Black-bottom pools. Chaise longues. The ultimate in luxury and serenity atop a bluff overlooking the Andaman Sea. And sex.
“Don’t push your luck,” said London, hanging up.
She dropped the phone on her desk. She’d done all she could for the moment. It was a question of waiting.
On the balcony, she gazed out over East Coast Park and, craning her neck, caught sight of the ocean.
“R,” she said aloud, “where are you?”
Chapter 15
London
Where are you off to, then?” asked Harry Mason.
Four thirty p.m. The sounds of drills and rotors echoed off the shop’s walls. A motor revved wildly, then died all at once. Sunlight streamed through the transom above Simon’s office door. He tossed his travel bag onto the couch.
“Thailand. An old friend is in trouble.”
“I’ll look after the shop.”
“I know you will. That’s not why I called you in. Get the door, will you?”
Harry Mason closed the door. “You all right? You’ve been a royal pain these last few days.”
“It’s Lucy.”
“Figured as much, me and the lads. Any change?”
“Still waiting for word.” Simon shook his head. “This trip I’m taking…I don’t want to go. Not with Lucy the way she is.”
“You don’t need to explain to me.”
“Sure I do. I’m responsible for Lucy. She got hurt working for me.”
“She loved it,” said Harry, brightening. “Always talking about the little problems she helps you with. You didn’t force her.”
Simon patted Harry on the shoulder, a thank you. “Still…Well, like I said. I’m responsible. While I’m gone, I’d appreciate it if you could look after her. Visit her every day. Don’t worry about your work here. If anything changes, call me. Doesn’t matter when. Day or night.” Simon drew a breath. “Her family won’t…Well, we’re all the family she has.”
“Understood, boss.”
“One more thing.”
“I’m listening.”
Simon chose his words with care. “This trip…I’m not exactly sure what I’m getting into. It’s different from my usual line of work. Might be a little out of my depth. Anyway, there’s an envelope in my desk with instructions, you know.”
“Why are you telling me?”
“Believe it or not, you, Harry Mason, are the only family I’ve got.”
Harry’s face sagged, caught unawares. “Stop your blathering,” he managed after a moment. “Never heard such a bunch of nonsense. You’ll be fine. Always are.”
“Sure I will be.”
Harry considered this, unhappy to be put upon. “Christ, I didn’t know you were one of them.”
“One of who?”
