Trying to bite back my sarcastic tone I asked, “And she seemed to be…normal?” It was a rude thing to ask or even think, but it was a legitimate question. I don’t need to be in hotel security to know that there are some real flakes in this world.
Bennett chuckled. “For an attorney, surprisingly so.”
That’s the worst kind of flake.
I’ve never had to deal with them personally, but my kid brother Joe couldn’t seem to keep his nose clean. I told him he should join the military and they would straighten his ass out, but even they didn’t want him. He liked to drink too much, party too hard, and fight everyone over nothing. I spent many hours trying to mentor him. But Joe always thought I believed I was better than everyone else because I was a Marine. That wasn’t the case. I’m proud of being a Marine, but all I wanted to do is help my brother better himself. Sadly, I couldn’t. Even the attorneys my parents hired couldn’t keep him out of jail. In the end, Joe broke my parents’ hearts, and they almost lost everything trying to defend him.
I wasn’t even sure what kind of attorney this woman was, but they all left a bad taste in my mouth. They took the money whether they won or lost, and that never sat well with me. If I didn’t do my job well, people could die. No room for error. I wasn’t so sure they cared what the outcome was. And I sure as hell didn’t make the money they did. God, I hate attorneys.
But this wasn’t about me. I needed to focus on the person Bennett was talking about. I can picture her now. Looking around the beach, I scanned for anyone who might fit the lawyer mold. There was an older woman sitting under an umbrella reading some thick novel. Her expression said she was not enjoying what she was reading but didn’t put the book down, either. It had to be her. Hell, she even looked like a Wellington. Something about the name struck me as stuffy, cold, and unapproachable with no sex appeal, and this woman definitely fit the bill. “I’ll start by speaking to her.” Not that I’m looking forward to it. “Maybe she has something more to add than what she told you.”
“Good. I told her I wanted her to meet with someone from my security team. She’s in room 312.”
Raising a brow, I said, “You were confident I’d take the job?” My eyes still were focused on the woman reading on the beach.
Bennett replied, “You flew all the way here from Boston. I assumed that meant you wanted the job. If you need to think about it, I can always send someone else to talk to Miss Wellington.”
I knew this was a fucking test. If I refused, I knew Bennett wouldn’t give me a job. I wasn’t sure I really wanted it, but it beat the hell out of sitting around back in Boston. “Consider this a trial. No guarantee how long I’ll stay.” I knew I didn’t sound grateful for this opportunity, but I was being honest. Bennett knew it, too. It was a change from what I was used to. But Bennett had been in the Marine Corps, too. He had to know that the transition wasn’t easy. We were given a mission and as a team we worked toward its goals. This was nothing like that.
“Don’t worry, James, I won’t have you sign a contract. This is based on mutual trust. When this doesn’t work for either of us, we part ways. No hard feelings.”
That worked for me. The only thing I’d ever committed fully to was the Marine Corps. I wouldn’t even make a commitment to a woman, as they did not generally fit the lifestyle I wanted. Right now, I had to figure out what I wanted going forward. And it sure as fuck isn’t easy letting go of the past.
“I guess I should go and change. I’ll let you know if I hear anything you should be concerned about after speaking to Miss Wellington.”
Bennett nodded. “Don’t take what she says lightly. Remember what I said. Things are different here.”
It was probably nothing-this was a secure facility. From what I understood, no one even left to explore the island. But even though the view was gorgeous and the amenities top-notch, it didn’t mean the resort was safe. If anything, it was the perfect place for a crime. Everyone would be so relaxed and distracted they probably won’t see even coming. I headed up to my room to change. Bennett had been dressed in a suit. I’d brought one with me-I just didn’t want to wear it. Since Miss Wellington was an attorney, I might as well look as professional as possible.
It didn’t take me long to change, but I didn’t bother shaving. She could deal with my stubble. As I headed to the third floor, my phone rang. It was Bennett. If he’s checking on me already, this isn’t just my first day–it’ll be my last, too.
