Kendall wiped his mouth with a napkin. "My employer is only offering to purchase The Mandeville because it's . . . more tidy than simply taking it. But don't assume he's above forcing your hand."
"Is that what the bomb last night was supposed to be? You trying to kill my security team—that's supposed to force me to sell?"
Another long pause. Kendall ate two more mini quiches. "These things are quite delicious." Knox watched him circle his hand in the air. "This place is exquisite. No one wants any harm to come to your resort. Or your staff. Or your guests. Unless absolutely necessary."
"I told you. I don't like being threatened."
Kendall chuckled. "No onelikesbeing threatened Drakos." He took a sip of his tea. "Like I said, acquisitions like this one are much easier as a simple purchase. No more threats. No one has to get hurt. But this friend of my boss," he paused to take another sip, "he has a talent for assembling these little toys like the one on your beach last night."
"A friend?"
"Yes. My boss has asked this friend to make more of those toys in case you need further convincing to sell."
Knox stilled. And met Allie's gaze. She kept her cover well, but he saw alarm bubbling behind her tight smile at the implication of more bombs.
Drakos inserted his own pause this time. "Your offer was too low. Go back to your boss. Tell him if he raises the offer by thirty percent, I'll sell. No threats needed."
"He won't go for thirty percent. But I'll tell him you're interested in a counteroffer. He might consider something. He doesn't want to hurt your buildings or your business. He wantsto enjoy this paradise after it's his without having to rebuild." Kendall heaved his massive form into a standing position and tossed his napkin on the table. "Unless you have any other questions, I'll relay your message to my employer."
"See that you do."
Kendall's deep chuckle vibrated through Knox's earpiece. "Thank you for your hospitality. I look forward to many meals at The Mandeville."
Kendall tromped past their table as he exited the dining room.
Allie looked at Knox through her fake glasses. The determination on her face was stronger than the fear in her eyes. "He's not bluffing."
"I know."
The waiter brought their food, but neither of them had much of an appetite.
Chapter 11
Jason paced Room 336. "We have to find the bomber, and any bombs located on this island."
Allie didn't need her superior skills in interpreting body language to read the frustration in the room. The tension hummed at full throttle when she and Knox returned from Kendall's meeting moments ago.
Knox peeled off his wig and tossed it into a box next to hers. "No kidding." He shoved both hands into his slicked hair and tried to tousle it back into his normal style—or maybe he was just scratching his scalp because the wig had been so itchy. "I get that the bombs and the bomber are priority numero uno, but then what? Even if the Morghana police arrested the bomber, Byron could have him out in twenty-four hours. We've seen that scenario play out here before. And would it stop Byron's plans for this island—whatever that is?"
"I've been talking to my contacts," Jason said. "The working theory is that Byron is expanding its smuggling activities. Isadora Island is positioned well to be used as a midpoint for shipping. Drugs, black market items, and people. That was mysuspicion all along, but now I'm convinced that's what they're trying to build here. From a logistical standpoint, it makes sense."
"Unfortunately, it does," Knox said. "But how do we stop Byron? Not just delay their plans. How do we keep them off this island?"
"We can't bring down all of Byron. Other agencies will have to dismantle the organization, but we can give them a huge head start if we can hand over Kendall and this bomb maker. Kendall's boss hasn't set foot on Isadora that we know of; he's out of our reach. But if we can get Kendall and this bomb maker arrested, that should go a long way in shutting down Byron."
Knox leaned back in his chair and laced his hands behind his head. "Okay. What's our plan?"
Allie was surprised to see the corner of Jason's mouth quirk up. "I've been working on that. I have a friend who can help us out. Kendall travels here in a private helicopter, likely owned by Byron." He looked at Knox. "I called Nash Stone."
Knox gave an approving nod. "He's a good guy."
Jason continued. "Nash is an excellent pilot. And he has the skills and the resources to finagle his way into the cockpit of Kendall's chopper without Kendall getting wise."
Allie cocked her head. She knew she couldn't ask her question directly, but . . . "So, you've known Nash for a long time? And he has resources?"
"Yes." Jason's eyes filled in the blanks. Nash must be current or former CIA. Jason left the CIA years ago, but Knox said some old friends help them out from time to time.
Jason grabbed a water bottle out of the mini-fridge. "Kendall will probably order him to fly to a non-extradition country. He'll chart a course in the correct direction, but he'll tell Kendall he has to refuel along the way."
