“You were going to kill her.”
“Not with a smile on my face, but it seemed as if she had a bad setup in mind when the first line addressed to me wasn’t a thank you. Nope. Not natural, Gus, not even for a pro. Our facts in evidence are that Al Mady discarded her like a used rubber. Tracy knew she was going to die the moment he stuck her with the needle. As a famous author doing research, now stuck inside his own plausible story why he was out on the water at night, I’d have to get the truth with means that would end in her death. Too late for that now. You checked her address and email, so we know that’s real. If we have to return for more information, we’ll do it at a later date.”
“Tina knew right away, and I would imagine Rachel did too. I know you’re taking a chance here. Thank you.”
“Why you big old softie, the Guster still believing in the hooker with a heart of gold. We found out what cabin Fahid is staying in. I know they didn’t give the hookers a tour of the ship, so the only way our little Tracy found out about Fahid’s beautiful cabin was on her back there. It’s still great info.”
“You could have shared that info instead of pretending like you were… oh I get it… you want Tracy to think she still has us believing she’s an innocent woman who got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“Yeah, and I liked the way you were playing along, so what’s the use of comparing notes until we see where this goes? She doesn’t look like she’s been in the game long if age is a factor. I checked out her purse. Tracy’s only twenty-two. She’s sleek enough to get the high end clients, so I’m figuring she was placed on the boat with an invite. What I’d like to know is why Fahid would take the chance of killing her. I know they plan on getting the hell out of there tomorrow morning, but still… why not drug her in the cabin and stow her away for a burial at sea later?”
“Maybe he’s just that stupid and arrogant.” Gus watched Nick’s reaction to the garment purchasing inside uneasily. “I don’t like that look you’re getting.”
“You mean my survival mode look? That’s the one I saved your ass with overseas. I’m not looking for trouble, Gus. I could have done the smart thing, and left her to turn into a floater. Unfortunately, I have Danger’s little voice churning in my head repeating that stupid line I spewed in a weak moment after saving the cop on the roadside. This is my fault, and no one else’s. It’s a matter of having some touch with reality in this fantasy story though. She didn’t spill right off the bat, so Tracy has some dead on skills in the obfuscation department. I loved the way she latched onto my author status, and yes, I realize she may have actually read my books.”
“I’m glad you saved her, Nick. Hell, she’s only a kid. The way they’re joking with each other in there, I’d say Tracy’s a hit with our retinue. I understand your point about all the mystery though. If we… uh oh… I think we have company. I hate to be accused of being a profiler, but do you see those three guys approaching us real careful like while checking out the faces in the crowd?”
Three Middle Eastern men were approaching the storefront, all of them dressed in dark colors and leather jackets from across the way.
“Shit… good eye, Gus. They had a tracer in her stupid purse.” Nick glanced unobtrusively at them while the men were slowly moving amongst the crowd milling around the storefronts. He could tell they didn’t have an exact position, but they were hunting.
Nick grinned, and began chuckling. Gus looked at him as if he had fallen on his head.
“What the hell is so funny?”
“Those three have been partying. See the way they’re moving, and the bleary eyed way they’re checking out the people. I’ll go get Tracy’s purse, and lead them on a merry little excursion.”
“I… Nick… hey…” Gus tried to get clarification, but Nick was already past him on his way inside the store.
Nick jogged inside next to the lighthearted chit chat going on while Rachel paid for the clothes. “We have a slight problem. They put a bug in your purse, Tracy. Give it to me. I’m going to lead them away.”
The stunned and shocked expressions lasted until Jean elbowed Tracy. “Do like my Dad says right now, Tracy!”
Tracy glanced down at Jean’s unsmiling face. She handed over the purse. Nick didn’t waste time. He immediately headed out of the store. He paused only for a slight conference with Gus. “Watch the girls. Call Jake, and have him pick all of you up out there where they allow it. Head for Lew’s Fish Shack. I’ll make my way there on my own. Order dinner, and whatever. Take your time. Okay?”
“Good luck, Nick. Do you need anything?”