The resort owner claimed someone shot at him during a fireworks show, but no bullet was found—and, it was afireworks show. He also claimed someone tried to run him off the road one night, unsuccessfully. Hence the WhiteRock director’s skepticism.
Drakos was adamant, however, and willing to pay top dollar, so Gus was sent to poke around a bit to appease the resort owner.
Cell coverage was spotty on Isadora Island, so it was possible Gus was investigating away from the resorts and couldn’t get a signal. That was best-case scenario. Jason didn’t want to think too much about worst-case yet.
Back in the lobby, he was walking past the reception desk, headed for the security office, when a female voice uttered two words that jerked him to a halt. He did an about-face and approached the desk. The voice belonged to a petite woman with long, black hair speaking to a hotel staffer.
“Excuse me,” he said, touching her elbow to get her attention. She whipped her head to him with wary, crystal blue eyes.
“Yes?” she asked, unease merging with suspicion in her striking eyes.
He lowered his voice. “I overheard you asking about Leland Faraday.”
“Yes?” she answered slowly.
“May I askwhyyou’re looking for Leland Faraday?“ He may have sounded less than polite. But if Lelandwas on this island without a directive from WhiteRock, this assignment just got more complicated.
Her crystal blue eyes darkened. “Who are you?”
The fear in her words triggered a disturbing pang in his chest. He didn’t want to be the cause of that fear. He needed a different approach.
“Ma’am,” the hotel staffer interrupted, “is this man bothering you?”
“No,” Jason said, offering the staffer what he hoped was his most genuine-looking smile. “I’m not bothering anyone. I just have a few questions.” He turned to the mystery woman. “Ma’am, could I discuss this with you at a table?” He gestured toward the bistro just off the lobby. It was mostly full of empty white tables and chairs, and within full view of the lobby—maybe that would make her feel more comfortable. Because right now she looked like a frightened rabbit poised to bolt.
She glanced toward the bistro, then back at him. She still looked afraid, but a new resolve seem to wash over her. He noticed the intelligence in her eyes. “It’s okay, thank you,” she said to the staffer. Jason only received a nod.
She walked to the bistro with Jason on her heels and chose the table with the best view of the lobby. “Here,” she said, and sat down.
He took the seat across from her. She was determined, calculating, and scared to death all at once. He also had the feeling if he didn’t phrase his questions just right, she might sprint across the lobby. He didn’t want to have to chase her in front of resort guests and staff, but one way or the other, he was going to find out what she was up to.
“Thank you for agreeing to speak with me.”
“Who are you?”
He picked up the water carafe and poured a glass for her, then one for himself. “I’ll tell you what. I’ll explain that if you’ll tell me why you’re looking for Leland Faraday and how you know him.”
“Tell me who you are first.”
She was studying him. Intently. With those intelligent eyes. Her gaze intrigued him. But he didn’t have all day. He needed to move the conversation along. “My name is Jason Bridger.” He took a sip of his water. “Your turn.”
“That’s not an answer. That’s just a name.”
“That’s what you asked.”
She pursed her lips. “Look, I’m not telling you anything unless I know why you’re interested in Leland Faraday.”
“Okay.” He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “I believe we’re at an impasse.” Which wasn’t good. Time wasn’t on his side. And he definitely needed to know why she was looking for Leland.
“Really, if you have nothing to say, you’re wasting my time.” She stood.
He held up his hands. “Please. Please sit down. I’ll share a little more. Then, how about you reciprocate?”
“Maybe.”
He almost let himself smile. He found her determination admirable, attractive even. Which was not a comfortable feeling. “I work with Leland Faraday.”
Her gaze narrowed. “Where?”
