The Reef

by Lois Kay

  “Jody? Enemies?” Lucy softly snorted. “No, not at all. My sister is one of the kindest, gentlest people you’ll ever meet.” Lucy cast a look inside the apartment. “This is insane.” Her voice was strained. When she turned back to Trishia Waters her dark-green eyes were blazing. “Do you have any leads?”

  “Luce.” Gerald warned. He gently bumped her shoulder.

  “I’m sorry, but that’s not something I can share with you,” Trishia Waters sounded genuinely apologetic and Lucy nodded in understanding.

  “I’m sorry. I …this makes me so mad.”

  “I understand. I know you said you don’t think there are people who wish her harm, but, if you think of something, anything, please, give me a call.” Trishia Waters pulled a card out of her pocket and handed it to Lucy. “Sometimes we think certain information is insignificant, but it doesn’t always have to be that way.”

  Lucy nodded. “Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.” She looked up and for a moment was taken aback by the intensity in the blue-green eyes in front of her. “Thank you, Senior Sergeant. I apologize if we interrupted anything. We didn’t mean to.”

  Trishia Waters smiled, which softened her features and made her look years younger. “I’m sure you didn’t. Have a nice day. It was nice to meet you both.”

  Only when they walked out of the apartment building Gerald spoke again. “She scared the crap out of me.”

  Lucy chuckled. “I admit I almost jumped when she just showed up like that.”

  “She’s intense,” Gerald said, glancing aside. “I’d hate to be on her bad side. Can you imagine being interrogated by her?”

  Lucy didn’t answer, but the corner of her mouth curled upward in a small smile.

  * * *

  Sam was sitting on the veranda, her feet propped up on a chair in front of her, her laptop resting on her knees. She was scanning all the data that scrolled by, while her brain processed every bit of information she could grasp. Her eyes were fixed on the screen and she was so absorbed that she didn't seem to notice someone was observing her.

  Jody was studying Sam’s face with interest, noticing every little twitch, frown and narrowing of the eyes. She loved watching Sam and it wasn't something she could often indulge in, because Sam usually completely focused on her. Jody smiled when Sam rubbed her nose, a gesture she had come to know as one of utter concentration. She bit her lip and Jody could hear her suck in some air. A smile lit up her face and unexpectedly a pair of blue eyes looked up.

  “Do you like what you see?” Sam raised an eyebrow and was clearly amused by the surprised look on Jody’s face.

  “Oh, yes.” Jody laughed. “I like it a lot. And here I was thinking you were lost to the world.”

  Sam’s eyes twinkled. “I was. But I could feel your eyes all over me and that sort of makes it harder to focus.”

  “Did you find anything?”

  “I think I did. If you'll give me five more minutes I think I can show you.”

  “Fair enough.” Jody stood. “I'll get you something to drink. What would you like?”

  “Mm…what? Oh, I liked that lemon squash thing.”

  “Okay, I'll get you some.” Jody opened the door to the kitchen and looked back. “Lucy and Ger might be here soon. She said they’d come by.”

  Sam glanced up and nodded, before looking at her screen again. Suddenly she jumped to her feet, nearly dropping her laptop.

  “Jody!”

  Jody who was entering the kitchen turned when she heard the anxiety in Sam's voice. She frowned when she saw a pair of frightened blue eyes. “Sam, what's—”

  “Lucy and Ger are coming? Now?”

  “Yes, they’re on the way,” Jody answered. “Sam, what is it? You’re starting to worry me.”

  “Do you think Lucy would have stopped at your apartment first?”

  Jody nodded. “She's curious enough, so I guess that’s possible. I—” She fell silent when her brain registered her words, leaving frightening possibilities. “Sam, you don't think that—?” She moistened her lips, afraid to finish her sentence.

  “I don't know. But I don't want to take any risk.” The expression on Sam’s face was grim. “Where's my cell phone? It might not be too late.”

  Chapter 9

  Gerald's blue eyes widened when Lucy slammed the breaks just in time to avoid running into a pedestrian. In reaction, he extended his right leg like he was driving the car himself and slamming the brakes. Lucy chuckled.

