by Erin Wade
“Carter is coming in to give his statement at three,” Canton informed her. “Why don’t you watch while Rose interviews him?”
“I’d like that, Chief. Thanks.”
Darke ended the call and filled Eden in. “Want to go with me to watch them conduct the interview at three?”
“Will they let me?” Eden asked.
“Of course. They want to see how accurate his statement is. We’ll be in the observation room. Carter will never know we’re watching.”
“It’s at three? That means we have a couple of hours to kill.” Eden raised her eyebrows suggestively.
Darke laughed. “Don’t tempt me. If I don’t take Caz for a run, she’ll go crazy. I’ll be back in an hour or so.”
“I’ll tidy up the bedroom while you’re gone. You’ve managed to destroy it.”
“Me?” Darke feigned shock. “I believe I had help.”
“Willing help, I might add,” Eden said with a giggle. “I love you so much.”
“And I love you, Eden.” God help me.
Chapter 16
“He’s already in the interrogation room.” Detective Wayne Rose led Eden and Darke into an observation room. “Dozer is shooting the breeze with him now. You know, just to put him at ease.”
Darke nodded and pulled two stools to the window so she and Eden could watch and listen.
Carter jumped when Rose entered the observation room. “Mr. Winthrop, this is the detective who’s working the case,” Dozer said with a nod toward Rose. “Detective Rose, this is Eden Daye’s fiancé, Carter Winthrop.”
Rose shook hands with Carter and sat down in the chair across from him. “Why don’t you start from the beginning?” Rose said.
“We took the boat out around three on Sunday afternoon,” Carter said. “Just the four of us—Eden, me, Myron and Darke.
“The girls were drinking heavily, but Myron and I weren’t drinking at all. We were piloting the boat and didn’t want to have an accident.”
“Liar,” Eden whispered to Darke.
Darke caught her hand, pulled her closer, and motioned for her to listen.
“We were all taking turns skiing when Eden and Darke decided they wanted to ski together. I warned them it was dangerous for me to pull two skiers at once, but they assured me they were excellent skiers and strong swimmers, so I acquiesced.
“We went into the deepest part of the lake to avoid hitting any submerged stumps or floating trash. You know how dangerous lakes can be.”
Rose nodded.
“We tried to talk them out of it,” Carter continued. “But you know Darke. She is incredibly strong and started to get physical. We didn’t want an altercation with her, so we let them get into the water. Both pulled out of the water just fine, and they’d skied about twenty minutes when our boat hit the backwash of a larger boat that had pulled too close to us. The waves knocked Darke and Eden into the water. We made the customary circle to pick them up, but they never surfaced.
“We searched until dark and called the lake patrol when we realized we couldn’t find them. The rest you know.”
“I’m surprised Agent Knight was drinking,” Rose said. “She has an occasional glass of wine, but nothing more.”
“We had wine coolers for the girls,” Carter volunteered. “It was a warm summer day on the water. We were all in a festive mood. Eden and I had just set the date for our wedding, so we were celebrating.”
“What a liar,” Eden hissed.
Darke squeezed her hand and watched Rose leave the interrogation room.
“Any part of his story true?” Rose asked Darke as he joined them.
“There was another woman,” Eden informed Rose. “Charity Davis. She was Myron’s date. Where is she?”
Rose grimaced. “This is the first time I’ve heard of her. How can I reach her family?”
“I don’t have their number, but her parents belong to the country club.” Eden scrolled through her phone and sent the contact information to Rose. “Sam and Veronica Davis. Call the club. They’ll have a number for them.”
Rose obtained the number from the country club and made the call.
“Apparently, Charity never made it home,” Rose told them when he hung up the phone. “Mr. Davis said she went boating with friends, and they haven’t heard from her since.”
“Do you think they left her to drown too?” Eden asked.
“Let’s find out,” Rose said. He called the sergeant over the Missing Person Unit and asked for the report that had been filed on Charity Davis. “Could you send that to interrogation room four ASAP?”