“No, I haven’t spoken to her yet,” I stated firmly. I hoped he could hear the irritation in my voice.
“I figured not. Thought I’d save you some time. She just walked down to the beach. You might want to catch her before she leaves,” he said.
Damn. I should’ve stayed in my shorts.
“I’m on my way,” I said as I got back on the elevator and pushed the button for the lobby. I still had no idea what she’d look like, but I was glad she wasn’t the one I saw on the beach earlier. Once outside, I opted to take a different avenue. It would be unprofessional and time-consuming to go up to each woman and ask her name. I opted to utilize the staff. I saw one of the waitresses carrying drinks down towards the beach. I walked over and asked, “Excuse me, could you please point out Miss Wellington to me?”
The woman turned and looked me over. It was evident that she didn’t recognize me, as I hadn’t been so formally dressed when I arrived. If I had my way, I wouldn’t be now, either. “You may want to inquire at the front desk,” she stated, firmly but politely.
She might not have answered my question, but I noticed that she looked in the direction of a woman who was familiar to me. I wasn’t going to push the subject. If anything, I was glad to know she did not divulge any guest information, not even their names. “Thank you. I’ll do that next time.”
She smiled and continued on her way, ignorant to the fact I had my answer.
As I headed toward the beach, I couldn’t believe it was the same woman I had bumped into twice earlier. Maybe that’s why she had been so irritated by my comments. Then again, maybe that was her normal demeanor. Looks like I’m about to find out.
She glared at me as I approached, crossing her arms. “Are you following me or something?”
I didn’t miss her eyes roaming over me again. Did she think I didn’t own a suit or was it that she liked this look better? I wish I could read what she was thinking right now. Under different circumstances, I’d ask if she was enjoying the view. I knew I was. Her hair practically glowed with the sun hitting it and her lips, looked like they should be kissed. Fuck. I’m here to gather Intel, not hit on her.
I pulled my thoughts back to business and in a serious tone I said, “You can always go to the manager if you think you’re being harassed,” I said, trying to provoke her. Possibly, she was nervous in strange places and was sending Bennett, and now me, on a wild goose chase.
She huffed and added, “I’m very capable of taking care of myself, thank you very much.”
I looked her over, and even with her small stature, there was a confidence about her that was undeniable. How any man could listen to her in court without getting lost in those gorgeous blue eyes was beyond me. They were filled with such passion and fire. I can only imagine what she’d be like in the bedroom. I wasn’t going to find out because I wasn’t here for pleasure. But I have a feeling being with her would be very pleasurable.
“I am sure you are. Before we continue, I’d like to confirm that I have the right person, I’m looking for Miss Wellington.”
“May I ask why?” I could hear the lawyer in her tone.
“Bennett Stone asked me to speak to her. Is that you?” She nodded, and I continued. “He said you’re concerned about a man watching the employees.”
“I’m not sure about all employees, but I know he was watching one in particular. The young woman’s name is Lily. And she seemed to be aware of it as well.”
“Did she mention it to you?” I pressed on.
“No, she did not. B
ut she was suddenly extremely nervous, more nervous than I’d seen her earlier this week. She even spilled a drink on me because she was distracted.”
To me it sounded more like an incompetent waitress than someone in fear. “Did you ask her about it?”
She shook her head. “It wasn’t my place. And actually, I felt as though if I did bring it to her attention, it wouldn’t play out well for her.”
It was a lot for someone to assume from one interaction, but Miss Wellington seemed convinced Lily was in some sort of trouble. What I didn’t understand was why no one else seemed to have noticed. Or maybe, like Lily, they’re all too afraid to talk.
I asked, “And you were able to assess this by seeing him once?” I consider myself good at reading people. Hell, in the field it can mean the difference between life and death. But what are her credentials?
“It’s a learned skill through my job.”
