“I don’t think that’s necessary. The security firm won’t let anyone through the gate without propercredentials.”
Daniel dropped his fork onto his plate with aclank.“That’s well and good once we arrive. It’s getting there undetected I’m worried about, even if you aren’t.”
“Oh, please. You aren’t wor—”
“Gentlemen,” Major interjected. “I will get Craig to the park safely. He can wear the mask during the ride, and once we arrive, he can remove it so the guards know it’s him. I do need the name and number for whoever’s in charge of that security company. While we’re at it, we should all share our numbers just in case there’s a need to contact each other during filming. I don’t expect there to be issues, but on the off chance there are, it would be better to already have the numbers programmed into our phones.” Major shoveled the last of his food into his mouth and stood from the table. He handed Tabitha his phone. “If you’ll get everyone’s numbers, I’m going to speak with Craig.”
Tabitha hoped “speaking with” was code for voicing the male. Major hadn’t had the opportunity so far. By the time he returned, everyone had finished eating while exchanging numbers. She forwarded them all to Major. His face gave nothing away regarding the conversation, and she wanted to know what was said.
“Florence, Craig asked that you please leave him a plate of the casserole and some fruit. He needed to make a phone call, then he will be ready to eat.”
“I can do that.”
“Thank you.” Major inclined his head to the back door. Tabitha followed him outside, and he didn’t stop until he was on the far side of the patio. “When I reached Craig’s room, he was on the phone in a heated discussion. And yes, I listened in on both sides of theconversation. Whoever he was talking to had an accent similar to Italian but not quite. Craig saidhewas acting stranger than usual, and the other male reminded Craig it was his place to keephimin line. That was the deal they’d made. Craig said he was doing his best and would call again later. He hung up before they mentioned who they were talking about. I gave him a few seconds before knocking on the door. I asked him if everything was okay, and he lied with a fake smile, saying it was. I then voiced him about whether he knew Brad Campbell. He said he did not. He’d never heard of the man before the altercation. I was going to ask him who he was talking about on the phone, but it rang, so I told him to forget that part of our conversation before he answered. One of the minor actors was calling to ask when he and Trista were arriving at the park since they’d heard from the studio that production was starting soon.”
“I bet dollars to donuts thehimin question is Daniel, but why would it be up to Craig to keep his uncle in line? I’m going to text Nikita and let her know that tidbit. Not that it’s anything more to go on, but it could be important somehow.” After sending the message, they returned inside. Florence was pulling items out of the pantry, probably getting ready for lunch, even though they just had breakfast.
The rest of the day was uneventful. Boring, even. Craig came out of his room long enough to eat, then retreated behind closed doors for most of the day. He did venture out once to use the gym equipment. Daniel went outside to smoke pot a couple of times but never even looked toward the dock. Trista and Perry sat on the patio, sometimes together, others separately. Tristawaited until Craig was in his room to go downstairs to work out, but she didn’t ask Tabitha to spar with her again.
Tabitha and Major took advantage of the quiet to spend time on the patio when the others were inside. Other than a couple of texts, the Trio had also been quiet. That night, there were no alarms, and the next day was much the same until dinner.
Daniel’s and Perry’s phones vibrated at the same time. Both men checked their messages, but it was Daniel who announced, “Craven says we’re to proceed to the park tomorrow, whether anything happens tonight or not.”
“Craven?” Tabitha and Major asked in unison.
“The director.”
“We’ll be ready,” Tabitha responded. She slid her chair back, then picked up her empty plate. “I’m going outside to check in with Tony,” she told Major. After depositing her dirties in the dishwasher, Tabitha walked down the dock for privacy. She already knew her twin was happy since she could sense his emotions through their bond. It was great to catch up with both him and Elle. Tony was going to take on cases close to home for the time being until they got their newly mated feet under them. That was the good thing about working for a Gargoyle. Mason would remember what those early days with Willow were like. After talking to them for half an hour, she video-called her parents to check in. Tessa recounted the showdown with Elle’s sperm donor, and Tabitha was thrilled for her mom if not a little jealous at being left out of the fight. Andy took over the call, telling her about spending time with Rafael, Kaya, and Wesley. He had turned to Tessa and asked fora baby brother. Her parents gave each other heated glances, and that was her cue to disconnect. Although, with Andy in the room, they would behave until after he went to bed before getting hot and heavy. She couldn’t wait for that to be her and Major. Not the kids part. Not yet. She wanted several years together before they started a family. She was way too young, especially in Goyle terms.
The sun had gone down by the time she headed back to the house. Before she was halfway up the wooden boards, the camera alarm went off. She opened the app on her phone, and the feed showed two men climbing out of a small boat. One she hadn’t heard on the water.
“Are you sure this is the one?” a deep voice asked.
“It’s right here on the fucking map,” the second person groused.
“Let’s get the box and get out of here.”
Tabitha looked into the nearest camera and made a “come here” motion. She could handle two humans, but Major would need to voice them. She remained hidden while the men climbed out of the boat and searched the area. Tabitha felt Major seconds before the soft padding of his steps met her ears. When he stepped up behind her, she whispered, “They’re looking for the box.”
“There it is,” one of the men mumbled. “Motherfuck!”
“What?” the other asked.
“It’s empty. Dimitri is going to kill us.”
“Hey, it’s not our fault the thing’s empty. But we better call him now. Show him there are no drugs so he doesn’t think we took them.”
Major stepped closer before they made the call, andTabitha remained in the shadows. “Stop right there.” The air vibrated with his Gryphon’s voice.
“Do you have the box?” the taller man asked.
“I’m asking the questions. What is Dimitri’s last name?”
The shorter man shivered. “Smith.”
Major scoffed. “Smith? Seriously?” Both men nodded. “Give me his phone number,” Major demanded.
The taller man pulled out his phone, and after tapping the screen, showed it to Major who rattled off the digits aloud, and Tabitha put them in a temporary text. Major handed the phone back. “How often do you deliver drugs for Dimitri?”
