The guard’s face remained set. He didn’t move from his position.
Rex walked away, heading for the bar where he ordered a whiskey neat. Once he had the drink in hand, he strode over to a window. He stared out at the other boats moored in the harbor while watching the room behind him in the window’s reflection and the off-limits door in his peripheral vision.
Several minutes passed before the door opened.
Rex’s father came out. The door closed behind him.
The man crossed to the bar and ordered whiskey. As soon as the bartender placed the glass in front of him, he tossed it back and asked for another.
When the second glass was placed in front of him, James Johnson lifted it and glanced around the room. When he spotted Rex, he moved in his direction.
Rex kept his gaze aimed toward the harbor while watching his father approach in the window’s reflection.
When he came to a stop beside Rex, he quietly said, “You opened a can of worms.”
Rex played dumb. “How so?”
“Whatever you said to Holte spooked him. He wanted to know everything about you.” His father met his gaze in the reflection. “You told him you were a commodities importer?”
Rex shrugged. “Seemed a good idea at the time.”
“What game are you playing, son?” his father demanded.
“The real question is what game is Holte playing?” He met his father’s gaze and held it. “And maybe I should ask what part you have in it?”
His father’s frown deepened into a scowl. “Who the hell are you to question my associations? You wanted nothing to do with my business thirteen years ago. Why are you interested now?”
“I never have and never will have any interest in your business.” Rex lowered his voice to barely above a whisper, kept a poker face and added, “If your business deals in human trafficking, sex trafficking of underage females and murder, I’ll do everything in my power to shut you and your friends down.” He followed his words with a tight-lipped smile.
“You don’t know who you’re dealing with.”
“I have a start with Holte and possibly you.”
The door Rex had kept in his peripheral vision opened.
Holte walked out, followed by Lucien Vaughan. Vaughan had his hand on Holte’s back. He said something only Holte could hear, patted him on the back and looked around the room.
His gaze landed on Rex and his father.
“Now, I’ll bet Lucien Vaughan is another piece to the puzzle,” Rex said. “Brace yourself. He’s coming.”
His father stiffened beside him.
“James,” Lucien called out. “Where have you been hiding your son?”
James Johnson schooled his face and turned. “He’s been busy in the Army.”
“How is it this is the first time I’ve met him?”
Rex’s father waved a hand between Lucien and Rex. “Lucien Vaughan, my son, Rex.”
Lucien’s brow rose. “The Army, you say?” He held out his hand to Rex. “Thank you for your service.”
Rex gave a brief nod. “Nice yacht you have.”
“Thanks. It was a gift from a Saudi prince a couple of years ago. They know how to outfit a yacht in luxury.” He waved a hand around the room. “I’ve added a few things and changed a few to meet my needs.”
“Was the crane on it or added?” Rex asked.