  “Gee, Luce, do you have to do that? Where did you learn how to drive? You’re going to kill me.”

  “Don't worry, darling.” Lucy grinned and patted his knee. “I've got everything under control. You don't think I would let anything happen to my little brother, now, do you?”

  I'm not so sure about that,” Gerald mumbled. “I don’t exactly feel safe with you behind the wheel.”

  Lucy threw her head back and laughed. She enjoyed teasing her siblings. Once, Jody became genuinely upset with her and only when she threatened to get out of the car and walk, Lucy had slowed down. There was a lot of traffic, as usual, and they made slow progress, much to Lucy's annoyance. “This is going to take forever,” she complained, pointing at all the cars in front of them.

  “That’s a good exercise for your patience,” Gerald said.

  “You’re grumpy,” Lucy retorted “Why is that men always think they’re better drivers than women? You know, Matt and Dad have had a few accidents, but Jody and I never did run into anything.”

  “Yet,” Gerald said. “Just keep up driving like this and you will.”

  Lucy laughed. “We'll see.”

  * * *

  “They’re taking a right turn, Steve, off the highway,” Fred said. He hadn’t taken his eyes off the car they had been following. “Where do you think they're going?'

  “How would I know?” Little Steven grumbled. “We'll find out soon enough. Keep an eye on them. Jesus, this car in front of me keeps changing lanes. He's driving me bonkers.”

  Fred nervously rubbed his hands together and glanced at the man sitting next to him. Little Steven's face carried a very determined expression. His eyes were narrowed and his lips pursed. It was clear he had no intention of screwing up and that knowledge made Fred feel a lot better. The thought of ending up as shark bait made him sick to his stomach.

  * * *

  “I'm glad we only have to get through this last section of town.” Lucy pushed her hair away from her forehead, wishing she had braided it that morning. “At least there’s no traffic going up on Megan and Sarah's road. Thank goodness. Where do all these people come from anyway?”

  Gerald was about to reply when her cell phone started buzzing.

  “Will you answer that, Bird? It's in my purse. I don't want to scare you by driving and talking on the phone.”

  Gerald ignored the teasing and pulled Lucy's purse from the back seat, grabbing the buzzing cell phone. “Lucy McDonnell’s answering service. How may I direct your call?”

  “Hi, Gerald? It's me, Sam.”

  “Hey, Sam,” Gerald smiled. “What's up? We're nearly there, so, make sure the coffee is ready.”

  “Listen, Ger.” The anxiety in Sam's voice made Gerald sit up straight and he noticed Lucy shot him a quizzical look. “Did you and Luce go to Jody's place, before coming here?”

  “As a matter of fact, we did. You know Luce, she's just too damn curious.”

  “Where are you now?”

  “We just left the Pacific Motorway. We're almost there.”

  “Don't.”

  Gerald clenched the phone in his hand and furrowed his brows. “Don’t what?”

  “Tell Lucy to keep on driving, okay?”

  “But Sam—”

  “Please, tell her, Gerald.” Sam's voice was tense and Gerald could tell she was upset.

  “Luce, keep driving,” he said. “Don't go up to Megan's. I don't know what the hell is going on, but Sam doesn't want us there.”

  “What? But why?”<
br />
  “I don't know, just do it. I don't want to piss off, Sam. She sounds very serious.”

  “Gerald?”

  “I’m still here, Sam. We’ll keep on driving. What is going on?”

  “I think you guys may be followed,” Sam said. “The guy that trashed the apartment. He got away last night and I'm afraid he didn't find what he was looking for.”

  Gerald frowned. “And what was that?”

  “I'll explain later, Bird. Okay?”

  Gerald nodded, as if Sam could see him and cast a look in the rearview mirror. He saw nothing out of the ordinary. “So, what do we do now?”

  “I’m trying to figure that out, my bird-friend.” There was relief in Sam’s voice and Gerald detected a trace of humor in it. “Make sure you don't go anywhere isolated. Just keep on driving. I'll call you back. Okay?”

  “No worries, Sam. Talk to you later.” Gerald switched off the phone and sighed.

