by Nella Tyler
Meg saw the intensity in his murky-brown eyes. She shifted her own across the room to where Ashlee and Beni sat. Beni saw her glance and spoke to Ashlee.
“We got lost and ended up there out of curiosity,” Meg said.
The server arrived with Doug’s drink, set it on the table, then left.
“I would think that it would be hard to get lost in the basement. That’s a place where you go deliberately. What were you really doing in that room? What did you find there?” Doug persisted. He took a sip of his drink.
“Nothing but alcohol.”
“You must have found something else.”
Meg noticed that his tone was harder and more demanding.
“Why are you so interested? What business is it of yours?”
“I’m curious. I find the entire episode to be strange. A bit of a mystery,” he replied.
His emphasis on the word mystery caused Meg concern. What did he know of their mystery? Or did he place no inflection on the word and she was being paranoid?
“There’s nothing strange about it. We became lost and then trapped. We are very grateful that you happened to see us and told Drake where to find us,” she returned. Her voice was even despite her stomach jumping with nerves.
“Is that all there was to it? I still find it unusual. And that door is quite remarkable,” he mused. “It appears to be a door from a medieval castle. Of course, there were no castles in Hawaii. At least I don’t think there were. But still, you know what I mean.”
“No I don’t. What do you mean, Doug?” She watched him closely.
“Just that you would think that there was a castle, or at least a grand home on this property centuries ago. That door certainly suggests it,” he replied.
“And what if there was?”
He shrugged and took a long swallow of his drink.
“It could mean nothing. Or it could mean a great deal. A man’s life could change forever if he found something valuable from that time,” he reflected.
“Do you think there is something to be found here at The Tropics?”
He seemed to pull his thoughts together.
“Heavens no, Meg. You’re very fanciful.”
“I mean, if something were found, it would belong to Drake as he is the owner,” Meg responded.
“That remains to be seen,” he muttered under his breath.
“What did you say?”
“Nothing.” He stood. “I must be off. Can’t leave Denise alone for too long.”
She watched him move briskly out of the lounge. She had heard what he’d said clearly and knew without a doubt that Doug was searching for something. He had probably said more than he intended which caused him to hurry off. But Meg now knew that Doug had come to Oahu for a very specific reason. And it wasn’t for the scenery or to repair their shattered friendship.
*****
The ladies opted to have dinner brought to their tent where Meg told them about her conversation with Doug.
“He is definitely after something,” Beni said with relish.
“And do you think he’s working as a free agent? Or is Denise in on it?” Ashlee asked.
“I’m not sure. I would need to spend more time with her to decide. But that’s not something I want to do,” Meg grumbled.
“I understand that,” Beni commiserated.
“Unfortunately, after today, Denise will feel that you’re the best of pals and try to stay in your orbit,” Ashlee grimaced. “And you’ll know soon enough if she’s involved with Doug’s scheme.”
“You’re probably right,” Meg sighed.
“It’s pretty obvious that Doug is trying to make a score. And he’s focused on the resort,” Ashlee said.
“Could it be our same focus? Remember, we found the medallion with the resort name on it,” Beni said.
The server brought their meal, then left.
“I think Doug believes that there’s something of value at the resort and he intends to find it” Meg said as she delved into her fried rice with pork sausage and herbs.
“So do I. And he’s way too interested in that medieval door and the room below for it to be passing curiosity,” Ashlee agreed.
“Maybe it’s time we discover exactly what’s on the other end of the tunnel,” Beni murmured. “My gut tells me it leads to another room.”
“Maybe the room that’s behind the door that I found on the ranch,” Meg offered.
“It’s possible. And whatever is there, we should find it before Doug does,” Ashlee said.
“Why do I feel like our investigation has taken a very serious turn?” Beni asked.
The ladies looked at each other apprehensively.
“I think because it has,” Meg said. “You know, my mom warned me about danger. And the symbol on the box we found means beware of peril. And just yesterday, Peleke said Godspeed to us.”
“Peleke was wishing you safety and good wishes,” Ashlee assured.
“And your mother was concerned for your safety. She is somewhat clairvoyant,” Beni mumbled.
“We just have to be cautious and not take unnecessary risks. But we can’t stop now,” Meg said quietly.
“No, we can’t,” Ashlee responded.
They ate their dinner in silence as they were lost in their own thoughts.
“Why so glum?”
They looked up to see Denise standing at their tent. Denise was about the last person whom any of them wanted to see.
“Denise. What are you doing here?” Meg asked.
“I can’t come to say hi?” she sounded offended.
“Of course you can. I just assumed that you would be with Doug. He said that he was on his way to see about you,” Meg explained.
“You spoke with him tonight?” Denise asked.
“Yes. About an hour ago. He’s been asking me to meet him for drinks. I finally did this evening,” Meg said.
Denise entered the tent and sat down, much to the girls chagrin.
“What did he say about me?” Denise asked eagerly.
“I told him that he should give you more attention and he seemed to agree,” Meg said. “Before he left he said he off to find you. I assumed he had.”
“I saw him briefly a while ago. Then he took off saying he had something to do,” Denise grumbled.
