Willow waited, listening as Ellis excused himself from Peyton’s room.
“I have some information for you. Let me step outside the hospital for a minute where there’s some privacy.”
“Did you find Grant Hollister?”
There was a part of her that was hoping he might not actually be real and all of this was an elaborate hoax.
“I did and I’ve sent Josh all the particulars by email. But I wanted to let you know that he does exist. He lives in Savannah and is one of those genius millionaires. He invents things that people need like a better vacuum, but in his case he invented a better oil extraction method. Oil companies had a bidding war for his method and here’s a fun fact…guess who won?”
Willow was heartily tired of weird coincidences. “The Vaughn family?”
“You bet,” Ellis cheerfully agreed. “They leased it to one of the bigger oil conglomerates but there is definitely a link between Hollister and the Vaughns, and it’s not just blood.”
There was nothing more incestuous than big business. “I’d like to say that I’m surprised but I’m not. I have to even wonder if Grant Hollister truly came up with that idea or was this something that Ambrose gave his son so he could make money without actually having to give it to him.”
“Interesting theory. It’s possible.”
At this point, Willow didn’t think anything could shock her but she didn’t want to say that out loud and challenge the universe. Not when it had been messing with her and her friends lately.
“Did you get anything on those other names?”
They had sounded so familiar but she still couldn’t figure out where she’d heard them.
“Haven’t had a chance, but when I get it, I’ll send it to Josh. Are you two ready for The Retreat?”
Thinking back to the shopping spree she and Josh had that morning made Willow smile. She’d dressed him up and damn, had he looked fine. Handmade Italian shoes. An Alexander McQueen tuxedo that was being altered. Even a new haircut. Personally, she liked the other Josh better, the more casual one, but this new man would fit right in among the wealthy elite.
“We are, I think. We just have to tread lightly when asking questions.”
“You’ll do fine. Listen, I have to talk to you about something. I know you decided not to tell Peyton about the file today.”
Bailey must have talked to Ellis about their decision.
“That’s right. We thought she needed another day to rest up before we lay something like this on her. Why? Do you think we did the wrong thing?”
Not that she cared what Grouchy Pants thought. This wasn’t his decision to make no matter what he might think. He wasn’t her boyfriend or even a person in her life. He barely knew Peyton even if he had sat with her almost twenty-four hours a day while she was in a coma.
“Not at all,” he assured her. “I was thinking though that maybe the news should come from me. As the cop on the case, you see. I can be more detached and perhaps keep the situation from becoming too emotional.”
Willow wasn’t sure unemotional was the road to go down. Peyton needed the opportunity to be upset, angry. But she also didn’t need Willow’s own emotions spilling out onto the situation. She had enough of her own to deal with.
“What did Bailey say?” Willow asked after a beat. Bailey was the most down to earth, common sense one of the three of them.
“She thinks it might be a good idea. Just so you know, this isn’t the first bad news I’ve had to deliver. As a detective I’ve had to inform loved ones when a friend or family member has been hurt or killed.”
Was she a chicken for being relieved?
“It sounds like a good idea but let me talk to Bailey first, okay? I just want to make sure we’re doing the right thing by Peyton.”
“Absolutely. One of you can let me know what you decide.”
Willow hung up and went back inside the kitchen where Josh was preparing dinner.
“Peyton sounds wonderful and Grant Hollister is real.”
Nodding, Josh minced up garlic for the pasta sauce. “That’s good about Peyton, and well, the other is what it is. I’m not surprised about Hollister.”
“There’s more about him. Do you want to hear it?”
Josh pushed out a stool with his foot without even a pause in his chopping. “Have a seat and tell me all about it.”
She perched on a chair to observe his culinary skills. “Can I help?”
He eyed her suspiciously, which she knew was well-earned. She was a terrible cook.
“Absolutely not. You stay on that side of the island and I’ll stay on this side. Don’t touch anything. Just talk. Why don’t you pour us some wine? We need to talk about the weekend too. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day getting ready for it.”
The Retreat. Willow was excited to go but scared too. These people might know more about her husband than she did.
Did they know everything about her?
Chapter Eleven
The Retreat was everything and more that Willow had thought it would be. Lush green lawns. Rows of perfectly manicured hedges and flowerbeds. The sound of tennis balls bouncing against a tautly strung racquet. The scent of sunscreen mixed with chlorine and rum. The overwhelming aroma of money and power.
“Here goes nothing,” Josh muttered as he pulled up in front of the large resort. “Are you ready?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be. If I didn’t mention it before, I’ll say it now. You look great.”
They say clothes made the man but Josh made those clothes look fine indeed.
“You know what they say about fine feathers,” Josh snorted. “Wait until someone asks me what I do for a living and finds out I’m just a humble vet.”
Honestly, Willow thought it was a terrific career and one she would have liked to have pursued if her early life had been different.
“Tell them you’re the pickle king of Texas. They won’t know the difference.”
