, she busied herself with pouring a cup of coffee for her husband.

  He refused it with a curt wave of his hand. “I thought perhaps Mr. Morgan would enjoy a tour of the estate.” It was more of a command than an invitation and his eyes met Josh’s. “I’ve had some transportation brought around to the front.” He cracked his knuckles and once more Olivia sensed an underlying current of ruthlessness in the man.

  Josh finished his coffee and bowed to Mrs. Blazek. “If you’ll excuse me, I’d enjoy a tour.”

  “Of course.” She waved vaguely. “We’ll be here when you get back.”

  “How are your parents?” asked Eliska, her eyes on Josh and her father as they strode through the house. “We’re going to have to talk fast. It’s been years!”

  Both Eliska and her mother relaxed once the men were gone, and the time slipped by far too quickly. Attentive servants hovered nearby, keeping their coffee cups refilled and offering delicate pastries. Eliska jumped as the front door closed. “They’re back,” she observed, disappointment in her voice. “And we have so much more to talk about.” She grasped Olivia’s arm. “Why don’t you and I go for lunch? I know a perfect little spot just a few blocks from Puerto Banus. Away from all the tourists.”

  “But…” Olivia looked at her watch. “I thought you were leaving today.”

  “I am, I am. But that’s not until later this afternoon. I’m all ready. Honestly, Liv you’d be doing me a favor.” She glanced at her mother, who smiled and nodded her agreement.

  “I’d love that, but I’d better check with Josh.”

  Eliska’s father shook hands with Josh and then disappeared into the house. He sauntered out onto the poolside patio, and for the first time since they’d been together, his body language hinted at impatience.

  “Darling. Eliska and I would like to go to lunch.”

  “We can take my car,” Eliska volunteered. “And I’ll drop her off at the pier where she can call for the motor launch.”

  Josh checked his watch. “I do have a few things to do this afternoon. Are you sure you’ll be okay getting back to the boat?”

  “Josh Morgan. I was travelling around the world long before I met you. I’ll be just fine.” She stood up and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. “But thank you for asking.”

  His eyes lingered on her mouth for several heartbeats, and he nodded. “In that case I’ll see you back at the boat later on. Have fun.”

  * * *

  “You have no idea how good it is to be out of the house for a few hours,” Eliska said, whipping around a corner like a Grand Prix driver. “The waiting has been torture.” She stole a look at Olivia, who was trying to appear cool as the silver BMW convertible took another corner at breakneck speed. “Do you remember our escapades in school?” Her blonde hair streamed out behind her. “Those were some of my happiest days.”

  Olivia nodded, hoping to curtail the conversation until they were stopped. Eliska had a habit of punctuating her statements with broad hand gestures, and this was a time when both hands were needed on the wheel.

  They parked a few blocks away from the port, and Eliska led her down a narrow street to a sidewalk café that was little more than a dozen tables, most of which were occupied. “We could take a walk later, if you like. She gestured overhead to the balconies strung with the day’s laundry. You’d never know we’re within a few blocks of overpriced real estate and multi-million dollar yachts. Father got in on the building boom; he built a warehouse a few miles down the road to the east, complete with his own dock. Of course it’s registered under another name.” She waved a greeting to the owner. “I try to visit this restaurant once a week for a dose of reality. Miguel serves only one thing. It’s a wonderful fish stew. He serves it with yummy bread for dunking and it’s heavenly.”

  “Sounds good.” The women settled at a small table that was separated from the sidewalk by a wrought iron railing. A faded Cinzano umbrella offered a patch of welcome shade. Fishermen with weathered faces and roughened hands glanced up as they sat down, then returned their attention to their food.

  “How did you find this place?” asked Olivia, her journalist’s mind absorbing the details. “It’s a far cry from the luxury of your home.”

  “For a while I worked for Father at the warehouse. You know, just to pass the time. I found this place then. I’m going to miss it,” she said softly. Her eyes studied the scarred wooden tables, the faded prints and posters on the walls, and the small bar tucked away in one corner. Tears welled up in her eyes and she gave her head a quick, impatient shake.

