“This is good news.”
“Did you know Craig had a daughter?”
“He never mentioned it,” Kai said. “But then, our contact is infrequent and always work related. We rarely went to a personal level.”
“He talked a lot during our hike to the plane. He told me he knew you from some of the archeological sites you worked on years ago.” That skirted the edge, but she and Kai had talked of those days before. He never mentioned Craig.
“It is true.” Kai’s voice took on a cautious tone. “He was a good pilot.”
“I want to do something for his daughter.”
“Craig understood the danger in what he did. He would have taken care of the child.”
“Yes, but no one knows he’s dead except Sakura, Dallas Landry, and me.” No need to mention Oscar at this point.
“Homeland Security? How did he get involved?”
“Same as Ken Cho, I suspect. It seems nothing is as secret as we like to believe.” It was a blatant hint at Kai’s past to gauge a reaction. She didn’t get one.
“Did you tell Mr. Landry of Craig’s death?”
“No. He was there. If not for him, I’d likely be dead up on that mountain, too.”
“Then we owe him a debt of gratitude.”
She knew what he was saying. A life for a life, the law of karmic debt. How did that play into him sending her father to his death and lying to her all these years? What kind of debt would Kai owe for that? One he could never repay.
“I may have the chance to return the favor,” she said. “He’s helping me at the moment.”
“He is a federal agent, Reika. He is cooperative now, but you realize he has an agenda, do you not?”
It seemed everyone did. Even those she thought she could trust. “Of course. It’s his job to bring home Phantom Pearl.”
“How will you stop him?”
She didn’t know the answer to that. She’d figure it out later. Right now she needed to shower, eat, and come up with a rescue plan.
“One thing at a time, Kai. First, I have to find the Pearl.”
“I have faith in your ability. You have proven yourself time and again.”
She had. But this time was different. She had something more important to find than a cache of ancient treasure and cultural artifacts.
This time she was going to find the truth.
Chapter 21
Dallas pulled on a wrinkled black T-shirt and ran his fingers through wet hair to straighten it up. He’d booted up the laptop before jumping in the shower and stepped over to open his e-mail as a knock came on the hotel room door.
He let Oscar in.
“They’re headed to Singapore,” Oscar said as he entered the room. “According to Marla, they took the helicopter to Cairns where they boarded a private jet. No telling where the blokes are headed to from there, and I’m fresh out of contacts in Malaysia.”
Dallas had one or two and had started running the possible implications of Cho’s destination. He doubted it was a coincidence that he was flying in on the eve of Mathis Howe’s upcoming event. Black tie patrons and black-market antiquities, all nicely sanctioned by the local art world and local authorities. It was good business, and big profits generated blindness.
Another knock sounded on the door.
Since two out of three were already here, he knew who it was before he opened it. Riki stood in the doorway, looking refreshed in a sleeveless button down, khaki shorts, and strappy sandals. He drank in the sight of her damp hair and dewy fresh skin. Hell, he was practically ogling. Other than the thin cut on her forehead, there was little sign of their ordeal on the mountain. She might look wholesome and serene, but he wasn’t fooled. Underneath that camouflage lay a lethal ability to bring a man to his knees.
“I thought we were meeting in your room?” he said to her.
“Looks like everyone is here instead.” She walked past him and settled into a chair at the round table in the corner.
Thankfully he’d developed an immunity to her overpowering charms and saw right past that soft, creamy exterior. He immediately spotted a determined look about her that was missing an hour ago.
“What do we know so far?” she asked.
Oscar answered. “Our friends took a private jet to Singapore.”
She chewed on her lower lip for a second. “A private plane makes sense. They wouldn’t want to deal with customs.” She leaned forward and tapped her fingers on the faux walnut Formica top. “A standard jet has a fuel capacity around four-thousand miles. To reach Japan they’d need a stopover,” she reasoned. “But they could be back in the air within an hour.”
