“The Hyena brothers are still behind bars, right?”
“Yes, neither Kern nor Ladd can get to either of you. The case against them is solid, just not the woman who sent them.” Ben guided her onto the ship and through the lounge toward the ship’s private office on the second floor. “Her being out is risky, Saria. We’ll need to take all the necessary precautions to ensure neither of you falls prey to her again. Anything is possible.”
“We’re not going under again are we?” They couldn’t. They were just getting their lives back on track.
“Gilchrist wants his star witness kept safe.”
“Which is Lydia, not me.”
“What happens to one of you happens to both of you. You know that.” He closed the office door behind them. Ben nodded her toward the blue and beige pinstriped couch. She sat and gripped the edge under her knees. “I asked Gilchrist to call Tyler and Brigs with the news. They should be here soon.”
“Lydia’s going to be peeved. She’s so tired of running.” Sunlight streamed through the partially turned cream blinds and lit stripes across the white shag carpet and huge mahogany desk holding a laptop that looked very familiar. The yellow sticker on the top held Ben’s name. “You brought your laptop on holiday?”
“I never go anywhere without it, same as my weapons.” He sat behind the desk, lifted the lid and turned it on. “I’m going to try to close your new Fijian bank account. Knowing Mia Taita, she’ll find that with ease. Give me the bank number.”
She rattled it off and he typed it in. “If you cancel Lydia’s request for a marriage license, she’ll kill you.”
“She doesn’t have a choice. I need all documentation leading to you two being on or near this island extinguished. We’re dealing with a woman who’s a computer genius and has a habit of getting the information she needs. I’ll also chat to the local authorities, let them know of the possible problem.” He slid out of the chair and before the corner safe, knelt and keyed in an unlock sequence. He removed a gun, checked the safety then slotted it into the back rise of his shorts.
“Saria.” Lydia raced into the room in a short yellow sundress and floppy hat, Tyler and Brigs hot on her heels. “Did you hear? Mia Taita’s out of jail.”
“I heard. I’m sorry this has happened right before your wedding.” Non-wedding now. She hugged her sister, squeezing her extra hard.
“We can deal with it, as long as we’re together.”
Tyler fetched his weapon from the safe. “We need to ship out, immediately.”
“Got anywhere specific in mind?” Brigs asked as he buckled his holster on and slid his gun into place.
“I know the perfect spot.” Tyler nodded and eyed Ben. “There’s a secluded cove around the other side of this island. There’s no way for anyone to get there except through the jungle, and the central mountainous plateau isn’t all that easy to cross. It’s where I hid Lydia before Gilchrist turned up and took her through re-identification. It’s completely safe, yet if the girls wish, they can enjoy the private beach and not feel caged in, that’s after we get it fully secured.”
“Sounds good to me.” Ben returned to his laptop. “It’s best we remain somewhere close by anyway. We need to be able to pick up the island’s exceptional phone and data coverage so we can stay in touch with the team back home. The satellite link isn’t always that reliable as I’ve come to learn, and we certainly can’t miss any of their communications. I’ll forward our new location to Gilchrist.”
“And I’ll go and find my brothers and get them back on board.” Tyler wrapped an arm around Lydia’s waist and popped a kiss on her forehead. “This means our wedding has to go on hold.”
“Why am I not surprised?” She shook her head despondently.
“I’ll take you to our room.” Tyler walked her out the door.
Saria edged around the desk and faced Ben. “I think you’ve forgotten I have work on Monday.”
He eyed Brigs. “Could you deal with that before we leave? Speak to the good doctor and inform him he’s lost his nurse. Let him know she’s had to return to protective custody. Also, have him remove all record of her coming employment. Not a trace can be left of the girls’ arrival or stay here. You can trust him with whatever information you need to ensure his compliance. I talked to him earlier. He’s trustworthy.”
“No problem. I’m onto it.” Brigs left and shut the door behind him.
“Come here.” Ben pulled her down onto his lap then continued typing with his arms around her.
She rubbed his chest through his damp shirt. “Are you all right?”
“I will be once Mia Taita is locked away. She’s the one loose end I can’t stand.”
“Me too.” She breathed deep, slowly in and out, although no panic rose. Lydia was safe in her room and Ben was safe right here.
They’d beat this, as long as they all stayed together.
Chapter 8