“Any idea what he was going to do? Or where he was going?” Ashlee queried.
Denise looked at her suspiciously.
“No. Why do you ask?”
Ashlee shrugged.
“Just a question of idle curiosity.”
“Hmm,” Denise grunted. She obviously didn’t believe Ashlee’s explanation but she let it go. “So why were you looking like your dog had died?”
“Were we?” Beni laughed gaily. “We’re just having dinner and taking in the sunset.”
“Doug told me about you finding the room under the basement. How exciting! Would you take me to it? I would love to see it,” Denise asked.
Meg was surprised her boldness.
“It’s just a dank, dark room with a bunch of alcohol in it. There’s nothing special about,” Ashlee said.
“I still would like to see it. It must have been a part of a magnificent home that was here centuries ago,” Denise gushed. “If only the walls could speak. Think of the stories they could tell.”
“Why do you think there was once a grand property here?” Meg asked.
“Doug told me about the old door. It must have been a part of a chateau or even a palace of some kind,” Denise said enthusiastically. “Aren’t you curious to see what else may be found from that time?”
“Not particularly,” Beni muttered.
“Why, Benita! How perfectly boring you are,” Denise giggled. “You obviously have no sense of adventure.”
Benita could have happily strangled her.
“We can’t take you there. The door has been locked,” Meg said.
“And you cannot get the key?” Denise probed.
“No,” Meg replied.
“Really. I find that hard to believe. Surely Drake would unlock it for you,” Denise persisted.
“No, he will not. He would consider satisfying your curiosity as unnecessary,” Meg returned.
Denise was offended. She stood in a huff.
“I see. I won’t take up any more of your time.” Denise left the tent hurriedly.
“I would bet my one and only pair of Louboutin’s that Doug heard us taking down that wall and he sent Denise here to talk us into taking her there,” Beni said.
“Drake thought he sent Doug on his way, but the man came back after Drake joined us,” Meg theorized.
“And Denise is in it with Doug up to her eyebrows,” Ashlee determined.
“In their quest to get information from us, they are exposing themselves,” Meg said.
“Well, we all know that neither of them are the sharpest knife in the drawer,” Beni declared.
“True. But they are persistent. Neither of them will leave us alone, which will offer us more chances to figure out their plot,” Meg said.
“I never thought that I would want to be in their presence,” Ashlee grumbled.
“It’s all for a good cause, Ash.” Beni grinned.
“Maybe it will get us one step closer to solving our mystery,” Meg said.
“I will drink to that,” Ashlee sighed as she held up her glass.
Meg and Beni raised their glass as well and they all toasted the sentiment.
Chapter 20
“I’ve rented some scooters for all of us,” Drake said from the bathroom. He was shaving with an electric razor.
Meg sat in the middle of the bed holding her iPad and staring at the beginnings of a design plan for the new boutique. She looked at Drake.
“That sounds like fun. Where are we going?”
“The scooters are for all of us. We need to travel the tunnel to see what it connects to,” he replied.
“Oh.”
He came out of the bathroom wearing only a towel. He sat on the bed facing her.
“You don’t sound very enthused.”
“I am and I’m not. I’m excited to find another piece of the puzzle. But I’m concerned that it could be dangerous.” She was perturbed.
“It could be very dangerous. And I would feel better if you ladies didn’t go. But I know there is no way you, Ashlee, and Beni will stay behind,” he answered.
She smiled crookedly.
“True. So I guess I will have to put my concerns aside.”
“Use them to be wary and alert. Our trek down the tunnel is not a joy ride. We’re going into uncharted territory and we must be prudent,” he advised.
“You’re right. And I will.”
He chucked her chin.
“Good girl. The bikes will be delivered tomorrow morning at the resort’s rear entrance. Kai and Noah can be here by eight in the morning. I think we should get an early start,” he said.
“I agree. It took us an hour by car. It will probably take us longer by scooters.”
“Not necessarily. I have a feeling the tunnel will be more direct than paved roads,” he said.
“That’s true. That tunnel can cut through places where the road could not and we’ll get to the ranch sooner.”
“Exactly.” He leaned over and kissed her neck. He continued to suckle her.
“That feels really good, but I have to work on these plans for the boutique,” she sighed.
“Later,” he murmured.
She giggled and pulled back.
“Later will never come where you’re concerned.”
“Yes it will. I promise.” He rose to his knees and straddled her as he nipped her ear.
She put her hands to his chest and pushed to no avail.
“You know you won’t keep that promise,” she said weakly.
“I will,” he muttered as he tossed her iPad from her lap. “I want you so badly, Meg.”
Meg couldn’t hold out against him. And honestly, she really didn’t want to. She absolutely loved having sex with him. And she couldn’t think of any place she’d rather be than in his arms. She slipped her arms about his neck as he lowered her to the bed.
“And I want you as always,” she whispered.
They began a hot, wild, and torrid session of passionate sex. Meg melted into his embrace to engage in a beautifully orchestrated symphony of pleasure. Wrapping her legs around him, she lifted her hips to receive his every, deep plunge, each one more intense and satisfying than the last. When they reached their thunderous climax, she was completely drained but oh so immensely sated. No man could make her feel as Drake did.