I could see how a lawyer would have to be able to sense whether her client was guilty or innocent. But maybe she wasn’t a criminal lawyer. Maybe she was a divorce lawyer and hated men. But my job wasn’t to question Miss Wellington on anything other than what she thought she had seen.
“Can you tell me what this man looked like? Was he wearing a uniform?”
“No, he wasn’t. Actually, he was dressed all in black, with black hair and piercing dark eyes.”
That pretty much described just about every Tabiqian man. I was going to need a lot more than that to start my search. “He was that close to you?” I asked.
She shook her head and replied, “No, but I have excellent vision, along with an excellent memory, too. Just in case you were going to question that as well. For the record, I’m not trying to cause any trouble for Lily. I’m only trying to help.”
“I wasn’t trying to suggest otherwise. It’s just whatever information you can give me will make it easier to locate this gentleman.”
She added, “I only saw him briefly. I wish I could be more help. If I see him again, I’ll try to gather as much information as I can and pass it along to you, as well as to Mr. Stone. But honestly, I hope that man doesn’t return. Not for me, but for Lily.”
“We will keep an eye on her as well until we get to the bottom of this. And if you don’t mind, please don’t mention this to anyone. We would not want people to panic,” I instructed.
“So, you’re not going look for him?” she asked, sounding shocked.
“You didn’t provide much for me to go on. You don’t have a height, there’s no special markings a scar anything maybe a tattoo? I cannot go and question every man here.”
“Then maybe Mr. Stone sent the wrong man for the job.”
You fucking didn’t just say that, did you?
I was definitely not the man for this job, but there was no way in hell I could let this woman be the one to tell me that. I had never failed at any assignment and I sure as hell was not gonna fail this one. “You are an attorney, correct?” With her arms crossed, she nodded. I added, “Then you know proving your case is based on facts and witness testimonies. Do you think I have a case at the moment?”
I definitely got her attention. Her sea blue eyes shot daggers in my direction. She practically growled, “I guess I’ll have to find him myself.”
“The hell you will. If someone here is potentially dangerous, I don’t want you involved at all,” I stated firmly.
“And how do you plan on stopping me?” she asked.
I love a challenge. Grinning, I replied, “I’ll be your shadow everywhere you go. So either you drop this now or accept the fact that I’ll be by your side every second.”
She didn’t respond, so I turned and headed towards the hotel. I heard her mutter just before I was out of earshot, “Arrogant ass.”
I guess I haven’t changed as much as I thought.
Chapter 4
Robin
What is wrong with me? I never even asked his name. The only thing I knew was that Mr. Stone had sent him to speak to me. How could I locate him again if I didn’t even know who to ask for? He had caught me off guard, which is generally hard to do. I couldn’t believe how different he looked in a suit. He was a very handsome man, but I actually liked him better in shorts and a T-shirt. Maybe it was because I was on vacation and his questioning felt too much like being back in the office, surrounded by people in stuffy suits. I wished he had asked me to have a drink instead of questioning me about Lily and the lurking creep.
There was no point in trying to read the book I’d brought along to the beach. My mind was racing in all different directions. And right now, I needed to do something, anything, to get my mind off of that handsome stranger. He may have issued a warning to me, but as far as I’m concerned, he doesn’t have the authority to do so.
Since I hadn’t come down here to sunbathe or swim, I really didn’t have much to pack up. All I had to do was shake the sand out of my sandals. But I wasn’t heading back to my room. I was going to do some sightseeing of my own and I’ve pretty much have already explored most of the resort grounds already. And the only sight I was looking for right now was Lily.
I always saw her serving guests on the beach, but I couldn’t seem to find her now. Maybe she had gone home or decided to fill a shift elsewhere. There was dining inside after all. And there is also a beautiful outside patio with tables and umbrella’s. I should start there. If I don’t see her, I guess I can always ask one of the other waitresses.