Dallas had a different idea. “Or they could be headed for the protection of the nearest Japanese Embassy.”
“What makes you think that?” she asked.
“Inside information.” He was about to join her at the table when another knock sounded on the door. Dallas veered to the nightstand and snatched his Berretta from behind the alarm clock.
“You can relax,” Oscar said. “I knew she wouldn’t wait,” he said as he thumbed toward Riki. “So I ordered room service before coming over here.” He put an eye to the peephole, but didn’t take two seconds to open the door.
A hotel waiter wheeled in a food cart piled high with covered dishes and a liter bottle of wine. Dallas still held the gun behind his back as Oscar welcomed the delivery with enthusiasm.
“Perfect timing, mate. What do we have?” The Aussie tilted the bottle of wine to see the label. “Tasmanian cabernet sauvignon, perfect.”
The waiter began lifting lids as he described the entree. “Asian salad in a light ginger dressing, coconut crusted tiger prawns, a platter of select cuts of roo, emu, and croc, all accompanied by garlic roasted potatoes, zesty seasonal vegetables, and a fresh round of damper bread.” He waved a hand across the mouth-watering display. “Just as you ordered.”
“Where do I sign?” Oscar asked.
The waiter handed him a small clipboard, and Oscar scribbled a signature at the bottom of the check. “It’s on his room, right?” he asked and pointed to Dallas.
“As requested.”
“Jolly good,” he replied and scribbled on the ticket again. “There’s a generous tip on there for you, mate. Appreciate the speedy delivery.”
The butler glanced at the ticket and grinned. “Anytime. Dishes and cutlery are on the lower shelf. Wheel the cart outside when you’re done. I’ll collect it. Call me if you need anything more.” With a nod to Dallas and Riki, he left.
“Seriously, Oscar, I think you bankrupted me,” Dallas said as he returned the pistol to his nightstand.
“We deserve a feast after what we’ve been through.” Oscar lifted the wine bottle from the chiller, grabbed an opener off the cart, then set them both on the table beside Riki. “Mind doing the honors?”
“Not at all.” She got busy popping the cork. “In fact, I think I love you.”
“Always did have a way with the ladies,” he replied. He dug three wine goblets from the lower shelf of the cart and added them to the mix, then finished up with a stack of plates and silverware.
“That’s a given.” She smiled at Oscar as she poured the wine. “You’re charming, resourceful, and if you treated me this good all the time, I’d say irresistible.”
Dallas frowned. That sounded like flirting. He’d made a study of knowing her, and not once had he noted her playing the role of coquette. He didn’t think she knew how, yet here she was flattering Oscar because he had the audacity to order a lavish buffet and put it on the agency’s tab.
“I’d believe every word of it, too,” Oscar said, “except I know you’re only saying it because you’re hungry.”
“More like starved.” Riki handed Dallas his glass. “I’d say anything to get my hands on one of those tiger prawns.”
&nb
sp; Oscar clapped a hand over his heart. “Now I’m hurt.”
“You’ll survive.” She lifted her wine in a toast. “Here’s to finding the Pearl. And to losing it again.”
Dallas lifted his glass. “Here’s to finding a way to work together.”
“And to those of us who didn’t make it home,” she added. “To Craig Lawson. A friend who gave all.”
They clinked glasses, and Dallas drank deeply.
“Let’s pull the table out and make room to eat.” Riki signaled Dallas to help her while Oscar rolled the food cart closer.
They dug in like it was the first real meal they’d had in days. There was no talking, just the clatter of cutlery and lips smacking in delight. Five minutes in, and Dallas didn’t care how outrageous the cost. It was worth the mountain of paperwork he’d have to complete at the end of this job. Every bite tasted like heaven.
He was loading up round two when Riki circled back to the main topic. “The Japanese Embassy in Singapore,” she said. “Why do you think Cho will head there?”