Rose blew out a long breath. “Let’s see what your fiancé has to say.”
“We did not set a wedding date,” Eden said as Rose headed for the door. “I had already changed my mind about marrying him.”
Carter tilted his chair back on two legs as Rose reentered the interrogation room.
“I just want to be certain I understand what you’ve told me, Mr. Winthrop,” Rose said, settling into the chair across from Carter. “There were only four of you on the boat? You, Mr. Wilson, Miss Daye, and Agent Knight?”
“Yes, sir.” Carter’s smug smile made Rose want to choke him.
“Just the four of you?”
Carter slammed the front legs of the chair down on the floor and raised his voice. “Yes, just the four of us!”
A knock on the door preceded an officer who handed a file folder to Dozer. Dozer flipped through the papers before handing the file to Rose, who took his time examining the information.
“Mr. Winthrop, this is a missing person report filed two days ago on Miss Charity Davis. It says she went boating with you and the others.”
“No,” Carter said coldly. “She was supposed to, but she never showed up.”
Rose nodded. “Thank you for coming in, Mr. Winthrop. We’ll be in touch if we locate Miss Daye or Agent Knight.”
“Thank you. I’ll be waiting to hear from you,” Carter said.
“Lying bastard,” Rose mumbled to Dozer when the door closed behind Carter.
“Let’s get Myron Wilson in here,” Rose said. “I think there’s a dead girl somewhere, thanks to Winthrop and his buddy.”
##
“We probably shouldn’t get off the elevator holding hands,” Darke said as she let go of Eden.
Eden and Darke had been summoned to Chief Canton’s office. Lori was seated at a table that was set up beside the chief’s desk. Financials, a laptop, and accounting forms were stacked on the table.
Lori welcomed the women as they walked in. “It’s good to see you both. Where are you staying?”
“At my place,” Darke answered. “I’m certain they’re watching Eden’s house. Carter is trying to foreclose on it, pending a ruling on Eden’s demise.”
“You should give me your address,” Lori said, “in case I need to get to you in an emergency.”
Darke shrugged. “No one knows where I live. I’d like to keep it that way.”
Eden couldn’t explain the joy she felt knowing that Lori had never been to Darke’s home.
“We’ve tracked down Eden’s family fortune,” Lori said, pleased with herself. “It’s in the Cayman Islands in this account. She handed Eden a deposit form for the account.
“What are our chances of getting it transferred back to Eden’s bank?” Darke asked.
Lori shook her head. “Slim to none. The account is in Carter Winthrop’s name. Obviously, Winthrop and Abram were in this together. Carter is frantic to get the house in his name. That will complete the destruction of the Daye family fortune.”
“Why?” Eden muffled a sob as Darke put her arm around the blonde’s shoulder and pulled Eden close.
“It’s all very convoluted.” Lori frowned. “I’ve been tracing the Daye fortune back for centuries. Your ancestors came to America in early sixteen hundred and settled in the Plymouth Colony, where they began amassing a fortune that has only grown every decade. Before Abram and Carter swindled you,
you were one of the wealthiest women in the world.
“Surprisingly, the Daye and Winthrop names have crossed throughout history. Your great-great aunts married Winthrop men, and Daye men have married Winthrop women. The way this looks, Carter could be your distant cousin.”
Eden pinched the bridge of her nose. “Does it appear that Carter was aware of our relationship?”
“Yeah,” Lori huffed. “Apparently, the Winthrops would do anything to fill the family coffers. Incest would be a minor sin for them. Winthrops have been hanged for everything from horse theft to murder.”
“Sounds like interesting reading,” Darke noted. “May I have a copy of the report you’ve compiled thus far?”
“Sure,” Lori said. “Let’s run down to my office, and I’ll get the packet I’ve put together for you.”
Darke touched Eden’s shoulder. “I’ll be right back.”
“I’m going with you,” Eden declared as she followed them to the elevator.
