Rex stood for a moment, debating whether he should interrupt the two men or wait until he could get Holte alone. He set his glass on a nearby table, ready to charge in and get the interview over.
He hadn’t taken two steps before the first waitress he’d encountered appeared in front of him with another tray, this one full of hors d'oeuvres. “Would you like?”
Rex shook his head, his attention on the men, not wanting to let them out of his sight.
“Please,” she said and moved to block his view.
Rex shifted his gaze to the girl, his eyes narrowing. Curious. “Câ?i ani ai?” He asked how old she was.
She shot a glance over her shoulder and answered quietly, “Paisprezece ani.” Fourteen years old.
Rex’s jaw tightened. Over her shoulder, the two men parted, Vaughan moving away with his partner, leaving Holte briefly alone.
“Scuza?i-ma,” he said to the waitress and moved around her.
What the hell was a fourteen-year-old girl doing working on a yacht? Determined to accomplish his mission of cornering Holte for answers, he moved toward the man.
Holte waved a hand toward someone across the deck. Before he could cross to join that person, Rex stepped in front of the owner of Holte Maritime Group.
“Mr. Holte,” Rex stuck out his hand. “Rex Johnson, pleasure to meet you.”
Holte frowned but took Rex’s hand. “Should I know you?”
“Yes, of course. I’m Rex Johnson of RJ Direct Source Imports, soon to be the leading importer of commodities from Asia. I’d hoped to speak with you about your company’s capabilities and willingness to take on a rising star in import management.”
Holte dropped Rex’s hand. “This isn’t the time or place to discuss business. Talk to my CEO during operational hours.” He moved to go around Rex.
Rex lowered his voice. “Sir, I’d rather work directly with the man in charge.” Taking a stab in the dark, he moved closer. “I understand you’re the one who can transport specialized cargo. Cargo that needs special attention and handling.”
Holte froze, his eyes narrowing. “We handle all types of cargo. Again, speak to my CEO for your specific needs.”
“I was told you’re the one I needed to speak with.” Rex blocked the man in a corner of the deck. “I’m interested in transporting cargo that needs delicate handling. Rumor has it your ships have the capability I’m looking for and the access that can deliver my cargo safely. We’re talking priceless commodities in small shipments.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He started to wave toward someone behind Rex.
“My concern is your ability to deliver the cargo.” Rex stepped closer to Holte. “Rumor has it, you lost a small container recently, and the contents within were destroyed. I want to know what guarantees you can give me that won’t happen to my shipments.”
Holte’s face paled. “We take pride in delivering all cargo without fail. However, we lose an occasional container due to circumstances out of our control.”
“What circumstances?” Rex narrowed his eyes.
“Primarily weather,” Holte responded.
“What else?”
“There are a number of other things that could cause the loss of a container. I refuse to go into the details here.” He shrugged. “The price you charge for your commodities should build in a potential loss factor. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have business with someone else.” The shipping tycoon pushed past Rex.
Rex let him go without reminding the man he’d said this wasn’t the place to discuss business. Based on his discomfort, Holte knew about the missing container.
After Holte disappeared into the interior of the yacht, Rex looked around for his father. He was nowhere to be found on the deck.
Having potentially scared Holte by mentioning the missing container, Rex felt he had nothing to lose by asking him more direct questions. He pushed through the glass door into the interior of the yacht. The room he stepped into was all white leather and gold accents. A large room spread out before him with a bar at the far end and a few people scattered around, seated in the plush leather sofas curving into intimate half-circles.
He didn’t see Holte, Vaughan or his father. Rex ambled across the floor toward a door at the far side of the room, which led deeper into the yacht.
A man dressed in the same uniform as the men standing guard on the dock stepped in front of him. “This area is off limits to guests.”
Rex held up his hands. “Sorry. I was just exploring. It’s a beautiful boat. I’m thinking of getting one for myself.”