There was no doubt Cho was Shimshi. Elite, well-funded, and well-informed. He’d be fully aware of the event at the embassy. The power and prestige he’d gain by delivering Phantom Pearl would be irresistible. He’d also kill to protect it. Time to lay the cards on the table.
“I’ve spent the last six weeks establishing a cover to infiltrate an antiquities smuggling organization based in Singapore. At least I was before coming to Australia.”
“I know.” She speared a potato with her fork and nibbled. “Keeping tabs on you has become a necessary part of my job.”
He was watching her. She was watching him. That was a little disconcerting. He should have realized that. “And yet I got the drop on you right here at the Sovereign.”
“A fluke. Don’t let it go to your head.”
“Too late.” He grinned. “Getting a step ahead of you is an accomplishment. I’ve already added it to my resume.”
“He even bragged to me about it,” Oscar said.
She glanced between them both and shook her head. “Honestly, you’re both hopeless. Now, back to Singapore…?”
“Right. All business.” He swirled his wine and took a quick sip. “Ever heard of Mathis Howe?”
Her eyes widened. “The black-market king of Malaysia? That Mathis Howe?”
“That’s the one,” he replied. “In a couple of days, an invitation-only gala will be held at Japan’s embassy. It’s being touted as a showcase of art and antiquities, and the main attraction is Japan’s recovered pre-World War Two treasure. Howe and his cronies are displaying several rare pieces from their own collections. It’s a coveted event. Only high-end players can get through the doors. Wealthy patrons, dignitaries, and private collectors will be crawling all over the place.”
Riki traded the fork for her wine and sat back in the chair. “It would be a major triumph for Cho’s faction if they brought in Phantom Pearl.”
Dallas nodded. “He’s already a man of influence. But a feat like that would bump his value significantly and cement his rank in the organization. Not to mention that such a spectacular prize would put the embassy at his complete disposal.”
“What will Howe’s reaction be when he’s upstaged like that?” she asked.
A valid question. Howe had an ego. “On a normal day, I think he’d jump at the chance to do business with Cho. It would boost his cache and his net profits. But in this case, the only benefit derived will be Cho’s, and I don’t see Howe accepting that graciously. That’s not the real problem, though. All international embassies have controlled environments. Armed guards, security systems, and serious repercussions should the status quo be disrupted. Once the Pearl is inside, it will be a challenge to recover.”
“Have you thought of warning Howe?” she asked. “Perhaps he can put the brakes on Cho before he gets inside.”
“I’ve considered it, but pitting two warlords against each other might not be the best move. Not with a priceless antiquity at stake. On the other hand, stealing a displayed centerpiece from an embassy event would spark a political nightmare. There’s no easy answer.”
Oscar pointed a prawn at Dallas. “I assume Howe is part of that smuggling ring you’re trying to crack?”
“He is,” Dallas replied.
“You break into his circle yet?” The prawn went down, chased by a swig of wine.
“I’d managed to build a foundation of trust before my sudden trip to Australia. I’m working a shipment for him, but he’s twitchy. Everything is on a need-to-know basis. He refuses to reveal what is in the delivery, but he wants me there when it arrives.”
“You think it’s the pieces for the gala?” Riki asked.
“That’s my guess, but as far as I know, he hasn’t cleared me for access to the embassy. I need to get back to Singapore and meet with Howe. That delivery could be our ticket inside the gala.”
Oscar tossed his napkin onto his now empty plate and sat back. “Covert operations, international crime syndicates, this is the kind of job I’ve dreamed about. A regular Mission Impossible.”
“Nothing is ever impossible,” Riki said. “I’m living proof.”
“I believe it. I’ve been in the military a lot of years, done a lot of war games. None of it compares to the last couple days of car chases, flying bullets, plane crashes, and badass criminals. It’s been amazing. And I’ve learned something about myself.”
“That you want to come out of retirement?” Dallas asked.
He shook his head. “Just the opposite. I’ve decided hazardous duty pay is overrated.”
Riki’s eyes widened. “He gets hazardous duty pay?”