“So, you two are sleeping together,” Lori said as the doors slid closed behind them. “Does she know all there is to know about you, Darke?”
“I know all I need to know,” Eden snapped. “I know that it’s no one’s business what we do.”
Lori held up her hands in a sign of surrender. “Hey, I’m just looking out for you.”
“Lori, you know all there is to know about Darke,” Eden said, a sly smirk on her face, “and you still slept with her.”
Darke gasped. “Eden, I—”
“It doesn’t matter,” Eden said. “All that matters is that we’re together.”
The elevator dinged and Lori charged into the hallway, glad to be out of the confined space with Eden Daye. She has more moxie than I ever imagined , Lori thought.
“What are you going to do now?” Lori asked Darke as she handed her the report.
“We’re going to the Caymans to get Eden’s fortune back,” Darke said. “You find a way to put Carter in jail until we get back. Then we’ll deal with him for good.”
Chapter 17
“It upset Margaret when I told her I was going to the Caymans with you,” Eden told Darke as they rode the elevator to their hotel room. “She thinks you’re going to break my heart.”
“I promise I won’t.” Darke stole a quick kiss. “I get the feeling Margaret doesn’t approve of our relationship.”
Eden defended the woman who was like a mother to her. “Margaret is old-fashioned. The thought of two women together is difficult for her to comprehend, but she’ll be okay with us.”
##
“Do you have a plan?” Eden snuggled into Darke as she read the information Lori had given her.
“One is beginning to form.” Darke kissed Eden’s lips and placed the report on the bedside table. “I’ve scheduled a meeting between the bank president and my alter ego, Countess Darke von Knight.”
“Are you really a countess?” Eden asked tracing her fingertips around Dark’s breast.
“Yes, in another world. I’ll tell you all about myself when we’ve finished dealing with your finances. Right now, we need to get some sleep, so we’ll be our sharpest in the morning.”
“I was hoping we could …” Eden wrinkled her nose, and Darke tried to hide her smile.
“Could what?”
“You know,” Eden giggled. “Please don’t make me ask.”
“A nice ‘please’ never hurt anyone,” Darke teased as she massaged Eden’s back.
“Please,” Eden whispered in her ear. “Pretty please.”
##
Rhonda Durand surveyed her bank through the one-way window of her office. She chastised herself for being so nervous about her upcoming meeting. She watched the revolving door of the bank and gasped when the statuesque brunette emerged from the cylindrical enclosure. A huge black wolflike animal walked at her heels, almost touching its nose to her. Rhonda knew without being told that the woman was her eight o’clock appointment.
The woman’s entourage consisted of two men—probably bodyguards—and an austere, dowdy-looking woman whose blonde hair was braided and wound close to her head. Black-rimmed glasses added to her plainness. The brunette was so beautiful that the other woman was almost invisible.
Rhonda closed the customer file she had been reading and swiveled her chair to face the huge window that provided a breathtaking view of the ocean. She wanted the woman to be in the room when she turned around, so she could control her response.
There was no sound, only a shift of energy in her office. Rhonda knew the countess was in the room. She turned to face the most sensual creature she had ever met.
Gazes locked, lips parted, eyes darkened, and Co
untess Darke von Knight nodded. An amused smile played on her red lips.
“Countess, I’m Rhonda Durand. How may I help you?”
Rhonda didn’t offer to shake hands. She knew the countess’s touch would haunt her. “Please be seated. Would you like a cup of coffee or tea perhaps?”
“No.” The sultry, single syllable sent a tremor down Rhonda’s spine.
The two men stood in front of the door, while the homely young woman stationed herself behind the countess’s chair. The wolf rested at her feet.
“My secretary and my bodyguards,” Knight said, acknowledging those with her. “And this is Caz.” She gestured to the wolf.
The granddaughter of French financier Ronald Durand, Rhonda knew the banking business inside out. She had cut her teeth on her grandfather’s briefcase. While other little girls played with dolls, Rhonda learned to figure compound interest on an investment calculator.
