by Nancy Radke
“I thought you didn’t have a car.”
“Well, I didn’t, but he...” She hesitated, probably thinking what next to say.
“The same friend?”
“Yes. Actually, a cousin.” She stopped as the waiter brought their food.
Kyle picked up his fork and started to eat. He had been interested in Jerry’s sister, deeply attracted to her and wanting to know her better. To find out she was a sham, full of lies, made him want to lash out. He was so glad he’d found out early, before he had grown too fond of her.
She really wasn’t a very good liar. It made him sick. She was such a disappointment.
“So this cousin of yours loans you a car. That Range Rover?”
“Yes. No. I mean, the first one blew up. That’s the second one.”
“You mean you drove it until the engine seized up? No oil in it?”
“No. Blew up. It exploded. You’ll probably read about it in the papers. Unless that’s a common occurrence here.”
Kyle shook his head. She wasn’t even trying to be logical. “Stormy, how can a car blow up with you in it and you’re still here?”
“Oh, I got out to eat. It blew up while I was still inside the restaurant.”
He was amazed at how unflappable she appeared, but now that he was looking for them, he could see her story was filled with holes.
“You look more relaxed,” he said.
“Yes. I’ve a car now.”
“Even though the first one blew up? You had a car this morning, and a different car tonight. Where did you get the money to rent it?” he asked, wondering if she would remember the cousin story.
“It’s not a rental.”
“No?”
“No, it’s borrowed.”
“Who would loan a perfect stranger a car?”
Perri looked puzzled, probably wondering why he was talking in circles. “I didn’t say she was a stranger.”
“She?” It had been a “he” a moment ago. Her first big mistake.
“My cousin.”
“I don’t know if I would lend my cousin a car like that one.” Kyle fought against the anger rising in him. He didn’t like being played for a sucker.
“You saw it?”
“Yes.”
“Actually, the first one wasn’t that grand. I tend to wreck cars—or at least I used to. I’m a better driver now. I used to start crusading for something and get so into it I didn’t pay attention to my driving. “
“What happened to the first car?”
“I told you. It blew up.”
“And she loaned you a second? Is she crazy?”
I guess so. But I saved her life once, and I think this is her way of saying, ‘Thank You.’ Anyway, she’s Jerry’s cousin too.”
“And she just happens to be in Las Vegas?” So convenient.
“No. She lives in Arizona...”
“Where?”
“Kingman. It’s not that far away.”
“What’s her name?” he asked.
“That’s not important. But as you said, I do have money now, so I can avoid the bus system and stay in a better hotel.” She cocked her head to one side. “I thought you’d be happy.”
“And you got that money by gambling?” he asked, trying to keep the disbelief out of his voice.
“Not me. Same cousin.”
“I’d like to meet her. Is she coming to the fight?” He got up and walked over to the cashier’s station. Stormy followed.
“Not if I can get it stopped. And maybe not even then. I’m used to watching my father and then my brother getting beat up. She isn’t.”
He paid for his meal, put his receipt in his wallet. “Still think Jerry’s in danger?”
“Nothing’s changed.” She stepped up to the cashier and pulled out a credit card.
He shook his head, amazed. Couldn’t she tell he no longer believed her? “What’s next?”
“I’m going to go see the next doctor. He lives out on Lake Havasu, in Arizona.”
“Good luck.”
“Thanks.” She paid for her meal and left.
Kyle watched her walk away. It was a good thing Leon had warned him. Although he would have questioned her story himself, just hearing it. A car that blows up? A handy cousin?
Why hadn’t that cousin helped her right off? And how had she obtained the phone numbers and addresses of the ring doctors when he couldn’t get them?
Answer—she hadn’t. She was just stringing him along. Her whole performance the other day must have been just for his benefit.
He had believed all of Stormy’s lies, and she had betrayed his trust. Never again!
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Once inside her room, Stormy kicked off her shoes and relaxed on the bed. Her room was nice, not at all as grand as what Kyle had, but it was still beautifully decorated.
She took out her cell phone and called Hugo.
“I want to contact the last doctor, the one who lives at Lake Havasu,” she told him.
“Fine. I’ll take you there, and wait in the car while you see him. Don’t call first, so as to give him any warning. We’ll go early tomorrow morning, and catch him at home. Meet me in front of Harrod’s at seven. I have one thing to do first, so if I’m not there, wait just inside the door.”
He was there, driving a different car this time. He cruised beside her, threw open the door and drove off after she jumped in.
“It looks like I just got picked up,” she laughed as she shut the door. He hadn’t waited for her to shut it before driving away. “How have you been?”
“Busy.”
“Where are you headed? Lake Havasu is the other way.”
“I’m throwing off your tail.”
“Tail? Where?”
“You have at least three men following you. As soon as you jumped into this car, one of them pulled out a cell phone and I’m sure gave our description out.”
He spun the car into a parking garage. “Come on,” he said, parking it and jumping out. The Range Rover was there, engine running, and as she climbed in, Hugo pulled on a wig and drove away in the opposite direction.