Archer Caldwell was standing in front of the large resort wearing light linen trousers and a loose-fitting cotton button-down shirt. The older man smiled and waved before instructing the valet to take care of their car. He helped her out of the passenger side and lifted her hand to his lips. What was supposed to be charming came off kind of sleazy.
Ick.
“I’m so glad you could make it this weekend. The bellman can take your bags up to your suite while I give you a tour. Unless you’re too tired. We can do this another time.”
Willow shook her head. One of the first things she and Josh had on their to-do list was to see the grounds and now Archer was offering to help them with that.
“We’d love a tour. It’s very kind of you to offer.”
“It’s no trouble.” Archer ushered them into the resort, the automatic doors opening with a whoosh and the chill of the air conditioning bringing out goosebumps on her skin. “The fact is I love showing off the community we have here. We’re very proud of it and I think rightly so.”
“It’s quite impressive,” Josh observed. The lobby was four stories high with a large fireplace in the corner – the floors all of marble with comfortable couches and chairs scattered about. On one side was the check-in counter and the opposite end boasted a bar with a small string quartet playing background music. “When was all this built?”
“Good question.” Archer slapped Josh on the back. “This particular building was completed about ten years ago but each structure on the property has its own timeline. Originally there were about a dozen bungalows along with the tennis courts and the swimming pool. The Clubhouse was completed about a year later and it is now the oldest building on The Retreat as the bungalows were torn down about fifteen years ago and replaced with a large spa and library.”
Willow immediately wanted to ask for a tour of the Clubhouse but it would be a mistake to appear too eager or to have an agenda. Biding her time would be worth it.
“How many buildings are there?” Josh asked. “How much property does Ev
andria own here?”
“We own about a hundred thousand acres but only a small part of it is developed. There are about twenty-five buildings if you count the storage sheds and garages for the equipment. But we’re always planning to improve and expand. Let me show you the rest of the resort. We have five dining rooms but there is also twenty-four hour room service.”
Caldwell didn’t appear to be in any hurry as they toured the resort, the pool, the tennis courts, and stables. Willow was almost vibrating with anticipation as they approached a three story brick building with white columns on the front. It was a smaller version of the main building.
“This of course is The Clubhouse. The officers of Evandria have their meetings here plus we do have a small staff that takes care of records and dues, so their offices are located here as well.”
So far he’d taken them inside of every building but he made no move to do the same here. Not a shock as she’d read that most members hadn’t even been inside.
Willow gave Archer what she hoped was a guileless smile. “Are we going to tour this also?”
“I’m afraid not. It’s only for staff and officers. But we can walk through the spa and fitness center and get you both set up for a massage. You’ll want to be relaxed for the barbecue tonight.”
A massage wasn’t nearly as interesting as a secret conclave but for now it would have to do. Perhaps later, when everyone was partying and they had the cover of darkness, they could sneak over and take a peek.
Josh smiled easily and wrapped an arm around Willow’s shoulders. “Lead the way.”
If he could play it up, she could too. “I agree. I can’t wait to see the spa.”
Was Archer Caldwell fooled? Probably not.
Did that mean they weren’t going to try and get in The Clubhouse? No.
It only meant that they needed to be careful and sneaky. The one thing they’d learned was that Evandria was always watching and listening.
After sweating to death in the trousers and shirt Willow had made him wear, Josh was ready for a shower. If they just hung out in the room, maybe she’d let him wear his shorts and t-shirt.
The room. Another conundrum. While it was a suite and a fancy one at that, it had one bedroom and one gigantic bed. He wasn’t sure if the couch folded out but he could always camp on it regardless. He’d slept in worse his entire freshman year of college. That bed had been pure torture. He’d almost flunked out on purpose simply so he could sleep at home and get a good’s night rest. Eventually he’d figured out that he could crash in friends’ rooms and apartments.
Willow went straight to the wet bar and pulled out two cans of soda. “So what’s the plan for tonight?”
Josh held up his hands and shook his head, placing a finger over his lips. They had to assume they were being listened to pretty much everywhere they went except when they were outside and far away from a structure.
At first she frowned, but then understanding crossed her features and she nodded, pouring the soda into two glasses.
“What time is our massage scheduled for?” she said, a trifle too loudly which made Josh wince and Willow flinch at the sound of her own voice.
“Four o’clock. We have an hour to relax.”
She handed him a glass along with a piece of paper and a pen. Smart girl.
“I might shut my eyes for a few minutes then.”
He clicked the pen open and scribbled a note on the paper.
Assume we’re under surveillance at all times.
Willow nodded and took the pen from him.
What about The Clubhouse?
She handed him the pen.
Tonight we’ll take a closer look. Our best chance is probably one of the staff.
She reached for the pen but he stopped her, needing to say one more thing.
Your job is to talk to people and be charming. Learn what you can about Alex. My job is the covert sneaking. Don’t confuse the two.
Rolling her eyes, she snatched the pen from his hand.
Bossy. If I see a chance to check things out I’m going to take it.
He didn’t even bother to write down his answer, mouthing it instead. She’d understand him with no problem.
No. You won’t.
