A Dangerous Arrangement

by Lee Christine

  ‘Not now, Marina.’ He took a shaky breath. ‘Just let me do this.’

  She stopped breathing as his gaze settled on her lips. And then he blinked, released her chin and turned back to the controls.

  As he started the rotors and began his pre-flight check, she leaned her head against the seat, eyes lingering on his strong profile for a little while before she closed her eyes. It would take minutes for the rotors to reach the required rpm for take-off, and she couldn’t bear the pain of looking at him, knowing it might be for the last time.

  She didn’t open her eyes again until she felt the helicopter rise. The Orion fell away beneath them, the wind from the rotors whipping up waves so that the tender rose and fell at the rear of the yacht. And down on the helipad, suit coat and hair flying in the wind, Rask stood waving a hand in farewell.

  A lump formed in Marina’s throat and she glanced across at Dean. His long legs were stretched out in front, feet on the pedals; his hand worked the joystick using the tiniest of movements. Marina turned back to the window. She didn’t want to look at his hands, didn’t want to be reminded of the pleasure they’d given her.

  ‘We’re headed to Pisa.’ His deep voice came through the headset. ‘It’s a short flight. From there, I’ve chartered a plane to fly you on to Rome. You have a ticket for Rome Sydney, don’t you?’

  ‘Yes.’ She couldn’t believe he’d done that. But then, this was Dean Logan, the ‘wonder from down under’, naval architect to the stars. The man chartered jets and ordered hire cars like other people ordered cabs.

  ‘You didn’t have to do that. I could have taken a regular flight.’

  He frowned like she’d insulted him. ‘Rask couldn’t get you on a flight to Rome for six hours. I couldn’t have you hanging around the airport all that time.’

  He made it sound like she’d be hanging around on a Kings Cross corner in Sydney.

  ‘Thank you.’

  He said nothing more and Marina closed her eyes again, confident in his ability as a pilot, confident he’d get her safely to Pisa. Even with her eyes shut she was aware of him beside her, eyes hidden behind the trendy Ray Bans, long fingers caressing the joystick so gently it made her want to weep. She trusted him. Would trust him with her life. This man, who had taken away her fear of the water with one lesson, taken away her seasickness with one jab of the needle. And today, he’d taken her away from the piazza and back to the yacht before she got caught in the fracas.

  Now, he was taking her away again.

  At least in body.

  Her heart would stay with him.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Boston

  Seven weeks later

  ‘So you see, Dad, this is a good compromise. Only three concerts a year with the SSO as special guest violinist, and three in Europe.’

  There was a chill in the air in the Public Garden. The fall leaves crunched under her boots, and the resident squirrels were fattening up for the long hibernation ahead.

  ‘Which orchestra in Europe?’

  ‘No particular one. We’re keeping it flexible. My agent is working hard setting up guest spots for next year. We’re also going to be concentrating more on my recording career. That way, I can pace myself. Take care of my wrist.’

  Marina linked her arm through her father’s. He looked ten years younger without his glasses, and fitter somehow. She’d been dreading breaking the news to him, but he’d taken it surprisingly well.

  It had helped that over the last six weeks she’d been working with her management team and they were currently restructuring her working life. She’d been able to bring the new plan to her father.

  ‘The main thing is that you’re alright.’ He patted her hand and smiled. ‘You keepin’ on top of it, girl?’

  Marina smiled. ‘I’m fine, Dad.’

  It was true, so far as her career was concerned. After returning home from Italy she’d finally faced the restrictions the RSI would put on her future playing, and one day, when she was feeling particularly brave, she’d called her agent and management company and arranged a meeting to break the news.

  The reaction had surprised her. The SSO had been horrified when she’d resigned, scrambling around and offering her different alternatives, desperate to keep her aligned to the orchestra in some way. There were articles written in the Sydney Morning Herald stating that she put bums on seats, and the orchestra would be all the poorer without her.

  It had been a revelation. She hadn’t realised. She’d been working so long and so hard, trying to prove she was the best, she hadn’t stopped to think about the joy she gave to so many people.