“And a bonus,” Dallas replied. He deserved every dollar. “Probably work in a new bumper for his truck as well.”
“Seriously?” she asked. “How do I get in on that? We’ve teamed up. Surely, I qualify.”
Dallas scoffed at the absurdity. “As much grief as you’ve caused the agency,” he said to Riki, “you probably owe them money.”
She shot a glare his way.
“If you get in, ask for the expense account,” Oscar said and pointed to the now empty food cart.
“She won’t get in,” Dallas declared. “And the paperwork isn’t worth it.”
“I believe it, mate. Still, the last couple days have been exhilarating. A real adrenaline rush. But I’ve come to the conclusion it’s a younger man’s game.” He lifted his wine and took a hearty swallow. “It pains me to say it, but I think this is where I exit the train.”
“You’re retiring again?” Dallas asked him. “I thought you said it was boring.”
Oscar grinned. “I’ve had a change of heart. I’m ready. In fact, thinking about settling down. Don’t say anything, but I sort have a soft spot for Marla.”
“Never would’ve guessed…”
“Had a mucking good time hanging with you two, but Craig taught me life is too short. I want to enjoy the years I have left.”
“A smart person knows when it’s time to change direction.” Dallas said it straight at Riki, delivering the message she refused to acknowledge.
Her glare said that hadn’t changed. “A smart person knows when it’s time to quit nagging.”
Oscar glanced between them with a big grin. “Wish I could be around to see which one of you wins this war, but I’ve got a marriage proposal to plan.”
“Marla will be thrilled,” Dallas said. “That woman has it bad for you.”
“She’s as right as rain.” Oscar took a swallow of courage. “If she says yes, think we’ll honeymoon in Thailand. Bangkok has several fine national parks. And many excellent birding sites within a two-hour drive. Who knows, maybe I’ll get lucky and add the Asian Dowitcher or a Great Hornbill to my photography journal.”
Riki instantly brightened. “You keep a birding journal!
Would you share it with me one day?”
“Come back when all this is over,” he replied. “I’ll show you every page. Then we’ll visit the Tablelands up north.”
“That sounds wonderful,” she said.
Oscar set his glass on the food cart and stood. “I take it you’re flying out tomorrow?”
Dallas nodded. “As soon as we can buy tickets.”
“I’ll call Marla tonight. Get you hooked through to Singapore.”
Riki rose from the table. “May I ask a favor before you go?”
“If it’s about Craig, I’ve already made contact with ADF about recovery. For him and the plane. I’ll work with the team to bring him home.”
Riki closed her eyes and whispered, “Thank you.”
“He’s an Aussie hero,” Oscar said. “It didn’t seem right to leave him out there.”
“There’s one more thing,” she said.
“Name it.”
“Before Craig…” She hesitated, as if she didn’t want to voice the reality. “He has a daughter, Marcy. She lives in Port Douglas. Craig asked that his backpack be delivered to her.”
“Say no more,” Oscar stated. “I’d be honored to deliver it in person. Tell her what a hero her father was to this country.”
She rounded over to Oscar, arms outstretched, and hugged him. “I can’t thank you enough. It’s been an honor working with you.”
“Now, now, don’t be getting all emotional on me.” Oscar squeezed her tight, then released her. “If ever you need a thing, any little thing at all, remember who your supply clerk is.”
“Enjoy your life with Marla,” Riki said. “You’ve earned it.”
He winked at her.
“Thanks for the fine meal,” Oscar said to Dallas. “I’ll be around in the morning to collect Craig’s backpack and give you both a lift to the airport. Seems fitting since that’s how we started this adventure.”
Dallas put his hand out to shake. “We’ll be ready, my friend.”
Chapter 22
The minute the door shut behind Oscar, Riki became hyper-aware that she was once again completely alone with the man who’d previously been the enemy. The last time that happened she’d been handcuffed to a bed. The thought made her frown.
Phantom Pearl Page 17
