Grunting he hangs up and I manage to get a few minutes of sleep.
Later, in the terminal, I lean on my cane and scuff my feet forward under the nose of the same dude who watched me leave.
A ride waits for us outside and I’m pleasantly surprised to jump in the passenger seat next to my boss. “How long before sun up?”
“About four. Lucky’s here, too, renting a skiff. As soon as the sun comes up, you and him are going sailing. Surveillance, plan, and action. In the meantime, catch a few z’s. We’ve got eyes on the resort. Everything is quiet.”
I nod. “Copy that.”
Chapter 17
Sam
In Dubai, I jumped out a second-floor window and into a pool. Surely, I can relax in a cushy beach resort for a couple hours. I’d feel a whole lot better if I could let my husband know I’m safe. But how? I’m locked in my room on a private island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with no electronics.
Even if I could escape, there’s nowhere to run. I’m a strong swimmer but not real fond of fish with large teeth and a strong appetite for humans.
What Icando is prepare for a rescue. Suds and his pals will probably breach the perimeter at night. Their mission will go smoother if I’m able to disable my kidnapper’s eyes and ears.
Yawning, I stretch, take out an earring, and innocently drop the other on the rug.
“Shit.” On hands and knees, I search under the bed, the dresser, and find a bug on the lower edge of an end table holding a digital clock reading 12:03 AM.
I bet there’s another listening device in the bathroom, along with a camera. Sure enough, when I walk through the door, a small lens points at me from the outside wall above the john.
Fucking perverts.“I need to pee and change.” Speaking just loud enough for the assholes to hear, I lower the seat, step up, and hang a towel to block their view.
If he knew, my angry SEAL would punch their lights out. Smiling secretly, I do my business, and flush. As the water runs, I search the vanity and locate a second listening device under the trap pipe.
I doubt there’s any more which is good because the same menacing voice sounds from the ceiling in the other room. “Uncover the camera or we’ll do it for you.”
“Changing. Just a sec.” Jumping out of my suit, I slip into some cotton pajamas left out for me on the bed.
“Jerks.” Done, I tug away the cloth and shoot them the bird.
Now what?With no computer or phone, I pace for a while, and turn on the TV. Picking a movie at random, I lie down, watch the opening credits, and walk to the sliding glass doors where the ocean glitters in the moonlight.
Where are you, tough guy?Caged and restless, I walk back and forth until exhaustion overwhelms me. Then, I lie down around dawn, fall asleep, and less than an hour later, bleeping screeches overhead.
“Good morning, ladies. Rise and shine. You’ll find beach clothes in your closet. Dress and meet in the common room. Those suffering from morning sickness can remain in their rooms. No other infractions will be tolerated.”
I drag my ass out of bed, jonesing for coffee, and open the folding door. My outfit consists of a Dior one-piece swimsuit and a matching yellow sundress. The sandals, I recognize from Vogue. They probably cost more than I make in a year.
Why the charade? Why not keep pregnant women holed up in a cheap apartment wearing cast-off apparel? Dammit. Nothing adds up. The pieces are there but I can’t fit the puzzle together. I’m still pondering when my door clicks and a huge, suited dark man enters.
“Time to go downstairs, miss.” From his polite tone and manner, you’d think him my bodyguard.
However, a bulge under his left breast pocket tells me he’s packing. For now, I pretend to be meek and follow him into the restaurant. There, over fifty pregnant women feast on fruit, yogurt, toast and eggs.
“Y’all got any coffee and grits?” I break the deafening quiet and ask out loud to no one in particular.
“No talking.” The hair-netted woman who approaches, reminds me of my high school cafeteria days.
She places a tray, a plate, and flimsy plastic cutlery in my hands. Clearly, these people are taking no chances with sharp utensils.
My selections finished, I spy Gillian, and sit across from her. She recognizes me with a lift of the eyebrow and a curt nod but says nothing. I give her a big smile as if I haven’t got a care in the world. What better way to say fuck you to my captors and share a sign the calvary is on the way?
When she smiles, it lights up the room and spreads to other tables. I’m pretty pleased with myself until a side door cracks open.