“Duck down,” he said and she hit the floor as Hugo drove sedately back the way they came.
“There’s our friends, piling into a gray sedan. Their boss isn’t going to like the fact you lost them.”
“You lost them. I didn’t even know they were there,” Stormy declared.
“It’ll be harder to do, next time. They’ll have a car following you, too.”
“This is my last hope, you know. If this doctor won’t do anything...”
“There’s always hope. You might not be able to, but I could always kidnap Jerry and make him tell me what’s going on. That’s sort of drastic, though.”
She laughed. “Sort of. But I’d be all for it if it saved his life.”
“We’ll keep it as a last resort.”
“I’m sure glad you’re helping me, Hugo.”
“I’m glad to be able to help you. Besides what are cousins for?”
He kept glancing in the rear view mirrors. “Is there anyone back there?” she asked.
“Yes, but far enough that you can sit up now.”
She did, turning around in her seat to look over her shoulder.
“Two cars. I can’t tell if they’re following us or not. We’re coming to Hoover Dam. We’ll see if they turn off there.”
She watched. One did, the other followed them. Later, when they turned off on Highway 95 toward Lake Havasu, it continued on down I-40.
“It’s gone,” she said, looking back to check once more.
Hugo nodded. “So, how are you and Kyle doing?”
“What do you mean?”
“You were having lunch with him yesterday.”
“He wondered why I had money and a car when I had told him earlier I didn’t.”
“Oops. Checking you out, was he?”
“Yes. I don’t blame him. I did have an unexplainable reversal of fort
une.”
“Did you say where you got it?”
“From a cousin. I said I’d saved my cousin’s life and this was a repay. It was sort of awkward, as you told me not to mention you.”
“We might have to tell him. We’ll see. What was that address?”
She read it off to him.
“We’re close.” He pulled over and got out of the car. “I can protect you better if I stay outside and watch the car and the house. Go ahead and talk to the doctor and don’t leave until he actually makes an appointment with Jerry. If you need me, call. I’ll stay within shouting distance.”
“I’ve got my phone.”
“Right.”
Stormy got into the driver’s seat and drove the few yards to the doctor’s house. She parked and used the door knocker to rap on the huge wooden door.
A middle-aged woman opened it. “Yes? Can I help you?”
“I’m here to see Doctor Ramsey. Is he in?”
“No. He’s at a conference in Las Vegas. He won’t be back until late tonight. You can go there.”
Stormy fought to hide the disappointment on her face. “I’ll leave and come back later, although I’d rather just wait for him. If you don’t mind. It’s very urgent.”
“Come on in. I’m Isabelle.”
“I’m Victoria Drake.”
“What’s this all about?”
“It’s about my brother, Jerry. He’s preparing to fight Killer Kyle in three days and I have reason to believe Jerry has what is called soft spots on his brain. His personal doctor said he would die if he boxed Kyle.”
“That’s awful. So why is he boxing?”
“I don’t know. For some reason, my brother feels compelled to go through with the match. I hoped your husband could stop it. At least examine Jerry and see how bad off he is.”
“I’ll call Anthony and see if he can come home early. Sometimes he stays afterwards at these conferences just to visit old friends.”
They had been walking as they talked, and the woman left Stormy standing in front of a large view window overlooking the lake while she took out her cell phone. She dialed, waited a moment and looked at the phone.
“He’s got his turned off. Shall I leave a message?”
“Don’t bother. I’ll wait here if you don’t mind. Or in the car.”
“It’s too hot to wait in a car. At this time of year the sun rays are intense.”
Stormy thought about Hugo. He wasn’t in the car, but she needed to see what he wanted her to do.
“Could I use your restroom, please?” she asked.
“Of course, dear. It’s right down that hallway, second door on the left.”
Once inside, Stormy freshened up and then called Hugo.
“Go ahead and wait for him,” he said. “I’m used to this climate and have found me a nice shady spot to rest. You’re in the house, he’s due back, so wait. Spend the night if you have to. I can sleep in the car. It might be too late for him to do anything when he gets back. Stay with him until it’s settled. If he has to return to Vegas, ride with him. I’ll follow. Just act like I’m not here.”
“Okay.”
Stormy hung up and rejoined the woman in the living area. “What a lovely home you have,” she said.
“Thank you.”
“With a beautiful view of the lake.”
“It’s almost three miles wide here. I’ve always lived near water...either a lake or a river. I prefer the lake because there’s so much to do. We’ve got a sailboat and jet skis, and a motorboat for waterskiing, down at the marina.”
“I grew up near Coeur d’Alene Lake in Idaho. So I know what you mean.”
“Do you waterski?”
“Yes. But I like to jet ski the most.”
“You’ve done it before?”
“Oh, yes. Lots.”
“Would you like to go out?”
“Now?”
“Yes. If you feel up to it. I absolutely love to go, but Anthony is getting to the age where he would rather sit and watch me. I’m only sixty-two. He’s twelve years older and there are some things he’ll still do with me, but reluctantly. He won’t take a jet ski out anymore and I really miss it. I have to wait until I get some young company who knows how to. Like you.”