She ran her banking empire with an iron fist and sometimes took risks those who didn’t have ice water for blood avoided. One thing she knew for certain: successful bank presidents didn’t turn into babbling idiots when in the presence of gorgeous women. She sat in silence, waiting for Knight to state her business.
Countess von Knight moved her hand, and her secretary placed an expensive Louis Vuitton attaché case on Rhonda’s desk. “One billion dollars in stock certificates,” Knight said, her voice warm and mesmerizing. “I brought them with me from the States. I need to put them where they will be safe. I’m told you can handle that for me.”
Rhonda snapped open the fasteners on the case and picked up a stack of the certificates. “You already have billions on deposit in my bank, Countess. I’m honored that you would trust me with your investments too.”
“I need to make the most of the interest I receive on my investments.” Knight’s smile never touched her eyes. “I trust you have ways of making that happen.”
Rhonda involuntarily licked her lips. “I do. Let me have my assistant prepare a statement of acceptance for you.” She pushed a button on her console, and a man in his late fifties joined them.
“Countess, this is Arthur Armand, my most trusted employee,” Rhonda explained as she handed the man the attaché case. “He will list each stock certificate and its number for your records. Would you like your secretary to verify everything with him?”
Knight nodded and the homely secretary followed Armand to the office adjacent to Rhonda’s.
“He won’t take long,” Rhonda said. “How long will you be on the island, Countess?”
“Just long enough to conclude my business,” Knight said. “Then we’ll return to the States.”
“Have you ever toured our island? It truly is quite beautiful.”
“I have visited on occasion,” Knight replied, “but I have never availed myself of the pleasures of your island.”
Knight tilted her head and studied the banker. “You have a very faint French accent. I’m guessing you’re not a native of the island.”
“No, I’m not. My grandfather founded this bank. My father took over when he retired, and I took the reins when my father died unexpectedly.”
“So the bank has been run by three generations of Durands?” The countess’s smile was genuine this time.
“Yes.” Rhonda lowered
her eyes. She’d intended this to be a time for her to grill the countess. Instead, Knight was digging into her history.
“Is your mother still living?” Knight asked.
Rhonda nodded and wondered why Arthur was taking so long. She decided to move the conversation away from family ties. “Perhaps I could take you to dinner tonight. Maybe show you a few of the wonderful things Grand Cayman has to offer.”
The countess gazed from under thick, dark lashes as she considered Rhonda’s offer. “I think that might be enjoyable,” she said.
“I’ll pick you up at your hotel at seven.” Rhonda’s smile lit up her face. Although she was as beautiful as Knight, she lacked the poise of the other woman.
“Everything is perfect,” Arthur said as he reentered the room, flourishing his report. “It just needs your signature, Ms. Durand.”
“Excellent!” Rhonda signed the acceptance statement and handed it to the countess. “Where are you staying?”
“What?” The countess jumped as her secretary discretely poked her in the back.
“The name of your hotel,” Rhonda said playfully. “If I’m to take you to dinner, I need to know where you’re staying.”
“The Ritz-Carlton.” Darke tried to keep from yelping as Eden poked her in the back again.
Rhonda stood and held out her hand. She suddenly found herself needing to touch the countess. “I’ll see you at seven.”
##
“You made a date with her?” Eden squealed as the chauffeur closed the door on the limo.
“I must earn her trust,” Darke said, hiding her amusement at Eden’s jealousy.
“Not by sleeping with her!” Eden was working herself into a rage.
“One doesn’t sleep with everyone they date, dear.” Darke leaned over and gave Eden’s neck a playful nip. “I didn’t see you jumping into bed with Carter, and I—”
“Didn’t hesitate to jump into bed with Lori.” Eden leered at her.
“I … that was different, Eden. I was trying to stay away from you.”
“I’m sorry, Darke. I shouldn’t have said that.” Eden pressed the button to raise the screen between the limo driver and them. “I just … you’re just so damn hot, and I could tell that Durand woman wanted to fu—”