  The entire experience had been gratifying, and she wouldn’t be human if she didn’t admit to feeling a little flattered.

  ‘How are things going with Michelle, Dad?’

  ‘Ahhhh … The girl needs to get a job, get a social life. She’s growing old staying home. Since I’ve had my eyes done, I go out more than her.’

  ‘Is that true?’ Marina stopped walking. ‘Have you told her this?’

  ‘I think she’s getting the hint since I’ve been spending time at Marcia’s.’

  ‘Who’s Marcia?’

  ‘I met her dancing. Your mother and I used to go, and after I got my eyes done I decided to go back, get a little exercise. I’ve only known her about three weeks. It’s not long, I know, but I like her.’

  Marina’s throat closed over. ‘Sometimes, you just know, Dad.’

  ‘I’ll raise a Sam Adams to that.’

  They continued down the path and onto the bridge and Marina thought about what her father had told her. ‘Dad. Why don’t you come to Australia in the summer, get away from the bitterly cold winters for a couple of months? I think it would do you good.’

  Her father gave her a funny look. ‘Won’t you be flitting around Europe?’

  ‘No. I’ll be following the summer too. I’m not giving up playing with the SSO on New Year’s Eve in Sydney. It’s the best party ever. You can stay with me. I have a spare room now. It won’t cost you anything for accommodation.’

  Never again would she share an apartment with another person. Li Chen had seen to that.

  They stopped at the top of the bridge and stood for a while watching the swans swim by. ‘Oh. The Swan Boats have been packed away. I was looking forward to a ride.’

  ‘Really? You weren’t very keen on them as a kid.’

  ‘I learned to swim.’

  ‘Yeah?’

  Marina nodded. ‘I swim every day at the Aquatic Centre. They built it for the Olympic Games. It’s the best thing for my RSI.’

  ‘Good for you.’

  Marina nodded, a lump building in her throat as an image of Dean formed in her mind. ‘I met a man, Dad.’

  For a moment her father didn’t say anything, then, ‘Is he a good one?’

  Tears pricked at the back of Marina’s eyes. Oh, when would this pain in her heart ease, when would it all go away? ‘Yes, he’s a good one.’

  ‘Huh! When can I meet him?’

  Miserable tears welled in her eyes and trickled down her face. She shook her head, swallowed. ‘He doesn’t want me.’

  She met her father’s eyes, tears falling freely now as his arm came around her waist. She missed her father. She needed him in her life.

  ‘Then more fool him.’

  She nodded, sniffled as her nose began to run. ‘That’s what I reckon.’

  Then she laid her head on her father’s shoulder, and cried.

  ***

  Marina turned down the TV sound when Michelle walked into the bedroom.

  ‘What are you doing?’ Her sister stood in the centre of the room, hands on hips. ‘You want some dinner?’

  Marina shook her head. ‘I’m not hungry. I’m just lying here, looking at all my old stuff and waiting on the news.’

  Her sister’s eyes scrutinised her body. ‘You’ve hardly eaten a thing since you got here.’

  Marina sat up. No matter what Michelle sai
d, everything tended to sound like an accusation. ‘I’m sorry. I seem to have lost my appetite.’

  ‘I’ll make you something and bring it in. You’ve lost weight.’

  ‘Okay.’ Marina didn’t have the strength or inclination to argue. ‘Thanks.’

  When Michelle left, she lay down on the bed again and tucked her hands beneath her head. She’d been watching the unfolding events in the Li Chen case for weeks now. The man had been charged with hundreds of offences in multiple countries and was being labelled the ‘super hacker of all time’.

  Detective Mooney contacted her when necessary. Dean had insisted her identity be kept secret, according to Mooney, and had made certain that documents were signed to that effect.

  And though Dean had never made any attempt to contact her, she was grateful for what he’d done. Mooney said he’d had been flying between Australia, Europe and the US assisting with investigations into Li Chen, and all the while getting Logan Luxury Craft up and running again.

  Marina sighed and tuned into the nightly CNN update. The same reporter had been following the Li Chen case from the beginning.