“I’d love to, but I don’t have a swimsuit.”
“I have plenty. In all sizes. My friends come over, see the water and before you know it we’re down there.” She motioned Stormy to follow her and led her into what looked like a guest bedroom.
“Here.” She opened up a drawer showing Stormy suits of many colors, sizes and styles. “They were having a clearance at one of the stores and I just bought a batch.”
She left and Stormy found a bright neon-green one-piece suit that fit and put it on. Her hostess was waiting for her, wearing a pretty pink suit and carrying two large towels.
“This will be fun,” Isabelle said. “When we’re through skiing, we can have lunch on the patio.”
“I’m not putting you out, am I?” Stormy asked.
“No. I was rattling around in this big house with nothing planned and no one to do anything with. And I promised not to go out on the water by myself. So you are definitely not putting me out. Just the opposite.”
She looked delighted, so Stormy relaxed for the first time in many days.
They walked down to the small lake-side marina, topped up the fuel tanks, got the jet skis ready, put on lifebelts and took off down the inlet and into the main lake.
It was exhilarating and relaxing. Stormy hadn’t jet skied since last summer, wearing a dry suit on a cold Idaho lake. Here the water felt warm and the air even warmer. It was perfect.
Her skin was rough from the dry air, and it felt like it was breathing in the moisture on its own.
Isabelle was proficient and they jumped each others’ wakes and did figure eights. Finally Isabelle stopped her craft and Stormy came up beside her.
“I think that’s it for me,” the older woman said. “You can stay out longer if you wish.”
“No. I’ll go in, too. No sense overdoing anything.” She needed to be on her toes when the doctor got back. Not half asleep. “Where’s your dock?”
“There. See the big yellow windsock on the pole. That’s our marker, where the inlet is.”
The sound of a speedboat caused Stormy to look behind her. It was bearing down on them, fast.
“We need to move,” Isabelle shouted. “That nut doesn’t look like he’s paying attention.”
They started the skis skimming over the water, and veered off to the right, out of the boat’s pathway.
The boat turned, too.
“Circle,” yelled Stormy, but Isabelle didn’t hear her and went straight ahead. Stormy tightened her circle until she could get a better view of the boat, which had continued to turn tightly and was now bearing down on her.
It intended to ram her.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Ever since Stormy had avoided the car explosion, she’d been expecting another attempt. How had they found her out here in Lake Havasu?
Fighting back the urge to panic, she unbuckled her lifebelt and unhooked the tether kill switch. At the same time she expelled all the air in her lungs. Took a deep breath, expelled again. Another breath. Out again. Get rid of the used air.
The boat was less than twenty feet from her when she dove into the water, straight down, going as deep as she could to avoid the propellers. Down deep, as if looking for a drowning victim.
Under the boat. The water churned as it passed overhead. She leveled out and swam underwater as fast as she could away from the area, staying deep. The neon green of her suit wasn’t made for camouflage.
She could stay down over five minutes after putting fresh air in her lungs. No need to panic. Just swim deep and swim away. She needed to put distance between herself and the speedboat, which was probably circling, waiting for her to surface.
Had Isabelle made it to shore?
A strong swimmer
, Stormy still hadn’t covered much distance when she was forced to surface. She had expelled all the rest of her air as she swam, and now lifted her head above the surface just long enough to grab a breath and get her bearings.
She was headed out toward the middle of the lake. They were searching closer to shore. If they looked this way, they’d see her.
She dove down again and kept swimming, out toward the middle. Another breath, straightening out her course. She did this several more times before she felt comfortable in swimming shallow, just under the surface.
They had enlarged their circle, but were still close to land. They probably expected her to make for the shore, if she had survived the impact.
It was hard to see a swimmer in the water. Once she felt she was far enough away that they couldn’t see her head, she switched to a survival stroke, a “dead-man’s float” with a kick at the end. It took longer, but allowed her to rest and still keep her body under the water.
The head was the heaviest, and was the part of your body that you needed to let the water support. By letting most of her head stay in the water, she didn’t have to fight trying to keep it up. Just forward kicks and strokes to move, and take a breath now and then. In mid-lake she checked to make sure they weren’t headed her way, then switched to a relaxing backstroke.
She had just started doing the backstroke when the boat pulled away from the search area and headed out into the lake. Had they seen her?
She switched into vertical, ready to start swimming underwater again. The boat turned north and headed up the lake, then turned into the inlet with the yellow windsock and disappeared from sight.
Were they checking out the doctor’s place to see if she’d gone back there?
With them gone for now, she started a crawl stroke, getting more distance covered. Nearing the other side of the lake, she checked for boats...there was now a group of them around the “accident site” but so far away they were hard to see. Ahead of her was a resort-type marina of some sort. She wanted to avoid that. It might be the place where the killers’ boat came from.
There were homes north of the marina, so she headed south using a back stroke once more. She could see no homes along this stretch of the lake. It looked rugged, but she should be able to find somewhere to climb out.
She would like to continue on her back, all the way to land. But it was less than a mile away, and someone might be there, watching.