  “This is like some damn police movie,” he said. “And you know what? I don't like it. Sam thinks we might have someone tailing us. The guy that was at Pea's place last night.”

  “You're kidding.” Lucy immediately checked her rearview mirror. “Is that why she wants us to keep on driving?”

  “Yup, although that might seem a bit suspicious. Why don't we find a crowded place where we can have a cup of coffee or something? We'll wait there for Sam to call back.”

  Lucy bit her lip and nodded, keeping an eye on her mirror. “That sounds like a plan.” She chuckled. “Make sure to order the most expensive drink. Sam can pay for it later.”

  * * *

  As soon as Sam put her cell phone down on the table she noticed a pair of worried green eyes following all her movements. She raked her hands through her unruly hair and closed her eyes for a moment. A hand fell on her shoulder and a thumb gently rubbed a tense muscle. Even through the cotton of her shirt Sam could feel the warmth of Jody’s hands. It was a welcome touch.

  “So, they’re not coming up here? They keep on driving? What are we going to do now?” Jody asked, continuing the gentle massage.

  Sam grabbed the hand that was caressing her shoulder, rubbing her cheek against the soft skin. She didn't immediately answer, but stared at the table in front of her. “You’re smart, Jody, you know they’re looking for the flash drive. And they probably figured out you and I have it.” She kissed the inside of Jody’s wrist and then turned around in her chair. “I think I have a plan.”

  “Am I going to like it?” Jody asked.

  “I don’t…probably not,” Sam replied. “Right now, we’re not sure about anything. What we do know is that someone was looking for something in your apartment last night. If I were that person I’d keep an eye on your place to see if we’d show up, so they can find out where we’re staying.” Sam raked her fingers through her hair.

  “Because they want the flash drive,” Jody said.

  “That’s what I think. We’re not even sure if Luce and Gerald were followed, but I’d like to assume they are, just to be on the safe side. I want them to go to that little restaurant on the edge of town, off the motorway. I can go there and see if someone is following them.”

  “Sam, I’m not sure if that’s a good idea,” Jody said.

  “It’s the only one I can come up with,” Sam confessed. “If they’re followed, I may be able to take a picture, or at least, get the license plate. Then we have something concrete to share with Inspector Wong.”

  “I’ll come with you.” Jody’s eyes had become a brighter shade of green and Sam knew she was not happy with her plan.

  “Jody listen.” Sam tried to sound calm and reasonable. “It’s my guess that they know you. They have seen you. They might have seen me too, but that was probably only a glimpse. When they see us together, we will stand out like…a flower on a trash heap.”

  Despite everything, Jody chuckled. “Is that all you could come up with?”

  Sam grinned. “I need more time to be eloquent.”

  Jody’s expression turned serious again and Sam could tell by her posture alone that she wasn’t happy.

  “You know I’m right,” Sam said gently. “As soon as they see you and me together they will have found what—”

  “Yes, I know.” Jody’s eyes now darkened with worry. “Damnit, Sam.” She turned around and, without saying another word, disappeared inside the house.

  Barely a minute later, Megan appeared. There was a puzzled look in her dark eyes. “Why is Jody so upset?”

  Sam glanced up and tried to smile, but failed miserably. All she could come up with was a pained grimace. She buried her hands in the pockets of her shorts to hide the trembling of her fingers and looked miserable. “I think we’re having a disagreement.”

  Megan raised an eyebrow. “What happened?”

  Sam told Megan about her suspicion and her plan to get some answers. Megan listened attentively and nodded when Sam finished her account. “That doesn’t sound unreasonable.”

  “I wish Jody would see it that way.” There was a trace of sadness in her voice. “All I want to do is keep her safe. Why doesn't she understand that?”

  Megan sat down on the arm of a chair. “Well, first, she can be as stubborn as a mule. And secondly, because she loves you, Sam. She wants you to be safe.”

  “Nothing will happen to me. I will be safe. I don't have any intention to put myself in danger.”

  Megan nodded. “Of course, you don’t. Do you want me to talk to her? I know that stubborn streak, I’ve dealt with a couple of times myself.” Her tone was light and Sam chuckled.

