*
Rachel was a little confused when Simone had awakened her at such a very early hour, but she was ready for this next big step in her life. Simone had helped her get ready and pack her bags, giving Rachel a list of what accessories went with each outfit. She told Rachel they would first go to The Haven, where she would meet up with her transportation.
It all seemed on the up-and-up, and Rachel was over the moon with her makeover. It instilled a confidence she had never felt before. She guessed the phrase “dress for success” had been invented for a reason. Yes, Rachel felt that she was about to spread her wings and be the best spokesperson The Haven had ever had. She promised herself that she would make Liam proud.
When they arrived at The Haven, Rachel realized that no one would be up at that ungodly hour. Only maintenance workers would be moving around at five thirty in the morning. Meditations started at seven, which is when almost everyone was in the middle of the compound. She was disappointed, knowing that no one would see her in her new garb, hair, and makeup. Not even Liam. Then she brightened. I’m sure he’ll be at some of these fundraisers. He has to be! He is the Master!
Before Simone left, she handed Rachel a light poncho, sunglasses, and a hat. “Here, put these on.”
Rachel thought it was a bit odd since it wasn’t raining, but she complied. One of the Guardians escorted Rachel to the path that led to the farthest point of the property. She was starting to get nervous. Why were they walking toward the Everglades? As soon as they passed a large banyan tree she spotted the airboat. She didn’t ask any questions. She had been taught not to.
The Guardian helped her onto the boat and put her suitcases between the aircraft-type propeller and the last row of seats.
He helped her buckle herself into a seat in the second row. The boat was equipped to carry at least six passengers. Today, it was just Rachel and the boat driver. The roar of the engine startled her, and she instantly clutched the armrest. It was a wild ride, something Rachel had never experienced before. Not even at an amusement park.
They skirted the cypress swamps and the mangroves as they skimmed over the water. It was spectacular to see. But why would The Haven have her travel like this? At least part of the mystery was solved. Sort of. She had spotted the airboat in the garage and wondered why it was there. Now she had a partial clue. They actually used it. The reason why they used this unconventional mode of transportation was the rest of the mystery.
Rachel tried to guesstimate how long they had been gliding over the River of Grass, a name used to refer to the Everglades, sixty miles by one hundred miles of moving water. It was certainly a day of many firsts for Rachel.
When the boat began to slow down, Rachel could swear that she saw a helicopter sitting in the marshes. She blinked several times until she was convinced it wasn’t a mirage. The boat driver gently glided the front of the boat onto a helipad. Rachel blinked again. This was the second time she had had to pinch herself in the past several days. The whirring of the helicopter blades echoed the sound of the airboat, only it was much louder. A man wearing headphones greeted them and indicated for the driver to put Rachel’s bags in the compartment. He gestured for Rachel to climb in, which she did, but she stopped suddenly when she saw how luxurious the aircraft was. She glanced around quickly and boarded. She didn’t know where to sit until another man showed her to one of the deep leather seats. It was then that she noticed the logo for Hermès. That raised another question: Why would The Haven use a helicopter? And why one this plush?
Chapter Eighteen
Myra was jolted awake from a deep sleep. The scent of Miss Dior filled the room. She elbowed Charles. “Do you smell that?”
“What love?” Charles was only half-conscious.
“Barbara’s perfume.” Myra scooted out of bed and took in several big inhales. “Something is wrong.”
“What on earth are you talking about?” Charles was shaking himself awake.
“Can’t you smell it?” Myra asked again, but this time, she was more insistent.
“I do. But where do you suppose it’s coming from?” Charles was perplexed.
“It’s a sign.” Myra clutched her pearls. “I need to call Annie.”
*
Jimmy ducked when the Escalade passed by. The rear window was down in the Escalade and Jimmy caught a glimpse of the passenger in the rearview mirror. He recognized her as a socialite connected to Daniel Ruffing. What is she doing at The Haven? He checked his watch. Maggie had been MIA for almost two hours. It was time to call Annie.
“Jimmy Griffin, I hope you have some interesting news for me,” Annie chided him.
“Well, yes and no. Maggie’s gone missing.”
“What do you mean she’s gone missing?” Annie gasped. She checked her watch. It was only eight o’clock in the morning.
“We were on the stakeout down the road from The Haven. A black Escalade entered the place around five thirty. Maggie wanted to get a look at who it was and was skirting the perimeter. She sent me a text, but when I replied, she didn’t respond. I haven’t heard anything since.” Jimmy was trying to keep his voice calm.
“What was in her text?” Annie asked calmly, trying to quell her concern.
“The only thing Maggie could hear were the words: ‘Diecinueve camino de la luna amarilla.’ I have no idea what that means.” Jimmy shook his head. “I shouldn’t have let her leave the car.”
“As if you could have stopped her,” Annie said with resignation. “I’ll have Fergus get the location of her phone. Hang tight.”
“There is one other thing I discovered.”
“I hope it’s something we can use.” Annie’s voice was even.
“There was a woman in the Escalade. Her name is Simone Jordan. She works for Daniel Ruffing. I thought her being here so early in the morning was very strange.”
“We knew there was some kind of relationship between Ruffing and The Haven but didn’t know the extent.” Annie was fumbling and rushing to get dressed. “There is a shell company that has been funding The Haven. Ruffing is connected to the shell company. We just can’t figure out why he would be involved with a spiritual enlightenment group,” Annie explained further.
“Ruffing is an extremely powerful dude. Not well liked, but people manage to overlook assholes when they’re loaded.” Jimmy knew about the billionaire’s reputation for lavish, over-the-top spending. The Herald covered all of Ruffing’s extravagant events. But only those they were invited to attend.
Annie had to chuckle at his remark. To be sure, Ruffing was a certified billionaire, but even so, there was no comparison between his wealth and hers. One thing she did know however: she, at least, was not an ass. “For now, stay where you are just in case Maggie returns. Meanwhile, we’ll try to locate her phone.”
“Roger that.” Jimmy wasn’t comfortable sitting around, but he knew it was the only option.