  We bring you breaking news from San Francisco tonight. The America’s Cup challenge has been abandoned after the arrest today of American billionaire, Lewis Randall-Scott. Randall-Scott, the owner of Rival, the challenger to the Australian-designed Eclipse, was taken into custody after it was revealed he paid one million dollars to Li Chen, the man they’ve dubbed the ‘super hacker of all time’. The purpose of this million-dollar payment was to sabotage Dean Logan’s computer system in Sydney, Australia. And we all know about the fallout from that. Mr Logan withdrew from the America’s Cup race over six weeks ago leaving Tom Bradley to take over as helmsman. Many associates of Randall-Scott have spoken about his desperation to have the America’s Cup on his shelf, but I don’t think anyone would have guessed the lengths to which this man would go to achieve that. Needless to say, the scandal has rocked the yachting world.

  Marina drew in a sharp breath as Dean came on the screen. Surrounded by reporters, he was pushing through a crowd outside the San Francisco General Hospital. And then the film cut back to the reporter.

  Dean Logan was unavailable for comment. He spent most of the day at the bedside of a close associate who has recently undergone heart surgery in the hospital here in San Francisco. He will release a statement in the coming days.

  Marina stared at the screen in dismay.

  Hektor!

  They had to be talking about Hektor.

  Poor Dean.

  Right when he would need Rask’s support the most.

  Marina reached for her phone, scrolled through her contacts and called Rask’s number. His phone would be turned off, but she’d leave a message and tomorrow she’d arrange for some flowers to be sent.

  ‘Hello?’

  Marina stilled, and for one awful moment she thought it was Dean. If anyone had Rask’s phone, it would be him.

  ‘Hektor?’

  ‘Hello, my dear. From the television reports, you probably think I’ve cashed in my chips.’

  Marina let go of a breath. That sounded more like him. A little tired perhaps, but in good spirts.

  ‘I got such a shock when I heard. Are you okay?’

  ‘I am. It will take more than a blocked artery to send me belly up.’

  ‘Were you having chest pains?’

  ‘The last few weeks, yes. It’s been … trying, as you can imagine. And how are you getting along? I didn’t realise my hospitalisation made the news Down Under.’

  ‘I’m not in Australia.’

  There was silence from the other end. Then, ‘Oh.’

  ‘I’m in Boston, with my family. I … needed to come home.’

  Marina closed her eyes. She had to ask. She couldn’t talk to Rask and not ask about him.

  ‘How … how is he, Hektor?’

  ‘Hmm. We’re getting there.’

  Marina frowned. She had no idea what that meant.

  ‘I just saw the news report. I can’t believe that this Randall-Scott guy paid Li a million dollars so Dean would withdraw from the race.’

  ‘Yes, it was a revelation to everyone when Li gave him up, that’s for sure.’

  Marina sighed. ‘At least Dean knows now why he was targeted. That must be a relief.’

  Just then, the door opened and Michelle came in carrying a tray.

  ‘Oh. I have to go, Hektor. Please take care.’

  ‘Thanks for the call. It’s good to hear from you.’

  ‘Likewise,’ Marina murmured. She lowered the phone as the line went dead.

  Michelle glanced at her as she put the tray down on the piano seat. ‘Is that the man you’ve met? Hektor? Dad told me.’

  ‘Oh.’ Marina shook her head. ‘No. That’s his best friend. He hasn’t been well.’

  ‘Why did you break up?’

  Marina glanced at her sister. Once, Michelle wouldn’t have bothered to ask about anything going on in her life.

  ‘I’m not being nosy. I just can’t understand why a guy would dump you.’

  Marina raised her eyes to the ceiling and shook her head. ‘Well, you should. You know what I’m like.’

  Michelle wiped her hands on her apron. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

  ‘Oh, come on.’ Marina waved a hand at the piano. ‘I insisted on that piano being in my room when I was six years old. As far as I was concerned, it was mine. I wanted it. Then, when I became a violinist, I wanted to be the first violinist, the principal violinist and then the virtuoso. I’m driven, I’m competitive and sometimes I’m temperamental, and I live in a world that’s foreign to most people. Who, in their right mind, would want me?’