  “If you’d like to,” Sam said. “I’m afraid that, no matter what I’ll say, I’ll make it worse.”

  “Alright.” Megan stood and gave Sam’s shoulder a friendly pat. “I bet she’ll be out in a minute.”

  * * *

  Jody was sitting against the headboard of the bed. Her knees were pulled up to her chest, with her arms wrapped around them. She stared at the wall, biting her lip to keep the tears at bay. They came anyway and with an impatient gesture she wiped them away. A knock on the door made her look up, but before she could react, the door opened and Megan stepped inside.

  “Did Sam send you?” Jody asked. It was clear she wasn’t pleased with the idea.

  “Nope, I volunteered,” Megan said. She took a seat on the edge of the bed. “I’ve been in this lion’s pit before and I’m familiar with your sharp teeth, my friend.” Megan paused for a moment. “Sam told me about her plan and it makes sense to me.”

  “So, now you’re siding with her.”

  Megan didn’t respond, but there was a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “What’s the real problem, Pea?”

  Jody's fingers were pulling the hem of her shirt and twisting the fabric in small knots. When Megan covered the fidgeting fingers, Jody grabbed hold of her hand, holding it tight.

  “I’m scared, Megs,” Jody finally whispered.

  “I can see that. What are you so afraid of?”

  Jody swallowed hard and moistened her lips before answering. “I don't want to sound overdramatic, but I don't want to lose her. That guy last night pulled a knife on her, for crying out loud. I can't let her go by herself.”

  “Don't you trust her, Jo? She says she won't take any risks and I believe her.”

  “I do trust Sam, I don't trust the rest of the world.” Jody muttered. “If I lose her again I will break into a million pieces and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to put myself back again.” She looked up and there was a pained expression in her eyes. “I…I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but I’ve never loved anyone as much as I do Sam.”

  Megan squeezed Jody’s hand. “I know that. I’ve always known. So, make sure to tell her that. It will make her even more careful. And you have to realize you’re not helping her by sitting here and sulk.”

  “I know. I knew that the moment I walked into the house.” Jody bent her head and let out a soft groan.

  “E
mbarrassing, huh?” Megan laughed. “Don't worry, sweetie, I'm sure she'll forgive you. Doing that eye-batting trick of yours always worked with me.”

  Jody looked up and laughed at the memory. “That might not work with Sam, though,” she replied.

  “Heck, woman, I’m pretty sure you don't even need it. She's crazy about you, just in case you hadn't noticed. Come on, go see her, before that laptop is destroyed. She was rattling those keys like they are her worst enemy.”

  Jody laughed and jumped up. She gave Megan a heartfelt hug, before leaving the room, heading for the veranda.

  * * *

  Sam was staring at the screen in front of her, but the data that scrolled by was constantly interrupted by the image of a pair of angry green eyes, blazing with fire and indignation. She tried to focus on the puzzle in front of her, but couldn't concentrate. Frustrated, she shoved the laptop away from her, jumping up with the intention to take a walk. When she had her foot on the first step of the stairs, the kitchen door opened and Jody appeared. She didn't try to avoid Sam's eyes, but looked straight at her. Her eyes were showing everything Sam needed to know. Sam stepped back onto the veranda and opened her arms. Jody didn't need further encouragement. She almost dove into Sam's embrace, hiding her face against a warm chest that echoed a rapid heartbeat.

  “I'm sorry, Sam,” Jody whispered. “I don’t want to be a pain. I want you to be safe.”

  Sam pulled her closer. “I know you do. I want to keep everybody safe.”

  “I acted like a two-year-old, didn't I?”

  “I wouldn't say that,” Sam answered with a hint of a laugh. “It was more like a three-year-old.”

  “Alright, I deserved that.” Jody looked up into a pair of twinkling blue eyes. “I—”

  Her words were cut off by lips that captured hers in a long, passionate kiss. Jody wrapped her arms around Sam's neck and pulled her closer.

  “You know the best thing about arguing?” Sam placed a trail of kisses along the soft, silky skin of Jody’s neck. “Making up afterwards.”