Her lips turned into a mutinous line but he was having none of it. He shook his head again and tossed the paper and pen on the coffee table. Willow was a handful but he was one of six children and he’d been teased, berated, and generally harassed by the best.
She stood and stuck out her tongue. “Didn’t you want to take a shower?”
“I certainly did,” he replied smoothly. “You should try and catch a quick nap.”
“You should too.”
He bent down to whisper in her ear so no one else would overhear. “In the mood you’re in, you might murder me in my sleep.”
Glancing over his shoulder as he grabbed his bag and headed into the bedroom, he could see Willow was smiling and laughing, looking way too beautiful. He shouldn’t be noticing things like that. He needed to keep his mind firmly on the task at hand. Keeping her safe and getting information about Alex and the other men.
A little fun in the sheets wasn’t on the menu.
This wasn’t like any barbecue that Josh had attended. There were no guys hanging around the grill drinking long necks, talking sports and girls. There were no paper plates and plastic forks and tablecloths. There wasn’t a boom box plugged into the nearest outlet blasting out tunes from their youth. This was an entirely different animal altogether.
The only thing this shindig had in common with cookouts from his past was it was held outdoors. That was it. Unless you counted the plethora of cooking staff that were bustling around an outdoor grill that had to be at least thirty feet long. Maybe the smell of charred meat could be counted too.
“You were right.” Josh tugged nervously at the sleeve of his tuxedo. The last time he’d worn one had been at his brother’s wedding last year. It hadn’t been nearly as nice as this one. “Everyone is in eveningwear. I stand corrected in ridiculously comfortable shoes.”
“I told you,” Willow laughed. “This little soiree is about seeing people and being seen. Mark my words, business connections and deals will be made tonight.”
“Are they all like this?” he sighed, grabbing two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter.
Willow shook her head. “Not at all. Some are down to earth and you’d never know they were filthy rich. Wonderful, generous people without a judgmental bone in their bodies. It all depends. But I had a feeling that this place and this group of people…well, they’re into the money and power angle. So just relax and mingle. In that tuxedo you’re going to fit right in.”
“You don’t look so bad yourself. I think you’re the most beautiful woman here tonight.”
By far. Willow had an innate sense of style and she dressed to enhance her already stunning good looks. Classy and sexy at the same time, she didn’t rely on hundreds of carats of diamonds and plunging necklines. Tonight she was wearing a strapless scarlet silk dress that showed off her gorgeous, long legs. Her curls were piled up on top of her head with a few stray ones framing her heart-shaped face. When she’d stepped out of the bedroom this evening, ready to leave, he’d had a hard time stopping himself from showing her just how beautiful he thought she was.
“I think you kissed a blarney stone,” she joked back, but a delicate flush invaded her cheeks. She might not believe his flattery but she liked it. “There are dozens of flat-out gorgeous woman here tonight. Women who, by the way, hate my guts. This should be interesting.”
“I take it you recognize some of the faces here tonight. But hate your guts? That sounds harsh. Why?”
“Because I’m not one of them. I was a dancer who took off my clothes and they’ll never let me forget it. They think I married Alex for his money.”
He hadn’t known Willow long but he knew she would never do that. “But you didn’t.”
“I didn’t,” she agreed. “
But I’m not going to beg and plead for their friendship or approval. I have a few trusted friends and that’s good enough for me. I won’t spend my time hoping for table scraps. I did that too much in my youth.”
He wanted to ask her about her past but she’d been clear that it was a topic that was firmly off limits. He could respect that. He didn’t like going on and on about his childhood either, although there hadn’t been anything wrong with it. His was boring and normal but he had a distinct feeling that hers was not. Not wanting to bring up any bad memories, he steered the conversation back to the party.
“How many of these people do you recognize?”
She looked up at him and smiled. “About half of them. I’m surprised there’s anyone left in my little town to be honest.”
“It may not be like this all the time,” Josh warned. “Caldwell could have invited them just because you were here.”
“To intimidate me? It won’t work.”
Archer probably knew that too.
“Or to watch over you. Talk to you. Find out what you know and what you don’t know.”
Sipping her champagne, her eyes were alight with mischief. “There’s one thing wrong with that theory. These people wouldn’t spit on me if I was on fire in the middle of the street. They’ll never come and talk to me. They wouldn’t lower themselves.”
He could see two couples making a beeline for them, determination all over their faces. They’d been spotted like a gazelle at dinnertime.
Here come the lions.
“Are you sure about that? Because brace yourself, honey, it looks like we have company.”
Chapter Twelve
Yesterday these people wouldn’t have given Willow the time of day. Today they acted like they were her best friend.
Evandria really was powerful.
She and Josh had mingled, chatted, had dinner and a few drinks, then mingled some more. Most of the guests seemed rather benign, more interested by something shiny than by power or secrets. From the few delicate questions she’d posed, most of them regarded Evandria as a benevolent organization where they could spend time and make connections with like-minded people. When Willow casually mentioned their reputation for secrets, they simply laughed.
Midnight Of No Return (Midnight Blue Beach Book 2) Page 8