  “Eliska. Tell me to mind my own business if you like, but is something wrong?” She leaned forward, ignoring the steaming bowl that had been placed before her.

  “I’m leaving today, Livvy. And much as I love this place, I won’t be coming back.”

  “Oh come on. Paris isn’t that far away.” Olivia frowned. Something wasn’t right here. Eliska seemed to be gathering her courage and she waited, hoping for an explanation.

  “I’m not staying in Paris. Mother and I are going to make a new life for ourselves.”

  Olivia pulled back. “What are you talking about?”

  Eliska took a deep breath and pushed the bowl aside. “I’ve never talked about this, but it’s been eating me up inside.” Her eyes took on the same haunted look as her mother’s. “So I’ll tell you. Father has a mistress. I’ve known about it for several years, and I hate him for it, but I didn’t say anything to Mother. I couldn’t bear to see her hurt. As it turns out, she knew almost from the beginning.” She shrugged. “All that secrecy and worry for nothing.”

  “I saw them together last night. At the casino. I’m sorry, Eliska.” She plunged ahead. “Is your mother unwell? She looks so…I don’t know, like a good strong wind will blow her away. You, too.”

  “We’re both healthy, as far as that goes, but the stress has taken a toll.” She picked at a piece of bread and chewed it slowly. “But it gets worse. While I was working at his warehouse, I discovered that my father’s import-export business is a front for arms. Illegal arms.” She looked up. “When I asked him about it he told me to mind my own business, that I didn’t know what I was talking about. I told Mother of course, and when she confronted him, he slapped her.” Her eyes were bright with tears. “He actually slapped her! That was about five weeks ago. We’ve been plotting and planning ever since.”

  Olivia’s mind reeled. She needed to tell Josh about this, but her friend obviously wanted to talk. “Why doesn’t she just divorce him?”

  Eliska shook her head. “He’d never agree to a divorce. Her family connections are far too important, and he takes great pleasure in reminding her of that when she brings it up. I can’t believe I’m only now realizing how evil he is.”

  “How were you to know?” She paused. “What’s this about a new life?”

  Eliska’s eyes brightened. “Father doesn’t know it, but Mother and I are going to disappear. She’d always planned to come and help me get settled in Paris, so that part works out perfectly. We’re flying to Paris, and then… poof! Mother’s family has
never really approved of Father and her brothers have been a great help. It’s amazing how you can vanish with a little creative scheming.”

  “But is this necessary?” Olivia’s mind was reeling. “It sounds awfully dramatic. Where are you going? And just when I’ve found you again…it’s not fair!”

  “You’re right…it’s not fair. But to answer your question, yes. It is necessary. Knowing about his mistress was bad enough, but this arms business is something Mother can’t tolerate. It’s morally wrong and besides that, her brothers pointed out that she could be implicated if he were ever prosecuted.” She picked up the rustic pitcher and poured two glasses of wine. “He seems to think he’s above the law.” Her fingers toyed with the glass. “As to your second question, I’m afraid I can’t tell you where we’re going. If Father should contact you, you can honestly say that you don’t know where we are.”

  “I suppose you’re right, but I hate the idea of losing contact with you. Especially now.” The journalist in Olivia took over. “Pardon the blunt question, but how do you know he’s an arms dealer?”

  “Because I saw open crates of grenade launchers in the warehouse. A customer had questioned the quantity they received, and they were checking the next shipment. They make up the orders at the central storehouse which by the way is on the estate, and move them down to the waterfront warehouse the day before.” Her hands gripped the edges of the table. “What bothers me the most is that I never suspected a thing. That stuff is dangerous, Olivia. As you saw, the estate is large and it never occurred to me to go poking around in the warehouse. Thank goodness it’s well away from our home but even so I’ve been nervous ever since I found out about it.”

  “What else does he deal in?”

  “I saw a shipment of Semtex in transit. Can you imagine, he actually stored it overnight down at the docks!” She shook her head. “That’s how confident he is. And I overheard him speaking with someone about AK-47s. You know what those are, don’t you?”

  Olivia shuddered. “Only too well. Once you hear the sound of a Kalashnikov, you never forget.”