“I appreciate you so much,” she mumbled.
“Because of what I can do?” he panted.
“Absolutely!”
He grinned and rolled her atop him. He cupped her face and kissed her deeply.
“And I appreciate you just as much.”
She smiled and rested her head on his broad chest. Her apex was fitted between his legs and she knew it wouldn’t be long before his penis would harden again and he would seek his release. As she told him earlier, he would not keep that promise. But she didn’t care. She would allow him to break it as many time as he chose. Then his cell rang. He leaned over her to pick it up from the nightstand.
“Hi, Noah.” He listened. “All right. Bring it over. See you in a bit.” He disconnected the line. “We have to get dressed. Noah and Kai are coming over. You might want to call Beni and have her and Ashlee come here as well.” He gently set her aside.
“Why? What’s going on?” she pulled a coverlet over her naked form.
He began dressing.
“You know that Noah has the video equipment at his house that we’re using to spy on Doug.” She nodded. “There’s something on the tape that he thinks we should see.”
“Has Doug done something to really implicate him or Denise of wrongdoing?” Meg asked excitedly.
“Maybe. We’ll soon find out. Hurry and get dressed. Noah doesn’t live far from here,” he said.
Meg hopped from the bed and grabbed some clothes from her bag. She then went into the bathroom to wash up. When she came out, she was dressed in red shorts and a yellow tank top. Drake watched her as she brushed her hair. He liked the fact that her hair had natural gold streaks in it. It was warm and soft, just like she was.
She’d slipped her feet into white flat sandals. He recalled kissing each one of her toes just moments ago. She was so incredibly sexy. If only Noah wasn’t about to knock on their door in a few minutes, she wouldn’t be wearing those clothes. And a knock sounded right on cue.
“Noah is here,” he said and moved through the living room to open the door.
He opened the door and stared at the visitor in shock.
“I need your help, Drake.” Doug burst through the door without waiting to be invited in.
“My help?” Drake looked at Doug in disbelief.
“Doug! Why are you here?” Meg exclaimed as she came out of the bedroom.
“I think Denise is in trouble,” Doug cried.
Meg looked at Drake in confusion. Drake slammed the door shut.
“What are you talking about, Murphy?” Drake demanded.
Doug wrung his hands and paced the floor.
“I couldn’t understand why Denise was so insistent on coming to Oahu, and specifically to this resort,” Doug began. “She knew that Meg was here. It was just an all-around bad idea. But Denise was determined that we come. I was reluctant but I gave in. I shouldn’t have. I should have stuck to my guns and said no. But Denise has a way of talking around me and getting her way.”
“Why did she want to come here?” Meg asked.
Doug shook his head.
“I’m still not sure. She kept saying that we could be rich. We just needed to go to Oahu and find it,” Doug exclaimed.
“Stop pacing, Murphy. You’ll wear a hole in the carpet,” Drake snapped. “What does she hope to find?”
Doug flopped into t
he retro high back rattan chair and leaned his elbows on his knees. He held his head in his hands in despair. He didn’t answer.
Meg was beyond frustrated with Doug. He needed to answer.
“Answer him, Doug!” she bellowed.
Doug lifted his head abruptly.
“I … I don’t know what she wants to find,” he mumbled.
“Aw! Come one, Murphy. You live with the woman. You’ve got to know what’s going on in her crazy head,” Drake retorted.
“She’s not crazy … maybe a little misguided,” Doug retorted.
“Same difference,” Drake muttered.
“You’ve got to have a clue as to what she’s after. She must have said something to you about it,” Meg insisted.
“No, nothing,” Doug sighed.
“So you came all the way to Hawaii, against your better judgment, not knowing the real reason why you were coming.” Drake was in total disbelief.
“I know it sounds ridiculous. It makes me look like a fool. But I really don’t know what Denise is about,” Doug mumbled.
Drake turned his back on him in disgust. Meg could understand Drake’s attitude. She was feeling much the same way. Something wasn’t ringing true with Doug’s tale.
“And what do you expect Drake to do? You said you needed his help,” Meg probed.
“I need you to help me bring her back.”
“Back from where?” Drake said as he turned to face Doug.
“Where is she?” Meg asked in astonishment.
“Well, if I knew that I wouldn’t be here asking for your help,” Doug returned.
“Are you saying that Denise is missing?” Meg asked.
“Yes. Since yesterday afternoon,” Doug replied.
Meg shook her head.
“We saw her last night and she was fine. Nosey and pushy, but fine all the same.”
“But I haven’t,” Doug asserted. “She left the suite while I was napping and I haven’t seen her since.”
“I’m sure she’ll turn up. She’s not lost, Murphy,” Drake said grimly.
“But she is. Denise wouldn’t stay away from me overnight. She just wouldn’t,” Doug professed.
Meg thought about how Denise seemed when she came into their tent last night. She appeared her usual self. She didn’t seem upset or bothered. Of course, she could have hidden it well.