  For a long while her sister stood there, staring, like Marina had spoken a foreign language, like she hadn’t understood a word her sister had said.

  ‘Well, that’s totally ridiculous. And I thought you were supposed to be the smart one in the family.’ She pointed to the tray. ‘I cooked that. Eat it.’

  ‘Okay.’

  Marina pulled the tray onto her lap and picked up her fork. Michelle had made some kind of vegetable risotto, with shallots and pine nuts. Marina caught a small amount on the end of her fork and lifted it to her mouth. Her stomach grumbled.

  Gosh, she really was starving.

  She tasted the risotto. The flavour burst on her tongue, stimulating her tastebuds and making her mouth water. Suddenly ravenous, she scooped more onto her fork, closing her eyes in appreciation as she swallowed the next mouthful.

  When she opened her eyes Michelle was watching her, an expectant expression on her face.

  ‘This,’ Marina pointed at the food with her fork, ‘is truly delicious.’

  Michelle smiled. Well, it was half a smile. Her sister was the kind of person who never really smiled properly.

  ‘Try and eat it all.’ Michelle turned to go. At the door, she paused and looked back. ‘And just so you know, I hated piano lessons with a vengeance.’

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  San Francisco

  ‘Was that Marina?’

  Rask returned his phone to the bedside table and looked at Dean. The younger man’s back was to him, hands thrust in his pockets as he stood looking out the window.

  ‘You know it was.’

  Dean gave a nod, but he didn’t say any more.

  He came every day, as Rask knew he would. He made sure Rask had the best of care, the best room, the best damn flowers and fruit.

  Every day they’d discuss the repercussions of Li Chen’s crime, then catch up on the sporting news. After that, Dean would stare out the window.

  ‘Must be interesting, what you’re looking at,’ Rask said.

  ‘What? Oh.’ Dean turned and hunted around the room for a chair, like he’d remembered he was a visitor and should be doing more to keep Rask entertained.

  Rask didn’t care, he just wanted the old Dean back.

  He watched as Dean carried the chair over and put
it down close to the bed. ‘What’s out there?’

  Dean sat down and stretched out his legs. ‘Huh?’

  ‘Out the window.’

  Dean glanced at the window. ‘Nothing.’

  How on earth was he going to get through to him? ‘There must be something interesting out there.’

  Dean sighed and looked at him like he thought the heart attack might have affected Rask’s mental capacity. ‘Is this some kind of trick question?’

  ‘It’s not. I’m just asking what you see when you look out there?’

  Dean rested his elbow on the arm of the chair, his hand covering the lower half of his face. ‘I think they’re giving you too much medication.’

  ‘You can’t tell me, can you?’

  Dean’s eyes bored into his, and Rask’s newly fixed heart contracted a little. Dean Logan was a grown man, and Rask hadn’t seen that lost expression in his eyes since he was a fifteen-year-old boy.

  ‘I see her.’

  ‘Marina?’

  Dean leaned forward, slid his hands into his hair and rested his elbows on his knees. ‘She’s everywhere. She’s fucking everywhere I look. I can’t forget her.’

  ‘Why would you want to?’

  Dean was a powerhouse of a man who was usually helping and advising others. But he had blinkers on when it came to himself.

  When he didn’t answer, Rask went on. ‘You see her everywhere because she’s in your head.’ He didn’t need to say ‘and in your heart’. Dean was smart enough to have worked that out.

  ‘You an expert on love now?’

  ‘So you love her, and you won’t do anything about it.’

  ‘I don’t believe in long-distance relationships.’

  ‘You can get anywhere in the world in twenty-four hours. And it’s not as though you don’t have the means.’

  For a long while Dean stayed quiet. Then slowly, almost painfully, he took his hands from his hair and straightened up in the chair.

  ‘The thing is, Rask, I’d want her with me all the time. And it wouldn’t be fair on her, not with the career she has. There would be times when we’d have to be apart, and I know I’d be miserable during those times.’

  ‘So you’ve decided to be miserable the entire time instead?’