As I expected, Lily was no were in sight, even at the patio. I was out of options. I’d have to ask. I called over one of the waitresses I’d seen bustling about.
“Hello. May I get you something?” the woman asked.
“Actually, I’m looking for one of your colleagues-a young lady who’s been waiting on me this week. Her name is Lily. Do you know where I can find her?” I asked.
The woman looked nervous, taking her eyes off me and glancing around before bringing her attention back. In a very low voice she whispered, “I think she left.”
I had no idea why that was a secret. “Was she ill?” She hadn’t looked sick earlier. Only scared.
The woman shook her head. Her voice was so low I could barely hear her. “No.”
I was hoping to get a little more information than that, so I asked, “Did anything seem wrong?” I didn’t want to mention what I had witnessed, mostly because I was asked not to. But how could I investigate without asking any questions? Investigate without investigating. I was going to find out what was going on, and probably before anyone else. A good attorney wasn’t afraid to do her own fact finding.
The woman once again looked around, and wore the same concerned expression that Lily had before. I knew I wasn’t imagining it. Something is going on here.
“I don’t know what you mean,” she said.
“I mean… I mean, did she leave with anyone? I mean, anyone unusual?” I wasn’t going to give her the details. That would be leading the witness.
“I saw her grab her purse and she left, alone.”
That was good news, I guess. At least it meant she wasn’t forced or dragged off somewhere. I must’ve been reading too many thrillers. This might just be normal behavior for Lily.
The woman added, “I don’t think she told anyone why.”
“Why what?” I asked.
“Why she was leaving. Her shift wasn’t over. It’s not like Lily. But please, don’t tell anyone I told you that. I don’t want her to get in trouble.”
What is going on with the management that makes the employees so frightened? Mr. Stone didn’t seem to be overly stern or unyielding, however, I didn’t have a view from the inside. I was a paying guest, so I’m sure he’d been on his best behavior when we met. The man he sent to follow up with me, on the other hand…
“I promise I won’t say anything to anyone. Thank you so much for talking with me. I’m sure Lily is okay.” At least, I hope she is.
Another guest had called for the waitress and she said, “I have to get back to
work now.”
I nodded and she left. At least I didn’t have to wonder where Lily was on the resort. But now I was really concerned - what if she was in trouble off the resort grounds? Since New Hope was a closed facility, there was no way I could go find out for myself. This would be a lot easier if I was home. I have connections, resources.
I plopped myself down at one of the empty tables. The overwhelming feelings of defeat and helplessness filled me. I just need to regroup and think. Something would come to mind. I don’t give up this easily. And I don’t think Lily would want me too either.
“Is everything all right?” a woman asked.
I had seen her around the resort before. She didn’t appear to work here, so she must have been a guest like me. “Yes. I was just…in deep thought.”
The woman took the seat across from me and extended her hand and said, “My name is Zoey Stone.”
Stone.
I shook her hand. “I’m Robin Wellington. Are you related to Bennett Stone?”
She nodded. “Bennett is my husband. How do you know him?”
I smiled and replied, “He was kind enough to help me with an issue I had with an employee here. Actually not an issue with her, but with someone else. It’s kind of complicated.”
Zoey chuckled. “It usually is when my husband is involved. I’m glad he was able to assist you. Are you enjoying your stay?”
“The resort is absolutely beautiful. It’s really a hidden gem. I’m surprised my travel agent even knew about this place. But I’m glad he recommended it.”
“My family hasn’t done much advertising about it. It’s really based on word of mouth. And we’re very cautious about the caliber of our clientele,” Zoey stated.
That was puzzling. A place like this - you would want business. More guests meant more money. But she had mentioned her family. “Are you one of the Hendersons?”
“I am. Do you know my family?”
I shook my head. “Not personally. But your family is well known. I never heard anything about a sister.”
Eleven Days in Paradise (Barrington Billionaires Book 11) Page 3
